Treachery in Tarnstead (Stoneblood Saga Book 5)

by Robyn Wideman

  “What did she have to say? I know spirits can be difficult at times, they see much of what is happening here but aren’t able to do anything and they become frustrated or simply stop watching.”

  “She gave me an earful. She definitely hasn’t stopped watching. I doubt she ever will. Her connection to Rose is too strong. But everything she said made sense.”

  “I find most of the observations my spirits make are accurate. I don’t know if being a spirit makes people more observant or they just see things from a different perspective, but any time a spirit gives you insight you should take it to heart”

  Nathan nodded. It was something he’d already felt. “How does it work for you. I mean you have multiple spirits connected to you, doesn’t it get confusing?”

  “No,” Hanna replied. “It’s not like I’m interacting with them all the time. Mostly, I only interact with them when needed. The rest of the time I can feel my connection to them but it’s not like I hear a barrage of voices in my head.”

  “I suppose that makes sense. When I was connected to Ava it was like that. Even my connection to Thorn and Lord Ridgeback are similar.”

  “The connections are similar,” Hanna agreed. “There are many areas where different types of magic overlap. You created a firewhip using earth magic, yet Katla controls it using demon magic. A magic light can be created using earth magic, runes, elemental magic, and multiple other ways. Each is unique and functions slightly different, yet all produce a similar result. Each type of magic has its strengths and weaknesses.”

  “I wish I had your knowledge of magic,” Nathan said. “Balthazar taught us lots, and now Demarion Black is willing to continue my studies but finding the time seems daunting.”

  Hanna chuckled. “I doubt you know much less than I. I started learning magic about the same age as you did, so I only have a few extra years of study under my belt. And, like you, I find less and less time to devote to studying as life throws new challenges at me. If you keep up your studies, you’ll surpass my knowledge in no time. Of course, my spirits’ knowledge, that is a different story. Anso was a talented mage, and even Botzhar has a knowledge of magic beyond my own.”

  “Botzhar. That is your demon spirit?” Nathan asked. He found Hanna’s spirit connections fascinating. He couldn’t imagine having a mind connection to a demon.

  “Yes. He’s a powerful demon, but thankfully not one interested in the mortal plane. Hester, the mage who helped connect me with Botzhar, chose wisely. Botzhar’s power would be very tempting to use often if it was readily available.”

  “And Katla? Is her demon also not interested in the mortal plane?”

  “Oh no. Vedoch loves coming to the mortal plane almost as much as it loves battle. Katla has to keep constant control over their connection,” Hanna said.”

  “How does she do that? What would happen if Katla lost control?”

  “Vedoch would control her body and roam free, probably killing indiscriminately and creating chaos at every opportunity. That, or he’d try finding a mage powerful enough to release him from the bloodstone allowing his demon form loose on earth. That wouldn’t be pretty.”

  “And you trust Katla can keep it contained?” Nathan glanced back at the pretty warrior.

  “Katla was the Mykoznian king’s guard. She has been trained as a warrior her whole life. Her control over her own body and mind is absolute. And we travel together as much as possible. If either of our demons were to overwhelm one of us the other would deal with it.”

  A shiver went down Nathan’s spine. By deal with it, Nathan was certain she meant if Katla lost control of her demon Hanna would have to kill her. Nathan couldn’t imagine how painful a decision that would be, or if he could even do it. Could he kill Quinton or Sharon if he had to? “I hope that never comes to pass.”

  Hanna nodded. “You aren’t the only one.”

  …

  When the group reached Raumont they found a small, out of the way inn to stay in. The inn was old and somewhat run-down, but the rooms were clean and food decent. More importantly, it wasn’t one of the inn’s favored by traders who might recognize Nathan or anyone else from the group. While the others stayed in the inn, Katla and Kiana went looking for information.

  Kiana grabbed Katla by the arm. “That one.” They’d been strolling the streets of Raumont searching for the type of establishment where thieves and assassins would hang out. The type that would do anything for a copper coin or two. The bar was a dive, with its opening halfway down an alley.

