Inside the war room stood large guards who were posted in each corner. Allahandra quickly accessed their exhausted physical state and told them to sit. She left the room while Shade laid heavily on the cool marble floor while panting, tongue lolling off the side of his jaw. The Twins and Alex sunk in the chairs, grateful to finally be able to stop and rest. Allahandra came back in with her item case. She laid it on the table next to her vassal and opened it without pause. She grabbed a small scalpel and said “This will sting, but it will both cool you off and turn a small portion of your natural body fat into stamina. It will be like getting your second wind back.”
She suddenly stabbed his thigh with the item and it did pinch, but he felt his body cooling rapidly and some strength returning. Alex’s mind felt calmer and sharper after her item took effect. She pulled the scalpel out of his leg and it didn’t have a single drop of his blood on the blade. It was like it never entered his body.
Her scalpel cut the sturdy pants, but the skin didn’t have a cut or a drop of blood from the penetration.
She then jabbed the twins also. He could tell they felt like he did, relieved.
Allahandra then returned the item into the case and asked “I cannot help Shade because of his armor and I doubt he’d consent to being poked in the eye.”
Shade didn’t mind cooling off naturally. He thanked her for offering to help though. He really didn’t want to be stabbed in the eye or in the nose.
“Any better?” She asked and all said their thanks. And she sighed with a pleased smile. “Alright, now tell me what you’ve learned.”
“First Shade needs to rest and I also called another council meeting. More officials are on their way as we speak. It seems like my suspicions were correct about there being a hidden agenda. I will translate what he saw soon enough. He has ran all day without taking a break and needs to relax.” Allahandra nodded and quietly sat in her throne.
All Alex knew was that his cousin was leading the assault and there was going to be justice had. Now how will everyone take knowing that my cousin is the leader of this army? He wondered.
It seemed like his blood was doomed to turn out bad.
Alex’s cousin was insane and he also shared relations to King Runkamon. What could be worse than being related to two mindless murderers?
Chapter 24
While they waited for some high ranking officials to join the meeting Alex calmly asked Allahandra “Did you find anything worthwhile in my absence? Did any of my suggestions become reality?”
She smiled knowingly. “Actually we have uncovered a few details. And you were on to something we all had missed. I’ve had only my most eldest aids, who worked for my father, help me in searching through many documents and ledgers for any spies who entered our city around seven years ago. We have already found two suspected spies and one that is confirmed. He has been imprisoned and Commander Yort is interrogating the man personally as we speak. The latest report I’ve gotten said that he did have accomplices, but as of yet we don’t have a name. Plus we know he was funneling information out of the city from another mystery person in a reasonably high station.”
A moment later the commander of the stealth force entered the hall first. He spotted his subordinates and walked over to them. “Twins! It is good to see that you both returned safely. How did things fare?”
The twins began speaking in their unique way again. “There were many royals.” “But it was the swiftest we’ve ever traveled.” “No steed could ever match the speed of the Shadow Fang.” “Unfortunately there were too many troops, but we don’t know any more than seeing the standing military force with our own eyes.” “We don’t know any other details, Commander.”
“Find a seat, Commander. You look like you need to catch your breath as well. We will convene the meeting shortly.” Allahandra stated calmly from her throne, clasping her hands together again.
After he sat down, another commander entered.
Half an hour later, more commanders entered the war room and soon General Rakkian entered the silent room alone. He spotted Alex first and foremost, his dark eyes began searching the new warrior and was confirmed with a sharp nod. He was silently asking if they found something important.
He stopped to speak after the doors closed. “Your Majesty, this is everyone that could come on such short notice. I’ve left Maiot to attend to my troops until I get back. And as of yet, the informant has yet to give up any more details.”
Alex looked up at the queen as she stood. “Everyone, Alex has returned, as you can see, and there is a report from Shade. The floor is yours, gentlemen.”
