Brandt was no stranger to patience. The life of a wolfblade was often one that demanded both haste and prolonged waiting. If he investigated just a few names on the list every day, he was confident he would uncover the bandit.
He glanced at the papers again. The information within was powerful. Leveraged correctly, it could make its owner both wealthy and influential. When all this was over, it made sense to confiscate everything from Alena.
He rolled his head in a circle, loosening the tight muscles in his neck. He was putting off the other task he had to do today, and he knew it. Delay wouldn’t make it any easier.
Brandt threw on a cloak and stepped out into the streets, heading in the direction of the academy.
His wound continued to heal. Thanks to plenty of rest and light movement, he was nearly back to full health. His chest still bothered him at times, but he was almost ready for another fight.
Like his body, life in Landow slowly returned to normal. The streets were filling up with people again, and every day that passed without incident helped citizens to delude themselves into thinking they were safe.
Safety was an illusion, though. Waking up was a risk. Accidents, illness, and age threatened everyone with every step. But most willfully ignored the fact.
Brandt envied them. He had seen the gates, and thought about them nearly every day. He often imagined what it would be like to enjoy the simplicity of most people’s lives, worrying about trivial matters.
Brandt reached the academy just before it let out for the day. He waited as students filed past him, most of them even more carefree than the adults he’d so recently been jealous of.
He watched Alena walk by, but although she no doubt noticed him, she gave no indication of having recognized him. He was here looking for another student.
Niles saw him as he left the academy. The young man’s face seemed set in a perpetual frown.
“May I walk with you for a few moments?” Brandt asked.
Niles nodded. “What progress has been made?”
Brandt was relieved that he had something to report. “I believe that I am getting closer. I’ve been able to narrow down a list of suspects, and it will only be a matter of time.”
Niles couldn’t hide the edge of desperation in his voice. “Let me help you. I want to be there when you capture him.”
Brandt shook his head. He understood the boy’s desire, but he couldn’t allow it.
Niles looked like he was about to argue, but he backed down. Brandt was disappointed, in a way. He suspected Niles had been beaten down so often by his father he wasn’t quite used to standing up to authority, yet.
Brandt stopped and turned to face him. “You’ll have vengeance. I won’t stop until I’ve found him.”
He could tell Niles wanted to believe him, but didn’t want to get his hopes up too high. If he was in the boy’s shoes, he’d feel the same, he supposed.
Brandt looked around and noticed they weren’t even walking in the direction of Niles’ house. “Did you move?”
Niles shook his head. “I have an appointment with the governor this afternoon. He wants to speak about the investigation, and about what he can do for my family. He’s been very supportive.”
Brandt felt a pang of regret. Kye had asked him to report back with any findings, but he’d held off until he had something solid. “Will you pass on what I told you? I want him to know that I think I’m getting close.”
Niles nodded. “I will.”
Niles made to leave, but Brandt held him back for a moment. “There’s something else.” He handed Niles a sealed letter.
“What’s this?”
“A letter of acceptance into the wolfblade training cadre. I wrote to my commanding officer, and this just came in reply.”
Niles looked at the letter like he wasn’t sure what to make of it.
“The choice is yours,” Brandt said. “Training and acceptance are two different accomplishments. But if you want the best martial training in the empire, it’s found here. And it will give you a reason to leave the horrors of this town behind.”
Niles nodded. He offered Brandt a short bow. “Thank you for everything you have done.”
Brandt offered an even deeper bow. “I lost my own friends. It’s the least I could do.”
He watched Niles as the young man continued down the street alone. Niles’ meeting looked to be at the governor’s personal mansion, given the direction he was traveling.
After a few moments, Brandt turned and began his daily trip to the teahouse.
Alena had beaten him there, but he hadn’t expected much else. From the look on her face, though, he immediately realized something was wrong.
He didn’t even have to ask. She launched right in. “How loyal of a servant of the empire are you, Brandt?”
His answer was immediate. “I would give my life for the empire.”
It wasn’t an empty phrase. The empire had made him into the warrior he was. Everything he owned or had earned was a result of the empire. Its rules were strict, but those who obeyed lived contented lives.
“I think I know who the bandit is.”
“Who?”
She didn’t answer, her eyes darting anywhere in the room except to him. She took deep sips of her tea, but she couldn’t be thirsty after all that she had consumed already. The serving staff hadn’t even had time to remove the first pot yet.
“Alena, you can tell me.”
Anger built inside him. His friends had died, and now his loyalty was being questioned?
She finally looked straight at him. “It’s Kye.”
Brandt shook his head. “He’s been nothing but helpful since I got here.”
Alena pulled a sheet of paper from her pocket, unfolded it, and spun it so that it was facing him. “I copied everything from Bayt’s notes, word for word. This isn’t my summary.”
Brandt read through the page. Kye had been the third son of a wealthy family. Some rumors
