Blood Of The Righteous

by J. E. Sandoval

  " And with you fellows heading due west, we won't have to worry as much about running into a guild ship," said Cassim in his deep Moorish accent.

  "So," Armstrong said, pointing at the crate of food. "How much for the lot."

  "Seven gold."

  Armstrong counted out seven gold galleons and plunked them on the wooden table.

  "God's wounds, Armstrong, you don't even try to haggle me down! No wonder you're still running errands for merchants. Here!" He handed the crate of food over to him with two of his gold. "And let me see the contract!"

  The captain handed David the rolled parchment, which he unrolled and skimmed over. "No bonus for returning early, other than that, the standard rate. Look, you are heading down to New Portsmouth with your hold most likely half filled, correct?"

  "Yes, what of it?"

  "There is a Snakepox plague there. There is a man around the corner selling aloe extract. Buy some of it, and don't pay more than 2 gold a crate for it. When you get to New Portsmouth, take it to the noble district and sell it for 9 gold and five silver a crate. That will put an extra 70 gold in your purse if you can scrape together 20 gold now."

  Armstrong grinned. "Thanks, Tanner," he said, taking back his contract. Always get the best tips from ya."

  Cassim picked up the crate of tinned food and headed off towards the Crimson Moon, while Armstrong headed over to the aloe hawker to put David's advice to good use.

  David began to close up the stand. Early day for him, and no work until tomorrow. Maybe Kal would let him play with that Orang again! Dropping his bulging coinpurse off with Karinga, David set off towards the warehouse district.

  * * * * * *

  "There it is, Gabriel. Kheog," El said, motioning to the city walls on the hilltop. "They say it was taken by the forces of Aragil in a matter of hours."

  Gabriel nodded. "So I've heard. I hope the border guard doesn't give us much trouble."

  "Are you expecting them to?"

  "After being attacked in broad daylight? I would honestly be surprised if they did not. People in this region are losing respect for the Church. Still, maybe we shall be blessed."

  The two rode on for another half hour before they arrived at the border post, being manned by four guards in traditional purple Aragil uniforms.

  "Hold!" one of the guards shouted as they approached the station. "State your business."

  "I am Brother Gabriel. A knight of the Holy Defenders. I have been charged with bringing this healer to New Portsmouth.."

  "A healer, eh? What's your business in Aragil, girl?"

  Eleenia spoke up. "Lady Eddington is sick with the Snakepox. I am to attend to her and see if I can relieve her suffering."

  Gabriel shot a surprised look at her, which the guards noticed.

  "Oh, he was not aware of my mission. Only that he was to take me to New Portsmouth. I try not to confide in churchers. You understand, don't you?"

  The guards laughed. "Indeed we do, miss! Glad to hear that Lady Eddington may be finding some relief. On with you then. Oh, we've heard of some people being robbed along the highway. You didn't meet with any trouble, did you?"

  Gabriel spoke up. "You won't have to worry about them, sir. I dispatched them for you."

  Eleenia smiled and nodded. "That's why they sent this one with me. Quite the bore by the campfire, but handy with his sword."

  The guards laughed once again. "Okay, miss. Thank you for taking care of that little problem. Go on with you. Oh, and if you happen to stay in the city tonight, might I suggest the Golden Dragon? Tell them watch Captain Reardon sent you and you will be well taken care of."

  "Thank you, my good man!"

  "And keep tight reins on that churcher! We don't need him stirring up trouble here! And best of luck with Lady Eddington!"

  When they were well out of earshot, Gabriel brought his horse closer to Eleenia. "What on God's green earth was that about?"

  "My dear brother, had I let you do the talking and told our true reason for being here, the trouble you were fearing may have come to pass! You see, back before people realized that the Purple Pox occurred when there were snakes, it was called the Nobleman's Pox. So, it was logical to assume that the lords in New Portsmouth would be afflicted. Lord Richard, however, is a spoiled brat who inherited his father's title two years ago. Had I said it was he who was sick, they may have turned us around, as given his personality, he could not be popular. So I said it was Lady Eddington. Anyway, I heard a rumor about it back in Avonshire. Being forced to marry that popinjay, she would have most certainly won the pity of the nation."

