Rituals & Revenge

By Sara Tiger Ryan

Miss Kitty's already has several missing people cases, but this one is for Sazzy.
Savory Lyy, a racing buddy of Sazzy's favorite brother, asks Sazzy to find her younger brother, Shalin, who has run away.
Using her Seek talent on the boy's handfasting bands, Sazzy goes hunting. She follows Shalin and a friend of his out of the country into Ai'Bet.
In a tiny town, just across the border, she catches up to them.
But she is too late.
The local constable says he is dead—not of his fall down the cliff, but of magic drain.
Turning her simple runaway case into a case of murder.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sara Tiger Ryan
• Release date: Oct 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370656257

Sara Tiger Ryan

Sara Tiger Ryan was born in New Hampshire. She now lives in Florida with her 2 cats. Make that minus one charming boy cat, add in a Mama cat who brought me 5 kittens--all of them adorable! Sara started writing novels in 1973 in high school study hall and hasn't stopped (for long) yet. She started out writing fantasy and added mystery. She also writes metaphysical non-fiction. Ryan was active in the small press in the mid 90's, and had her own 'zine, Star Triad.

Book preview

Rituals

&

Revenge

Miss Kitty Mystery # 8

Sara Tiger Ryan

All characters herein are entirely fictional.

AUTHOR'S NOTES

1)

2) Herm is short for hermaphrodite, which means, in this case, both sexes or either sex interchangeably in a single body.

3) There are extensive appendices at the end of this book that list characters, and other possibly confusing pieces that make up the country of Conyor Ness.

All the work (art & writing) herein is copyright Sara Tiger Ryan, Tiger Moon Press. Smashwords Ebook Edition, November 15, 2017.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re—sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting this author’s work.

Table Of Contents

1: A Client Unexpected

2: No Portrait Here

3: A Loaded Paint Brush

4: Yes and No

5: A Musical Folly

6: Sisters!

7: Another Art Case

8: Yght's University of Magic

9: A Wretched, Wretched Day

10: Worse For Wear

11: Cady Longwish

12: Feon's Grand Opening

13: 'Moochers' To Dinner

14: The Only Real Worth

15: Cousin Driving

16: To The Rescue!

17: The Queen's Justice

Appendices

Map of Conyor Ness

Map of Vantage

First Chapter of Book 6, Music & Mayhem

About Sara

Other Books by Sara

All My Miss Kitty Mysteries So Far

Chapter 1

A Client Unexpected

City of Vantage, Conyor Ness

Spale Year of 1897

First Fates Entire 1

SingingHeartday

Excuse me, is this Miss Kitty's Private Spy Agency?

From the waiting room, her and Dusty's new bookbinder tenant, Evan, answered affirmatively.

Sazzy cocked her head. It sounded like a new client. Good, she needed a new client. Dusty had four cases right now; she had none. And she needed the distraction.

Sazzy finished taking her morning dose of time-illness potion, poured herself a cup of kasha, and headed for the waiting room through the side door of her suite.

Her brother sent me, the possible client was saying, as Sazzy paused in the doorway. Elite Maljapor.

Elite Maljapor would be Dandy, her favorite brother.

Hello? Sazzy interjected, and Evan retreated instantly into his rented room—soon to be his bookbinding shop.

The woman turned and Sazzy recognized her as one of her brother's racing buddies, Elitedaughter Savory Lyy. Sazzy took a half-step back. The Lyys had been unfriendly since she had revealed the previous Head of their Family, Molly Lyy, as a twenty-person killer.

But Lady Lavanta Lyy had managed to brave Miss Kitty's and adopt Meep, the exotic kitten leftover from her cat-and-dog napping case. Sazzy retook her step into the room and said, May I help you?

You met me at the Queen's Maiden Ball, do you remember? Your brother speaks highly of you. I'm hoping you can find my younger brother. Everyone says he's run away, but he was so looking forward to being my partner in the Great Fortnight Race, I find that hard to believe.