His head turned in Shade’s direction and Alex saw that he had finally cooled off because he no longer panted and was breathing normally. His golden eyes met grey and took a deep breath before standing up. He had worked so hard these past two days and his muscles were fatigued. He finally made it to his paws and walked between the queen’s side and his brother’s, nails tapping on the marble surface. “Is it time, Alex?” he nodded. “Alright, tell them everything I say; word for word.” He then sat on his haunches.
Alex looked to the twenty gathered officials and said “Shade says ‘When I entered the enemy camp last night I counted their numbers first. I counted nine thousand three hundred and eleven troops, all prepared to do as commanded. Eight thousand and three are carrying explosive or destructive siege type items. There are seven hundred who have long range weapons, but they are only to protect the siege users. There were few specialists and the rest were healers. In the middle of the camp was a lone tent. I entered it last and found that Alex’s intuition was correct. There is another story besides the attack, a deeply hidden one.
“‘I found out that the leader of the military contingent was an old enemy of ours. It is Alex’s cousin, Rakkel’.” General Rakkian had instant recognition and anger filled his expression. Rakkian also wanted revenge for what happened to his late commander and dear friend. Alex then resumed speaking for Shade. “‘I couldn’t take him out because he was surrounded by guards and even if I could, it’s against my policy to strike when my opponent’s back is turned. I needed to bide my time so I waited underneath their strategic table. Unfortunately I cannot understand human language so I cannot reiterate what I’ve heard from them, but the information I’ve found will be worth all the food I could eat in a year; maybe even more.
“‘When Rakkel and his personal guard left the tent for a brief period of time I pulled out of my shadow, just high enough to look atop the table. I was safe for only a few moments, but I’ve learned what they have planned, to an extent. In those plans, were orders to cause a large scale distraction. During the assault there is someone on the inside of the city that is going to do something unprecedented. Apparently there is something this person is supposed to smuggle out of the city and it could strain or even destroy Freelan’s structure and its will to continue the good fight. What could be smuggled that could have that kind of potential, Allahandra’?”
She looked at Shade and her brow furrowed. Then Alex told Shade what she said by looking up at him. “Allahandra says she hasn’t a clue, but she will have everyone available search everywhere for something that could cause such a devastating problem.”
Then the twins recounted what they saw and were dismissed back to their stations to get some needed rest. They earned it.
“Alex,” his gaze shifted to Rakkian. “ask Shade if he knows how or where this person might exit the city with this important object.”
Shade gave his answer and Alex passed it along. “He says he doesn’t know, it wasn’t on the documents he saw, but he wants to know if he did well on the infiltration and information gathering.”
The dark, angry face softened into a calm smile. He stood and walked over to Shade and patted his broad neck. “The information you found will be of great aid. None could have accomplished such a task so flawlessly and come back unscathed. Now we have something we can work with. You did very well, Shade.” Alex tran
slated and Shade almost purred in gratitude and pleasure.
Soon after, Rakkian returned to his seat as Allahandra stood and began issuing orders. “I want everyone to keep the bulk of this information classified. I do not want to alert this spy that we’ve collected such unique information. Tell only the other top commanders, no lieutenants, captains or any lower must know these details. I also want them and you to tell the subordinates to search for something one could easily smuggle out of the city. If it has some form of great value check it out and report back. If you believe it can destabilize my land and my people, send me a report once you receive it. Whatever this object is, I need to know about it. Plus I still want all high priority targets guarded unless otherwise told by me.” She pointed to the door and said “Get on it and keep the chatter down to a minimum. You are all dismissed.”
Everyone inside the chamber quickly left. Allahandra whispered into Rakkian’s ear just before he departed. Once Shade and Alex were alone with the queen, not including the four guards in the corner, she spoke calmly. “Alex, I want to thank both you and Shade for such a difficult task. I will have a large meal brought up for the two of you. Please just relax. You’ve both earned it.”
