Into The Void

by Nigel Findley

  In fact, part of him wished that were true. Where had that thought come from? he wondered. At first space had been a dangerous unknown, and his greatest desire had been to get back to the safe, planet-bound life that he knew. Now, however, part of his mind equated space with safety, while Rauthaven – and Toril as a whole – was the dangerous unknown. Why? After all, wasn’t he now near the end of his quest? If he could find an arcane and discharge his obligation to the dead owner of the cloak, he’d be free to live his own life again, as he saw fit. Why wasn’t he welcoming landfall on Toril as the penultimate step in freeing himself from his burden?

  When he phrased the question that way, the answer was obvious. What if he found out that the arcane weren’t the creators of the cloak and were as helpless as the gnomes of Mount Nevermind when it came to removing it? This entire trip would have been a wild-goose chase. Worse, where would he go from here? Instead of the end of his journey, Rauthaven could turn out to be just the first step in a much greater one. It just didn’t bear thinking about.

  That, he knew, was why he found himself wishing he were back in space. On the journey, he’d enjoyed the anticipation of solving the problem. Now that he was here, there was a very real possibility that he didn’t have the solution. He found that he was deeply afraid of finding that out. Stupid, he thought, it’s like hiding from a messenger because you’re afraid he might be bearing bad news. Stupid, maybe, but the feeling was very real. He shook his head hard, trying to banish the thoughts, the doubts.

  There was somebody approaching across the main deck. He strained his eyes through the darkness. He could barely make out the shape of a man about his own height but more lightly built. As the figure drew closer, Teldin could discern the face.

  The man’s features weren’t familiar at all; Teldin didn’t recognize him. How can that be? he asked himself. There are no strangers aboard ship. It could be one of the new crewmen the Probe had acquired from the neogi deathspider, he supposed, but he thought he’d met all of them. Who was this stranger? For the first time, he felt the stirring of fear. His hand dropped to the hilt of his short sword.

  Say your hand. The words formed directly in Teldin’s brain. There was no mistaking that mental voice.

  “Estriss?” Teldin gasped.

  The figure before him smiled – or, at least, it was probably intended to be a smile. The lips drew back from the teeth, but the expression looked clumsy, somehow artificial.

  It is I, the mental voice confirmed. You are not the only one with access to shapeshifting magic.

  “How?”

  A hat of disguise, the illithid answered. I purchased it long ago for times such as these.

  “What do you mean?”

  Humor tinged the mind flayer’s words. Even in a city such as Rauthaven, those of my kind are not overly welcome. People react with fear, and fearful people are unlikely to give me the information I need. So the charade. To those of Rauthaven, I am Bale Estriss, collector of antiquities … and sadly, a mute who can only communicate by writing notes.

  Teldin nodded in understanding. Clever, he thought. That way the illithid wouldn’t have to use his telepathic abilities.

  I found you to discuss plans, the mind flayer went on. I must find out what I can about the upcoming auction. A boat will be coming to ferry me and some others in. Do you still wish to make contact with an arcane?

  “Definitely,” Teldin replied.

  Estriss nodded. While I am abroad in the town, I promise to make what inquiries I can. As I told you before, there are no guarantees, but it seems to me very likely that there will be at least one arcane in Rauthaven.

  “Good.” Teldin thought for a moment. “Maybe I should go into town myself.”

  I would advise you not to do so, the illithid replied quickly. You do not know this city.

  Teldin was surprised to realize he felt a little miffed by the mind flayer’s quick rejection. “Do you?” he shot back.

  Estriss hesitated, and Teldin knew he’d guessed right. Not well, the illithid answered slowly, but I do have experience in finding my way around unfamiliar worlds, while you do not The mind flayer’s mental tone changed. I apologize, he said. I have offended you, and that was not my intention. My only excuse is the proximity of the auction, which is so important to my work. Will you accept that my concern is for your safety?

  Teldin knew that what Estriss was saying only made sense. There was nothing Teldin himself could do, abroad in Rauthaven, that the illithid couldn’t do, perhaps better. He nodded.

