The Test of Ostra

by Rory D Nelson

  “You know Herod’s disposition. He does not forgive or forget but merely suspends his anger. He is above vengeance and vindictiveness. He summons you simply because he needs you.”

  Felinius nods. “Then I will go and take vigilant guard as caution would dictate.”

  “If Herod wanted you dead, I would not be here now. He would have sent a small platoon here to surround you. He would have burned this place to ground if necessary. You ken?”

  (2)

  Domithicus and Atteus walk into the rectory and go immediately to the vestibule where Merlin has summoned them both, telepathically. Domithicus holds the saddlebag triumphantly. Chelsea and Troubadour whimper softly, anticipating the much-awaited reunion of their full pack.

  Merlin and Germanicus play a game of chess, which Merlin is winning. As Dom and Atteus turn the corner, Germanicus and Merlin rise to meet them.

  “Brothers, we are well met,” exclaims Atteus.

  “Indeed, well met,” responds Merlin and Germanicus.

  They all embrace. “I didn’t want to breach your mind, but your thoughts rise to the surface like some schoolboy pube about to bust his nut. Your quest was fruitful? You have the documents?” asks Merlin.

  Atteus and Domithicus nod. “Ai, that we do,” replies Domithicus. He pulls out the two documents and hands them to Merlin. The deeds are not written in braille and he is unable to read the words, but nothing gets by him through touch.

  He points to one of the documents and presents it. “This one is the fake. The typesetting is remarkable and very much like the Roman calligraphy but the feel of oily resin from a press is unmistakable. A fake but a very convincing one.” He holds up the other one. “This is the real one. It is handwritten.” He hands them to Germanicus for his assessment. Germanicus reads the first document and then the other.

  He smiles and looks at them both. “I too detect an oily resin on this one. And this document is the same in language except that it’s missing an important name. The name of Herod Antipaz. This is what they were hiding.”

  The others nod. “Ai.” They say in unison.

  “What is our course of action?” asks Germanicus.

  “That document proves little,” notes Atteus.

  “But it does provide a basis for a case,” remarks Merlin.

  “I can question him about it,” offers Germanicus.

  “What would it come to?” asks Atteus.

  “He would be expecting us to question him,” says Domithicus. “The man has avoided detection as the interloper for a long time. And, if he is under the protection of a sorceress, we may be at extreme risk if we venture into his turf. You ken?”

  “The man is not above the law,” says Germanicus. “He is arrogant beyond measure and he believes he is invincible. Perhaps an interview could rustle much-needed answers if done properly. Then we could file charges-”

  Merlin interrupts him. “On what grounds?” Germanicus shrugs. “He is a source of suspicion, but we have no reason to charge him. We have grounds to question him, but we cannot make an arrest. Our constitution protects our citizens against false arrest, and we must abide by its parameters. You ken?”

  The others nod.

  “My brothers, you all bring up valid points. But we are we dealing with a very deadly hindserpent with a calculating mind. Any of you attempting to question him would be putting yourselves at undue risk. You might never return. Though I believe that to eliminate you would be a very serious risk on his part, he might just be brazen enough to try it. Set watch and warrant it, I will go myself and question Herod. If he is, as I believe, under the protection of a sorceress, my mind cannot breach his. And yet, I will miss nothing in my assessment of him, even without my telepathic gifts on which to draw upon. I will go. Do you all agree?”

  The brethren nod. “Ai.”

  Chapter 12: Uncomfortable Questioning

  Merlin makes no secret of his journey to Herod Antipaz. He inquires at the small township of Ruth, located a few miles outside Herod’s property line, which encompasses a larger tract than the township itself. Herod is at home, in a hiatus from his duties of legislative sessions.

  Merlin breaches a few minds and discovers little he had not already ascertained. Those who are tied to the man are fearful of their lives and those who are not overly cautious. The rumors are rampant, but in public they are as tight-lipped as a dead woman’s vagina.

  So, by the time Merlin heads out of the town and ventures to his home, news has already reached Herod that Merlin is coming. Merlin expects this. This is official business, not a clandestine mission.

