A Storm in the Desert: Dragonlinked Chronicles Voume 3 Read Online Free PDF Page B

need of her? And so quickly?
    Perhaps three minutes later, she followed the messenger up the steps to the Residence. He led her through the entry corridor and across the large event hall. Taking a side door, he took her down a few narrow hallways to a nondescript door flanked by two guards. The guard on the right nodded to the messenger and opened the door. Millinith followed inside.
    “Ah, Guildmaster. Thank you for answering my summons.” Lord Baronel was seated behind a table. Millinith noticed an ether writer before him. “If you would join me?” He indicated a chair across the small table from him.
    Looking at the messenger, he said, “Thank you.”
    The man bowed and left, closing the door behind him.
    “My lord.” Millinith bowed her head  and took the offered seat.
    “Master Investigator Gella would like a word with you.” Lord Baronel spun the ‘writer and slid it in front of her. “She works for . . . an individual of import.”
    Millinith glanced briefly at Lord Baronel, wondering what he’d meant, before looking back at the sorcerous device. It was a bit more elaborate than the one she’d seen before. It must be his personal device. What was going on here?
    Lifting the stylus, she began writing.
    This is Guildmaster Millinith. I understand you wish to speak with me ~
    Guildmaster. Thank you for your prompt arrival. I wonder if the Dragon Craft Guild could send an investigator to Delcimaar. A man was apparently killed by a nahual last night and I understand the DCG is expert in these things ~
    Apparently? ~
    Apparently, yes. All evidence seems to suggest it ~
    But you don’t think so ~
    I wish to reserve my opinion on the matter and will explain when you arrive. I’ve done my own cursory examination (I’ve not touched the body much) and will have it moved to a corpse-keeper to preserve it for your own examination ~
    No. Do not move the body or anything else. I want to see everything exactly as it is should I agree to your request. I’ll speak with my people and let you know our decision in half an hour ~
    I don’t understand. It will take you a month to get here ~
    If we agree to this, we will be there within the hour ~
    How is that poss Never mind. And never mind your meeting. The only thing you need do is decide who to bring with you. I’d prefer you came alone, but if you must bring someone, be sure that they are trustworthy in the extreme ~
    I must meet with my people to discuss this venture ~
    No, you do not. In fact, the fewer who know of it, the better. Confirm my identity with Lord Baronel and select your people. I expect to hear back from you within half an hour ~ ~
    Mouth open, Millinith stared at the end conversation symbols. She looked across the table to Lord Baronel. “Pardon me, my lord, but who in Yrdra’s deepest hells is this person that she orders me around as if I worked for her? She said you could confirm her identity.”
    “She is the head of High Lady Hasana’s special investigators. She speaks with the High Lady’s own authority.”
    Millinith raised a brow and looked down at the ‘writer. She’d heard rumors of the special investigators. Rumors were all anyone had. Though there were tales of fancy written over the years that romanticized special investigators, the group, thought to be small in number, was highly secretive. It was said that each ruler selected an individual to work with the group as its head. Of course, no one knew what was real or not about the investigators. It seemed she would soon learn about at least one of them.
    As if there weren’t enough on her plate at the moment. “I need to take care of a few things and then I will return. Master Gella is expecting to hear back from me within half an hour.”
    + + + + +
    Fillion walked back to the stables with Renata and Polandra. The girls had finished much faster than he’d expected. He thought for sure Polandra would have wanted to spend some time soaking in a hot bath. She explained that