  The disguised Estriss laid a reassuring hand on Teldin’s shoulder. I am glad. I should be only an hour or two. Hopefully, when I return, I will have news.

  *****

  According to the ship’s bells, Estriss was ashore for little more than two hours. To Teldin it seemed much longer. In an attempt to pass the time, he went below and chatted with Horvath and Miggins. The two gnomes had come up with a complex replacement for the Probe’s sea sail, one that they said would nearly double the ship’s speed on the ocean. They’d mentioned it to Aelfred, they told Teldin, and the first mate had given them permission to rig a prototype … if they supplied all the materials themselves and if they made no permanent modifications to the hammership’s rigging without Aelfred’s express authorization. The gnomes were so excited that Teldin couldn’t tell them his interpretation of the big warrior’s behavior. Teldin was convinced Aelfred saw this as a way to keep the gnomes busy and out from underfoot.

  After that, he’d spent a comfortable half-hour chatting with Rianna in the officer’s saloon. The woman had easily sensed his tension but had shown the sensitivity not to question him about it. Instead, she’d kept the conversation superficial.

  No matter how much he counseled himself to patience, Teldin was almost vibrating with tension when he saw the small, open tender that did ferry duty around the harbor approaching. With a quick explanation to Rianna about business matters, he hurried up on deck.

  “Did you find out anything?” he asked as soon as Estriss was aboard.

  I certainly did, the illithid replied. His mental voice was filled with excitement. The auction takes place early the day after tomorrow, at the Merchants’ Rotunda, a central meeting place. We were lucky to arrive in time. I have heard further descriptions of some of the items to be included, and they certainly sound like the artifacts I want. This is the perfect opportunity I have waited for. The illithid’s magically disguised face smiled clumsily at Teldin. If you wish to attend with me, you would be most welcome.

  “Well, yes,” he said slowly, “that’s good, but about the arcane …?”

  The disguised illithid looked at him in puzzlement for a moment, then realization showed on his features. Of course, he said hastily, my apologies, I forgot. Yes, there is known to be one arcane who will be attending the auction as well. His name is “T’k’Pek.” The illithid spoke the name aloud, exaggerating the clicking consonants. I’m sure you can speak to it tomorrow at the auction.

  Teldin shook his head. “No,” he said firmly, “I need to speak to the arcane in private, preferably before the auction.”

  Estriss hesitated. I doubt that will be practical.

  “Estriss,” Teldin said sharply, “this is important. Where’s the arcane staying in town? I can arrange a visit.” Teldin was somewhat surprised by his own decisiveness, and both Estriss’s and Aelfred’s reactions confirmed that it was a shock to them.

  T’k’Pek is not staying in Rauthaven, Estriss answered. I understand that he will remain on his ship, in orbit around Toril, until the time of the auction.

  “Where in orbit?”

  The illithid shrugged. In his disguised form, the gesture looked a lot more natural. No one has told me. I would expect that no one knows.

  Teldin turned to Aelfred. “Can we look for it?”

  Aelfred glanced uncomfortably at Estriss. Teldin could tell what was going through his mind: Estriss is officially captain of the Probe, and the first mate must abide by the
decisions of his superior. Strictly speaking, this couldn’t be Aelfred’s decision. “We could, I suppose,” the burly warrior said slowly. “Theoretically we could, but finding it’s another question again. Compared to a planet, a ship’s a very tiny needle in a bloody big haystack. If you don’t have any details on altitude or the orientation of the ship’s path, it can take days.”

  Teldin found himself grinding his teeth in frustration. He was so close: too close to fail now. He turned to Estriss. “The Probe is your ship,” he said, keeping his voice as unemotional as he could. “Would you allow this?”

  It was the mind flayer’s turn to pause uncomfortably. There may be no need, he said after a moment. As is typical with the arcane, T’k’Pek conducts most business through a representative – a factor, if you will – in Rauthaven. This man is called Barrab. It should be possible to make contact with him … The mental voice trailed off uncertainly.

  “Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?” Teldin demanded.