Sazzy sighed inwardly. This wasn't a case for her, who could only Seek things, but a case for Dusty who could Seek people.

Your brother says you can Seek objects. I brought Shal's handfasting band. He wore both of them all the time, so it should have plenty of energy in it for you to Seek on, and he kept the other one, so you should be able to match it. Savory laughed shortly, then looked ready to cry. He said he wanted to be ready when love struck. I don't know why he took it off or why he left it behind. Maybe as a message. To me the message would be that he had given up on love, but I can't imagine why. Savory pulled a thin gold wrist band out of her reticule. I'm sorry to go on and on. Shal missing has me upset and the Family's reaction—or non-reaction—has me more upset. I know Gran Molly doesn't want anyone using your agency, but there's no way I could stand to deal with that nasty, dirty old man, the only other private spy in town.

She had only seen the other private spy in town once, when he'd sleazed into to their offices right after they'd opened to say smirkily that they would fail. Sazzy took a step back and said, Would you like to come back to my office? Can I get you a cup of kasha?

I don't drink kasha, it upsets my stomach.

Tea? Shalaka?

Shalaka would be lovely, Savory Lyy said, followed her to her office, and settled into the client chair. Even if you find Shal doesn't want to come back or is ... not ... alive any more, I need to know. I feel responsible. I need to know why he ran away. I hope it wasn't something I said. I really did want him as my race partner; he's good at it.

I'll just get the shalaka, Sazzy interjected, make yourself comfortable. She ducked into her suite, shut the door quietly, and leaned her back against it. Dare she trust a Lyy asking her for help?

‘Meow?’ Miss Kitty said, coming to rub around her ankles.

Sazzy patted the brindle calico cat a second, then continued into her kitchenette.

She fed Miss Kitty and her two kittens, made a cup of shalaka, and returned to her client. I'm sorry to be so long. I had to feed the cats.

Savory smiled. Which reminds me: Aunt Lavanta absolutely adores the cat she got from you, and she's right, he's a sweetheart, and so intelligent. It was kind of you to let her have it, after she tried to sue you for something that had nothing to do with you. And after you had nabbed the catnappers that stole Gingerbabe, too.

Sazzy took a breath and didn't say anything about Gingerbabe never being more than an illusion over a black and white cat called, originally, Sinister Fate. She pulled out a fresh notebook, flipped it open, and wrote Savory's name at the top of the first page. What can you tell me?

Can't you just Seek him using the wristlet?

My talent doesn't work that way. I might be able to find the matching handfasting band. My partner can Seek people. In either case, we need some preliminary information first, so we'll have something to base our Seek on.

Savory tapped the handfasting band on the chair arm several times, then set it pointedly on Sazzy's desk.

When did your brother go missing? Sazzy prompted.

Can't you just try?

I can set up an appointment up with Dusty for you, if you'd rather.

Savory stood, put the handfasting band back in her reticule, left, and came back, saying, I'm upset. Shalin left from school four days ago. We got word two mornings later. Headmaster Yght should have notified us immediately. He said he had thought, at first, Shalin had gone home. I don't like him.

Me, either.

Savory offered a slight smile, looked ready to cry and sat again. After a moment, she set the handfasting band back on Sazzy's desk.

It takes me a while to Seek, Sazzy said. I usually have to draw a picture of the target first.

You have the handfasting band.

But your brother isn't wearing it. I also need an idea of what your brother looks like so, if and when I find him, I'll know him.

Mother would be upset if I took his portrait off the wall.

If you describe him so I can draw him, that should be enough for Dusty to Seek by.

I'd rather not have anyone else involved.

Dusty is my partner. He's the one who can Seek people. He could, also, often tell if the person was still alive or not—in case Shalin had been attacked by footpads on the way home.

The rule that all first and second years have to stay inside the school is stupid.

Now it was second years, too? Poor Trammer. Do you think he ran away just because of that—having to stay inside for two years?

