The Inquisitives [2] Night of Long Shadows by Paul Crilley

down at Torin. The dwarf blushed furiously. “And what can we at Savia’s do for you tonight? Are you interested in gambling? Companionship? A meal, perhaps? We have a new chef from Aundair who is rapidly gaining a name for himself among our more discerning clients.”
    “Companionship, I think,” said Wren.
    The woman smiled. “Of course. Male? Female? Elf, dwarf, changeling? Anything you desire we can provide.”
    “What an extraordinary claim,” mused Wren. “Anything, you say?”
    “We pride ourselves on it.”
    “I don’t recognize you, my dear. Are you new here?”
    “I’ve been here for two months.”
    “Host, has it been that long since I visited? How lax of me. Savia will never forgive me.”
    “Are you an acquaintance of Savia’s?”
    “I am indeed. We’re old friends. Is she available? I’d like to talk to her, if that can be arranged.”
    The young lady’s face took on a sorrowful look. “I’m afraid Savia has retired for the night.”
    “How disappointing. Is there no way I can convince you to rouse her?”
    “I’m afraid not.”
    “Ah, well. On second thought, I think I’ll join the gambling tables. But my friend here—I think perhaps Lia?”
    The young woman glanced at Torin, her lips twitching into a small smile. “Of course. If you’d care to take refreshments at the bar, I’ll just see if she’s available.” She smiled again, showing bright white teeth amidst the dusky skin, and turned from them with a swish of her filmy skirt.
    “What a remarkable woman,” said Wren. “Simply stunning. Wouldn’t you say?”
    “What are you up to?” asked Torin, ignoring his question.
    “Nothing. I just thought you looked tense.”
    “I am tense. It comes from working with you.”
    Wren smiled and led them through the door into an open room with tables and chairs for dining and a huge bar that took up two full walls. It was quiet within, but Wren could hear voices and music coming from a doorway to their right. That was where the gambling tables were situated. Many were the times that Wren, unable to sleep, had paid a visit to Savia’s and greeted the dawn with fellow players.
    Wren turned to Torin. “I’ll be in there, waiting for your signal.”
    Torin frowned. “What signal?”
    Wren ignored him and smiled as a willowy elf walked toward them.
    “Wren! How are you?”
    “Lia! I’m ecstatic now that I’ve seen you.”
    “You say that every time you come here.”
    “And it’s always true.”
    Lia gave Wren a kiss on the cheek. “What brings you here on such a miserable night?”
    “I need a favor.”
    “Sounds intriguing.” She glanced at Torin. “Who’s your embarrassed friend?”
    “This is Torin. A more redoubtable character you will never meet. I want you to be nice to him.”
    Torin’s eyebrows shot up in alarm. “Wren?”
    Lia took Torin by the arm. “I’m always nice to my clients.”
    Torin glared at Wren. “This is why my wife doesn’t like you, Wren. You know that, don’t you?”
    “Of course she likes me. I keep you out of her hair. Now, here’s what I want you to do.”

    Wren tossed his cards onto the table and tapped his fingers impatiently. How long had they been up there? Over half an hour, surely. Torin wouldn’t be—
    No, not Torin. He was fanatically faithful to his wife. He wouldn’t even consider such a thing. Wren was in awe of people who could make that kind of commitment. To promise yourself to one person for the rest of your life …
    He couldn’t get his head around it. It was like trying to comprehend the number of stars in the sky, or count the grains of sand on a beach. His brain wasn’t built for the task.
    The dealer swept his cards away and flicked seven more onto the table. This time, she placed the first and fourth cards face up. Interesting. She had been watching Wren’s tactics and had adjusted her own mode of play. This could be quite an interesting game.
    A high-pitched scream from the rooms above