Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

  Veign too left and effortlessly spotted the cruel man. Although most in this royal section of Royal City were blonde and had blue eyes, a bright pink item over an ear wasn’t difficult to miss. Night darkened the land, but many torches lined the street and allowed anyone to walk comfortably down them.

  Using a piece of training taught to all warriors who were to be raised in the Kings Guard, Veign followed Rakkel, but allowed nearly a hundred feet between them at all times. His great height allowed him the ability to always know where the target is. Several times Veign had to raise a hand in greeting to those he befriended.

  Corners were turned and still Rakkel hadn’t turned around.

  A half hour later Veign found himself following down a desolate and slightly darkened street.

  Out of nowhere Rakkel came to a complete stop and Veign ducked behind a wall. “You can stop following me now!” Rakkel announced. “If it makes you feel any better I’ll commend you on your skills, but my item allows me to hear all sounds and that includes your heartbeat.”

  Realizing he’d been discovered, Veign casually stepped out to see the specialist staring stoically at him. “Is there a reason you are following me, soldier, or is it some kind of game I’m not familiar with?”

  “How long have you known?” Veign requested.

  “Since leaving the tavern.” He admitted. “Your footsteps and heart rate gave me enough information to know you were tracking someone. After the second turn I realized it is I who you follow. Now out with it, what is it you want?”

  “I want to know why you take such pleasure in inflicting pain on that prisoner.”

  “Is that all?”

  Veign nodded.

  “He’s my cousin, as I’m sure you realize… your heartbeat remains regular so you do understand that much. Well he betrayed the laws of our land. I might have been born in the Waget Isles, but my heritage is here. Ever since we were kids he always thought he was better than me and the laws we were taught by the instructors. He always thought he was better, but now I can teach him the errors such thinking bring about. He won’t sacrifice as we all must and he’ll either learn or die. Either way he won’t be able to help the foolish ingrates that believe in him…”

  “Isn’t he family?” Veign wondered.

  “Not in my mind.”

  “How can you say that? I was taken from my family, as all Kings Guard children are. I don’t remember my own parents or even know if I have siblings yet you care not for a person who shares blood…”

  “That fool has no relation to me. He wasn’t born with an item and if the Ancients didn’t see fit to give him an item I don’t see why I should have anything to do with him. If it weren’t for my father taking care of him I would bet he’d be a true slave as most itemless ingrates are. And if it weren’t for orders to torture him only I’d kill him as I did with my traitorous father. He’s getting what he deserves.”

  “You are the most callous man I’ve ever met.” Veign said.

  “I do as I’m told, just like you. It is our sacrifice to do this.”

  “Then your blind loyalty will not harm my future king.”

  Before Rakkel could even react, he had casually managed to approach the target while he ranted, Veign lunged at the smaller opponent. Thankfully there weren’t any witnesses as the Kings Guard wrapped his powerful hands around the specialist’s throat, lifted him effortlessly off the ground. Rakkel’s blue eyes bulged from the strain and tried struggling in vain. The warrior’s strength and armor made him lethal in close combat and very few could claim to have survived an encounter, Rakkel wouldn’t be one of them.

  Seconds later the specialist went completely limp and for added measure Veign added more strength and a satisfying crack in the man’s neck made sure he’d never live to see another day. Seeing the pink item disappear showed the man would never again draw breath. To make things easier to explain he brought out a flask of strong mead capable of making a person lightheaded from the fumes alone.

  A quick toss forced the dead body over his shoulder. Veign then looked around and sighed when not one person saw what transpired. He then began walking down the street, whistling a merry tune.

  “What do you have there, Veign?” a comrade asked a few minutes later.

  The warrior stopped and willed his faceplate to lift so he could meet the eyes of a large female warrior. He grinned and admitted “I found this guy passed out in the street, completely drunk off his arse. I swear, if a ranking officer saw him he’d be in more trouble, especially with a fight so close.”

