Discovering the Jewels' Secret

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  * * *

  Valmir glanced at the other riders. This morning he rode as the rear guard. They had spent seven days on the road. Liara thought they would be traveling for the rest of this tenday and most of the next. The addition of four Queen’s Guards in Desert’s Edge had made the journey slower since they had to stop and hunt or set snares every night. With eight plus Liara and him, the night watch schedule allowed one pair a full night’s sleep every four days. Today they would pass the road one of the Guards said led to the Screaming Hills.

  One of the outriders returned with an antel over his saddle. “We eat good tonight and tomorrow.”

  Valmir grinned. For several days, they’d had only a few conies and wild bantas to supplement the dried food. Though they’d passed through several villages with taverns, Liara had chosen not to stop.

  At dusk they made camp. Fresh antel steaks roasted over the fire blending with their aroma with that of kaf. The tents had been erected and the treasury stored in one. When straws were drawn for the night watch, Liara and Valmir had drawn the second. Though as usual, the Guards protested, she refused to be less than a full member of the troop.

  Before they ate, Valmir and Liara practiced the unarmed fighting he’d taught her. Twp Guards joined them. Valmir and Liara worked as a team and he used the inner path to direct their actions. When the session ended, Liara collapsed on the ground. “Best workout yet.”

  One of the Guards laughed. “Added to your skill with the bow and you would make a good warrior.”

  After the meal, Valmir drew Liara to her tent. “Rest until our watch.”

  She frowned. “I’m not sure I can. I’ve felt an inner edginess most of the day. Tell the men on first watch to be wary.”

  “I will.”

  Shortly after talking to the men, Valmir sought his blankets. Liara’s whisper woke him. “Time for our watch.”

  He rose and belted on his long knife. Though he could have worn a sword, he felt more comfortable with the weapon he’d learned to use as a child. Liara picked up her bow and quiver and followed him to the fire. The men of the first watch reported all was calm. Valmir filled a mug with kaf and added wood to the fire. Though the moons had risen, clouds cast the trees and bushes in shadows.

  Valmir put his mug on the ground and rose to make rounds. He took several steps and paused to listen. Had he heard brush snap beneath a boot? Moments later, he continued. Liara rose and stretched. He noticed she held an arrow in her bow. Valmir walked to her side. A kayote howled. He frowned. The animal sound too close.

  Odd.

  Agreed.

  Be ready.

  She moved away and tapped the tent of the men they had just relieved in the code they’d agreed upon. The kayote yipped once, twice and a third time. In a quick movement, she shot an arrow into a clump of bushes. A roar of pain erupted. She shot again. Into the camp stormed a band of men.

  But the camp wasn’t taken by surprise. As Valcon faced the first man, the Guards dashed from the tents. The air filled with shouts, screams and curses. For a time, Valmir wished he held a sword. Then his opponent stumbled. Valmir dove beneath the man’s sword and stabbed his assailant’s throat. From the corner of his eye, he saw beams of light flash from Liara’s Jewel.

  The sight nearly distracted him. A knife sliced into his arm. He shifted position and sent his opponent’s sword flying. The man turned and ran. With a suddenness the attackers either sprawled on the ground or fled. Valmir went to Liara. “They’re gone.”

  She pointed to the bushes. “There’s a man there. He’s alive.”

  Two of the Guards searched and dragged a wounded wizard to the fire. An arrow impaled his belly. Liara knelt beside him. “Who are you?”

  He groaned. “You destroyed the stronghold but you haven’t destroyed the Brotherhood. You never will.”

  Liara held the White Jewel in her hand. “Speak the truth. I’ll know if you lie. How many of you escaped the stronghold?”

  “Thirty.”

  “You lie.”

  He released a breath. “Maybe eight.”

  “How many refused the call to the stronghold?” Valmir asked.

  “Maybe six. I wasn’t one of the Master wizards so I wasn’t aware of their refusal.”

  “How many hidden wizards are there?” Liara asked.

