by Jeff Inlo
"Maybe, but I'd feel better… just for now."
Holli refocused on her own concerns and decided to allow the request. Ryson still maintained the war blades at his hips. That would be enough for the encounter she expected.
"Very well."
Holli left the Sword of Decree across her back and turned to the center of town.
"Let us speak with Regional Steward Prilgrat."
Chapter 15
Though Holli could not perceive any dark creature's magical vibration due to the surging magical flow that inundated Ashlan, Ryson sensed the goblin before they even entered the grand house near the center square. The delver could smell the vicious little monster despite the billowing traces of goblin scent throughout the city. The trail into Prilgrat's home was strong and fresh.
It was no real surprise to either of them that one of the dark creatures was at Prilgrat's residence, even at such a late hour. The regional steward seemed behind every order that allowed the goblins to run rampant across the Great Valleys. It simply seemed odd that the path of stench led directly through the front door. Ryson would have guessed the creature would have been a bit more discreet.
Holli didn't bother to knock, nor did she attempt to conceal their presence with a covert entrance. Throwing open the front door, the two visitors barged into the house with brusque determination, disregarding a handful of sleepy servants that attempted to stop them. They moved through a magnificent foyer decorated with long tapestries and striking paintings of imposing dignitaries.
Utilizing his delver senses and sniffing out the goblin, Ryson quickly directed the way. He led Holli down a long hall and to a closed door at the back of the house. He heard a most boisterous conversation-the rough and raspy voice of a goblin snickering at the jovial narrations of a very energetic human. The near rowdy dialogue seemed out of place for such a late hour.
After Ryson nodded, confirming the location of the goblin, Holli burst through the door into a back study. She immediately scanned the room for any threats, but found nothing but two occupants with expressions of good natured humor.
Prilgrat looked up at his new guests and offered a broad smile. His teeth glistened like white pearls. He sat comfortably in a cushioned chair behind his desk with a goblin at his side. He didn't stand, but he welcomed both the elf and the delver. His face lit up with apparent joy, as if greeting a long lost brother, but he couldn't hide his condescending tone as he revealed his expectations.
"I was wondering when you two were going to show up."
Holli said nothing in response. She reviewed her surroundings quickly and sized up the man before him by his physical appearance and the condition of his study. By the disarray of papers and objects on his desk, she knew he didn't require order. Quite the contrary, she immediately sensed the man thrived on turmoil. Not only the desktop, but the entire room lacked organization. Prilgrat didn't depend on impressing visitors with any display of deliberate control. Instead, he relied more an outward show of self-indulgence and extravagance.
The walls were filled with awards and ribbons, framed pictures and letters of achievement. Trophies and engraved plates of every size littered tabletops in every corner. Nothing fit together. It appeared more like a jumbled collection of old mementoes than a tastefully displayed tribute to a man's accomplishments. Still, the assortment of glistening objects served to disorient anyone who might be even slightly impressed by an array of grandiose recognition.
Prilgrat held himself in the same manner of presentation. His attire and jewelry was almost garish. It reeked of wealth and success, but lacked any taste. His suit looked almost like that of a ring master waiting to announce the grand finale of some elaborate circus. His hair was long and flowing over his shoulders, but it distracted from his handsome face. His entire appearance seemed like nothing more than a haphazard combination of striking features seasoned with brash garments and accessories.
Holli took notice of Prilgrat's every subtle move. Just like everything else, even his movements revealed inconsistency. He lacked grace, but he exuded charm. Every turn of his head appeared forced, yet he seemed at ease with himself. It was as if he knew he moved somewhat clumsily, but it didn't distract from his self-appreciation.
Within the contradictions that made up the steward's appearance and attributes, Holli found a connection to the very problems she sought to solve. She found clues and clear facts, and yet the puzzle didn't fit together. It seemed as if all the pieces were in front of her, but for some reason they had taken on an incompatible form. Prilgrat's physical presentation was as much an aberration as the mysteries that plagued the Great Valleys.
As for the goblin, the smug monster wore an elaborate tunic and stood with greater confidence than most other goblins. It showed no malice toward either Ryson or Holli. It didn't snarl or cower. In fact, it smiled right along with Prilgrat, but this was no usual goblin grin. It was more of a quirky smirk, as if the creature just heard some inappropriate remark that it found somewhat humorous. The creature appeared equally interested in both Ryson and Holli as it shifted its focus back and forth from delver to elf. It almost seemed to be taking mental notes of everything it could observe.
Prilgrat ignored Holli's sweeping glances. He knew the elf was sizing him up. Many others had done so in the past and others would do so in the future. He had grown accustomed to it, perhaps even encouraged it. To him, it was inconsequential. What mattered most was that he had the elf and the delver in his study, and though it was not under the circumstances he hoped, he would make the most of the situation.
Placing his focus almost entirely on the elf's companion, Prilgrat directed his initial observations to the delver.
"I imagine you were the one causing all the ruckus in the streets. I received a report of an unregistered delver resisting the inferns. Then again, I'm not surprised Ryson Acumen would wish to avoid half-demons."
