by Blink, Bob
“Is she being kept with the Queen?”
Mirk shook his head. “Nah. She’s in a smaller place where they keep nobles accused of crimes until they come to trial. Threats to her father have been used to keep her in line. I believe the King is waiting until Rhog’s execution before dealing with her. When the public’s bloodlust is up, it will be easier for him to act. He’ll more than likely execute Rhog, that blasted priest who plotted with him, and the father all the same day. Who knows what his plans for the girl might be.”
Daria pumped the man for additional information, and was able to learn the locations of the two groups. Thanking Mirk for his help, she passed the man a couple of gold coins, and promised to see him again before she left.
“What now” Jeen asked after they left the dusty old shop. “Are you sure you can trust what he told you?”
“Mirk’s information is always good as gold,” Daria said. “I want to have a look at where they are keeping the Queen. I have a feeling Rigo will be wanting to speak with her before long.”
They found the estate without trouble. It was set off from most of the other estates in the area, but was large and looked to be quite comfortable, as would be appropriate for the ex-Queen. Very tall walls designed to keep anyone from getting inside surrounded the grounds, with the white stone building set well back from the perimeter. Walking around the outside they quickly learned that the only way inside was via the guarded double gates that opened onto the road in front. Additional guards could be seen wandering the grounds inside.
“Hardly a guardsman to be seen in town, and more than a half dozen here,” Kaler noted. “The question is, are they protecting the Queen, or are they detaining her?”
“I want to have a look,” Daria said.
“There’s no way you can get in there,” Kaler objected.
“Oh, there’s always a way, but nighttime is usually better for this kind of thing,” Daria countered. “However, today we have Jeen.”
“What do you mean?” Jeen asked.
“I’d like you to make one of those Bypass arches for me,” Daria explained. “See that balcony over there?” Daria pointed to a large area along the side of the building on the second level. “If you could have it open over there, I could elude all of the guards watching the outside.”
“That should be easy enough,” Jeen said, knowing that she could see enough from here to fix the endpoint. “But what about the guards inside?”
“I can elude them easily. You and Kaler just watch for me to reappear, and then make another portal for me to return here. When I asked you earlier, you claimed to be able to make one of the them so long as you could see the spot where it was to be formed.”
“What do you mean wait for you?” Kaler asked immediately. “We’re going wherever you go.”
Daria shook her head. “Sorry, but neither of you know how to move with any real stealth. You move like a large beast. You’d give me away in a heartbeat. I need to do this alone.”
Clearly unhappy with the situation, Kaler watched as Daria disappeared into the arch and briefly appeared on the balcony inside the grounds before she disappeared from view. For the better part of a glass they waited uncomfortably for her to return. Kaler envisioned all manner of problems that might have befallen her, but then Jeen tapped him on the shoulder. “She’s there.”
“Where?” he asked, not seeing her.
“She stepped back out of view as soon as she knew I saw her.”
Jeen expertly crafted another Bypass, and almost immediately Daria stepped into view.
“They are both there,” Daria explained. “It’s very nice, and they are left to their own interests, but it is clear that they are discouraged from leaving the building. I’m certain if any question was raised, the official word would be they are here for their own protection until matters in the kingdom settle down. Come, let’s have a look at this girlfriend and see where she is being kept.”
A glass later Daria had returned from her investigation of the much simpler accommodations of Rhog’s supposed fiancée. This time she had slipped inside using her own skills, and had returned so silently neither Kaler nor Jeen realized she was there until she spoke.
“She’s there alright,” Daria said. “There are five women being kept here, and this time there is no doubt they are not free to leave. I heard one of the other women refer to her as Inge, so that is likely her. I think we need to go back and talk with Rigo before we do anything else. I would guess he will want to be part of whatever happens next. Hopefully he is not having trouble with the wizards at the Outpost.”
Jeen made the opening that took them back to the inn, and they returned to find Rigo already waiting.
Chapter 72
“Where’s Jeen?” Daria asked when she stepped out of her bedroom into the shared area of their rooms and saw that Jeen wasn’t there with the two men.
“I don’t know,” Rigo replied absently. “I assumed she was with you. She’s not in the room?”
“I’ve been awake for almost a glass and she hasn’t been there. With all the moving around out here, I thought she must be here with the rest of you.”
“She hasn’t been here,” Kaler said. “Last we saw of her she headed off to bed with you last night.”
They had spent a long time the previous evening exchanging stories about what had been learned. Jeen was really concerned that Ash’urn had been left alone with Burke and friends at the Outpost, and for the first time had questioned Rigo’s decision. Rigo hoped her disappearance didn’t have anything to do with that. For his own part, Rigo had been concerned about some of the things the other half had learned. The missing guardsmen suggested the war would be starting in earnest sooner than expected, and something might need to be done about that. He was also surprised by the discovery of the young woman, who from Daria’s description and the skimpy background information sounded very much like the attractive girl he had met on the boat so long before. It seemed almost like a different life, but it really wasn’t that long ago, and from what he remembered he couldn’t imagine the Inge he had briefly known being involved in any plot against the Royal family. He had decided they would look into that matter today, both because he wanted to rescue her if that was required, and because she might be able to shed some light on what had really happened in Sulen. Also, if she were really innocent, she might be able to be a link that would help with the Queen. None of them had ever met any of the previous Royal family, and he expected he was going to need their trust before too much longer.
