Ink Mage

by Victor Gischler

  The girls had played it just right, and Dra’Kreeto gestured to the other chairs at his table. Urma had told Tosh earlier the blondes would do the trick. Dra’Kreeto evidently liked yellow hair. Tosh had paid off the pub’s usual girls the night before to clear out the competition.

  A titter of laughter floated across the pub. Anne leaned in, touched the chamberlain’s arm, maintaining eye contact the whole time. She’s good, Tosh thought. No wonder she had so many regulars. As far as Tosh could tell, Dra’Kreeto was completely taken with her.

  Tosh watched the conversation. He couldn’t hear, but he could guess. It had been prearranged. Dra’Kreeto nodded, maybe agreeing on a price. Anne gestured to Ralline. Can my friend come too? Dra’Kreeto intrigued, questions on his face, Anne shaking her head. No not too much extra, not too expensive for a man of your means.

  Dra’Kreeto said something to Ralline, who smiled and blushed. Some kind of compliment, maybe. The three of them rose from the table, heading for the door together.

  The three soldiers rose immediately and followed.

  Tenni nudged Tosh. He’d forgotten he was supposed to be leaving too. He rose without seeming to hurry and paid the serving wench.

  Outside, the night stung bitterly cold. A narrow path had been shoveled down the center of the usually wide cobblestone road, making a path just wide enough for two people to pass each other. Tenni clung to him, shivering.

  The weight of the long dagger at Tosh’s back felt cold and awkward.

  Dra’Kreeto, the girls and the soldiers paused ahead of them at the mouth of the alley. They’d arrived at the make-or-break part of the plan.

  Mother had wanted the chamberlain’s death to look like an accident. A runaway cart rolling over him in the street, maybe. But she’d also wanted it done fast. Tosh had explained that a believable accident would take time to arrange, but it turned out there’d been a rash of robberies in the neighborhood recently. Mother had said that was good enough. There would be reprisals if a Perranese official were slain in a robbery, but none of it would be connected to the Wounded Bird.

  In theory.

  For the plan to work, they needed to turn down the side alley where Bune and Lubin waited. Each of the girls had one of the chamberlain’s arms, and Anne gestured down the alley. My place is down there. We could be out of the cold that much sooner.

  Tosh saw Dra’Kreeto shake his head. If he balked at Anne’s suggestion, then matters quickly became complicated. Tosh would be forced to make a quick decision—attack Dra’Kreeto in the open street in front of Dumo knew how many witnesses, or call off the attack all together. Would Anne and Ralline have to spend the night with the chamberlain to avoid arousing suspicion?

  Blast it all, we rushed this plan without thinking it through.

  Chamberlain, guards and girls turned down the alley.

  Tosh let his breath out, hadn’t realized he’d been holding it.

  Tenni pulled him along. Their part was to hover near the mouth of the alley, keeping watch, and to make sure nobody followed. If the plan went off as hoped, Bune would emerge from the shadows and demand Dra’Kreeto’s purse. Of the three guards, one or two would move forward to fend off the robber. Divide and conquer. Spread out those Perranese soldiers.

  And surprise was on their side. Tosh tried to take some comfort in that.

  Tosh and Tenni stopped when they were in position. From the corner they could follow Dra’Kreeto’s progress down the alley as well as watch the road they were on.

  Tenni took Tosh’s arm and squeezed.

  Lubin stepped out of the shadows, cudgel in hand. He raised his voice for the benefit of those he knew to be listening. He wanted to make sure everyone knew the stage play had started. “Hand over your coin purse or I’ll knock your fucking teeth right out of your head.”

  The soldiers didn’t hesitate, swords flashing from scabbards. Two rushed toward Lubin, spreading apart to come at him from two angles. The third soldier put himself between his master and the ensuing fray. Anne and Ralline clung to the Chamberlain. They would act afraid, and he would comfort them and so the surprise would be all the more.

  Tenni pulled on his arm. “Tosh.”

  Bune stepped out of the shadows next to Lubin, and the two Perranese soldiers stopped short, suddenly less sure of themselves.

