"Nice try, but you're faking it. It's unrealistic," Certan said. Alrion gritted his teeth and kept trying to work even harder. Finally, something snapped. He relaxed and sat back, losing the intense look on his face as if he had given up. But now his piece was in sync with the other two.
"I don't understand," Alrion said.
"Give it a minute," Certan said. Alrion look thoughtful.
"I hope he gets it," Lara thought.
"Hang on. I'm not controlling the piece of wood, but I am maintaining the belief that it must float above the water," Alrion said.
"Exactly. Beliefs are powerful things. See the difference between forcefully propping up the wood shaving, and changing your belief to alter its behaviour?" Certan said.
"Wow. So how much can you do with this?" Alrion said.
"Everything. You are only limited by the strength of your will. Some things will be harder to alter than others, and knowledge of the way the world functions does make things easier," Certan said.
"So, anyone could do this. Why aren't they?" Lara said.
"Firstly, they don't believe it is possible. Very few would accidentally find a way to do this. Secondly, a strong will is required. The two of you have already gone through many trials, so you are better qualified to do it," Certan said.
"Incredible. I am starting to understand how you can do what you do," Alrion said.
"Excellent. This class is over. But let's see how long we can keep our tiny wood shavings floating," Certan said, grinning at them.
"You're on," Lara said.
"I'll win this, you just watch," Alrion said.
"You know, you're a pretty good teacher," Lara said to Certan. She was impressed at the ease with which he had gotten them to succeed.
"Thank you, I hadn't considered that."
"You're probably not as far behind in your monk training as you think," Alrion said.
"Perhaps, but it may be for nothing. They may not accept me back."
"If they're as wise as you say, they definitely will," Alrion said.
"Shush, I need to concentrate," Lara said. The competition wasn't over after all, and she had to win.
"Fair enough," Alrion said.
Hours later, Certan let his wood shaving gently drop to the surface of the water.
"You could have kept that up all day," Lara said, accusing Certan.
"Of course."
"Did you really think you would beat him?" Alrion said.
"Well, I beat you," Lara said. Alrion didn't reply.
"I think we may be nearing our destination," Certan said. In the distance they could see walls, indicating a city of some kind.
"I wonder if we will find my parents there," Alrion said.
"Of course.” Lara scanned the distance, as if she were able to see them. She had a bad feeling, as though there were more troubles ahead. But she kept that to herself.
15
Investigation
Vincent urged the horse to go faster. Now they were on the open road, he wanted to travel as quickly as possible. Celes did the same, pulling even with him.
"This reminds me of the old days," she said, a glint of mischief in her eyes.
"It sure does. We were so carefree back then," Vincent said, his voice taking a heavier tone.
"Yes, well these are serious times I admit. But I know I'm ready for another adventure. Aren't you?"
"Yes and no. I've been dreading this."
"Because you knew that Alrion may be a wizard?"
"Yes, and I knew that it would not be an easy life, given what my father accomplished."
"He will rise to it, he already has. You've taught him well," Celes said, reaching out to place a hand on Vincent's shoulder.
"We both have. Now we just need to support him." Vincent placed his hand over his wife's.
"And we are. What do you expect us to find out there?" Celes said, taking her hand back.
"We have been tracked the whole way. The only explanation is that Branthor built a network of followers. Regardless of whether Branthor is alive or not, we still have to deal with that. I don't believe that Shade attack was random."
"I think you're right. Just as well you have the world's best thief with you," Celes said.
"World's best? I'd like to see the finalists for that prize lined up. That would be a sight," Vincent said.
"Yes, maybe even some contenders that we don't know about."
"I would hope so, the world has changed a lot in the last twenty years or so that we've been hidden away," Vincent said.
The extent of the changes was evident, even in the empty stretch of road they were riding down.
"So how do we pinpoint these followers? Any tricks we can use?" Celes said.
"I don't know of any ways to detect Tainted Ones, other than that diamond we gave to Alrion. I think we will need to be observant and do an investigation. Who would you start with?"
"Guards and officials," Celes said.
"Why?"
"If you want to track people and have access to information, that's the best way. I'd say if we can find Tainted Ones in official posts, they will be connected to Branthor."
"Sounds reasonable to me. I'll be the muscle, and you can be the brains," Vincent said.
"So, the usual," Celes said with a smirk. Vincent shook his head gently and laughed.
"The usual then," Vincent said.
The city gates of Plynth loomed large, yet appeared unchanged. The black metal gate was as imposing as ever, and the stone walls looked just as ancient as Vincent remembered.
"Are there more guard towers now?" Vincent said.
"I think so. Lots more guards too," Celes said, looking around.
"Seems like a lot more security overall," Vincent said.
"Definitely. Take a look at her," Celes said, directing Vincent to a guard. The woman was referring to a drawing and questioning a young couple trying to enter the city.
"They're looking for someone," Vincent said.
