Jema stood out from the shelter of the balcony, and allowed the rain to fall upon his thoughts. It appeared odd to Vhalen that Jema found comfort in the showering deluge, but his heavy mind was weighted with greater discomfort, and he groaned in contempt of his proposal.
"Argh he would not agree to such a favor. Even if he could guide us through the Rift the danger remains in his treachery."
"Unless we remove his motivation for such treachery. Every other road leaves us vulnerable to Morakii's whim. If we were granted safe passage through the Undercity, then our journey will be half complete as you confess. It is an option we'd be foolish to neglect. If your assassin can lead the way, then perhaps we should grant him his freedom."
Jema sighed in the decision this task forced him to make.
"How odd to think one villain can outweigh another."
"In the grand scheme of things, our mission is more important than another assassin running about Heldorn," Vhalen put to him.
"I feel ill at the suggestion, the challenge of this quest is hard enough without worrying about members of our own party. Never has such a diverse group of people gathered for such a feat, it will be hard to mask our discretion."
"One more will not hinder our journey, if he agrees to it that is. It was man who drove all these events into motion, and now it is man who will venture to see its end."
"I don't find poetry in our task Vhalen," he spoke coldly. "I've never felt such dread, especially over an enemy I do not know. In war we are always aware of what we are up against, tactics are the only secret an opponent can hold over us, but if this fear is justified then it is unprecedented. Every demon known as myth is likely to reveal itself to us and how many can we endure before our spirit is lost," said Jema aggravated. "Fine, we will ask him, but I warn you, assassins are cunning warriors. Though their means are violent and immoral, their skills are shrewd and clever. Their most potent skill is their tongue, he will use words in such a way that bends the thoughts of others, and mess with the minds of the weak to his will. Do not fall victim to his game."
"I have lived for over four centuries and encountered many dangers," Vhalen admitted, finishing his hash before he pulled himself from his chair with his staff. "The taunts of a prisoner I admit do not trouble me." The rain turned torrential and they receded back inside, the Queen would want to know of their endeavor.
Chapter 16
A SINISTER MEETING
The next day the heavy rain persisted, the thick grey of cloud lingered across the city and forced the fellowship to delay their departure. For Landau he spent his final moments with Clancey, who was also stranded among the torrent of rainfall. He helped Landau pack what was needed, including blankets for the many nights they would be camping, and a variety of clothes suitable for the conditions he would face. Clancey acquired for him a thick pair of boots for his journey, for the shoes he wore would quickly wane under the amount of walking he would undergo.
Outside his window the haze of the storm prevailed, in a room with a roaring fireplace and generous bed he imagined this would be his last experience with such comfort. So he rested and waited, the members of his party similarly remained patient through the weather, and used the time to tie loose ends and prepare themselves properly. Throughout the day his nerves intensified, what chance did his allies have in the face of danger if this storm was enough to perturb their progress.
When evening came it presented a break in the clouds, and a faint revealing of stars, before the rain receded into a seldom drizzle. In his anxiousness of what lie ahead, Landau reflected back to the image of his father, raising his hand to farewell him in Tripple, only now he realized the weight of that goodbye. That goodbye stirred in his thoughts long into the night, for he feared how evident it had become.
Among the flowering lawns of the palace gardens was a stream that slithered toward a beautiful spring, surrounded by mossy stones and gorgeous flowers, with a gazebo hovering over the spring connected by two bridges. With the rain departed Sam led Julia here under the moonlight, where they had first acquainted with each other. Even under the faint glow of night, Sam was breathless at how dazzling Julia appeared in her royal garment, laced and white, brimming with soft jewels that sparkled when she moved. With her hair held back by a silver tiara, Sam had never seen her so beautiful, for Julia rarely glamorized herself so. In the euphoria of her smile it made it harder for Sam to reveal his departure.
Disappointment, outrage and sadness all exuded from her face, for Sam explained little, only that they were to accompany Landau to the Imperial City, for word of Helskaar or demons would only infuriate her. He revealed their path was unknown, and only hinted that Landau was of importance to the Emperor. Julia remained silent whilst Sam told of his plight, upon completion her mind battled with questions, all of them stemmed from frustration.
"You only just got back," she said. "I thought things were finally returning to normal. You said that yourself, and you break that promise in a week?"
"I made no promise," said Sam. "This is the life I chose Julz. All I’ve wanted growing up is to be respected, like all other knights, I don’t want to work some trade 'til I'm eighty, only to look back and realize what little I’ve achieved with my life, it’s the only one I get. I just want to be like Jema and inspire others, I’ve never pictured wanting anything else."
Julia could recognize that Sam desired such things, but worried his youth clouded his priorities, realizing none of his ambitions hinted at her inclusion.
"Ever since you became squire all your attention is on Jema. I'm not just some girl here for your amusement when it's convenient for you."
"That's not how I think at all," though when he reached his hand to caress her knee she jerked away, his soothing touch would not win her over.
"This is why I moved here, to aspire to be like Jema, you know my fortune in having him as my master, I can't take it for granted. I'm doing my best Julz to compromise my time, you act as if I give you no thought at all when I'm away from you."
