OrbSoul (Book 6)

by Martin Ash

  Could Radius be distressed over Mawnie's death? It was scarcely credible; how would the news have reached him at this time? And even if it had, it was hardly likely to afflict him like this. Radius knew the Duchess only remotely, if at all. Her death, no matter the circumstances, would have little direct impact upon him. No, this was something other, and Pader, already unnerved by the death, was nonplussed. Radius was a lively, impish, mischievous boy, not given to the reticence and maudlin emotion he was now evincing. Pader threw a concerned glance across the chamber at Kol, and indicated that he should withdraw. Then he rose and passed around the desk, extending an arm. 'Come along, Radius. Come, sit down and tell me what is wrong.'

  'You've been so good, Master,' mumbled Radius. 'You ‘ave, truly.'

  'Perhaps so, Radius, but my beneficence has never occasioned such a response from you before. Rather, it is more often the contrary that is the case. When I have had reason to scold or reprimand you I have known you to shed a tear, but that was when you were a small boy. I have never seen you like this. So what is it? What is the trouble?'

  Radius bowed his head. 'I'm no good.'

  'I would not go that far, Radius. Agreed, I have at times had cause to--'

  'No, no! I'm no good!' Radius adamantly shook his head. 'You've always been kind to me, and I don't deserve it, Master. I've betrayed you!'

  'Betrayed?' Pader stiffened. 'Betrayed? Why, boy, what do you mean?'

  'It's true, Master.' Radius lifted wide, frightened eyes to Pader. His tears glistened brightly, shame and anguish on his face. 'It is. It is. Oh, I'm no good! No good!'

  He buried his face in his hands and wept, his shoulders racked with sobs. Quite suddenly Pader began to feel a new level of concern. He dragged his chair around the desk and sat down beside the boy. 'Radius, calm yourself, now. Tell me, what are you saying? What do you mean by 'betrayed' me?'

  When Radius's sobs had ebbed a little he sat up and looked fearfully over his shoulder, towards the door. Then he stammered, 'I did, Master. I didn't want to, I didn't mean to, but he made me. He made me tell him everything!'

  'Who, Radius? Who made you?'

  'Th- the Lord Spectre! He threatened me, and he said if ever I told you-- Oh Master, I'm so afraid. Please don't harm me! And please don't let him have me!'

  The boy threw his arms around Pader Luminis's neck and clung to him, shaking and sobbing uncontrollably. And to Pader, not yet recovered from the shock of Mawnie's murder, Radius's words came like a mallet-blow. He felt himself reeling, and one word resounded back and forth inside his skull.

  Fectur!

  So it was that Pader learned of Fectur's clandestine visit to his private apartments in White Eaglet Tower, and his discovery of Radius hiding there. He learned of the one-sided conversation that had ensued, and the unfavourable terms laid upon Radius by the Lord High Invigilate.

  Pader was enraged, and shocked to his core. His ire was in the first instance directed at Radius for wilfully disobeying him and remaining behind to eavesdrop on his private conversation with Queen Issul. But far greater was the fury and outrage he felt towards Fectur. To have entered and searched Pader's apartment was a felony in itself, but to then threaten and interrogate Radius was something else. And Pader understood that Radius would have had little choice but to reveal whatever secrets he held, illicit or not. He knew the terror that Fectur instilled in his victims. No matter the boy's disobedience, the fact that Radius had fought his terror sufficiently to come here now and confess said something for his inner character and the depth of loyalty he felt towards Pader.

  When he was satisfied that Radius had told him all that had transpired, Pader said, 'Well firstly, Radius, I wish you to know that I am disappointed. That you should have hidden yourself and eavesdropped on my conversation with the Queen when I had specifically dismissed you does not stand you in my favour. I am very angry.'

  The boy sat motionless, unable to meet his gaze.

  'Has Lord Fectur approached you again?'

  Radius swallowed. 'He came three days ago, Master.'

  'To my apartments?'

  'Yes.'

  'What did he want?'

  'Just to know if I had heard anything more.'

  'And what did you tell him?'

  'The truth, Master: that I have scarcely seen you since you were made Lord Protector.'

