“Didn’t want you to leave the game empty handed, so I didn’t. I intend to win after all.”
“We’ll see about that.” He says.
They both approach the hoppy Board. Dante feels around at his feet for the numbers, ensuring they are in the same place as the last time he had played, which had been several months ago. His memory is sharp, but he is ultra-competitive and doesn’t want to lose, especially since she was given a two-mark head start.
Sylvia pulls out the jacks and dice and hands them to Dante. “You may go first, young-Sai.”
Dante smiles and nods. “Gratitude, lady-Sai.” Dante throws out the jacks on the boards, marking exactly where they land, which is directly in the middle of the board. He rolls the dice around in his hand, feeling the numbers rub against his palms and lets the dice go. Mentally, he counts the dice in his head and knows exactly how many times they spin in the air and then notes their position on the ground.
Sylvia looks on and calls out the numbers. “Six, four and-”
Dante abruptly cuts her off. “And a two.”
She looks astonished. “But how did you know?”
“The dice are like braille. The numbers are etched into the cube. I counted and made a note of exactly where they landed.”
“Wow!” She says, with a sense of amazement.
“How do you think Merlin plays board games?” He asks.
She laughs. “But you are no Merlin.”
Dante smiles back. “No. Not yet.” He laughs. “But there is only one. Maybe I can be his backup.”
Dante gracefully maneuvers through the hoppy board and picks up the jacks and then returns the same way, carefully and methodically missing the line.
Sylvia looks on with amazement and begins her run. She squeals in agitation as she hits the line on her forward and backward on her third run, giving Dante another point and closer to her. Though she would be loath to admit it to Dante, she doesn’t care whether she loses or wins, so long as she is with him.
Though he is strong and resilient, more so than any other boy his age, there is a sweet and reluctant vulnerability to him. She senses it deep in his eyes, which bear the mark of a heart sodden with pain. Her heart goes out to him. “Dante, what was it like? Were you scared tripe?”
Dante nods. “Ai. So I was. I didn’t shed a tear in their presence, but when they put me under, I cried until my tears dried up.”
Without saying anything, she rushes to him and hugs him. He reluctantly hugs her back and smells her hair, which stirs him. It makes him slightly uncomfortable. Yet he is very comforted by her presence. He isn’t sure how to feel about such things.
She goes back to her game, taking the dice from him for her turn. When she goes, Dante takes a note of where she lands and knows that she has crossed one of the lines, but he doesn’t mention it. “I thought I was going to die. I didn’t believe I would be rescued. I thought she was dead as well.”
“Did you see your family?” She asks.
Dante nods. “Ai. So, I did.”
“Were they in ascension?”
“Ai.”
Tears well up in her eyes. “What of my family, Dante? Did you not see them?”
He shakes his head. “No. But I know they were there as well. Set watch.”
The tears roll down her eyes and she wipes them away, a little embarrassed.
“I could have gone to the other side,” says Dante. “But I chose to stay.”
“I’m glad you did.”
“Me too.”
On the fifth round and only a few minutes before his recess ends, Dante throws out the jacks and the dice. On his way back to the base, he purposely scratches and drags his foot against one of the lines.
“You scratched!” yells Sylvia.
Dante nods. “Ai. So, I did. Was hoping you wouldn’t notice it.”
Dante turns towards her. “My recess is almost over. I have to go.”
“Well, it’s a draw. We’ll have to play again because one of us must win. And, you will have to wait if you want to get another kiss from me.” She says teasingly.
Dante blushes. “Ai. Then we will play again.”
Chapter 4: Setbacks
Morgana approaches Herod, who paces back and forth, holding down his arms to prevent an outburst. “What is done is done Herod-Sai. Did you think this campaign would be an easy one?”
He slams his fist down on the table. “We had him. In our midst. A hair away from his last breath and he failed me. They all failed me.” He looks at her with a glint of accusation in his eyes. “You see much, enchantress. How could you not see this other one or the traitor that betrayed me?”
“Only God is omniscient. Did you believe me to be?”