I get him out whenever I can. Headmaster Yght said Shal wasn't having any problems at school, but I know two students were causing him some sort of trouble (He wouldn't say what.): a boy named Lanny and a girl named Hestie—or something similar.

What about friends?

Savory tapped her fingers on the chair arm several times. He talks about Dair—no last name, and Trammer Witshard the most.

I know Trammer. I can talk to him and find out—

I don't care as much why, I just want to find Shal.

The why might be connected to the where and it might help in finding him.

You said your partner could Seek him.

Is Shalin your only brother?

Why? Savory asked impatiently.

Because Dusty will ask. Because Seeking isn't always precise enough to pick two similar energied people out of a crowd.

Savory made an impatient noise, but answered, Saffon. He's on Grand Tour, somewhere, likely in Spale right now. He's between me and Shalin. Savory sighed sharply. I'm sorry, I'm irritated that my folks won't push to find him. And they won't say why.

Her foresight twitched and Sazzy sat back. Maybe the whole case was a trap set by Molly. Or she was paranoid. Or both. Describe Shalin enough so I can draw him for Dusty to Seek. Sazzy doodled a picture of the handfasting band and a stick figure trapped inside screaming to get out.

Why can't he just Seek?

He needs something more than a name to Seek by. Is Shalin's face shape similar to yours?

No, he looks like Papa. Oh, I forgot, we have an older sister; she works in the emporium in Dancing Fool. Mama is disappointed in us girls, neither one have married and continued the Family. The boys either, but they don't matter.

Face shape?

Savory sighed sharply, glanced at the handfasting band, then tapped her fingers on the chair arm again. Oh, I know, Shal looks a lot like your friend Viv—or, sorry, your ex-friend, I guess. His hair is shorter, about shoulder length and he doesn’t have an illusion of fullness on it. He doesn't use any illusions. His eyes are a muddy green-brown. Savory laughed sharply. He calls them swamp water eyes. She took a breath and stared down at her hands, now twisted together in her lap. I'm just afraid something awful has happened to him. I don't know why Mama won't hire a tracker to hunt him.

Sazzy sketched a portrait of Shalin while Savory continued to complain about her parent's lack of action, in between mentioning further details of her younger brother's appearance.

The foyer door opened. Fleetfoot Runners! Where is everyone one?

Back here, Katarina, Sazzy answered.

Savory stiffened.

A moment later the freckled Fleetfoot Runner opened Sazzy's office door and peered in. Oh, sorry to bother you. Where's Tasser and everyone?

Evan was here earlier. Tasser moved with the Prince to the Cousin Whimsy and his new school.

Oh. One of my messages is for him. One for Dusty.

Dusty is at home writing.

It's a letter from his sweetie.

Leave it on his desk, then, or he'll come in grumpy tomorrow because he got depressed over Janji's letter and didn't write on his latest story.

Das has another thing for you to Seek when you get a chance. Katarina backed out with a little wave, and headed down the hall to Dusty's office.

Writing? Savory asked.

Sazzy bristled for her tone. It's his day off. She pushed her sketch toward Savory. Tell me what needs to be changed.

He isn't that old, he's only about fifteen. His hair is wavy like Drew's.

I don't know Drew.

He's a Vantage racer. Savory pushed the sketch back. His hair isn’t that flat. His eyes are a bit bigger.

Bigger all the way around or—

Taller. More open usually. I don't see what good this will do. Maybe Mama will agree to talk to you, then you can see his portrait. Savory bound the cords of her reticule around her hands. What about the handfasting band?

Sazzy gave in, kept her face averted in case she could sense something dire that would show in her expression, picked up the handfasting band, set it directly back down and grabbed a neutralizing stone out of her top desk draw. That is— She stopped and said instead, That is full of Family Command, no wonder— She stopped again, her hair lifting on the back of her neck. Maybe she had been right and this was a trap set by Molly to—she wasn't sure what, but kill her came to mind.

