The Egg Quest

by Jo Fontana

“Good, if we can’t get accommodations there, I’ll leave word for you,” Gil promised before leading the others away.

  When they entered the gates of Nonju, Reyden and his friends stopped as one, apart from Gil. Gil turned around to see what the delay was. Reyden saw him sigh as he stopped to wait. Reyden looked around in awe at the strange place. The houses were small and looked very fragile compared to the familiar boxy stone and wood buildings of the west. The eaves of the rooves curled up towards the sky and red tiles adorned them. Strange and sometimes frightening statues adorned the entranceways and narrow stone paths lead to the front doors. The only word uttered came from Omaric who said it most eloquently, “Wow!”

  “This is a weird place,” Reyden whispered. He paused and glanced at Gil. “How familiar are you with this city?”

  "I’m familiar with the outer portion of the city; I’ve yet to venture into the heart of the city. While the outskirts are beautiful and the people are somewhat friendly, I’ve always felt things became a little dicey the further in you went. I'm willing to bet that’s where we need to go.”

  “Of course it is,” Illithor groaned.

  Glynn appeared uneasy as he addressed Gil. "If you explain some of their culture and customs to me, I might be able to get us through there easier."

  "Their language is uncommon in the West, so we aren’t expected to understand what’s being said. If you do understand the language, don’t let them become aware that you do or there will be more of an expectation that you understand their customs. That could get you into trouble. You bow to others in greeting, and normally don’t speak to those of a higher social class unless they speak to you. Some of the people view outsiders as a threat.”

  “If I don’t get my egg back, I’ll be much more than a threat,” Reyden stated in a clipped voice.

  “How do we know who’s a higher social class?” Glynn asked.

  “It's easiest if you just think of everyone as a higher class than you. That way you won't make any mistakes," Gil suggested.

  "Luckily, there is a common language and customs to all of those who are in my trade. That should help, although I’ll still need to be very careful," Glynn replied.

  “Instead of informing the locals of our entire plan, maybe we should find that boarding house and figure it out there. I’m tired of being gaped at,” Reyden growled and sneered at a man who was staring at him.

  "You’re a stranger; so you will be stared at, Reyden. However, I agree that it’s a good idea to get going," Gil said as he urged his horse forward. “Oh, and you must remember to leave your shoes outside. It’s customary not to wear shoes indoors.”

  The rest of the men looked at Reyden warily. Reyden appeared unaffected by the mention of this custom. When they arrived at the boarding house, they saw a row of shoes sitting on shelves just inside the door. Gil immediately removed his boots and added them to the others. One by one, his friends followed his example with the exception of Reyden, who took out an egg, closed his eyes before making a gesture, and then began hovering a few inches off the ground. Gil approached the couple behind the desk. They bowed deeply and Gil bowed in return and asked about a few days lodging. The couple immediately began to scramble to get the accommodations in order.

  "Gil? Is everything alright over there?" Illithor inquired.

  "Of course, it’s just how they treat guests, you'll find that here.”

  "I'm sure I will," Illithor answered with a thoughtful look on his face.

  Gil momentarily pierced Illithor with a glance before directing his attention once again to the bustling couple who were leading them upstairs. Reyden wondered what had gotten under Gil’s skin and knew that he would have to scrutinize Gil more thoroughly.

  The rooms were spacious and could fit several people comfortably. The doors to the rooms were made of wooden frames with a thin paper covering that slid back and forth to open and close.

  “Are all rooms like this in Nonju?” Omaric asked as he jabbed a finger at the paper-covered doorframe.

  “Stop that!” Gil barked as he grabbed Omaric’s hand. “The frames are sturdy, but the paper is fragile.”

  “These rooms are great! We even have separate beds!” Illithor exclaimed excitedly.

  Reyden pointed at Omaric and Illithor. “You and the kid will stay with me.”

  Emory looked over the room with disappointment. "Does anyone ever have any long beds?"

  “Apparently not,” Reyden smirked.

  Emory leveled his gaze at Reyden. "You have no idea how irritating it is."

