"No, but I've seldom seen him use the full force of his magic."
"Your loss of magic is only temporary; I'm sure of it, but it does mean we can't rely on it coming back anytime soon. We'll have to come up with another way of escaping."
"We're chained in a dungeon," she said. "How can we even think of such things when we don't even know where we are?"
"It's not a dungeon," said Stanislav, "it's a cellar. When Nikolai brought me here, I managed to get a peek. We're under some sort of mansion."
Natalia's ears pricked up. "A mansion, you say? I think I know where we are."
"Go on," he prompted.
"During our stay in Ebenstadt, we learned that a Stormwind had infiltrated the Order of Saint Cunar. This is likely the house he uses as his headquarters."
"That's good to know should we reach the grounds, but we still have to get out of these chains."
"I'm afraid there's little I can do," said Natalia. "I can barely stand."
"Wait a moment," said Stanislav. "You said that Nikolai knows you're pregnant, yes?"
She nodded, then remembered they were still in darkness. "Yes, what of it?"
"I know a way we can use that to our advantage."
"Go on."
"The first thing we have to do is see how much leeway we have with these chains…"
* * *
Nikolai stared at the pale-blue gem set in the ornately crafted silver band. The metal that held the gem in place protruded to either side, giving it a curious shape.
"Something wrong, Boss?" asked Federov.
"It's this ring," the mage hunter replied. "It has an unusual shape."
Federov leaned forward to get a better view. "I've seen something like that before," he said, "though not quite as grand looking."
"And?"
"It's a key."
"A key?"
"Yes," said Federov. “At least I think it is. If I'm right, it'll unlock something."
"Like what, a padlock?"
"No. Likely something smaller, like a jewellery chest."
"How interesting," noted Nikolai. "It seems there's more to this Natalia than I had first thought." He held the ring before him, catching the light off of the gem. "This is blue magerite. Its colour denotes the power of the person wearing it. I'm told when Natalia wears it, it's almost black. That's an indication of very strong power, and yet she wasn't wearing it when I captured her."
"Where was it?"
"In a pouch, worn around her neck."
"Why do you think she kept it concealed?" asked Federov.
"To hide it, no doubt. She must have realized there were people about that might recognize it. That means she may be onto the family's plans in these parts. Still, it matters little now that we have her."
"Providing she didn't pass on word to an accomplice. And there's still that fellow of hers on the loose."
"We shall have him soon enough, then there will be an end to it all. They will both become a thing of the past, and we shall be able to live out our lives in splendour."
"How much do you think this child of hers is worth?"
Nikolai smiled. "Far more than Natalia was, unless I miss my guess."
"And the ring?"
"I think I shall hang on to that for a while. You never know what secrets it may unlock."
"We should toast our good fortune," suggested Federov.
"An excellent idea, my friend. Pour us some wine, and let us give thanks."
Federov rose, walked over to a collection of bottles, and searched through them, finally lifting one for his master's approval. Nikolai nodded in appreciation, and his aide returned to his seat, pulling the cork. He was about to pour the wine when a scream echoed up from below. They both rose, a look of horror on their faces, the ring now forgotten.
"The child!" shouted Nikolai.
They rushed out of the room, taking the wooden steps two at a time down into the cellar. At the bottom stood a door, behind which the prisoners were being held. Pressing his ear to the wood, Nikolai was desperate to hear what had transpired. To his horror, Natalia let out another scream.
"Something's wrong," shouted Federov.
Nikolai dug into his tunic, pulling forth a key that hung from a thin silver chain. Bending over, he inserted it into the lock and turned it, waiting for the telltale click, then straightened his back, looking at his companion.
"Be careful," he warned. "Natalia is highly resistant to magebane, so she might try to use a spell."
Pushing the door open, he let the light flood into the small cellar before entering. There, on the floor, Natalia lay writhing as groans escaped her lips. Nikolai quickly looked over at Stanislav, but the old fool was against the wall, well out of reach. Moving towards the woman, with Federov at his side, he knelt, placing his hand on her back, trying to steady her.
