Chapter 197 - Schemes and Plots
Crystal globes suffused the area in a soft light. The room was sparsely furnished with engraved alcoves and paintings that made it look fancy without taking up space. Crates stamped with the hawk sigil lay neatly piled in a corner.
A woman in a blue and silver sailor uniform came to talk with Officer Makyn. Kai eavesdropped on the conversation till it was clear they were talking logistics.
I'll get the chance to see what the Republic is up to and solve the mystery of the Vastaire ruins. I just need to not get gutted till then.
The floor of polished wood swayed gently when the chains and the bridge linking them to land were loosened. Kai wouldn’t have noticed they were moving if he wasn’t looking at the morphing landscape outside the glass window.
Among the arrays that encased every surface, some must cushion the shocks and vibrations. Thus far, Kai was able to conclude one thing: the cloaking was irritatingly good, rivaling what he had seen in Edgar’s workshop. Runes shifted and clouded his sight, he had no idea where to start cracking them.
“Did you see something interesting?” Inspector Seryne spoke up behind him, wearing an affable smile. “You cut quite close to our departure.”
“I had a lot to pack and little warning.” Kai reciprocated the empty expression. He was relieved to notice his backpack was still nearby. He had no doubts the Republic would get their hands on his research eventually, but there was no need to make it easy.
Well, Dad would have wanted to freely spread his research far and wide …
The guilty thought rose unwarranted and true. The bulk of the books weren’t his work to hoard, though Kai hoped his dad would understand the situation. When dealing with an overpowered party, he couldn’t give up any advantage.
Seryne followed his gaze to the bag, her composure cracked when she tried to pick it up. If she was Yellow below her cloaking, she hadn’t picked a physical profession. “This is quite heavy. Your father’s research is more extensive than I thought. Is everything about the Vastaire?”
“Yes, most of them are accounts of little use and extensive theories on their language and culture. The important bits for your investigation are about a quarter of the material. Unfortunately, I had no time to sift through them.”
“I see, it's better to be meticulous than to miss something. You did well. Was there anything you forgot to bring, maybe in Sylspring? I could send someone to get them for you.”
“This is everything.” Kai grabbed his backpack, dragging it on the floor. “As I said, my family gave everything to me since I was interested in the research.” She had better stay away from them unless she wanted to make him do something reckless. “Hmm… Actually, there are a few volumes missing. My dad sold them when the governor’s relocation left us stranded in Greenside. It would be great if you could recover those.”
Seryne ignored his gibes. “It has been several years, but I’ll see what I can do. I can store your spatial bag in the cargo hold if it’s too unwieldy to carry.”
Over my dead body.
“I’ll manage, thanks. If you want to help, you could clear one doubt I have… I’d like to know your rank.”
The woman scrunched her sharp brows, perplexed. “What do you mean?”
Why do people love wasting time in pointless games?
“I thought we agreed not to talk in circles. No ordinary inspector would command a yellow-grade officer—who is not a simple enforcer—or be put in charge of this operation. So, who are you?” He was certain of his first deduction, while the latter was more of a gut instinct. That was why he bundled them together.
Seryne stood unruffled by his claims. “Who told you I was in charge? I’m just following orders.”
That confirms she’s not an inspector.
“Don’t tell me the garrison commander is running the ship. If not by name, then you do it in practice. For all I know, you brought him to see me, so he’d lose interest.” It was a risk to pass a suspicion as fact. If he was wrong, the whole charade would crumble.
Just have to be right. I won’t get anywhere if I play it safely.
Kai gestured tiredly to the zeppelin around them. “C’mon, it's not like I can go anywhere. We’re stuck together, isn’t that lovely?”
The woman regarded him, impassive. “I’m Military Intelligence and one of the people overseeing this operation,” she said. It was a vague answer, though that fit her role. “I will look forward to your contribution, Kai.” Her eyes looked over his shoulder. “Officer Makyn will show you to your accommodations now.”
Nice talking to you. Don’t miss me too much.
