Free Abuud: the One-Eyed God by Richard S. Tuttle Page A

the voice. "One does not get wealthy by leaving things to chance. When I make a deal with someone, I like to know whom I am dealing with. That requires extensive information on everyone. I will not share this information with you or anyone else though. That is not the purpose for which it was obtained. I do not use information to gain an advantage over anyone. I use it to assure myself that I am not being the victim of misrepresentations. I value honesty in my trading partners."
    "If we were to ask you for the names of nobles who were honest and without ties to families in the city," asked Duke Graves, "would that be permissible? Surely that is not asking you to betray any real information or sources."
    The voice was silent for a long time and the councilors fidgeted as they waited. "There are two honest nobles that I have dealt with in the past few years," the voice finally offered. "Both are from Sordoa and are new to the city. In fact, they came to me for financing for their homes and guards. I readily agreed as I have had long-standing relationships with their families and have always been treated honestly by them. I do not know if they will want to be bothered by politics though. They have come to Tagaret to avoid the devastation that is gripping Sordoa."
    "That sounds promising," nodded Duke Graves. "Is Lord Wason one of them?"
    "No," answered the voice. "I have not had any financial dealings with the young lord from Cidal. I did deal with his uncle, Amos Alrecht. The old sea captain was an honest man. Now I am afraid that I must end your audience. I do have tasks that require my immediate attention. I will have Fabel show you out."
    "Sir," Duke Graves quickly called out as he heard a distant gong sound probably meant to summon the servant, "May we have the names of the two nobles?"
    The lights behind the silk screen flickered out. "Lord Clava and Lord Markel," the voice said as it rose from the chair behind the screen. "I doubt they will play in your game though. Both are men of high honor and value truth above all else."
    Duke Graves rose and saw the old servant enter the room. Without a word, the servant waited for the three councilors and then escorted them to their carriage. The carriage exited the estate and returned to the Palace Shadow. The councilors returned to the dining room and ordered a bottle of wine.
    "Can we trust him?" Duke Tredor finally asked.
    "Trust him?" echoed Duke Zalski. "What is there to trust? He did not ask anything of us, and he appeared reluctant to even offer any information. The real question is, if it is advisable to take his advice."
    "One piece of his advice I am certain to take," offered Duke Graves. "It is time for me to get serious about my security. These young army lads that we have moonlighting as security men are not sufficient for our protection. I plan to get some well-trained mercenaries for my estate. I will not be the next victim in the Contest of Power."
    "How expensive are they?" asked Duke Tredor.
    "One hundred crowns a day per man," frowned Duke Graves. "They are not inexpensive, but neither is my life. Stafa Rakech was correct about Duke D'Ales valuing his money more than his security. That is why he is no longer with us."
    "Interesting that Duke Everich knew about it beforehand," interjected Duke Zalski. "Why do you suppose he didn't act upon the information?"
    "D'Ales never agreed with Duke Everich," Duke Graves pointed out. "Capturing the assassin was important, but stopping the assassination was not. I always suspected that Duke Jiardin was Everich's man."
    "Certainly not his only one either," added Duke Tredor. "I think we should interview Lord Clava and Lord Markel this afternoon. Perhaps they can be talked into sitting on the Council, and they will favor our views because we brought them in."
    "There are no shortages of people begging to be on the Council," sighed Duke Graves, "but after the events of this morning I am hesitant to nominate anyone who has lived