  With all eyes on the two bruisers, nobody noticed Anne hiking up her skirts, reaching for the dagger strapped to her thigh.

  Tenni pulled on his arm more urgently. “Tosh!”

  He turned his head, looked where Tenni pointed.

  Urma had come halfway down the lane after them. She must have been in a hurry because she’d forgotten her cloak. She gestured frantically at something behind her.

  Tosh looked beyond her.

  A half dozen Perranese soldiers marched up the road.

  Oh, fuck me fuck me fuck me.

  A crunch and a clang drew Tosh’s attention back to the alley. Lubin and Bune bashed helmets and skulls. One of the soldiers staggered back. The other was on his knees in front Lubin. The big man brought his cudgel down with both hands. The cudgel stove in the helmet, smashing the skull underneath. The soldier jerked once and fell over.

  Anne was already in motion against the soldier who’d stayed back to guard Dra’Kreeto. She thrust the dagger into his armpit where there was a gap in the armor, just like Tosh had shown her. Blood gushed over her hand. She twisted and withdrew the blade, the soldier falling forward into the red-splattered snow.

  If Ralline hadn’t hesitated, the plan might still have had a chance.

  Maybe it was the thought of blood that made her balk. She brought her dagger around too slowly to take advantage of the surprise. Dra’Kreeto grabbed her arm and screamed something in Perranese.

  Anne moved in to help, stabbed Dra’Kreeto low in the side. Not a killing blow. Dra’Kreeto screamed again.

  The six Perranese soldiers back down the road broke into a run.

  Urma jumped in from of them, waving her arms.

  Tosh’s eyes went wide. What are you doing?

  She was trying to stop them or distract them or maybe—

  The lead soldier backhanded her, and her head spun around, drops of blood flying.

  The next soldier slammed the butt of his spear into the back of her head. There was a sickening crack, and Urma flopped limply, face down into the snow.

  No!

  The soldiers shouted for Tenni and Tosh to stand back as they turned into the alley. They saw Anne and Ralline on top of Dra’Kreeto, their daggers rising and falling to finish him.

  When the last solider passed, Tosh drew his dagger. He thrust under the back of the soldier’s wide helm, slamming the blade home at the base of his skull. Tosh rode the soldier down into the snow, the dagger still jammed into his brain. He yanked the blade free and rolled off the dead man just in time to see another solider bearing down on him with a spear.

  Tosh caught a glint of steel in his peripheral vision.

  Tenni leapt forward, sword sweeping, and parried the spear thrust. The solider spun the spear in the other direction and caught Tenni hard on the shoulder with the butt. Tenni hissed in pain.

  From the ground, Tosh lurched at the solider, jabbed the dagger through his knee. The soldier screamed, tilted to one side. Tenni swung her sword at an angle, planting it in his neck, armor, flesh and bone all giving way.

  Tosh staggered to his feet, looked at Tenni.

  She nodded.

  Down the alley, the other Perranese soldiers were dead. Lubin and Bune loomed over them, gore dripping from their cudgels. Anne stood on wobbly legs, her bloody dagger loose in her grip. Bune supported her under one arm. A nasty wound in her shoulder pumped blood. It dripped down her other arm.

  Ralline lay face down in the snow, her yellow hair spread out around her.

  Tosh turned back to the road. “Urma!”

  He ran back to the place where she’d fallen in the snow. He turned her over gently, looked at her face. Spatter
s of blood mixed in with the freckles. Her face was strangely calm. It was impossible he’d seen such casual violence done to her scant moments ago.

  He sensed somebody behind him. “Tosh.” Tenni’s voice. “Tosh, we have to go.”

  Tosh brushed Urma’s hair out of her face, tucked the stray strands behind a petite pink ear. “Just … give me a second.”

  “Lubin and Bune are taking Anne back,” Tenni said. “And Ralline.”

  Tosh lifted Urma. The girl’s weight shifted in his arms, lifeless and rubbery, and a sob wracked Tosh’s body, his eyes going hot and blurry with tears. She weighed next to nothing, but Tosh staggered, knees suddenly weak.

  Tenni grabbed him with both hands, turned him the right way. “Come on. I’ve got you.”

