The City of Towers: The Dreaming Dark - Book I by Keith Baker Read Free Book Online

Daine’s meal. Lei’s conjured food had no taste whatsoever. After trying the innkeeper’s cold, pasty porridge, Daine found that he missed it.
    “How are you?” he asked.
    Lei glared at him. “Fine. Wonderful. Oh, I couldn’t be better.
General.”
    Her voice was sharp, but Daine let it go. At this point, anger might be the only way to hold back tears. “No sign of Jode?”
    “No. The wretched weasel took my pack. If he does anything with my warforged, I’ll skin him alive.”
    “Lei …” He tried to touch her hand, but she jerked away. “We’ll get through this.”
    She glared at him. “Don’t you dare tell me how I should feel, Daine. You have no idea. This is my family. This is my
life
. To be treated like this, to think that Hadran would
allow
this …”
    “Is there anyone you can talk to? This isn’t your first time in Sharn. Is there anyone who might give us information?”
    Lei started to snap, then took a deep breath and began again. “Yes … it’s possible. They’d never see me at the enclave, but there are a few people I might look to. But you have to understand, my family was from Metrol. I don’t know many of the Brelish Cannith, and if Hadran won’t see me … I don’t know.” She shook her head. “I don’t understand.”
    “Try to be patient. We’ll get to the bottom of this.”
    The door flew open, and Jode came in from the street. He was smiling and flushed, and half-dragging Lei’s pack. “Drinks all around!” he called, tossing Dassi a gold galifar. “First round’s on me.”
    “At tenth bell?” Daine remarked. But none of the other patrons were turning down a free round, and it had been some time since Daine had had anything other than water.Unfortunately, the Manticore’s ale was of the same fine quality as its porridge.
    Jode climbed up on the table and slid the pack across to Lei. She watched him with narrowed eyes. He smiled disarmingly and took a long pull of ale, followed by a terrible face.
    “How is it we’re suddenly buying for the house?” Daine asked. Lei was already looking through the pack.
    “Well, I thought it would be good if I got the lay of the land, got to know my way around town, and while I was at it I found a pawner who seemed like a decent woman, and I thought it would be good if we had a few coins to rub together.”
    “Where’s my crossbow?” Lei said.
    “Oh, come now. We’re in the greatest city in the world! Do you really think you need a
crossbow
on the streets of Sharn?”
    Daine put a gentle hand on the halfling’s shoulder. “Pierce said that you took my grandfather’s sword with you when you left this morning. May I have it back now?”
    “I’m sure it will be safe, Daine.” He tightened his grip. “You know I’ve got a good sense for people! Besides which, you’ve still got your dagger, right?”
    “Jode …”
    “I know, this may seem unwise, but I assure you, I’ve already put the coin to good use!”
    “By buying watered-down ale for a group of strangers?”
    “I tracked down an old friend of yours. Someone I’m sure can help us find our feet.”
    “I’m listening.” He hadn’t released his grip.
    “Alina Lyrris.”
    Daine swore and knocked his tankard to the floor. He pulled Jode across the table. “Is this a joke?”
    “No! She’s been in Sharn for over a year. I thought that with your history … you know, perhaps she could offer us work.”
    Lei was lost in her thoughts again, but Pierce took an interest. “What history is this? Who is this Alina?”
    Daine took a deep breath and let go of Jode. He forced a smile and sat down. “Alina Lorridan Lyrris is an old friend I … had dealings with before I joined the Queen’s Guard.”
    “How might she help us?”
    Jode answered. “Alina is a wealthy woman, and I’m sure she has a lot of connections in Sharn. I’m certain that she’d be happy to help an old friend like Daine. I’ve already talked to one of her associates and set up a meeting in