  Katla looked at the drunkard laying across the doorway to the bar with disdain. “Are you sure you want to go in there? It looks like the kind of place so dirty even the rats flee.”

  Stepping over the drunk, Kiana smiled. “Exactly.”

  Inside, the bar was dark, with a dozen tables along the walls. Katla sighed and sauntered towards the bartender. When she got to the bar she slid a copper across the counter. “What do you have that doesn’t taste like week old ass?”

  The bartender took the coin and tapped it against the counter. Satisfied with its authenticity he reached below the bar and grabbed a bottle. He poured a portion of a golden liquid into a surprisingly clean glass. “Honey port from Mandilla.”

  Kiana watched as Katla threw the drink back in one mouthful and slammed the glass back on the counter. Kiana placed a gold coin on the counter and said. “I’ll have the same.” When the bartender reached out to slide the coin away Kiana kept her fingers on it, holding it in place. “And a bit of information.”

  The bartender grunted, and Kiana let go of the coin. When he finished biting the coin he said, “What kind of information you looking for?”

  “We need you to recommend a messenger. Someone who can get a message to a member of the duke’s council without being noticed,” Kiana said.

  “I have a guy. Just give me the message and the name of the man you want it delivered to. That first coin paid for your drinks and the info. The next one gets your message delivered within the hour.”

  “Give the man his coin,” Katla said sweetly. “The message is for Captain Vatkin. Tell your man to say. A pretty lady’s eyes always lie, and that we’ll be waiting here for him.” Katla grabbed the bottle of port and two glasses and started to head towards an empty table in the back.

  Kiana slid the second gold coin across the table. “You get that?”

  The bartender nodded. “I did.”

  Kiana showed the bartender a third gold coin. “This is yours if he’s here before we finish that bottle. And you saw how my friend drinks.”

  She then walked to the table where Katla was sitting. She noticed that Katla had taken a chair where her back was to a wall and she could see the bar’s entrance. Kiana approved. Her new companion was no fool. As she sat across from Katla, Kiana watched the bartender disappear into a backroom. The message was on its way.

  “You think that will work?” Katla asked. “Or did we just set ourselves up for a robbery?”

  “I would say the odds would’ve been high on us being robbed, but did you see the way he flinched at the mention of Captain Vatkin? I think whatever plans of robbery he might’ve had disappeared at the mention of the captain’s name.”

  “A pity. I could use a little fun.”

  Kiana smiled. She definitely liked her new friend. “I don’t think the kind of fun you have in mind is what Nathan meant by being discreet.”

  “We’ve made discreet inquiries, just as he asked. Is it our fault if some local group of ruffians attempted to rob us.”

  Kiana laughed and poured herself a drink.

  “Careful, it has a kick to it.”

  The port did have a kick to it, but the sweet honey taste was worth it. Kiana took a second small sip and put the glass down. “I just want the bartender to see that we are drinking. I told him he had until the time we finished the bottle for Captain Vatkin to arrive.”

  Kiana saw a flash of teeth from under Katla’s hood.

  “Oh, don’t wo
rry about that. I’ll drink enough for both of us.”

  They were only there a few minutes before the bartender returned to his post. He gave the slightest of nods indicating that the message was being delivered.

  “Tell me, Kiana, how does the daughter of one of the most skilled thieves in Pailtar end up in Elderwood?”

  Kiana sat back in her chair, she was surprised that Katla knew who her mother was. “The war changed many things. How do you know my mother?”

  “I saw her working once. I was only a little girl. One of my first years as a Mykoznian King’s Guard trainee. I was on duty as a servant for one of the king’s parties. Your mother was dancing with one of the king’s foreign dignitaries, some noble from Seron. I was pouring a drink for another noble when I happened to see your mother lift the noble’s room key out of his pocket. It was a beautiful lift. The only reason I noticed was my head was down at the right angle. A total fluke. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but the next morning the noble was up in arms. He’d been in Mykoznia trying to buy a set of rare ancient artifacts and as payment he’d brought a large sack of precious gems. Which he kept in a small vault that he had delivered all the way from Seron.”

