‘Can I explain to Kelian?’
‘I certainly hope you can. Follow me.’ Borgulnay led the way down the stairs to the street. He made a wide circle around the fortified building keeping to the smaller, darker streets. Few structures appeared to be entirely intact even in the center of the settlement. Many had old oilskin sheets stretched across the top to keep out the rain and blowing sand, and some had boards placed atop the stone walls and weighed down by large stones. There was a decrepit tavern near to the center of the settlement. It was surrounded by structures which were used as stalls during the daylight hours, but were unattended at night. The tavern was dimly lit and Borgulnay could see into the windows. He was not particularly surprised by the scene inside. The patrons were mostly rough and bleak looking men who appeared to be drinking only for the sake of seeing how much drink they could consume. Among them sat a small number of less inebriated men who appeared to have some wits about them. Their eyes roved around the room watchfully. Several scantily and gaudily dressed women lounged among the patrons. Borgulnay could see from their expressions they were bored and miserable and probably felt trapped in this town. There were only a few other women in the tavern. They also seemed resigned to their fate as they sat alongside men who were probably their husbands. In a corner of the tavern a group of dirty, undernourished children were playing on the floor with a few filthy, broken toys.
Borgulnay pulled his hood low over his face as they made their way up a small dark street. The buildings on the street were almost all abandoned, but he continued searching until he found one that didn’t look like it was about to fall down. It was on the very outskirts of the settlement where the buildings met the forest.
‘Wait here while I get the others,’ instructed Borgulnay.
‘Others? Other than Kelian?’
‘Quite a few others. Get a fire going.’
Borgulnay made his way back to the beach and soon everyone was hidden inside the small, dirty, hut. In a low whisper Borgulnay described what he had seen. ‘And the last and strangest thing was having Evan climb over the wall into the very room in which I was hiding,’ he finished.
‘What exactly are you doing here in Qinel,’ Kelian asked Evan.
‘May I speak with you alone Majesty?’ asked Evan. Kelian nodded and Evan followed him from the hut. Callian shadowed them and Evan made no objection to his presence.
‘So what brings you to this delightful place? Kelian prompted.
‘I was sent here to complete a mission which was given to me by your father and by the Empress of Tatharlia.’
Kelian was silent as he digested that information. ‘What exactly do you do Evan?’
‘I do whatever the King of Alkira and the Empress of Tatharlia tell me to do. It’s a strange arrangement, but it was actually quite simple how it came about. My mother’s sister is the wife of Captain Mercah. He’s-’
‘I know the Captain,’ Kelian interrupted. ‘Go on.’
‘Well, when I was training as a Private at Highview, we had a visit from Aunt Leana. She works in the Sanctuary in Tathra. She’s in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly; a bit like one of our supervising servants. Emperor Alem sent her to King Dannicus with the idea of having two people - one from Tatharlia and one from Alkira - to do any special jobs that involved both countries. He wanted someone who had military training, but was willing to do what was required in secrecy. Your father asked my father who he thought was the right person for the job and well, here I am.’
‘What kind of special jobs?’
‘Most of the time that means I have to sort out some kind of problem where both countries are involved. Like here in Qinel. The building Borgulnay described in the center of the settlement is occupied by a man called Rassut. People around here call the place Rassut’s Noose because people seem to go inside and are never seen again. No-one wants to be caught in Rassut’s Noose.’
‘Rassut. That’s an Alkiran name.’
‘It is. He’s originally from Storm Haven, and used to take goods from Tatharlia to sell in the eastern Alkiran cities. As far as we can tell, most of what he sold was stolen. Until recently his crimes haven’t been significant enough to draw attention to himself. But about a year ago his activities took a more sinister turn. When Emperor Alem died and Cahndrech became Empress she asked me to continue to try to unravel what he’s up to.’
‘You said that two people were chosen; one from Alkira and one from Tatharlia.’ Kelian looked questioningly at Evan.
‘Khimerahd. She disappeared into that building two nights ago and I haven’t seen her since,’ said Evan sounding deeply troubled.
‘And what happened, that Empress Cahndrech asked you to continue this work?’