  “In Quato, eight and a dozen or more in Pala.” His eyes glazed with pain.

  “How did you learn what we carried?” Valmir rested his hands on Liara’s shoulders.

  The wizard laughed and the laughter changed to a body-racking cough. He caught his breath. “I hid in the forest. I saw what you have and what you did.”

  Valmir leaned forward. “Tell us the rest.”

  “I followed. Found a band of thieves. Hired them and came here to set a trap.”

  “Does anyone else know about us and the treasury?”

  “Why would I tell anyone? If I reclaimed what was ours, I would be a hero.” He reached for the flask fastened to his belt. “A drink.”

  Liara opened the flask and held it to his lips. “Where in Pala do the hidden wizards live?”

  The wizard made no answer. Valmir smelled the flask. “Poison.”

  Liara released her hold on the Jewel. “I wish we could have learned more.”

  Valmir helped her to her feet. “We learned enough to help.” He led her to the tent and returned to help the Guards remove the bodies from the camp,

  Nine days later Valmir saw the walls of Pala in the distance. They would reach the town by mid-afternoon. He turned to Liara. The closer they came to Pala, the deeper the frown lines on her face. He edged his horse closer. “Why are thee so worried? Before long we’ll reach the palace where we’ll be safe.”

  She sighed. “I have no idea of how to be a queen. When the White called me I was pleased. During the years I lived with Tana, my only duty was to learn the lessons she taught. I had no role in ruling the keep.”

  He reached out and touched her hand. “I had some training in leadership. Thee must choose thy advisors with care. Duties that are delegated must have authority given as well as responsibility. Any responsibility given without the power to enforce a judgment will bring trouble. When my father sat in judgment, he permitted me to listen. I will help thee rule.” He pointed to her escort. “They will also help.”

  “As much as they can. We must hope we are able to work with the Guildmasters. And you know they’ve tried to create problems.”

  “What is wrong with the Queen’s Guards having a guild or adding new ones to the ones already in existence?”

  “I’ll remember that. Wonder what the Council did while we were gone.”

  “We’ll soon know. Race you to the gates.” He prodded his horse into a gallop.

  Liara’s mount pulled ahead, then his. They arrived at the gates in a dead heat. Two of the Guards pounded behind them. The remaining six rode with the train of pack horses.

  Valmir frowned. Where were the men who usually stood guard at the gate? What had the Council done? He slowed his steed and entered Pala behind the pair of Guards. The others and the string of pack horses followed. Instead of riding through the market square, the lead Guards selected a different route that took them along rows of houses and small shops. Valmir studied the people they passed. They seemed no different that they had when he and Liara had first arrived in Pala.

  When they reached the palace, servants appeared to take the horses to the stables. The Guards carried the sacks they’d brought from the wizards’ stronghold inside. Valmir and Liara carried their packs and blanket rolls. She directed the men to take the treasury to the small dining room.

  Almost the instant they entered, the scribe she’d appointed as secretary for the Council bustled toward them. The palace steward was at his heels.

  The scribe waved a sheaf of papers. “Queen Liara, you were gone so long we feared you wouldn’t return. I have a number of petitions you must hear and a list of the Council’s decisions you must sign.”


  Liara held up her hands. “At least give us time to bathe and have a light meal.” She turned to the steward. “Soup, bread, cheese and fruit. Enough for a dozen if you and Gladir choose to join us.”

  The steward bowed. “All will be as you wish.”

  Valmir pulled the scribe aside. “Why didn’t the Council see to the petitions?”

  Gladir rolled his eyes. “Some were busy trying to serve their own needs and arguing with the others. The Guildmaster for the Peddlers acts as though his is the only voice that counts. The head of the Clothiers usually sides with him unless the decision won’t profit her. The Woodworkers and Metaliers oppose everything the other pair wants and the Guildmaster for the Minstrels dithers. In all the time you were gone, they solved two problems.”