  “Because the noble had been a guest of the king, the King’s Guard investigated the matter. It turns out that same woman robbed three different nobles that night, and then disappeared never to be seen again. At least until the night of the lunar ball when I saw Nathan’s uncle dancing with that same woman. The years have been kind to your mother. She’s as beautiful now as she was when she was then.”

  Kiana chuckled. “I can’t wait to tell my mother she was spotted doing a lift. She’ll be tickled. Your King’s Guard almost caught her. She never worked in Mykoznia again after that job.”

  Katla nodded. “A wise decision.” She then paused. “Don’t look now but we have company.”

  Captain Vatkin walked up to the table. “Is this seat taken?” Without waiting for a reply, Captain Vatkin sat at the table. He looked at Kiana and frowned, he then looked at Katla.

  Katla pulled her hood back so he could see her face.

  “Ah,” said Captain Vatkin. “There are those lying eyes.” Captain Vatkin turned to Kiana. “You know I only danced with three women at the ball. The first, a plump little girl from Venecia whose father was desperate to marry her off to the first man he could find, the second warned me that my hands went any lower she’d feed me my balls. To which I said “You might say you don’t want it, but your eyes tell a different story. And then she replies, “My dear, a pretty lady’s eyes always lie.” Not wanting to test her theory I gracefully danced as best I could and kept my hand where there would be no confusion.”

  “And the third woman?” Kiana asked.

  “The third one was almost as beautiful as the second, and possibly as dangerous, but it turns out she was there with your prince, and dancing with her almost ended with me in a duel.”

  “Perhaps you need to choose your dance partners more carefully,” Katla said.

  “Dancing is like love, with no danger there is no excitement. Now, why have you ladies come to Raumont? And why are we meeting in this fine establishment?”

  Katla stood and replaced her hood. “You are coming back to our room.”

  Captain Vatkin smiled. “That sounds intriguing, but dangerous. But like I said, without danger …” Captain Vatkin stood and signaled towards the door. “Lead the way, ladies.”

  Outside, Katla led them towards the inn while Kiana stayed back further to watch the crowd. No one was paying attention to them. A few people noticed the captain and purposely looked away not wanting to be noticed by him. Kiana suspected that Captain Vatkin had a reputation that preceded him.

  When they entered the inn, Katla led him to the door and opened it and walked in. Captain Vatkin followed her. Kiana closed the door and returned to the front of the inn to see if anyone was following or watching.

  …

  Nathan watched as Katla and Captain Vatkin entered the room. Captain Vatkin’s eyes went to Nathan and Hanna.

  “Prince Stoneblood,” Captain Vatkin said.

  “Hello, Captain Vatkin,” Nathan said.

  “Are you here regarding that duel. I can assure you I had nothing to do with the king’s men or their sloppy little plot.”

  “I do believe that,” said Nathan. “I don’t necessarily believe your dancing with Camille was innocent, but that isn’t why we’re here.”

  Captain Vatkin grinned. “I won’t deny wanting to meet the woman you were smitten with, but out of a natural curiosity.”

  Nathan smiled back at the Captain. “I’m sure. Anyways, we are here on a different matter and we could use your help.”

  “And you had your lovely associates meet me in a hole in the wall dive to avoid the attention of any of the king’s spies in Raumont,” said Captain Vatkin.

  Nathan nodded.

  “A wise move. I know of a few of the king’s spies, but alas there are more that we haven’t been able to spot yet. What do you need of me?”

  Nathan looked over at Hanna and nodded for her to explain.

  “We’re crossing Tarnstead and looking to do so as discreetly as possible. We’d like to avoid any places that might be inclined to report our travels to the king.”

  “I see,” said Captain Vatkin. “That is going to be tricky. The king is quite paranoid and has spies everywhere. But a small group could travel the main roads without arising too much suspicion. Do you have a map of Tarnstead?”

  Nathan laid his map out on the room’s bed.

