by Bill Albert
She took the daggers she had kept had her side and wrapped the leather around Aliala’s waist. She also gave her the Hammer she had taken from the mercenary.
“Here,” Gallif smiled confidently. “Keep the dagger in the sheath and the hammer in your hand. If any more bandits like that come after you again don’t be afraid to use it.”
“How?”
Gallif looked down at her and considered briefly how to respond as much as she disliked the move herself, she had no sympathy for anyone who would attack a nine-year-old girl.
“Aim low,” Gallif said.
Gallif escorted Aliala to the escape route and followed her into the tunnel for dozen yards before turning back to the torture chamber. Once back inside she collected what she could from the mercenaries. They weren’t cast with flames or ice, but it felt good to have a sword on a side again.
She found several pairs of worn boots and all, but one was several sizes too big for her. The remaining pair was so small it was difficult for her to stand in, so she took a sharp blade, there were plenty of them to choose from, and cut several slits in them. Able to wear them now she wrapped them with leather straps to keep her feet covered.
She considered carrying the dagger but decided to toss them into the pit in the corner. That reminded her of something else the mercenaries had mentioned, and she ran to the pit to look inside.
Her heart skipped a beat as she saw Acrufix his armor inside the pit surrounded by rats and the maggots. Luvin had been wearing one the last time she’d seen him and recognized by the scratches and dents in the armor that it was his.
She tightened her grip on the swords and started running back to the stairs.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE: YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER
The historians that had been placed at the key spots to record the execution all had identical stories of exactly what happened up to the point the trumpet stopped, and the axe fell. They would spend months debating and arguing about what happened next.
Someone claims of the executioner missed, striking the stage with all his force, and the criminal escaped through the hole in the floor. Some claim that, using a never before seen casts, the criminal splits herself and have to escape the acts, reunited her body someplace else, then escaped by jumping into the crowd of onlookers. One would even go so far as to speculate that she was never really there and there was a shimmer as the illusion was broken.
One of the things they could agree on was the red faces of the Giants that she was gone and the feelings that swept across the onlookers that everything they knew of was about to change.
The hobgoblin militia, there were hundreds of them hidden amongst the crowds, immediately tried to disperse them as confusion and unrest started to spread. Special agents of the Giant Lords stayed undercover and politely suggested people move quietly out of the area.
As the Council of Ministers were escorted off the stage the Second Minister and the Sixth Minister held back to the last.
“I can’t believe he would go this far,” the sixths Minister said quietly stroking his beard.
“I don’t know what to think,” the Second Minister said shaking his head. “I’m astounded that he would put that much at stake. Risk that much in his attempt to take the throne.”
“I see his reasoning,” the sixth Minister admitted, and they stopped walking to face each other. “Shake their confidence in the Giant Lords so they will be looking for someone to take control,” he informed his friend as he glanced at the onlookers.
“Which will be him,” the Second Minister read his logic. “I should’ve expected something in the timing. Countless witnesses right here before us. Yet not one eye would’ve been on him. I badly underestimated his ego,” he said with disgust.
“What shall we do now?”
“Follow me to my office,” the Second Minister said, and they started walking again.
It took some time to reach their destination and, as they moved through Spring Field, they couldn’t help but notice the sense of unease and discomfort that covered the capital city. They found fewer and fewer Giants lining the streets of the city. At midday with such good weather life was usually bustling from one end of the city to the other. On this day many of the streets were vacant and the small number of Giants that did venture across the city were seen huddled in some corner or shatter place off the main fairway. As soon as the two Ministers and their entourages came into view those groups usually scattered like animals sensing danger from a hunter.
Without another word the Ministers entered the palace and approached the Second Minister’s office. An aide, a human, greeted him just outside the door.
“My Lord,” the aide urgently addressed him. “The Circle of Ministers has been called to meet in the temple immediately.”
“Understood,” the sixth Minister said an informed one of his own entourage to notify his staff of his location in schedule. “Have the meet me outside the temple with the proper ropes,” he nodded as he entered the Second Minister’s office.
“We will reread it to go shortly,” the Second Minister said to his staff and close the door behind them. He opened the closets and pulled out his official robes when he realized there was someone else in the room with them.
“I know you are hiding there,” the Second Minister said in the direction of a small, shadow library. “Face me and explain yourself.”
He was not surprised when another giant came towards him, but he stumbled when he saw a human female with him.
“I know you,” the sixth Minister said to the other giant “I’ve seen you work on special investigations for the Third Minister.”
“Yes,” the giant nodded.
“Mekon, that’s it! Your name is Mekon.”
“Yes, my Lord, Mekon nodded to him. “I am formerly an agent responsible to the Third Minister.”
“Formerly?” The Second Minister asked.
“Yes, formerly,” Mekon nodded. “I no longer believe he has the best interests of everyone at heart.”