  Merlin is impressed by Herod’s abode. Nothing anywhere rivals its size, except for Menelaeus’ castle in New Camelot. The smell of an oil drum generator, powered by a massive water wheel is pervasive the moment he approaches the drawbridge, which is already beginning to lower.

  Several men on horseback cross it, one of which is a tall, imposing figure, much like Merlin himself. He is Tennyson, Herod’s Captain of the Guard and head bodyguard. He bows to Merlin, who respectfully returns it. “Well met, knight. We are humbled and honored by your presence. Accept our sincere welcome here at the abode of Herod Antipaz. I am Tennyson.”

  Merlin nods. “Ai. And I say thankee Tennyson for the warm greeting. If suits you proper, you may address me as Merlin. I am lead knight.”

  Tennyson nods. “I cry pardon Merlin. I do not know all knights by sight. Forgive my oversight.”

  Merlin nods. “Nothing to forgive, Tennyson.”

  “You may enter Merlin.” He pauses, uncomfortably for a few seconds. Though Merlin does not breach his mind, he knows what he is going to ask.

  “You have a request so speak it,” says Merlin.

  “Herod does not allow animals into his abode. You understand? We will see to him as well as quarter your horse.”

  “I would say thankee for quartering my horse, but my wolf Shadow accompanies me wherever I go.”

  “It is master’s rule,” says Tennyson adamantly. “You understand?”

  “Would you also attempt to take my arms from me as well? Continue in endeavor and see how well you fare. You ken? Shadow will accompany me and if Herod has a problem, he may present me with words himself,” says Merlin adamantly.

  Tennyson looks at Merlin for several seconds, perhaps hoping to intimidate him or summon his own courage, which is in woeful supply. He sighs in resignation. “Ai. Very well then Merlin. Please.” He gestures to Merlin. Shadow follows closely behind.

  Merlin walks in with Shadow, marveling at the magnitude of Herod’s ostentatious décor and level of security. The marks of a man with an exaggerated sense of himself and the paranoid belief everyone will try to take it from him. Merlin takes in as many details as he can with all his senses and relies on Shadow for the visual ones.

  They walk into the chamber where Herod is quick to greet them. “Ah, Merlin.” He says, as if they were good friends and this was not a serious inquiry. “We are well met. Are we not?” He bows.

  Merlin bows in response. “Ai, Herod. Well met we are. It’s been a long time.”

  “How may I be of service to you?” He asks, as if he does not know.

  “You have no doubt heard of the attack on the boy. You ken?”

  Herod nods and then shakes his head vigorously as if appalled. “Of course. News travels fast in these parts, especially extraordinary news.”

  Merlin nods. “A clue was left behind that brought us to the City State of Cortez.” A flash of brilliant, seething anger registers on Herod’s face. In that moment, his aura changes from a blackish, orange hue to crimson red. It’s unmistakable and palpable, even to Shadow, who emits a low-level and nearly inaudible growl. “It appears that the Shariff there had fabricated a title deed. Well, my Brothers found the real one which showed you as one of the owners of the mine in Cortez. So, it led me to you here today. Any light you could shed on the matter would be greatly appreciated.”

  Herod’s expression remains deadpan, ha
ving regained his composure. “Have you questioned the other men on the deed, Cravitz, Falco and Triberius III?” Asks Herod.

  Merlin shakes his head. “No. In due time.”

  Herod nods and feigns a dawning realization. “So, you came here first?”

  “Ai. It would have been the logical choice. Great pains were taken to obscure your name from the deed.”

  Herod rubs his chin contemplatively and shakes his head. “Well, it certainly vexes me. I am confounded so I am. I have mutual interests with all those men and now I must be cautious beyond measure. To think that one of them could be conspiring against me at this moment.”

  Merlin nods. “Ai. There is always that possibility as well.”

  Herod gasps in mock offense. “Are you implying that I am the conspirator?” He asks.

  “I am doing an inquiry, Herod-Sai. Please do not take offense. As an investigator, I must consider all the possibilities.”

  Herod nods. “Ai. It just infuriates me. As an innocent man, you must understand of course?”

