Kre wasn’t sure how to share his news with Beleg. Did he start with the seemingly good part, where Kersath wasn’t near death and seemed to be capable of escape entirely on his own? Perhaps he should start with the potentially scary news that the entire deal that Beleg had likely made with the Master was fraught with eventual betrayal.
Maybe he should lead with what he believed to be the worst of it. That is, no one had any idea of where Talimar was. The leader of the Red Feathers could be imprisoned elsewhere in this in-mountain hell and if they managed to execute their rescue and escape, would they be leaving him behind without knowing?
There was also the very real possibility that Talimar was already dead. That was quite a sobering thought. While the members of the company were no strangers to having one of their own fall, it was a thought that Kre knew only one other time and that time it had almost destroyed him emotionally. Though he hadn’t known Talimar anywhere near as long as he had known Cooter, he still felt strangely connected to the charismatic Ylveryan.
When they reached their quarters, Virryn left the two men alone to have their discussion while she went to look for Grivallt. Beleg triumphantly shared the news that he had successfully struck a deal with the Master.
“A quarter of the profits from his arms business for demonstrating their use to potential buyers,” he said excitedly. “With time, he suggested he’d bring me into other areas of his business, but the arms trade would be a way to prove myself until then.”
“That’s… great Beleg,” Kre said slowly. “But, I mean… you aren’t seriously considering this as a change in career, are you?”
Beleg cocked his head for a moment and blinked slowly a few times. “It’s a bit,” he said slowly, as if explaining it to a child. “It’s not a real thing, just a way to get in this guy’s inner circle.”
Kre pursed his lips and nodded to show that he clearly understood. “Yeah, but it sounds like that’s going to take longer than we have. I mean, it’s a good plan, but we need to get the others out of here tonight.”
The big man was about to try explaining it all again when the realization hit him. “Ah hell,” he muttered. “You’re right. I was so caught up in playing my part that I didn’t even think about the timeline. This is why I don’t plan. I just don’t have the mind for it. This is why I wish Talimar were here.”
Kre took a deep breath. “About that,” he began, before retelling his entire conversation with Kersath.
After listening to it all, Beleg slammed his hand into the table, sending a long crack spidering out from his fist. “That son-of-a…” he growled. “I thought he was playing fair and honest with me that whole time.”
The sound of the blow made both Virryn and the other Ylveryan servant jump. She had come back halfway through Kre’s retelling, dragging the other Ylveryan woman with her and nodding to the unasked question of whether they should continue despite this newcomer’s presence. Although they trusted Virryn’s judgement, Kre continued his recap in hushed tones while the two Ylveryan worked on preparing the food for the evening meal.
“Honestly,” Kre said softly, “I thought you’d be more concerned about Talimar than about the Master planning to have you killed.”
“Oh ha!” Beleg chuckled. “That guy is slipperier than Kersath, honestly. I’ve seen Talimar come out of worse odds without a scratch. I worry not for that man. He’ll surprise you, just you wait.”
Virryn’s guest padded over quietly and set a bowl of carrot sticks between the two men. Kre was suddenly struck by the woman’s oddly tall stature and was about to remark on it when the servant spoke with a familiar voice.
“Speaking of surprises,” came Talimar’s voice from under the servant’s hood.