“Interesting in the words you choose,” the sixth Minister said after glancing at the Second Minister and nodding. “It would’ve been proper for you to speak of the best interests of the giants.”
Mekon paused thinking how his wording had been unintentional but did not feel the need to apologize for it.
“I think soon ‘giants’ will only be used in past tense,” the Second Minister said solemnly.
“Who is this woman?” The sixth Minister asked with only minor suspicion.
“Her name is Rosario, a healer, friend of Gallif, and ally.”
“Do you know where she is?” The sixth Minister asked uncomfortably.
“I’m afraid not,” Mekon shook his head. “Afraid she may be dead.”
“No, I think she’s alive, but in dire danger,” the Second Minister said. “If he wanted her dead, he would’ve just let her be executed. He’s already declared his intention to take the throne. If he wants to use her for that he must keep her alive.”
“I will have my agents looking for her as their top priority,” the sixth Minister said.
“Mine as well,” the Second Minister agree.
“Is there any idea exactly what happened there?” Rosario asked having enough of being ignored. “Word has it that she disappeared. Is it possible she just escaped?”
“No,” the sixth Minister shook his head and stroked his beard. “It was a jump cast. I saw the shimmer and she disappeared. There was nothing unusual about it other than that.”
“Or was there something?” The Second Minister asked, and they all look at him. “She spoke to him, didn’t she? As she walked by us, she said something to the third Minister.”
“Yes,” the sixth Minister nodded. “She spoke to him, but I just assumed it was the norm plea for forgiveness that we always-” he stumbled and came to a stop as he realized the truth.
The Second Minister realize it as well and they simultaneously spoke.
“She didn’t speak to anyone else.
”
“She didn’t plea to anyone else,” the sixth Minister said reeling from the cascade of ideas that flooded into his thoughts.
“She didn’t ask is for forgiveness,” the Second Minister echoed his thoughts. “In fact, for someone who is about to be executed she looked rather calm. I’m afraid we were also caught up in the moment we missed something obvious,” he said angered at himself for being so foolish.
All four of them were so lost in thought that a slight tap of the door made then jump as if bitten by a snake.
“My Lord,” the aide called from outside. “The Circle of Ministers is waiting. Do you need any help with your fittings or robes?”
“No, I’ll be out in a minute,” the Second Minister spoke quickly.
“Mekon,” the Sixth Minister turned to his new ally. “Is it too risky for the two of you to search for her?”
“No,” Rosario said wanting to remind them of her independence. “Most of the Giants, well, you, don’t notice us even when things are calm in the capital city,” she added flatly reminding them that she was human.
“Good, Rosario,” the Second Minister said. “Then bless you and I hope you travel safely.”
Despite her general mistrust of the Giant Lords Rosario could not help but feel the strength of the honor she just been given and fell silent.
“Mekon, what of you?” The Second Minister asked.
“I’ll be okay. I’ve been inside the city working under dark for some time. I’ve made several allies, together we have been growing steadily. We aren’t happy with the direction things have taken.”
“Good, but please move carefully. Choose who you trust and watch your back all the time.”
There was a louder and more urgent tap at the door followed by another call from a nervous aide.
The sixth Minister and Mekon fitted the Second Minister into the proper clothes in just a few Seconds. Mekon headed for the darker protection of the library, return to node Rosario who started blinking again, then finally got out of sight.
The Second Minister in the Sixth Minister left the room quietly and walked to the temple.
***
The Chamber of Ministers was completely silent as they waited for the fifth minister to arrive. He had been the first to leave the stage and in the chaos of Gallif’s disappearance it had taken some time for the messengers to locate them. They had expected to find him in the usual places and the queen’s residence was not one of them.
In the meantime, they sat quietly staring out at the empty landscape. The twin towers of rock that remained from Starpoint Mountain were a constant reminder of how things had changed so drastically. It also made them very much aware of how the future could take an unexpected turn so quickly.
The Fifth Minister finally arrived and walk steadily to his chair and sat down with no sign of urgency.
“For some time now, as sure as when Starpoint Mountain stood, I’ve sensed a shadow growing across the land,” the First Minister said in his creaky voice. “Like the shadow of the monolith it crept steadily, slowly, and deliberately until it completely obscured the sky. Unlike the shadow of the monolith this one would not be easily removed by the sunrise. The shadow is here to stay.”
“We must act quickly,” the Third Minister was the first to speak. “We must address the people of our land and assure them that they are safe from this wicked human woman. That there is no danger to their homes or families.”
“But we don’t know that for sure, do we?” The Second Minister asked. “We don’t know where she is! At least, most of us don’t.”
“Unless you know something,” the Sixth Minister challenged the Third Minister.
The Third Minister refused to take the bait and smiled as he looked back.
“Really, this is not the time for petty remarks and insults. We must proceed rapidly but cautiously. We must show strength.”
