“You Raelyn?” asked the one with both hands visible. His accent was thick from the Wharfs. He was taller and skinnier than most Coscan men, about as tall as Raelyn, with greasy hair and a nose that had been broken at least once. He glanced to the second man, who was short and square faced, trying to place him. He didn’t recognize either of them.
These guys don’t belong here, he thought to himself. He blinked a couple of times in false confusion, giving himself a moment to take in his surroundings. Then it dawned on him: In the Whitestone, the money. His stomach sank. Out loud he responded, “Raelyn? Sorry, got the wrong guy.”
“We got a message for ya, from Karduk,” he said, ignoring Raelyn’s response. “He wants ya t’leave outta his business, an’ he wants t’make sure ya get the message.” The man grinned a crooked-toothed grin. The other man moved his hand from the folds of his cloak, and Raelyn caught a glimpse of something metal shining in his hand. He wasn’t going to wait to find out what it was.
Raelyn felt himself tense, and he dropped his hand to the man’s wrist, his other hand grabbing him by the tunic. He pulled the man into him, driving his forehead into his nose, and wrenched his wrist hard. The man cried out, and Raelyn was satisfied to hear a blade clattering on the paving stones.
He turned his hips, levering the square faced man over his body and sending him flying to the ground—but he had drunk too much whiskey that night. The sudden motion was too much for him, and he saw the world spin as he came crashing down on the man. For a moment he was disoriented, on his back on top of a struggling opponent, dazed at the impact.
“All we wanted was t’talk,” the taller man said through gritted teeth, rage distorting his features. Raelyn felt a boot slam against his ribs, knocking the wind out of him. “Now we’re gonna bleed ya.” The man beneath him pushed his head to the side, rolling him off, while Raelyn struggled to protect himself. He reached out and grabbed, feeling fabric under his hand, while the taller man tried to kick at him. Panic surged in him, and he started grappling with the man on the ground, using his body as a shield from the kicks.
The taller man reached down, trying to pull Raelyn free. Raelyn was stronger, but there were two of them, and he had to cover up from a barrage of blows. Stay calm, he told himself, looking for an opening, curling up on his back. The other man pulled himself up, and they started kicking him from either side. Only countless hours of conditioning allowed him to recover his breath, although his ribs were sore and his kidneys ached. I’m glad they let me take a piss.
He saw a chance and spun around on his back, lashing his foot out at the shorter man’s knee. If he had been sober he would have taken the man down, but his shot was a glancing blow and the man merely cried out. A boot took him in the side of the head and his eyes burst with will-o-the-wisps. He tried to raise his hands to cover his head, but they felt weak, heavy. He heard the men yelling something and felt another boot in his head. After that, a couple more kicks, but he was delirious then. He was vaguely aware of the screaming, but couldn’t figure out what they were yelling.
He was hovering on the edge of consciousness when the men stopped kicking him, but they were still yelling. He lay on the stones, feeling very far away, until the yelling stopped. He didn’t want to open his eyes, and his entire body was throbbing. Hands reached down, and he felt himself propped up. He tried reaching up to grab his assailant, but his arms were weak and batted away easily. He wasn’t sure if they were going to question him or just gut him now; Either way, it’s not good.
“Raelyn,” he heard the man say. In his delirium it sounded just like Jethu. “Raelyn, you okay?” Water dripped on his face.
He opened one eye. A blurry face was looking down at him. He tried to focus, and saw a blurry grin.
“Took you long enough,” Raelyn mumbled. His jaw hurt, and he felt like he was talking through a mouthful of felt. “You run those guys off?”
“Almost,” Jethu responded, finally in focus. Raelyn opened the other eye and had to strain to make both Jethus line up properly. “I don’t think you have to worry about them anymore.”
“Another minute and I’d have taken them,” he replied blithely, his bravado starting to return with his senses. “I’d have kicked their asses before you got out, but I didn’t want you to miss out on the fun.” He sat up, moving his neck. It hurt, but he’d had worse, and he felt himself starting to recover. He was pretty beaten up, but his head was clearing up and he figured he’d be fine.
