“There are twenty-six steps before you,” Boris called to the others. “Take them slowly so that you do not go lame on me. As you get to the bottom, take the hand of the person before you. Tedi, come first. Bin-lu, you will be last. Let’s go.”
“How can you see in this fog?” asked Tedi as he reached out took Master Khatama’s hand at the bottom of the stairs.
“I cannot,” answered Boris. “I memorized the path to the outer wall while I waited for the rats to arrive.”
“Rats?” asked Tedi. “What rats?”
“Niki has sent thousands and thousands of rats to invade the palace,” chuckled Boris. “It will create so much confusion that we shall be lost in the turmoil. I suspect that the Emperor will demand immediate action to clear the rats out of his palace. The only soldiers we should have to worry about will be the ones already trying to get into the room we just left. I wonder if they have memorized the path through this garden?”
“We are all here,” called Bin-lu from the back of the line.
“Good,” smiled Boris. “Walk slowly and quietly. I shall lead us to the wall. Keep holding hands.”
Within minutes Boris had reached the outside wall of the palace grounds. He heard the shouts of soldiers who had entered the garden, but they sounded distant in the dense fog. He gathered the group around him.
“Now what?” asked Tedi. “I can hear the soldiers following us and we are up against the wall. They may not have memorized the garden paths, but they will find us soon.”
“No, Tedi,” chuckled Boris. “What they will eventually find is a large hole in their wall. Use your staff, lad. Make it a good whack.”
Tedi nodded unseen by the others and separated from the group. He set his feet apart and swung his staff at the wall with all of his might. He heard a loud resounding crack and then the stones of the wall collapsed. Tedi leaped back as the wall tumbled down.
“Watch you step,” Boris warned as he led the small group towards the hole in the wall. “Tedi, you go through first. There may be soldiers on the other side. Bin-lu, you watch our rear. This is going to be the dangerous part. Getting to the wagon was the only part I could not plan well for.”
Tedi leaped through the hole in the wall and scanned the street. The only figures visible were distant, and they were running away from the palace. He shook his head as he saw a black wave flow across the street in the distance. As he focused more keenly, he realized that the wave was a massive group of rats heading for the palace.
“We are all through,” Bin-lu called softly as the fog began to seep out through the hole in the wall.
“Let us move along then,” ordered Boris. “No need to hold hands anymore. Tedi, you lead the way from here. Turn right at the first opportunity. Seek the alley closest to the docks and then turn left. Keep us going until we reach the wagon.”
Tedi maintained a brisk pace, but he constantly looked back to make sure that the women were keeping up. The shouts from the palace grounds were starting to diminish. There were surprisingly few people on the streets. There were people hanging out of the windows looking towards the palace, but nobody paid much attention to the small group passing by them. Every so often Tedi saw stray rats that must have become separated from the thousands that stormed the palace. He chuckled inwardly as he thought of Niki commanding the rats to attack. He wondered how she had managed to do it, and more importantly, if she had meant to. Niki was already at the wagon when they got there. She had the biggest grin on her face that Tedi had ever seen.
“I told you I had a big role to play,” grinned Niki. “I just wish I could have been there to see it.”
“You did excellent, Niki,” congratulated Boris as he tore off his white robe and threw it into the wagon. “Bin-lu, you will ride behind us this time. Let us clear the city gates first. After you get through, tell the guards to lock the city up.”
Boris helped Lara and Kamil up to the seat of the wagon. He waved his hand behind the seat and chuckled. Now instead of being able to reach into the wagon from the front seat, there was a solid wall there. Between the wall and the front seat were two more seats near the outer edges of the wagon facing each other. The cloth cover of the wagon extended over the two additional seats and hid them from view. Two additional cloth flaps extended down in front of the special seats.
“We have two special seats for you ladies,” smiled Boris. “Please make yourself comfortable. We will be out of the city shortly.”
