"Maria V. Snyder - Study 1.5 - Assassin Study" - читать интересную книгу автора (Snyder Maria V)

“Two so far. We’ve stopped for lunch.”

Valek doubted they would find more. His spies hadn’t picked up on the illicit activity, which usually
meant a small number of people were involved. Either that or his scouts had been compromised. An
intensive investigation into his intelligence network would be prudent before he could trust anyone besides
Ari and Janco.

“What’s the status on Brazell’s soldiers?” Valek asked.

“Everyone on the roster is accounted for.”

“Good.” From the uncertain expression on Ari’s face, Valek knew the man was troubled.
“Something else?”

“Yes.” Ari paused as if debating what he should say. “Our initial count of General Brazell’s army had
one extra person, but when we matched names to the list, it worked out.”

“Perhaps a servant or an aide was counted by mistake?”

“That’s what I thought, too. But…”

Valek waited. He, too, knew the value of silence.

Ari flinched as if he suspected his next words would anger Valek. “I’ve heard rumors in the guard
house. There’s been a lot of boasting about who’s going to murder Yelena.”

Which was expected. There was no love for her among Brazell’s people; she had killed his only
child, Reyad, and had played a major part in the General’s arrest. “Go on.”

“The boasts have stopped, but bets are now being made on when Tam will kill her.”

“Who’s Tam?”

“A lieutenant. That’s all I know.”

T. Daviian? Valek wondered. A Sitian assassin? “Is Tam on the roster?”

“No.”

“When did the bets start?”

“This morning. Orders?”

“Get me more information about Tam. Don’t be subtle.”

“Yes, sir.” Ari saluted and hurried from the room.

Valek abandoned his task and dashed to the stables to check if there were any horses missing. All
was quiet. Perhaps Brazell’s guilty advisors would have some information.