Blue Lark Guild, Dread Hideout
SAVAGE JAXSON
Savage was sitting in Winter Haven. Watching Adrea scramble behind the counter. Floundering to keep up with the demands for drinks. There was a new blonde working aside her, he noted. Neither is as prompt or levelheaded as Dimurah.
And the Assassins in the alehouse were getting loud.
Outside there was an argument escalating from Undermarket. But Savage was mesmerized at the counter, leaning on his usual spot and sliding a tankard back and forth between his two palms.
Adrea shot him a pleading look. Probably hoping I donât leave.
Iâm not much in the mood for conversation. So he wasnât certain of any other reason why sheâd want him to stay just now.
âWhat is wrong with you?â A man took the high seat next to him. Turning intent green-blue eyes on him.
Savage shot the Nauvree an impassive glance.
âRedbayne told me he took her out of here. I didnât expect to see you in such bad state over it.â Nauvree confessed. Brows lifting.
Savage gave him a derisive look. Youâve no idea what youâre talking about.
âPerhaps not a topic you wish to discuss.â
The tankard scraped as Savage resumed sliding it.
âI know you hate when we ask about your business.â
âThen donât do it.â Savage cautioned tonelessly.
âMy curiosity insists I do.â
I havenât the patience for this tonight.
âA curious assassin is usually soon a dead one.â
âTrue.â Nauvree frowned. âStillâ¦â
Clearly heâs not going to go away.
âWhat do you wish to know, Friend?â
Letâs speed this up so I can go back to being alone.
And missing Dimurahâ¦
âThe Nightway goods.â
âYea. Iâve been taking them. I never agreed to give you a stake in them.â
I hadnât thought you greedy.
âI never asked.â Nauvree countered. âI just pondered what youâre doing with them?â
âNo business of yours.â
âNo, itâs not. But, as I said, Iâm curious. Are you giving it to the peasants?â
Not your affair. Savage tossed him a quick look. Blue eyes vicious and upper lip twisted in a silent snarl.
He shifted against the counter to face Nauvree. âWhat precisely is this about?â
âAre you giving them away?â
âWhat of it?â Savage tipped his head up to stare down his nose threateningly.
Donât push me. Iâm looking for a fight.
âWhy do you do it?â
Why so many bloody questions!
âYour brother does.â Seeing Nauvree wasnât challenging him, he twisted back to the bar. âAnd you go with him.â
âHow do you know that!â He was startled.
Savage was quiet. Lifting the tankard for the drink.
âBecause you seem to know every bloody thing in these lands.â Nauvree answered his own question. âBut why do you do it?â
Because I wish to.
âYouâre asking a lot of questions.â His tone turned dark as he hissed through clenched teeth.
âYouâre in a poor mood.â Nauvree stated. âBecause the Barter Queen has been missing since she escaped Sanctuary Island?â
Obvious.
I havenât seen her since the day we dropped her off. And I lost track of her after I was told there was a sighting of her in Sourthern Vale. Sheâd made it across the landbridge.
A bit of ground impossible to find because of the heavy fog.
âMardichi mentioned he hadnât had a chance to get word to you he found her. So, I came. If you indulge my curiosity, Iâll tell you where to find her.â
Savage unfolded and faced Nauvree. Eyes flashing in annoyance. You know where she is? And youâve been sitting her wasting my time?
It was clear Nauvree sensed his mistake. He leaned back. Look turning wary. âIâll tell you. Just tell me why.â
Pushing your luck.
âI have too many goods here. No need for more.â
Partially true.
âPure practicality then?â
Savageâs jaw ticked as he waited. Tell me quickly or Iâll cut your eyes out for your games.
âSheâs with a friend of mine. Sheâs been staying in his house.â
Whose house? A man?
âIn a manâs house?â Savageâs tone turned brutal.
âHe wonât touch her!â Nauvree put up his hands in surrender. âI know him well.â
âTake me to her.â
Nauvree gave a single nod. âI figured youâd want to see her. I know sheâs been wanting to see you.â
For a mere micro-second, Savage felt his mask slip. Revealing deep vulnerability.