Markus Sevelien chapter -- Part 2 of 3

Here's Part 2 of 3 of a chapter from MLTF that didn't make it into the final version.

Markus Sevelien is the head of elven intelligence in Mermeia, and Raine's sometime client. In MLTF, Markus is referred to, but never appears. Here's a chapter that introduces Markus, and provides more insight into A'Zahra Nuru as well. If it had been included, it would have been a part of Chapter 6. The last part of the chapter concludes tomorrow. For those who didn't catch the first installment, scroll down to yesterday's blog. Enjoy!

"Sarad Nukpana himself is in the Mal'Salin compound here in the city, but those doing his work are hiding in at least four locations in the Goblin and Sorcerers Districts," the primari was saying.

My stomach skittered again for another reason entirely--and oddly enough, the amulet along with it. So much for confirming who was behind the party at Nigel's last night.

Markus sat in the chair opposite her, long legs crossed at the knee, his dark hair swept back from a high and pale forehead. Dressed entirely in his customary black, the lean elf sat utterly still, the only movement the tapping of one long, tapered finger against the rim of his teacup. He noticed and stopped, setting the cup aside. Markus never liked anything in his hands when he was irritated.

"I am genuinely sorry," he told her, his voice carefully modulated. "You've given me no evidence that Sarad Nukpana's presence in Mermeia is a threat to elven interests. For me to act without provocation would be viewed by some as an act of war."

His expression gave absolutely no indication what was going on beneath that calm and polished surface. I had never played cards with Markus. I knew better. I also knew the mention of Sarad Nukpana had put several big, angry ripples under that calm surface.

"If I could reveal those reasons, you would not hesitate to act," the goblin interrupted, her soft voice lined with steel. "You would take sword yourself. . ."

Markus allowed a little frustration to show through his pale blue eyes. "Then tell me. Give me something I can use."

Her eyes held his without flinching. "I cannot."

Markus let the silence grow before speaking. "And I cannot act without justification, regardless of my personal feelings." His voice was quiet, his words firm. "Understand that, my lady. If I were free to do so, I would burn out any Khrynsani nest I could find. But I am not free to do as I will. I answer to my king and my people, both of whom hold me accountable for my actions."

This may not have been what the goblin wanted to hear, but it seemed to be what she expected.

"Will you at least place your agents on heightened alert? You cannot deny what happened last night."

"I cannot deny what I do not know," Markus said. "A human necromancer's home was broken into. There were reports of fighting, and goblin bodies were found, but without any house badge or identification. There is no knowledge of anything missing from the house except possibly the owner himself. To many, that is cause for rejoicing, not concern. I know nothing beyond that unless you choose to enlighten me. As to the state of my agents, with the goblin king in the city, they are already on heightened alert. I assure you we will pay careful attention to every move the Khrynsani make." He sat back in his chair, his thin lips drawn into a tight line. "But I am disappointed in your lack of trust. I thought we were past that."

Markus' words found their mark. I saw hurt reflected in the goblin's large, dark eyes. Duty and friendship were waging a battle there. She drew herself up even straighter, if that was possible. Duty won.

"We are past that point," she told him. "But you say you are accountable to your people. Your people include certain individuals. Those individuals are my reason. I trust you and your motives; I do not trust theirs. Your duty may compel you to reveal facts that I cannot have revealed--for the safety of my people. So for the moment, it is a goblin matter, and must remain so."

If Markus was insulted at her implication, he didn't show it.

"Yet your desire to protect doesn't extend to all of your people," he said.

The lady caught his meaning. "The Khrynsani are not deserving of protection. They are vermin and should be exterminated as such."

Markus' lips twisted in a brief smile. "Your new king is a member of that ancient society. You speak treason."

The goblin smiled fully, though from my viewpoint it looked more like a baring of teeth. Considering that two of those teeth were fangs, the effect was chilling. "Not to my king."

"Then Prince Chigaru is well? I had heard there was an incident, an ambush by Brenirian mercenaries as he traveled to D'Mai?"

"And conveniently timed, not long after the king's escort left him," Primari A'Zahra said. "Fortunately Prince Chigaru's personal guard was sufficient to counter the threat."

"Most fortunate."

The goblin set her teacup aside. "I will contact those to whom I report and request permission to share more with you. Regardless of our friendship, I cannot do more without endangering those I hold dear. Again, I am sorry."

Markus moved to assist the lady from her chair. "And you have my apologies for the harshness of my words. I spoke so from concern. You risked much coming to see me today, and I regret that I cannot act as you wish. When you can tell me more that may change. In the meantime, I will have my colleagues keep close watch on the Khrynsani. When you are ready to contact me again, do so through our usual method. It will be safer for you."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

Once they were in the front hall, I left the screen and went to the partially open library door. Giles walked past me carrying Primari A'Zahra's cloak. Markus took it from him and gallantly draped it over the goblin's slender shoulders. After a few murmured words of parting, the goblin left. The door closed and I stepped into the hall.