“This way.” His stalwart porter lifted the backpack and led him towards one of three doors with a hand on his back. He didn’t push but didn’t allow him to wander off. Either they didn’t want him to snoop, or the guy was eager to get rid of his charming company.
Kai was too exhausted to protest, the last few hours had been a mesh of anxiety and frenetic runs. Now that everything was done, his problems could wait till morning.
The corridors were well-lit and lined with windows to reduce the cramped feeling. While the walkable area occupied more of the zeppelin than he thought possible, the vessel was the size of a two-mast ship. Every inch of space was precious.
A one-way ticket to the continent cost gold—he had checked. Traveling inside the archipelago was cheaper, but the flights were monopolized by the Republic. There was no way to get in without connections or bribes. It hadn’t been worth the investment to satisfy his idle curiosity.
The zeppelin was gaining altitude and speed, gliding away from Higharbor north. Streams of lights crowded the hills below, growing sparser into the inner city and then fraying into darkness at the edges, with just a few pinpricks in the farmland.
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The aerial view brought back old memories of his first childhood, nose glued on an airplane window to watch cities grow tiny. It had been so long.
On the bright side, I’ll fly for free working for the overlords.
Two turns and a set of stairs later, they stopped in front of a door near the tail of the vessel. It looked like one of the smaller cabins, but there were no cheap rooms on board. If he didn’t have to share with anyone else, he’d consider it a win.
“We’ll land by morning, ask any staff member if you need anything…” Makyn looked at the polished door as if he could see through the enchantment—maybe he had a way around them. Averting his gaze, he deposited the bags by the entrance. “Get some sleep and don’t wander around. You’ll be expected to show your expertise when we land.” His babysitter left without another word—giving credit to the theory he wanted to be done with him.
Ouch, and I thought we had something…
Watching the man disappear beyond a corner, Kai considered exploring the ship, but the space was too cramped to move stealthily. If he acted suspicious on his first day, they’d never lower their guard. And he was sleepy.
He managed to lift his backpack with Empower. The lock was open. Kai turned the handle ready to run into the warm embrace of Morpheus. He halted. The room was little more than a closet, with no window and requiring him to lean over to not hit his head.
That wasn’t the problem.
A person, a girl, sat on the narrow bed with a book on her knees, her emerald eyes rose like she’d been expecting him. She wore normal clothes instead of a dress, though they still looked more expensive than his entire wardrobe.
Taken aback, Kai dropped his backpack and Empower surged in the nick of time to save his feet from being crushed.
“Hi, Kai. Long time no see.” Valela put aside her book. “Stop gaping and come inside.”
“No.” He shut his eyes, wishing her away. He had enough surprises for a day. Why couldn’t he get some peace? The lack of sleep must be giving him hallucinations. Yeah, that was it. When he peeked between his clenched eyelids, she was still there.
Dammit, spirits! Whisk her away!
“Stop being dramatic and shut the door. I just came to say hi since I heard you were aboard.”
Kai studied her, thoughts swirling. “Are you the reason I found two enforcers at my door?”
Valela pursed her lips, muttering strange words under her breath. As he thought she might be losing it, the door slammed shut behind him, brushing his neck.
“That almost hit me!”
“Almost means it didn’t.” She sighed. “The cabins are shielded against eavesdropping, so now we can talk freely. And no, I didn’t have anything to do with your recruitment. I just heard of it and anticipated my departure.”
Couldn’t you give me a heads-up too?
Kai narrowed his eyes. “Can you prove your innocence?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Despite what you might think, I don't have any power in the Republic. Entering a contract with Captain Seryne will complicate things. I hope you read all the fine print before you signed. I meant to contact you sooner, but these last months have been very hectic, as you can imagine.”
Huh, she’d be more hands-on if she needed my help… What's the point of saving a favor that won’t be valid in half a year?
He gave her the benefit of the doubt. Kai crossed the meter separating him from the bed and deposited his bags. “Scoot over. I want to sit too if we need to talk.”
