“Not for long. The generals are discussing this hasty promotion along with your failure in keeping the Commander safe. We plan to present a number of actionable items to the Commander.”
“Good luck with that,” Valek said and headed for the door.
“I wouldn’t be so flippant if I were you,” Tesso called after him. “You could lose your job or be arrested and hung for treason.”
Or I could move to Sitia and be with Yelena and not have to deal with any of you anymore.Tempting. Very tempting.
* * *
Well aware that the general would countermand all Valek’s orders, he hurried through the garrison. Valek had the rank to override the General, but that would put the soldiers like Captain Silas in a difficult position.
One of Valek’s undercover agents worked in the kitchen. Pale pink light crept over the black sky, so he hoped to find Nowles prepping for breakfast. The slight man stood at a counter chopping green peppers with a precision and speed that either spoke of years of practice or hinted at Nowles’s extra training with knives. Valek would have to remind him to tone it down or it might blow his cover.
Catching Nowles’s gaze, Valek signaled.
Soon after, Nowles joined Valek in the hallway behind the vast kitchen.
“Better make it quick, boss,” Nowles said. “Busy time, and my absence will be noticed.”
Valek explained about the boxes that had been delivered the night before.
“Oh yeah, the head chef is ecstatic about the contents. She’s been told to serve it only to the higher ranked officers and no one else. Must be expensive.”
Interesting and completely opposite of the Commander’s orders regarding his army. He required that everyone be treated equally and to have access to the same services and benefits no matter their rank. “It’s a drug called Criollo. You can’t let anyone ingest it. I want you to steal every box, every bit of it, and burn it.”
Nowles gaped at him. “I’d have more success if you ordered me to fly.”
“I’m serious.”
“So am I! Chef Rae is already guarding it like a dog with a new bone.”
“Have Tila help you.”
“Still not enough. Can you send me a few more agents?”
“No time.”
Nowles wiped his hands on his apron. “How bad is it if they eat it?”
“It’s not lethal, but it can be addictive. And…” And it took time to work. Valek drew in a deep, calming breath. Although his instincts screamed at him to destroy it immediately, it wasn’t dire. Plus, there needed to be a magician in the garrison to take advantage of the drug’s effects.
That possibility stopped Valek. Had Mogkan created his own network of undercover magicians in all the Ixian garrisons and manor houses? A frightening thought.
“And?” Nowles prompted, pulling Valek out of his spiral.
“If the officers eat some, it’ll be fine. Just take care of it tonight.”
“The op might blow our covers.”
“That’s fine. Return to the castle, I’ll assign two new agents.”
“And if we’re caught?”
“I’ll send a rescue team.”
“I’d say it’s been a pleasure to see you, but I know you can spot a liar.”
Valek smiled. “Get back to work.”