"What is it?" he said.
In answer, she let out a terrible wail that echoed off the walls. Nikolai backed up from the sheer ferocity of it, and suddenly a chain was around his neck, pulled tight by the firm hand of Stanislav. Nikolai reached for his dagger, but the chain tightened.
"Don't even think of it!" ordered Stanislav.
The wail abruptly ended, and then Natalia stood, brushing off her dress. Federov moved towards her, a dagger in hand.
"I wouldn't if I were you," suggested Stanislav. "One more step towards her, and I'll end your master's life."
Natalia moved over to Nikolai and began searching his clothes. Moments later, she pulled a key ring from his belt.
"You won't get away with this," warned Nikolai.
"We'll see about that," said Stanislav.
Natalia flipped through the keys, trying each one until she unlocked the chains on her legs, then moved cautiously around Stanislav, undoing his shackles as well. Moving back to Nikolai, she quickly retrieved his dagger and turned to his henchman.
"Toss over yours," she ordered.
Federov, fearing for his master's life, did as he was bid, watching helplessly as the mage picked it up.
"Into the corner," said Stanislav. "Quickly now."
The old mage hunter began moving towards the door, keeping his front to Nikolai's accomplice as he moved into the room. Natalia backed out, followed by Stanislav, who took only a moment to push Nikolai onto the floor before slamming the door shut. Natalia pulled forth the keys, but none was the right size for the door.
Stanislav cursed. "Leave it," he called out. "We have no time, we must flee while we can!"
They ran through the room, Natalia pausing as she saw her ring sitting on the table. Scooping it up, she held it firmly in her hand as they hurried on their way.
* * *
Athgar awoke to see a ceiling above, covered in peeling paint, and quickly realized he was lying in a bed.
A figure shifted to his right. "He's awake," said Sir Raynald.
Turning his head, Athgar tried to shield his eyes from the light streaming through the window. "What time is it?"
"Just past sun-up," said the knight. "Brother Rickard says you were in pretty bad shape when he got to you. What happened?"
"Where's Natalia?"
"We were hoping YOU could tell US," said Sir Raynald. "What happened? Last time I saw you was at the father general's place."
"Natalia saw someone from her past, a man named Nikolai. We followed him to an old theatre, but it was an ambush." His voice choked up. "I tried to save her, but there were too many of them."
Brother Rickard placed his hand on Athgar's arm. "I'm sure you did your best. It's remarkable you managed to escape, considering your wound."
"It was bleeding pretty badly," admitted Athgar. "I barely made it back."
"I have bound it," the Mathewite continued, "but you've lost a fair amount of blood. You shall have to rest for a few days."
"I can't," declared Athgar, sitting up suddenly. "I have to find Natalia!"
"I'll send some knights," said Sir Raynald, "but from your description, I doubt they'll find anyt
hing. Whoever sprang this ambush is likely long gone by now."
Athgar sank back down, a look of defeat on his face. "Then it's over. She's dead."
"Have faith," said Brother Rickard. "That may not be the case. Wouldn't they want her alive?"
"If you had asked me last summer," said Athgar, "I would have agreed, but I've become convinced they want her dead."
The room fell silent.
"She was a remarkable woman," said Sir Raynald. "Possibly the most intelligent person I've ever met."
"Hang on," said Athgar, "I just had a thought."
"Which is?"
"He could have killed her right away, but she fell prone. She's been having problems with her magic, you see, due to the child."
"The child?" said Brother Rickard.
"Yes, OUR child. I imagine the Volstrum would want to get their hands on it. I'm told they pay a hefty bounty for gifted individuals, and our child would be powerful, too, wouldn't it?"
"I'm afraid magic is far out of my area of expertise, but it certainly sounds reasonable."
"They would have ridden out of town by now," Athgar said, his face falling.