Valela gave him a look worthy of a slighted princess and moved with a grumble. “You didn’t tell me you were an expert on the Vastaire sites.”
“I have many hobbies. Now, could you tell me why you’re here?” Kai covered a yawn. “I’d like to get some sleep tonight, and I think you’re in my room.”
“How good are you at deciphering Vastaire glyphs?” Valela fidgeted with the fringe of her buttoned shirt. “Can you help find a solution to the beast attacks?”
“Hmm… I can’t say that for certain. But I’m the best at what I do in the archipelago.” Kai didn’t even have the energy to be properly smug. What a shame. “Why? Afraid I’m scamming the Republic?”
She gave him an exasperated glance. “Be serious. I need to know if it’s worth dragging you into this.”
“If you hadn't noticed, they’ve already kidnapped me.” Kai knocked on the wooden wall of his cabin. “I appreciate the sentiment, but you are too late to rescue me.”
“The Republic manages thousands of people all over the archipelago. You’re not that important to the higher-ups.” She pointed it out a bit too eagerly. “I can find a way to get you sent home if you show them you’re incompetent.”
Oh… it’s too late for that.
“They aren’t going to let me go anytime soon, and I want to figure out what’s going on.” He wasn’t going back to hide under a rock. “Is the situation as serious as they told me? Have there actually been eleven beast attacks?”
She slumped on the bed, losing her regal poise. “Probably more. The death toll is closing in on a hundred.”
Blessed spirits, I almost wish they came to get me sooner.
Silence fell in the cramped room. “So, what can I do for you? I imagine you came to cash in your favor.”
“Yes…” Valela was strangely hesitant. “I need you to report everything you find out and hear to me. I know we agreed on nothing against the law, but the contract of silence only forbids talking to unauthorized people and I got that covered. I’ll understand if you don't want to take the risk. I can find another way for you to repay the favor.” Finishing her piece, she held his gaze despite her clear unease.
Or we could say we’re even and leave it at that, no?
“Why do you need me to spy? If you’re on this ship, you must have access to more information than I.”
“Yes and no. It’s complicated.” Valela clenched her small fist in frustration. “I don’t want to involve you any more than necessary.”
Mhmm… disagreements inside the Republic? Tell me more. People won’t stop squabbling till the moons fall on their heads.
“Won’t Seryne be suspicious? My smiling porter knows you came to see me, and I don't think they’ll share super secret information with me.”
She looked perplexed before shaking her head. “What you find will be enough. I often show interest in talented individuals, so that won’t be a problem. Just act like you can’t stand me once we land, and I’ll take care of the rest.”
“You’re saying you’re always a nosy meddler?” Kai chuckled, clutching his heart in sorrow. “And I thought I was special.”
“I didn’t say that!” She protested, though her burning cheeks told a different story. “I just… it doesn’t matter. Will you do this or not?”
“Depends. Will this screw over the Republic?”
Valela watched him disapprovingly. “It will help the archipelago and give a few headaches to some officers,” she said diplomatically. “It’s possible a few will get fired, depending on how things go.”
Who am I to say no to that?
“I’ll take that as a yes, and I’ll accept on one condition.” He used his index for emphasis. “You also need to keep me informed about your side of the investigation. I don’t care about getting entangled further.”
“This isn’t how this works.” She puffed her cheeks. “You know you’re the one who owes me a favor, not the other way around.”
“You aren’t forced to accept it if you don’t want to. These are my terms, take it or send me on a different quest, my Lady.”
“Fine. But I can’t tell you now. They might actually suspect something if I stay here any longer.” She stood up, slowing just enough to avoid hitting her skull on the low ceiling. “Don’t look for me. I’ll contact you after we land.”
“Of course. It’s always a pleasure dealing with you,” Kai merrily waved goodbye. “Please close the door on your way out.”
The walls of his cabin shook when she left. He dragged his bags closer and memorized the wrinkles in the leather, so he’d realize if someone moved them. His freed bed was just large enough to fit him comfortably.
I can finally sleep in peace! Future-Kai will deal with the problems of tomorrow.