He sighs.
She puts her arms around his shoulders and her touch assuages him. “We have had setbacks before, Herod. We will rebound from this. Do you not see?”
He nods. “Ai.”
“Forget the setback, Sai and focus on what we must do now. We have whitewashed the scene. We must also sever any ties that remain betwixt us and the men in your employ. Those mercenaries are from Kent. They have families that could prove restless and stir a pot of discontent and rumor. Though the chance is remote, they could implicate you.”
Herod nods. “Ai.”
“You have men stationed in the City-States of Kent, ready to heed your commands. Summon them. Whitewash the scene. If there is even a hint of your involvement, Merlin will be hot on your trail. There is no length he will go to destroy you.”
“Ai, love. It is as you say. I have a band of mercenaries in Brantwood who work security protocol in the salt mines. They are capable of deed.”
Morgana nods. “Ai, then.” She puts her arms around him and hugs him. “We shall prevail, Herod-Sai. The time of the brotherhood will soon be at an end. Our time is imminent.”
(2)
Dominique, Vangelis’ servant, enters the living room and gingerly sets the tea pot on the coffee table. Dominique then bows to the guests.
Merlin snickers to himself. The elaborate portrait Vangelis painted fooled Merlin. Vangelis created a detailed portrait of his living space and hung it to blend with the living room. A man, who looks much like a gunslinger, sits across from Merlin. His wolf is sitting next to him.
Merlin, with his acute extra sensory perceptions, knows the painting is one dimensional. He could differentiate between the painting and real life. But to the naked eye, someone sits across from Merlin.
“Dominique eavesdrops as of late. He has become comfortable with you. Our gentleman friend discourages him from further indiscretions.”
Merlin nods. “A remarkable trick, teacher.”
“It is well to see you, old friend, but I fear what brings you here is not to socialize. You ken?”
Merlin nods. “Ai. You have heard the news of the boy?”
Vangelis nods. “Little escapes the ears of Vangelis, Sai. It is a small miracle the boy still lives. Unlikely turncoat aided us, were we not?”
“Ai,” responds Merlin.
“But the important query remains: Was he temporary turncoat? Or future ally?”
Merlin nods. “Ai. You speak the words I have only pondered myself.”
“Because he cannot commit to our cause, Sai, he is our enemy. But in this he could not suspend conscience further. A part of him wants to redeem himself; however, it remains to be seen which side will win out. He is much like Maximus. Is he not?”
“Ai. Tis so.”
Vangelis looks at Merlin. And for a fraction of a second, a small knowing smile breaks out on his face. “You cloak well, Merlin. But names abound, do they not? You have suspects in mind. Is it not so?”
Merlin nods. “Our interloper has sought him because he was one of us. And he sought our interloper because he needs a refuge.”
“Ai.”
“No need to speak his name. And it would prove a folly and counter-productive to follow his trail. You know this.”
“Ai,�
�� responds Merlin. “All too well. What can I do?”
“You are doing it. Our interloper has made a mistake. And this has unhinged him. He fancies himself invincible, but the boy’s survival has taught him otherwise. Protect the boy at all costs. When he reaches adulthood, he will become a power player himself. Follow your lead and protect the boy.”
“Ai.”
Chapter 5: A Possible Ally
Atteus and Domithicus takes nearly three weeks to reach the massive territories of the occupied and free towns in the City States of Kent.
Though they are beloved in Gilleon, here the people they encounter are reticent, suspicious and untrusting. They are on tenuous ground. They are immediately known by the presence of their massive wolves, Troubadour and Greylady, and word quickly spreads when they march into townships of Lareth, Benicia and eventually Cortez, home to the master goldsmith, Vandemus.
The townspeople maintain a wide berth, avoid direct eye contact and are curt in their responses, despite the level of amicability the Brethren convey.
After questioning a few reluctant individuals, Atteus and Domithicus easily find Vandemus’ shop. It boasts the largest Blacksmithing shop in all of Cortez. The blacksmiths work methodically inside the bustling shop. They produce iron pieces for fencing, swords, custom gun parts, wagons, staircases, homes, and railings.