"I'm sure you do, it’s just you're the only normal thing in my life Sam, I just wish for a normal life. Now you're off to the Imperial City, it could be months before I see you again. It's…it's disappointing," she said.
Sam grew frustrated, any words he uttered were dismissed in her unrest.
"Julz I love you, and I know you think if I really meant that I would stay. But…I don't know how to say it…it's not enough for me. I just feel I need to prove myself."
"To who, Jema, and then what? Once you've proven yourself, what’s next, your honor? If you brought me here to console me you've failed Sam!"
Julz wept and attempted to leave. Sam gently grabbed her wrist and turned her to him, the sadness on her face did not become her. Her weeping eyes brought Sam much regret; he held her close and this time Julia did not struggle.
"Julz, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that, I do all this for you. I just want to be a man you're proud to have as yours. If I succeed in this mission I'll be made a knight, Jema hinted as much. I can't promise this will be the last time. But I swear that every moment between will be spent making you the happiest girl in Ruun, as it should be."
Sam never displayed verbal affection, and they were flattering words. She gazed at his face with his smirking smile, he was arrogant enough to believe in himself, and Julz was resigned to holding him back.
"That's lovely Sam, but what do you believe to be happy?"
The question puzzled Sam and he felt tested in his reply.
"I would have you live a life that was worthy of you. One of wealth and comfort, where a frown would never appear. I’d take you from your peasant chamber and share with you a palace bed, and drown you with kisses every morning, before you cooked me breakfast," he jested, and Julia laughed at his cavalier future.
"Sam I don't ask for much, I'm not one of these noble girls who desires wealth and status. I don't need to be showered with jewels, or sleep in a palace bed. I just want someone to share my
life with, to be happy with. What good is wealth if you have to wake up next to that person every morning and you don't love them?"
"I know. But I promise you when this is over and I become a knight, I will never lose sight of that future. You’ll have my full attention, in all its glory," he smiled.
"I want to believe you Sam, I do," she started, before Sam cut her off.
"Then believe me Julz. All my training has led to this moment, I finally get the chance to make a difference, and knowing at the end I can return home to begin the best chapter of my life with you…is all the motivation I could ask for. I know our love doesn't get much chance to grow but we will get that chance Julz."
His arrogant statement broke Julia from her sadness to laugh at his smug expression.
“How do I know you’re not lying?” she smirked to rouse him.
“You’re too pretty to lie to.”
“All the more reason to lie,” she said. When she smiled Sam forgot everything, and it dismissed any ill thought, and the desire to make it last was strong. He held her waist firmly, and twirled her in wistful joy. In the passion of their final night together he kissed her, a reminder of what to hold on to. Julia wanted to believe his endearing future, but behind her happiness it was evident to Sam that doubt still lingered.
In the thick of night, past the tiltyard and further into the guard's quarter, Jema led Vhalen with torch in hand, and escorted the wizard to the barracks, where below were hallways of cells that stretched underneath the surface. Even on the eve of midnight the troubled murmurs of many prisoners whispered through the darkened halls, disturbed at the light Jema's torch brought. Most here were thieves and adulterers, who begged their remorse and pleaded for their freedom. Vhalen was disheartened to ignore them as they continued toward the end of the chamber, where a heavily bolted door was unlocked by the accompanying guard. Upon opening it a spiral staircase descended further downward, here only a couple of short and heavily fortified cells subsisted.
Pleas of forgiveness were replaced by defamation and threats. In the darkness of this place, where the light of day never touched, the prisoners here had no consideration to the present time. Jema ignored the inmates, though many regarded him with contempt; it was evident to Vhalen of Jema's contribution in appointing most of them here. Their steps ended at the last cell, and though the light of his fire lit the decaying dungeon, the silhouette of its prisoner remained concealed in a dark cloak, his face shadowed from their sight, idle and upright on his bed.
For an awkward moment Jema stood by his cage, and they stared at each other in silence before Jema opted to begin discussions.
"Raminus?" he announced, unsure whether he was conscious of their presence.
"Even in the darkness of this cell I am well aware of the hour you visit knight," Raminus responded, every word spoken in distaste. "Did you come to hear of my comfort within these chambers? If so I have some complaints you might find interesting."
"Save it assassin. We have come to talk," he cut to the point.
"You have already interrogated me knight, and your nagging won’t provoke me any further, or have you come with your wizard to exact some spell on me in hope of a confession?"
"I don't need a confession to have purpose in keeping you here, any assassin is to be reprimanded on suspicion of criminal activity."
"Do not think me a fool Imperial. You have me here for no other reason than some personal vendetta."
"You boasted of your people’s killings right in front of me, and were caught with an array of concealed weapons, every one of them a tool of the assassin's trade. Not to mention you injured two guards in your failed escape and threatened to kill a child, I have every purpose to dispose of you here."
"So you come here to remind me of my crimes, or perhaps just to gloat. I assure you I am entertained by neither," he lay on his bed to gesture that he tired of his conversation.
"No, in fact we have come to barter with you," Jema confessed with much reluctance. "In return for your aid."