“Right, Rae. It’s a good thing I came out to check on you. I was expecting to find you passed out all on your own. I didn’t figure you’d have two guys helping you out.” Raelyn looked over and saw a pair of legs sticking out of the fountain. “The tall one got away, but the short one tried stabbing me. I took him out.”
Raelyn stood up slowly, with Jethu’s help. Everything hurt, especially his head. He shuffled toward the fountain. It was full of blood. He tried to look around, but pain shot down his neck as soon as he tried turning it to the left. I’m gonna have to see Erosan’s women, he thought to himself.
“Did they get away with your coin?” Jethu asked. “I haven’t checked over the body yet. I was more worried about you.”
Raelyn reached down to the pouch on his hip, feeling its familiar weight. “They weren’t after my money,” he replied. “They said they were out to deliver a message. From Karduk. I guess I’ve been sticking my nose in his business.”
Jethu let out a small groan. “He runs The Siren’s Song, doesn’t he? Must be afraid you were going to take one of his girls.”
Raelyn tried to shake his head, forgetting for a second that his neck hurt. “Callais was the only one who knew what I offered her. She wouldn’t have told anyone.”
“She sold you out, Rae.” Jethu was upset, and Raelyn was too beaten up to argue with him. “You said it yourself earlier. She cares more about money, and she’d do anything to protect that.”
“I don’t believe it, Jethu,” Raelyn said plaintively. “She might not love me, but she wouldn’t do anything to hurt me. Not if she didn’t have to.” But privately, Raelyn doubted. Would she? Do I even matter to her? It hurt him that he would even ask himself that—or that he would feel the need to.
Jethu just shook his head. “I don’t want to see you get hurt—at least, not any more than you already have been.” He looked at Raelyn, seemed to be looking him over. “You sure know how to get into the middle of stuff, though. You’re lucky they didn’t stab you, like they tried to do to me.”
They heard a whistle then, and footsteps running through the street. “Watch is on its way. Better late than never, I guess.” Jethu looked at Raelyn. “You’re pretty beat up. Let me do the talking. I’ll tell them it was a robbery, and you were lucky to get out with your life.”
Raelyn shrugged, and sat down on the bench that ran around the fountain, next to the body of the square faced man. I guess it can’t do any harm, he thought. But he wondered to himself. What could I have been doing to anger Karduk? Is this really because of Callais? Or does this have something to do with Aertis?
Chapter Nine
Raelyn woke up on a sleeping pallet in Jethu’s room. His head was hurting when he opened his eyes. The rest of him started to hurt when he tried to move. By the gods, he thought, I haven’t had that bad a night in years. I probably owe my life to Jethu. And Thelorin. He gave a silent prayer to the god of protection. It was coming back to him in flashes—the drinking, the beating, the aftermath of the stabbing. The two members of the Watch had come ready with clubs, but they calmed down once Jethu started explaining what had happened. They would have hauled us in if it wasn’t for Lord Perinor’s patronage. The Noble’s District doesn’t usually see killings in the street like that. He rolled over and sat up, wincing at the effort. Nothing felt broken, but everything felt bruised.
A pitcher of water and fresh bread with butter were on a platter next to him. He smiled to himself, again thanking Jethu. He’s saved my ass twice in this, he thou
ght. The water was good, and the bread fresh. After he had broken his fast he felt considerably better.
He left Jethu’s room, walking to the livery stable. The image he saw in the looking glass there gave him a start. His face was crusted with blood, and it caked his tunic. The right side of his face was swollen and purple, and his lip was split. The bruises from Trevan hadn’t yet faded, and it was tough to see where the old ended and the new began. He pulled his tunic up, examining his ribs. They weren’t as bad as he thought they would be, and he smiled to himself. Daily exercise had kept him in good shape, and even in his sorry state he had managed to escape with only bruises.