Falco General is a store attached to the large blacksmithing shop and serves as a harrier shop. Apparently, Vandemus owns them both. Two harriers are busy fitting iron shoes to horses’ hooves. The hot molten lead and cooling water produces a palpable humidity, which exacerbates the sweltering heat.
Next to Falco stands a small jewelry store, which boasts the finest handmade jewelry for Cortez’ affluent. Domithicus and Atteus walk into the shop, choosing to leave their wolves outside, to avoid putting the citizens further on edge. The two people inside the shop have taken notice of them. They find it difficult to avert their eyes from the group, with their hard-caliber speed shooters and their massive wolves. Domithicus and Atteus smile and nod. The patrons nod respectfully in return but do not meet their piercing gazes.
A young man is wearing a lambskin smock and overalls and has a magnifying headpiece used for working with small pieces of precious minerals. “You sure know how to clear out my store,” says the young man.
“I cry pardon, Sai,” says Atteus. “We are looking for your employer, Vandemus. Is he in?”
“I am he,” replies Vandemus. His eyes circle around, referring to his store. “And this is my store.”
Atteus and Domithicus exchange a dubious look. Vandemus snickers. “I get that a lot. They expect me to be a bit older, I ken. But I am Vandemus. I’ve been tinkering with precious metals since I was a boy. How can I be of service to you? You won’t find me so tight-lipped as others in this town.”
“That is well,” says Domithicus.
They both approach and Atteus pulls out the pocket watch. “Is this your work?” asks Atteus.
Vandemus nods. “Ai. I remember every piece ever made, so I do. And I do remember the man who bought it several years ago. What of it?”
Atteus and Domithicus look at each other with a look of hopefulness. “Do you know where we may find him?”
Vandemus shakes his head. “The man’s name was Talbot Malloy. He was conscripted to Gilleon nine months ago and I must conclude he is dead. His family, the Malloy’s, were a familiar presence in Cortez, but they haven’t been seen in about three weeks, probably about the same time your knights left for an errand. I doubt it’s a coincidence. You ken?”
Atteus and Domithicus exchange a solemn look. They nod. “We expected as much, Sai,” replies Atteus. “The piece was overlooked by the culprits who tried to whitewash the scene. We were hoping we could talk to his kin. It’s the only clue we have to them.”
Vandemus removes his headpiece and looks at the pair, then puts down his equipment. He glances around his store, ensuring that no one else is around to hear their conversation. “Would you step around to my office so we may have unaired palaver?”
They both nod and then step around to Vandemus’ office. “Beltram?” He says to an older gentleman.
“Ai, Sai?” responds Beltram.
“Please watch the front for me.”
“Ai.”
Once in the office, Vandemus shuts the door. He gestures to take a chair where two beautifully upholstered chairs of lamb wool and Dagwood sit. Atteus and Domithicus sit on them.
“I trust every man under my employ. But realize, it would put me in a compromising position to be seen speaking at length to you both. You ken?”
They both nod. “The people of Cortez don’t know who to fear more- the Brethren or the man who employs a great deal of them.”
“You know his name?”
“Rumors really, but Ai, a few names would top a list of the wicked. Most will not venture to speak it for fear of death.”
“And why would you risk so much, Sai?”
“You know me. I am Vandemus, not so easily dispensable. My disappearance would not go unnoticed. Oh, I have no grand illusions what would happen to me if your man believed I was a palpable threat, but I have not made any waves. To eliminate me so casually would present too much risk.”
They nod. “Speak his name and see your burden lifted,” says Atteus.
“Senator Cravitz, Falco and Herod Antipaz are among the Council members who own the numerous salt and diamond mines that dot the landscape from here to Lansbury. It is rumored that Herod Antipaz controls the purse strings though. Mind you, it’s just hearsay. Conjecture only. Nothing more. Loose tongues set off landmines. You ken?”
