Ghost Thorns by Jonathan Moeller Page B

flower to kill the new preceptor.”
    “Septimus Rhazion?” said Caina. She had met the new preceptor of the Malarae chapterhouse of the Magisterium a few months ago at a banquet. An assassin had tried to kill him at the banquet, and Caina supposed Rhazion had many other enemies. “Why?”
    “Father thinks he should have been made preceptor, not Rhazion,” said Marcus. “And Father’s going to use the carrion flower to kill him.”
    “How, exactly?” said Caina.
    “In two days,” said Marcus, “the carrion flower will bloom at moonrise. Father has invited Rhazion and some of the other chief magi and nobles to attend. At the dinner, he’s going to kill Rhazion and every else there.” Marcus rubbed his sweating hands on the side of his coat. “All those…all those people…”
    “How do you know this?” said Caina. 
    “I overhead Father,” said Marcus. “He was talking with a man. An assassin of the Kindred. They were discussing which poison to use. They didn’t know I could hear them.”
    “Poison?” said Caina. “Did they say what kind?”
    “No,” said Marcus, wrapping his arms around himself. 
    “Then it seems Morius will use the flower to lure Rhazion to his house,” said Caina, “and then will poison him there, no?” If so, it was a stupid way to go about it. If Rhazion suddenly died at Morius Orian’s house, the suspicion would naturally fall upon Morius, and the Magisterium took harsh measures with magi who murdered their superiors. 
    “That’s not it!” said Marcus. “They’re going to use the flower to kill Rhazion and every single other guest. That way it will look like an accident.”
    “How?” said Caina.
    “I don’t know!” said Marcus. He shook his head. “I don’t know. I heard them talk about it last night. I didn’t…I didn’t know what to do. I went to the magistrates, but they laughed at me. I tried visiting the chapterhouse, but the magi would not see me.” His mouth twisted. “You see, I’m Father’s little embarrassment. I have no arcane talent. I have seizures, so I cannot serve in the Legions as an officer. I think Father would be happier if I just died. No one of importance will believe me over him. The only person who has listened to me is a coffee merchant’s mistress. Truly, it has been a disheartening day.” He sighed. “And I don’t even know if you believe me.”
    “I haven’t made up my mind yet,” said Caina. “You spoke to the magistrates this morning.” She glanced at the sky. It was a little past noon now.
    Marcus nodded, looking miserable.
    “Then follow me,” said Caina.
    He blinked. “Why?”
    “Because if you’re telling the truth,” said Caina, “someone is about to kill you.” 
    “What?” said Marcus. “Why? I…”
    “Stop talking,” said Caina, “and come with me.”
    Marcus followed her back into the kitchens. Caina led him back to the main floor of the House of Kularus and made a circuit, keeping her expression vacant and pleasant as she chattered about Anton Kularus’s various business ventures. Marcus stared at her in bafflement, which was just as well, since she was sure that was his usual expression when speaking with women.
    At last they stopped near the kitchen doors.
    “Why did we do that?” said Marcus.
    “Those two men at the table near the door,” said Caina. “Did you see them?”
    “I think so,” said Marcus. “I…”
    “No, don’t turn around,” said Caina. “They came through the front doors right after you did. They’re Kindred assassins, and they’re here to make sure you have a sudden and fatal disappearance.”
    Marcus’s jaw fell open, the color draining from his face. 
    “But…but why?” he sputtered.
    “Because the Kindred have spies and informants hidden throughout the city,” said Caina. “Including some in the basilicas of the magistrates, and certainly in the chapterhouse of the Magisterium. They overhead you and passed word to their superiors. The Kindred