  Liara fisted her hands on her hips. “Send them word we’ll meet tomorrow after the midday meal. They will remain until matters are settled. After we eat, Valmir and I will examine the list and the petitions.”

  Gladir bowed. “I’ll send messages to the five Guild Houses.”

  The other two Guards arrived. Liara and Valmir retreated to their suite. After quick baths, they entered the small dining room. The eight Queen’s Guards waited for them. The steward frowned and left. The scribe remained. Once the meal was finished, Valmir scanned the lists.

  “Any vital problems?” Liara asked.

  “None I can see. … Wail a minute. Here’s something that could bring trouble.”

  “What?”

  “A petition from the Peddlers’ Guild to take into their guild the men who make the wagons for them. Both the Metaliers and the Woodworkers will protest. This could be the start of a plan for the Peddlers to absorb the others.”

  Liara frowned. “There is no way I’ll agree. In fact, there are other guilds I’d like to see established.”

  Valmir sat at the table. “Is this just the Guildmaster’s greed or is he striving to gain enough power to rule?”

  Liara looked up. “Or he could be working for the wizards as a hidden one.”

  “Interesting thought. Do you think we can learn?”

  Liara rose. “My Jewel can tell if he’s lying, but I think we should observe him carefully when we meet tomorrow.”

  Valmir opened the door. “What will we do with the rest of our day?”

  Visit the library. See if the keeper of the records knows of any scribes who can help our search.”

  Gladir followed them into the hall. “I know several who would be glad for the work. There is little business in the market for scribes. The five guilds train their own.”

  “Go and bring them to the library.” Liara turned to the Guards. “Two of you can return to the barracks and arrange for the men there to swear allegiance. The other six can help the steward count the coins, bars of metal and gems. He’ll show you where they can be stored.”

  * * *

  Liara walked into the library. The record keeper rose and bowed. When she told him there would be more scribes, he kissed her hand. “Then we can see to the oldest scrolls and manuscripts are copied and preserved.”

  “There are two searches I want done,” Liara said.

  He nodded. “Will these scribes remain after these chores are done?”

  Liara’s answer was delayed by Gladir’s arrival. He presented four scribes. Liara studied the shabbily dressed men and made a decision. “If you have no home, chambers here will be found and you’ll take your meals here.”

  Three of the men accepted. The youngest shook his head. “The offer is generous but I have an ailing mother and two younger sisters to support.”

  “Bring them to the palace,” Liara said.

  “Do your sisters have any training or learning?” Valmir asked. “What is your name?”

  “I am Waner. My sisters have nothing but the little I’ve taught them. All training is given by the guilds and costs coins I don’t have.” He looked up. “Scribes should have a guild, then family members could be taught at no cost.”

  Liara thought of her childhood. Though she’d had little to do in the keep, she had been taught. Schools were needed for the children of the land. The Council would argue against the plan, but she would prevail.

  She gestured to the men. One was assigned to assist the record keeper. Two were set to search the archives for all mention of the Jewels and to write summaries of what they learned. The youngest, she asked to search for all matters concerning the guilds.

  Valmir drew her from the room. “While they begin the searches, we need to find the steward and set other changes in motion.

  Liara grinned. “The palace must be cleaned from the attics to the deepest basement. Though the sullen shade of the stones can’t be changed, the dirt and neglect can be. I wonder how many servants there are. If more are needed, the steward can hire them from among the poor.”

  They met the steward and gave the orders for cleaning the palace. “This must be finished before the six Holders and their Chosen arrive, especially the wing where Valmir and I have our rooms,” Liara said.

  He frowned. “Hiring more servants is impossible. The Queen’s treasury is gone. The other one, the daughter of the last dead queen, had no idea where to search.”

  “Come with us.” Valmir and Liara escorted the steward to the small dining room. “Here are coins, ingots of metal and gems. We brought them from the wizards’ stronghold. There should be enough to cover our expenses for some time.”

  Liara smiled. “These Guards will help you count and Gladir will make a record of the tally. Possibly the Queen’s treasury will be discovered during the cleaning.”

