City of Dreams and Nightmare by Ian Whates Read Free Book Online

just as quickly vanishing.
    An instant later, a sharp green light swelled into view, blanketing the scene and causing Tylus to wince at the dazzling brightness.
    Even that started to fade and the image disappeared altogether. Once more he could see clear across the tabletop to where Magnus sat calmly watching him.
    Tylus was desperate to know what had happened to the street-nick, but he was also acutely aware of the status of the man sitting opposite him, so bit his tongue and waited to be addressed.
    “You’ve been told of the heinous crime committed earlier tonight?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “Good. As you see, the murderer has succeeded in escaping both yourself and justice in general. That is not a situation that can be allowed to continue.”
    “No, sir.”
    The arkademic sighed and shook his head. “The victim was a great man and a dear friend of mine; someone who will be sadly missed by the city and its people. The individual responsible has to be caught and brought to justice. I’m charging you, Kite Officer Tylus, with seeing that this happens. You are relieved of your normal duties with immediate effect and will hunt this murderer down wherever the path may take you.”
    Tylus was stunned yet knew this was a task he couldn’t refuse and, besides, it was his fault the lad had escaped. Almost without realising, he was on his feet and standing to attention again, inflamed by a righteous need to see justice done.
    “Certainly, sir; you can count on me. I’ll begin by talking to the Swarbs…”
    The arkademic was shaking his head. “A noble sentiment, officer, but we both know how well the Swarbs react to representatives of the law, especially Kite Guards. Besides, the lad won’t be there anymore. He’s of no value to them and, although a capricious and contrary lot by nature, the Swarbs are not known to be heartless. They will almost certainly have let him go. I expect by now the lad is safely back in the City Below.
    “Here.” He leant forward and held out a folded sheet of paper. “This is my warrant, requiring that any official should place all and any resources you reasonably require at your disposal. I’ll send word ahead to the relevant authorities but, should you encounter any reluctance, show this warrant and none will gainsay you anything you need.”
    Tylus took the document, barely able to believe that an instrument of such power should rest in his hand. “Thank you, sir.”
    “Now, I believe that concludes our business. Doubtless you’ve had a long and busy night. Rest for what remains of it and in the morning set about your task. Don’t let me down.”
    Tylus recognised a dismissal when he heard one. “I won’t, sir!” He saluted, turned smartly around and proceeded to march out.
    “Oh, one more thing, Kite Guard Tylus…”
    He paused, in the process of opening the door, and looked back. “Sir?”
    “That cape; see it’s replaced before you set out. We can’t have you going to the City Below with a torn uniform – sets a bad example.”
    “Yes, sir, of course, sir.” Tylus turned and left, hiding a smirk and grateful to have worn the cape after all. It was more than worth a little discomfort. Let Sergeant Goss try and deny him a new kitecape now.
    Magnus waited, staring at the play of resurgent flame as the fire found a fresh piece of wood to devour. He listened to the front door close, which would signal Dewar showing the Kite Guard out. Seconds later, the door to the study opened and Dewar stepped inside. So much more than a servant, this was Magnus’s factotum, his man-for-all-tasks. Before Magnus employed him, Dewar had been a simple and very effective assassin, albeit one with a penchant for the sadistic.
    The arkademic continued to stare at the fire. “You heard all that?”
    “Of course,” the other responded. “That idiot stands as much chance of finding your street-nick as I do of gaining admittance to the Chapel of the Sacred Virgins.”
    “Less, I would think,