  Pader nodded grimly to himself.

  'Master,' said Radius in a shaking voice, 'what will happen to me now? Am I to be cast out?'

  'Cast out? Hmm, I must consider that. I am not pleased, not pleased at all. Through your insubordination you have not only gotten yourself into deep trouble, you have also put the Queen herself at risk.'

  'Oh, Master!'

  Pader eyed him reproachfully.

  'I didn't mean nothing,' Radius protested.

  'I accept that. But you deliberately eavesdropped on a high-level, private conversation!'

  'But I would never have told noone what I'd heard. But the Lord Spectre, when he asked me, how could I not tell him? He made it sound like everyone was under suspicion, even you, Master. Maybe even the Queen!'

  'And perhaps that is the way he sees it,' muttered Pader, half-beneath his breath. 'As I said, I will dwell upon this. I want you to go now.'

  'But what if he comes after me?' cried Radius.

  'After you? Why would he do that? He does not know you have come to me, does he? Therefore do not tell him. If he comes prowling and seeking more information, tell him as before, that you have exchanged no words with me. You can do that, can't you?'

  Radius nodded meekly.

  Pader thought for a moment. 'That is, until I tell you otherwise. Hmm . . . yes. Perhaps I can yet turn this situation to my advantage. Our devoted Lord High Invigilate could indeed find himself discovering more than he had anticipated. I will consider. Now, begone, and do not breathe a word of this to anyone.'

  Radius left, still clutching his shirt-ends. Pader Luminis remained in his seat, lost in thought.

  iii

  Dawn had yet to tint the dark sky. Pader passed with Kol and an escort of four guards through the cresset-lit passages of Orbia. His goal was the Ministry of Security. He was intent upon locating Fectur, if necessary rousing him from his bed.

  His first thought, when questioning Radius, had been to have it out with Fectur once and for all. He intended to leave Fectur in no doubt of his anger at his trespass. He would berate him in no uncertain terms for his illicit questioning of Radius, and in addition let him be certain that he was the prime suspect in Duchess Demawndella's murder.

  But Pader had thought again as his temper cooled. A more considered approach was both preferable and advisable; direct accusations would gain him nothing. Fectur would be put on his guard, would bring forth plausible and well-rehearsed excuses and alibis; and Radius's life would have been put at risk. But if, on the other hand, Pader could play the Spectre at his own game . . . If he could exploit the situation and plant disinformation of the right kind into the Lord High Invigilate's mind, then he might just succeed in leading Fectur along a path of his choosing.

  So Pader proceeded now to Fectur's office determined only to raise the issue of Mawnie's death. Whether Fectur was guilty of the crime or not, the bald fact was that internal security had been most seriously breached. It was Fectur's department; he had failed in his duty.

  And Pader was intrigued to find out where Fectur was just now. He would have been informed immediately of the death - if he was not previously aware. Yet he had not shown himself at Mawnie's chambers, nor at Pader's office.

  Pader might have summoned him, but perhaps it would be more enlightening to seek him out, wherever he might be.

  They passed through the lower level of the East Wing of Orbia, their footsteps resounding off the bare flags, flame-cast shadows bounding and distorting across the walls. At a certain point Pader slowed his step, throwing out a cautioning hand. 'What is that sound?'

  They listened. The halls and corridors were
silent.

  'Did you not hear it?' asked Pader. 'A shout, I thought, from somewhere up ahead.'

  Kol shook his head, as did the others. 'I heard nothing, my lord.'

  Pader listened on, but the silence was unbroken. Perhaps he had imagined it. They continued along their way, but at a less brisk pace and Pader kept his senses pared, alert for any disturbance.

  They crossed an intersection of passages. Before them a long corridor lined with several doors let into a broad arcade set with tall statues and imposing columns which vanished into a lofty vaulted ceiling. The arcade, unusually, was in darkness.

  'There!' Pader halted. This time there was no mistaking. A voice. A man had cried out some distance away. His shout was oddly curtailed. Then there was a muffled crash which seemed to issue from somewhere just beyond the arcade.

  Kol and the guards drew their weapons and took up positions in front of Pader Luminis.