  It may be of no help. The words that formed in Teldin’s mind held a tone of complete candidness. If the arcane has seen tit to employ a representative, it will probably be because he does not want to deal directly with others. The factor’s job, then, will be to prevent the kind of contact that you seek.

  “You may be right,” Teldin admitted, “but I have to try.”

  Doing so would draw attention to you, Estriss pointed out. It would expose you to risk, and risk the loss of – he glanced around furtively, even though there were only the three of them on the forecastle – of that which you must protect.

  “I have to try,” Teldin repeated stubbornly.

  Estriss was about to object, but Aelfred cut in with a snort. “The lad’s right,” he said firmly. “This is important, for several reasons. I know it’s a risk, but look. I’ll go along with him, maybe take another crewman.” He smiled down at Teldin. “We’ll keep you out of trouble. Where’s this Barrab staying, ‘Bale’?”

  The illithid shrugged again, this time in resignation. He stays at tie Edgewood, on Widdershins Street.

  “Good.” Aelfred turned back to Teldin. “We can go at once if you like. If the ship can’t do without me for a few hours, we’ve got the wrong crew.”

  Gratitude toward the first mate – his friend – swelled within Teldin’s breast, but he knew that thanks would just embarrass the big warrior. With an effort, he kept his emotions out of his voice. “At once would be … convenient,” he said.

  Chapter Eleven

  Prissith Nerro’s claws clicked on the deck as the neogi descended the ramp and entered the bridge of the Void Reaper. The monster raised its head and sniffed the air. There was still the tang of smoke, of burned flesh, normally not a distasteful smell, but the cause robbed it of its pleasure. The neogi captain looked around the bridge.

  Most of the damage was repaired – the worst of it, at least. The forward port, the one shattered by that foul elf s magic, had been replaced, and the burn scars on the deck and bulkheads patched. Still, there’s the smell of burning in the air? the creature wondered. Or does it linger only in my mind? Prissith Nerro snarled its anger. The bridge crew backed away, knowing the rashness of disturbing their captain when it was in this mood.

  We do not have the prize yet, the neogi told itself, but at least we have valuable information. It smacked its lips as it remembered the tastes of the interrogation. The simple pleasures of tearing flesh made up for the horrendous difficulties the creature had with the human language. What was it about the tongue that made its grammar and syntax so alien to the neogi mind? The creature knew well that it was far from fluent in the grotesque language – the prisoner’s reactions had frequently made that clear – and suspected that none of its race fared any better.

  My plan is a good one, it reassured itself. If only it didn’t have to depend on lesser races for its success. The creature spat in disgust.

  There was a sound behind the captain. Prissith Nerro spun, teeth bared, ready to tear. It was Prissith Ulm. The captain felt grudging admiration for the fact that it’s brood-brother hadn’t even flinched. “What?” it snarled in its own tongue.

  The subordinate neogi bobbed its head in respect. “Prissith Nerro Master,” it hissed. “We have word from our asset on Toril.”

  At last, good news. “What?” the captain demanded.

  Prissith Ulm bowed again. “The bearer of the cloak has arrived,” it said respectfully, “as you said it would. That has been confirmed.”

  Prissith Nerro hissed with pleasure. “What more?”

  “By now, the cloak bearer knows of the arcane and his representative, Barrab,” the sub-captain continued. “Our asset is certain the creature will attempt to contact Barrab, and hence the arcane.” It hesitated – questioning the captain was a risky business at the best of times, but it had to know. “Do we proceed as you outlined, Prissith Nerro Master?”

  The captain spat with harsh neogi laughter. “Yes, brood-brother,” it said. “We will let my plan progress a little further before we intervene.”

  *****

  Barrab was a large man, almost as tall and broad as Aelfred Silverhorn, and weighing about as much. While the big warrior was all muscle and bone, without an ounce of fat on his frame, however, Barrab was softly rounded everywhere. His black, rather stringy hair was shoulder-length, framing a round, pale face. His thick lips were always curved in a beatific smile. At first, Teldin had thought the expression made the man look like some kind of giant cherub, then he’d noticed that the smile didn’t quite reach the man’s small eyes, which were cold and hard. Teldin judged that he was in his early forties, though he had to admit to himself that there was at least a five-year margin of error in that estimate. Barrab sat back in his leather-backed chair and watched Teldin and Aelfred coolly as they stood before the table he was using as a desk.