  "But why did you humiliate me?"

  "I would have thought that was obvious! The fact that we were attacked on the road here, as you pointed out earlier, makes me believe that the Church is falling out of favor with the general populace. Plus, did you see the nasty looks the guards gave you when they saw you? Referring to you without respect gave us something in common, which I played upon."

  Gabriel gave a heavy sigh.

  "Oh, don't worry, my dear brother. It was all an act. I have the utmost respect for you."

  Gabriel smiled. His sister truly did receive father's keen mind, perhaps even surpassing it. Perhaps she didn't need to be looked after as badly as he previously thought.

  * * * * * *

  It had cost him a silver, but David was once again playing with what he hoped would someday be his very own orang, playing keep away with a half an apple.

  Lady Malceour walked into the room, amused at seeing her usually most challenging negotiating adversary playing like the kid she thought he was on their first meeting. “Having fun, Tanner?” she said with a grin.

  David turned. “Oh, hi Kal!” The orang took the opportunity and snatched the apple out of David’s hand.

  “David, I have a question for you. Who are you really?”

  David froze, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over him. He chuckled nervously. “Not sure what you mean, Kal.”

  Lady Malceour folded her arms and began pacing back and forth. David remembered that she only did this when she knew she had the upper hand.

  “I’m glad you came back. I didn’t want to do this in front of Karinga, or even Johan. Last week, I was negotiating with an emissary from Gylinia’s queen, a Master Cohen.”

  David’s anxiety grew to horror at the mention of his former teacher. He did his best to calm himself. “Never heard of him.” He turned back to the orang, tickling it on the side of its neck.

  “I’m not convinced. You see, up until him, I thought your style of negotiating was unique. And it was thanks to my experience with you that I made any profit at all in my negotiations with him! After we were done, I asked him if he knew you. He said no, that at his rates, he could only be afforded by nobility and royalty for teaching, and a son of a mere leather worker wasn’t worthy of his attention. That and all of your obscure knowledge, the way you can do sums in your head, even the fact that you can read and write! I’m going to ask you again, Tanner. Who are you?”

  David’s hands began to shake. He withdrew them to his side to steady them, disappointing the orang. “I told you. My father is Michael Tanner from Northpoint. He owns a large tannery in the western section.”

  “Why would it be in the west of Northpoint?” Kal asked. “One would think his shop would be located near the port in the northeast of town so he could buy the cattle coming off the ship.”

  “My grandfather bought the land before I was born, so he doesn’t have to pay rent. He has an arrangement with two pig farmers and he sells the carcasses to butchers. I’ve told you all of this before, Kal. He makes enough money to have me educated.” David turned his attention back to the orang.

  “David, I sent Johan to guard a shipment of weapons to Northpoint after my thumping at the hands of Master Cohen
. There is no tannery west of Northpoint. Now, last time, who are you?”

  Thoughts of undead and necromancers filled David’s soul with terror. Would Kal sell him out if she found out who he was? He couldn’t take the chance. It was time to leave. Now. He gave the orang one last scratch and stood up. “Well, then perhaps he moved or made enough to retire. I don’t know. I haven’t been home in many years. Well, if you will excuse me, Captain Karinga needs me back at the ship.”

  Kal gave him a doubtful look. She gave an exasperated sigh as David beat a hasty retreat out of her warehouse. She’d find out someday.

  * * * * * *

  Gabriel and Eleenia didn’t want to linger in Kheog. People’s attitude was quite different here than in Elgannan. There was an almost palpable disgust for Gabriel, and half of the churches had been shuttered. Besides, there were way too many painful childhood memories there, but it was nothing compared to what surely awaited them in Lystra.

