by Kara Jaynes
I sparred with several other guards, and I won each time, but I ended up getting my fair share of pummeling by the last one. My sides were heaving and I gulped for air. My legs shook, even as I delivered the final blows that took my opponent down.
Another bell tolled, the sound reverberating through the halls.
“That’s enough for now,” Ehric called. “Lunch hour.”
Everyone trudged out, chatting about the fights. I took the moment to catch my breath, bending over to place my hands just above my knees. I thought I was going to throw up. I’d fought against Elite, honing my speed, strength and precision to near perfection. But these guards fought like badgers in a barrel, something I was unfamiliar with, and while I could defeat them, it took more energy out of me.
“Hey, you all right?” Bleke came over. He looked terrible with his black eye. I’d kicked him harder than I’d intended.
“Yeah.” I stood up, ignoring the wave of dizziness that washed over me. “Please tell me that porridge isn’t on the midday menu.”
Bleke laughed. “Nope, don’t you worry.”
The rest of the day passed by quickly. I ate, fought some more, and then ate again in the evening. Fortunately, water came by more often.
“Land quake.” Ehric eyed me with disbelief. “You battle like a dragon.”
I shrugged. “Fighting is what I do, sir.”
He held up a note. “Well, I just got this from Lord Dubauer. He summoned the piper this morning, and the report is that he spent the day taking a sea of rats out of the city. We need to go out there and make sure the citizens don’t tear him to pieces in their adoration.”
Panic gripped my heart. Where was Glacia in all of this? Maybe she’d stayed at the inn, but with Taloos in the mix, I highly doubted it. If anything happened to Glacia, I would wring the beast tamer’s neck.
“I’d be happy to assist, sir,” I said.
He eyed me. “Are you sure you’re up for the task?”
“The piper is my friend, sir. We came to the city together. I’d like to make sure he escapes any potential mobs.”
Ehric hesitated only for a moment before nodding. “All right. But Bleke and Devan are in charge.”
Several minutes later, we were out and marching toward the gates.
My stomach was a sour knot of anxiety. Before today, I had viewed the people of Stagfort with compassion and kindness. Today, I frowned at every passerby. If something happened to Glacia, fog and rats would be the least of this city’s worries.
What had Taloos gotten himself into? He had to go and pull a stunt like this on my first day of work?
“Don’t worry.” Bleke strode alongside me. “Your friend should be fine. He’s a mage, isn’t he?” He swept his arm in a wide arc, taking in the city. “I don’t see a single rat, do you?”
I didn’t. The thought should be comforting, except I couldn’t see Glacia, either. Where was she? She said she’d stay out of trouble, but my instincts told me she was with Taloos, trouble or not.
People were skipping down the streets, shouting excitedly at each other.
“Heaven bless the piper!” someone sang.
“They’re gone. All gone!” another shouted.
“Now for Elymas!” yet another voice called.
I wanted to run to the entrance, but the guards strode along, weapons unsheathed. Why are you so slow? I wanted to shout.
I stayed in formation, gritting my teeth in frustration.
Reaching out with my senses, I felt her slumbering magic.
Glacia was just outside of the city.
10
Glacia
As the day lightened, I could see more clearly—as clear as the fog would allow, anyway.
The city barracks were stationed off to the side of the manor, and I stared at it as if my gaze could see through the fence. Silvan was in there right now, starting his first day as a guard. So close. Too far.
Why had I told him it was all right to sign up? It wasn’t all right. Seeing him for a few hours once a week wasn’t nearly enough time.
I shook my head, annoyed with myself. If Silvan wanted this, I needed to be supportive. If it made Silvan happy, then I needed to be happy for him. From the little I’d gleaned from spending time with my parents, and the quick snatches of conversation I’d heard, guard's pay wasn't glamorous, but passable. Silvan spent too much time worrying about me.
Taloos strode up to the door of the manor, intending to knock, and jumped when he noticed a guard standing nearby in the shadows. “Ahhh!” Taloos turned his yell into a loud cough.