They smile. “Ai,” says Domithicus. “Just conjecture. Nothing more.”
“There are further rumors,” remarks Vandemus. “Rumors of a much darker nature.”
“Such as?” asks Domithicus.
“I have been privy to rumors that unlawfully conscripted pubes work the mines.”
“Children slaves?”
“Ai. But they’re just rumors.”
“We have no jurisdiction here if said rumors are true,” cautions Domithicus.
Atteus nods. “Ai. Tis true, but if it were ever ascertained that a venerable Councilman was involved in such a shady deal, it would not bode well for him. You ken?” says Atteus.
“Ai.” replies Domithicus. “But I ken that it would be a difficult accusation to prove, especially for a man such as Herod Antipaz.”
“Men of your caliber would have no trouble obtaining a copy of the deed from Cortez Hall of Records I ken,” says Vandemus.
Atteus nods and smiles. “Ai. Gratitude Sai. Tell no one of our conversation. You and kin would be put in undue jeopardy.”
“Ai. Set watch and warrant it so.”
“You have given us both much to ponder on Sai. Is there anything else?”
“I would question Constable Martimus Rosscouver, so I would. He is what passes for the peace keeper in these parts.”
“I ken he would not give us a straight answer, since he is under the employ of interloper.”
Vandemus nods. “Ai, Sai. That’s true. But perhaps there is a way you can confirm that he is indeed a liar.”
They nod. “You are a wise council. Gratitude.” They shake his hand and then leave.
Once out of the store, Atteus speaks to Domithicus. “Vandemus harbors fear deep inside him.”
“As well he should,” replies Domithicus.
“He speaks truth as well,” says Atteus.
Domithicus nods.
“What do you make of his implications?” asks Atteus.
“They ring true. Herod Antipaz is one of the most powerful men in the council. His coin goes far in securing devotees and his ruthlessness even more. But the opinions of one very intelligent man is no proof. We have no basis for arrest,” says Domithicus.
“Let us go to the Hall of Records. A deed is no proof, but it’s a start. You ken?”
Domithicus nods his head. “Ai. A p
lace to start, but something tells me this errand will not be so simple.”
Chapter 6: An Unsettling Welcome
Atteus and Domithicus walk into the Hall of Records, a medium-sized building with tapestries of Greco-Roman influences, portraying the birth 0f Christ, a hallo resting over his head, implying his divinity. The architecture is also Roman-Greco, with its white alabaster coating on the interior and exterior, large Greek columns and vaulted ceilings, giving the structure an illusion of massive proportions.
The Hall of Records hosts the monthly township meetings and serves as a courthouse. It also houses the official documents of Cortez, dating back to the City-States beginning in the time of King Arthur. Atteus and Domithicus do not bother to leave their counterparts outside.
The air is relatively cool inside compared to the sweltering heat outside, due to its heavy insulation, the number of trees surrounding the property and the fountain inside, encircling a statue of a naked man and woman, laying casually about, a large wolf seeming to guard them. Ceiling fans circulate the cool air throughout. Atteus and Domithicus are both impressed. Greylady and Trubadour are naturally inquisitive and sniff at everything, looking to their masters for some verbal cue every few minutes, lest they become too distracted.
They are not alone. A set of massive oak doors burst open. The dogs lift their heads and emit a low-level growling murmur. The message is clear: be on alert. A series of footfalls echoes throughout the corridor. Atteus and Domithicus go to meet them.
Three gentlemen in spotless, perfectly tailored, white chambray shirts and gray overcoats emerge. Hard caliber speed shooters hang menacingly inside holsters, which are as immaculate as their get-ups. Atteus and Domithicus look at each other and smirk, knowingly with the same thought. These gents are just for show. They might intimidate inexperienced men, but not the brethren.
“State your business men!” says one of the gentlemen in a booming voice.
The dogs start to venture forward, but Atteus holds them back with a hand. They stop. Domithicus steps forward, confident and dominant, but subtly. It would take a lot to intimidate him.
The Test of Ostra Page 3
