Keeper: First Ordinance, Book 2

by Suttle, Connie

  "Your policies have angered the gods," Dorthil thundered. "It will not take long before Sectors One and Three follow Two and Four. They will rally to my call and that will leave you on the island that is Sector Five."

  "I spoke with both One and Three before calling you. They advised me to mobilize troops to Sector Two and haul you into custody. Shall I follow their advice?" Edden asked.

  Dorthil cursed before offering a reply. "I will prevail. I have a powerful ally," he stated.

  "What powerful ally? The Yokaru think you're a joke."

  "He calls himself a wizard," Dorthil hissed. "He can kill you with a thought."

  "What thought is that?" Melis asked calmly. "Who is this man—this wizard?"

  "His name is Marid, and he is from Yokaru. You should fear that name." Dorthil terminated the communication.

  * * *

  "They have no wizards—and no Yokaru citizens have such a name," Edden discussed an earlier conversation with the Yokarun Emperor over dinner. "They have no dealings with Dorthil—there are no records of his leaving and no records of anyone arriving here to visit him. I have no idea if this is merely lies and posturing on Dorthil's part, or whether someone who identified himself as Marid from Yokaru actually approached him."

  "Few things are offered for free if this is true—I imagine the wizard asked for something in return for what he purportedly gave to Dorthil," Melis said. "I hesitate to place another communication, but it may become necessary. Strange things are happening upon our planet as you know—Berel says a very tall, blue man and another who claims to be a King we do not recognize are there with him and Quin, although he cannot record images of them, for some reason."

  "More wizardry? I thought such only happened in children's tales."

  "Perhaps we have fallen into one of those tales," Melis shook his head in confusion. "I find no explanation for any of this."

  "That means we're back to what Dorthil wanted from this so-called wizard."

  "We have spies in Sector Two—they are reporting the current unrest among the people. Shall I ask that they get as close as possible to Dorthil?"

  "Close, but not too close—I want no deaths," Edden sighed. "If he is visited again by this wizard, I wish to know it. Immediately."

  * * *

  Le-Ath Veronis

  "I have a message," Kooper arrived in Lissa's office with very little notice.

  "From?" Lissa, smoothing back strawberry-blonde hair, studied Kooper Griff.

  "Daragar. He says his nexus echo received a hit."

  "On whom?"

  "Marid's name was mentioned."

  "Cripes," Lissa rubbed her forehead. "Who said it?"

  "Someone on Siriaa who recently attempted a coup against the Kondari government. Seems he wanted the High President's position. He had it—for a short time. He's been chased away for the moment, but it looks as if he's plotting civil war from one of Kondar's Five Sectors."

  "He wants a civil war while the planet is dying beneath his feet? That's preposterous."

  "He's a bona-fide difik," Gardevik Rath appeared beside Kooper.

  "How do you know about this?" Lissa's hands went to her hips and her eyes narrowed at her High Demon mate.

  "Our son, Torevik, has apparently had a conversation with Salidar, who spoke with Trajan."

  "Of course he did," Lissa tossed up a hand in resignation. "Is there anybody who doesn't know by now?"

  "The information is kept among the powerful," Garde defended himself.

  "Except that King Jayd knows it, Queen Glinda knows it and likely half the High Demon population on Kifirin knows it. Are you trying to panic everybody in the Alliance?"

  "Not intentionally. You know High Demons are impervious to poison. That makes us a logical choice to visit this planet—I've never heard of it before."

  "Siriaa, and it's almost at the space travel stage. If this weren't happening, Ildevar would likely approach them for membership in the Reth Alliance."

  "That's an interesting offer though—if that's what it is," Kooper interrupted thoughtfully. "A few High Demons as guards—they can protect anyone within a few feet by the natural shields they have. We can dig for this poison and take samples, but I hesitate to take it off the planet. Can we build a facility there, to study it?"

  "That sounds logical," Lissa blew out a breath. "Will Daragar consent to construct something with Kaldill's help, or should we send someone else? How many High Demons want to go?"

  "I do. Tory wants to go. Reah, perhaps, and Kordevik Weth."

