This is Chapter 4-4 of a serial fantasy novel.
“Right," said Bettine. "You think it’s likely that this Soulcrafter came through that town, anticipated our entire plan, and armed the locals with a countering strategy.”
“Coincidences are not to be underestimated," said June. "This creature is not to be underestimated. Xe has your enchanted weapon. Xe stole my son. This kind of subversion is exactly what Soulcrafters do. I should know.”
“You’re sure you’re not letting your personal mission cloud your judgment?”
June felt a surge in her chest and fought down the suicidal urge to lash out at the woman. She had an idea that Bettine could snatch up that loud little blaster with frightening speed.
“My personal mission... “ June said, as level as possible, “is my only mission here.”
Bettine examined her nails. “I thought your people assigned you to track this criminal down, as part of your duty to whatever it is you do out in the sea?”
“This criminal knows what happened to my son, Bettine of All All-bit-tel. Whatever duty I have to Culdur comes second to that.” She realized her fists were clenched, and worked to relax them.
Bettine seemed to consider this. After a moment, she said, “I never had children. Much to the chagrin of the various Heads of Seed. That old mountainous tradition again, always a source of tension. I admit I can’t truly sympathize, though I have lost a husband, a brother, even an uncle. I do think of them. You miss your son, yes?”
“Of course I miss my son, what…” she stopped herself, and focused on the corner of the table instead. Don’t scream, don’t cry.
“It was good of you to mention it at the meeting, the detail of your son. If the old fools understand one thing, it’s family.”
“You did insist,” June said. She could feel herself calming. Good.
“Yes. So then! You’re here now and not later because you need something now, and not later. I’m guessing you want to accelerate your visit up north. Snoop around for clues and whatnot.”
Junelight nodded. “If Plasivé has set traps, or if the townsfolk have reinforced the stone, or anything of that nature I’ll want at least an extra day to scout, insert, and prepare for your attack.”
The Head of Spark seemed satisfied with that. Junelight waited as Bettine once again glanced over the tabletop. She rapped the surface a few times with her fingertips, then said, “Okay. But you’re taking the Seedwind. I was hoping to send you along with a larger group, but they’ll have to do.”
June had anticipated this. It was time to haggle. “It’ll be faster if I go alone,” she said.
“You can’t take any roads leading from this direction, especially if there are more lookouts like you seem to suspect. Mossalea’s team knows the backpaths well, they’ll guide you.”
“Fair enough. But they know the kid’s face over there, that’s too risky. And I don’t need four people to play tour guide. Just send the girl with me then. Mossalea.”
“Tour guides no, but my ears and eyes yes, madame witch. I believe you’re intent on catching this character of yours. But you’re looking to catch him for yourself, not for me.” Bettine wrinkled her brow. “Or is it her?”
“It’s xe.”
“What in the Great Leaf does that even mean?”
“It… it’s nothing that you would understand.”
“No matter. My point: I need that enchanted sparker. And I believe you when you talk of your priorities in the matter of your wayward child. So I need some assurance that you’re acting in both our best interests when you’re out in the field. So you’ll go with the Seedwind, minus Frix.” Bettine leaned over her chair, eyes dancing with mischief.
June angled her shoulders away from the Head of Spark, but kept their eyes locked. “Look, you made your point earlier. If we’re going to work together on this, I need to respect your traditions and authority. I’ll go with the Seedwind, but I mistrust the one with those black gloves and wide brimmed hat. What do you suggest?”
Bettine leaned back, stretching her arms high up and behind her head. “Dreff is admittedly irritable… the Tel family tends in that fashion. Especially distrustful of outsiders, even amongst other triads. Very well. The Seedwind minus the compromised Bit and the cranky Tel. I suppose you’ll want to leave soon.”
“Yes. As soon as possible. The sooner I get to that stone, the better for both of us.”
“I’ll have to convince Got-ran-pal’s Head of Seed. Their bole-marshal will also be especially ruffled about this. It should be an entertaining conversation! Send my aide in before you leave. Someone will let you know when we’ve rounded up your escort. You’ll be off by this time tomorrow, I suspect.” Bettine made shooing motions.
Junelight bowed her head and turned to leave. She could wait one more day. It was better than waiting two.
“Junelight.”
She looked back. “Yes?”
“We will find Plasivé The Poacher. He, she, xe, or whatever you call it. And you will find your son. Help me win that fancy-dancy sparker and you can count on the allegiance of All-bit-tel and all who follow.”
“Thank you.” June hesitated, and then in a flash of inspiration, placed her fist to her sternum.
The Head of Spark regarded her for a moment, as a slow smile crept onto her face. “Hey-ha,” she whispered, winked, and placed her fist to her chest as well.
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