It had been a confusing discussion, after Lannon’s last interrogation, between Farek and Jannia. First, they debated the likelihood that Lannon had lied. Farek was inclined to trust this accusation levelled at Lo Mallago for two reasons—Lannon had learned a well-guarded secret somehow and it also fit. If each story the assassin had told was a piece of a jigsaw puzzle, this one fit Farek’s empty space, while the Grey Brethren did not. The two tales might be connected, but Farek had not yet seen any proof of it.
Jannia had also expressed her concern that Farek might reconsider his position on the Lo Mallago marriage front. Farek had chuckled at that and had said how he now only wanted to go to the mainland city sooner. They needed to get to the bottom of all this. If Lo Mallago was considering rebellion, the alliance needed to be made at once. Var Nordos faced the threat of the Great Isle war on one side and Lo Mallago’s insubordination on the other.
Now, with Matek in tow, Farek went in search of Lord Thrane. He was, after all, their resident expert on Lo Mallago. They found him at the Royal Whale, of course—the reputable waterfront drinking house.
Dorgan Thrane’s eyes grew wide when he saw Farek. “It’s been some time,” he stammered. “I assume we should get a booth?”
“Indeed,” Farek replied.
Lord Thrane snapped his fingers at the barkeep—he had been sitting at the bar but now stumbled back from his stool. “Two? Three?”
Farek held up three fingers.
A moment later, they slid into a private stall on the waterfront side of the room. Through a small porthole, Farek watched the waves splashing across the rocks on the south side of Soros’ port. Thrane looked at Matek for a moment, staring at the man’s black eyepatch, and then looked back at Farek. “I assume this is about Lo Mallago—it’s been some time since we spoke on the matter. But… this isn’t Jannia.”
“No,” Matek said.
“But we can speak plainly,” Farek insisted. He took a sip of the beer that the Whale’s bartender had brought. “Jannia prefers the presence of her guards and I didn’t want to summon you to our estate. It’s… undergoing renovations.”
“Of course,” Dorgan replied. “My condolences on your losses.”
For a moment, they listened to the tide quietly. Raider’s Lake was spared the worst of the tide, but it still reached from the ocean, down the short river, and to Soros’ shores. Then Farek looked back at Thrane and said, “Have you ever been there—to Lo Mallago?”
Lord Thrane nodded. His wiry white hair was greased back today; it looked even thinner than it had been. “Last time was many years ago. More recently, I send only messengers and mail. Yourself?”
Farek shook his head. “What have you been doing with your correspondence?”
“I’ve been playing the role of benefactor in several ways,” Thrane replied. “I have been investing in a few businesses, notably the Wartha Mull gold mine and a few taverns in Lo Mallago proper. I’ve handled requests and dealt out loans to specific lords and ladies. I am also seeking a suitor for my oldest unmarried son.” The old man shifted forward on his bench and smiled like a weasel. “Though the people of Lo Mallago sometimes take a second spouse, such an action would hardly be acceptable for a Lord of Soros.”
Hopefully your son has a little more integrity, Farek thought. He had never met Dorgan’s offspring. “What are the odds?” Farek asked, friendlily. “I need a lovely wife as well.”
“We’re doing our best to keep our interest in Lo Mallago secret, but I suspect soon enough half the lords in Soros will be looking overseas for something pretty.” Farek’s subordinate lord took a swig of his beer.
Matek drank his beer silently and smiled when Farek looked at him. He looked so much healthier than he had in Bogtown. Farek turned back to Thrane and focused in on his reason for their conversation. “Have you had any trouble with your investments? Has anyone tried to stop your meddling or involvement in the gold mine or the city?”
“Nothing very direct,” Dorgan mumbled. He shrugged. “The Rebel King, Borik, does everything he can to stop foreign influence—everything short of betrayal. Borik is paid by the Matriarchs, you see, so he stops his barking whenever they say.”
Farek blinked. He had not heard about Borik in any detail so far.
Lord Thrane went on. “Mostly, this means his laws prevent sizeable financial returns from leaving the city. His policies support the Lo Mallago economy and his stipulations forbid the installment of any foreign lord actually living there, without marriage.”
“Have you heard of a man named Harloss?” Farek asked, at last. “Or dealt with him?”
Thrane tilted his head in consideration. After racking his mind, he answered, “No, on both counts. Should I ask my contacts about him?”
Farek nodded. “Might as well.”
“And if I find him?”
Matek glanced at Farek as well. Farek shrugged and instructed, “Nothing. Just tell me where his is. I’m a curious man.”
Lord Thrane bowed his head calmly. “As you wish. Be aware, though, that it takes seven or eight days to reach Lo Mallago or return.” He finished his beer and looked towards the bar once more. A curtain partially covered the rest of the common room from view.
“Any other news, Milord?” Farek asked.
Thrane smirked. “None, aside from what they say on the docks. War to the south, civil unrest in Radregar. Times a-changing. My only interests are to rule Lo Mallago one day. For the Empire of Noress, of course.”
“Of course,” Farek replied dryly.
As Lord Gallendris and his guardsman meandered back through Soros’ streets, a few pinpricks of sunlight made it through the clouds overhead. At least it was as dry as it should have been during dry season, for a change. He would need to ask Jannia to use her contacts to find him some potential matches in Lo Mallago. He needed information about the city and its ruling class before he arrived.
Matek spoke up after they left one of the busier market streets. “I heard Lord Sha will be torturing Lannon once again, in a week or two.”
“Again?” Farek asked. He scowled and looked up toward Coin Hill. It would feel a lot more like home again once Sha was gone. Farek hoped that was before he had to leave for Lo Mallago. His chest tightened; everything was so unfamiliar to him now. “How do you feel about everything to do with that bastard?”
“Do you mean Lannon—or Sha?” Matek asked, quietly, with a glint in his eye. They both chuckled. Matek knew which Farek had referred to and replied a moment later. “Lannon just needs to die. But, the most significant action I’ve taken is asking the sergeant to place a few extra guards in front of the cellar.”
“I’m glad you’re doing well, all things considered,” Farek said.
“What are you talking about? I can’t shoot a bow worth dirt anymore,” Matek replied. He smiled though, so Farek did as well. Soon they reached the mansion, and Farek went to check in on Simisar.