Savory started to speak and frowned instead. I hope your clock is wrong.

It wasn't earlier.

Then I need to go. Mother insisted I go to the First Folly with her. I suppose she has some awful young man she wants to introduce me to. Savory smiled abruptly. Something like your sister does to you—or so Dandy has said.

So far I've barely avoided two handfasting set ups, she answered.

I'd better be on the look out, then, I saw Mama in a long coze with your sister last week. Savory stood, glanced at the handfasting band and said, See what you can do. Let me—Oh, I guess you'd better send a runner by—Make it a Lightning Runner or our butler won't take the message.

Sazzy didn't say she would use her Family's runners anyway.

Or, if it's important, leave a note at the club house.

The racers’ club house, she supposed. Twelve Dashing Street?

That's it. Savory headed for the hall and came back. Or should I just come back in a couple days to check?

Both. That will give me time to work with the handfasting band—if I can get past the Family Command on it, and I should know something from Dusty by then, too.

It doesn't make any sense that there's a Family Command on Shal's handfasting— Savory's expression changed. Never mind, I guess I'd better check mine before I put them on tonight. She took a step into the hall and returned. I meant to leave a down payment. Gran Molly always says: If coins don't pass hands, you don't have a contract.

Sazzy made no comment, just pulled Dusty's fee board from under the side of her desk and checked for his 'missing person' price. Two silver cousins to start: one for me, one for Dusty.

I had expected to pay quite a bit more. If I cheat you, your brother will have my ears.

I have to talk to Dusty, we have to check to see how much work might be involved. I'll have a firmer fee for you either tomorrow or the next day, whenever you can get back.

I hope you can find him quickly. I can't help feeling he's in danger, Savory said, closing the door behind her.

Sazzy eyed Shalin’s handfasting band and pushed it away with her wizardwriter. The neutralizing stone hadn't taken much of the command off it. Maybe knowing what the command entailed would tell her why the boy had run away. She glanced at the sketch of the handbinding wristlet she had done before touching the band. Very likely that had been a foreseeing. Kimnee had said he seen foreseeings in several of the drawings she had done while in his time.

Sazzy lifted her gaze to the two portraits hanging over her doorway. Chiary, her private spy mentor gazed down out of half-closed eyes with the look he usually got when an idea of how to break a case wide open had come to him. The other portrait, of Kimeriel Magictouch, she had painted herself while out of time solving her last case—and falling in love. Sazzy blinked back tears. She missed both of them, but Kimnee most and dreadfully—especially at night when she was trying to sleep and cried instead.

Sazzy sighed and lowered her gaze to her new case. Maybe her Warrior Mage friend Breck could tell what command had been set on the wristlet. Then, at the market, she could buy a fresh neutralizing stone and see if that would take the command down enough to be able to use it to Seek the matching handfasting band.

Sazzy lifted the band with her wizardwriter, slid it in the Fate-made pocket of her private spy kit, and felt immediately easier. After a last sip of kasha, she headed out. No Tasser sat at the desk in the corner to remind her to leave word about where she had gone. She had gotten used to having him there, watching the place. Maybe they would have to hire someone else.

As she passed the coat rack, she grabbed her new violet and teal cloak (which used to be Kimeriel Magictouch's cloak) and wrapped herself in the aroma of cinnamon and turpentine (Kimeriel's scents). She continued outside and down the three steps to the street. A slight breeze nipped at her and yanked her hair this way and that as she walked quickly northeast up Whippet Street. A block east, she passed the neighborhood gossips' apartment building—no one standing outside on the cold, windy porch today to wave to.

Several streets later, at the edge of Magic Market, Sazzy paused to check the Warrior Mage booth for Breck. No one manned the booth. A Savvy Cousin stand, fist-sized, multi-colored silk tassels blowing in the wind, sat next to the Warrior Mages' today. Sazzy lifted a hand to the Cousin in charge, then scanned the market. Breck waved from the hot, mulled cider stand. Sazzy went there, bought herself and the Savvy Cousin a cider, and walked with Breck toward the Warrior Mages booth.

