Sea Glass

“That’s not why. Although you don’t appear bothered by that scenario.”

I shrugged. “At least then the Council would believe a Warper still lives and others are using blood magic.”

“But people would die,” he said in shock.

I almost laughed out loud at how we had reversed roles. It was fun playing the heartless destroyer. “It would be the Council’s fault. In fact, the idea is growing on me.” I tapped a finger on my lips as if lost in thought. “If I release a Warper, I don’t really need you at all. Unless we use you as a sacrifice.” I studied him.

He backed up. “You really are insane.”

I pished. “I’m being smart. Think how powerful I would be if I teamed up with a Warper. We’d have my messengers, blood magic and, with my ability to siphon power, we’d have diamonds to fund our takeover. I could release the others and be unstoppable.”

Devlen’s shoulders dropped in chagrin as he realized what I’d been doing. “I should have known. You may have changed, but you’re not a ruthless killer.”

“I can learn to be ruthless.” I bent to retrieve my switchblade.

He grabbed my arm to stop me. This time I grasped his wrist with my free hand and clamped down on his pressure point. He fell to his knees.

“After all, you taught me well.”

I enjoyed the rest of the trip to Fulgor. Devlen avoided me, and I had a nice chat with Tama regarding my new job. She managed to mask most of her ire about the previous commitments I had negotiated for my messengers. Though she brightened at the prospect of being consulted before any other messengers were delivered. Being consulted was different than being in charge. I wondered how long it would take Gressa to resort to strong-arm methods.

Gressa graciously offered me rooms above her glass shop.

“They’re very nice. I used to live there, but since my appointment to Tama’s staff, I’m living in the Councilor’s Hall.” She introduced me to her glass workers.

A few remembered my “break-in” from before and frowned. Their scowls increased when Gressa announced I had priority on the equipment.

“Assist her when needed. Her work is very important,” she ordered.

The apartment on the second floor contained six rooms—two bedrooms, a kitchen, living area, office and washroom. Glass items decorated shelves and tables, and beautiful stained-glass murals hung on the walls. Tall windows brightened every room.

We opened the windows wide to let in fresh air. I felt the roar from the kilns vibrate the floor. The constant noise wouldn’t bother me. In fact, it reminded me of home.

When the workers finished carrying up my things, she asked, “What do you think?”

“It’s lovely. Did you design the murals?” The swoops and swirls of color mesmerized me. A pattern could only be discerned from a distance.

“Yes. There’s a glass cutter in town that has a light touch with the solder. See how delicate the lines are? It makes all the difference.”

As she prattled on about the inspiration for the designs, I marveled over her friendly act, considering the cold reception I had gotten the last time we met. I lost track of the conversation until she mentioned Ulrick’s name.

“…uses the kiln on occasion. Will it be a problem?” she asked.

“Not at all,” I said.

“I noticed you both…avoided each other during the trip.”

“It’s difficult for me to be near him,” I admitted. “With the whole undercover operation and his ability to completely fool me…” I cast about for an explanation that would please her. “I’m terribly embarrassed by my overreaction to his fake identity. I think it’s best we keep our distance. When he’s here, I’ll just make sure to stay upstairs until he’s done.”

“Good idea. Don’t feel too bad about being duped. It could happen to anyone.” She swept her hand as if brushing dirt away. Matter settled.

After she left, I unpacked a few of my clothes, then planned how I would gather information. Since Gressa let me use her rooms and factory, I doubted I would find any clues here, but not for lack of trying. I searched through her apartment, concentrating on her office. Nothing.

Her office downstairs would be harder to access. The factory employed three shifts of workers, so the four kilns were in constant use. Perhaps I could try during a shift change.

The afternoon sun’s warming rays combined with the heat from the kilns, turning the apartment into an oven. I left for the market, wondering why she hadn’t insulated the ceiling below her quarters.

Before heading toward the market, I walked by the Councilor’s Hall. At this time of day people scurried up and down the entrance’s grand marble stairway. The Councilor’s suite and a number of apartments for her aides resided inside. I guessed the building also contained break rooms for the guards.

Fulgor’s security headquarters was located across the street. From personal experience, I knew a small jail filled the basement. Circling both structures, I noted the number of entrances and windows on the lower levels. A training yard and stable had been built behind the security building. Guards practiced with swords. I leaned against the wooden fence, watching them train.

Eventually one of the men ambled over to me. “Can I help you?”

“Yes. Would I be allowed to train with you?”

He studied me. “That depends on who you are and why.”

“I’m Opal Cowan, a glass magician.” No reason to lie. “I just graduated from the Magician’s Keep and would like to keep my skills sharp in case I’m needed to go on a mission for the Masters.” I could name-drop with the best of them. Janco would be proud.