  “I must consider every option, Herod,” says Merlin cryptically.

  “Of course, Merlin.”

  “We found another clue at the scene besides the watch.” Merlin lies. For a split second, shocked incredulity registers on Herod’s face and aura. Merlin observes and smiles to himself on the inside.

  “What?” asks Herod, a little too quickly, trying hard to hide the anxiety from his voice, but to no avail.

  “I am not at liberty to say. You know this, Herod. It could compromise the investigation.”

  Herod nods. “Ai.”

  “The townspeople are naturally fearful of their sponsor. They are very tight-lipped. But through tongue in cheek, a couple of names came up as possibilities. You were one of them.” Merlin pauses, hoping for a palpable reaction, but Herod composes himself; though his heart beats a few beats faster at the implication. “But perhaps it is as you say. The other Councilmen certainly have enough coin and influence.”

  Herod nods. “I want nothing more than to rectify this situation and vindicate myself from any possible wrong doing. Set watch and warrant, we shall all rest easier when this interloper is caught.”

  “Interesting you would use that term.”

  “What term?” asks Herod.

  “Interloper.”

  “Why?” asks Herod.

  “It is a term that the brethren and I used to describe him, but we have never spoken aloud that name in front of anyone else. So, it naturally sparks curiosity. Even suspicion.”

  “A coincidence,” says Herod, a little defensively. “It is a common enough term.”

  “Not so much,” says Merlin.

  Herod sighs, palpably rattled and irritated. “Are there any more questions, Merlin?”

  “No, but just one observation.”

  “Speak it.”

  “You know I am a telepath.”

  “It is common knowledge. What of it?”

  “You are impenetrable, Herod. That is an excellent gift. To have such a vault. I’ve penetrated a few vaults in my time, but yours is exceptional. It would take a sorceress to resist my assaults, so it would.” Red, seething anger and the aura to prove it. Merlin pauses. “But there are a few individuals with such gifts. And those that have such gifts would have to hone those skills for many years to be able to resist my assaults. I am not so easily impressed, but you impress me, Herod.”

  “Gratitude,” replies Herod.

  “But it poses an interesting query, does it not?” asks Merlin in an insinuating tone.

  “What is that?”

  “A man with such gifts, honing such remarkable skill, would no doubt have a lot of information which he would want to hide, would he not? So, Herod, what is it you are hiding?” Merlin purposely pauses. The tension in the air is as palpable as a thick and noxious fog to Merlin. He enjoys the small victory. He laughs. “But I’m merely conjecturing, Herod. Of course.”

  Herod nods. “Ai. Of course, Merlin. You must understand that as councilman, there’s always information I must withhold from the public in order to protect them. I am servant to the people but also a guardian. You must-”

  Merlin cuts him off abruptly. “Yes, Herod. I am a public servant as well. I withhold information from my brethren. I understand. I do believe we are done here. Set watch and warrant, the other Councilmen will receive a visit from me as well.”

  Herod nods. “Ai.”

  Merlin gets up and Herod does as well. Merlin extends his hand and shakes. “We are well met, Councilman Herod. I say thankee for cooperating with this inquiry.”

  Herod nods. “Ai. Glad to be of service. Should you need anything else from me, do not hesitate to call on me.”

  Merlin nods. “Ai.”

  “My man Tennyson will see you out.” Merlin turns to leave, but he stops for a moment and turns around. “You are not so far away to be out of ear shot from town gossip? Are you not, Herod?”

  “Ai. To which are you referring?”

  “Truly a terrible thing. The boy. The interloper took great pains to eliminate him. We believe a turncoat helped free the boy. Can you imagine such a level of betrayal? Why it would chagrin him immensely to know that his most trusted man intentionally stabbed him in the back. To think.” Visible, pulsing, seething anger registers in his face but disappears. His aura changes to a darker red, tinged with black in the middle.

  “A horrible thing. Thank God for the turncoat.” Herod tries unsuccessfully to keep the quiver from his voice.

  Merlin nods and smiles. “Ai. Thank God for the turncoat.”

