Free Assassin's Shadow (Veiled Dagger Book 2) by Jon Kiln Page A

that it was everywhere.”
    “But who did you get it from?” he asked.
    Allette hesitated.
    “You have no need to worry, you are not going to get anyone into any sort of trouble. I am merely trying to track the drug back to whomever is bringing it into the city.”
    “Bringing it in?” Allette asked. “Is it not grown here? I assumed it was some creation of the apothecary Ariswold.”
    Rothar sighed. “I wish it were as simple as that, but unfortunately even Ariswold does not know where it is coming from.”
    The mention of Ariswold made Rothar wonder how the old man was faring. He must be sure to check in on him as soon as he could.
    “Well, I first tried it with Tabor, who runs the shop I work in. I do not know where he got it,” Allette said.
    Rothar got up. “Very well then. I sent for some clothes to be brought for you, they are over there in the corner. I believe they will fit you. You are welcome to stay here until we can arrange other accommodations for you. For now, you must sleep.”
    With that, Rothar walked out of the house and saddled Stormbringer, setting off for Castle Staghorn.

Chapter 18
    The sentries around Castle Staghorn were still doubled, but Rothar was glad to see that at least there had been fresh men brought in to fill the duty. The hour was late, and he was admitted into an empty throne room. He had expected to have to wait for the King and Queen to arrive, and he could probably have waited until morning to call upon them, but he felt he was wasting his time in the King’s City when he knew the Obscura was coming from parts unknown, and he needed to be traveling.
    He was as yet unsure of where he should go, but he knew that going anywhere would be more use than sitting still, and he needed to check his trap.
    King Heldar and Queen Amelia finally entered. Heldar looked sleepy, and Amelia still wore black.
    “This must be important, Rothar,” the King said, plopping down upon the throne. His tone was gruff, but his face was placid. He could never be truly angry with his oldest friend.
    “Not all of us can sleep when there is evil afoot,” Rothar said with a slight grin.
    King Heldar waved off the comment. Amelia looked as amused as she had since the death of the stable boy.
    “I just felt that I should let you know I am leaving the City tonight, in search of the source of the Obscura,” Rothar said.
    “Well, it’s about time, I should say,” said the King, almost joking. “It is just as well, order seems to have been restored here, and rather quickly I might add. My men seem to have had quite an effect on those willing to incite upheaval.”
    “Your men are skilled indeed,” replied Rothar. “But I must tell you that this peace has more to do with the fresh supply of Obscura that seems to have found it’s way into the city the morning after the riots.”
    The King’s face turned red.
    “Fresh supply?! Why did you not say that in the first place! I will send out my men to search every home and seize every last pinch of this infernal weed!”
    Rothar put up a hand to quiet the King.
    “If you do that, you will have another uprising one your hands - a bigger one. The addicted will be knocking down your door. They have your men outnumbered and will fear nothing. I suggest you let things be until you hear from me. A city dazed and delirious is better than a city on fire.”
    The King started to protest, but realized that Rothar was right. He slumped back on the throne.
    “Another thing, Heldar,” said Rothar.
    “Yes?”
    “There is a woman staying in my home. She is weak and injured, and has no family; I would be thankful if you could send someone by to check in on her until I return.”
    King Heldar’s eyebrows went up.
    “You have never been one for romantic conquests, Rothar, are you getting sentimental?”
    “I can assure you, it is nothing of the sort,” Rothar replied with a half smile. “And as for my romantic conquests, you should be inclined to mind your own