  “I’m lucky not to have your problems.”

  Omaric, sensing the tension, quickly changed the subject. “I hope the others will return soon.”

  “They’ll be here soon enough,” Reyden said, apparently not the least bit concerned.

  "The staff knows to show them up when they arrive,” Gil stated, then looked meaningfully at Glynn. “In the meantime, maybe you should snoop around and see what you can find out."

  “Yes your highness,” Glynn responded with irritation and walked out of the room.

  Illithor looked amused before glancing directly at Gil. “I don’t think Glynn enjoys being bossed around."

  Gil shrugged then went downstairs. Illithor watched him leave and smirked.

  “Did I miss something?” Omaric asked Reyden.

  Reyden looked thoughtful for a moment, then shrugged, and headed downstairs as well. Illithor figured out something important about the other elf and Reyden was itching to know what it was.

  "Since we’re exploring the city, shall we split up or use the buddy system?" Illithor asked.

  "Use the buddy system," Gil suggested.

  Illithor decided for everyone. “Great, you and I will team up, Gil. Reyden, Omaric, and Emory can work together.”

  Reyden grew even more suspicious at the suggestion. “I think I should go with Gil.”

  Illithor looked startled a moment. “If that’s what you want…”

  “Yes, it is.”

  Omaric looked confused and seemed about to protest, but backed down after Reyden took out an egg and casted.

  “You’ll be able to find me if you need me, kid.”

  Reyden headed out the door, without asking Gil if he was ready. Gil and the rest shortly followed. When they had lost sight of the trio, Reyden stopped Gil and stood directly in front of him. "What does Illithor know about you that I don’t?”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Gil responded mildly.

  "Yes you do. He seemed to catch onto something that’s made you uncomfortable, so spill it!”

  "Again, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  "Why do all the elves listen to you, no questions asked?”

  Gil’s face became stony. "They know a true leader when they see one.”

  Reyden began to laugh. “Is that so? Glynn’s wisecrack earlier meant nothing then?”

  Gil paused before responding. “I am no king.”

  “I gathered that much. From what I’ve heard, the king of Nava Asari is an old man.”

  “Apparently he is dying.”

  Reyden’s mind was furiously trying to make a connection. Something was there, nagging at him, and he was just frustrated enough to not yet be able to piece it all together. Gil smirked at Reyden’s frustration, and that’s what made it click.

  “The king is dying, and you don’t want to go home!”

  “I knew it was only a matter of time before Illithor told you the story of the reluctant prince,” Gil sighed.

  “What story? I knew he was trying to tip me off earlier, but I didn’t realize what he meant. Glynn, on the other hand, seemed to take it personally when you ordered him around. Why is that?”

  “He’s my cousin.”

  “Oh, this just keeps getting better and better. Why would a member of the royal house live like a criminal?”

  Gil motioned for Reyden to follow him. He led Reyden into a quaint building that appeared to be a restaur
ant of sorts. Reyden looked at the strange fare the locals were eating. He made a face when Gil suggested ordering something to eat, so instead, Gil ordered tea for both of them. Reyden chose a table near the back of the eatery and sat down.

  Reyden waited a few moments and when Gil didn’t elaborate he said, “Continue…”

  “Glynneveryn made a mistake when he was younger.” The server who appeared with their tea interrupted Gil.

  “A mistake?” Reyden asked as soon as the server was out of earshot.

  “Glynn got involved with some questionable individuals. He ended up incurring many debts. His parents, my aunt and uncle, cut him off and he’s been trying to pay them off ever since.”

  Reyden couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

  “Why couldn’t he find a better way to do that?”

  “He was exiled from Nava Asari.”

  Reyden frowned. “Do I have to pull teeth to get the whole story?”

  Gil sighed. “I’d rather he be the one to tell you.”

  “Too late. Tell me.”

  Gil was not forthcoming so Reyden decided to resort to using unpleasant methods to get him to divulge what he knew. Reyden took out an egg, and began to gesture. Sparks arced from his fingertips. “If I continue casting, this will be very painful for you.”

