“Probably not, but I need to be nearby in case Ferde attacks.”
“Fair enough. There’s a good view of the Keep’s entrance from the council’s stables. There’re always a couple hands there. At night, they mostly sleep on the hay bales, but are available for any emergencies.”
“It’s been a few years since I was a stable boy.”
“I’m sure it’ll come back to you.”
He laughed. “Thanks, but I’ve a better disguise in mind.”
“Better?”
“Oh, yes. This one will make me practically invisible.”
* * *
Valek found Gabor in the shadows of the stables. Dressed in typical barn clothes and mud boots, he looked like he was taking a break from mucking out stalls.
“What in the world is that smell?” Gabor’s nose crinkled.
“I rolled in a pile of horse manure,” Valek said. He held his arms out. His clothing was stained and torn. Dirt streaked his face and he’d rubbed oil into his hair, so it hung in greasy clumps. “Well? Do I look like a beggar?”
“You certainly reek like one.”
“Living on the streets is a tough life.”
“Speaking from experience?”
“Yes. From an extensive undercover operation.” At least this time he wore pants, and another layer of warm clothes underneath the rags. Skirts weren’t as warm. “You can go back to the house.”
“Brigi can relieve you in the morning.”
“I’m staying here for the duration.”
“I’ll have her bring you breakfast.”
“No, thanks. It might blow my cover. I’ll scrounge like everyone else.”
“Good luck.”
Valek had noticed a group of beggars that hung around the Council Hall. At this time of the night, some of them slept on the steps leading up to the entrance. Others occupied nooks around the building, sleeping on dirty blankets. Valek found an open spot with a direct line of sight to the Keep’s entrance.
When he sat on the lowest step, the man next to him grunted. “You’re new. Where you been hanging?”
“Up near Moonlight Mane Stables.”
“That explains the smell. Why you here?”
“The Stable Master caught me stealing food.” Valek shrugged. “Nice enough not to press charges but told me to disappear.”
“We don’t steal here. And you share what you get, or you’ll be run out.”
“Got it.”
“What’s your name?”
“Kalek.”
“Minel. You better not snore.”
