The Blood Thief of Whitten Hall (A Magic & Machinery Novel Book 2) Read Online Free

borders. The demon wore the guise of a human, worming his way into the confidence of even the regional governor before making his move toward the very throne of our city.”
    The Grand Maester, who looked at least a decade younger than the Grand Inquisitor, climbed from his chair as well. “For those who reside beyond Callifax, we ask that you seek out with all diligence any evidence of further demons within our borders. For those who are within the city, use every opportunity during your assignments to find proof that this demon was the exception within our lands, rather than the rule. It is up to you all to keep our kingdom secure from the occult menace from the south!”
    Simon sat back in his chair and stared at the body. His eyes were not the only ones affixed to the corpse, but Simon quickly tuned out those around him. The meeting droned on, even as the conversation moved beyond the demon and its implications, but Simon barely acknowledged the further discussion. His thoughts drifted not only to Gideon Dosett and all that had transpired in Haversham, but to the tribe of werewolves that still existed beyond the frozen city’s high walls. Simon had risked not only his career but his very life in concealing the truth from the rest of the Inquisitors, though he knew a secret that even Luthor did not. Technically, there was one other Inquisitor who knew of the werewolves’ existence. It was only a matter of time until Simon would have to answer for his decisions regarding their continued existence.
    Nearly an hour later, the speaker of the house returned and rapped his staff upon the floor once more, adjourning the meeting. Individual sects of Inquisitors would now segregate themselves into committee meetings to discuss further aspects of missions and policy, though Simon belonged to none of these.
    Instead, he and Ambrose stood and prepared to make their way toward the exit. Simon glanced over once more toward the displayed corpse and shivered in disgust. His gaze drifted past the body to the Grand Inquisitor and Grand Maester, both of whom stood stoically before their ornate chairs. A bald Pellite stood beside the Grand Maester as they spoke in hushed tones. The Grand Maester’s gaze drifted in Simon’s direction, and Simon arched his eyebrow inquisitively. The bald Pellite nodded and began crossing the room’s divide as he approached their tiered seats.
    “Inquisitor Whitlock,” the man said, gesturing for Simon to join him near the floor. “May I have a moment of your time, if you please?”
    Simon glanced toward Ambrose, but the taller man merely shrugged. Together, they walked down an aisle that led to the floor, stopping before the Pellite.
    “Thank you for meeting with me,” the man said. “My name is Inquisitor Creary. Grand Maester Arrus is most impressed by your defeat of the demon and would like to discuss your adventures, or misadventures as they may have been, in a private meeting.”
    Simon glanced over Creary’s shoulder and met the gaze of the stern Grand Maester. The Maester nodded slowly, acknowledging Simon.
    “I’m most flattered by the invitation,” Simon said, wracking his mind for an excuse not to meet with the Grand Maester. While he had nothing against the man, the thought of meeting with the leader of the Order of Kinder Pel was off-putting, considering how often Simon had spent railing against their very existence.
    “If you would join me, the Grand Maester has time now, if that suits your schedule.”
    Before Simon could reply, another voice cut through the emptying chamber.
    “Simon,” the Grand Inquisitor bellowed. Simon looked up, relieved as the Grand Inquisitor gestured for Simon to join him. “We have much to discuss, you and I, if you would be so kind as to accompany me to my office.”
    “Of course, Your Eminence,” Simon replied. He turned his attention back to Creary. “Forgive me, Inquisitor, but it appears I am needed elsewhere. Please apologize to the Grand