"Exactly. Why don't you hang back and I'll investigate?" Celes said. She threw her reins at Vincent and hopped off the horse. Within moments she had disappeared into the crowd.
"There she goes," Vincent said to himself. After a moment, he stopped trying to look for her, and shuffled off the main road with the two horses.
Celes felt a thrill from the intrigue and curiosity of the situation. She had to get a look at whoever they were after, and needed to do so without revealing herself in a crowded thoroughfare.
"Good exercise as a refresher," she thought to herself. As she approached the guard, Celes tried to blend in with some other travellers. She continued walking, and leaned in to try and catch some of the conversation.
"You aren't listening to me. You are a young couple and look almost exactly like the ones I have here," the female guard said.
"It's a passing resemblance at best. What does that have to do this us?" the young man said. He was quite agitated and trying to contain himself but slowly failing.
"I can't let you in, it's too much of a risk. What I can do though is take you into a holding area, where you can be interviewed by someone else. If that passes, we will let you in," the guard said.
"Just do it, we need to enter the city and they will discover soon enough that we aren't who they are looking for," the young woman said to her companion.
"Fine, but I think this is ridiculous," the man said, trying to get the last word in. The female guard nodded.
"Yes, I appreciate your frustration. This way please," she said, leading them into a side passage off the main gate. As she rolled up the drawing Celes managed to get a quick glance at it. Then she reversed direction and made her way back to Vincent.
"So?" he said.
"Not good. They're holding that young couple for a further interview because of their likeness to a drawing."
"And the drawing looks like?"
"Alrion and Lara." She could see Vincent's expression drop.
"I had feared that."
"Yes, it's not subtle at all." Celes was worried by the brashness of their actions. How far had they infiltrated?
"Do you think that guard is in on it?"
"Probably not. But I would suggest that whoever comes to interview the couple will be," Celes said.
"Sounds logical. I guess we need to infiltrate that guard post then," Vincent said.
"Exactly, and you're going to help."
"Of course, and I'm sure you have a plan already." Vincent had a weariness to his voice.
"Yes, I do. Let's head over to the armourer that makes the guard uniforms. You can find that out, right?" Celes said.
"I'm sure I can. Let's get to it," Vincent said. Celes winked at Vincent then expertly leapt back into the saddle. "I don't know how you can still do that," he said, chuckling.
"I'm allowed to have a few secrets of my own," Celes said.
"Fair enough. I won't ask." Together they rode through the gates, avoiding any unwanted attention.
"At least they're not looking for us," Celes said.
"Yet."
"Yet?"
"After whatever you are going to pull off today, they most certainly are going to," Vincent said.
"Not necessarily," Celes said, her voice trailing off. But they both knew that there was little chance that their investigation would go unnoticed.
Vincent introduced himself to the first blacksmith that they encountered, and steered the conversation around to who did the guard uniforms.
"Oh, that's most likely John down the hill. Why?" the blacksmith said.
"Well I'm looking for work, and I'm over making household implements. I'd like to do something more interesting," Vincent said.
"After a few of those, I doubt you'd find it interesting. But fair enough. I could use an extra hand, let me know if you're interested. Or maybe see me after you get bored," the blacksmith said.
"Definitely. Thanks for the help." Vincent left the workshop and met Celes back on the street.
"You found it alright?" she said.
"Yes, it should be just down this hill. Man named John."
"See! I told you."
"You did indeed. What's the plan?"
"You just distract the blacksmith and I'll take care of the rest," Celes said.
"As you wish." Vincent was curious to see what she would do. The guard armour was not fully plated, but it would be heavy and noisy.
There was only one blacksmith at the bottom of the hill, and Vincent approached him directly.
"John, is it?" Vincent said.
"Yes, who is asking?"
"My name is Will. I'm interested in some blacksmithing work, and I heard that you work on the guard uniforms."
"That's right. Why are you interested in that?" John said. He was looking at Vincent with suspicion.
"I've been working in a small town so long, there's only so many knives, and horse shoes and other boring items that I can make. I thought the work you do might have a bit more sophistication to it," Vincent said.
"You're right about one thing, it is more sophisticated. But it's still boring. Just a different kind," John said.
"A change is as good as a journey, so they say," Vincent said.
"All the same, I don't think I can afford to bring on more help, not with what they pay for these," John said.
"Do you mind if I work with you for free then? I could learn some new skills, you could get some free labour and we can both profit before I move on," Vincent could see John's mind ticking over, considering the pros and cons.
"I could use the help. But you should understand that I have an exclusive contract for these, it will do you no good trying to set up shop here," John said.
"I wouldn't dream of it. I can see you are busy today, could I get a quick tour then we start proper tomorrow?" Vincent said.
"I will need to structure my day differently, so that works for me. Come this way." John waved at Vincent and disappeared further into the workshop.
Celes observed the conversation and smiled.
