Read Jonathan Moeller - The Ghosts 07 - Ghost in the Ashes for Free Online

jongleurs. 
    “I see,” said Corvalis. “Remind me not to anger you.”
    Caina smiled. “Wise man.” She looked at Halfdan. “But why mention him?”
    “Because,” said Halfdan, “Istarinmul’s new Lord Ambassador to the Emperor is also the new emir of the Vale of Fallen Stars. Tanzir Shahan, Rezir’s younger brother.” 
    “Then is the Padishah truly serious about peace?” said Caina. “Rezir was the architect of the attack on Marsis. Surely his brother is cut from…no, poured from the same alloy.” 
    Ark chuckled.
    “One would think so,” said Halfdan. “But Rezir was one of the most powerful emirs of Istarinmul and a hardened battle commander. Tanzir, it seems, is young and inexperienced.  The Padishah wants peace, and is sending Tanzir because Tanzir will do exactly as he is told.”
    “Ah,” said Caina. “That’s why you’re here.”
    Both Ark and Corvalis looked at her, puzzled.
    “Because the Padishah wants peace,” said Caina, “but I doubt that all his emirs feel likewise. Or all the nobles of the Empire. Or the Kyracians.”
    “Or the Shahenshah of Anshan,” said Corvalis, understanding. “Anshan profits while the Empire and Istarinmul are at war.”
    “And if you want to keep the Empire and Istarinmul at war,” said Caina, “what better way to do it than by murdering the Padishah’s Lord Ambassador in the capital of the Empire?”
    “Indeed,” said Halfdan. “As you have discerned, my dear, there are any number of powerful people who want the war between the Empire and Istarinmul to continue, people who have the means to murder Tanzir Shahan while he is in Malarae. Our task, therefore, is to keep the good emir alive long enough to sign a treaty of peace with the Emperor. I will need your help for this, Caina. You are more observant than anyone I have ever met…and you have a gift for improvisation in life-and-death situations.” He smiled. “As a few Kindred found out last night, I expect.”
    “You have it,” said Caina.
    “And you, Master Corvalis,” said Halfdan, “or should I say Master Anton? You know how assassins operate. We will need your help to keep the emir alive. And as Malarae’s rising young merchant prince of coffee, you’ll have access to the social circles Tanzir will visit during his time in Malarae.” He winked at Caina. “Along with Master Anton’s mistress, of course.”
    “I am yours to command,” said Corvalis. 
    “Splendid,” said Halfdan, looking back at Caina. “When you asked Zalandris to give you Khaltep Irzaris’s coffee beans as your reward, I thought it a good idea…but I did not dream it would be as successful as it has been. You and Corvalis have done the Ghosts are a great service.”
    “Thank you,” said Caina, a flush of warmth spreading through her. Halfdan was a hard, fair man…but compliments from him were as rare as jewels. 
    “Given that the Emir Tanzir will arrive soon,” said Corvalis, “doesn’t that make it all the more peculiar that some Istarish Kindred and Immortals were pursuing a pregnant slave girl through the streets of Malarae?”
    “I agree,” said Ark. 
    “Why, thank you, Lord Champion,” said Corvalis. 
    Ark shrugged. “If you want an expert on killing, consult a Kindred assassin.”  
    “Indeed,” said Halfdan. “This Muravin. Is he awake?” 
    “He’s asleep,” said Ark, “but I knew men like him in the Legion. He sleeps with one eye open.” 
    “Not surprising, if he is indeed a gladiator and a slave of the fighting pits,” said Halfdan. “Corvalis, wait here. Caina, please come with me. I think it is the time we got to the bottom of this little mystery.”

Chapter 4 - Three Sisters

    Ark led them into the inner rooms. 
    Caina saw Tanya’s touches everywhere. Cloths of Szaldic design hung upon the wall, and in the windows stood the little painted wooden statues designed to ward away the demons of Szaldic legend. 
    Of course, not all the demons in the Szaldic tales