"Not likely," said Sir Raynald. "Every spare horse in the city has been taken by the Church. Even merchants have had to give up their mounts. They're all needed for the supply wagons."
"So they're still here, somewhere," said Athgar.
"You said you spotted him at the father general's?"
"We did. Oh, and the master of the Temple Knights is a Stormwind."
"A Stormwind? Impossible," said Brother Rickard. "It takes years to become a member of that august family, doesn't it? How could he then also be a Temple Knight? How did you come to this conclusion?"
"He wore a ring that identified him as such," said Athgar.
"Come now, how could you possibly know that?"
Athgar looked the Mathewite in the eyes. "Because my wife's real name is Natalia Stormwind. Let me explain…"
The Wolf
Autumn 1104 SR
* * *
Stanislav peered across the street. "I see some movement in the window."
"That will be Athgar," said Natalia, relief in her voice. "He must have made it back to the room."
"There's always the possibility it's someone from the family. I'll go up there and check it out while you stay here. I'll come and get you if it's safe."
"He won't know you," she protested. "It should be me who goes."
"And risk capture a second time? No, it's better if I go. Your magic isn't working right now, remember?"
"Very well, but be careful."
"I will," he said, pausing for a moment. "Athgar doesn't know me. I'll need something to convince him I'm a friend, something only you would know."
"Ask him if he enjoys bathing," she said.
He scrunched up his face. "What will be his answer?"
"I doubt he'll have one, but he'll know it's from me."
Stanislav nodded. "Very well, now stay here, and keep out of sight. I shouldn't be long."
He crossed the road, disappearing into the Wolf of Adenburg.
Athgar sat up, wincing as his leg twinged.
"You must stay still," warned Brother Rickard. "You're in no shape for exertions."
"I can't just sit here waiting," the Therengian replied. "It's killing me."
"You have little choice. If you were to set off after her now, you likely wouldn't reach the end of the block, and then where would you be?"
"He's right, you know," added Sir Raynald. "I've sent Sir Humphrey to the theatre to look things over, but until we hear back, there's little that can be done." He looked out the window, watching people below as they walked by the inn.
A soft knock drew their attention. Brother Rickard looked at Sir Raynald, and the knight nodded, moving to the door and pausing a moment. "Who is it?" he called out.
"A friend," came the reply. "I have a message for Athgar."
Raynald looked at the Therengian, who merely shrugged in response.
"I don't recognize the voice," said Athgar.
Sir Raynald drew a dagger, holding it behind his back as he opened the door. There stood an average-sized man, his dark brown hair liberally sprinkled with grey.
"Can I help you?" asked the knight.
Stanislav peered into the room, relaxing as he saw the brown cassock of Brother Rickard. "I'm looking for a man named Athgar," he said. "I bring news."
"Oh yes?" said Sir Raynald. "And how do I know you mean him no harm?"
"I am here at the behest of Natalia."
"She's been kidnapped," said the knight.
"No longer. We were able to escape."
Athgar sat up once more despite the pain. "Where is she?"
"Hold on a moment," warned Sir Raynald. "How do we know this isn't some sort of trap?"
"I carry a message from Natalia," said Stanislav. "It's for Athgar's ears."
"That's me," said Athgar.
Sir Raynald backed up, allowing the visitor entry.
Stanislav looked at the Therengian, noting his grey eyes and brown hair. "My name is Stanislav Voronsky," he said. "I believe you may have heard of me?"
"I have," said Athgar, "but how do I know you're really who you say?"
"State your message," interrupted Sir Raynald, "and be quick about it."
"Very well. Natalia told me to ask when was the last time you bathed?"
Sir Raynald's hand produced the dagger from behind his back, but Athgar forestalled him. "It's all right. He's who he says he is." His gaze shifted back to Stanislav. "Where is she?"
"Very close," the mage hunter replied. "We saw movement through the windows, but I thought it best to investigate first. I can summon her if you wish."
"I'll get her," said Athgar, lifting the blanket from his legs.
