Read Online The Fall of Ventaris by Neil McGarry, Daniel Ravipinto, Amy Houser - Free Book Online Page B

loudly.”
    “Is he reasonable?”
    Minette laughed. “My dear, in Rodaas everyone is reasonable...for the right price. You’ll simply have to find his.” She finished with the daylilies and placed the shears back in the basket. By that last comment, Duchess guessed Minette had heard about Antony’s visit to her apartment, but how much she really knew was an open question.
    Duchess decided to change the subject. “Enough about Julius. I need a priest.”
    Minette glanced at her inquisitively. “Have you gone devout on me, dear?”
    Duchess shrugged. “They tell me a woman should always be concerned with the state of her soul. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve looked for answers on the Godswalk.” She could be enigmatic too.
    “Any priest in particular?”
    “A keeper.” Minette blinked, and Duchess felt a small satisfaction. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d actually seen Minette surprised . She’d try to remember it.
    “I see,” Minette said, considering. “You seem quite hale, my dear. You aren’t planning to die any time soon, I trust?”
    “I guess that’s up to Mayu. I’m just looking for a little professional assistance.” She decided to be a bit more forthcoming, lest Minette come to the conclusion she was planning to have someone assassinated. That kind of reputation she did not need. “I just want a quiet conversation with a keeper who is, ah... flexible . Do you know of such a man?”
    “Flexibility is a virtue, is it not?” Minette surveyed her plot for more flowers. “As a matter of fact, I do. There is a keeper of no minor rank who frequents my own humble establishment and who, as it happens, has a fondness for Daphne.” Duchess was surprised. Although keepers were not by tradition celibate, few would care to be seen in an establishment like the Vermillion.
    “Can he keep a secret?”
    “That would depend on the secret, I suppose.” Minette moved on to a light blue cluster of phlox. “I happen to know that Jadis is of late rather occupied, having just risen to primacy in his order.” Minette crouched elegantly, clipping here and there. “His superior died recently, as did his chief rival for the title. In fact, with so many keepers interested in advancement it took some time to work out the succession. Jadis prevailed in the end, but the effort no doubt exhausted him financially...and otherwise. I imagine he’d be grateful for any chance to replenish his coffers.” She smiled and handed Duchess some phlox. “Is that flexible enough for you?”
    “This is First Keeper Jadis?” Duchess hesitated. She’d hoped for someone less prominent, but then the more important the man the more help he’d be able to give. Of course, if Minette’s hints were to be believed the man had murdered his way to the top. Did she truly want to take up with someone like that? On the other hand, Antony and Uncle Cornelius had probably sent more men to Mayu than an imperial headsman, and that hadn’t stopped her from cutting a deal with them. “I’d like to meet him,” she said at last, putting away the flowers and handing Minette a triangular piece of silk embroidered with a D . “You’re going to die a rich woman, Minette.”
    “I’d prefer to live as a rich woman,” Minette replied, tucking away the mark. She hunted amongst her flowers for other prospects. “You know, Jadis’ recent promotion came about quite suddenly. The death of his primary rival was unexpected for one so healthy.” Duchess’ ears perked up. Minette was in a mood for gossip, never a thing to miss.
    Minette settled on a stone bench and gestured for Duchess to join her. “Jadis had been involved in a long-standing feud with Keeper Malachar for longer than anyone could remember. Once the First Keeper died and the opportunity to head the order came around, things just got worse. Keepers being keepers, the preferred method of contention was poison, and they went back and forth through porridge and wine