  She grinned and draped a spiked club over her shoulders while shaking her head with a smile. “The fool, I can smell the drink over here. Better let him sleep it off in the barracks. Later.” She said and walked away.

  Veign sighed and was glad his thinking went far enough ahead to make up a plausible story for a limp body hanging over his shoulder.

  Two others also bought the lie, but an idea the first person said gave him an idea.

  At the barracks Veign went up the stairs and saw only six men awake in the gathering room, but none were occupying the hallways or stairs. They joked with Veign, but didn’t get up. As he ascended the stairs he made it nearly to the top and shouted “Hey stop struggling! Nay, Stop!” and intentionally fell backwards. Together Veign and Rakkel’s corpse tumbled together down the stairs loudly.

  The six quickly rushed over and were all speaking at once, but Veign cursed “Damn fool! What is the matter with you! Is this the thanks I get for…” he turned and acted shocked. He pulled off his golden glove and pressed two fingers to the carotid artery. “He’s dead…” He announced.

  “What happened here?” a commander ordered an explanation as he nearly ran down the stairs. They all began speaking at the same time. “Stop! One at a time.”

  Since it revolved around Veign he spoke. “Earlier I found this guy drunk and sleeping in the street. I brought him here, but as I was walking up the steps he woke suddenly and violently and we fell. He’s dead, Sir.”

  The commander approached and made sure. He then felt around Rakkel’s neck. “Broken.” He announced. “Did it look that way to the rest of you?”

  The six nodded and not one looked insincere.

  “Looks like I’m up and as the ranking officer I’ll need to report this. The rest of you, get some sleep. If I need you I’ll send someone.” He sighed. “Why does it always happen to be drunkards…”

  In his room, Veign grinned at the success, grabbed for edible paper to realize he gave the last sheet to Alex earlier. At least now Rakkel couldn’t harm him, but if any other torturers were found dead it could throw suspicion upon him. He couldn’t afford any more mistakes. Five days were all that remained and much still needed to be done.

  Veign then began contemplating what he needed to do next. Setting Alex free will be next to impossible. He knew the prince would need his weapons and would need to locate them first. Few if any could be trusted, but his comrades couldn’t be turned. There had to be someone associated in some way to the prince, but who? Someone not as easy to spot is necessary. His item is too ostentatious and he couldn’t leave it behind, especially with war nearing.

  Maybe someone who knows someone, who is friends with Alex?

  Ever since being taken into the king’s care to be trained as a Kings Guard he had been taught to cherish orders. Veign went to his desk to go over recent reports for something nagged at him to do so. Not understanding the need, he still followed his gut for it hadn’t failed him yet. He poured over notes and reports that he keeps a year’s worth at a time before taking the previous year’s to a series of chests he owns in the soldier’s personal storage facility. Already he has fifteen filled chests for each year he’s been ordered to serve.

  Just after midnight he came across an old report of the most valued targets, especially after the failure in Alluan. The greatest bounty is for Allahandra and a list of ranking generals with Rakkian’s worth just beneath hers. Alex’s worth came
closer to that of a general and had a list of all who were associated with them. After the murder of a field general and escape from a heavily attended execution, Lily of The Blood Moon became deeply connected to Alex by spy reports. As Veign read on he became intrigued by a man who went by Marlin. His exploits were written down, but not with nearly as much detail as the Furion leader. He was a local of Nicronane and that seemed to be the extent of the information.

  Veign placed the report down and leaned back in his chair to think. Why does that name sound so familiar? He wondered. I know I’ve heard the name Marlin from somewhere… Who could have said it for it certainly isn’t a common name, especially in Ra’van. But I know I heard someone speak the name and not speak of fish… The warrior strained his memory, trying to place a connection. But who?

  The name came just before dawn approached. Veign found himself waking after drifting asleep in the chair. He stood quickly after finally finding the weak connection he sought. Quickly, he left the room and hurried to the palace, but not so much as to be seen more excited than usual or on a mission.

