Masque of Death (Kormak Book Nine) (The Kormak Saga 9) by William King

the sarcophagus.”
    “We’ll come back to that then. Tell me where the sarcophagus came from originally. Tell me about these adventurers.”
    “There’s not a lot to tell really. They were typical of their sort. Rough men who spend a lot of time out in the wilderness looking for gold and ancient treasures. They claimed that they had found the sarcophagus deep in the wastelands beyond the Xilarean peaks. They claimed that they had spent a lot of time and gold getting it and that a lot of their friends had died while they were doing so.”
    “Where could I find these men? It would help me a lot, and it would not do you any harm if they could confirm your story.”
    The Governor smiled. “There are plenty of people who could confirm my story. The men brought the matter up in one of my judicial sessions. They presented themselves to me. Ezra was there. Frater Ramon was there. Half a dozen scribes were there and a group of personal servants.”
    “And all of these people saw the sarcophagus? And none of them had any opportunity to tamper with it?”
    “I’m in no position to say, Sir Kormak. I was not with the sarcophagus every minute it was within my mansion. In fact, after the initial session, I barely saw it. That was the business of Frater Ramon and the previous Admiral and all of the other people responsible for seeing that cargoes were transhipped.”
    “I get the picture.”
    “I’m sure you understand how it is. I’m a very busy man, and I can take personal responsibility for all of the little details of everything that surrounds me.”
    “Of course, Governor.”
    “That’s very understanding of you, Sir Kormak. Would you perhaps like a little wine?” The Governor appeared to think that they had passed some milestone in the conversation. Kormak saw no reason to let him think otherwise.
    “No thank you. So you have absolutely no idea where I might find these adventurers?”
    “Probably where you will always find men of that sort. They will either be frequenting the lowest dives in the city, or they will be upcountry searching for their next big find.”
    “And their names?”
    “Anders and something?” The Governor looked at Ezra.
    “Gregor, your Excellency.”
    “Gregor. Thank you, Ezra.”
    “You said that they found the sarcophagus in the mountains.”
    “Indeed, Sir Kormak. There are some villages up there as well as plantations. I believe these men had come from the wastelands beyond the mountains.”
    “I would very much like to find these men. It would certainly go a long way towards exonerating you in the King’s eyes.”
    The Governor set his goblet down. “You’re saying that I’m in trouble with His Majesty even after what I’ve told you?” There was a dangerous edge to his voice.
    “That will be up to His Majesty. I am merely reporting to him.” Kormak had conducted enough interrogations to know that he wanted to distance himself from the perceived threat here. The Governor could undoubtedly be a dangerous man if he felt at risk.
    The Governor's nod was affable. He was starting to reassert control of the situation. “I will do everything in my power to help you find the men who sold me the coffin. I will also put all of my staff at your disposal. There is nothing more important to me than getting to the bottom of this matter, and I would greatly appreciate it if you let His Majesty know that.”
    “I certainly will,” Kormak said. “He will learn of all of the cooperation you have given me.”
    Raised voices were heard outside. It sounded almost as if two people were about to come to blows.
    A large man with a dark, furious face and bristling moustaches barged into the room. He strode directly up to the table and drew back his hand as if to slap Kormak in the face. The Guardian caught his wrist. Try as he might, the man could not move his hand.
    “Unhand me, you ruffian, or I will teach a lesson.”
    “I will if you can remain calm, sir,” Kormak said.
    “How dare you