“Perhaps one of us could speak to them. One of the Giant Lords could address those that are still outside the gates. Or even go to Dakteria,” the Fifth Minister suggested quietly.
“Of course,” the Third Minister said failing to hide his smile. “You have done us a great service by assisting the wounded and homeless after the fall of Starpoint, my friend, but perhaps, in this dire time we should send someone with much more experience.”
“My feelings exactly,” the Sixth Minister said.
“It would be a wise move,” the Eighth Minister added and the Ninth nodded in agreement.
“I was suggesting the Queen,” the Fifth Minister said and avoided the Third Minister’s razor-sharp glare. “She is well-respected and there is a great deal of affection and sympathy for her since her, our, loss of the King. She could help generate goodwill from those still in mourning.”
“It also makes sense,” the Second Minister said with joy. Sitting closest to the Third Minister he could see the other giant’s fists tighten.
“I believe it would be best if I went,” the Third Minister said through clenched teeth. “Despite the sympathy and respect for the queen her presence could only beer a reminder of more tragedy. I would be a symbol of a prosperous future.”
“With you in charge, of course,” the Sixth Minister said flatly.
“I have already declared my intentions for that but believe the debate must be reserved for another time.”
“Correct,” the First Minister said and they all quickly turned to look at him. “That debate is for another time. The Queen will immediately be sent out to represent us. To calm their fears that we are weak. You will escort her,” he added slowly with a bony finger pointing to the Fifth Minister.
The Fifth Minister was surprised by the assignment but quickly nodded that he would do was he was told.
“Now,” the First Minister continued. “We must decide what to do about the girl.”
***
After several hours of sometimes contemptuous debate the Circle of Ministers finished for the day. They had agreed that all of their public and private resources would be dedicated to capturing her. In the meantime, the Seventh Minister and the Eighth minister would investigate exactly how she had escaped. They all suspected it was a jump casting but that was no guarantee. There were also several known variations on that specific cast that may give them a clue to the guilty party.
His face emotional list, the Third Minister walked back to his office with his entourage and tour. There were only a few giants about any spokes to none of them. There were massive amounts of hobgoblins, more than he expected, sweeping the city as part of the hobgoblin militia, they would search for Gallif as long as it took.
He wanted to congratulate himself for playing the Council of Ministers is fools. It would’ve been foolish for him to leave Spring Field now that he was so close to taking the throne. Let the simpleminded Queen and the spineless Fifth Minister leave the protection of the great walls. In a few days the only site of the Rainbow Mountains they would get would be from off on the horizon.
As soon as he was in his office alone there was a brief shimmer on the far wall and Taybeth appeared.
“Good news, my Lord,” Taybeth said and bowed.
“Excellent! I need good news!”
“The fire stacks of and put in place just beyond the ridge of the mountains.”
“Fire stacks?” He asked that he knew exactly what Taybeth was talking about.
“Yes, my Lord,” Taybeth said almost sheepishly. “There is no other name for them, and it made communication much easier.”
“It’s okay,” the Third Minister said and gave out a laugh that surprised Taybeth. “I like the name. Fire stacks is appropriate for what they do. Once the signal is through how long before they are in position?”
“Three minutes.”
The Third Minister smiled as he was quite impressed by the news.
“You have done well.”
“It is a pleasure to serve you, my Lord. The packages will be loaded in the fires will be ready. At that point it will only take s
econds for it to happen.”
“Excellent,” the Third Minister burst out and applauded as he stood. “Watch the stars,” he said pulling several hollow wooden tubes from his robes. “White streaks in the sky followed by what looks like white stars falling from the sky is a sign to move them into position. Order stars mean to light the fires once every three minutes. Blue stars mean to stop.”
“Yes, my Lord,” Taybeth said. “You will be so greatly rewarded when I am King your heart will fly. You will be my master of arms and ruled the Land of Starpoint at my side.”
“It is my pleasure to serve you, my Lord.”
“Now return to the mountains and prepare. Tell those who serve you victory is suing ours. When that happens so will their freedom.”
“I’ll await your signal,” Taybeth said. There was a shimmer behind her, and she stepped back into the jump casting and disappeared.
Confident now that all the pieces were in the right place the Third Minister sat back down at his desk. It didn’t really matter what happened to Gallif. Once he was king, and all opposition quickly turned to ashes, he would start looking for her and whoever had taken her from his grasp.
CHAPTER THIRTY: THE POWER OF SEDUCTION
As she carefully stepped along the trail Gallif wondered just how far into Spring Field she was. She had not spent enough time inside the capital to gauge where she was. She had no doubt that one of the members of the Circle of Ministers, probably the Third Minister, was the operator of the torture chamber.
Armed with swords taken from the bandits she reached the flat hallway where she had landed after the jump casting and proceeded carefully. She slowly walked along the hall and stopped just short of the shadow turn at the end. There was a movement in the dark, the shadow shifted to one side, then Luvin stepped into the light.