‘Actually, your father sent word that some odd things were happening, all of which pointed to Rassut. Anyone who accused him of selling stolen goods turned up dead, then he moved his base to Ramasp then to Orapba, and now they’re here in Qinel and everyone who had previously worked for him has disappeared.’
Kelian sat down on a low wall. ‘Do you think they’re here in Qinel?’
‘No. I don’t. I think he removed them a bit more permanently.’
‘What were you doing in his little fortress tonight?’
‘I was looking for Khim. We’d been watching the place, trying to work out how many people he has working for him, who they are, what they’re doing. We’re not getting very far. Then Khim saw a covered cart destined to enter the grounds and she decided to find out what it was carrying. I have no idea what happened to her, but it doesn’t look good.’
‘And why doesn’t the Empress just send in soldiers?’
‘She tried. That’s why Rassut’s no longer in Orapba. It was like he had warning. He was gone from Orapba before we could blink. The people that the Empress put in charge of trying to remove him from Orapba are all dead.’
‘What about Khimerahd? How do you plan to find her?’
‘I was going to sneak into the building and have a look around, but those damned dogs aren’t making it easy. They’re trained to not take bait, and they won’t obey any but their own masters. Even if we had a bunch of soldiers, we can’t just descend on the place indiscriminately. There are people inside who I’m sure are being kept as slaves. There are women and children.’
‘I know you said your job was supposed to remain secret, but I think it’s time to get help.’ Kelian glanced towards the hut.
‘I’d be grateful,’ admitted Evan. ‘You have arrived at the most opportune time and I see you’re surrounded by a fairly powerful entourage.’
‘Captain Mercah said when we arrive in Tathra we would be met by someone we could trust. Would that have been you?’
‘I don’t know. I was supposed to be back in Tathra by now.’
‘So who in Alkira knows of your work other than your father?’
‘Just King’s Marshall Danil and your father also knew of course.’
‘That’s about to change,’ stated Kelian, standing up and walking back towards the hut. ‘It will have to change if we have any chance of finding your friend.’
‘She’s not just my friend, she’s my cousin. Aunt Leana is her mother.’
‘Have you hope that she might be alive?’
‘I hope. Perhaps stupidly, but I do hope, which means I have to try to find her.’
‘Yes.’ Kelian nodded seriously. ‘We do. Where’s your daughter?’
‘She’s with Aunt Leana, back in Tathra. How I miss my baby girl, Kelian. Callum was right. It’s a hard life for the child of a soldier. It’s not easy for Norah.’
‘Well, the sooner we find Khim, the sooner we can all go on to Tathra,’ said Kelian decidedly. ‘Let’s talk to Borgulnay and see if we can come up with a somewhat workable plan.’ They reentered the hut and Timbul, Araas and Milgorry looked expectantly at Kelian.
‘Since I’m sure you’ve all been following my private thoughts-’ Kelian began.
‘Surely you couldn’t th
ink we’d just let you wander around Qinel without keeping an eye on you.’ Timbul raise an eyebrow as if this was obvious. Kelian ignored the remark and turned to Borgulnay.
‘Did these rogues fill you in on our discussion?’
Borgulnay had the grace to turn red as he nodded.
‘Good. I want some kind of plan to get Khimerahd out of Russet’s Noose. Work with Evan and see what you can come up with.’
Callian regarded Kelian worriedly. ‘Kelian, I don’t think you, Elena, Immy or Louisa should stay here in Qinel. I think you should set out for Numher.’
‘I most wholeheartedly agree,’ said Administrator Tappy adamantly. ‘And Colonel Borgulnay and Captain Gilgarry should stay with you. The rest of us don’t matter, but you must get through to Tathra. Something’s been niggling at me about the Empress’ request. I can’t put my finger on it, but I know it is imperative you don’t let her down.’
Kelian considered Tappy’s words. ‘I don’t like it,’ he said eventually. ‘I don’t like sending people into a dangerous situation whilst I waltz merrily up the road to Numher.’
‘That’s something you might have to get used to, Majesty,’ said Tappy seriously. ‘There will be situations where it will be necessary for you to send men into danger. Just remember that the men you command have sworn to protect their Kingdom...and their King. They gave oath by choice. And the guardians, in actual fact you have no true authority over them, but by their nature they are duty bound to follow your command. I guess that’s one of the idiosyncrasies of being a guardian.’