  'What can it be?'

  Pader shook his head. 'I don't know, but I don’t like it. Advance with caution.'

  They moved on, step-by-step along the length of the corridor. Of the arcade they could see nothing but the wan, carved-stone facades of the nearest columns, only partly-illumined by flambeaux upon the corridor walls. There were more crashing sounds, another shout followed by a dull thud.

  Then came a terrible sound. Something inhuman, a deep-throated sound from somewhere hidden within the dark. It fell somewhere between a growl and a roar, and curdled the blood.

  Kol and his men were at the entrance to the arcade now, Pader a few steps behind. A loud bang from across the chamber made Pader start, but he could see nothing. Kol reached up and took a flambeau from its wall-bracket and tossed it into the dark. It arced fluttering through the darkness and came to rest on the bare floor midway along the arcade. As it did something moved - a shadow? Or did it possess form and substance? It was gone almost before it was seen, vanishing into the gulf behind a statue.

  Kol edged forward and peered warily around the angle of the wall, into the arcade. One of his men took the other corner and did likewise. At that moment there was a sudden movement. A shadow grew; a monstrous form shot out from behind the nearest column and charged at them.

  Pader Luminis drew back several steps in horror. His men yelled out their alarm. It was a mottled grey-brown shape materializing out of the gloom, eight feet tall, massively muscled and surprisingly fleet. Long arms raised, hefting a cudgel: a gigantic thing, fangs bared, half-armoured, a bestial snarl escaping from somewhere low in its throat.

  The beast leapt at the nearest soldier, swinging its great cudgel to crush the poor man's head against the wall with a sickening sound. The soldier sank limply to the ground, his blood smearing the wall. Kol and the others leapt to the attack. Their swords chewed into the creature's thick flesh. The troll howled, grasped one of its assailants, lifted him and hurled him far into the dark arcade, then turned upon another. Its limbs and trunk were a mass of bloody wounds, but it would not die. It raised both its arms high and brought them down. To Pader's horror he saw the terrible blow land full upon Kol's head. Kol folded and crumpled to the floor and lay still.

  Pader was unarmed. He backed away as the troll-thing burst free of the two remaining guards and charged him. Out of the depths of his terror a series of words came unbidden into his mind. Only half aware of what he did, he intoned the words and made a small movement with his fingers. A host of brightly-coloured, gemlike winged-insects appeared instantly between Pader and the troll. Luminous in the corridor's semi-dark they clustered in a dazzling cloud. The troll pulled up, swatting stupidly at the immaterial things as they swarmed about its head.

  Pader Luminis staggered away. The two guards leapt at the troll from behind. Pader was aware of footsteps at his back; a squad of Palace Guards ran towards him along the corridor. They raced past to join battle with the confounded troll. Their sergeant paused, grasped Pader's arm to pull him away. 'Are you all right, Lord Protector?'

  Pader managed to nod. More guards came and fell in around him. The troll stamped and roared and heaved its cudgel one way and the other. At least two more men fell, but the beast's wounds multiplied and at last it sagged to its knees, and a final mortal blow sent it toppling to the flags.

  Breathing hard, Pader pushed down the corridor to where Kol lay spreadeagled upon the floor. Kol was utterly still, blood coming from his mouth and nose. Pader put his hand to his brow. He was vaguely aware of shouts coming from another part of the building. He turned dazedly to the sergeant. 'What is happening?'

  'They are in the palace, wreaking carnage,' the soldier replied.

  'How?'

  'They can only have been carried here by a third wave of slooths.'

  Pader shook his head in consternation. 'How many?'

  'We don't know. Lord Protector, I must get you away from here.'

  Pader nodded. He gave orders for Kol and the others to be urgently attended to, then allowed himself to be escorted back along the corridor.

  iv

  Twelve in all. That is, twelve were located and eventually slain. They had been transported into the palace precincts and set free to roam the night at will, wreaking carnage wherever they passed. And they had performed their tasks to daunting effect. Their Karai master would be well-pleased. Thirty eight Palace Guards were dead, another nineteen injured; in addition there were numerous casualties among the household staff and courtiers, ranging from the mauled and brutalized to the purely terror-stricken.

