* * *
The leader of the caravan sat across the table from Valek. He eyed the red diamonds stitched onto Valek’s collar and scowled. “This better be quick, I’ve a schedule?—”
“To keep. I’m aware.” Valek studied the man.
He wore the standard brown trader uniform of a simple tunic and pants with calf-high boots. Straggly gray hair matched his unkempt beard. His long, narrow face was weathered and lined with wrinkles. To give the man credit, he didn’t squirm or drop his gaze under Valek’s scrutiny.
“What is your name?” Valek asked.
He huffed. “Roth. What’s this all about?”
“The substance in those boxes you just delivered is illegal.”
“Oh, come on. It’s some kind of dessert from General Brazell.”
Despite what he’d claimed earlier, Roth did know the contents. “Are you aware Brazell was arrested for treason.”
“Well, yeah, I’ve heard the rumors. But the adviser said the delivery was approved by the Commander.” Roth shrugged. “As long as the paperwork is legit, I don’t ask questions. I just do my job, transporting cargo from point A to point B in an endless loop.”
Valek kept his expression neutral despite getting a few good bits of information, including the caravan was sent after Brazell’s arrest. “Which adviser?”
“Ah, the lady.” Roth pulled at his beard. “What’s her name… Tall with long dark hair?”
Sounded like Adviser Dema, but that was impossible. If Valek was wrong about Dema’s devotion to the Commander, he’d quit his job because of sheer incompetence. “Where did you get this particular cargo?”
“There’s a warehouse near the foothills of the Soul Mountains. The workers loaded it up and off we went.”
“Where exactly is this warehouse?”
“Straight east of that factory that just burned down.”
“You have three empty wagons. Where else did you deliver the boxes?”
Another huff. “Two wagons to MD-5’s garrison. One to General Tesso’s manor house. And before you ask, the remaining three were going to MD-3. One to General Franis’s house and two for the garrison. Plus, the wool. Unless that’s illegal, too?”
Valek ignored the jab. Whoever sent the wagons was targeting MD-5 as well. Was that because Brazell was no longer in charge? Had someone decided to continue with the plot Mogkan and Brazell started? Valek thought they had uncovered all the conspirators. Perhaps Mogkan had his own accomplices, people who were unknown to Brazell.
“Have you delivered those boxes to any other garrison or manor house?” Valek asked.
“No.”
“Are there other caravans transporting them?”
“I dunno.”
Valek waited.
Roth crossed his arms but didn’t show any signs that he’d lied. “Can I go now?”
“No. You and your team will stay here until I can determine the degree of your involvement.”
Hopping to his feet, Roth said, “We followed orders and didn’t do anything wrong. You can’t lock us in jail.”
“I can. However, you’ll remain as guests in the barracks until this matter is resolved. If you try to leave without permission or become too troublesome, then your accommodations will change. And not for the better.” Valek stood and strode to the door.
The two guards that had accompanied Roth waited outside to escort the trader back.
“Adviser Alea,” Roth called.
