Ruein: Fires of Haraden: Action/Adventure Necromancy Series (Books of Ruein Book 2), G.O. Turner [little bear else holmelund minarik txt] 📗

unending chain of actions. The entirety of a city sprawled out a whole realm of possibilities. Where to begin?

“The sorts of necromancy you require, I am more than capable of fulfilling. I merely need access and opportunity to find what we seek,” said Ruein.

“I have my doubts,” responded Evets. “The mere fact that you are humans isn’t the problem. You…Ruein…how do you say, stick out? I can assure, the people of Haraden will not be as eager to cooperate. The evils of transmogrify and necromancy were left far behind. And yet, here a surfacer stands shrouded in drowish death armor.”

Liv hefted her pendant, presenting the oaken sun symbol before the drow. “Alongside a bringer of light.”

Ruein gripped Liv’s shoulder. “I can make adjustments. If they can work with me, then we will have our answers.”

Evets returned to the rail. Amber light glistened off his black skin, his polished red eyes, even more so.

Ruein stood watching as the drow stewed. What choice did they have? Dismiss her and she could return to Vandraport, to Nayr and Arim. It was within Haraden’s right to deny. They could send them all away, then start again to track down their own private necromancer.

Evets slowly rose from the railing. He slapped the banister and turned. “You won’t find your answers here. The bodies we held have been moved to a safer location. No sense inviting further misfortune. The council will provide an escort come the morning. You can begin your inquiry then. Other than the Guard Elite, no one in the Apex is aware of what transpired. Refrain from asking any that we do not present.”

Liv looked to Ruein. “Guess that means you’re back to rousing the dead.”

“Well, at least what’s left of them.” She pivoted to the drow. “Once we have a clearer vision of goings-on, then I’ll have questions for your guard.”

He glared a cold stare. “Again… Discretion.”

Ruein offered a respectful nod.

Evets straightened his tunic as he strode from the balcony toward the festivities. Within, he paused and looked back. “Tell me, Ruein, what do you think the Doctorate hoped for in sending you here?”

“For you to have done their bidding and eliminate me as a thorn in their side.”

“Ha.” The drow’s smirk drifted to the ceiling before he resumed his stroll.

“Well, alright then.” Liv dropped a hand on Ruein’s shoulder. “Considering how poorly things took a turn earlier, I’d say that smoothed out fairly well.”

Ruein glanced at Liv’s hand. “We got their consent. I’ll work on resolving the rest.”

Lifting her holy symbol, Liv presented it to the cavorting inside. She panned her view through the pendant’s hole. “I think you’re missing out on something here, Ruein. As much as we have this task at hand, I’m quite amazed by all that I have seen thus far. Knowing what you know of the underdark, the decades spent here in Haraden have brought these citizens some distance from there. I see a people with potential.”

A nude couple gave chase to each other, the orc at half-staff and the human woman a giggle of mirth. Liv snorted. “They just lack the godliness that will carry them the rest of the way.”

“That’s not why we’re here.”

Putting her arm around Ruein’s shoulders, Liv redirected to the rail. “Take a look at all that you see around us. You have the freezing north, the heat of the earth, and all of Haraden thriving somewhere in the middle. There is more to this than the climate where we stand. Mind you, I have never traveled upon the leagues my father has. Yet, I would challenge if he could find such a sight as this.”

She stepped aside from Ruein. In the cool air of the balcony, the Lightbringer prodded at her. An ephemeral tether twisted in the breeze between them. As much as she wanted it to have the same meaning which Liv sought—

Ruein just stood there.

Beyond the occasional gust billowing her cloak, her gaze collected that which was before her and that was all.

Liv bit at her lip. “How can you look at all of this and have it mean nothing to you?”

“We do our job. Then return to Vandraport.”

Stifling a sneer, Liv turned for the exit.

“Have you considered,” Ruein called, “the Doctorate were not the only ones eager for me to take this task. How much do you think Shegar knew?”

Liv paused. Her mouth opened, eyes wavered in response.

Yes. You had considered. You just didn’t have any better answers.

“Shit.” Liv sulked back to into the bath hall.

That took some wind from her sails. So much for Liv’s prideful light and being a patron of good faith. There was certainly more to all of this than anyone cared to unravel.

At least, for now.

17

Liv leaned against a column slick from the baths. She squeezed at the bridge between her eyes. Her earlier jubilation evaporated with the room’s steam.

Was Ruein wrong?

Ceer had no qualms in his joy. The half-orc basked in his bath, welcoming the beauties that steamed alongside. He belted out, “Yes! All have ki, from tiniest fey to greatest warrior of the realms.” The last bit was with an inward thumb. “Many peoples call it many things, but it is ki that moves world.”

Twigs swilled his goblet. With a wipe across his mouth, he smiled at the others. “And you can take it from Ceer, of us all, he is likely the most full of ki.”

Around Ceer, Twigs, and Leafar, mingled a whole host of whores. A slender dark-haired human, with a back to Liv, prodded at the half-orc. “Mighty Ceer the brazen, do tell us that you’re not going to become shy with…your ki. If it is so impressive, surely you’ll wish to share.”

Liv choked. “Heh, I’d be careful about getting any on you. Who knows what’d come of such potency.”

The human turned to Liv. Bathwater sloshed as pearlescent almond eyes locked with hers, and a toned arm reached for a towel. “Truly? Care to share the dangers which lie in the heart of