clan decided how they chose their Councillor. A few clans held elections, others followed family lines and the rest had committees who made the decision. The Moon Clan used a matriarchal system. It was understood the Councillor’s daughter would be the next Council member, but birth order didn’t always match the best candidate for the job. On occasion, sisters fighting for the position have been recorded in their history.
“There’s more,” Zitora said.
I thought about the people buying the diamonds. “Bigger chance for deceit. With more diamonds available from various sources, the buyers could be conned into purchasing glass.”
“Can you tell the difference?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never touched a diamond before.”
“I have one for you to examine.”
“Why?”
“Fisk needs someone he can trust to help him find the black market diamond sellers’ source.”
“Why would he care?”
No answer from the Master Magician.
Putting myself in Fisk’s place, I tried to see the situation from his point of view. “His customers are getting conned, which brings suspicion on the Helper’s Guild. And having the Citadel’s guards arrest all the sellers wouldn’t stop the source from going to another town to sell his diamonds. And the arrests would upset the legitimate people in the market. Fisk could lose business.” I considered for a moment. “Better to have everything resolved without the general population knowing about it.”
“Right. So we find the source and trace the new diamonds back to their point of origin before we arrest anyone.”
Her serious tone and emphasis on the word new caused my heart to squeeze a warning. This was no longer a hypothetical discussion. “Who will trace the source?”
“We have a magician in mind to act as our buyer, but she’ll need an expert with her so she doesn’t follow the wrong trail and end up with glass. Fisk trusts you. So does Yelena. She agreed with this plan.”
“I … But …”
“You’ll have the perfect cover.” When I didn’t respond, she continued. “Diamonds enhance magical powers. You need many large stones together to increase the magic, so it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for a rich magician to buy a bunch of diamonds.”
A sense of having been maneuvered into a corner washed over me. I wanted to be part of the Keep’s network of magicians. Wasn’t this exactly what I would be asked to do when I finished my training? I could say no, but I would probably never be considered for another mission. However, my mission for the Stormdancers had bordered on a disaster, and still wasn’t resolved.
“What about Sir and Tricky?” I asked. “They haven’t been found yet.”
“The magician you’ll be working with is strong enough to handle them.”
Last question. “Who’s the magician?”
“Pazia Cloud Mist.”
19
I GROANED. Pazia detested me as much as I disliked her. It would be difficult to become a team and convince a black market diamond seller to reveal his source.
“What’s the problem?” Zitora asked.
“She thinks I’m worthless. A One-Trick Wonder,” I blurted.
“You’re not …” She paused. “Hearing it from me won’t change your perceptions. If you want to believe you’re a One-Trick Wonder, fine by me. Just don’t say it to me ever again. Understand?”
Stunned by her order, I drew in a breath before replying. “Yes, sir.”
“Good.” Zitora leaned forward in her chair. “You’re an adult now, Opal. In order to be successful with this mission, you’ll have to overcome your differences with Pazia. She’s a strong magician. Maybe a Master. I’m certain she will behave in a professional manner toward you, especially since you’re going to pretend you’re best friends when you meet the diamond sellers today.”
“Today?” Why did troublesome events have to happen so fast? Why couldn’t I digest the information first, and then spring into action?
“This afternoon you’re to meet with Fisk and Pazia at the Unity Fountain. Do you know where it is?”
“Yes.”
“Once there, Fisk’ll take you to a place to change and be briefed before he leads you to the seller. Do you have any questions?”
“Change into what?”
“Expensive clothes and obnoxious jewels. You’re supposed to be rich, too.”
“How will I tell if the diamonds are fake?”
Zitora opened her desk drawer and removed a small box. She handed it to me. “Open it.”
I lifted the red velvet-covered lid. Inside a diamond the size of my fingernail sparkled. Clear as glass, yet the light played deep within the stone, obscuring the red velvet behind it. I marveled at the reflections jumping from the many facets on the diamond.
“You can touch it.” Amusement colored her voice.
I pinched the diamond between my thumb and forefinger. Cold stabbed my finger pads and a brief image of snow-covered mountains filled my mind. Then heat seared my hand as the mental image transformed into burning mountains. A mere second later, the gem cooled to body temperature, and a slight vibration hummed against my skin.
My tongue stuck to dry teeth. I swallowed, and the hard motion scratched my throat. “Do you feel a … flash when you touch it?” I asked.
“Flash?”
“Feel cold through your fingers and get a mental image?”
“No. If I charged it with magic, I could feel the potential, but right now, it’s inert.” She studied me. “Does the flash mean you’ll be able to tell the difference?”
“Yes.” I closed the lid.
“Any other questions?” Zitora placed her hand on my shoulder. Her comforting gesture reminded me of Ulrick.
“What should I tell Ulrick?”
“Nothing about the diamonds. The fewer people who know, the better.”
“He’s not going to like the idea,” I said. Even though there was plenty for him to do in the glass shop. Equipment and supplies were being delivered every day. Soon the shop would be ready to use.
“You’re just going to have to convince him.” She smirked. “Good luck with that. He has an overdeveloped stubborn streak and has decided to be your protector. Ditching him will be your hardest task today.”
“Thanks.”
