Darkwalker by E. L. Tettensor Read Free Book Online Page A

all day, taking whatever life and the overworked nuns saw fit to dish out. Instead he took his fate into his own hands, day after day, at not inconsiderable risk to life and limb. If he was crafty enough to make his own way, why should Lenoir interfere? On the contrary, he was impressed with the boy’s grit and adaptability. As long as Zach confined himself to petty crimes, Lenoir was content enough to let him alone, especially since he had proven himself a valuable resource.
    That did not, however, mean that he would allow himself to be duped by the boy. He eyed Zach shrewdly. “Where is it?”
    At first Zach’s expression was all innocence, but when it became clear that Lenoir was not going to fall for it, he grinned again. “Under my hat.”
    Lenoir sighed. “You should be more careful, Zach. There are many in this neighborhood who would dash your skull to pieces without a second thought.”
    “Lucky I have you to protect me.”
    “What makes you think I will protect you next time?”
    “Because if you don’t, you’ll have to find someone else who can get you the information I do, and that won’t be easy.”
    Lenoir laughed in spite of himself. The boy knew his own worth. That was good. “Earn your keep, then. I have a job for you.” He waved the barmaid over and they ordered dinner. While they waited for it to arrive, Lenoir got down to business. “Tell me, Zach, have you ever heard of Lady Zera?”
    “I think so. Doesn’t she own a brothel?”
    Lenoir grunted thoughtfully. Zera’s fears about her reputation seemed to be well founded. “She does not. In fact, she runs quite a reputable salon on the high street.”
    “What’s a salon?”
    “It’s a gathering of people, hosted by someone of renowned taste.”
    “Like a party?”
    “Of sorts, a party for the wealthy and the elegant, where they can show off their knowledge of literature and philosophy.”
    “Sounds boring.”
    Lenoir smiled. “Sometimes. But a talented host will ensure that there is enough fine liquor and other indulgences to make up for the rarified conversation. It is also a place for the fashionable to be seen.”
    “Are you fashionable?” the boy asked guilelessly.
    Lenoir almost choked on his wine. “Certainly not,” he said, dabbing at his shirt, “but Lady Zera is, exceedingly so. She is one of the most admired hostesses in the city. That is no small thing, because she also happens to be Adali.”
    Zach’s eyes widened. “Really? Does she know magic?”
    “Come, now, Zach, not this again. You know better than to believe such superstitious nonsense. Your neighborhood is full of Adali. How many of them are witches?”
    The boy considered. “They’re thieves, mostly.”
    Lenoir winced at the generalization, widely held though it was. “On the contrary, most Adali are ordinary, law-abiding folk. But it is true that many fall to crime. Life is hard for them here. An Adal living in the city is cut off from his clan. He is poor and despised, so he makes his way as best he can.”
    “Then why do they come here?”
    Lenoir paused. For one so young, the boy asked insightful questions.
Perhaps he would make a good inspector after all
. Aloud, he said, “I suppose they come to make their fortune. Perhaps some of them do not want to raise cattle for the rest of their lives.” Just as many were prostitutes and other forms of trafficked slaves, but Lenoir saw no point in troubling Zach with the darker realities of Adali life. The boy knew all too well what it meant to be poor, desperate, and preyed upon. “In any case, Lady Zera has gone to great pains to dissociate herself from her people.”
    “Why?”
    “Because she does not want to be stained by association. Kennians do not like the Adali, Zach.”
    “Because they steal?”
    “Among other complaints. Few people take time to consider what it must be like to live in the city’s slums, what it takes to survive. If they did, they would find much to admire. Instead they see