  “I want to visit the graves,” El said. “We never got a chance to pay our respects.”

  Gabriel nodded. He hadn’t spoken much since they entered Aragil. El was a bit worried. When they got to the family crypt and saw David’s grave, his hopes would be dashed. But it was the closure she knew deep down inside that he needed.

  Being unencumbered by servants and wagons, the normal three day ride to Lystra would only take them two. Plenty of inns along the way, and she was sure she could convince Gabriel to stop at one or two for the night. The novelty of sleeping outside had long since worn off.

  * * * * * *

  El woke up on the ground next to the spent campfire. She sat up and twisted her torso, stretching her muscles and cracking her back. She looked around. Gabriel was on his knees, saying his morning prayers sword in hand. The horses were already packed up. She was grateful that he did most of the work during the trip. It was good for the soul, he said, but she thought he felt guilty for making her camp so much.

  Before sundown, they would be at the crypt. She began to prepare herself for the epic meltdown that was sure to follow his disappointment.

  Gabriel got up. “You’re awake! Good. I wanted to get started. We’ll be in Lystra tomorrow.”

  El began rolling up her sleeping gear. “Ow,” she said, rubbing her back. “Gabriel, can we please stay at an inn tonight? There is that one a few minutes’ ride from the crypt. The Hunter’s Lodge, remember? Father took us there that one time when we were going to visit the Branvolds.”

  “The one with all the stuffed animal heads on the walls? I suppose. They had really good stew from what I remember. The owners were pretty old. I wonder if they are still alive or if the inn is even open.”

  Eleenia chuckled. “Remember how you and Alexander got into a fight with their grandsons? What was that over?”

  Gabriel winced. “I don’t remember. I just remember the beating we received from Father afterwards. It was difficult to ride the next day!”

  “Just to let you know, Father was impressed that you two took on four kids almost twice your size. I hope they haven’t taken over the inn. Or if they do, they don’t remember us.”

  “There are plenty of other places to stay if they do.”

  El gave a sigh of relief. They were sleeping at an inn tonight.

  * * * * * *

  David woke to the sounds of commotion on deck. Usually he was up with the sun, but on the first day at sea, the rocking of the boat usually kept him in bed a little longer. He put on his sea pants and boots, ran his fingers through his blonde hair, and got up.

  When he stepped outside, the first thing he noticed was the coastline of Decia on the Larboard side. Something was terribly wrong. He quickly ran over to and up the ladder to the Quarterdeck. Fike was at the helm, while Karinga, Dunkirk, and Edge were conferring with Quenton. “What’s going on?” David asked.

  Karinga turned to him. “Oh, good, you’re up. Helmsman and the night watchman have disappeared, the wheel was covered in blood, and we are headed due south. Someone tied a rope to the helm to steady it.”

  “A guild saboteur?” David asked.

  “At least one,” Fyke said as he turned the bloodied wheel to starboard. The Waverunner sluggishly responded as the ship turned westward.

  “Tanner, get someone to clean that helm and the deck. Edge, I want the night watch quadrupled. Dunkirk, try to keep the crew calm. Last thing we need is them chalking it up to ghosts or sea monsters.”

  “Aye, sir,” the officers responded, as they each went off to do their appointed tasks.

  David was glad they were resuming course to Port Cirill. With Lystra so close by, there would be little market for their ingots in New Portsmouth.

  * * * * * *

  The horses nickered nervously as Gabriel and Eleenia arrived at the Ki Kalendeen family crypt. El jumped down off of her horse and tried to calm it. She noticed that the crypt, which was dug into the side of a steep hill, was remarkably well maintained and that there were cut lilies not two days old laying outside of the ancient stone door.

  “Gabriel,” she said. She looked up at her brother and noticed he was staring at the crypt, his eyes wide. “What’s wrong?”

  “El, don’t go inside. Something is terribly wrong here.”