"Thanks for the help my dear husband," she thought. Once the two men had disappeared she snuck into the workshop looking for a suitable uniform. She spotted one that looked like it had just been completed.
"No, too obvious," she thought. She continued the search, locating a temporary store nearby.
"This will work," Celes said to herself. Not everything was there, but the main elements were. It wouldn't too difficult to complete the look herself. Once she had extracted the chest pieces and helmet, she paused to listen out. She could hear voices in the distance, but wasn't sure if they were coming closer.
"It's a noisy place, I'll just get going," she told herself. She found a bundle of leather and wrapped up the pieces within it, and left the shop as quickly as she could. Once she was out the door she slowed her pace to look less suspicious, then found a quiet alley nearby to rest.
After a few minutes, she heard footsteps and readied herself.
"It's just me," Vincent said as he turned the corner. He saw Celes ready to pounce. She visibly relaxed and stepped aside to show off her prize.
"Nice work. Clearly, I bought you enough time," Vincent said.
"It was a charming gesture, but you didn't need to."
"Are you going to try this on now?"
"Yes, if you'll assist," she said. Vincent looked out for passers-by, and helped Celes into the outfit.
"You'll need a white tunic to match," he said.
"I know, I spotted a stall not far from here. Would you mind?"
"No, I'll be right back," Vincent quickly left and returned shortly, showing Celes the clothing.
"Approved," she said, and they adjusted her outfit to allow her to put it on.
"How do I look?" Celes said.
"Like an unusually attractive guard," Vincent said.
"Right answer."
"Just try not and get it too dirty, you need to return it tonight," Vincent said.
"Why?"
"I'm going to work there for a few days."
"Whatever for?"
"I could learn a thing or two from John, and it gives us a reason to be here. I thought it would help us blend in." Celes had to admit that he made sense.
"That would be useful, I guess I'll have to be extra careful then," she said, winking at Vincent.
"What's the plan?" he said. She leaned in close and whispered to him for a full minute.
"I stand around and bail you out if you need help?" Vincent said.
"Exactly," she said and waved goodbye.
"Good luck," Vincent said, and watched her leave.
Celes walked down the street with confidence. She had to assume the role of the guard perfectly. The guards belonged here, and were respected and obeyed. So, she acted like she owned the place.
She strode into the guard block without even pausing. As another guard passed by Celes nodded her head, and the guard did the same.
"Now to find that interview room," Celes said to herself. The building was one long corridor, with many rooms off either side.
"This must be built alongside the city walls," Celes thought. She noticed that one door in the distance had a guard posted outside. That was promising. Celes walked up to the door and addressed the guard.
"Is this the couple that are awaiting questioning?" she said.
"Yes. Are you the examiner?" the guard said.
"No, I'm here to relieve you as the examiner has been delayed," Celes said.
"Oh, that's unusual. Are you sure?"
"Yes, they aren't sure how long it will take and you're needed back on patrol," Celes said.
"Great, thanks for letting me know," the guard said and left the post.
"This is too easy," Celes thought to herself. She opened the door and stepped inside. The young couple were seated at a table, but the rest of the room was empty. They looked up at her expectantly.
"Sorry, I am not your examiner. Just checking in on you. One should be on the way soon," Celes said.
After an hour or two, and many guards passing back and forth, she noticed someone different walking down the corridor. It was a male guard, but he was wearing a black cloak with white trim.
"He looks different, I must keep an eye on him," Celes thought. The guard walked briskly, then stopped suddenly in front of the door.
"The couple awaiting questioning are inside?" the guard said. His speech was precise and calculated.
"Yes," Celes said, thinking it best to be as brief as possible.
"You are dismissed," the guard said, waving her away.
"Yes sir," she said, and turned to leave. After she had taken a few steps she heard the door open and close. She didn't have a good feeling about him, and the sound of the lock clanking shut was chilling to her ears.
Celes wasn't sure what to do. She had identified the examiner, but was fearful for the couple. It wasn't based on anything, but she just didn't feel right. So, she decided to circle around and find another way to access that room.
Turning around, Celes walked past the room and listened out. She didn't hear anything. Continuing on, she located the next door and entered it. It was another holding cell, but was empty. It looked identical to the one she had already seen.
"That's a start," Celes said to herself. She examined the room to look for any strange designs or flaws in the construction that would allow her to access or hear from the adjoining room. The stone was solid, and ceiling was well-constructed. But she did notice a smaller stone slightly out of place near the floor. She carefully lowered herself to the ground, and manipulated the stone with her hand. Very slowly it moved. With some persistence, she was able to remove it.
There was a gap behind the stone, and another stone on the other side for the adjoining room. She wouldn't be able to budge the other stone, but she hoped that it might be able to be moved. She reached into the hole, but couldn't touch the other stone. She used a dagger instead, levering it just enough to dislodge it. This created a passage for the air to travel between the rooms. Now she just had to try and listen in.
Vault of Silence (The Hidden Wizard Book 2) Page 11