  Tosh opened his mouth to say something, but couldn’t think of anything that mattered. He tried not to cry, but the ache behind his eyes overpowered him. He let it go and cried with abandon, his animal keening echoing along the deserted, snow-crusted streets of Klaar.

  CHAPTER FIFTY

  Rina stood at one of the casements atop the wizard’s tower. She’d been watching the dark clouds gather all morning, blotting out the sun. The landscape below was nearly as dark as night. Thunder rumbled in the distance, moving closer.

  She glanced back at the wizard.

  Talbun sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, a constant muttering of arcane syllables tumbling from her lips. She sat within a circle of runes. The ancient markings scorched the wooden floor, and an acrid fume rose up around her. To the wizard’s left, a spell book open to the appropriate page. To the right, a stencil in brass. Runes and a lightning bolt and an inkwell and needle. Her tattoo awaited.

  But only if she were successful.

  Rina closed her eyes and tapped into the spirit again. Immediately, she saw the world wheel and blur through the eyes of the falcon as it dove toward the boulder where Alem and Maurizan hid. She’d been searching for them on and off the last few hours. Alem stood suddenly, recognizing the falcon. He waved, his big grin splitting his face.

  That’s right. I’m still alive. I’m not wizard fodder yet.

  The falcon circled three times and then flew away.

  When she released the spirit, she saw that Talbun’s eyes were open, watching her.

  “It’s done,” the wizard said. “The storm will peak soon. The tree is the tallest point at the top of the mountain. When lightning strikes it, you must fetch an ember. It must still be burning. You have the bowl, yes?”

  Rina touched the small bowl hanging around her neck. “Yes.”

  It was a heavily lacquered earthen pot with holes around the rim for air and a lid that fit tightly. It hung in a sling of netting, a leather strap around her neck. This would be the vessel for transporting the ember. If she let it go out, then the trip would be for nothing.

  “I have a question,” Rina said.

  Talbun nodded. “Go on.”

  “You’re sure lightning will strike the tree? You have that much control?”

  “I can’t aim lightning bolts like I’m firing a crossbow if that’s what you mean,” Talbun said. “But I will rain lighting down upon the mountain, and the tree is the highest point. It will be a miracle if at least one strike doesn’t hit the mark.”

  “Yes, about that.” Rina cleared her throat. “Doesn’t that mean lightning will hit me?”

  That half smile again from the wizard. “Almost certainly.”

  Ah.

  “One more thing, Duchess.” The wizard’s face went hard and serious. “I’ve never been to the top of the mountain. I’ve never seen the temple. I don’t know what’s up there waiting for you. But I know the cult likes its privacy.”

  “Aren’t you supposed to be guarding them?”

  “You’re not going up there to harm them,” the wizard said. “I don’t feel I’ve betrayed my duty.” A shrug. “And anyway, I owe Weylan. In this way, I honor his memory.”

  “If I return alive,” Rina said, “I’ll be in your debt.”

  The enigmatic half smile returned to the wizard’s face. “Maybe. See that box?”

  Rina looked to the large table in the center of the room. A small wooden box with a latch, like something for keepsakes or love letters. A deep red, polished wood.

  “Take it,” Talbun said. “A parting gift. If what’s inside happens to prove useful … well, then I suppose I’ll allow you to return the favor some time.”

  * * *

  Joff and a brace of guards escorted her to the front gate. He carried a torch even though it was midday. It was that dark. Flashes of lightening lit the sky intermittently with jagged blue lines. A cold wind tugged at her cloak. The mountain loomed above them.

  “A path twists back and forth up the mountain,” Joff said. “You’ll come to a landing and stairs that lead the rest of the way up to the temple. That’s where we leave supplies for the monks. I’ve never been up the stairs, so I can’t tell you anything more. Good luck to you.”

  The gate clanked shut behind her.

  Lightning crackled across the sky.

  In the flash, she saw two figures standing a hundred feet ahead over her. Alem holding the horses. Maurizan standing next to him.

  Rina smiled, jogged toward them. In just the short time inside the wizard’s tower, Rina had missed the familiar faces.