  "Don't you think we need more than four?" One of Lissa's eyebrows rose as she asked the question.

  "Kifirin. Kifirin wishes to come." Garde hung his head.

  "Fine. Is this your way of trying to get back in my good graces?"

  "I—yes."

  "We'll talk if things go well on Siriaa."

  "Really?" Garde's head jerked up and a smile tugged at his lips. "I'll make sure of it."

  * * *

  Fyris

  Ardis moved to fly above me as we approached Vhrist. Pulling in my wings, I dropped until he caught and held my body against his while his wings continued to work above us.

  I could tell Justis and the black-wing guard had practiced this maneuver many times. It was a method of collecting a wounded comrade in midair and I couldn't fault Ardis' execution of the tactic.

  Perhaps a mile to the north under a half-moon's light, I could see Vhrist and the sea beyond. It was time to tell Justis where we were going.

  The dungeon is near the docks—the one where drunken sailors are often held, I sent to the Commander. I knew Justis imagined Rath would be held in the palace dungeons, but Yevil, in an attempt to keep Rath's loyal troops from fighting to free him, had moved the prisoner under cover of darkness to the new location.

  I also knew this dungeon had its share of water-covered floors and rats that swam in and out with the rise and fall of tides. Rath, who'd fought with Yevil's troops, had received a damaging blow to his head and now lay unconscious on a stone floor with filthy water rising about him.

  Yevil hoped Rath would die of the head wound or drown while unconscious. I hoped we'd arrive in time to prevent either.

  "Tell Ardis where to fly—we'll follow," Justis hissed as he flew close.

  I will, I responded silently. I'd been compelled to tell Justis before we flew away from Lironis that I could send mental messages. He'd promised to have a discussion with me later concerning withheld information.

  You could attempt to speak to me, mind to mind, I added. He hadn't tried before, but the Orb had spoken to him—not Jurris.

  What? Immediately inserted itself into my brain.

  You have mindspeech, I said. I heard you easily.

  Several curse words lodged inside my head, few of them aimed at me. I was grateful.

  When Justis took the lead after I explained how to get to the sailor's lockup in a mental conversation, we wheeled far to the west and came in low over the water, instead of risking flight past the palace guards. Justis and his Black Wings flew silently as we made our way into Vhrist.

  * * *

  Three of the five weapons Yevil still possessed wouldn't fire.

  Two, though—he smiled at the deep holes he'd made in the castle's outside walls. These two operated more silently than the other he'd used. Who knew where it was now? Yevil didn't care, as long as he had weapons that would work.

  "My Lord, we suspect an escape attempt—a guard reported a shadow between him and the moonlight overhead," one of Yevil's guards reported breathlessly. He'd run all the way from the docks to deliver his message.

  "Get horses," Yevil snapped. "I look forward to killing another winged devil."

  * * *

  Quin

  I was terrified. Yevil was on the way and we had just gotten past the guards at the entrance. All four lay unconscious after Justis and his Black Wings delivered head blows. More guards stood along corridors barring the way, waiting to attack anyone who mi
ght attempt a rescue.

  I learned that night how ineffective Tamblin's guards were against the Avii. Justis, Ardis and the others were faster and better trained than any in Fyris. I also discovered that each Black Wing carried two knives that proved deadly to those who chose to come against them.

  Still, Yevil was on the way and the weapon he carried didn't require hand-to-hand combat. My breaths trembling in my chest when we reached Rath's cell, I informed Justis of what was coming.

  * * *

  Lironis

  "Is it time?" Kaldill drained a cup of wine. It was Fyrian and substandard, but he disregarded the taste.

  "If you like," Daragar shrugged. "What is your intention?"

  "Benign, for the moment," Kaldill replied. "That could change if Quin is attacked."

  "Then I will allow you to handle this," Daragar inclined his head. "Your reaction is likely to be less destructive than mine, should that happen."

  "I applaud the restraint you have shown thus far," Kaldill agreed. "Yes, I will handle this."

  * * *

  Vhrist

  Quin

  After fighting our way through the last six guards, I took the lead and the others followed. Water was halfway to my knees and sloshing noisily against stone walls as I waded through it, terrified that Rath would drown before we reached him.

