The Fox and The Crow [Kaz Brekker]

chapter 10

Italics - Sign Language

Daemon rested her head against the table, closing her tired eyes. Inej sat just next to her, eating some rolls they had ordered. Jesper was downing some ale. And the Conductor was just sitting patiently. Kaz had went around to gather whatever information he could for the next part of their trip.

Inej nudged Daemon, "You should eat something, Daemon."

Daemon turned her head to the side to look at her friend. She wasn't hungry in the slightest, but she also didn't know when they would be able to eat next. She sat up straight and grabbed a roll, eating it in small bites. Inej smiled at her, tucking a messy strand of hair behind her ear.

"So...that went well," Jesper commented.

They all cringed remembering their trip here, except for Daemon. Daemon had a lot of fun.

The Conductor set down the flier in his hands, "The Little Palace winter fete. There's just no way he can find a way to the Sun Summoner without Nina. Especially during this ridiculous party. The place will be crawling with Second Army."

Daemon clicked her tongue quietly, "It's Kaz. He'll find a way."

The Conductor looked to Inej for help, not understanding a single hand movement the girl had made. Inej just shrugged, continuing to munch on a roll.

"We're in luck," Kaz said as he limped back over to them, "There's a good chance we can crack on. Now that we're three days' travel from the capital, the next play is finding a way inside the Little Palace. It turns out the Kribirsk archives house the Little Palace blueprints. But...they're kept under lock and key. Far from the prying eyes of the masses."

Daemon made a noise of excitement and triumph, smacking Inej's arm lightly.

Jesper slammed his fist down on the table, "Yes."

"What does that mean?" the Conductor asked.

"Time for a heist."

Kaz made a small hand signal to Daemon, "No killing."

Daemon simply gave a two-finger salute in return.

This also meant, sadly for Jesper, they would have to give away the goat. Daemon watched with her mouth open in dumbfounded confusion as he practically cried handing it over to the barmaid. He even gave it a bullet necklace. She understood that he had made a bond with the animal, but this was weird.

"I have a job for you," Kaz said to the Conductor, "We need to hitch a ride east to the Little Palace. Make friends."

Daemon hopped off her stool and joined Kaz.

"But that's the hardest job. Can't Daemon do it?"

Kaz glared at him, "She can't talk. Besides, you managed to win us over, didn't you?"

Daemon stuck her tongue out at the Conductor before following Kaz. Experimentally, she grabbed onto the sleeve of his jacket. He glanced down at her hand, but made no moves to push her away nor any complaints. Daemon smiled brightly, mentally cheering.

~

Daemon looked at Kaz, who was sitting across from her in the carriage, with wide eyes. Her entire body was tense as she tried not to burst out laughing. She had seen him wear a lot of different get-ups for a heist, but none quite as ridiculous as this. Kaz was giving her a warning glance the entire ride. Daemon had to avert her eyes every once in a while just to hold it in.

"Daemon," Kaz hissed out quietly.

"Yes?"

"Stop it or I'll drop you off on the side of the road and leave you there," Kaz threatened.