Allahandra walked over to the closet on the wall and opened it. Inside were many items and most belonged to specialists who use information that can travel distances. She found a mirror that was both small and square. She flicked a corner of the reflective item and a different image appeared in the mirrors reflection; it was a young man’s face. Allahandra said “I need a large meal brought into the council chamber room for two of my guests. Tell Mistress Marge it’s for Alex and Shade.”
“Aye, Your Majesty.”
She flicked the corner again and the face disappeared. She replaced the item in the cabinet and closed the doors. Her dark eyes met gold and grey and she said “Alex, I’m afraid I must retire for the night. Please rest well and I shall see you in the morning.” She then walked to the back door, intent to leave them alone, but she was too awake to sleep just yet. The information caused her great worry. It looked like she was contemplating many things at once, but she shook her head just before the door closed behind her.
Thirty minutes later Mistress Marge entered the room and Shade stood up again. She brought them both a large meal. Shade and Alex began eating as she left. Both ate their fill and then just a little more. They were both too hungry to enjoy the meal, but it did satisfy their bodies.
Just before they retired for the night they both entered their room and eased themselves in the warm pool of water. Tension and the accumulated stress in their muscles were eased thanks to the blissful liquid. Heat from the water loosened their fatigue. Once they were both comfortably relaxed Alex helped clean Shade from all the hard work and washed accumulated grime and dirt from his coat.
Shade and Alex both soon crashed into the bed with complete exhaustion. It was a close call for who began sleeping first. It felt great to relax after such a hard run and ride, but it was clear for the moment and they could sleep restfully.
During a dreamless sleep Alex felt a strange and comfortable sensation. Something was touching his left hand as he slept on his belly. Whatever it was, felt both rough and smooth at the same time. Then he smelled something different in the room that was usual. A smell that reminded him of home. It was slightly salty, but there was a warm sweetness to the scent. It was the subtle scent of a sea breeze. His mind slowly began working again.
Grey eyes opened slowly and searched the left side of the room. A strand of raven black hair disrupted his sight and was moved with the tuck of the thumb behind an ear. A faint glimmer of white took the hair’s place. The shimmering white led to a beautiful face, with amethyst irises calmly connecting with his. Alex’s brain sped up once he realized it was Lily.
Turning on his side, he smiled, without disturbing the hand she was touching. His voice was still both weak and groggy. “Lily? What time is it?”
She smiled and spoke with a rich and smooth voice. “Do not fret, it is only a few short hours until dawn.” Her eyes moved from his face to his chest. He didn’t realize that he had forgotten to put on a fresh tunic, but at least he was wearing pants. She smiled as their eyes connected once again. “I just received word that you made it back to the city and I had to trade shifts with another guard before I could come here and check on you. You seem alright.”
A yawn couldn’t be held back. “Our trip was successful and I’ll tell you about it later, but first tell me what I’ve missed since my departure.”
She shifted her bottom on the bed so she could see him better and he noticed she was wearing one of her old sets of clothes. “Well… Marlin sticks as close to Niranene as he can without getting in her way. When she works on patients he stays back a safe distance, but he is very protective of her. The only time he was away was when I told him to take a restroom break.
“Niranene has issued all of her healers into strategic points in the city, but she stays within the healer’s building. She continues to treat those who have more critical injuries and cannot be moved elsewhere. I’ve seen her items and they are different. In her bottles are pills that have different properties. Sometimes she grinds up different proportions of pills to change the result. She’ll put the powder in water and make them drink it. It was fascinating to see how quickly they became effective. Oh and once the pills or the powdered liquid entered the body it worked almost instantly. I’ll explain more on that later though.
“I was also the guard of Niranene and there wasn’t anyone who came close to her unless they were a critically injured patient. Other than that, things were relatively calm and quiet around here.”
“Thank you for the update, Lily.” He yawned again.
“I’m sorry for waking you. I just wanted to see if you were alright. Now that I have, you can go back to sleep. Good night and I’ll see you in the morning.”