  He took a right after entering the lavish palace and walked directly into the kitchen. Several cooks glared at him for intruding, but he removed his helmet and revealed a disarming smile. He asked for directions to a certain individual and a buxom maid gladly pointed the way.

  After a few more questions he found himself standing behind an average man of lean build. A red tunic and brown pants showed him to be an average Royal Guard, but to find one here in a kitchen with servants and slaves proved he had a low standing in the military. Curly brown hair crowned the man’s head as he leaned over a large tub of the clearest water Veign had seen in quite some time. Water only appeared to fill half the volume the tub could be capable of containing. The man removed a flat rod with a glacial white/blue coloring. Placing the eight inch long bar into the water the warrior watched as the water suddenly flashed and became ice. The tub now looked filled, after the water grew when being transformed into ice. The man then grabbed the tub and spun it around to make the ice drop atop the white marble table. He then used the thin rod to effortlessly begin cutting and sculpting the ice for whatever he had been told to do.

  “Pirn of the Cold I presume?” Veign requested and startled the man.

  The brown hair spun around to reveal a handsome face with defeated blue eyes. In that moment Veign knew he would be easily manipulated. By the looks of it years here in this kitchen had been claimed from him.

  “It is I… May I help you?”

  “Aye, follow me.” Veign turned around and left the active room, not once turning around to see if he was being followed.

  It would be suicide to speak within the caste so he left it and the grounds. After passing the grounds he headed between buildings for it hadn’t brightened too much quite yet. Reaching a secluded spot he spun around to find an uncertain specialist waiting. “Relax, Pirn. I need to ask you something.”

  Pirn came closer, hearing kindness and patience he never heard from a Kings Guard. “What is it you need of me? I must return to finish preparing the ice or risk latrine duty again…”

  “What is your brother’s name?” he flat out asked.

  Pirn blinked quickly and stood straighter. “What’s this about?”

  “Answer the question.”

  He sighed “Marlin… Why?”

  “Do you know what he has been up to recently?”

  “I know not. We haven’t had any contact since I was forced to enlist.”

  “Ah, that’s right they held your daughter hostage and killed her when you gave into their demand. You have my condolences.” Veign said in such an honest and heartfelt way that he saw Pirn smile weakly. Confusion still clouded Pirn’s expression so he spoke in a whisper, but openly. “Do you know who is being imprisoned in the dungeons?”

  “Nay, but it must be someone dangerous to warrant so many guards.”

  “Prince Alex is being held there.” Still confusion dominated Pirn’s expression. “Never mind that for the moment, I’ll get back to him in a moment. There is something I must tell you. Your brother has come up recently in my reports.” Wide eyed recognition finally gave life to the man’s eyes.

  “Please tell me he is alright? He’s my only kin…”

  “Calm down. Calm down. It would be prudent to keep your voice down… Listen, as far as I know your brother is alive and well. Reports even say they witnessed him getting married to an exceptional healer.” A faint smile graced the man’s expression. “The man who oversaw and did the ceremony is also a very close friend of his. Alex, the prince, is that person.”

  “A friend of my brother’s is down there?” he asked and Veign nodded seriously. “Marlin wouldn’t befriend someone who is sinister so that means this Alex you speak of is being falsely detained like they did to me.” A deep burning desire and resentment flared in Pirn’s blue eyes. “Before you give me your order, I must ask if you want to do something that will probably get us killed.”

  The large warrior nodded.

  “I’m in. What can I do to help my brother’s friend?”

  Veign gave him a half smile and explained “There isn’t much since security is getting tighter with Freelan only four days away, but you might be less remembered than I. I’ve done everything I know and there isn’t any way to free the prince or even approach him without the strictest procedures. I doubt it will even be possible to save him.