  Gil sat back in his seat and he looked back at Reyden with an irritated expression. “Glynn was convinced by his “friends” to raid the treasury to pay off his debts. He brought them along, but they were all caught before they left with anything.”

  Reyden’s eyebrows almost disappeared into his hairline. “No one thought of the possibility that maybe he changed his mind and wanted to get caught?”

  Gil’s puzzled expression answered Reyden’s question.

  “Of course not. Why theft though? Doesn’t he have any other skills?”

  “Glynn was really good at slight-of-hand. He was always pulling tricks—I think that’s how he originally caught the eye of the criminal element. He was never good with a sword. He has artistic leanings and initially tried to earn a living that way, but most of his work or supplies mysteriously vanished. He felt he had no choice.”

  “Did Rafe happen to be one of these friends?”

  “We always despised him,” Gil confirmed.

  Reyden sat silently for a few minutes. He felt a little sorry for Glynn now. “It seems I may have slugged the wrong family member,” he muttered to himself.

  “Excuse me?”

  Reyden glared at Gil. “I just realized that your cousin had it harder than I originally believed. It’s one thing when a stranger betrays you, but quite another when family does it.”

  “I’ll have you know that I’ve been trying to intervene for Glynn.”

  Reyden raised a hand to silence Gil. “I’m not the one you need to convince. So Glynn’s trustworthy, but you let me continue to distrust him in order to keep up your charade.”

  “Are you accusing me of cowardice?” Gil asked heatedly.

  "No, just dishonesty sprinkled with a little cruelty. I don't care what choice you inevitably make in the future, but while you’re with us, you’re going to help me.”

  "I think it may be time for me to return to the forest.”

  “Why, is this adventure becoming too much for you?"

  Gil turned on him quickly. "I think that maybe I am too high profile to stick around here. I could cost you your possession and my presence here could tip off Rafe.”

  Reyden tossed some coins on the table and then pulled Gil to his feet. "No. You’re the best chance I have of getting through certain parts of the city. And you need to help your family."

  “I can wait for you all at the outskirts of Nonju,” Gil argued as Reyden was pulling him outside.

  “Forget this nonsense. Your cousin needs your help and can disguise you better if that’s what you think you need.”

  “I’ll think about it. We’re near the city entrance,” Gil noted. "We should pay a visit to the temple and check on Morgan, Deverick, and the injured man. I’ll pay for his care.” He stopped before adding, “And Reyden, if you threaten me again, you will be finishing this without me.”

  Reyden thought he was bluffing so he taunted Gil. “I can always turn you into an egg if you decide to ditch us.”

  Gil just flashed Reyden a dirty look and headed towards the gates as Reyden followed behind him.

  Reyden immediately disliked the place. It was eerily quiet with the exception of the drone of the monks chanting. The amount of incense that hung in the air choked Reyden; it was so thick that he couldn’t see the other side of the room. He was about to complain when one of the monks approached them. Gil donated enough money to make sure that the injured man’s care was covered. The monk led them to an antechamber where they found Morgan and Deverick waiting for word on the injured man’s condition.

  “Have you heard anything?” Gil asked Morgan.

  "Not in a while. They’re still working on him.”

  Just as Morgan finished speaking, one of the healers approached them.

  Gil stood up. “Lead us to him.”

  The healer bowed to Gil, then led them into the deeper recesses of the temple and into a small anteroom. The man was sitting up on a cot in the corner of the room. He was dressed in the formal armor that was customary in Nonju; his helmet was lying on a table near the cot. He rose from the cot and bowed at the four men who entered. Gil immediately bowed and indicated to his friends to do the same.

  The man studied Gil a moment. “Have we met before?”

  “Possibly. I have visited Nonju a few times. I am Gil Sunshadow, and these are a few of my companions, Reyden Frost, Deverick Seward, and Morgan Tiller.”

  Reyden flashed Gil a warning look. “I see our injured party has recovered.”

