I had finally accepted I wasn’t going to be able to get my mother back yet, although that didn’t stop me from feeling guilty every time I thought about her. Knowing she had sacrificed herself to save me felt like a huge burden I had to repay. But getting myself killed before I gave myself a fighting chance was stupidity.
Brandon stood up. “I’m not sure exactly what you are up to, but I would still like to help. You have come at just the right time. I was about to leave for Calos tomorrow to attend my cousin’s wedding. Santino Valasis will be there; he can get you to Brandor and into the emir’s fortress without anyone asking questions.”
“Santino Valasis.” Rafe raised an eyebrow. “The son of the Emir of Sanria?”
“The very same.” Brandon nodded. “I know him well, and I can ask him to help us.”
Rafe poured himself more fireberry whiskey, took a swig, and sat down. “Then we will accompany you to Calos, and you can introduce us to Santino.”
“But how do you know he will help us? What if he turns us in?” I asked.
Brandon laughed, filling up his goblet as well. “You don’t have to worry. Santino Valasis is a notorious privateer and trader. If he thinks the cargo is valuable enough, he will take you to the Sea of Shadows if you wish it.”
“But if he is the son of an Emir of Brandor, why would he help me?” I was not convinced about the likelihood of receiving aid from a stranger.
“I have heard of Santino,” said Rafe. “He is known as the pirate prince, and even the most cutthroat pirates stay far away from him. But I have also heard he is a fair man, and the other emirs fear him. It might not be such a bad thing having him on our side.”
Brandon nodded. “Rafe is right. Santino is a deadly fighter and a shrewd man. He is the reason his father holds most of the power in Brandor. Santino is notorious for having an army of mercenaries and pirates loyal only to him, and the port city of Sanria is completely under his control.”
“What about Marcus?” I voiced my other concern.
Brandon’s face hardened. “What about him?”
“Why have you locked him up?” asked Rafe. “You and I both know that he did not commit those murders. He may be a spy and a profiteer, but he is not a killer.”
Brandon rubbed his chin. “He is a cheat,” he said finally. “He sold me a magical item that didn’t work and then disappeared. That was a few years ago, and I swore if he ever came back I would not spare him. I heard he was in town and I came to apprehend him myself.” He paused and looked at me strangely. “Looks like I got more than I bargained for.”
“So if he agreed to give you your money back, would you let him go?” Rafe inquired.
“Perhaps,” Brandon answered. “But he may know something about the killings. He is a spy, after all. Why are you so interested in him?”
“Let me talk to Marcus.” Rafe put down his goblet and got up from the chair.
“I will send for him.” Brandon went over to the door and spoke to the guard standing outside. In a few minutes, Marcus Gold was brought into the room.
Brandon waved his hand. “Leave us.”
The guard promptly bowed and scurried out.
Rafe stood beside Brandon. “Marcus, if you cooperate with Lord Delacourt we can clear this up immediately.”
“So, Mr. Gold,” Brandon began, “it looks like this is your lucky day, since the prince has use of you. I am prepared to let you go on one condition.”
“Which is?” said the smaller man, crossing his arms and looking Brandon straight in the eye.
“The object I bought from you so many years ago didn’t work.” Brandon clasped his hands behind his back as he circled Marcus. “You will get me one that does. And this time I am coming with you.” He stopped in front of his prisoner.
“The object you seek can only be found among the witch tribes of Rohron,” said Marcus. “But I cannot guarantee it will work. It depends on the power of the witch who made it.”
“What is it you are after, Brandon?” said Rafe, looking perturbed at where this conversation was going. “The magic of the witches of Rohron is unpredictable and rooted in dark power. I would advise against seeking out any of their magical objects.”
“It is an object that will let me speak with my dead sister,” Brandon elaborated. “It is the only way I can say goodbye.”
Rafe was silent, and so was Marcus. Brandon looked so forlorn, and I felt bad for him. I went up to him and patted his back. “If there is such an object, I’m sure Marcus can find it.” My thoughts whirled with the prospect. Maybe I could speak to my father as well? But first they had to find it, and I had other problems on my plate.
Marcus nodded. “I know where we can get one, but it won’t be easy. We will have to go through Brandor—the Illiadorian border is now closed.”
Brandon thought for a moment. “We can travel together to Brandor with you,” he said to Rafe. “Then Marcus and I can go on to Rohron from there.”
“It’s settled then,” Rafe said. “Tomorrow we leave for Calos and you can introduce us to Santino. I hope he is willing to help us.”
The steward of the castle came in to announce dinner was served. Marcus declined the invitation, and since Brandon had agreed to release him from the dungeons, he sent for guards to escort him to a guest room.
Brandon gave me his arm to lead me
