by Jon Kiln
“Artas, do not…” Ganry wanted to warn him that was a spicy hot dish, but it was too late.
Artas was chewing and suddenly stopped, his eyes opening wide and tears streaming down his cheeks. He promptly swallowed the contents in his mouth and rushed for his glass of water, coughing in the process.
“You must introduce yourself gradually, Artas,” Ganry laughed at his predicament. “These are not flavors you are used to. The food in Palara is much blander than in Mirnee. To begin with, ask me first. You’ll soon learn how to smell the spices.”
Artas just nodded his head, still unable to speak from the intense heat that raged in his mouth. Ludas laughed along with Ganry. Poor Artas, he just had his first lesson in Mirnee culture, hot spicy food.
“I must speak in earnest with you, Ganry,” his uncle said, taking a large sip of wine to give him courage. “Strange things are happening in the capital of Mirnee. We cannot go out at night as there is a curfew, set by the army. Those who do are captured by strange beings and never seen again.”
“Why is the Emperor allowing this, Ludas?” Ganry asked, puzzled. “This is not like him. He was always a benevolent leader.”
“Indeed, young nephew, indeed. However, they say that the Emperor is possessed by some madness. No one can get to see him, so no one really knows.”
“What of General Jeon? Has he not stepped up to protect the Emperor?” Ganry would have thought this the first course of action, so was the General also possessed?
“The General is the one giving out the orders these days. He has been a changed man since he lost his son.”
“The General cannot be trusted then?” Ganry asked, frustrated at such news.
“I had discussed this very subject with our Emperor on many occasions, when it was still possible to be granted an audience with him. I even thought he was beginning to understand that General Jeon was perhaps not the most loyal of subjects. But, things changed some eight years ago, when the Emperor mysteriously had an heir.”
Ganry was shocked at the revelation. “I had heard no such event.”
“Not many outside of our borders have, Ganry. The news of the birth has been kept relatively secret. It was eventually announced publicly, and then the child disappeared.”
Again Ganry was taken aback by this news. “How can a royal baby be kidnapped, and yet unheard of outside of Mirnee?”
“Ganry, have you been away so long that you have forgotten? This is Mirnee, we keep secrets even from our own mothers. It is second nature! Besides, many believe that the Emperor himself arranged the kidnap to keep the child safe. Other rumors say the child is odd and has been purposely kept out of sight.”
“Safe from who, and what do you mean by odd?”
“No one is really sure what has happened up in the palace. The child may be an albino, but I also think that the Emperor finally suspected that General Jeon is a threat, both to him and his child. There are some that believe the Emperor instigated the kidnapping.”
“Surely not? Jeon would not attempt a coup. The Emperor is far too popular for Jeon to be successful.”
“Yes, at one time that was true. But the Emperor has been seen less and less in public. Rumors abound from the palace indicate he acts very secretive. All has not been well in Mirnee for many years, and now, I fear for the Emperor’s life. He has become virtually a recluse and never seen in public. It is the General who holds full authority over all matters in Mirnee.”
“I knew Jeon was an ambitious man, but I would never have thought him capable of this,” Ganry said, incredulously.
“I also knew the General well. It is only in recent years that he has become capable of treason. He is a changed man. I’m not sure what has corrupted him. Regardless, it is not safe now to be critical of the regime. Those who speak out go missing, their families too. These are important and wealthy people in the Kingdom who have just disappeared. They include high figures in politics, all gone. We are now left in fear. No one dares to question the General anymore.”
“This is terrible news, uncle, terrible.”
Ganry put down his food and picked up his drink. It was going to be a long night while he learned the history of the last ten years since he had left Mirnee.
9
Ganry and Artas had agreed that they should patrol outside at night and try to discover exactly who these dark guards were. Not only that, they also wanted to enter the palace to see if they could observe the Emperor, and possibly speak to him. This was against the advise of Ludas. However, he did agree that the time had come to do something. The people of Mirnee had too easily accepted their fate. It was true to say that they lived in fear of General Jeon and the newest recruits to his forces.
“I’m proud to say, Ganry, that you are true to your bloodline,” Ludas said, proudly. “You have barely set foot in the Kingdom and already you are scheming and planning for the benefit of its people. We have been in a daze, I suspect, and far too compliant to the will of the General. Fear has kept us silent, especially when those who have complained have also mysteriously disappeared. Now, the time is right to make a stand, and it took a de Rosenthorn to make us see that. Long enough have we cowered in our homes. Lead the way Ganry, and I will gather the people.”
Once nightfall was upon them, it was time to take to the streets. Ganry and Artas dressed in dark clothing and covered their faces in a wet mud provided by the servant, Berne. They left Ludas’s house and decided to go down the hill of the city into the poorer regions. This would make it easier to move around as they could go over the rooftops, a trick Ganry knew well. The houses lower down in the city were built close together. From the rooftops they could observe the streets and the new night guards.
Artas struggled running across the roofs with a limp. His leg was improving in strength, especially with all the exercises Ganry had him doing, but it may never return to its former state. They stuck mainly to the flat roofs because of this, though Artas complained at Ganry for doing so.
