Marcus stepped forward through the wall, and I followed, entering a massive open-air courtyard. The sounds from the outside market disappeared, replaced by the bustle of a completely different bazaar. Dozens upon dozens of stalls, all draped in a deep, unyielding black, lined the four sides, selling objects and goods I had never seen before. Enchanted lanterns floated silently above, enhancing the moonlight that shone over the market.
“The Black Bazaar,” whispered Marcus. “Only thieves and pirates know about this place. It is where they come to buy and sell magical goods that cannot be found anywhere else.” He pulled his hood securely around his head, his eyes twinkling. “I wonder what our esteemed Chancellor Varian is doing here.”
Three sides of the courtyard had big stone arches leading out into similar courtyards, and Varian hurried along the cobbled courtyard to the farthest arch and disappeared into another space. Marcus and I followed him, winding our way between the stalls and bustle of shady-looking people, all of whom had their hoods up and preferred to remain anonymous.
I paused to stare at one of the stalls, which was selling enchanted amulets for protection against demons.
“Enchanted by druids, supposedly.” Marcus pointed to the amulets. “But unreliable. I wouldn’t want to face a demon wearing only that.”
I arched an eyebrow. “There are druids in Avalonia?”
“Not anymore.” Marcus gave me a quick look as he pulled me away from the stall.
“I’ve never heard anyone mention them before.”
“That’s because the druids haven’t been seen in Avalonia for decades now.”
In the next stall was a squat, balding man selling a variety of colored gemstones. “Portal witchstones,” said Marcus. “They are enchanted to work only once and only to the place they are enchanted to take you. But they are very expensive and difficult to get hold of. I doubt those are real at all. There are not many witches powerful enough to make those anymore. That man is probably a fraud. Be careful here, and don’t touch anything.”
I could feel the magic in the air, pulsating like a beating heart. All the courtyards were warded by magic and so were many of the stalls, preventing anyone from stealing. I spotted Varian moving toward a large black tent in the corner of the courtyard, and we followed.
I extended my magic to glamour both of us, enclosing us within a cocoon of air that rendered us invisible. Just as we were about to follow him in, another man entered and left his two guards outside.
“That’s Darius Detori,” whispered Marcus.
My eyes widened. “But he’s not expected for a few more days.”
Marcus nodded.
I followed Marcus, staying close to the wall and making sure our glamour was intact, before we slipped into the tent, carefully brushing past the guards who stood at the entrance. We hid ourselves inside the tent behind a cloth-covered table, still protected by my powerful glamour. I infused more magic into it to make sure it was secure.
The tent looked much bigger from the inside than it did on the outside, like the tents at the fae market in Pixie Bush. Varian sat across the table from the infamous Darius Detori.
The Detori emir adjusted his robe, an exquisite crimson fabric embroidered with gold thread. He had an air about him that screamed nobility. Dark lashes framed his amber eyes, and his chiseled cheekbones were partially covered by a trimmed beard. “A new shipment of slaves was captured by pirates on its way to Mist Falls.” Darius regarded Varian with a cruel scowl. “I thought you were going to take care of the problem, Varian. You are supposed to be the biggest slave trader this side of Brandor. You should have more soldiers on your ships. Or are you just too cheap to hire good ones?”
The Chancellor of Sanria tried to say something, but Darius Detori held up his hand to silence him. “Have you found out who is behind this?”
Varian looked down, wringing his hands. “It’s Santino’s men, Lord Detori, I am sure of it. His pirates are a sneaky bunch. If I can prove it, the emir will stop trusting Santino and listen only to me.”
“I can’t wait until you find your proof,” said Darius Detori. “There is no more time. We need more slaves to finish the mining.”
Varian cleared his throat. “There is something else you should know.”
Darius Detori sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. “Tell me.”
“Emir Valasis knows about the mines and plans to have them shut down.”
Darius Detori stroked his clipped beard. “I wouldn’t worry too much about Roderigo Valasis. You just make sure I get my slaves to finish the work. Once we give Morgana what she wants, she will make me Sultan of Brandor. It’s time we had a real king. The council is weak, and Emir Valasis has ruled it long enough. Santino has been a thorn in our side ever since he replaced his elder brother. Get rid of him.”
I suppressed a gasp. Marcus shot me a warning look. They were plotting to murder Santino. And Darius Detori was without a doubt working for Morgana.
“Once the pirate prince is gone there will be no one who can oppose us. Roderigo Valasis is nothing without Santino and his army of pirates and mercenaries.”
“But—” Varian cleared his throat, his beady eyes darting around the tent. A thin trickle of sweat dripped down his fat cheek. “But my lord, Santino is not an easy man to get rid of. Wouldn’t it be better to wait until the mining is finished? The Firedrake princess is here in Sanria, along with her fae prince, and they are staying at the citadel. She and Santino are friends. If I—” He paused, rephrasing. “If we try anything while she is here, I fear there will be retaliation.”
Lord Detori banged his hand on the table. “I’m not afraid of some upstart princess. If she gets in the way, get rid of her too.
