Free Darkstone - An Evil Reborn (Book 4) by Guy Antibes

room. I’ve not got much more time before your father decides on what future he wishes to impose on you.”
    Sulm stood in front of Vish, who had taken a seat at Vish’s desk in a sitting room that now seemed too small for either of them. “Zarron, Besseth, Roppon. Three continents, three different cultures, although those in Serytar would likely disagree and position themselves more like Besseth than Dakkor.” Sulm shrugged. “It doesn’t matter what they think. The dukes of Serytar pay tribute to your father. The center of our world revolves a few hundred paces away from where you sit and yet—”
    “And yet, there is roiling and boiling for my father’s seat.” Vish didn’t have the enthusiasm for increasing his position among his brothers like they did. He only wanted to keep out of everyone’s way while he learned more ways to use his power.
    Sulm smiled. “Indeed. The roiling and boiling, as you put it, never ceases. The emperor maintains his image of strength to keep his empire stable. If he shows the slightest weakness, wolves will attack.”
    “Like they attacked me the other night?”
    Sulm nodded. “You are perceived as weak. Perhaps a bit less so, now, when Peleor is around, I would imagine. Any fifteen-year-old is, so don’t take offense. You should be careful where you go and who is around you, Vishan. You are relatively safe within the Imperial Compound, but exposed the minute you step outside.”
    Vish wondered why Sulm was talking about this. “I’ll be careful, especially now.”
    His tutor paused to look out the window. He seemed lost in thought but turned and said,  “I have been going to meetings for a while with people who I agree with about these things. Would you like to come? In disguise, of course.”
    Had Sulm just offered him a look into a secret society? How could he turn him down? And yet, his tutor had just contradicted himself in just a few words. If he took Sulm up on his offer, he’d make sure Peleor would secretly join them. The bond that he thought he felt with Sulm had quickly disintegrated. Walking into another trap wouldn’t do.
    “When is your next meeting?”
    “A week from yesterday. I will give you more details. Can you secure common clothing? Maybe Peleor can provide you with some when he gets up and around. His connections are rather mundane,” Sulm said. Vish noted the condescension in Sulm’s opinion of his friend. However the lure of a forbidden meeting excited him.
    Vishan grinned. “It will be great fun!”
    “Serious fun, my man.” Sulm’s face behind his smile didn’t match up.
    ~
    Peleor paced the floor of Vish’s room. “You shouldn’t do this. It’s another trap. I’m afraid Sulm is naïve or trying to help someone get you killed.”
    “How can you be so sure?” Vish said, as he tied up his old mail shirt. It nearly didn’t fit anymore, but he wouldn’t be walking the streets tonight without it. If Peleor was correct, then Vish was the naïve one. He didn’t want that, so he followed Peleor’s advice.
    “Sulm suggested the inn, remember?” Peleor said. “He said he would always regret that day. I believe that is what he meant, but I don’t think the regret is not being able to help you. He also passed out on the table. Sulm drank more than me, but not as much as you did. I always observe such things. What if he led us to the tavern and expected the thugs to kill us while he feigned drunkenness?”
    “But—” Vish couldn’t finish his thoughts. Peleor had stated the facts just as Vish remembered them and he couldn’t reject the connection. “But what if he’s innocent?”
    Peleor shrugged and then pulled on a dark gray cloak, just like the ubiquitous thin ones worn by most workmen in the city. He probably got it off of a worker, since the garment had seen better days.
    “Here is yours and I want you to wear this hat. I have spelled them both with marks that only I will see.”
    “What if there’s another sorcerer?”