“Where we go is unimportant,” Ganry explained. “It’s who we find that matters. Now come, the longer you spend babbling, the less ground we will cover.”
As they stood deciding which direction to take, they heard a commotion in a street close by. It seemed someone was running, and from the commands to halt, they were running from other people. The pursuers shouted threats and sounded extremely hostile. This was a dangerous part of town, and often the weak were robbed, murdered, or worse.
Jumping over the darkened roof tops, Ganry and Artas made their way in the direction of the noise.
“There,” Ganry whispered to Artas while pointing towards a dark alley. In the gloom he could just make out a small figure running towards them.
As the figure grew closer and came into the alleyway, Ganry dropped down from the roof and landed behind them. He quickly, and silently, moved in close. In one easy, fluid movement he had his arm around their throat and his hand over the runner’s mouth.
“Shhh, do not make a sound. We are friends, do not fear us.”
The person stopped struggling and Ganry released his grip.
“Quickly, onto the roof.” He nodded at the building he had just dropped down from.
Artas reached down holding out his hand. The new companion jumped up, grabbing ahold and allowing Artas to drag the stranger up and onto the roof. He was surprised at how light the person was. Turning back to reach down and help Ganry, he was shocked to see he wasn’t there. Instead, he was already on the roof and stood by the stranger.
“How’d you do that, old man?” he asked in surprise. The top of the building must be at least fifteen feet from the street, and yet his mentor had climbed it unaided!
Ganry ignored Artas, indicating with his hands that they should all lay down flat on the roof.
Within seconds four dark shapes came in the same direction as their new companion and headed into the alleyway. They paused for a moment as if deciding which direction to follow, but Ganry had a sense that they were
searching their minds. A cold dread spread over his skin. He glanced at Artas, only to see he was shivering, his breath visible in the air. This feeling grew stronger and stronger and he had to fight to control an urge to stand and run. Suddenly, the feeling was gone as a noise further down the alley took their attention away, and they quickly set off in that direction.
Ganry stared after them as they moved off down the alley. They were strange creatures, completely sheathed in darkness and, so it seemed, they had hovered slightly above the ground.
“What manner of creature follows you?’ Artas asked the new companion, a note of relief in his voice.
“They are the Night Shadows, controlled by a witch,” the person replied, removing their cowl and showing it was a young woman. “They cannot function unless a witch is close by.”
“Why are your roaming the streets with such danger lurking around every corner?” Artas asked her.
“Because I have to, I have remedies to deliver for people who are in pain. Besides, they are completely blind and cannot see you. It is the witch you have to be careful of. Her mind works through them,” she said a little scornfully. “If she spots you, she will send them. I know how the Night Shadows work and have little trouble avoiding them, but it was your fault they saw me tonight.”
“What? Why?” Artas was shocked at her words.
“Because you distracted me. I spotted you on the roof and thought you were a lurking witch. Because I was distracted I failed to see the real witch. These witches are easy to lose, which is exactly what I was doing, until you grabbed me and nearly choked me,” the woman said with a touch of annoyance in her voice.
“Well, that’s how you thank people around here, is it?” Artas puffed.
“Have you finished your deliveries?” Ganry asked the female.
“I was on my way home, when you so rudely intervened,” she retorted.
“Will you come with us?” Ganry asked. “We’d like to learn more but we should get off the streets.”
“That depends where you want me to go.”
“Into the Merchants quarters. We have a safe house,” Ganry replied.
“Depends which merchant. You’ll have to tell me his name or I’m not going anywhere with you two, particularly this one.”
Artas moved away from her, not wanting anymore insults for trying to save someone’s life. The people in this city were rude and ungrateful.
“Do you know Ludas?” Ganry asked her.
“Everyone knows Ludas. Yes I will come with you,” she agreed.
They wasted no time on the dangerous streets and were soon back at the house of Ludas. They were greeted at the gate by Berne, who let them in.
“Welcome young Daphne, you risk too much when you make those night time deliveries. Ludas has warned you to stop doing them,” Berne scolded her.
“I know, Berne, but I cannot let others suffer when I can help, all because of a few shadows. I’ve learned how to avoid them and never get spotted. Well, until tonight that is.” She looked scornfully at Artas and Ganry.
“We were trying to save your life,” Artas protested.
“I didn’t need your help. I know exactly how to escape them.”
“The pair of you, be quiet,” Ganry finally interrupted. “All is well. Daphne, and whilst I am sure you can handle yourself, I truly believe you were in a little too deep tonight. Despite your protestations, the shadows were gaining on you.”
Daphne said nothing in response but she knew deep inside that she had been spooked, and in reality was grateful for their help.
“Putting all that aside, I am pleased to make your acquaintance, and would be grateful if you could share your knowledge of the Night Shadows with us. We need to understand how they work,” he asked.
“They are not creatures, they are simply shadows conjured by magic. Once the witch sets a shape to capture you, then it will hunt you down. Once it catches you, it renders you paralyzed. It cannot see, but it has some way of sensing you. I felt it tonight for the first time, while we were there on the roof. It was terrifying.” Daphne shuddered at the memory.