Rigo tried to bring his mind to the matter of where Jeen might be. He was somewhat distracted this morning. He’d spent part of the night arguing with himself, if you could call it that. It was more than a little strange, since all of the voices were inside his head. Daim had wanted him to return to the Outpost today, insisting that they needed to press ahead. Rigo had pushed back, saying a day wouldn’t matter one way or the other, and that if someone he knew was being mistreated he intended to do something about it. He also hoped they might learn more of what was happening in Sulen, which would be as important to Daim’s plan as getting the wizards at the Outpost moving in the right direction. Either Daim wasn’t strong enough to object, or he conceded Rigo’s point, because he finally slipped back where Rigo could sense him, but he no longer pressed the argument. Overall Daim had subtly indicated that he was satisfied with Rigo carrying matters forward. Rigo’s friends were helping, which wouldn’t necessarily be the case if Daim took over.
Kaler had just suggested that Daria take another look in the room in case she had missed the other woman. That had earned him a contemptuous look from Daria who wasn’t in the habit of missing much, when Jeen stepped out of nowhere across the room which they had reserved for making the Bypass doorways. She looked as if she had been crying, but somehow at the same time she looked happy. She appeared almost startled to see the rest of the group standing there, and timidly smiled at them.
“I went home,” she said si
mply. “I had to know how my family was.”
Jeen had told them when they first met her that she was worried that her family might suffer for what had been revealed about her by her actions against the Noble.
“What did you find,” Daria asked carefully.
Rigo felt instantly guilty. He had considered suggesting Jeen pay a visit, but had been afraid at what she might find. If something had happened to her family, he couldn’t guess how she might react. It would have also been complicated to explain to them who she was and how she had gotten there, and he had been uncertain if she might elect to stay. Some of his reasons were selfish, but he knew somehow that she was going to be important in the events yet to come and couldn’t envision losing her.
Jeen smiled, but her eyes still glistened. “They’re all okay. It looked as if their business wasn’t doing so well, but they were all alive and well. I left some gold where they will find it to help. I hope you don’t mind. I took a few of the coins from the bag.” She looked guiltily at Rigo, but he nodded his agreement.
“You didn’t speak with them?” he asked.
“I couldn’t,” Jeen said. “What would I tell them? They would be even more frightened by what I have become, and even if they could accept it, I wouldn’t be able to stay. You need me to be part of Daria’s team, and to help stop the Hoplani.”
Rigo nodded again. “I’m glad they are okay. You won’t have to stay away forever. Before long, everyone will learn about the existence of magic and how it can be used for good. It will be necessary to spread the word if we are to succeed. Once this is over, those with magic will no longer be feared and you will be able to go home as a hero.”
Jeen wiped at the moisture around her eyes and nodded. “I hope so.” Then she added, “Am I late? Is it time to go?”
“Soon,” Rigo said. “I expect it will be a long day.”
Jeen had brought them back to the house that was being used to detain Inge and the other women. They now watched from outside trying to ascertain what the situation inside might be.
“There were only a handful of guards the other day,” Daria explained. “One watching the grounds outside and another on the main door. The rear door was sturdy and securely locked. A pair seemed to freely move around inside. Each of the women had their own rooms upstairs, but shared a larger common room and the dining area down below. I assume the guards stayed close during the meals.”
“Did you find a quiet place where we could Bypass in without attracting attention?”
“There was one area down the hall a short distance from the rooms. If someone happens to be looking that way we would be seen, but that’s a small risk,” Daria explained.
“Let’s go then,” Rigo said. “Daria and I will attempt to speak with Inge. Kaler, you and Jeen worry about the guards. Put them down if necessary, but try not to kill any of them. It would be best if they don’t know we were there. Once Daria and I get into Inge’s room, you should make a Bypass and come back to here.”
Once everyone was certain of their roles, Rigo linked with Daria and opened the pathway to the quiet spot in the structure. They all stepped through, finding themselves in the darkened corner of a small hallway.
“This way,” Daria whispered, and set off ahead of the others. They were able to look down on the common area and saw that two women were present, but neither was Inge. One of the guards moved quietly across the far side of the room down below.
“That leaves one unaccounted for if the same number are here today,” Daria said. “I would guess he’s upstairs somewhere if the women are split.”
She had no sooner finished talking when Kaler touched Daria’s shoulder. Someone was coming up the stairs. He moved quickly and positioned himself where he could grab the man when he stepped onto the floor. Smoothly, he slipped his hand around the man’s mouth to muffle any sound and placed his knife at his throat. He kept the man facing away from the others so he couldn’t see who held him or that others were present. Kaler looked at Rigo as if to ask what he wanted him to do with the guard.
Jeen walked swiftly over to Kaler and reached around him and touched the man on the head. He went suddenly limp and Kaler lowered him to the floor.
“What did you do?” Kaler asked.