  Alem waved, walking the horses to meet her. The lightning spooked the animals, but Alem had them under control. It was his one real talent. Horses. And he was becoming a good shot with the crossbow too.

  As she approached, Maurizan moved closer to Alem, put one of her hands on his arm. A bit too possessively, Rina thought.

  Something pinched in her gut. She frowned and slowed to a walk.

  “I was relieved to see the falcon,” Alem said.

  “I’ve sent him away for now,” Rina said. “The storm.”

  “We’d almost given up on you,” Maurizan said.

  Rina offered the gypsy girl a tight smile. “I’m sure.”

  “Did you get what you came for?” Alem asked.

  “Not quite yet.” Rina’s eyes shifted to the top of the mountain. “One more little side trip.”

  Alem followed her gaze up the mountain. “Aw, come on!”

  The rain came cold and stinging.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

  Tenni pushed open the front door of the Wounded Bird and entered quickly, a freezing wind at her back. Patrons looked up and grumbled briefly as she shut the door again behind her. She leaned against it, panting, and threw her hood back. Her eyes adjusted to the lamplight and she scanned the common room.

  For the first time in weeks, all the customers were local. Not a Perranese soldier in sight.

  Prinn sat at a table in the corner, chatting up a bald bearded man built like a blacksmith. She saw Tenni, whispered something into the man’s ear and then immediately came to her.

  “Well?” Prinn asked.

  “They’re going through the neighborhood around the Bawdy Baron like a fire,” Tenni whispered. “They’re searching houses, and they’re questioning people in the streets. Not gently.”

  The bodies of the chamberlain and his guards had been found. Word was that General Chen had been livid. He’d summoned another company of soldiers from the barracks outside the city.

  “I saw one man dead in the snow, blood all around him. The soldiers dragged his wife from their home. I think it was because the bodies were found under the snow in the alley behind their house. A butcher’s shop with rooms above.”

  “Have they connected it with us?” Prinn asked.

  “Because of us people are dying,” Tenni said.

  “And I don’t want to be one of them. Do they know?”

  Tenni shook her head. “I didn’t hear anything. The soldiers asked questions, and when people couldn’t answer, they were beaten. I think the Perranese were glad when they couldn’t answer. I think they mostly want to send a message. I don’t know. I didn’t stick around.”


  Prinn put a hand on Tenni’s shoulder. “Good thing. Getting killed now won’t help anyone.”

  Tenni rubbed her eyes. So tired. So bone weary these last days, weeks. She cleared her throat. “Where is he?”

  “The kitchen.” Prinn hesitated. “You might want to give him some space.”

  Tenni frowned. “I’ll decide that.”

  She pushed past Prinn and headed for the kitchen.

  Tosh held a chipped vase, tilted it back, gulping that foul brew Bune and Lubin had introduced him to. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, tried to focus on Tenni with bloodshot eyes. “You were there?”

  She nodded.

  “And?”

  She shook her head.

  “Bad as we thought, eh? Of course.” He took another swig from the vase. “You didn’t think they’d be satisfied cracking one little girl in the back of the skull, did you?”

  Tosh cracked five eggs, began throwing them into a skillet, shells and all. He splashed in too much oil and way too much salt.

  “Tosh, what are you doing?”

  “I’m the fucking cook, aren’t I? I do what cooks do. Teach whores to kill with a sword in between meals. Except sometimes the whores die, don’t they? When they teach you to fight with a blade, they don’t teach you how to die on one because that just comes natural, doesn’t it?”

  “Tosh.”

  “When the Perranese killed the rest of the army in the street, I hid here with the whores. And now the whores do my dying for me. And then I can just train more and then they’ll die and old Tosh will still be here. There will always be more whores. The world will never run out.” He drank again.

  “Tosh, please.”

  He threw bacon in another pan; the grease splattered. It dripped into the fire and flared.

  Tosh turned back to Tenni, mouth twisted in a snarl. “Next it’ll be you.” He tilted the vase back, overflow dribbling from the corners of his mouth, gulping. “And then when Emmon’s old enough it’ll be her turn.”