Crypt of the Shadowking by Anthony Mark Page B

never stop talking, even when you desperately wish they would.” Cormik poised the blade inches from Caledan’s wrist. ‘That’s good, Dario, hold it steady.”
    Caledan clenched his jaw. He was determined not to beg. Then he watched in amazement as Cormik deftly turned the knife, pressing one of the polished opals. There was a small click, and a thin piece of metal popped out of the end of the hilt. It was a key.
    Caledan’s jaw went slack. He stared as the man he’d just thought was going to kill him removed the shackle instead. Quickly Cormik unlocked the rest of the chains, and in moments Caledan stood free, absently rubbing his sore wrists. Cormik released Mari next, chuckling. Then he slipped the dagger into his belt once again.
    “You old wolf, it’s good to see you,” Cormik exclaimed. He grasped Caledan’s hand firmly between his own beefy palms and squeezed it warmly.
    A smile slowly crept across Caledan’s face.
    Cormik’s eyes glittered. “Come drink a cup of wine with me while I explain.” His gaze turned to Mari, and a sly smile crept across his lips. “And perhaps you’ll introduce me to your charming companion.”
    A few minutes later found them in a richly appointed chamber hung with expensive Sembian tapestries. Cormik bade them sit down while Dario poured them each a goblet of deep red wine from a crystal decanter.
    Caledan swirled the ruby-colored liquid a bit suspiciously. “Nothing unpleasant at the bottom, I trust?”
    “Not unless my good Dario put it there. However, I may simply be an old fool, but I believe the lad’s loyal to me.”
    “One of his many delusions,” the young man said with such perfect seriousness that Caledan was almost taken aback. Then he saw the mischief dancing in the young man’s dark eyes.
    The wine proved to be cool and delicious, and Caledan took the liberty of refilling his goblet as Cormik talked.
    “I hope you’ll forgive my rude treatment,” he said, his attention directed more toward Mari than Caledan. “I’m afraid it was necessary to protect myself, and both of you as well. I couldn’t let it look as if I was consorting with Harpers. It’s a well-known fact that Cutter—or should I say Ravendas?—is not overly fond of Harpers. Except for dead ones, of course.”
    Tm afraid you’re mistaken,” Mari said with an expression of disarming innocence, “but I’m not a—”
    “Don’t be coy, Harper Al’maren,” Cormik said with a low chuckle. “I’m afraid neither you nor Caledan has been terribly inconspicuous these past few days. I’ve intercepted reports concerning both of you that were bound for the city lord’s tower, and I’m certain Ravendas knows of your presence.”
    “I agree,” Caledan said grimly. “I had the misfortune of being too close to the Harper yesterday when a wizard probably Zhentarim, loosed a trio of magical hounds after her. We came very close to being incinerated and eaten.”
    “Actually, Caledan,” Cormik said gravely, “I don’t think that attack was directed at Harper Al’maren.”
    A startled look crossed Mari’s face. Caledan frowned. “And what tells you that?”
    “This.” Cormik drew a piece of parchment out of a pocket of his voluminous embroidered silk tunic and laid it on the table. “It was posted down in the New City, in the free market, along with dozens of others like it. It’s a notice offering a reward for any information concerning your whereabouts, Caledan. And the reward is not an inconsiderable sum. Surely you didn’t think your duel with Cutter’s captain went unnoticed the other night.”
    Caledan grunted.
    Mari took the parchment and studied it carefully. She looked up and regarded Caledan with concerned eyes. “What would Ravendas want with you, Caledan? You’ve said it yourself. You’re not a Harper anymore, and no threat to her.”
    Caledan shook his head. “I can’t read her mind, Harper.”
    “Well,” Cormik went on, “I hope you can see that I was simply