  He bowed. “I’ll see your orders are followed.”

  Valmir led Liara to their suite. “We need to make these rooms ready.”

  She looked at the dust. “Was anything done while we were gone?” She sent a maid servant for cleaning supplies. By day’s end, she was exhausted. Her sleep was disturbed by thoughts of all she needed to change.

  In the morning, she and Valmir went to the library. Waner had brought his mother and sisters to the palace. While Valmir saw the girls to a sleeping chamber in the servants’ wing, Liara tended to the mother. Liara cupped the Jewel in her hand and used a ray from the core to clear the woman’s lungs.

  “Oh, bless you, my lady. I haven’t drawn air so well for years.”

  Liara smiled. “If you wish, I’ll take you to rooms prepared for your family. I’ll speak to the steward about placing you in charge of the servants’ wing.”

  “The pleasure would be mine. And my girls?”

  “Will soon have lessons and learn what they would like to pursue.”

  The woman grinned. “My youngest likes plants and her older sister would become a lady’s maid.” She kissed Liara’s hand. “Earda is blessed with a good queen.”

  As Liara escorted the woman to her daughters, she wondered how long the Jewel would remain White. Her treatment of the woman’s ailment had only the slightest effect on the gem’s darkness.

  Once she joined Valmir, they returned to the library. Waner had begun his list of guilds past and present. They learned many had been absorbed by the Clothiers and Peddlers. The Guildmaster of the Peddlers had been the first to train his own scribes.

  Liara and Valmir left the room. He bent his head and whispered in her ear. “We must keep our eyes on both those guilds.”

  “Could they be headed by a hidden wizard?” she asked.

  “The Peddlers could be but no woman can be a wizard.”

  “Perhaps she’s a member of the Inner Circle.”

  Valmir shrugged. “Perhaps. How can we prove our suspicions of the Peddlers?”

  An idea occurred to Liara. “Corin is a journeyman of that guild.”

  “Then we must help him pay off his debt. When he’s a full member, he can look into the matter.”

  Liara nodded. “Unless we put him in danger.”

  Valmir laughed. “For lunars, we’ve all been in danger.”

  The bell for the midday meal rang. “Now
we eat and then confront the Council.” She reached for his hand. “My appetite has fled.”

  He squeezed her fingers. “Starving thyself won’t make the meeting less important. Some mintos tea to start.”

  Once they had eaten, she walked to the great hall where a large table had been placed below the platform where the throne sat. Liara shuddered. She disliked this room. The gloomy aura and the dull gray of the walls and the marble floor added to the grimness. She took her place at the table. Valmir sat at her left and Gladir to her right. She sent a Guard to fetch Waner and his records of the guilds.

  Four of the eight men who had traveled with them from Desert’s Edge stood at the door. One approached the table. “The five Guildmasters approach. What are our orders?”

  Liara smiled. “One of you should remain at the door. The other two should escort the Guild Masters into the room and remain alert for signs of treachery. Is the scribe Waner on the way with the records I asked him to find?”

  One of the Guards crossed the room to the door. “He’s coming. I’ll help him with his burden.”

  Valmir leaned closer to Liara. “When this meeting ends, we must start the search for our thread.”

  She nodded. “I know we must but I dread creeping into the dark corners of this place.”

  He placed his hand over hers. “Do thee think any petitions will be decided today?”

  “The one I’ll deny. I want to inform them that new guilds will be established and that the six Holders and their Chosen will arrive soon.”

  Valmir released a breath. “Are thee sure this is the way to proceed. Even if the Jewels are destroyed, thee will still be Queen and must work with these people.”

  She nodded. “That’s why I must have a larger Council made up of those I can trust. Our friends must be a part of those who rule the land.”

  “I see.”

  Just then the Guards announced the five Council members. The three men and two women took their places at the table. Waner and the Guard followed. They placed the scrolls she’d sent for on the table. The young scribe handed her a list.