But as he took his place beside the fire, he saw that what he had thought was Lyam's calm nonchalance was something of a mask. The Captain was obviously concerned about something. Naitachal had a shrewd notion he knew what it was, too.
"Kai has vanished again," the Captain said, abruptly.
"Jehan informed me -- after Kai ran off -- that he had set a servant to watch him. I sent a watcher after the watcher. My own man just sent me back word that he found Jehan's 'keeper' dead, with blood spilled in such a pattern as suggests an attack. Because of the amount of blood, we suspect a second person died."
"The Prince?" Naitachal asked, his mouth going dry with fear. He remembered his earlier premonitio Lyam shrugged. "We don't know. The Swords o Association are searching the tavern district now."
What? Naitachal stared at the Captain. "Wh Swords?"
The Captain returned the stare, and the Dark Elf had the impression he was looking for signs of deception. "Someone, probably an unlicensed mage, worked some powerful magic in that area. Sir Jehan dispatched the Swords to track the perpetrator down.
Then they discovered traces of that same magic at the scene of the killing." The Captain shook his head sadly.
"As we speak, the entire force is searching for the mage responsible."
Naitachal's gaze didn't waver. "And if they find the source, what then?"
"They will arrest him. Or both of them." Lyam stared at the Dark Elf broodingly. "Mark you, they do not know who the mage is at the moment, but if it was your apprentice, the traces will still be upon him. They will charge Kai with treason."
Naitachal's knees felt a little weak. The Dark Elf seated himself in a chair, opposite Lyam.
Captain Lyam continued. "Is there anything you would like to share with me?"
Naitachal maintained his mask of calm. "I know nothing of the incident. However, I returned to our room to find a note, left by my secretary. Appar Alaire went with the Prince for another night on the town. To the tavern district, I believe he said."
Lyam nodded. "This we already know. Paavo Seneschal, saw them both getting into a carriage a few hours ago. The driver let them off near the district."
Lyam leaned forward, his voice lowered. "This discus- sion is in complete confidence."
Naitachal nodded warily. "I appreciate that. But if you suspect that Alaire used magic to kill, I really must object. That is not the sort of training I have given him, nor is it something he's sought on his own. He's quite capable of defending himself with the sword."
Lyam's mouth tensed. "As I am well aware. No, I don't think he used magic to kill. But someone used a powerful spell, after the killing, or killings. They found only one body."
Naitachal frowned, shook his head. "Is there any- thing to connect either young man with the killing or the magic use? Could they be somewhere in a tavern, idling time away?"
Lyam said warningly, "The Association knows Kai and Alaire were in the vicinity. An agent saw them at the site of a tavern fire tonight. The Association thinks the Prince and his companion were involved."
Naitachal grimaced. "This is -- not good."
"Perhaps it's not as bad as you think," Lyam replied.
"I'm the only one who knows you're a Bard, since I haven't shared this information with anyone. Your secret is safe with me. My main concern is how this incident will discredit the Prince. The King bel Kainemonen is raising a secret cadre of mages to take the throne. Though these are only rumors, men close to him are making sure the King believes them."
Naitachal stared off for a moment, his eyes fixed on the blazing fire. Could Alaire have performed power- ful Bardic Magic? I wouldn't have thought that possible at this stage of his training. Why would he, unless there were no other choice?
"Yes?" Lyam said cautiously, apparently reading his expression. "You had a thought?"
"I had a talk with Sir Jehan this afternoon," Nai- tachal replied. "He seemed convinced Kai had designs on the throne, using the same means you just described. He was very eager for me to believe that anyone who befriended the Prince would not be con- sidered a friend of the throne. I had the feeling that he would have done anything to persuade me to Alaire to stay away from the Prince."