He didn’t know, but there would never be a better time to find out. Clearing his mind of everything but the image of Jennifer’s second-in-command, Al Elan called out to Edward psychically.
After turning a slow circle shouting fruitlessly into the darkness brought no reply, he repeated the process with Rhys and came up empty again. Frustration was building, but he forced it down. Maybe Talon would give him an answer. The man had taken an instant and strong dislike to Al Elan so that strong reaction, even if it was negative, might yield something.
The moment Al Elan sent Talon’s name out into the darkness he felt a connection. “Where are you?”
Another tug, southwest. Al Elan let the feeling pull him along, like a cork in the river. Seconds later he floated over a dark camp deep in the forest. Talon and the youngest one, Alec, slept while Edward and Rhys kept watch.
Maybe that was why he couldn’t reach the minds of the first two; they weren’t asleep and therefore weren’t receptive to contact. Regardless, he’d found them and that was what counted. Now to deliver Jennifer’s message.
He grinned at Talon’s sleeping form. This wasn’t going to do anything to endear him to the grim warrior, but time was short. Al Elan dove into Talon’s head and entered his dreams.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Evening was settling in when Binder and his tiny entourage finally returned to the palace. Along the way he’d given into Qang’s whining and let him and Teng stop for a meal. It was so easy to forget the limits of humans. That the frail creatures somehow not only survived but thrived was a miracle.
At the outer gate Ling waited, hands clasped behind her back. She bowed when Binder drew close. “Your journey went well, Master?”
“As well as can be expected given the sort of people I was dealing with. Any trouble here?”
“A few curious passersby, but none gave me trouble. The palace holds a powerful taboo for the people of the city. I believe it will take a long time for them to get used to the idea of a new emperor.”
Binder shrugged. He was immortal. Time he had in abundance. Not that he intended to tarry in his mission to bring this world under his control, but once that was done, molding the people to his ideal would take many generations.
“None of my knights have returned?”
“No, Master.”
Binder had been pretty certain they hadn’t since he would have felt their approach, but it never hurt to make sure. He passed through the gate and Ling fell in beside him.
“I see you have returned with one more than you left with,” Ling said.
“This is Teng and she will be serving as my personal valet. She will be a shining example of what’s possible for those that serve me well.”
Ling shot the girl a fierce glare and drew a hesitant wave in response. They would work together, not because they liked each other, but because he wished it.
“I have another task for you, Ling.”
“Whatever you desire, Master.”
“Do you know the tavern called Red Hood’s?”
“Everyone knows Hood’s tavern.”
“So I’ve been told. Go there and you will find a huge ax. It’s a dangerous artifact. Fetch it back to the palace and secure it in the vault.”
She bowed and took to the air. With any luck sheathing his power in a mortal shell would be enough to allow her to lift the weapon. Binder led the way through empty, silent halls, their footsteps echoing as they walked.
“This place is creepy,” Teng muttered.
Binder heard her clearly but didn’t respond. She had a point after all. In the old times hundreds called the palace home. Perhaps it was time they did so again. Then again he had much to do and little time to train a staff. That might make a good task for Qang. Now that the merchant lords had been dealt with he had no particular use for the lord mayor. He should have the skills to oversee a staff and get this place livable again.
They reached the throne room and Binder took his place on the throne. “Kneel before me, Teng.”
She shuffled closer and knelt about ten feet from his boots. A chain shot out and rested on her head.
“Do you swear to obey he who sits on the throne?”
“I do,” Teng said.
A flash of power ran down the chain making her flinch. When it withdrew Binder said, “Rise and begin your new life.”
Teng stood and fidgeted, looking everywhere but at him. She clearly had no idea what to do now.
Binder, however, knew exactly what to do. She couldn’t serve as his valet in her filthy street clothes. He concentrated and shaped her torn dress into proper, clean servant’s garb. Red tunic and trousers with green highlights, silk slippers, and a round hat. Dirt gathered and blew away, joining the rest of the dust covering everything.
Teng pulled at her sleeve and stared down at the slippers.
“Do they please you?” Binder asked.
“I haven’t worn anything this fine…” She shook her head. “In a long time. You should take a job in the garment district. If you can turn my rags into something like this, you’ll be rich inside the year.”
Binder actually smiled. “I have higher aspirations and you will be at my side as I achieve them all. A mortal witness to my conquest of the world.”
“What about me?” Qang asked.
“You will find a proper staff and get the palace cleaned up and livable.”
“I’ve been downgraded from guide to butler?”
Binder’s smile widened. “Did you imagine you’d be returning to your old life of sloth and ease?”
“I hoped so.”
“I’m pleased to disappoint.”
Binder cocked his head. Ling was on her way back. A minute later she walked into the throne room, empty handed.
“Why have you returned without completing my task?” he asked.
“I found no ax, Master.”
He lunged to his feet. “What?”
“Amongst the dead were a few hatchets, but nothing big like Hood’s executioner’s ax.”