When she stood up their hands disconnected. He wanted her to stay, but too tired to voice an opinion. As the door closed his mind drifted back to sleep. Alex began dreaming that Lily had stayed.
Sunlight flashed across his face and bring him back to consciousness. It was a sure sign that they completely overslept and it was now in the afternoon. The room felt cooler than it did when he first collapsed. It probably rained. Getting out of the warm and comfortable bed was one of the hardest things to accomplish. He mindlessly shaved and attired new clothes that were inside the closet. Once all of his preparations were complete the next job was unavoidable.
He had to wake Shade up with a poke of the staff.
Once he finished grumbling and stretching Shade followed Alex into the war room. When they arrived they weren’t alone.
Allahandra, Lily, Marlin, Mistress Marge and the surprise guest Niranene sat in the room, talking idly. The room held a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere; it felt like things had settled down. On the table were hundreds of scattered documents and the serving tray that belongs to Mistress Marge.
“Well look who finally woke up!” Marlin stated as he sat between Lily and Niranene. Everyone’s eyes turned upon the brothers. “Your snoring could have shaken the foundation to pieces, Alex.” He then began smiling.
“The two of you must have been more tired than I originally judged.” Allahandra conceded. “But I’m glad to see you rested. Come sit, have a meal.”
“Gladly.” Alex said with a simultaneous yawn.
He took his usual seat between Allahandra and Lily. Lily smiled and mock punched his shoulder. “Don’t worry about telling me about your trip. Allahandra filled me in.” As Lily spoke the head mistress pulled out a cooked goat with a sweet stuffing specifically for Shade. He started salivating before she and Marlin even sat it on the floor. “What I want to know is how we should proceed with your cousin. What do we do if we find him?” Lily stated tactfully.
Silently contemplated what should happen didn’t take long for him. He was lost in his thoughts until a tray of food was laid in front of h
im. “Thank you.” He said behind himself and grabbed the mug. The cool water was just what was needed for his body. His eyes eventually sought Lily’s.
“Honestly I’m clueless as to what should be done. If he continues with his mindless escapade, more people will only end up being hurt. If he dies in this fight then so be it, but if he runs who can catch him? With his item, he can hear over vast distances and use the sounds to find a safe route to escape. If he was captured he should be put on trial for all his crimes against good people and judged accordingly.”
“Alex,” Allahandra whispered, gaining his attention. “if he is captured you know our laws, but if you want a trial instead of an arbiter, I’ll put one together. That is if he isn’t killed in battle.” Her expression was tense.
“Thank you.”
Halfway through his meal Alex looked to his left. “How have things been going, Niranene? Is Marlin keeping you good company?”
Her innocent and petite expression widened and flared three shades of red. She then looked into her lap and whispered “Aye, he is good company.” Then her features shifted from a bashful woman into the head healer of this city. “If I understand it, you have overslept today. Marlin had told me that you have never slept that long before. Apparently you are a light sleeper. If you don’t mind my asking, how are you feeling?”
He scratched his jaw saying “I’m fine. I only slept so long because staying up almost three solid days took its toll. There is nothing you need to worry about. That is, even if your item could work on me it would say I’m healthy.”
She smiled, but Allahandra interjected. “What do you mean, if?”
With the help of Lily and Marlin they explained how some items worked on Alex while others are rendered useless.
After the meal was completely finished Allahandra told Alex about some of the reports she’s received. There were some people that became overzealous in their search in the smuggling hunt, but no one was harmed. She had checked her coffers for something of value, but those were only price worthy objects and wouldn’t cause the alliance to break down. There were a few reports of unique objects, but none of them were verifiable at this time. She ended her report saying “It is really annoying to try and find an object you know nothing about, but I’ll find it for sure. You can be sure of that.”
Untamed Gift (Book One of the Items Trilogy) Page 51