He left to go clean himself up, taking a fresh set of clothing with him. As he was bathing, he thought about the attack. Getting beaten bloody is probably exactly what I needed, he thought, more than a little amused with himself. He had been a broken man since Callais’ rejection, too busy feeling sorry for himself to do anything productive. And, to be honest, I’m stuck in this investigation. Nothing from Astal so far, no leads from Corlwyn or his men, no evidence left to look over. Then, all of a sudden, Karduk has me beaten up, to send me a message. I’m just not sure what that message is.
After the bath, he had decided what to do. Raelyn knew that Karduk was involved in all sorts of criminal enterprises, and had for the last decade or so had edged out much of his competition. He had operations in the Arena and Wharf Districts, and ruled the criminals in the Coscan District with an iron fist. I’m sure Corlwyn and his men have plenty of information on what he’s been up to. If I can convince Corlwyn to bring him in, maybe we can figure out what’s been going on. But first, I have a temple to visit.
He walked across the Wisteria bridge to the Garden District, turning south on the road. From there it was a short trip to King’s Square, where the four main Oervan temples had their grounds. They had been built with marble imported from Orevanthar, and they were set around a common square where all were welcome to come and pray. The only formal school in the city was here as well, operated by the temples for the children of the wealthy citizens. Raelyn walked up the marble stairs to the Temple of Erosan, pausing to give deference to the bronze statue that dominated its entrance.
One of the Ladies of Erosan was always praying in the front hall, ready to help anyone who came to their doors. Raelyn saw Sister Laina and smiled. She was always warm and friendly, an innocent girl who had come to the School of King’s Square in her youth and had stayed on to take vows to Erosan when she turned sixteen. She looked up and saw him approaching, and stood up from her prayers.
“Sir Raelyn, it’s always a pleasure to have you in our hall.” Sister Laina’s voice was light, and she sounded younger than she was. She had the cadence of someone who grew up in a well-to-do household, and like many of the nobles of Galavan’s Port her accent was Orevanthar. Raelyn was always amused by the custom among the Ladies of Erosan, referring to everyone as either “Sir” or “Lady,” no matter their station in life.
“Thank you, Sister Laina,” he replied with a smile, bowing his head. “I just wish it could be under more pleasant circumstances.”
“You are always welcome to visit us, even when you haven’t been injured.” Now that she was closer, she could clearly see his face, and she furrowed her brow in concern as she checked him over. “Whatever happened to you?”
Raelyn chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. “I was attacked last night by a couple of men. They got the better of me, but thanks to Thelorin I managed to escape with minor injuries. I was hoping that the Ladies could bless me with their healing hands.”
Sister Laina smiled wryly and shook her head. “It is not we who bless, but Erosan. We are but his vessels. But of course we will help, Sir. Come with me.” She led him back into the temple, into one of the few private rooms there for patients. He was given over to Sister Teldra, one of the senior Ladies whose knowledge of healing salves was extensive and who was among the most accomplished healers in Erosan’s service. She was short, plain spoken, and had a sharp wit and a face like a bulldog. Raelyn liked her.
“So, you’ve gotten yourself beat up again, have you?” Sister Teldra turned his face so that she could look at his lip and cheek. Raelyn just shrugged his shoulders. She makes me feel like I’m being scolded by my mother, Raelyn thought to himself. “Is this the worst of it?”
“No, Sister,” he replied. “I got kicked in the ribs pretty well by a couple of guys last night. I’m probably going to need some of that bruise cream you make, and some laying of hands.”
“I’ll let you know what you need after I check you over,” she snapped, but there was a hint of affection in her voice. “Come on, take it off. I can’t check you over through your tunic. And Sister Laina, go fetch some hot water and hot wine. Heat up some grapeseed oil while you’re at it.” Sister Laina turned and left the room. Sister Teldra turned and looked at Raelyn. “Can’t have her in the room for this. I think the sight of a naked man would be more than the poor girl could bear.”
Raelyn stripped down to his undergarments. After a withering look from the Sister, he took those off as well.
