Read Online Mountain of Daggers by Seth Skorkowsky - Free Book Online

fool. Fortunately, I am neither.”
    Her hard gaze softened momentarily. “I’m sure the count has not come all this way to flatter me.”
    “True.” Ahren set the goblet on the desk and leaned back against the leather cushions. “It has come to my attention that you may have an enemy. Someone who could profit by eliminating the captains of your ships.”
    Anger flashed across Viveka’s face. “What do you want?” she asked coldly, her eyes narrowing.
    Ahren held his hand up to calm her. “To help you. Several nights ago, someone murdered the captain of one of your vessels in exchange for a small fortune. The killer stole the captain’s ring, as well as a letter sent to a Mister Gren Schmied.”
    Viveka’s thin hands balled into tight fists and her penetrating glare could have stopped a charging horse.
    “The same individual is also planning to murder the captain of the Goldener Aal when it makes berth tomorrow. I believe there is a second letter involved.”
    “What are you after?” Viveka growled. Her flushing cheeks made her even more beautiful.
    “To find out who wishes to do you harm. Tell me, who is Mister Schmied? A lover?”
    “My uncle. I ask his advice on certain matters.”
    “Ah. Is there anyone who would be willing to kill in order to keep you from receiving his advice?”
    The young woman’s creamy breasts rose against her bodice as she drew a deep breath and sighed. “How do you know this? What’s in it for you?”
    Ahren’s lips pulled into a half-smile. “Let’s just say that I have many connections with…less than reputable people. People who wish to know the identity of our…mutual enemy.”
    She traced her finger along the goblet rim until it rang with a crystal tone. “And what will happen when you find this conspirator?” She gazed at him under a veil of thick lashes as she took another sip of her wine.
    “Such a fate a young lady shouldn’t wish to know.” Ahren’s tone was flat, but his eyes glittered with anger.
    Viveka’s eyes sparkled with the sinister mischief of a cat spying an unwary meal. “I’m no lady.” She set her glass down firmly on the table. “And you, whoever you are, are not a nobleman.” She ran a long finger over her chin, sizing him up in a way that made the hairs arch along the back of his neck. “I’ll pay your assassin’s fee if the problem is taken care of permanently.”
    Aroused by the young woman's ruthlessness, Ahren adjusted his position in his seat to relieve his tightening pants. “You’re right, on both accounts. Keep your pay. Consider it an apology for the accidental death of one of your captains.”
    A devious smile answered him.
    “Now.” He slid his hand slowly up his cane. “Who would wish ill to a woman as beautiful as yourself?”
    #
    Konrad Amkire leaned over his desk, reading the manifest for the next shipment, when his office door cracked open. Bayard leaned his head inside. “There is someone here to see you, sir.”
    “Who is it?” Konrad didn’t look up, busy as he was filling in the spaces for his latest customer’s inventory. A week ago the ship had been empty. Now, finding enough room for the cargo was the problem.
    The old clerk shifted uneasily. “A Count Eichefurt, sir. He says he has important business to discuss.”
    Konrad paused his scribbling and stared vacantly at the open book as he tried to recall the name Eichefurt. His business demanded he be aware of any potential clients, and an unknown name troubled him. He closed the manifest. “Send him in.”
    Bayard gave a short nod and vanished behind the door. Konrad rose from his leather chair and approached the small table near the back wall. He brushed his fingers along the sparse hairs covering his head and buttoned his doublet. Footsteps echoed up the stairs and he hurried back to his seat just as the door opened.
    “The Count of Eichefurt,” Bayard announced, stepping away from the door and revealing a young man dressed in rich velvet the