by P. S. Power
“Which means that we can all just put the weapons away and relax. The Royal Guard can't start firing on the Princess for trying to hold a prisoner I don't think, and attacking Ali means fighting Karina too, in this at least. I really doubt Rolph is going to stand by and watch someone trying to hurt one of his sisters and… you can see where I'm going here? So, how about this. Everyone, and I mean all of you, put the weapons away and lets actually talk about things first for once? If you agree with me, let's see a show of empty hands?” Tor grinned and raised his right hand to head height.
The Queen went next, a funny look that was half smile, half terror on her face. The King nodded to the guards and raised his own hand, which got most of the room to follow suit. It was just Ali and Karina left after that, at least openly. The people in the walls probably had weapons honed in, but nothing they had would probably touch the girls, which everyone in the room already knew.
“What should we do Kari?” Alissa asked innocently, sounding very young suddenly.
Karina sighed and unloaded her hands into her side pockets. Ali followed suit, her eyes still wide and afraid. Tor got that, without a weapon in hand, no regular people could take on the Royal Guard like this. But if all went well, they wouldn't have to.
Rolph strode forward and bent a little to look at the two on the floor.
“They’re breathing. So, um, sis, what the heck? I missed the part of the plan where we start a war with Lairdgren, possibly Tellerand too. Maybe you should fill us all in before he wakes up?”
Tor snorted.
“That's obvious, she wanted Green and Black to tell on Brown, but that's not needed. We need to wake these fellows up, apologize politely and send them on their way now. Just a mix up, you know. Tell them that you just… Gods and the universe, what can we tell them? Don't mention Brown though, got it? Trust me on that one.” Would anyone listen to him? He tried to be trustworthy, but that didn't mean anyone else saw it that way.
Karina was crying, silent tears running down her face, oblivion behind her eyes. Tor could feel it coming off of her. Holding up a single hand he shook his head.
“Don't worry. Things are closer to what you want than you think, but we need to let these nice men go. It's urgent that we do.” There, he dropped in the palace command code word, urgent. If Tor had the meaning right that meant basically “do what I say, this is more important than I can explain right now.” Karina's eyes went wide, but after a few seconds she nodded to him.
Rolph and Tor got chairs for the two Ancients and rounded up some cold compresses to place on their faces. If that didn't cause them to wake up feeling loved, Tor was out of ideas. Of course it didn't work at all. Black woke up first and promptly hit Tor a dozen times, all of them stopped by his shield, but the man was beaten unconscious again too. It was the auto-defense thing. Tor winced and stepped back, got everyone to move away and just waited then. It took another seven minutes for him to come to again, with Burks having already done so, but just sitting quietly, as if afraid anything he did would invite another attack.
Now all Tor had to do was figure out a way to let the two men get out of the palace without this all happening six more times. To his surprise Karina did it for him.
She knelt on the floor, not bowing, but a humble enough thing for a Princess. Alissa followed suit without having to be told and bowed low when Karina spoke, her voice soft and contrite.
“Forgive us, please. We acted a bit rashly, wanting to make you apologize to Tor for what you did earlier Count Lairdgren. You haven't yet. We should have used words, not weapons. Your response was, well, it should have been expected. No one in a tense situation wants to be made to feel powerless or trapped. Again, we both apologize from the bottoms of our hearts. Things got out of control way too fast.” She went quiet and bowed low.
Ali spoke then, her voice nearly silent and full of real tears, “I'm sorry. I…” She sobbed a little, a single tear fell from her cheek and hit the ground, leaving a single blotch on the dark stone.
“I erred. I… please don't punish anyone else for what I did.” She said her voice a little desperate suddenly, as if she expected a beating for what she'd done.
Or for death to descend on her and those she loved. A Count could do that, after all. Not to a Princess, but that really only left her. Given her life, just being married to his grandson offered no protection at all as far as she knew. Burks could order anything. It did, in reality mean the man would never hurt her, but even if told she wouldn't have trusted it. Not really. Her life had taught her to fear men with power over her and Burks, to her mind, had that. She honestly expected to be tortured or worse.
If the man had been any other Count that might even have happened.
Burks had a single hand on his head and a bit of blood coming out of his nose, but he waved the girls up. After a second Black caught on and started chuckling.
“Ah, this place is full of surprises isn't it? Well, no lasting harm done, I could do without the constant beatings though.” He turned to his brother and spoke with decent humor, considering how his head must have felt.
“You know Green, next time I think we should send some notes around first. That and maybe you could visit my home instead? I have a feeling that Tellerand would be many times more pleasant, at least for our heads sake.” He waved the girls up, not differentiating as to who should go first, rank possibly not meaning too much to him at the moment.
If someone had asked him, Tor would have guessed the men would practically run, trying to get free of the place after that, but instead they moved at an almost glacial pace. Tor kept his mind calm and worked on his schedule for the next week, since all this stuff was going away, for the time being. Really, given everything, he needed to get some land and start on that house Ali wanted. Rolph had offered him a large second of the Wildlands, which was basically desert, except that they could easily bring in water now. That would work, if his friend was still willing. He'd see to it as soon as the meeting was over.