Kelian stared around the faces of his friends. ‘So who is going into Russet’s Noose?’
‘Just me, Tim, Araas and Mil,’ said Callian. ‘If Evan will allow us to take his thoughts we’ll have some knowledge of the place.’
‘I can take you in there,’ said Evan.
‘No,’ said Callian. ‘If something goes wrong, it might be difficult enough getting Khimerahd out safely.’
‘And you don’t want me to slow you down.’ Evan tried not to look hurt and failed.
‘I want you to get Kelian to Tathra if the rest of us are returned,’ said Callian seriously. ‘If there are only humans inside, and Khimerahd is alive, getting out is almost a joke. If they have a whole lot of the fallen cluttering up the place...well, it may not be quite so easy.’
‘So we find each other in Numher?’ asked Gilgarry.
‘No. We’ll catch up to you long before you reach Numher.’ Timbul walked to the window of the hut. ‘The night is passing. This changes our plans, so perhaps you should get some sleep.’
Chapter 7
Manipulation
Edrah was sitting on Sub-Commander Luhxdal’s lap when Vocopulis Uslantlo Licranzer Tespoppoloc entered the room. The Vocopulis raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Edrah smiled at Uslantlo but did not move.
‘Vocopulis?’ she prompted.
‘Uh, Empress Cahndrech wishes to speak with you,’ he stated warily, trying to ignore the annoyed expression on Luhxdal’s face. Luhxdal twisted around to face Uslantlo so that Edrah couldn’t see his glare.
‘At once,’ he said, in a normal voice which was a stark contrast to his visible anger. ‘Almost at once,’ he contradicted himself, turning back to Edrah. He reached out and pulled her towards himself, in an openly deliberate attempt to embarrass Uslantlo. Luhxdal ignored the disgusted look on Vocopulis Uslantlo’s face.
‘Will you be here when I come back?’ she asked.
‘Of course,’ he confirmed, smiling at her lustfully.
‘Good. I shouldn’t be long.’ She rose and fixed her dress before dashing out of the room, leaving the seemingly flustered Vocopulis alone in the room with Luhxdal.
‘Would you mind moving your lascivious personal life to somewhere a little more personal,’ Uslantlo grumbled.
‘No-one says you need to stick around,’ shrugged Luhxdal. ‘Why are you here anyway?’
‘There are too many changes. Servants are gone, new ones have come. Guards have gone, new ones have come.’
‘Well, that’s your business Vocopulis,’ Luhxdal said seriously.
‘You know I’ve had little say in these things! It should be my business, but I rarely know what’s going on around here any longer.’
‘Perhaps you’re still affected by the death of your wife and children?’
‘Of course I’m affected, you blithering idiot!’
‘I suspect it must be difficult knowing most people blame you for their disappearance.’
‘You know I had nothing to do with what happened! How could I know the sea would be so dangerous that day?’
‘Some say you should not have let them swim. Others even say you told them to swim.’
‘Argh! How dare you! I had no idea! They loved to swim. They loved the ocean, the beach, the sand! They were there so often!’
‘It’s strange that their bodies were never found. Sharks, I suppose. There are sometimes hundreds hanging around the harbor.’
Uslantlo gave a grievous gasp. ‘Enough!’
‘You might like to calm yourself Vocopulis and keep your voice down. It seems I personally recall you telling them to spend the day at the beach, even though there had been warnings of sharks. I even remember you suggesting they swim on such a lovely warm day. It wouldn’t do for that sort of information to be revealed now, would it?’
Uslantlo glared at Luhxdal. ‘What do you want Luhxdal?’
‘I want nothing more. You’re doing just fine. Keep on doing exactly what I say and you may have no fear for your little secrets.’
‘Aren’t you supposed to be courting the Empress’ cousin?’ Uslantlo’s words were a tortured snarl.
‘Oh I am! I won’t neglect her. Edrah just likes to warm me up a little.’