The guard glanced at him, his expression bland, before turning his gaze back on the street.
Still watching the guard, Taloos raised his hand and knocked.
Nothing. Taloos fidgeted and knocked on the door again, his knuckles rapping smartly against the wood.
It opened to reveal a thin, tired looking man peering out at us. “Can I help you?” he asked, his voice bored.
“Yes.” Taloos tilted his head, looking at the man down his nose. They were the same height. “I’m here at the request of Lord Dubauer.” He held up his crumpled letter. “In this note, here.”
The man blinked, and opened the door wider. “I see. All right. Come in and wait here in the entry. I’ll notify him that you’re here.”
We filed into the entry. There were rats here, too, and I decided that must have been why the city ruler had summoned him.
Taloos smiled fondly as a rodent scampered by. “We’re going to be rich,” he said dreamily.
A rat skittered over my foot, and I stumbled backward, stifling a scream. I didn’t think I’d ever grow used to that.
“Yeah, it’s pretty gross,” Taloos agreed, as if I’d spoken. He glanced into the shadow that the rat had hidden itself. “I know rodents are everywhere, especially in cities, but it’s really ridiculous here in Stagfort.”
“You heard the gossip,” I said. “The mysterious magician, Elymas, put them here. That seems to be the consensus, anyway.”
“Hmm.” Taloos cocked his head to the side. “The rats haven’t said that they’ve come here through unnatural means, but I don’t suppose that means anything.”
“What do they talk about?” I asked, genuine curiosity threading through me.
“Eh, the same as any other rat or mouse.” Taloos smiled. “They talk about food they’ve found, or food they want to find. How they hope to avoid cats. How there are too many people.” He paused, a flicker of confusion crossing his features. “One of them just mentioned magic.” His eyes grew bigger. “And curses.” He rubbed his arms. “Okay, I’m officially spooked. Rats don’t talk about that sort of stuff. I think the people might be on to something.”
What had we gotten ourselves into? I wished Silvan was here with us.
“The Lord Dubauer will see you now.” The thin, reedy man was back. He covered a huge yawn with a hand, seemingly oblivious to the rats. “This way, please. If you will follow me.”
We followed, Taloos’s face glowing with excitement. I knew why he was looking forward to this meeting, unnatural matters in the city or not. He finally mattered.
Of course, he’d mattered before, but now he could see it. Everyone here loved his gift, his ability to communicate with animals. I wish I had such an ability.
I wondered what it was about myself that Silvan liked so much. I didn’t have any special abilities. I supposed I was pretty enough, but then, I wasn’t sure that would be enough to keep Silvan around, as there were plenty of other women in this world who were much prettier than me. So, what kept him close?
Except now we weren’t close. We wouldn’t be able to see each other, in our new situation. I hoped he’d sneak away from the barracks, like he’d done as an Elite, but somehow, I didn’t think he would do that. Silvan would take this opportunity for work very seriously.
The city ruler was seated at a large dining table, eating alone. Greasy was the first word that came to mind when I saw him. He was eat
ing a plate of cold chicken, with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His hair was lanky and dark, hanging about his face in unwashed clumps. The lower half of his face was prickly-looking; he desperately needed a shave.
He looked up at us with beady black eyes. They reminded me of a crow’s eyes, unfriendly and staring.
“I’m assuming you’re the piper?” he asked, eyeing Taloos. He took another huge bite of chicken, pulling the meat off the bone.
“Yes, I am,” Taloos said, stepping forward. He watched the city ruler suspiciously, as if he was suddenly unsure of his decision to come. “Taloos Colsworth, at your service.” He bowed.
The ruler grinned at him, wads of chicken in his teeth. “Am I right glad to see you, piper.” He glanced at Taloos’s mismatched clothing. “Pied piper, sounds more like it.”
“I’m a beast tamer, my lord,” Taloos said, still watching him warily.