  “Prosper long, Herod-Sai,” says Merlin.

  “And you also, Merlin.”

  Herod turns his back and is unable to keep the blood from flowing into his face, causing him to blush.

  “One more thing, Herod,” says Merlin.

  Herod turns. “Ai?”

  “There have been rumors, unsubstantiated. But tiresome ones put Felinius Hermedes in the area. You haven’t seen him, have you?”

  Herod shakes his head. “He is a fugitive from justice, Merlin. If I would have come across him, I would have him arrested and remanded into custody, as I am naturally sworn to as servant to the people.”

  Merlin nods. “Ai. Not to imply that you wouldn’t. Felinius is a slippery one, and he is not one to cooperate with those that would relinquish his freedom. I would ken that he would die in a blaze rather than submit to a jailor’s collar.”

  “I will have my men on a proper lookout. You ken?”

  Merlin nods. “Ai. Would be in your debt. Of course, as of now, they are unsubstantiated rumors.” He tips his hat and gives a small bow. Herod returns it. Merlin walks out with Tennyson, who exchanges a knowing look with Herod. Herod will probably have heated words with him later.

  After Tennyson closes the door to the hall, Morgana enters Herod’s receiving chamber. She gives Herod a stern look and shakes her head. She doesn’t need to read his mind to know what he is thinking.

  “I believe he knew you were there,” remarks Herod bitterly.

  “He knows I am behind the scenes and at your call, but he is unable to prove it. That goading that you took was meant for me as well.”

  Herod nods. “Ai. He’s fencing with me, toying with me, jabbing the pix axe into the festering wound.”

  Morgana approaches Herod and puts her arms around him in a soothing gesture. “But what of it, Herod? He can’t prove anything.”

  Herod ignores the gesture and the words. “And what of Felinius?”

  “What of him?” asks Morgana, a little defensively.

  “You heard Merlin, did you not?” He asks, contentiously.

  She shakes her head vehemently. “Merlin is trying to stir up animosity in our ranks. And you are affected by his accusation. So, it appears he has struck a nerve of doubt and succeeded. Merlin is a master interrogator, knowing where to strike. You know this.”

  Herod shakes his head. “I only know we are at a very dangerous and vulne
rable juncture.”

  “We always knew this day would come, Herod. For many years, we have been flying above the eyes of the wolf but now we are in his sights. We are building a force to be reckoned with above anyone’s imagination. We must hold out a while longer and this will be our empire.”

  “Either that or we will hang next to each other on a cross.”

  Morgana looks at Herod, anger and exasperation on her face. “If you really believe that Herod, then surely I have chosen the wrong man for this job. Perhaps Senator Cravitz or Triberius would welcome me as a co-conspirator. You ken?” She turns to go and walks off.

  “Morgana!” He booms. She turns around to him. “I have gone too far. What you say is true. Forgive the mad ramblings of an old fool. I would not seek to chop off my nose to spite my face. Those men have not the stomach for a foul deed that would usher in a better world for us all.”

  She smiles at him. “Little to forgive Herod-Sai. But remember there are a dozen men who would kill you in a heartbeat to take your place. And I could seduce any one of them.”

  “Ai, enchantress. That you could.”

  Chapter 13: Collateral Damage

  Balto, Vandemus’ youngest son, who is both a mute and a slow wit, is wandering on the outskirts of Cortez with his massive Bull mastiff, Riley, who is enamored with the boy and serves as his protector. The boy has an insatiable curiosity and a need for exploration.

  His explorations this morning take him to a large dilapidated barn, which sparks his curiosity. Without hesitation, they venture closer to investigate. The barn is massive. Though the structure is quite old, it has survived relatively intact throughout the years-thanks to a hardy and ingenious engineering.

  The barn is incredibly high with three stories of lofts. It seems the barn is no longer in use because all the animals have been moved out. Balto would love nothing more than to take Riley and play up in the many lofts. Perhaps he will catapult himself off the haystacks and land in a hay bed. Balto envisions the haystacks as a sort of fort, where he can hide from enemy attacks, much to their chagrin. He smiles in anticipation, but the smile disappears.