40 Fire (2/2)
”True. Until his investigations are complete, there's little we can do in that regard. The gangs are crippled, even the surviving groups are unwilling to antagonise us.”
”Then we should apply more pressure, make sure they feel threatened.”
”Petrov's five steps ahead of you, there have been a few high profile arrests including a merchant from a tiny branch family of the Demidov's. The woman's already demanding her release, making enough noise that you'd think she was the Houses heir-apparent.”
”Typical attitude for the Great Houses.” Nikolai grinned. Even Elya had an inborn arrogance in her bearing although in her case it was tempered by her military training. He'd never tell her though.
”Yes, your cute wife isn't so bad for one of them. Don't look so surprised, the ridiculous expression gives you away.”
Nikolai felt at his face, not finding anything to corroborate Chen's claims. Shrugging at his friend, Nikolai commented. ”At least we've gutted most of the crime in the town.”
”Most, but not all. It was difficult to tell but the Black Hand has been active. So far nothing threatening but the rumours we're hearing seem to indicate they're making a power play. Consolidating their hold on the remnants of the gangs.”
”That's dangerous. Incompetent thugs are one thing, but highly trained agents have to be carefully controlled. I'll talk to some of my contacts in the Ministry of the Interior and see if we can't get aid from a few of their specialists.”
”Probably our best chance. I wouldn't pit even a dozen of the guard against a single bouncer at the Rose Building, let alone whatever forces they've secreted within.” Draining the mug, he placed it to the side and wiped the froth moustache on his upper lip. ”In a matter that could be related, there's been an increase the flow of stardust. At least three caches have been seized on their way into the town.”
Stardust was the common name for a mildly addictive narcotic made from some herbs grown in the far south. Unlike most narcotics, stardust was capable of increasing a persons sensitivity to auras and mana, making it a viable shortcut for training. Unfortunately, prolonged use caused damage to the body, breaking down the organs and making a person prone to all sorts of illness. The worse thing was how few symptoms showed in an addict until the later stages of use where a victim was too far gone for most treatments. Most of the visible systems could be explained away easily, like bags under the eyes or fatigue.
”I'll talk to Elya and see if we can't get some of her Knights to track down the suppliers. With all the threats Konstanz has faced over the last few years, I fear many will look for easy options.”
”You don't trust the guard?”
Nikolai shook his head. ”I trust Petrov, the man can work wonders. When it comes to his subordinates… not so much. Who truly knows the heart of a person, it takes only a single guard tempted by money, threatened, or simply inclined to crime and the damage could be immense.”
”The same would apply to the Knights.” Chen pointed out.
”True, but most of them have homes far away from here. There's little to corrupt them.”
”The lesser of two evils.” Chen whispered.
”That you remember!” Exasperated, Nikolai tossed his empty skewer at Chen, snorting when he dodged.
”Philosophy's more interesting than all that magical history anyway.”
”You're a student of philosophy Captain Andreivich?” Elya's melodious voice echoed throughout the courtyard and Nikolai turned, smiling at his fiancée striding towards them, dressed in a comfortable tunic and pants with a sword on her hip.
”A dabbler only Milady.” Chen bowed, hand across chest in the archaic Imperial style.
”No need to bow Captain, I'm just taking a walk.”
Nikolai hurried to her side, forcing her to take a seat.
”It's fine to move around Elya but don't overdo it.” He chided her recklessness. Beads of sweat still formed on her forehead, breath coming in shallow gasps.
”I don't like being cooped up in a room.” She countered but heaved a sigh as she sat down. ”I saw you two, thick as thieves and became curious since no one else is around.”
Chen chuckled at the view she must have seen, two adults shoving each other on a rock so early in the day. ”Just discussing the town Milady.”
”Things are well?” she asked, turning her head up towards Nikolai.
A breeze rippled across her hair, making it glitter in the morning sun and Nikolai smiled, stroking her cheek in assurance. ”More or less. When Petrov finishes his investigations, we'll have to plan our next moves.”
”That's good.” She breathed, her eyes closing in contentment and leaning into his hand. Chen coughed, turning his head aside in embarrassment at their blatant flirting but Elya hadn't heard and Nikolai just stuck out his tongue.
Another gust of wind crossed the courtyard and Nikolai glanced at the sky. It looked like it would rain today.
”Do I smell smoke?” With a frown, Elya studied her surroundings but blinked in surprise when Chen burst out in his familiar rasping laughter. ”What happened?”
”Niki was trying to cook.”
”Don't tell her!”
”Hush Nikolai. Let him speak.”
Nikolai buried his head in his hands as Chen launched into an exaggerated recounting of his mornings failure. Her giggles and sympathetic looks only adding to his misery.