Chapter 7 – Part 5

“You’re three days late,” Aruunis said. The elven druid did not even look up from the maps spread forth on the table before him. The library in the Vadalis compound in Varna had but one study room, and he was occupying the whole of it.

Neddiken raised an eyebrow as he stepped into the room and shut the door. “Truly, brother dear, your woodslore has helped you hear the quietest step.”

“We are not related,” the druid told the other elf in a frozen tone. “If we were the bit of Aerenal that remains in me would require some sort of attack on your person to erase a stain on family honor.”

“That’s not funny,” Neddiken told him, eyeing the room nervously. No doubt he was wondering where the eagle was. Aruunis had no intention of letting the sneaky, double-crossing merchant know that the druid’s animal companion was not nearby. The possibility of losing an ear might keep Neddiken from lying too much.

“If you’re here, it must be for good reason, since so many people want you dead,” Aruunis said in the same frozen tone. He frowned at the map. If Pienna really was visiting seals and doing other Gatekeeper duties out of guilt, and if she really could plant-walk, she’d be hopping all over the Reaches. The stern druid was contemplating a pattern, trying to intercept her. To that effect he’d also sent out feelers to various groups, trying to find her, but they were all preoccupied with the war, not with one wandering druid.

“This is one of the safest buildings in Varna,” Neddiken noted, stepping forward cautiously, no doubt to see what map Aruunis was looking at. “House Vadalis has ties to the Aundairan Throne. The wizards across the river will blast any building but the one we are in.” Neddiken gave a nervous smile. “Maybe that’s why I’m here.”

“The village of Merylsward tends to disprove your theory,” Aruunis said. “So quit bantering. What do you have for me?”

Neddiken nodded and crept forward. “A middle-aged human woman with an oak circlet and a pet panther, appearing in three locations, hundreds of miles apart, within a few days. She’s picked up a pet goblin, which fits with what the shifter commander from the Battle of Chubat said.” He handed a sheaf of parchment to Aruunis. “Dates and locations, along with sources. Not one source knows of the other, and they all think I’m looking to use her in my smuggling operations.” A nervous giggle. “Maybe I will.”

Aruunis studied the notes, then the map. If she was moving in a pre-determined course, rather than randomly, and if he knew Pienna, it was a pre-determined course, then she’d be in Cree today or tomorrow. Pienna would be looking for clues related to her prophecy, but she was avoiding Varna. Why?

The druid lifted his head and flared his nostrils. He and the other elf stared at each other for a while.

“You have contacts in House Orien,” Aruunis finally said. It was a question, but not really. Neddiken had been known to escape just ahead of angry mobs, with none knowing how. The smuggler nodded. “Have them spread the word that you found a warforged of interesting construction, no composite plating. It is inert, very damaged, but you have reason to believe it may be valuable.”

“Then what?” Neddiken asked.

“Then I make you incredibly rich,” Aruunis said. The other elf nodded and licked his lips.