Boris lowered the extra flaps after Lara and Kamil were seated. He attached the extra flaps to the wagon’s cover so that the women were completely enclosed. Tedi removed his robe and threw it into the wagon while Niki scrambled up to the front seat. As soon as Tedi climbed up, Boris started the wagon rolling.
Boris glanced towards the palace as he pulled out onto the main street. It was a chaotic scene with soldiers running in every direction. Away from the palace, the city appeared more normal. He drove as fast as possible without calling attention to himself. When he reached the city gates, he slowed down. The inner gate guards passed the wagon through without demanding papers. Once under the wall, however, the soldiers demanded his papers. Boris realized that he had left his papers in the rear of the wagon along with Tedi’s. He climbed down from the seat and started walking to the rear of the wagon.
“Get back on your wagon,” demanded the same officer that had greeted Boris to the city only hours ago.
“My papers are in the rear,” replied Boris “and I know that you must search my wagon.”
“Get out of the gateway,” snarled the officer as he waved for the second gate to be opened. “You are not going to block this gate again.”
Boris shrugged and climbed back up to his seat. He moved the wagon through the gate and onto the road to Barouk. Only minutes behind Boris was Bin-lu as he road through the inner gate.
“Officer,” Bin-lu said as he entered under the wall, “there has been some type of commotion at the Imperial Palace. I am not entirely sure of the nature of the trouble, but it might be wise to close the city gates until you find out.”
“Why did you not check on it?” asked the officer. “Nothing is more important than protecting the Emperor.”
“I do not think the Emperor is in danger,” replied Bin-lu, “beside I must get a message to Barouk swiftly.”
Bin-lu saw the officer staring at Master Khatama’s wagon with an expression of regret.
“That wagon bothers you?” asked Bin-lu.
“No,” the officer answered hesitantly. “I would have preferred that you arrived before it though. It was just an irritating old man who thinks he is important.”
“I will check it out on my way past,” offered Bin-lu. “We cannot be too cautious these days. If there is anything amiss, I will force it to turn around.”
“Excellent,” smiled the officer. “I appreciate that extra effort.”
“It is my pleasure,” smiled Bin-lu. “You might want to send runners to the other gates as well. It wouldn’t hurt to close up the city until you learn what has happened. It will make finding any culprits easier.”
The officer nodded as Bin-lu exited the city through the outer gates. Bin-lu timed his pace so that he would overtake Master Khatama’s wagon just after it rounded the bend in the road. Boris had already pulled the wagon to the side of the road.
“Will they close the city?” Boris asked.
“They are doing so right now,” answered Bin-lu as he dismounted and shed his uniform. “Why did you want the gates alerted to the problem?”
“If little traffic has left the city when they start searching for the women,” explained Boris, “they will spend a great deal of time searching the city first. That time is valuable to us. Closing the gates before word has even been given will assure them that the women are still in the city. At least I hope so.”
“If not,” frowned Bin-lu, “we will never make it to Barouk.”
“We are not going to Barouk,” smiled Boris. “I am going t
o go up along the Chi River for a ways and then cut overland to the east.”
“That could be dangerous,” frowned Bin-lu. “There are pockets of rebels in those hills. Also the army patrols up there are larger because of the rebels. You will have to do some fancy explaining if you are caught. There is little reason for a merchant to be out in those hills.”
“Then we shall have to avoid being detected,” shrugged Boris. “Why don’t you continue to ride Tedi’s horse for a while. I think he might want to talk with his mother before he leaves to catch up to Arik.”
“I will scout ahead for you then,” suggested Bin-lu.
“You are leaving us, Tedi?” asked Lara.
“What is this about Arik?” questioned Kamil.
“There is much to tell you,” smiled Tedi. “So much. I will not be leaving before morning. We shall have all night to talk about what is going on.”
“And Bin-lu, Niki, and I will see you safely to Tagaret,” explained Boris.
“Why Tagaret and not home?” asked Kamil.
“Father and Master Clava live in Tagaret now,” explained Tedi. “They are members of the Council.”
