Hyacinth (storyline)/Respite (vignette)

"It doesn't matter what you suspect, the reality is that you have no idea!"

Zofiya's face was red with anger, but clear lines of exhaustion stood out against her youthful countenance. She knew she was out of line, but weeks upon weeks of uncertainties and half-confirmed reports had her at the end of her patience. There had been no real leads, but the name Hexah'Jing seemed to be on the tip of everyone's tongues these days. Kiyonna's revelation had shaken the residents of Mist Harbor to their core, and people were concerned... and looking to her for answers that she had no ability to give.

"Your pardon, Administrator. I just thought-"

"No, Memnole. I am out of line, and you have my apologies," Zofiya interrupted, her tones much softer through a concerted effort of will. "This has been stressful for all of us, and you are just doing your best to help. I should not have lashed out."

"Completely understandable, Administrator, and there are no apologies needed," the priest reassured.

Before either party could continue, a rapid knocking came against the Administrator's door. Zofiya frowned, then called, "I'm with someone."

"Administrator Zofiya, I come with urgent news from Trader Uhlen!" came a muffled voice through the door. Zofiya's eyes went wide, and she glanced to Memnole, whose expression mirrored her own.

"Enter," she called.

A page hurried in, clutching a faded parchment envelope, which he handed to Zofiya as soon as he was near enough.

"Thank you," the Administrator said distractedly as she examined the envelope. Seeing nothing amiss, she drew her belt knife and used it to slice through the wax seal, withdrawing the letter within. She read as she replaced the knife, then without warning leapt to her feet with a loud shout!

"They found one!" she cried. Memnole and the page each exchanged thoroughly confused looks, and when Zofiya noticed, she realized she needed to explain herself.

"Trader Uhlen says that they were able to apprehend one of the members of the Circle, and they have him locked away. She also says that there were a number of Hounds slain during the apprehension, and that the Iyo are quite certain that the Circle cannot continue their works until they indoctrinate a replacement. She further states that this is required to be a lengthy process, and that we now have a respite during which we can gather more information without fear of any further strikes from the Circle!"

Memnole and the page exchanged another glance, this time with cautious grins threatening to split their faces at any moment.

"Truly? The Circle is broken?" Memnole asked, his tones heavy with anticipation.

"For now," Zofiya cautioned. "They have no indication that they have apprehended the Center, and if the Center remains, they will of course be looking to re-close the Circle, but Uhlen implies that this process can take many weeks, and that is only after a suitable candidate is identified. It is highly likely that we have an extended period in which we can make preparations and continue our search for the other members of the Circle."

---

Uhlen gazed at the cloaked figure across from her with curious eyes.

"And you would have me believe that you did this without any thought of reward? I am aware of your nature, lawman."

The figure snorted, lowering his hood. The stern countenance of the Mist Harbor constable regarded her coolly.

"My compensation is none of your concern. Suffice it to say that I was employed to deliver one of the Circle to you, and I have already been compensated for such. My duty here is discharged, and I will be taking my leave," he said in a cold tone as he rose.

"Who paid?" Uhlen asked urgently as she also rose to her feet. "Who hired you to do this?"

"I do not discuss settled contracts," Mal said emotionlessly. He dipped his head in a short bow, then strode out of the hut without a backward glance.

Uhlen took her seat once more, her eyes on the far wall but her thoughts far away.

---

The goblet struck the flagstone hearth and shattered, sending a spray of expensive wine and fragmented glass across the crackling fire.

The Center stood in front of the fire, murder in his eyes as his chest heaved. They had been so close. Plans were in place, and he was certain they had nearly uncovered the location of the Seal. Now, though...

"Idiot!" he roared, placing his hands on the hearth and bowing his head. The veins stood out on either side of his neck and he fought to control his breathing. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the unyielding stone harder and harder. After an indeterminate time, he exhaled and straightened. He glanced over the mess at his feet and decided it would be someone else's job. The new maid was attractive enough, but her attitude had been troublesome from the outset. It would do her some good to clean up this mess, which would hopefully make her a little more appreciative of the easy duties she'd been given thus far.

---

"The contract is finished. Do not contact me again unless you wish to negotiate a new one. Remember my pricing."

The note was terse, but that was to be expected. So was the man, after all. Still, he had delivered, as the stranger had known he would. Greth had been clear about what to expect, to include Mal's unusual pricing scheme.

The first contract was negotiated in good faith, and generally fair. Each subsequent contract was negotiated off the price of the first, but with two zeroes added to the end. The first contract the stranger had negotiated with Mal had been somewhat straightforward, but this one had been costly. Any further contracts would severely strain the stranger's current resources, but the stranger was certain that it had been worth the expense.

The Circle was fractured. The Center was still out there somewhere, but that was the stranger's concern, not Mal's. The stranger would find the Center. It was only a matter of time.

---