Page 10 of Lich's Mate

I fold up the parchment. For a moment, I drum my fingers against my desk, considering whether to heed or ignore the message.

It’s a long way to New Solas, and traveling so far on a mere whim seems inadvisable.

But everything seems to line up. And if I don’t act fast, Gorran’s never going to stop.

I hate that hypocrite.

I open the window and a sharp gust of wind blows water into my study, the karasu crying out as it bolts out the window and takes flight. In the distant black sky, lightning crashes, revealing the vast red wasteland of Ikoth, if only for a second.

I suppose I could do with a change of scenery anyway, even if Vrask is wrong.

And I’m sure I can always find some other way to fuck over Gorran’s plans in New Solas, if all else fails.

I watch as the karasu, weighted down by the oppressive rain, becomes a shadow, then vanishes on the horizon. I wish for even a small amount of that bird’s resilience, before quietly hoping it makes its way back to its destination.

So many business ventures—so many opportunities—crushed beneath the weight of that buffoon’s fumbling hands. If I have the slightest chance to get him out of my way, if only for a little bit, then I should be jumping at it, not questioning its validity.

I begin packing my belongings, preparing for a quick voyage. Tearing through my closet, I find clothing that can be worn briefly and discarded quickly, while still maintaining my family’s image abroad. If I delay myself even a little bit, I might miss my chance.

I have no idea what I’m going to find in New Solas. While the slave trade there has always unsettled me, it’s not something I’ve ever wanted to meddle in.

Doesn’t sit right, seeing all those pathetic creatures reduced to nothing, I think. Don’t know who could keep their composure being around all that complaining and moaning.

The following morning, a crisp chill hangs in the air as I depart for the docks. A heavy fog has settled over Ikoth, making its natural reddish hue even more muted and less appealing. With the small amount of luggage I’ve brought, I step over the threshold and board the ship, preparing for a lonely and quiet trip.

The boat ride is long and unsavory, a harsh smell of sulfur filling my nostrils as we make our way across the seas and down the channel. The entire time, all I can consider is how to remain humble while looking Gorran in the eye, after he’s lost everything. I often monologue to myself, thinking of how best to displace him from all of the markets.

Victory is within my clutches. I’ve heard that the slave trade makes up a large percentage of his revenue and that he’s unwisely invested a great deal of his personal fortune in its success. Once that crumbles, he’ll have nothing left.

It will serve him right too, I think.

I don’t know how he’s been so successful for so long, making such inadvisable business decisions. His good fortune is a crime against nature.

Of course, this is just a small step in that direction. This particular mission, if successful and assuming correct intel, will pose little more than an inconvenience to Gorran. And I’ll still need to manage my own business affairs while I’m abroad.

“Sir?”

The cabin below the dock has stopped rocking, and the navigator’s voice calls down from overhead.

I step up the rickety stairs, bags in hand. It wasn’t the best ship money could buy, but it was certainly enough to get me here safely.

“We’ve docked at the harbor outside New Solas,” the navigator says. “Get your things and go.”

I nod, ignoring how curt he is, and breathe in the briny air as I step off the ship. Here, the air is much more calming. And though the sky is still a striking gray, I can see the sun peeking barely through the clouds.

It’s much more picturesque than anything back home.

I hail a carriage and make my way from the outskirts through the forest, back to the golden city of New Solas. There’s a tavern a little way in where I like to visit. The drinks aren’t great, and there are far better places in the city.

But there’s nowhere better if you’re looking for an interesting experience. And after my long and uneventful boat ride, filled with scheming and monologues, I could certainly use some stimulation.

The sign outside the bar is decrepit, and there are animal droppings I have to step over to get inside. It’s probably the seediest place near the xaphan ports, but it’s still brighter than anything back home. All around me, people still like to flaunt their wealth, even when they can’t be bothered with basic building maintenance.

I take a seat at the bar counter and wait for service, looking around for anything that stands out. I suppose while I’m here, I might as well investigate the threat—see if I can find anything about the slave trade here. I know a few things, but I really am going in blind.

“‘Scuse me.”

I look up, expecting the bartender. I’m disappointed when I see some prick with a staggered wing, his golden, curly hair giving away his opulence.