The man snorted and reached for his goblet of wine. “Whatever that is.” He gulped down the contents of the cup, spilling dark red all over his already-stained shirt.
I glanced back at Taloos, and his face mirrored the squirming disgust in my stomach. Whoever or whatever this Lord Dubauer was, he was also a slob.
“Well, boy,” the ruler said after a loud belch, “I’ve been having a problem with rats, and I was wondering if you’d be able to help me with it.”
“I believe I probably could,” Taloos said slowly. He hesitated before squaring his shoulders. “For a price.”
Dubauer squinted up at him. “Ah. So, you want to get paid.” He sighed. “I suppose that makes sense.” He tapped a meaty finger to his chin, leaving a shiny spot of grease. “Rid the entire city of rats, and I’ll pay you . . . oh, how does three hundred silver sound to you?”
I stifled a gasp. That was a lot of money, but Taloos didn’t hesitate. “Four hundred,” he said smoothly. “I’ll do it for four hundred silver.”
Dubauer frowned at him. “Four, eh? That’s rather a lot, don’t you think?”
Taloos nodded. “Yes, but most cities have rats, even if it’s not as many as here. It won’t be easy to rid an entire city completely of rats.”
“Hmm.” The ruler ran a hand through his hair. “Fine. Deal.” He held out his hand. “Let’s shake on it.”
The horrified look on Taloos’s face made me bite my lip as I struggled to hold back a laugh. The beast tamer stepped up to the table and tentatively shook the ruler’s hand, circumspectly wiping his hand on his trousers afterward.
“I guess I’ll start here,” Taloos said. He tilted his head, listening to the scampering and squeak of rodents. His face broke into a smile and, shifting his gaze over to me, he winked. “You’ll want to see this.”
What did he have planned? I watched, curiously, as he pulled his whistle out of his back pocket.
Taloos put the mouthpiece to his lips, and began to play. It was a fun, jaunty little tune I’d never heard before. It made me want to dance.
Rats came boiling out from everywhere, all of them gathering around Taloos, like children around a storyteller. Still playing, Taloos turned on his heels, and left the room.
The rats followed. Like dogs following their master, the rodents scampered after the beast tamer. It didn’t stop at Dubauer’s house. When Taloos stepped outside, rats came running out from under the porch, from around the house, and from side streets, their beady little gazes fixed on the beast tamer.
Taloos continued to play as he walked through the city, walking down side streets before coming back to the main street. I realized as we walked that he truly meant to go down every street and alley in the city.
It took most of the day. Taloos played on every street, by every house, and by the river docks.
West, north, east. The beast tamer was taking a circular route through the city. My steps slowed as we reached the east side. The air felt heavier here, as if it were pressing too close about me. I caught sight of an old mansion, spires reaching up, the added fog making it look rather spooky. I frowned at it. There was something strange about that house.
My heart flipped when I saw a dark shadow gazing down at me from the highest window. Malice oozed from the figure. I cowered away from it, instinctively reaching for Taloos.
My hands found nothing but fog, and when I glanced about, realized I could barely see the rats that followed their master, their bodies pale gray and insubstantial. I couldn’t see Taloos at all, but his music cut through the air like a knife, and I scurried to catch up.
Taloos began striding back to the main streets, and I briefly wondered how on earth he was able to keep playing with such enthusiasm after such a long time, and walking to boot.
I looked over my shoulder, already unable to see the mysterious house now in the shifting gray.
Maybe I had imagined the figure, but somehow I didn’t think so. Was that the house of the elusive Elymas?
By the time Taloos reached the front entrance to the city, most people had fled to their homes, peering out at the dark, seething mass that followed him. Only a few brave souls had ventured out, and even they had taken to the roofs and gables, peering down with horrified fascination as we left the city.
I followed behind the storm of rats, falling further behind as the number of rodents that followed their leader grew.
Taloos walked until the forest was clearly visible on the horizon. The tune on his whistle became more urgent, and the rodents milled about him, their combined squeaking drowning out the instrument’s song.