  Rats squeaked and swam or skittered about us, making me grateful that Justis and the others wore tall, black boots to prevent bites. The rats, like every living creature in Fyris, were starving. Me they wouldn't touch—I'd already warned them away from my feet and legs, but Justis and the others had no such talent.

  Rath's head bobbed upon swirling waters when we reached his cell. I wanted to cry out—metal bars stood between us and a dying man. Years of saltwater had taken a toll on the metal, however, and when six Black Wings placed their hands upon the bars and pulled, they bounced backward as the metal gave way with a sickening screech.

  Ardis almost dropped into the water, but was pulled back by a hand from Justis. Rushing around Justis' bulk, I ran inside the cell and knelt beside Rath, pulling his head up so he wouldn't breathe putrid, salty water.

  I had to deliver a warning before I could offer Rath any healing, however. Yevil arrived at the outer gate and was making his way through the sailor's dungeon, a weapon capable of killing any living thing held in his hand. We still had to get out again; Yevil and the weapon he carried would be blocking our path.

  * * *

  Wyyld II

  Father, I could handle this for you, Lendill sent mindspeech.

  I know you still handle special projects for the ASD, but I am not without resources, Kaldill pointed out. See? He sent the mental image. The buffoon has no idea we're following him.

  Pap, that's a ranos pistol he has in his hand, Lendill pointed out.

  I have shields, Kaldill replied. Quin, on the other hand, does not.

  Quin?

  I'll bring her soon for introductions.

  Not if that weapon hits her. Unless I miss my guess, that one is ancient and has no safety measures.

  Then I hope it blows up in this miscreant's face, Kaldill said.

  You can't count on that.

  I count on few things. Besides, Daragar is with me, and he is eyeing this device with skepticism.

  You have the Larentii with you? Pap, what do you have up your sleeve?

  My arm—on both sides.

  Should I send for Kooper? He can bite the bastard and be done with it.

  Tell him to save his venom for a more worthy adversary. This one is mentally unstable; I can feel the warped vibrations from here.

  Pap, please be careful, Lendill begged.

  I will.

  * * *

  Quin

  How well can you see in the dark? I asked Justis.

  Well enough—better than those from Fyris, he replied.

  Then put out the torches, I said. Ardis knelt next to me, holding Rath's head up while I attempted to heal his head wound. Hoping that Yevil couldn't see as well as Justis in the dark, I prayed any shots he fired would fail to find a target.

  Justis lifted the first torch from the wall and dropped it into the water at his feet. It died with a hiss, leaving us in dimmer light. Nodding to two more Black Wings to do the same, torches came down and went out in a sizzle of smoke and fumes.

  That left only one light in Rath's cell—mine. It shone golden as I continued my healing efforts. Move away—stand by Justis, I instructed Ardis mentally. Take the evil when he arrives and aims his weapon at me.

  Water swished about Ardis' feet as he stood and went to find Justis. I knew Yevil would arrive very soon.

  In a few moments, Rath would be healed. My light would dissipate then, but would it be swift enough? Shoving my fears aside, I continued my efforts.

  * * *

  Le-Ath Veronis

  "An elf and a Larentii stalking a killer? I don't believe this," Lissa dropped her face in her hands. "Why didn't they ask me? I could take care of this in seconds. Neither one has experience in these matters—what do you suppose they intend to do?" Lissa lifted her gaze to Kooper, who'd just gotten word from Lendill Schaff.

  "I can't help but think this is going to be the case of the rabbit stalking a wolf. Not that they don't have power—we know better. They've never handled anything like this in their lives. Kaldill has an army of trained elves to fight his battles."

  "You could go," Lissa suggested.

  "Lendill offered my services. Kaldill refused."

  "And it just gets better," Lissa muttered. "Keep me posted. I want to know how this turns out."

  * * *

  Vhrist

  Light reflected off rising water and flickered against stone walls—the fools still had torches burning. Yevil grinned at the thought. They'd be easy targets for his weapon. Motioning for the guards who strode ahead of him to step back, he took the lead, his weapon poised to fire.