She sat him down on a padded bench and started looking at the contusions on his torso. “Well, at least you bothered to bathe before coming in. And you’re not sopping drunk. Although I’m sure you were when you took this beating.” She prodded his ribs and he winced, pulling away reflexively. “Oh, don’t whine. You walked in here just fine, you can take a little poking. I promise you that I won’t do anything worse than what they did to you last night.” Raelyn grinned at this. She had helped him many times over the years, and no matter how tough she seemed, she always took good care of him.
Raelyn spent hours in the room with Sister Teldra, where she rubbed poultices and salves into his skin and bathed his wounds in herb-soaked wine. By the time she was done he felt like a different person. The bruises had already begun to fade and the contusions on his ribs weren’t swollen anymore. And he gave in to her not so subtle suggestions, making a sizable offering to Erosan at her insistence so that the Ladies would be able to afford to treat those who came to them for aid but didn’t have the silver to purchase their healing unguents. Sister Teldra had somehow gotten wind that Raelyn had more coin than usual, and once she hinted around at it he knew he couldn’t leave without being generous.
It was well after noon when he set out for the Gatehouse, walking through the Market District and across Market Bridge. The three spires of the gatehouse loomed high over the market. It had a commanding view of the main gates to the city. Built on an island in the Alewine River, it was once the first line of defense against invasion from the West, before the walls around the Tradesmens’ and Housing Districts had been erected. Corlwyn moved his offices there when he became First Man of the Watch, and over the past few years it had become a place muttered glumly about in certain circles. Some avoided it altogether, and boatmen could earn a peck or two ferrying passengers across the river.
The inner yard was open to travelers, and three men of the Watch were standing guard, one at each bridge. The first recognized Raelyn and saluted nervously, as if he wasn’t sure if he should. Raelyn knew his face but couldn’t recall his name. You served when I was an investigator, he thought. I wonder what you think when you look at me.
He walked up the staircase in the yard, up to the second floor of the Market Bridge Tower. It was here that Corlwyn had his main office, and two more men of the Watch stood guard at his door. They were standing at attention, glaives at their sides, and made no move to stop him as he walked through the door.
Archeo was speaking with two other members of the Watch when Raelyn entered. The three of them looked up in surprise. Archeo looked back down to the two and said, “Well, men, it seems you won’t be needed here. No need to find him; he’s found us. You are dismissed.” As the two men saluted and turned to leave, Raelyn’s belly sunk. Archeo sat behind a heavy oak desk and motioned for Raelyn to sit as well. “Sit,” he said by way of greeting. �
��We have matters to discuss.”
“I came looking for Corlwyn,” Raelyn said as he sat down. “I had a bit of trouble last night.”
“I heard,” Archeo replied. “Two men dead in the Nobles’ District. News travels fast, especially within the ranks. I was just in the process of sending for you.”
“Yeah, I got that. Trust me, I wasn’t trying to find trouble, and I didn’t kill the guy. Like I told your men last night, I was kicked senseless when Jethu showed up and saved me. Fact is—wait a second.” Raelyn stopped and looked at Archeo, who had his steady gaze leveled at him. “Did you say two men?”
Archeo nodded. His look was grave.
“Around the time you were beaten, our assassin struck again. Sir Jonan Horwick was killed on Lorin Street. One stab, through the heart. Corlwyn is down there now, trying to figure out what he was doing there last night. It might shed some light on who is responsible for this.”
Raelyn sighed. “Sir Jonan was another Representative, from the Tradesmens’ District.” Archeo nodded again. “It looks like we’re going to have another meeting with Lord Erosan. I’m sure he’ll have plenty to say about this one.”
“Sir Corlwyn hopes that it won’t come to that. If his investigation is successful, we may have the culprit today.”
Raelyn shook his head, thinking about what tactics Corlwyn might employ. “I doubt he’ll be able to get the information he needs, unless he already has the culprit in hand.”
“We haven’t caught anyone yet, but Sir Corlwyn is asking the residents. If anyone saw anything, I’m sure they will tell him.”
Raelyn winced. You can’t go staving in peoples’ skulls in the Nobles’ District and expect to get away with it. He was tempted to say this out loud, but decided to let it go. Instead, he said, “So why were you looking for me? Did Corlwyn want me to come down and help with his investigation?”
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