  There had been no problem in finding the Edgewood: it was well-known throughout Rauthaven as the best restaurant, wine room, and inn in the city. The Edgewood was located in what was known as the ‘High Quarter’ – the district just a little downhill from Duke Admantor’s castle – and its architecture and decor immediately identified it as a haven for the upper class. Its entry off Widdershins Street and its halls were spotless, all floors covered by carpets of the finest workmanship, and the rooms – if Barrab’s was any indication – as sumptuous as a king’s palace.

  They’d had no difficulty in getting in to see Barrab. Presumably, as the arcane’s representative, he had to be available at all times to any business opportunity. All they’d had to do was ask the functionary in the Edgewood’s lobby, and they’d been given directions to Barrab’s room.

  When they’d reached the door, Teldin had suggested that Aelfred and Julia, who was the second “bodyguard,” wait outside, but the first mate had squelched that idea in short order. “Forget it,” he’d told Teldin bluntly. “First, there’s no telling if there’s somebody who wants to put a knife into the back of ‘Aldyn Brewer,’ for whatever reason. Second, this is a business delegation. What kind of respect are you going to get if you don’t have your ‘personal assistant’ with you, eh?”

  Teldin had to admit that it was reassuring to accept the big warrior’s arguments. Even though Aelfred was in “civvies,” a green jerkin with a garish red sash at his waist, he still carried his short sword with him, and Teldin didn’t doubt that he had a couple of throwing daggers concealed on his person. He and Aelfred had entered Barrab’s “office,” the first mate following his “employer” a respectful step to the left and behind. Julia had stayed in the hallway, exchanging steely glares with the dagger-armed bravo who stood sentry outside Barrab’s room.

  Barrab sat while they stood. He looked them up and down leisurely, the cherubic smile never faltering. He reached out and, with a delicacy that belied the size of his fingers, picked up a swollen green seed from a glass bowl on the table before him and popped it into his mouth. He sucked contemplatively while he continued his scrutiny. Finally he
spoke. “You have business with me, yes?” Teldin was surprised by the man’s voice. It was quiet, gentle – weak, Teldin thought, but that was probably a facade the representative used in business situations. The hard eyes were anything but weak.

  Teldin had worked out his approach with Aelfred on the way over. Now he was glad of the preparation. He kept his voice steady, almost disinterested. “Not with you,” he told the factor, “with your employer.”

  Barrab raised an eyebrow so thin that it seemed to have been plucked. “Indeed?” The word spoke amusement and a little disdain.

  “Indeed,” Teldin replied flatly. “I understand that you are T’k’Pek’s representative in Rauthaven. Sometimes it’s … polite … to follow conventional channels.”

  “Oh?” Barrab seemed a little surprised at this. “And you have access to unconventional channels?”

  “If need be, but it would be inconvenient to be forced to use them.”

  Barrab’s gaze grew even harder, if that were possible. “Indeed,” he repeated coldly. “And just what is your business with T’k’Pek?”

  Teldin had a quick answer for that one. “That is between your master and myself.” He injected a hint of contempt into his voice.

  The representative picked up on it, as Teldin had known he would. “I am empowered to review all business concerning T’k – concerning my master, and determine whether it’s worth his time and attention.”

  “For rudimentary, day-to-day business, I would agree that you are ideally suited to review it for your master,” Teldin shot back. “The business I have with T’k’Pek is not of that ilk. It can only be discussed between your master and myself.” He was silent for a moment. Enough darts, he thought. Time for the carrot …. “It seems to me,” he said, his tone more reasonable, “that, to be trusted, a representative must have the wisdom to recognize when unusual circumstances arrive, and the authority to pass them directly to his superior. Isn’t that so?”