  * * *

  Only Quin's light remains inside the cell, brother, Daragar sent to Kaldill.

  Agreed, Kaldill responded. I have a plan, since this filth will aim at the one he sees first.

  Ah, Daragar smiled as the mental image came to him. An elf should never be underestimated, or so Nefrigar says, he added.

  The Chief Archivist is well known and highly respected by my people, Kaldill said. Now—it is time.

  * * *

  Quin

  Rath moaned—the first sign that he still lived. I worried that he and I would both die, however—Yevil was poised to walk into view and Rath still needed help. Strange, that it took only moments for Yevil to make his way through the maze to find us.

  Of course, Justis and his Black Wings had to fight their way to Rath's cell, rather than striding swiftly in that direction. Healing, in my experience, could not be rushed if I wanted the patient to survive.

  Yevil's voice sounded and I jerked my head up to see the weapon pointed at me. He laughed, too, while he aimed it at my head. "The mute girl grew wings. That's too bad. You're dead."

  The weapon fired.

  Chapter 5

  Vhrist

  Quin

  I may never see again what I witnessed that night, while Rath woke after his wound was healed.

  Yevil, as if he'd been surrounded by the glass of Avii Castle, screamed as the blast of light emitted by his weapon bounced like lightning inside the sphere about him, before striking his right leg below the knee and severing it.

  His screams erupted louder and higher past that point as three guards dared to rush Justis, Ardis and four black-winged guards.

  Yevil's men died quickly while Yevil dropped to the bottom of his sphere, weeping from the pain and loss of a limb.

  "I must admit, I didn't see that coming," Kaldill muttered as he appeared and stepped around Yevil's transparent prison. Daragar lifted an interested eyebrow at Yevil's plight before moving around him and following Kaldill.

  "I think we should take that filth with us," I jerked
my head toward Yevil, whose howls could still be heard.

  "If you wish it," Kaldill shrugged. "I believe your theory could be tested if we carried him back. Is this what you wish, Cheah-mul?"

  "Yes," I shrugged, although the unusual language he employed at the end evaded my interpretation skills.

  "Then it shall be thus."

  "I will take him," Daragar offered. "I'll leave the others to you." He nodded to Kaldill.

  "Very good. Remember to add air in his sphere—with the way he's howling, he'll run out quickly."

  "The weapon managed to cauterize the wound, so he needs little care," Daragar leaned down and examined Yevil in a clinical fashion.

  "Guards are coming," Justis pointed out.

  "Then we should leave," Kaldill replied. In a burst of brightness, we were inside Amlis' suite in Lironis. Amlis, shocked beyond comprehension, shouted when we arrived. Rodrik slipped on the stone floor, rushing to defend the Prince. He landed on his knees, finding himself face-to-face with Yevil's sphere, his nose pressed against the solid transparency.

  It was then I noticed that Daragar had left Yevil's severed leg behind in Vhrist—as food for the rats.

  * * *

  Le-Ath Veronis

  "Kaldill said he was only attempting to protect all involved. It merely happened that the weapon fired and severed the murderer's leg while he was shielded."

  "Where's the leg now?" Lissa asked Kooper.

  "I believe it was consumed by rats, but I can double check if you'd like."

  "No, thank you," Lissa held up a hand.

  * * *

  Lironis

  Quin

  "Do they have any more of these weapons?" Amlis asked.

  "Not now," Daragar replied. "The two Yevil carried are deactivated—I saw to it myself. The others still in Vhrist will no longer operate, either. When someone chooses to target Quin, they will be treated to the same."

  "How is Rath?" Wolter asked.

  "Recovering well—after Quin tended him. That healing could have gotten her killed," Kaldill replied. "Omina is with Rath and they are discussing Tamblin's plans."

  "Can we remove this—whatever it is? I wish to see Yevil's back," Amlis studied the sphere around the one-legged enemy.

  "Deeds and I will hold him for you," Wolter volunteered.

  "No. Ardis and I will handle this—he meant to kill more Avii, and would have without the help of Kaldill and Daragar," Justis nodded his thanks to both.