r threats you might care to make, we will have to refuse your offer. " Spyder was surprised by Shrikes tone, but could tell that she was in full-on haggling mode. The traders in Tangiers had been the same way. It wasnt the easy-going bargaining of Nepal or Mexico, but a verbal fist fight. Spyder looked at Madame Cinders, waiting for her counter.
"What would be enough, Butcher Bird? Your kingdom back? Revenge on your enemies? Your father?"
"I barely recall my kingdom and my enemies will be damned in time. But to taunt me with my fathers death, I didnt expect such low behavior from a lady of your standing, Madame. "
Madame Cinders laughed and it sounded like bubbling sludge. "But your father isnt dead, Butcher Bird. Hes merely mad. Would you like to see him? Hes here, not two rooms away from us. "
Nineteen
What Men Never Understand
Whirring ahead in her wheelchair, Madame Cinders led Spyder and Shrike to a padlocked room where the walls were -padded with thick, stained silk.
Primo unlocked the door. In the darkest corner of the room, away from the light cast by the lone window, a man lay in a fetal position. His gray hair was greasy and wild. With dirty, bandaged fingers he mindlessly picked at the white padding that spilled out from a rip in the wall. The mans eyes were unfocussed, wide and wild.
From the door, Shrike said, "Father?" She stepped into the padded room, but Madame Cinders put up an arm to bar her. Shrike grabbed Spyders shoulder. "What does he look like?"
"Hes a mess," said Spyder. "Like those homeless guys you see eating out of dumpsters. Im sorry. "
"He is not in his right mind, ch
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