  “I am Yoshi Usui,” the man replied, bowing to them again. “I am indebted to you all.”

  “We were happy to help,” Morgan interjected.

  "So what happens now?" Deverick asked of no one in particular.

  "If Yoshi wishes he can come back with us. The others will want to know how he’s doing anyway," Gil responded.

  Morgan glanced at Reyden, who nodded. "Yes, why not? Reyden is used to taking in strays." Morgan noticed Yoshi’s puzzled expression and explained, “I joined the group after I was injured as well.”

  "I have failed in my mission so I will be dismissed from my duties and will not be welcomed back.”

  Reyden stepped forward and gestured towards the door. “That’s good to hear. We can always use another warrior.”

  Reyden led the others back to the boarding house where he found the rest of the group in the dining area waiting for them.

  When Reyden sat down, he addressed the others. “We have a few things to discuss after dinner. I suggest we do that upstairs.”

  Yoshi introduced himself to the rest of the group who introduced themselves in turn. Dinner was a quiet affair and afterwards everyone congregated in Reyden's room. Reyden took out an egg and closed his eyes. A breeze stirred in the room, circling the walls that sounded like unidentifiable whispering. “Any eavesdroppers will be confused by the spell.”

  Then Reyden looked at Yoshi suspiciously. “Is there anything about that failed mission of yours that might come back to bite us?”

  “I usually act as a guard or sometimes an emissary, but this time I was sent by my master to retrieve an object that was on its way here. It was to be a simple mission, however, those in possession of the item were better prepared than I expected. My heart wasn’t in it anyway. It is dishonorable to steal.”

  Reyden noticed Glynn shuffle uncomfortably. “What was the item you were sent to retrieve?”

  “A rare, petrified egg,” Yoshi replied, confirming his suspicions.

  Reyden swore profusely, colorfully, and loudly.

  “Small world, that is certain,” Illithor muttered.

  Yoshi looked around at the group with a puzzled expression. “What do you mean?”

>   “We’re seeking the same item to return to its rightful owner,” Gil explained.

  “Me!” Reyden roared.

  “I know where they will be auctioning it,” Yoshi replied.

  Glynn and Reyden exchanged glances.

  "Do you know where it’s being held prior to the auction?" Glynn asked.

  “Possibly. The egg is in possession of Rafe Webb. It may be in the council member’s part of the city or in the guild’s private stores. That won’t be easy place to find, let alone enter.”

  “Let me guess, that would be somewhere in the center of the city, wouldn’t it?” Reyden queried with more than a hint of sarcasm.

  “I believe so, but I cannot speak with certainty.”

  “This could get hairy, but I’m willing to go in,” Glynn told Reyden.

  "You need to go there tonight then—the sooner the better," Reyden commanded.

  “In a minute. I have something to tell the rest of you first,” Gil interrupted. He walked over to the water pitcher, and dumped it over his head. The muddy-colored water ran down Gil’s hair and all color appeared to melt from it.

  “You have white hair!” Omaric exclaimed, stating the obvious.

  Gil took out a ring and presented it to the others. “I am actually Gilryn Stillthorn, crown prince of Nava Asari.”

  "That is how I know you," Yoshi exclaimed as he rose and bowed to the prince.

  Everyone in the room had bowed as well, with the exception of Reyden and Glynn. Reyden smirked when he noticed this.

  “For the record Gil, we're not going to continue doing that," Illithor informed him with a small smile.

  “It wasn’t my intention to have anyone bow to me this time,” Gil told Illithor harshly.

  "After I come back with the egg, I'll help you tweak your disguise," Glynn promised.

  “Thank you, cousin,” Gil said.

  This revelation left the group dumbfounded and Omaric murmured to no one in particular, “Cousin?”

  “Someone should follow in case something happens. This way we can get you out if need be,” Reyden insinuated.

  Glynn smirked. “Are you volunteering?”

  “You know I can’t leave you to your own devices. Oh, and before we leave, let me just say this…” Reyden began, and then he shook off a shoe. “This is for good luck, and punishment for Gil’s deceit.”