Prilgrat revealing Ryson's name caught the delver off guard.
"You know me?"
The regional steward's calculated comment succeeded in his intention. He had confirmed the identity of the delver and had Ryson on the defensive.
"Don't be so modest. You're nearly a celebrity."
Ryson didn't appreciate the term. He also found a blaring inconsistency in the answer.
"How is it that you know my name and the inferns don't?"
"Inferns are interesting creatures. They don't follow the news. They're not up on current events, but they do follow orders. They also take a certain pleasure in completing tasks assigned to them. I have to tell you, they're not too pleased that you got away. They thought you left the city. I, of course, knew that wasn't true."
There appeared to be a hole in the explanation, as if Prilgrat didn't really answer Ryson's question. The delver remained unsatisfied and pressed for greater detail.
"But why did they want to know my name if you already know who I am? It doesn't make sense."
"I appreciate that it wouldn't make sense to a delver-you're such curious individuals." The remark sounded like an insult framed around a compliment, but Prilgrat continued with a pleasant demeanor. "The inferns knew you were unregistered. They wanted your name so they could complete their duties."
"Why are you registering delvers?"
The delver was asking the questions, but they were questions the steward could answer. With a good-natured demeanor, he deftly built a foundation of responses that would justify the current conditions in Ashlan. It was what he hoped to do from the beginning.
"Why not? You have so many impressive qualities. Delver service might be needed in the future. Why wait until the last moment? It's certainly not out of the ordinary. There are times we have had to press all kinds of people into the service of the valleys. We have conscripted young men for wars. The threats that we face now might require individuals quick of foot and with strong senses. The delvers that live in the valleys are expected to serve just like anyone else."
"But I'm not from the valley.
You must know that. And if you knew I was here and told the inferns, they wouldn't have attacked me."
"Attacked you? That's not the report I have. The inferns insist that you instigated the conflict. As for why I didn't inform the inferns of your arrival here in the city, let's just say that I don't reveal all of my information to underlings. That is a policy that is often followed by leaders in every city."
Holli entered the conversation before Ryson could respond again. She didn't wish to have the focus of their discussion placed upon the delver. She had many questions of greater importance, and she wanted them answered.
"So the inferns are your underlings? Does that mean that they report to you?"
The steward shifted his focus to the elf with casual ease.
"Everyone in Ashlan has to report to me in some manner. I am the regional steward. Even the mayor and city council must consult with me. It's how we maintain order."
Once again, the steward did not answer the question, and Holli wanted to understand the true chain of command in the city.
"It seems to me the inferns are maintaining order. Are they under your control or not?"
"I thought I already answered that question."
"No, you didn't."
"Well, I'm sorry you misunderstood me, but let's return to you. What is it exactly you want from Ashlan?"
"Answers."
"Then you have come to the right place. In fact, you should have come here first rather than skulking about the city. I could have saved you a great deal of time."
"The time spent skulking about, as you put it, allowed me the opportunity to understand the city. Questions are better asked when there is a level of knowledge behind them."
"But partial knowledge can lead you to unwise conclusions. If you don't talk to the right people, you don't get the full and true story."
"And if I simply came to you, I would have never discovered that you are behind many questionable decisions."
Prilgrat's smile grew, and his expression revealed good-natured surprise.
"Questionable? You're judging me?"
"When you order land councils to turn over farms to goblins, yes, I will judge that as questionable. You find it unreasonable for me to question that decision?"
"I hardly believe a visitor to the Great Valleys is qualified to judge anything based on a few days of exploration."
Holli, becoming somewhat frustrated at the stewards reluctance to offer unambiguous answers, decided to move in the direction Prilgrat allowed in hopes of getting some clarity.
"Is that why you ordered us captured? You wished to prevent us from exploring the farmlands and coming to unqualified conclusions, so you dispatched our descriptions to town guards throughout the region?"
"Captured? You make it sound so diabolical. I simply ordered you held until I could speak with you."
"How did you even know we were here?"
"I'm a regional steward. I'm supposed to know."
"That does not answer the question, either."
"Of course it does. I have contacts all across the valleys. You were spotted and I thought it would be important to meet with you."
"Spotted by who?"
"As I told your friend, I don't reveal all my information, not to underlings and not to intruders."
"Is that what we are to you? Intruders?"
Prilgrat's smile grew. Holli had actually asked him to justify his assertion, and the steward was more than willing to oblige.
"At this moment? What else would you be?" If the steward truly considered the elf and delver invaders, he didn't express it beyond his words. Instead, he maintained his jovial disposition. He continued to paint a picture of marauders entering his home, and yet he did so with a bright smile and a wink of the eye. "You barged into my home… armed. You didn't ask to see me. You simply marched through my house as if it was some town hall open to the public. You didn't even knock at my study door. You simply threw it open as if you were nothing more than common barbarians. Thank goodness it wasn't locked. I imagine you would have kicked it in. If you wish to maintain your hostility to me, I can accommodate you."