‘I should tell Pevita. Though as far as I can see, she has no feelings towards you at all. Perhaps I will tell her.’
‘You keep my little secrets and I’ll keep yours Vocopulis. Otherwise you might find you are no longer our Vocopulis. Or worse,’ he added threateningly.
‘Who is Edrah anyway? Why is she here in the Sanctuary?’
‘She’s entirely loyal to me,’ Luhxdal said bluntly. ‘She keeps an eye on everyone - like yourself - to make sure they are doing exactly what I expect them to be doing.’
‘Well she’s certainly doing what you want,’ muttered Uslantlo. He turned as Edrah reentered the room. She ignored Uslantlo and ran to Luhxdal.
‘Hmmm,’ he said. ‘Are you leaving now Uslantlo?’
Uslantlo exhaled sharply and turned on his heel. He walked the length of the long room then paused at the doorway and looked back. Edrah was now sitting on Luhxdal’s lap once again with a ravenous look on her face. Uslantlo turned and walked quickly down the hall. The grief and embarrassment on his face disappeared instantly, to be replaced by a serious, calculating frown.
Chapter 8
Homeless
Kalinya woke. He sat up and peered around. The pain in his shoulder was excruciating, but he was so thirsty and hungry he knew he had to move. He stood up. On either side of him were the walls of buildings. Behind him was a high pile of refuse; food scraps, rotted fabric from old clothing, broken shoes, pieces of smashed pottery, broken wooden bowls and pieces of silk so dirty it was impossible to read their message. The refuse stank and he wondered how he had managed to sleep through the stench and the pain in his shoulder. He was sure he hadn’t slept long. He stepped cautiously from his sleeping place. The street seemed almost as dirty as where he had slept. Further along the street he could see what appeared to be a street market. He wondered if there was some way he might be able to steal something to eat. His ankle was still very sore as he made his way towards the activity. As he came closer he could smell bread. His stomach groaned. He could see the stall where a fat woman was selling bread. She was dressed in the most outlandish manner he could imagine. Her huge striped red dress billowed over her body like an enormous tent, falling right to the ground. Over the dr
ess she wore a purple vest, several sizes too small, and on her head she wore a purple scarf, which did not entirely hide her bright red hair. She was removing loaves of bread from a large basket and placing them on a table where hundreds of flies immediately greeted the treats with enthusiasm. The loaves were small and round, some flavored with cheese and garlic and others with honey and cinnamon. Kalinya walked up to the stall and the woman glared at him crossly. Her gaze was like a sharp slap and he almost backed away. The woman bent over the table and pretended to be arranging the loaves.
‘Do you want one?’ she whispered, glancing nervously towards a large, mean looking man who was busily counting money at an adjoining table. His back was towards Kalinya. He turned and stared at Kalinya suspiciously.
‘Get away!’ the woman said sharply flapping her hand at Kalinya. Kalinya took a step backwards, feeling confused. The man turned away. The woman grabbed a loaf of bread and thrust it into Kalinya’s hands. She flapped her hand at him again, as if to shoo him away and cast another frightened glance toward the large man.
Kalinya took the hint. He smiled at her frowning face gratefully, but left as quickly as he could, disappearing into the crowd. The markets reminded him of Tathra, and as he gobbled half of the small loaf he was lost in thoughts of his mother. It was a strange feeling to know he was now homeless and an orphan. He remembered the homeless children in Tathra, who survived by begging and theft and for the first time in his life he could empathize with their despair. When he came out of his reverie he found himself standing outside an inn. Several people were entering so he walked close behind them, hoping people might think he was their son. No-one objected and once he was inside he could see why. The room was crowded. Kalinya sat himself unobtrusively at a table which had recently been vacated and picked up a mug. There was a tiny amount of ale in the bottom of the mug, so he dribbled it into his dry mouth. He ate the remainder of the bread and moved to another table. The mugs on this table were all completely empty so he moved on. For over an hour, Kalinya moved inconspicuously from table to table, until finally he felt his thirst was quenched. He was feeling quite light headed and a little sleepy, so he slipped under a table and lay down on the floor. A boot in his ribs woke him.
Child Of A Guardian And Of The Free (Book 3) Page 7