As she passed the Savvy Cousins, Sazzy set the cider on the booth’s bench and said, Cousin.

The slim, dark-curly-haired boy grinned. Thanks, Coz. He saluted her with the cider and took a sip. Umm, still warm, too. Need any information today?

Will I be famous? she teased.

He grinned again. Miss Kitty, you already are famous, you have the attention of the Sinister Fates—if not several others.

She flinched and turned her attention to Breck, whose expression danced with laughter. Those Fates know you, too, Sazzy threatened.

Breck laughed outright. But they like you better. Speaking of the Sinister Fates, Gedrey is still doing great in his Fate Change. Aunt and Uncle Clacker sing his praises every time I go by now. They say he also got rid of the ghost.

The one that wasn't there?

That's the one. Breck laughed. What can I do for you today, Miss Famous Kitty Jinn?

In answer, Sazzy handed Breck her new business card, the one that would let her interact with others without alerting them to her Family status.

Sazzy Kim, Breck read. Cute. Not much of a change, but cute. Breck cocked her head to one side. Today the Warrior Mage wore her light brown hair in its usual, practical-looking coronet. She had lost some weight and her cheeks looked a bit hollow.

Are you all right? Sazzy asked therefore.

I'm losing the extra weight I gained from gorging myself at Gaudy Feast, so I can eat with abandon at my folks’ Winter Deep Feasts.

She supposed she ought to go to her folks’ Winter Deep Feast, too. Or, no, she'd agreed to go with Dusty to his grandfolks'. Are you going to the First Winter Folly?

Breck flushed lightly. Yes, your cousin Rory is taking me—even as unwise as I think it is to get in a relationship with an eliteson.

Sazzy made no comment, just opened her private spy kit, paused and said, Do you have some tongs or something I can use?

How about a piece of warding silk? Which also allows me to scold you for having something you don't want to even touch in your purse unwarded.

I didn't think. Not that the Fate pocket wouldn't provide more warding, if needed, than a dozen pieces of warding silk. She used the scrap of warding silk to pull the handfasting band out and set it on the booth counter.

Breck took a quick step back. What's on that? She paused, but not long enough for Sazzy to answer. It's a handfasting band. There's nothing about handfasting in that thing. I can't imagine anyone wanting to wear it.

Being, no doubt, the very reason Shalin had left it at home. It felt like a Family command to me. From the Lyy Family.

It doesn't feel like Feon Lyy's signature to me.

Sazzy hugged herself. It's Molly's signature. I neutralized it some thinking I could— She stopped and explained why she had the wristlet and what Savory wanted her to use it for.

Are you in danger? Breck asked.

Sazzy shook her head. I don't know. I've been trying to decide if the case is a trap.

It's a trap for whoever's handfasting band that is. The boy Shalin? Or his love?

Savory didn't mention a love. She said Shalin had left it at home his last visit.

I don’t blame him. Breck paused. I can't mess with a Family command without getting authorization from my clavemaster. Breck paused. You got rid of your sister's command before.

They were on paper, I threw them in the fire.

I can sell you the strongest neutralizing stone we have—probably twice as strong as the one you bought last time.

At twice the price? Sazzy teased.

Breck flashed her a grin. We have to keep ourselves in business, don't we?

Sazzy left Magic Market with a new, stronger neutralizing stone and the handfasting band wrapped in warding silk and back in her Fate-pocket. On her way through Sidewise Market, she bought a sack of fried moonjots for lunch and munched them while walking back to Five Whippet West.

As she entered the waiting room, Evan said, You've had enough.

‘Meow,’ Miss Kitty answered.

They all ate already today, Sazzy put in.

Evan peered out of his half door. I've never met a cat that wasn't starving if I had a fish fold in hand.

Are you ready to bind Dusty's first book yet?