  “Oh, don’t be silly. Please, Gabriel, I want to pay my respect and show you David’s grave.”

  Gabriel jumped down off of his horse. “I can feel it. There is a darkness here, an evil. Dear God, I can almost taste it!”

  El grabbed her quarterstaff, lantern, and a pack of sulfursticks from her pouch. She struck the sulfurstick against the rock door and lit the hooded lantern. “I’m going inside. Help me open the door.”

  Gabriel gave an exasperated sigh. “Fine. Stand back.” He dialed the three locks to the correct position, 7-7-7, and after the telltale clicks, he pulled the large stone open.

  Eleenia thanked her brother and walked inside, expecting to be struck by the smell of musty mold, but even the inside of the crypt was well maintained. No cobwebs or rat skeletons to be found. Who had been maintaining the Ki Kalendeen family crypt all these last four years? Could Gabriel be right? Could it be David? There was only one way to find out. El made her way to the newest section of the crypt, which was freshly dug to the right side of the family sigil, a large silver eagle overlaid with a cross, which marked the floor at the center of the crypt. After passing the two previous generations, she entered the chamber that held her father, mother, and siblings.

  Sadness fell over her as she saw the double tomb that contained the mortal shells of her mother and father. The double tomb was very beautiful; it must have taken the carvers months to do. The bodies had been laid side by side, holding hands, a practice that was almost unheard of, as it signified them as equals. She gently ran her hand over the sarcophagus, but it was dust free.

  She continued on, to Alexander’s tomb. Oh, her dearest older brother! She remembered the times that she and David had played pranks on him and Mareth. Good natured as it may have been, she now felt a pang of regret.

  Beyond that was David’s casket. David had been her best friend growing up, her baby brother, and her partner in crime. She openly wept and she fell to her knees at the memories they had shared. Gabriel would be crushed. This journey had been in vain, but Gabriel would continue his fool’s errand, she was sure of it. At least she would get to examine the Snakepox in New Portsmouth, perhaps even get to make a difference. The healers from the south were notorious for their superstition and their insistence on clinging to the outdated old ways of healing. Bloodletting and leeches, while they had their place, were not the cure for everything.

  Suddenly, there was an explosion of rocks. When the dust cleared, two skeletons armed with
swords stood before her.

  Eleenia began to panic as the wall of logical reason that she used to shield herself came crashing down. “GABRIEL!!!” she screamed, as she raised her quarterstaff to defend herself.

  The skeletons moved like lightning and were on her in a matter of seconds. She tried to overcome her fear and call Janelle’s lessons to mind. She moved around David’s tomb and put her back to the wall. She did her best to deflect the rapid blows of the undead horrors, but it soon became evident that she would not be able to get any offensive strikes in.

  In a flash of blue light, the skeleton on her left was cleaved in half, skull to pelvis. The hollow eyes of her remaining opponent turned to its new and far more dangerous threat. Gabriel stood, sword in hand, with an intensity and holy wrath in his eyes. The skeleton swung at Gabriel’s left. The attack was knocked aside and Gabriel quickly countered, removing the skeleton’s sword arm, leaving its sword to fall to the stone floor with a clank. Gabriel raised his sword, which had started to glow blue, and he smashed it through the center of the skeleton, causing it to fall into two inert halves.

  Eleenia stood still in shock as Gabriel replaced his sword into his scabbard.

  “Before we leave, I am going to have to sanctify the ground. Someone must have cursed it to allow these abominations to step inside. I think they were placed there specifically to target us,”

  Eleenia let out a blood curdling scream. “Gabriel! What were those things? How is that even possible?” she said as she started to sob, the new reality that had been thrust upon her being too much for her to handle.

  Gabriel walked around the casket and put his arm around his little sister. “Come on. The sanctifying can wait. We are less than 100 legs from The Hunter’s Lodge tavern. I’ll get you some sweet wine to calm your nerves.”