Abuud: the One-Eyed God by Richard S. Tuttle Read Free Book Online

at the Engar estate, I can make those available for an additional fee. What are you willing to pay, Duke Jiardin?"
    "I never did trust Duke Engar," scowled Duke Everich when Duke Jiardin did not answer. "It looks like there will be a vacancy on the Council even after we save Duke D'Ales."
    "Is Duke D'Ales an ally of yours?" questioned the voice. "That thought had not occurred to me. I thought the value to you was in the fact that your name was next on the assassin's list."
    "Actually, no," responded Duke Everich. "D'Ales rarely sees things my way."
    "Then perhaps there might be two vacancies on the Council," proposed the voice.
    "Indeed," Duke Everich smiled grimly. "I do like the way you think. I can have the estate surrounded and capture anyone leaving. By that time the deed will be done."
    "Gentlemen," said the voice as he rose, "I do hope you will excuse me. I do have other pressing business to take care of. I hope the information that you purchased proves valuable to you. Perhaps we can do more business in the future."
    Duke Everich and Duke Jiardin rose silently and a servant led the way back to the carriage. Everich issued orders to the soldiers that had waited for him and then ordered the driver to return to his own estate. Duke Jiardin accompanied him to his office.
    "I do not feel comfortable with this whole thing," Duke Jiardin declared.
    "Perhaps you do not know enough about Stafa Rakech," responded Duke Everich. "He is the wealthiest man in the world. He has no need of further profit. I believe he does what he does for enjoyment. He shuns the light of the public, so I do not fear him getting involved in the Council, and that is the only thing I worry about. I believe he will be a very valuable ally."
    "But how can you be sure it was Stafa Rakech?" questioned Duke Jiardin. "We never really got a look at him."
    "And what if we did?" retorted Duke Everich. "Nobody knows what Stafa Rakech looks like. I can tell you for sure that the broach was from the Royal Palace of Sordoa. It alone is more valuable than your whole estate. Did you notice the size of his mercenary force? I cannot think of anyone in Tagaret that could afford to keep such a large force. I would wager that he has over a hundred mercenaries on that estate and they were not young lads either. Those men were well trained. They would not come cheaply."
    "I grant you that he has too much wealth to be from Tagaret," persisted Duke Jiardin, "but does that prove he is Stafa Rakech?"
    "Can you think of anyplace he could be from and have that much wealth?" quizzed Duke Everich. "Cordonia is no longer a rich country. Sordoa is a wasteland and he certainly did not have a Lanoirian accent. The man reeks of gold. Add to that the fact that nobody has ever found the body of Stafa Rakech and what do you deduce?"
    "That his death was faked," conceded Duke Jiardin. "I wonder what it is that he wants in Tagaret?"
    "My guess is excitement," stated Duke Everich. "Tagaret is the greatest city to have survived the Collapse. Where else could he choose to live and still receive the level of service that I am sure he is used to?"
    Duke Jiardin nodded and changed the subject. "What do we do about Engar? Have you ordered his arrest?"
    "Not yet," frowned Duke Everich. "There will of course be a Council meeting called tomorrow after the bitter news about the assassination of Duke D'Ales. I want to find out who Engar is going to nominate before arresting him. After he places a name in nomination, he will be arrested, and I will nominate Niki. You will nominate Fredrik. We will fill both slots with our people and be much closer to controlling the Council."
    "Are they both solid backers?" questioned Duke Jiardin.
    "Fredrik is for sure," declared Duke Everich. "I am suspicious of Niki though. Dalgar is pushing her, and I do not trust him. I would not mind something happening to her after she has performed that which I require."
    ***
    Fabel tossed back the thin cover and rose off of his