  “What I need you to do is see if you can locate his weapons. He doesn’t use items like we do. He has a hand and a half sword with a mirror finish like no sword you’ve ever come across. It has an round amethyst pommel and sheathed in black leather. He also has two bracers as I’m told, one with a fang engraving and the other with a wing. That is all I need you to do, find them and if possible, retrieve them. I’ll try and give him the best chance possible.”

  Pirn looked at the determination the large warrior revealed and knew it wasn’t some test or new way to bring him any lower. Veign is known as a man of his word and would do as he spoke of. It was more than enough for Pirn to finally return overdue punishment to those who wronged him and deserved it. “I’ll do it.” He vowed. “When it’s dark I’ll see what I can do. This Alex person must be an important man…”

  “If events allow him to live he’ll become the rightful heir. Furthermore you must be careful. Seers are undoubtedly watching for any suspicious activity. Whatever you do, do not kill or bring attention to the plan. The prince is our only hope…”

  “Is that so? You don’t need to convince me further. I’ll not shirk… Meet me here an hour earlier and if at all possible I’ll have what you need.” As every moment passed they knew more would wake and make their position precarious. “I must go. We cannot afford to be caught.”

  Life and meaning returned to the man’s once solemn eyes as he turned around and headed back to the palace. It was an impressive transformation to see happen over such a short conversation. It’s meaning was lifting.

  Veign had been trained to read deceit, but not once did the man leaving show anything but honesty. He felt reasonably sure this Pirn could be trusted.

  What Pirn lacked the first time the warrior saw defeat in those blue eyes was purpose. With purpose a man can achieve a goal he’d long forgotten.

  The level five warrior returned to the palace, turned left and approached the dungeon for another day’s duty. When it came time to detain Alex he fought as powerfully as always. While loudly binding him to the floor Veign said “Rakkel will never bother anyone again.”

  “Dead?” Alex asked behind his veil of long black hair, a glimmer of hope and relief entering his voice.

  “I personally did it.” He admitted and recognized the grateful smile.

  “Good.” He whispered as the guard stepped out to allow only one torturer in.

  ***

  Chapter 24

  Swords and other manner of weaponry withdrew with practiced movements that appeared fluid and effortless as two l
ances dropped down, making it clear that none were allowed to approach further.

  The Pack came to a halt, but weren’t revealing any fear. The warriors trained their weapons, waiting for them to speak first.

  “Move aside!” Lily ordered impatiently to the stoic guards.

  Not an ounce of fear showed within any of the warriors eyes, nor did they flinch or offer a retort for such actions.

  “What is the problem here?!” Demanded an all too familiar booming voice.

  A large polished gauntlet pulled back a tent flap to reveal a bulky, dark skinned man with a gold band wrapped around his arm. In the early nighttime hours he looked much more dangerous. Fierce features struck many with fear and commanded complete obedience, but instant recognition softened them as a smile reached his dark eyes. “Lily!? We weren’t informed! It is so good to see you, all of you!” he added.

  “Rakkian, it is a relief to see you as well. May we enter? Your guards won’t allow us in further without my husband or being brought by a messenger.”

  “Listen men, you might forget, but she is a princess and doesn’t need to explain herself to come in. None of The Pack do. They couldn’t have gotten so close without verifying their identity to begin with.”

  The guards withdrew weapons and stood as rigid as statues.

  “Thank you.”

  “I see you are hungry, ya?” The king asked.

  “Desperately. We haven’t eaten in nearly three days.” Niranene explained and all heard her stomach growl with perfect timing. Her tired expression could barely make her cheeks redden from embarrassment.

  Rakkian sent a man to retrieve a hearty meal, stifling a laugh.

  Eventually Lily, Niranene and Krum entered the tent with Shade and Ava slipping in last. Fire kept the command tent warm and bright enough to see a full war council already underway. Every fiend leader and highest human official that guided the entire military force sitting outside the Royal City’s walls sat within. The silence within the enormous tent broke as Allahandra stood and approached the four with open arms. “My friends, it is so good to lay eyes upon you again and know you are alive and well.”