"No," said Sir Raynald. "You are far too injured, my friend. Let me."
"Very well," said Athgar.
Sir Raynald put away his dagger, then disappeared into the hallway, closing the door behind him.
"So, tell me, Stanislav," said Athgar, "how is it you came to Ebenstadt?"
"I came here looking for Natalia."
"To what end?"
"To warn her. The forces of the family are being bent to her discovery."
"And how is it you knew you'd find us here?"
"I didn't," the old man confessed. "If truth be told, it was a bit of a gamble. Illiana Stormwind sent me here, but I thought it a fool's errand."
"And yet here we are."
"Indeed," said Stanislav. He shifted his gaze to Brother Rickard. "There's more to it, but the rest is best left till we're alone."
"You said you escaped together? The last time I saw you was in the theatre."
"Yes, unfortunately I was followed to Ebenstadt by an old enemy, a man named Nikolai."
"Yes," agreed Athgar. "He was the one who led us into the trap. I thought he wanted Natalia dead?"
"He did," said Stanislav, "until he learned she was carrying your child."
Athgar frowned. "No doubt he wants a reward for taking them both back to the Volstrum. Did he hurt her?"
"No, though I should tell you she is still without her powers." Stanislav noted the look of concern on the fellow's face. "I can assure you," he quickly added, "such a loss is typical for spell casters. It's all quite normal."
"It is?" Relief flooded Athgar's countenance. "Thank the Gods for that."
"The Gods?" said Stanislav. "Oh yes, that's right. Your people follow the old ways, don't they?"
Footsteps approached, and Brother Rickard opened the door to reveal two visitors.
"Look who I found," said Sir Raynald.
Natalia entered the room, smiling as she spotted Athgar. Her face soon changed to a look of concern as she took in the paleness of his features. "Are you injured?" she asked.
"Only a scratch," he answered.
"It's a bit more than that," added Brother Rickard. "He's been told he has to rest."
; She moved closer, sitting on the edge of the bed and placing her hand on his arm. "I was afraid they'd killed you," she said.
"He's a tough one," said Sir Raynald, moving to the window and peering out. "It would take more than a few thugs to stop him, I'd warrant."
"What now?" asked Athgar.
"Simple," said Brother Rickard. "You two will stay here and follow my instructions for Athgar's recovery.
"I'm afraid that likely won't be possible," said Stanislav. "News of our escape will have reached our enemies. I'm sure they're already out looking for you."
Sir Raynald stiffened. "I think they've already found us." He was staring below, his eyes focused on movement in the street.
"Get Athgar out of that bed," said Stanislav. "We shall see if we can't buy you the time you need to make your escape. Have you somewhere you can go?"
"Yes," said Natalia. "Back to Runewald."
"Where's that?" asked Sir Raynald.
"Never mind," said Stanislav. "I've heard of it. Now, here's what we're going to do…"
* * *
Nikolai gazed up at the windows. "And you're sure that's where they are?"
The man before him nodded, his hand out, waiting for payment. "That's right. The old man and the woman, the one with the pale skin, they entered just a moment ago."
Nikolai dropped a gold coin into the man's hand and sent him on his way. He turned to Federov.
"We'll take them in a rush," he said. "Everyone with me."
He drew his sword while his lieutenant sorted out the order of entry. Nikolai looked at his men. "Remember now, they're casters, so be careful. We need the woman alive, but the rest you can dispatch as quickly as possible. Understood?"
They all nodded, their faces settling into grim determination. Nikolai led them across the street at a run, then burst through the doors. Up the stairs they went until they came to the second floor. Here, there was a short hallway flanked by some decidedly rough-looking doors. At the other end of the corridor were more stairs going up, but the way was blocked by two men.
"Stanislav," said Nikolai. "We meet again!"
"You shall not have her, Nikolai, not this time!"
"Move out of the way, you old fool. I'm on the family's business."
Inferno Page 24
