In this chapter, the mercenaries and Terrasi try to get to the bottom of what happened to Khy-kala and what is going on in this little town, but their investigation comes up short again…
…or maybe not. Maybe this latest insight into how the Haunter works has given them a vital edge.
Maybe.
In an excerpt from this chapter, a theory of magic at work leads to a confrontation between the group and Khy-kala as they insist she allow herself to be examined for traces of magic. And if you know anything about Khy-kala, you know why she cannot and will not allow that.
For the full scene, check out the link above and hope you enjoy!
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“Well,” the paladin said, looking at the closed door. “That only leaves-”
“No.” Khy-kala’s voice was clear and harsh. The door opened. The elf was back in her brigandine. The sleeve of her right upper arm was thicker where she’d bandaged herself. Behind her on the nightstand was a silver pan, the needle she’d used to stitch the wound shut sitting in the pool of pure grain alcohol that filled the small metal container and there was a faint smell of burnt flesh. “Letha didn’t find anything with the rest of you. She probably won’t find it with me, either.”
“You just encountered our friend,” Justir reminded her. “If there’s any trace of magic afoot, it will be in there.” He pointed at her forehead.
An angry cat lowered their ears. An angry elf straightened hers. “No,” she repeated.
“Come on bitey, don’t-”
Khy-kala hissed, the sound turning into a rough, warning growl. Kevac closed his mouth and stepped back. Terrasi put one hand on the hilt of his sword and even Justir felt himself reaching for his mace before remembering it was back in his quarters.
“No one,” Khy-kala said, her dark eyes shifting from one human to the next. “Touches my mind. I left a blood trail. I can follow that. I’m going to find out what happened to me. If you want to come with me, do so. But no one touches my mind.”
Though he’d heard it many times since in their travels, Justir had only once been on the recipient of this tone from the she-elf. It had been back when they’d first met and he had never forgotten it: Khy-kala was deadly serious, and on the cusp of acting on that intent. He quickly glanced at Mattio, but he needn’t have bothered. Even without seeing it in the other man’s eyes, he knew Terrasi was going to push it. If there was any trace of the malign at work here, it was his duty to convince Khy-kala to comply or compel the she-elf if – when – she continued to refuse. If that happened, more blood would have to be mopped up by the inn’s staff.
A great deal more, and he wasn’t certain whose it would be… or even which side he should take.
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