“Have they remarried?” Lara asked hesitantly.
“No,” laughed Tedi. “They searched for you for weeks and ended up in despair, but neither of them would ever remarry. They will be thrilled to see you. And you shall live in fine mansions.”
“If they are still alive,” commented Niki. “Tagaret is a dangerous city. I know. I was almost assassinated there.”
“They are both fine and healthy,” Tedi said as he glared at Niki. “Let me start at the beginning. I will start when you two were abducted.”
Boris smiled as he watched Bin-lu turn off on a trail to the north. Master Khatama turned the wagon and followed Bin-lu as his eyes scanned the hills for anybody watching.
Chapter 6
Origin of Tanya
“That was an excellent roast,” complimented Lara. “It has been years since I have had such fine meat.”
“It is a pleasure to serve it to such fine young women,” smiled Boris.
“Why is it that Arik did not come with you to rescue us?” Kamil asked Tedi.
“He wanted to,” sighed Tedi. “He really did. And he did not even know that you were there. The others made him realize that he is on a quest that is more important than the lives of any of us. If Arik is not successful in ascending to the throne of Alcea, Sarac shall reign and the Darkness will continue.”
“So they feared that he might die in the attempt?” questioned Kamil.
“Arik’s life is in danger every day, “ replied Tedi. “I know that this is not something that a mother wants to hear, but I feel that you need to be aware of it. His life is not his own any more. He has obligations greater than himself. Besides, the fact that you are here is proof that Master Khatama had the rescue under control.”
“Tedi,” Lara said softly, “you are trying to justify why Arik did not come with you. I think Kamil’s real concern is whether his new mother has replaced her in Arik’s life.”
“Not at all,” protested Tedi. “Never think that. Nobody can replace you and Konic in his life.”
“Tedi!” interrupted Lara. “Show some respect. You shall call Arik’s father Master Clava.”
“No, Mother,” Tedi shook his head. “It was Konic himself who ordered us to call them by their given names. At that time it was to protect us, but now it is necessary to protect them as well. Arik and I are known to the forces of the Dark One. It is dangerous for our fathers to be associated with us.”
“But you said that they were important men in Tagaret now,” frowned Kamil. “Why would they be in danger because of you?”
“Being important in Tagaret is very dangerous,” interjected Niki. “I was very important, and they tried to kill me.”
“I do not like saying it,” nodded Tedi, “but Niki is correct. Tagaret is Alcea. They are the same place. If Sarac thought that he could drag Arik and me to Tagaret by posing harm to our fathers, he would not hesitate.”
“Then why are they there?” inquired Kamil. “Why don’t they return to Lorgo?”
“As dangerous as Tagaret is,” explained Tedi, “they are safer there than in Lorgo. In Lorgo they were alone. In Tagaret, they are guarded by dozens of the finest fighting men alive. Plus they have a mission to complete.”
“What mission?” asked Lara.
“They are paving the way for Arik to ascend to the throne,” Tedi stated. “They are both dedicated to seeing Arik as the King of Alcea.”
“Well I think I am beginning to understand,” Lara smiled weakly. “If that is the case, perhaps you should call Lara and me by our given names, too.”
“Has Konic met Arik’s real parents?” Kamil asked.
“Arik grew up with his real parents,” grinned Tedi. “If you were referring to his birth parents, then yes, Konic has met them. In fact, I understand that Konic and Oscar get along like long lost friends. They both work together to see their son made king.”
Kamil hugged Tedi as tears ran down her face. “Thank you for that,” she sobbed. “Even if it is not true, it makes me feel so much better.”
“All of it is true,” Tedi said softly. “Nothing will ever replace you and Konic in Arik’s eyes.”
“Why can’t you come with us to Tagaret, Tedi,” asked Lara. “It sounds like Arik has some mighty friends with him already.”