“He’s unconscious. I used my healing magic to put him asleep. It’s a simple thing. He’ll remain that way until I remove the spell.”
“You might have to show me that one,” Rigo said. Daim’s lack of skill with healing had left him unaware that such a thing could be done.”
Posting Jeen and Kaler outside, with the decision they would wait until it was time to leave, Daria led Rigo over to the door of Inge’s room. She knocked once, then stepped inside without waiting for a response. Rigo followed immediately after her.
Inge turned at the sound, and as Daria stepped into the room she said, “You’re new. I don’t require anything this morning.” Then she saw Rigo. It took her a moment to place him, but then the memories fell into place. “You! Rigo, are you with them? How could it be possible?”
There was no doubt in Rigo’s mind either. This was the same woman who he had met aboard the ship some time ago. She looked thinner and a bit haggard, with faint dark smudges under her eyes as if she wasn’t sleeping well. Her clothes were also less well cared for as compared to those she had worn aboard ship, but it was her. He couldn’t suppress a flash of pleasure that she had recalled his name. He remembered the time on the ship and the strong physical attraction he had felt towards her. The strong feeling of attraction came back unexpectedly. He had no idea what her role in this was at the moment, but he was pleased to see her again. It would be unfortunate if she turned out to be part of the plot that had overturned the kingdom.
“Hello, Inge,” Rigo softly said as he stepped closer. “Who is them? Although in a way it doesn’t matter. We aren’t with anyone.”
Inge looked confused and somewhat uncertain what she should believe, but finally said, “That bastard Cordale and his henchmen are who I mean. That man of his Roit in particular.”
“Ah, we’re of a similar opinion then. Cordale tried to have both Daria and myself killed in the past. He isn’t well liked among my group.”
“You’re Daria?” Inge asked. “Are you Rigo’s girlfriend?” Before Daria could answer she added, “There’s more of you?”
Rigo nodded. “Two more outside, and others elsewhere.”
“How did you get here? This place is supposed to be guarded. How did you even know about me?”
“The first is a bit difficult to explain. As for finding you, there are many who believe that you were involved in plotting with your fiancée Rhog to have Prince Rhory, and perhaps the King, murdered.”
Inge nearly hissed. “I wasn’t that pig’s fiancée, and I had nothing to do with whatever plotting he was involved in. You could ask the Queen if she were here. That Bishop was trying to arrange a marriage with Rhog. My family could see the advantages and was trying to push it on me, but I had encountered Rhog before and knew what a strange person he was.”
“How did you end up here then?” Daria asked.
“That bastard Cordale that wound up becoming King. He has always hated my father and took advantage of events to throw him in the dungeon. He put me away here and has threatened if I don’t keep a low profile until he has the kingdom fully acceptant of his rule, he would kill my father. I don’t know why the Queen hasn’t stepped in to help. She must still have some power and she and I were friends. She knew I didn’t like Rhog.”
“So you know her. I hoped as much. That will be useful. Unfortunately the Queen is essentially under house arrest herself,” Rigo told her.
“Cordale wouldn’t dare,” Inge said.
“If anyone asks, it would probably be explained as seeing to her security given the murder of the king and other members of the Royal family.”
“Cordale was probably behind the whole thing anyway,” Inge hissed.
“Do you know that?” Rigo asked.
Inge shook her head. “I just think he’s enough of a bastard to be behind this whole thing. I don’t think Rhog was capable of such detailed planning.”
“You say your father is being held in the dungeon?” Rigo asked.
Inge nodded and her eyes misted. “I’m very worried. They haven’t let me see him in over two weeks. I don’t even know for sure if he’s alive.”
“So you’ve been to where they are keeping him. That’ll be useful also. What about your mother?” Rigo asked, recalling the disapproving woman he had encountered on the ship.
“She was killed when they came to the house and arrested father,” she said tearfully.
“Get Jeen and Kaler,” Rigo instructed Daria. “We’ve been here long enough. I’ll tell Inge what is going to happen.”
Daria turned and slipped out of the door.
Rigo turned back to Inge. “Inge, we’re getting you out of here,” he said.
“But they’ll kill my father,” she said.
“We’ll go see about him right now,” Rigo assured her.
Inge looked at him doubtfully. “How can you do that? He’s locked in the dungeon and no one can get in to see him.”
Rigo could tell she was wondering if she should trust him. After all, she hadn’t seen him in many months and had only his word thus far that he wasn’t in league with her enemies. “Use your head, Inge. If I was working for Cordale, why would I need to pretend otherwise. I could simply come and drag you wherever I wanted you to be. You are going to see some things shortly that won’t make any sense, but they will convince you that I’m someone Cordale should fear. You’ll just have to trust me. I need your help. I wouldn’t know your father without you to identify him.”
Rigo softened his tone. “You recall we talked briefly about magic when we were on the ship and how great it could be if it were real. It is real, Inge. The simple truth is I’m a bit of a wizard. I can do things that we were told were impossible. That’s how we got in here, and how we will get out. To help your father, however, I need for you to picture in your mind where you last saw him. Hold that image and lend me your hand.”
