Breaking Step (Dungeon Runner 3)

Breaking Step, Chapter 24

Irdian raised an eyebrow, watching him, then shrugged. "If they can't ensure the people with them are loyal, that's their problem, not mine."

"What if an assassin sneaks through the building and into this room to make the kill?"

The smile was small. "I'd love to see one of them try."

"You don't think they could? Even without an element, r—thieves are resourceful."

"Your kind isn't smart enough to get through the defenses."

"My kind." Tibs emphasized the word. "Isn't interested in trying. Thieves and assassins would be. Any lock can be cracked; any trigger jammed. All it takes is time and experience. That's one thing the runs have taught me."

Irdian rolled his eyes. "The dungeon's not teaching you anything about the world. All it's doing is making you stronger so we can send you out against the same kind of creature when they forget their place. If you can't remember that, if you think you're different from any of the other Runners and can get away with things you can't, you're going to end up crushed."

"The guild's teaching me to deal with the world."

Irdian snorted.

Tibs faced the man. "For someone working for the guild, you don't seem to care for it all that much."

"I'm a guard. Doesn't mean I have to make believe what I'm guarding's any better than they are."

"Then why are you trying to stop me, if you don't think the guild does a good job?"

Irdian faced Tibs and locked eyes with him. "Because rules are what keep the world from descending into chaos," he said heatedly. "I'm well aware the guild doesn't follow its own rules, but there are others in charge of dealing with that. My job covers what's outside of the building. My jobs is to make sure that doesn't descend into chaos. Stop breaking the rules, and I'll stop bothering you."

"I don't trust you," Tibs stated.

Irdian shrugged. "That's your problem. I'm going to enforce the rules on you like I do anyone else."

Tibs snorted. "I'm not seeing you enforce them on the nobles."

Tibs sensed the weave in the goblet react to the added pressure as Irdian tightened his hand on it. It wasn't adding ice to make it harder, but how the weave changed kept the fragile-looking item from shattering.

"What you're seeing is the guild keeping me from enforcing the rules on them. Sometimes, the guild lets people who have no business having it, keep the power others grant them."

"Commander," Don greeted as he joined them.

"Sorcerer," Irdian replied cooly, but nowhere near as brusque as when he addressed Tibs. "Enjoying being paraded for her benefit?"

"One's position comes with requirements. I have no problem accomplishing the one to keep the other."

Irdian drained his goblet. "You're going to fit in here perfectly." He put it down hard enough Tibs sensed the weave react, then he walked away.

"He seems to like you," Tibs commented.

"I'm not sure he likes anyone." Don watched the commander speak with the guards. "But I'm not making his life difficult."

"I'm not making his life difficult," Tibs replied. "He's making mine difficult."

Don smiled. "Perspective can be interesting like that."

Tibs watched the crowd. Tirania spoke with a man wearing so many jewels Tibs could buy all the armor and weapons in the kingdom with them; well, the town at least. "Is this about more than what it looks like? Is Tirania really just looking to get more people to do runs?"