Page 16 - Mad Shadows II

Valuta turned her head. “Oh, damn,” she said under her
breath.

He walked up to our table with a graceful, easy stride.
“Hello, Valuta,” he said. His voice was soft and cultured.
She looked up at him. “Good day to you, Lord Mogg.”
“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?” he
asked.
“Oh, forgive my lack of manners,” she said. “Lord Mogg,
this is Dorgo Mikawber.” She looked at me and I could tell she
felt uncomfortable in his presence. “Dorgo, this is Lord
Balambo Mogg. He’s the chief councilor to Baron Kozar
Mogg.”
“A pleasure, my lord,” I said. We shook hands.
“The pleasure is mine.” His index finger caressed a silver
chain wrapped around his neck, but whatever hung from it was
concealed inside his shirt. “What brings you to Widow’s Fell?”
I glanced at Valuta. “I’m on my way to Valdar and thought
I’d stop off to pay Valuta a visit before returning home.”
“We’re old friends,” she added, lending credibility to my
lie.
“Splendid!” Mogg’s smile lit up the room. “Will you be
joining us for the Hallowmas Ball, Mister Mikawber?”
“I’m afraid not. I’ll be back in Valdar by then.”
“A pity, to be sure.” He bowed and turned to Valuta. “I
hope you’ll reconsider my offer.”
“I will most certainly give it some thought, my lord,” she
said.
Mogg smoothed his mustache. “I do hope you will change
your mind, my dear.” He shook hands with me again. “It was a
pleasure to meet you, Mister Mikawber.”
Then he did something I hadn’t seen anyone do in years: he
clicked his boot heels and bowed to us before taking his leave.
“He’s Baron Kozar’s brother?” I asked Valuta.

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