She couldn’t lie to him, the nature of their bond prevented her from considering such an act. Since she had to be telling the truth, where in heaven’s name had the ax disappeared to? It couldn’t have just gotten up and walked away on its own.
“Do you wish me to search further, Master?” Ling asked.
Setting his irritation aside Binder said, “No. It will reappear eventually, probably when it’s least convenient. For now we have more pressing concerns. The first of my knights is returning.”
Sure enough a male Chain Knight flew into the throne room, the two men behind him wrapped in chains from neck to ankle. He tossed them at Binder’s feet.
“Did they give you any trouble?” Binder asked.
“Some, but nothing I couldn’t handle. One of the others—”
“I felt it,” Binder said. “Rest assured she will be avenged.”
Binder turned his attention on the wiry men at his feet. Neither of them looked more prosperous than the bandits he’d dispatched what seemed like weeks ago. If this was the state of a leader of soldiers, in what shape were the peasants under his rule?
The two men scrambled to their feet. The elder, who didn’t look much more than thirty, said, “You will pay for this outrage. I lead five thousand men. They will ride and burn this city down around your ears.”
Binder flicked a questioning look at his knight.
“I only saw about fifteen hundred at their fortress and I doubt any of them will be going out of their way to rescue this one.”
“Oh?”
“They hardly lifted a finger to stop me from taking them. If I hadn’t had to fly so far I’d have been back hours ago.”
“Are you truly one of the leading satraps in the empire?” Binder asked.
The jumped-up bandit puffed out his chest. “Only four command more men than I.”
Binder frowned. If five thousand men was considered a large force he was going to have trouble gathering the tro
ops he’d need to conquer more of the world.
“You have been brought before me to swear an oath of loyalty to the throne so that you might help bring order and stability to the empire. You will retain command of your men, but will ultimately answer to me.”
The ragged satrap sneered. “Lo Fann answers only to Lo Fann. I kneel to no one.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
Binder pointed and four chains shot out, piercing Lo Fann through both shoulders and thighs. He screamed as the constructs lifted him off the floor and suspended him between two of the pillars running the length of the throne room.
Turning to the trembling second-in-command Binder said, “Congratulations, you’ve been promoted.”
The man dropped to his knees and touched his head to the floor. “I will swear any oath you wish, Master.”
“I rather thought you would.” Binder had to speak up to be heard over Lo Fann’s screams. “The ceremony will be held later, when the rest of my guests arrive. Until then make yourself comfortable. Ling, are there any chairs in this place?”
“I’m sure I can find something suitable, Master.” Ling bowed, seeming untroubled by the bleeding man hanging ten feet away.
Qang, on the other hand, couldn’t stop staring at Lo Fann.
“Something troubling you?” Binder asked.
“Just trying to figure out where I’m going to find servants willing to scrub bloodstains from the tile. Maybe former slaughterhouse workers.”
“I have no doubt you’ll manage.” What did it say about Binder’s future that Qang was his best servant? Probably best not to think about it.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Entering Talon’s dream left Al Elan disoriented for a moment, but when he regained his senses he looked around. He’d appeared in the middle of a freshly cut hayfield. The sky was clear and the sun shone down bright and warm. Of all the things he’d expected to find in the warrior’s mind, this wasn’t it.
The sound of distant voices caught his attention and Al Elan headed toward them. He had to be hearing Talon’s consciousness interacting with whatever subject he dreamt about. At the top of a little knoll he found Talon dressed in a light tunic and shorts lying in the grass, his head resting in Jennifer’s lap.
Al Elan nearly fled at the sight, but his message was too important. A little embarrassment couldn’t stop him from completing his task. When he reached about ten yards away Talon sensed his presence.
Jennifer vanished and Talon’s weapons and armor appeared. Thunder rumbled overhead and the sun dimmed.
“What are you doing here?” Talon demanded. His twin blades appeared out of nowhere.
Al Elan held his hands to the side in hopes of showing that he meant no harm. “Jennifer sent me to deliver a message and only a sleeping mind is open to me. I didn’t intend to spy.”
“She’s okay?”
“Yes, but she needs your help, all of you. I don’t know how much of the current situation you’re aware of, but the princess is being held hostage in the capital. Jennifer has a plan to free her, but she can’t do it with just the two of us. If you wake the others I can guide you to where we’re waiting.”
Talon nodded. “How?”
“When my ghost form touches someone they register it as cold. We’re camped two miles southwest of the capital. When you draw near I’ll nudge you in the right direction.”
“I’ll tell the others. At warlord speed we should be there before dawn.”
Talon vanished.
Any moment now he expected to emerge into the clearing to watch the warlord wake up. Instead, Talon reappeared less than a foot away, his swords crossed at Al Elan’s neck.
“Tell anyone, especially her, what you saw here and I’ll kill you. Understand?”
Al Elan nodded. He no longer held the illusion of invincibility when he was a spirit and Talon’s furious scowl indicated his complete sincerity.