Raminus continued to lay down, uninterested in his offer.
"I told you I have nothing to offer you. If you think an assassin finds discomfort in the darkness, then you are wrong, to no-one’s surprise. I would remain here for a great length of time if it opposed you any aid."
"This is not a standard request Raminus. Do you know of the Undercity?"
"Yes," he replied tiredly.
"Do you know they way through, to the road south of Gharland?"
"There is only one way through," he confessed. "And it is not something to be described. It is a maze of twisted tunnels, and endless detours. If you are here for directions, then I am no cartographer. Even if I could describe it in great detail, your kind would find much reluctance from those within. If you want my help, steer clear of the place. Now, I have given you my aid…what do you wish to barter?"
Vhalen left the negotiations to Jema, who was hesitant to reply.
"I have no doubt of its danger. That's why I offer you your freedom. In return you will guide us through the Rift, and upon its exit we will secure your release."
Raminus sat upright once more, alighting from his bed to confront them more closely.
"You ask for my help? What is this, some Imperial humor? No, it can’t be, there’s no such thing. You really expect me to assist you after everything you’ve put me through? This hurts you doesn’t it? You dreaded coming here I can see it, you would only be here if there was no other option," and the assassin laughed in the surprise of his situation. "I feel moments like this is where you begin to regret your stubborn persona."
In the light of Jema's fire Raminus revealed his eyes, under his blackened hood they exuded much discomfort, though Jema was undeterred.
"What is your mission?" he asked.
Jema glanced at Vhalen in worry of revealing such a quest to the assassin.
"We are to escort a young boy to the safety of the Imperial City. We have many enemies we wish to avoid, hence why speed in arrival is paramount."
"I have no doubt," Raminus said of his enemies. "This wouldn't be the child you were helpless to defend in Merchant's Wall by chance?" he asked, and as Jema bit his lip, Raminus laughed once more in the absurdity of his request. "The danger must be great indeed if you would trust me to help that whelping child, especially if the Undercity is the safest route to take," he said.
"If you can lead us through you will be pardoned of your crimes and allowed to go free."
"My crime was being who I am Imperial, how can you pardon me from myself I wonder."
"What say you?" Jema asked, ignorant of his ramblings.
Raminus turned to ponder in his cell, and took a wealthy length of time.
"No," he replied. "I’m not interested in your request."
"How can you reject such an offer?" Vhalen chimed in. "With your alternative to remain here for so long a time?"
"I’m sorry, maybe my answer wasn’t clear, my jaw has been acting up for some reason. Let me make myself clearer. A man does not feel accomplished in his life when used as a bargaining chip. Do you think after everything you’ve done to me I would simply share an ale with you and reminisce of days gone by, or hold your hand and frolic through the flowers with some childlike glee? Any parting moment with you in my company will be spent plotting how to drive a dagger into your bloated neck. The journey to Blackrule is too long to suffer your existence, and in Astiroth my people are but sport to your Imperial dogs…plus I despise children!" he said.
"For all your clever talk assassin you are but a fool, you will be given no greater bargain that what we offer you now," Jema said bluntly.
"Have you tried other tones besides bitterness? It might surprise you to know there are others. I see there’s no spell to cure your arrogance. You have much nerve to think I would give you aid Imperial. Now leave me be…for I welcome the silence."
His summation of his rejection seemed complete, and Jema surrendered in contempt of his neglect.
"Have it your way. Enjoy your memory of sunlight, for you have seen the last of it." Jema moved off, though Vhalen remained and Raminus was confused in his presence.
"If a pardon by the Queen is not enough for you then what do you desire?" Vhalen spoke more calmly. Raminus appeared to ponder this more deeply, for the wizard asked him of what reward he desired, as opposed to Jema's option.
"I would want your word wizard, not from some crooked knight, but yours!" he pointed at Vhalen. "But if this highborn hero thinks to offer me his fervor then I will not hesitate to repay his service," he scowled at Jema. "If I agree to this then upon entering the Rift my lead is to be followed without question, if his pride can handle that. Furthermore, it will cost much to return home from Astiroth, perhaps upwards of twenty gold, so I will request eighty, because you are so desperate," he smiled. "Plus besides your word, I would have my possessions back, and all my weapons and apparel, everything that was confiscated from me."
"You think we would trust you with them, especially around Landau?" Jema leaned in towards his cage, each suggestion enflamed him more.
"No I don’t, but it's not my place to assume who you should trust. That is my offer,” he bantered.
"This was a mistake, we should never have come here," argued Jema.
"Agreed," Vhalen replied to Raminus. "But let us reinforce that this is no mere excursion. The frailty of this quest is plenty, and you would do best to keep your opinions quiet, for there is enough discomfort already to be had."
Raminus pouted his lips in consideration.
"Be warned wizard, if there is treachery in your bargain I cannot be held accountable for my reaction," Raminus smirked. "I can lead you through the Rift, but I only accept this because you are foolish to dangle it before me. This does not break us even Jema, and once this is done I cannot guarantee your security. This is the price you pay."
The Secret of Azuron (The Sword Empire Book 1) Page 26