"You have not seen hostility… yet," Holli growled.
Ashlan laughed.
"Don't threaten me. It's pointless and you don't even seem to grasp the situation. You are obviously here to accuse me of some wrong doing, some evil intention. Well, let's have it. What exactly have I done?"
"You are conspiring with goblins."
Despite the accusation, Prilgrat continued to smile.
"I meet with them openly. You think my friend here came in the back door? Absolutely not. Every one in Ashlan is aware of our meetings. We hold them late at night because my friend is more comfortable at that time. Now, what exactly is the conspiracy? What crime has been committed? What lapse in ethics have I indulged?"
"People are running from the valleys."
"Just some of the people, and what exactly are they running from?"
"That is what I'm here to find out."
"Why don't you ask them?"
"I have."
"Don't keep me waiting. Make your accusation. Tell me of what crimes I have committed. Enlighten me as to what act of depravity it is with which you wish to charge me."
Holli grimaced. She had nothing on the steward. He had guided her to that very point, and like a fool, she walked right along with him.
Prilgrat didn't allow the tense silence to hold for long.
"Of course, I forgot. I'm conspiring with goblins. That seems to be the one charge you have made. Very well, what crimes have the goblins committed? Have they assaulted anyone, attacked some farm or merchant shop that I'm not aware of? Have they stolen something, forced someone off their land? If so, please let me know. We don't allow that kind of thing here in the valleys. I admit it has happened, but we've been very diligent in enforcing the laws. Goblins are not free to create chaos here. If you haven't learned that by watching Ashlan, then you're not as good as I expected."
Holli admitted she could not expose the steward as a criminal, but she wasn't ready to concede victory over the meeting itself.
"You seem very sure of yourself. You speak of accusations. Perhaps it's time you make yours. You ordered us held. That has been proven by your own words and the very messages you sent out. What crime have we committed? Is entering the valleys now a punishable offense?"
"I thought we were talking about my crimes, not yours."
"You are the one who brought up the topic. You were ready to defend your honor. Are you not willing to allow me the same consideration?" The elf had succeeded in turning the tables on the politician and she now used it to her full advantage. "Explain to me why you issued the order to have us captured, or are you going to deny the existence of such an order?"
Prilgrat's smile faded slightly. He knew he could not make the denial. The edict had been sent across the southern portions of the Great Valleys.
"I did not wish you captured for any crime. I simply wanted you held for questioning."
"So when innocent travelers enter the Great Valleys, they are now subject to interrogation by the regional steward? Is that a policy that you have made public? Do you apply it to all travelers, or just elves and delvers?"
The steward's smile washed clear away. He didn't care to be outmaneuvered, and he worked to regain the advantage.
"You completely misinterpret the situation. I am aware that you have questions. Rather than have you causing suspicion throughout the valleys, I wanted to confront you directly and assure you that your concerns are unnecessary."
"I doubt you are worried about our concerns. My guess is that you do not want Enin entering the valley and looking into your activities."
If the mention of the great wizard was supposed to invoke fear in the steward, it did not. Prilgrat latched on to the mention of Enin as if it explained all of his actions.
"This is exactly what I'm talking about. I'm well aware that many have left the valleys and have headed west
through Pride Gap. I'm not an idiot. Word has spread of a powerful wizard protecting the regions near the Colad Mountains and Dark Spruce Forest. Of course I expected someone to come out here eventually. Enin himself is welcome here."
"And if you know who we are then you know I am Enin's guard, his eyes and ears. He can see what I see and hear what I hear."
"And that's why I wished to talk to you. The valleys are vast and having you prowling around each and every town was just going to raise suspicion and tension. That is what I hope to avoid. I couldn't simply go out and meet you in the wilderness. How would I find you? Where would I start? No, a reasonable person uses the tools available to him. I did not put out an order to have you arrested or to have you held for some pointless questions. I sent out a note to the town leaders in order to ensure I could speak with you directly and alleviate any of your concerns. That is why they were asked to hold you. Makes sense, does it not?"
Prilgrat's smile returned, as if he silenced a critic with some great moment of brilliance. What he did not realize was that Holli nudged him to a point of vulnerability, he just didn't recognize it.
"If that is the true reason for your order, then I assume you are willing to answer my questions."
"I haven't avoided them yet."
"I believe you have, but I also have many other questions to ask. Are you willing to answer them or not?"
"I am."
Holli hoped she finally gained compliance from the steward, and she focused immediately on the most vexing issues.
"Why did you allow goblins into the city?"
"Why should I prohibit them from entering?"
"Answering a question with a question is not cooperating. Perhaps I should simply summon Enin now."
"You can if you like, but I will try to be more accommodating. You asked why I let the goblins into the city. For whatever reason, goblins are now part of Uton. We could either fight them or accept them. I chose to accept them, as long as they respect our laws."
"And respecting the law qualified them to become farmers?"
"I don't believe I follow you," Prilgrat feigned.