This time when Talon vanished the psychic world disappeared with him and Al Elan found himself in the clearing.
“Go back to sleep,” Edward said. “We’ve got hours before sunup.”
“I got a message from the commander. She wants us to meet her south of the capital.”
“You were dreaming,” Rhys said.
“Yes, and Al Elan entered that dream to deliver the message. I can prove it. If you’re still here, freeze Edward’s nose so he doesn’t think I’m going crazy.”
For a moment Al Elan was tempted to ignore the request just to get back at Talon for threatening him, but this was too important for such petty revenge. He flew over and touched the tip of Edward’s nose.
The big man jumped back and slapped his hand to his face. “Heaven’s mercy!”
“Believe me now?” Talon asked.
“Yes. Thank goodness she’s okay. Wake Alec, we move in ten.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
A pair of trembling satraps and their lieutenants knelt on the hard tiles facing Binder, or at least trying to face him. Every time Lo Fann let out a scream their eyes darted his way. Binder kept his expression impassive, but inside he smiled ear to ear. Though it took considerable soul force to keep the dangling satrap alive despite the loss of blood, the effect he had on Binder’s guests made the effort more than worthwhile. He didn’t even need to make threats, just having the impaled man up there served as all the warning his fellow satraps needed.
Ling had dug out enough chairs for the guests and soon-to-arrive merchant lords. They weren’t fancy and none of them matched, but they did the job. The former lieutenant sat in one now, his gaze scrupulously avoiding his former master.
“So you have no problem pledging your allegiance to the throne?” Binder asked.
“None, Master,” they said in unison, touching their foreheads to the tile.
“Excellent, rise and join my loyal followers.” Binder gestured to the empty chairs and the four men settled in.
Binder cocked his head. Another of his knights was returning, alone. How disappointing. He’d hoped to only have one location to clean up, but it appeared he’d have to make at least two stops before laying full claim to the empire.
The throne room door opened and a man with massive shoulders made even more huge by the infusion of divine soul force strode through. The Chain Knight ignored everyone else and knelt before the throne.
“Report,” Binder said.
“I’m sorry, Master. I couldn’t complete my mission.”
“Your target repelled your assault?”
“No, Master.”
Binder frowned. “If the enemy forces didn’t stop you, why did you fail to carry out my orders?”
“The satrap killed all his lieutenants then himself before I reached his headquarters. With no surviving leader, I didn’t know who to bring with me.”
“Trocar,” the former lieutenant muttered. “He always was a fanatic.”
“If you have something to add,” Binder said. “Speak up. I’m always interested to hear from my loyal subordinates. By the way, what is your name? I can’t keep thinking of you as Fann’s lieutenant.”
“Cho, Master. I was saying that the satrap you mentioned had to be Trocar Iron-Hand. He was well known for his hatred of the former empire. He had the reputation of a warrior-priest and his people worshipped him. I can absolutely imagine him killing himself and his closest servants rather than be captured.”
“Will it be difficult to bring his people under our control?” Binder asked.
One of the other satraps snorted. “I’d wager a pouch of gold that when you return to his fortress temple you’ll find a mass suicide.”
“With the lunatics dead,” the second satrap said, “you can install a new lord to oversee the commoners. No doubt anyone would be better than Trocar. Whoever you choose will probably be welcomed with open arms.”
Binder reached out and patted his knight on the shoulder. “You did the best you could under the circumstances. I offer no criticism. Rise and join your fellows.”
For a moment Binder despaired of ever bringing such a desperate species under his control. He quickly shook off the gloom. With time and his power, Binder could accomplish anything. Eventually they’d learn his way was best.
The last of his knights, a slender, graceful woman half the size of the last man, reported her failure. The satrap she’d gone to collect hid in a warren of tunnels that ran for miles through the mountains to the east. She’d spent hours chasing the man, but never laid eyes on him. Without help she doubted anyone could dig them out of those caverns.
Considerably disappointed with her report, Binder let his displeasure radiate through their link. It cut the female knight worse than any form of torture he might imagine. Finally he dismissed her to join the others.
“What do you know of this satrap that lives under the mountains?” Binder asked.
His reluctant guests looked from one to the other. Apparently their willingness to talk had faded.
At last one of them said, “I don’t know much about him. He’s called the Mole King and rumors say he was born in the tunnels and never leaves.”
“I heard he was blind and could smell gold in the stone,” Cho said.
The first satrap snorted a laugh and Cho bristled. “What’s so funny, Dai Han? Your rumors are no more based in fact than mine. The truth, Master, is that no one knows anything certain about the Mole King, and his people are nearly as mysterious. Other than a few representatives that emerge from the dark to trade iron ore and gold, they keep to themselves.”
“The Mole King.” Binder felt ridiculous calling anyone Mole King. “He has no above-ground territory?”
Cho shrugged. “There are villages built near the mountains, but as far as I know the Mole King doesn’t place governors to oversee them. As long as the people stay out of his tunnels, they’re left in peace.”
On Blackened Wings Page 14