Ali looked worried but Tor wasn't, not overly. Burks wouldn't hold a grudge over something an automatic defense shield did. It was his own fault for running into it like that, he knew they existed after all. Black would probably feel the same. Kind of hard on the man, since he couldn't always control when he attacked or fought though.
Thinking about it Tor realized that the Ancients as a group probably had to be pretty good at letting little things go, didn't they? After all, if they held long term grudges they'd all be dead by now. Picking fights and insisting that violence is the way had to be a bad plan long term and they were the ones that would know that best. So this probably wouldn't be a huge issue. The girls just wanted him not to have to be humbled by the others, regardless of his age. That was really sweet of them, even if they were a bit over the top, what with the pulling of weapons, but Burks would understand that, wouldn't he?
Of course he would. They were family.
That last bit was true of course, and Tor remembered to have that fight with his grandfather about the family line. He was his own grandfather, and his mother and little sister were his grandmother? That was wrong on about sixteen different levels, wasn't it? Just crazy.
They made small talk and Burks read him half a dozen times, as if trying to catch him thinking something other than what he was. It baffled Tor a bit, but he tried not to let it show, after all, he didn't want to be the stupid one all the time. After a few minutes Count Lairdgren actually got to his own knees and apologized, seeming to actually mean it.
“Tor. The girls are right and I deserved to be reminded that you aren't just a game piece or counter to be pushed around at my whim, I apologize for my behavior and hope that in time you'll see that I mean well, if nothing else. I can't promise results, but I really did,and do, have a plan.”
As apologies went Tor had heard better, but then he'd heard worse too, instead of a negative attitude, which everyone else seemed to expect for some reason, based on the looks he was getting, Tor just
shrugged and helped the man up.
“Thank you. I really wasn't even thinking about it, but you have to admit, I have pretty good champions to my cause, don't I?” Tor walked the men to the door and let both of them use his healing amulet before climbing into the fast carriage that Burks had. It was one of Tor’s, not even a copy made by someone else, not even Burks. Tor kind of wondered if he had one missing from his luggage, but if so, no big thing. He even told that man that flat out.
“After all, better you get it from me than smack into the ground full force when the inferior one you made fails, right?” He shook his head as if the idea saddened him. It would of course, but that wasn't his point at the moment.
Lairdgren, still looking like Tor, grinned and stuck out his tongue.
“Still on that? OK, so your lie detector build was better than my fake, it's harder to do than you might think, matching someone else's work like that you know. Also, notice that everyone else bought it. I think you're just being a bit picky, don't you?”
Tor covered his mouth so that the laughter wouldn't be too embarrassing.
“Uh-huh. Sure, except I’m still willing to bet I can find at least three fourteen year old first year students at your own school that can do better. Speaking of which, I need to go and check on them, if I'm still allowed near the school at all?”
This got a snort.
“Of course you are, since you're footing the bill for half of it. But don't bother trying to make up what you've missed this last term. Not even you can do that. Do work with the kids though and see if you can find a place for Sandra Morris. She needs a bit of pushing, but she has potential if someone gives her a reason to try.”
With that the man climbed into the fast-craft and left carefully, and slowly, not speeding up until he was well away from the palace, outside the city wall even. Then they were gone. Tor shook his head black hair still short enough to barely move, if over his ears a bit. It had been months since the last cut. He waved to Karina and Rolph, then as an afterthought to Wensa and George. Ali just followed along, since she wasn't told to do otherwise. Her face said she thought this was clever and that sneaking along was some kind of game. It wasn't, but she had a shield and Denno Brown wasn't going to hurt any of them.
Not if he wanted to keep living.
Tor walked with a purpose to the guest house, a splendid and large mansion that the palace kept out back for some reason. It was where Tor had stayed about half the times he was there, a wonderful cream and gold on the outside and more varied but exquisite on the inside. Everyone followed along until they found a rather average looking fellow, a bit short for the Capital, dusting a low wooden side table in the long hallway. The man bowed and tried to leave when he saw them, a normal enough thing to do. The people here tried to get their work done without ever being seen.
“Denno! I see your using one of my disguise amulets, it's working well for you so far then? I haven’t really gotten to work with them myself yet.” Tor spoke happily enough, and didn't pull a weapon or anything. The man spun, eyes going wide.
The face wasn't homely, not really, but was just on the average side. Nothing was overtly wrong with it, the proportions were just a little off, the ears too big by a bit, the jaw jutting just a fraction of an inch more than could be called pleasant. Still, if someone were born with that face, it shouldn't have caused them worry either. It was solid enough.
Denno bowed again, “I'm sorry sir?”
Tapping a sigil on his chest and pointing made all of the amulets Brown was wearing turn off, including both his disguise and the clothing he had on. That would have been a sign right there as well, because by and large the lower level servants didn't have magical clothing yet. It was a good idea, but Tor had been busy.
Everyone behind Tor suddenly went for weapons, but Tor just walked forward and tapped the Ancients clothing amulet for him, turning it back on. After that, with a look over his shoulder Tor waved to everyone.