  And if a mere dozen can cause such havoc, thought Pader despondently, what will fifty do? Or a hundred? How many of these monsters does Anzejarl command?

  How had the slooths penetrated Orbia's defences to land the trolls? It was not difficult, everyone acknowledged that. If the winged demons possessed good night-vision - and plainly they did - there were many gaps between the wires, nets, meshes and ropes, through which they might slip. It had been known from the beginning that the hurriedly-erected defences could not cover the entire city-castle, nor even all of Orbia Palace, and would do little to deter a concerted attack.

  It was little comfort that a pair of slooths had been brought down and slain by Palace Guards as they struggled to land their cargo. Two, under these circumstances, only highlighted the ineffectiveness of the defences.

  More than ever a feeling of helplessness descended upon Pader. It was agonizingly compounded by the loss of Mawnie, and the near-death of Kol. He could not help but feel that the responsibility for both misfortunes was solely his. In the chill winter breeze of early-morning he stepped with a heavy heart out onto the high battlements of Enchantment's Reach and directed his gaze away across the vast low forest. The forest, rust-brown and yellow, and in places almost bare of leaf, was ruffled by the scurrying passage of the breezes. In the furthest distance the mountains of Enchantment were largely obscured by sombre mist, but here and there a shimmering snow-capped peak or humped spur or ridge would show itself briefly, before the veil closed again.

  Issul, Leth, where are you?

  Pader gazed down to the Karai host gathered so far below.

  What defence have we?

  The wind whipped his gown. Pader felt old and tired. He ached in his bones, and in his soul. He thought of Mawnie, poor Mawnie. He grasped the battlements with shaking hands and let the tears flow freely down his cheeks.

  Thoughts of Mawnie returned to him as the morning progressed. He dwelt upon her last days, her tragic pleas and utterances. Had they been anything more than empty ravings? It was so hard to know. Her emotional state had been such that she had for some time been steeped in morbid regret and self-pity. Her loneliness, her sterile, troubled marriage, the loss of her twin, Ressa - still bringing her such melancholy and grief even four years on. Perhaps it was inevitable that Mawnie would collapse. They should have foreseen it.

  But what was it that she had repeated over and over again in her ravings? 'It was me he wanted. In the woods. It was me!'

  Pader recalled that sh
e had summoned Leth one day recently, when she was at least semi-lucid. By Leth's report she had told him that the vile creature that had attacked her and Ressa on that terrible day on Sentinel's Peak, had spoken to her. It claimed it had come from Enchantment, that it was going to destroy all of them. And Mawnie had cried to Leth that, because of what had happened there, she should not live any longer.

  A chill thought struck Pader Luminis: had Mawnie taken her own life? He would make further enquiries, discover whether it was possible that she could have concealed a dagger somewhere close by.

  Then he wondered, did Lord Fectur know that the Legendary Child was the spawn of that vile monster, and that it had come from Ressa's womb? As far as Pader was aware, he did not. But if Fectur had gleaned anything from Mawnie . . .

  He relaxed. No, not even Mawnie knew of the birth.

  But Fectur's agents had encountered Issul. Pader squeezed shut his eyes. Could they possibly have found a means of making Issul tell what she knew? The thought was unbearable. If they had, then Pader could be sure that she no longer lived.

  But no. Fectur would have revealed something, in his attitude, his manner, his poise. Something. If he knew.

  Or would he? The master of deceit?

  Could Radius have told him anything? Radius had admitted to overhearing at least part of a conversation between Pader and King Leth in Pader's apartment in the White Eaglet's Tower. The boy said he had told Fectur something of the content of the conversation, but that he had understood very little and - overcome with guilt - had not listened to all of it, anyway.

  Pader's memory of events was imprecise, with so much occupying his mind. But he recalled that he and Leth had spoken more than once in his apartment in the days preceding Leth's overthrow and disappearance. They had talked in some depth of the True Sept's mysterious creed, the possible origins of its beliefs, and . . . yes, at least once they had touched upon the subject of Ressa's having possibly borne the Legendary Child.