“He does, Mother,” responded Tedi, “but every person that Arik can trust is needed. My staff and bow might be the deciding factor in whether he lives or not. I want very much to go to Tagaret with you, but I could not forgive myself if Arik died because I was not there. I will join you in Tagaret later.”
“This is all so overwhelming,” sobbed Kamil. “It is as if the whole world has changed since we left Lorgo.”
Tedi lifted Kamil’s chin so she was looking at the stars overhead.
“The whole world has changed,” Tedi smiled. “Look at those stars. Every night when you see them, or when the sun rises in the morning, realize that Arik and I have been doing that. This is the third area of the world where we have banished the Darkness. It will not be the last.”
“I helped too,” pouted Niki.
“Indeed you did,” smiled Tedi. “I did not mean to make it sound like only Arik and I were involved. In fact, these stars belong to you for providing the Diamond of Edona. I am also eternally grateful to you for what you did in Ongchi. I am also very proud of you.”
Niki grinned wider than Tedi thought possible. He grinned back at her.
“For dessert,” interrupted Boris, “I have freshly baked blueberry pie. Who would like some?”
“Master Khatama,” asked Lara as everyone raised their hand, “wherever did you get fresh blueberries? And when did you have a chance to bake?”
Master Khatama’s eyes twinkled as he winked at Lara. “A good cook never reveals his secrets,” he chuckled. “It is something of a celebration for our good fortune today.”
Niki sliced up the blueberry pie, and Bin-lu served it. For a long moment the camp fell into silence as they savored the pie. Finally, Boris broke the silence.
“What time will you be leaving?” Boris asked Tedi.
“At dawn I suppose,” Tedi answered. “If I ride hard and fast, I should catch up to them in three days.”
“You must be careful north of here,” warned Bin-lu. “There are bandits, gypsies, and rebels in these hills. None of them take kindly to strangers.”
“I will be careful,” Tedi answered as he stared at Boris.
The old mage’s eyes were wide open as if he just realized something.
“What is it, Master Khatama?” asked Tedi.
“I am sorry,” Boris shook his head. “It is just an ancient memory. I did not mean to interrupt.”
“You did not interrupt,” frowned Tedi. “What did you remember?”
“Bandits, gypsies, and warriors,” Boris replied softly. “That is where I
found Tanya.”
“Where did you find Tanya?” pressed Tedi.
“She was so young at the time,” Boris reminisced. “Just a baby and all alone on the battlefield. Not a soul was living except her.”
“Where was this?” questioned Tedi. “Who was fighting?”
“Way up in the north,” Boris continued. “Dark elves were ravaging the area at the time.”
“Tanya is an elf?” queried Niki.
“No, no,” Boris shook his head. “The dark elves had fought a battle against a large band of rogue bandits. The baby had been with the bandits. Surely, I know the difference between an elf and a human baby when I see one.”
“So that is why she acts so mysterious,” concluded Niki. “It is in her blood to be sneaky. I always thought she was a thief or a bandit.”
“No,” Boris shook his head. “She did not belong to the bandits, either. The bandits were dark-skinned, and she was so fair. At the time I believed that the bandits must have killed her family and taken her.”
“So she is an orphan then?” asked Tedi.
“No,” continued Boris. “At least I don’t think so. In fact, that is what I have been searching for, her parents. I believe they are gypsies. I guess that is what Bin-lu said that caused me to think of it.”
“Why do you think her parents were gypsies?” asked Lara. “Was it the way she was dressed?”
“No,” answered Master Khatama. “I started asking around at each village I went to. I hoped that she had some living relative that I could leave her with. I never found her parents, but I heard many stories of them. They went from village to village seeking their lost child. Once I knew that her parents were alive, I felt compelled to find them.”
“If so many villages knew of them,” frowned Kamil, “why weren’t you able to find them?”
“Gypsies are elusive,” frowned Boris. “I did discover their names, but still I never could find them. I ended up raising Tanya as my own. She is a very talented lass.”
“Who were her parents?” asked Tedi.
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