Kent walked through his main warehouse. Judging from the number of still-damp boxes stacked everywhere, a new ship had recently arrived. Their contents were a mystery, one he had no time to explore. The clerks would have to manage on their own.
He’d pushed the men hard to get back to Haydrien in just three days and now he was anxious to begin the search for his niece. He entered his office in the rear of the building and found Yaway waiting for him. Just the sight of the beautiful woman washed away some of his worries.
“That visit didn’t last long,” she said. “Did you have trouble?”
“You haven’t heard?”
“Heard what?”
Kent filled her in on his brother’s troubles. “I offered to help find Shara.”
She nodded. “Raven was jabbering something about the princess the other day. I didn’t pay much attention but he seemed anxious to see you. We’ve had other problems. One of our caravans got wiped out twenty miles from the city.”
“What happened?”
“I don’t know. The official word is nomads, doesn’t seem too likely though. They’ve never attacked a caravan the size of ours.”
“That’s all I need. All right, from now on all caravans get a double guard. Include a wizard if at all possible. Find Raven, I’ve got a job for him.”
“Will do.” Yaway sashayed out of the office. Heaven’s mercy, he hoped she never found another job.
Raven must have been nearby because Yaway had only just left when the wizard showed. Tall and gaunt, Raven’s long, black hair went every which way like he’d just gotten out of bed. He took his name from the ill-tempered familiar that rode on his shoulder. What his true name might be, Kent had no idea. Wizards tended to hide that particular detail.
The huge bird cawed at Kent.
Kent glared. “Didn’t I tell you not to bring that damn bird in here?”
“Sorry.” Raven opened the door. “Go on, Circe.”
The bird offered a parting caw then took off up into the warehouse rafters.
“What’s got you so worked up?” Kent asked.
Raven sat in one of the chairs opposite Kent. “There’s a new sorcerer. He just made himself known a few days ago. He’s powerful, the strongest I’ve ever felt.” Raven went on to tell about the sending and the reward for Shara.
“The message is news to me, but I knew about the sorcerer already.” Kent told him about the attack on the palace.
Raven shook his head. “Incredible, I’m afraid if this guy wants your niece he’s going to get her.”
“Why?”
Raven stared at him. “Because nobody with half a brain would dare oppose him.”
Kent grinned.
“No,” Raven said. “I refuse to believe you’re thinking what I know you’re thinking.”
“He’s after my niece. I have to help if I can.”
“You’ve never even met this girl. Is she really worth your life?”
“My life?” Kent said, confused.
“That’s right.” Raven sounded grim, even for Raven. “If this sorcerer learns you’re opposing him, I doubt all the legions of Hell could stop him from killing you.”
“Relax. We’re not going to oppose him directly. We’ll be subtle.”
Raven’s expression softened. “What have you got in mind?”
“I want you to contact our agents. Tell them to keep an eye out for Shara. She’s bound to show up in a city somewhere eventually. Tell our people to make contact and keep her under wraps. I hope, after a while, the sorcerer will think she’s died or given up trying to get home. Once he stops looking for her, she should be safe.”
Raven got up and started pacing. Good, that meant he was thinking.
“There’s one obvious problem with your plan. A sorcerer of this magnitude would be able to learn for certain if she had died. Also, if he wants her as bad as it seems he does, there’s no guarantee he’ll ever stop looking for her.”
“I grant you all that, but if we find her at least we’ll know where she is and that she’s safe.”
“That’s true. Your plan is also unlikely to get us all killed. I’ll start contacting our people.”
“Thanks, Raven.” Kent offered a grateful smile.
The die was now cast. Hopefully he didn’t come to regret his decision.