  Captain Vatkin examined the map. “Your movements out of Raumont will certainly be noted and sent to one of the king’s men. The only question will be will they notice who you are, or will they just report a number of riders heading east. Given your attire, I suspect you will be fine, but can make no promises. There is a village two days’ ride from here along the road to Tarrin, Ferndale. Stay in the inn on the eastern side of town. Ask for the plum pie, when they say there is none, say apple. The pie is actually pretty good and will let them know you are friends of mine. There is a garrison on the north end of town but if you try avoiding the village it would bring even more suspicion. Just act like you are travelers on your way to Tarrin and that should get you through as long as they’re not looking for you. I would avoid Tarrin, take the northern road before you get to the city. The rulers of Tarrin are fine but there are king’s men everywhere. Between Tarrin and Blackpool is where you will have the most problems. The king has plenty of troops there and they’ll be watching for anything suspicious. If the roads are too crowded just head south towards the mountains, you can follow them all the way to the coast and then north into Blackpool. Actually, if they spot you at any time, your best bet is going to be head south towards the mountains and then east. Once you reach Blackpool there will still be plenty of smaller units of king’s men, but not nearly as many as before the pass.”

  Nathan studied the map as Captain Vatkin pointed out several water supplies that weren’t marked and several other places to avoid. When the captain was done, Nathan thanked him.

  “Your mission. Is it anything that would concern Raumont?” Captain Vatkin asked.

  Nathan hesitated for a moment. The more he revealed the more danger he put them in, but he was already placing a lot of faith in Captain Vatkin. To hold back now could cause problems down the road. “Does Raumont have any dealings with the Sacred Blood?”

  Captain Vatkin shrugged. “No more than any other kingdom that needs affordable weapons. Although they’ve been quiet of late. We’d gladly buy more weapons from them, but they haven’t been selling lately. Which is strange considering all the talk of war. You’d think they’d be here every day with wagons loads of weapons to sell us. They make the most profits during times of war.”

  “They are probably stockpiling because of the return of dragons,” Nathan said.

  “Is that fact or fiction? I’ve heard rumblings and rumors but nothing I’d p
ut much stock in.”

  “It’s true,” said Hanna. “There might not be any in Solotine, but dragons have most certainly returned.”

  “And that is why you are here isn’t it. There may be agents of theirs here, but not nearly as many as they would have in Northern Solotine. Well, the Sacred Blood are just as likely to sell to King Parth as they are to us, so I have no interest in seeing them getting their hands on you. The king is far more of a threat to you here. After the duel he’ll be furious and frustrated. If he gets a whiff of the fact you are traveling in Tarnstead he’ll either have every warrior and soldier in the land hunting for you, or just send his blackguard who’ll be itching to prove themselves after you killed one of theirs. Either way you’ll be outnumbered and have to move fast.”

  “Understood,” Nathan said.

  “I wish I could stay and chat with you longer, but the longer I’m away the more attention the king’s spies will pay. Safe travels.”

  As Captain Vatkin left he paused at the door and looked at Katla. “You know when you invited me back to your room I had several ideas as to how it might go. This wasn’t one of them.” He winked and left the room.

  When he was gone Hanna spoke. “What do you think?”

  “I think his route is as good as any we could come up with. To go any other way would mean going closer to Progoh and more of the king’s troops,” said Nathan.

  Hanna nodded. “OK. We’ll eat breakfast here at first light and then leave.”

  26

  Barney set his cart up in the same spot every morning at the break of dawn. Not because it was a great spot for sales, far from it, but because it gave him a perfect vantage point of the city’s eastern gates. No one heading east could leave the city without going past him. And the money that the king paid for information more than made up for the lost sales that could be gained by being in the city center.

  A group of riders was heading out of the city, so Barney took note. Eight riders, three men and three women and two more he couldn’t be sure of because of their cloaks hiding their faces and general shape. But while Barney couldn’t see faces, he could see the size of the riders. At least three of the riders were northerners. And that was exactly the type of information that the king paid for. As they rode by, Barney pretended to go about his business, but he was memorizing as many details as he could. When the group of riders was beyond the gates, Barney packed up his cart. “Damn apples are rotten,” he said to no one in particular. “I’m off to get some fresh ones. Nobody take my spot while I’m gone.”