“I felt it too,” Artas confirmed, “it was like a cold frost had crept over me and I had a sudden urge to run, just run anywhere to get away from that feeling.”
“So the real question is, why is there a curfew?” Ganry asked, unable to see any obvious answer.
Ludas answered as he entered the kitchen. “I think many of the soldiers are posted away from the city. From what you say about the borders, maybe they are all gathering there. The witches have been left to man the city, but no one really knows what’s going on. It’s time we found out, yes? The time has come for the people of Mirnee to stand up for themselves. We have been protected by a good Emperor, and he is in great need of his people to save him.”
10
They all slept very little that night after discussing the best way forward to discover what had befallen the Emperor.
The next day they made plans to go out again that evening. Even Daphne agreed to return before night fall. The plan was to make their way to the palace, gain entry, and seek out the Emperor. Simple in the planning, not so simple in the execution, Ganry thought.
Ludas had provided them with the necessary attire and tools for their late night mission. Dark, tight fitting clothing with strong belts for the various small tools and ropes which would enable them to climb the palace walls, or any other obstacle for that matter. Artas was unsure how well he’d do with the climbing, but Ganry assured him that he would be fine, and between them they would ensure he managed.
It helped that the Night Shadows only patrolled the lower levels. In the areas that contained the palace and the palace guard barracks, no witches were present as no curfew was in force there. Once there, it would simply be a matter of getting into the palace.
Fortunately, Ganry could help there too. He knew of secret tunnels that led from the stables into the palace grounds. These were built centuries ago and very few people now know of their existence.
They set off just before midnight. The night was overcast and the moon was enveloped by thick cloud, perfect for their secretive night time foray.
The gate between this level and the barracks would be very well guarded so they took an alternative route. At the opposite end to the gate was a huge apple orchard. Ganry knew it well. He also knew that some of the trees were so close to the wall that they would be easy to climb and jump over and into the barracks compound. Ganry had done this often as a young boy, where he would watch the soldiers train and dream of one day being just like them. Artas was not too keen on this plan but he did not want to look foolish in front of Daphne, so he would do his utmost to get up that tree.
They reached the apple orchard without encountering any of the Dark Shadows or witches on the way, and soon they were all crouched down close to the wall.
“There’s an old tree close by that towers well above the wall, if it’s still there,” Ganry told them. “The branches hang over the other side and it’s simply a case of dropping down. Just follow me, I’ve done this many times, although it has been a few years now.” He smiled ruefully at them.
Ganry started to climb and when he reached the level of the wall he called the others to follow. Soon they were all in the tree, balancing precariously on a number of thick branches.
Ganry quickly scanned the other side for activity, and that’s when he saw a huge column marching towards the gate. They were led not by soldiers but by witches and the Dark Shadows. Even from this distance it was obvious that there was something not quite right about them. They shuffled along slowly, unlike any marching column he had ever seen. A putrid smell emanated from their direction, almost like death itself.
“What manner of creatures are those?” Daphne whispered. “Surely they are not human?”
“Some ungodly monsters produced by witchcraft, no doubt, but to what purpose?” Ganry said. “Do they look human to you, Artas?”
“In a sense, yes, they
are the right shape. Yet they all seem disfigured, somehow. There’s a terrible odor coming from over there, as well,” Artas replied, covering his nose and mouth.
They observed the moving group and noticed a flash of light as a witch approached one of the creatures who had fallen behind. The light had been made by the witch and shone on the slow moving figure.
“Are they dead?” Artas questioned. “See, look at his skin, it is a pallid grey and those eyes, just blackness. There is no spark of life in them at all.”
The strange body stopped in its tracks and turned towards them. It seemed to be sniffing the air, as if it had caught their scent. Suddenly, it opened its mouth beyond that of a human and let out a high pitched screech, forcing everyone to cover their ears. They balanced behind the bushy branches, certain they could not be seen, but the figure seemed to be looking right at them. The witch looked over and pointed its staff in their direction, and two Dark Shadows floated towards the wall, close to where the tree overhung.
Once again Ganry, Artas and Daphne felt that cold feeling of dread creep over them, sending waves of panic through their minds. It took all of their will power to resist the urge to run, but after a few moments the Dark Shadows moved away and they all sighed in relief.
They stayed under cover and watched the shuffling column move out of sight, passing through the gate and down into the Merchant’s Level. Now Ganry understood the curfew. It was to allow the movement of these creatures undetected, but where were they headed, and why?
“It’s all clear now. They’re building an army, and I think it consists of the dead,” Ganry spoke to Artas and Daphne. “Come on, we must get moving. This branch here is sturdy enough to hold a person, and it hangs over the wall. It’s a simple drop down to the other side where the ground should rise, making the drop easier. I will go first and show you the way.”
Ganry edged along the sturdy branch which gave slightly with his weight. As he passed over the top of the wall, he took the branch in both hands and swung down, dropping to the floor. The landing jarred him slightly and he smiled to himself. He was no longer an adventurous ten year old.