The beast tamer pocketed his whistle and flung an arm out toward the woods.
As one great, dark wave, the rats surged forward, running toward the forest, not a single rodent staying behind. Within a few minutes, the sounds of their squeaking had disappeared, leaving the two of us standing alone, the grass about us sighing in a breeze.
Taloos stood still as if rooted to the ground, and when I walked up to him, his expression was one of wistful sadness. “It is done,” he said. “The people of Stagfort have their city back.”
I patted him on the back. “Cheer up. You’ve done a great deed today.”
“But the rats . . .” Taloos gazed mournfully toward the wood. I didn’t see any trace of them, and wondered what their fate was. Did I dare ask?
“For what it’s worth,” I said, “they were probably put in Stagfort by means of enchantment. I don’t think they wanted to be there any more than the people wanted them.”
I glanced up at the sky. Twilight was creeping across the wide expanse. I shivered.
“What do you mean?” Taloos asked.
I glanced back at the city, confusion and fear twisting my stomach. “I think you should go collect your wages,” I said. There was something wrong with this city. The sooner Taloos could pocket some silver, the better, in the event we needed to leave sooner than later.
I began to walk back toward Stagfort, the hem of my dress soaked from the rain-drenched grass. Taloos followed more slowly, his head down and shoulders hunched.
When we reached the city, I paused at the gate, and waited for Taloos to catch up. I gestured toward the entrance, a smile curving my lips. “The city will want to greet its hero,” I said.
Taloos stalked past me into the city, and I followed.
The roar that greeted us almost knocked me off my feet. Men, women, and children alike waved and cheered, everyone’s gaze locked on the beast tamer.
“Pi-per, pi-per!” the crowd screamed. People hung out of windows, danced on rooftops, and packed the streets, heedless of the fog that still drifted lazily about. I realized, suddenly, that there were several guards out now, trying to keep the human tide from trampling my friend.
The change in Taloos was noticeable. He stood a little taller, shoulders back and chin up as he strode down the street.
“Save us from the mage!” someone called.
“Make Dubauer pay!” another shouted.
My eyes scanned the crowd. It seemed the city was divided in its loyalty. What was goin
g on?
Most of the faces gazed adoringly at their hero, but some gazes were cold, angry, even. The crowd eddied about me, and I suddenly couldn’t see the beast tamer anymore.
I tried to push through the crowd. “Taloos!” I shouted. “Taloos!”
I stumbled, falling to my knees, and cried out when someone trod on my hand. I snatched it to my chest and surged to my feet, terror making it hard to breathe.
“Do you need assistance, my lady?” a voice spoke low in my ear.
Skin prickling, I spun around to stare up into deep blue eyes. “You’re here,” I said with a gasp. Just like that, my fear was gone, replaced by dizzying happiness.
Silvan smiled. He was wearing the uniform of the city guard. He took me by the elbow. “Let’s catch up to Taloos,” he said. “I don’t want you to get trampled.”
He was holding a spear and swung it in an arc before us. The crowd parted, though I heard several curses directed at Silvan. We caught up to the beast tamer in a few minutes.
“I love you!” a woman screamed, and Taloos jumped like he’d gotten stung. I giggled.
Well, if he decided to marry anytime soon, he’d have no shortage of girls to choose from. I was suddenly relieved that Silvan was an Elite. With a face as beautiful as his, Silvan wouldn’t have to do anything like emptying a city of rats, and he’d still have no shortage of willing women.
I looked down at my booted feet as I walked, my head sore from all the shouting.
When we finally reached Lord Dubauer’s house, Silvan released me. “I have to go back,” he said. His smile twisted into a grimace. “We were sent to make sure the beast tamer got safe passage.”
“Thanks for that,” Taloos said. His hair stuck out in the back. “Thought I was going to get smashed flat.” He glanced over his shoulder at the crowd that stood only yards away, still yelling their jubilation. Several guards were shouting back, trying to disperse the crowd.