“Weapons away please, I think we already did this one today. Anyway Denno, um, please don't take over the world? Austra isn't that great you know, not trying to say it's all bad, but really, I think the world is doing pretty well right now in the main, don't you?” Trying to look supportive and helpful just got the other man to sigh.
“It's more complicated than that. I… Well if you have a few years, maybe I can explain it all. I suppose I'm under arrest then?” He waved to the Royal Guards who certainly looked ready to do that.
“Um… maybe. It depends on whether you’re willing to deal or not?”
“Deal? I thought you Noram types were all about honor and superstition, what kind of deal would you want to make?” The old man that suddenly looked better than anyone else in the kingdom smiled at everyone, a winning thing, but one that wasn't working too well yet.
Except on Ali who looked ready to have sex with the man on the floor of the guest house if she could. Tor didn't sigh, but really wanted to. That girl would have to at least learn to fake not being interested during emergencies. That didn't matter right now though, since Brown was staring at him, not the others, as if he controlled things here.
“It's a bit complicated, but the long and short of it hinges on this; how personally attached to Daria Serge are you?”
Denno Brown just shrugged, his answer feeling honest and unforced, “Can't stand the crazy bitch. She killed my dog when she was twelve because I wouldn't sleep with her. I haven't had a pet since. Why do you ask?”
“She's wanted for murder here in Noram. More to the point, she's already confessed to the crime and been convicted of it, she doesn't even try to deny it. Daria hacked a sixteen year old girl, Yardley Principle to death. Then she escaped back to Austra, as you know, but now we want her back. If you help us, and agree to not start senseless wars for a few hundred years, I think we can get you out of a lot of the hot water your currently about to be in. What do you say? Do you love Daria Serge more than your own freedom? If so, then please come with us to a cell, we'll get you a pack of playing cards and some dice…” Tor made his tone teasing and light. No need to escalate things after all.
Denno laughed.
“Ah, so betray the only woman I love or languish forever in a dank cell?” Dramatically he put the back of his right hand to his forehead. “Whatever shall I do? Alright, I'm in, what do you need to know? Her likely whereabouts when at home? Which room is hers in the mansion? Where her private apartment is? I know it all. Of course I can't do anything until just before dinner. I'm on shift.” Denno picked up his dust rag meaningfully waving it in the air and went back to work.
Everyone else laughed for some reason, but it made sense to Tor. He'd taken the job after all, and it was a real enough thing. Someone had to do it.
“Alright, well, come to dinner then? A real one. Obviously if you run off… well, you know what? I trust you not to. Meet up with me at the side entrance of the palace at nine?” It was a risk, but the man didn't have a reason to run. This was a good hiding place for now and enemies didn't tend to look at the hired help too much. Tor did have to remind Denno to turn his disguise back on while he worked, but then he just turned and left. Looking skeptical, everyone else did too.
Wensa stopped him about ten feet out the door with a hand on the front of his chest.
“Sure about this? I'll back your play, just make sure you don't lose the prey at this stage of things.”
Tor shrugged and raised his hands, “How would I know? I just don't think we can work with him as a prisoner, so we might as well take the chance. If he doesn't show, we can try and track him down, but he stayed here for a reason. They could have gone anywhere, but they didn't. Aren't you wondering why about now? I know I am.”
That led to a rather long and drawn out discussion about how Tor was probably too naive and should learn that people other people won't be as trusting or trustworthy as he was. Karina in particular was nearly livid with anger at him. If she didn't hit him, it was only because her fist kept being repelled b
y his shield. Rolph kept shaking his head, but he smiled at least and finally asked his sister to save the destruction of Tor, at least until Denno didn't show up for dinner. It was clear no one thought he would and by nine, when dinner was normally served, Tor was kind of convinced of that himself.
The only person waiting for him was Tor, everyone else having decided that it wasn't worth the headache. At ten past Tor turned to go back in, only to hear a now familiar voice call out.
“Ah! Sorry about that, I thought the other side of the building was the side entrance, things are a little turned around for me here.” The man looked… well, good of course, but his clothing was still the same as what he'd worn to work in.
Giving him an appraising look, Tor reached over towards him slowly and focused for about ten seconds. The appearance of the clothing shifted and warped, leaving the man in a fine sit of loose silk and soft sued boots. Brown of course. A light and shimmering brown, lighter than the Ancients skin, just a few shades for the sake of contrast. Once that was done a single gesture got Denno to walk in ahead of him. It was a bit of a slow and cautious walk, but no one waited inside.
The Ancient looked back at him and smiled, “Well, that's refreshing. I kind of half expected a trap. I know you can't be well pleased with me right now…”
That was… not actually true. The fact was that Tor didn't care too much about most of the things that had been done and really only wanted things to be fixed. It was a lot to ask for, but he hoped it would be possible in time. Maybe even before a vast war ripped the world apart? As they walked down the black stone floor, polished to gleaming, Tor could only hope. The alternative was useless killing. No one liked that. No one sane.
When they walked in to dinner, a bit late, everyone else was still standing. Karina looked close to tears, but froze completely when Rolph smiled and gestured lightly towards the door. Shortly after that everyone turned to stare at Brown for a bit, after a few seconds the man just gave a small, mostly ironic, bow.
