Enemies and Allies (Bound to the Abyss Book 3)

by James R. Vernon

  They spent the rest of the service in silence, watching the priest at the front of the room finish his rant, lesser priests move about the congregation, and then ending with everyone sitting in quiet contemplation. Ean ignored it all. It took the sound of bells coming from somewhere above them and the rumbling of the temple doors opening for Ean to snap out of his peaceful reverie.

  "I guess it’s time to go," Azalea whispered but made no effort to move from his side. "A shame. I don't feel any connection to your deities, but if you ignore the preaching of the windbag up front, the experience was peaceful once we moved here in the back. Maybe if I'm going to be a permanent resident of your realm, I should find a god or two that I don't find too annoying."

  Ean let out a chuckle. It probably wasn't often that anyone called the gods and goddesses annoying, especially in one of their own temples.

  "It certainly would be interesting to see if they would accept a follower from . . . where you are from."

  "I didn't say it was a certainty. Just something to consider." She gently removed herself from his shoulder and gave him a little push. "Now let’s get going. I've had enough religion for the day."

  Ean let the momentum of her push drive him towards the main entrance. Moving to the open stone doors, he was surprised to find the daylight starting to fade. It seemed impossible that they had let the worship service eat up the whole day.

  Outside, Ean scanned the area until he found Dao. The man was lounging in the grass just outside the temple by the path that ran to the north. A large cart filled with six or seven cloth sacks sat next to him.

  "I don't remember saying to buy us a cart," Ean said. He glanced at the sacks before returning his attention to Dao. "And all of this is food?"

  "Well, a great deal of it is. Much more than we will need. Better to be well prepared, I always say. Bit of a story about how I got all the supplies and a few other things as well. Let me explain before you start making accusations."

  "Fair enough. Let's hear it."

  "Alright. So, I went to where you told me and checked out a few stores to try and find us the best prices. The Merchant's Circle actually reminds me a lot of a district in the capital city up north, so I felt right at home maneuvering through the crowds. I got a little too comfortable, I suppose, as I began swiping the occasional coin purse."

  "Dao," Ean growled. "You were not supposed to draw a lot of attention to yourself--"

  "Which I didn't! Do you see me sitting here in chains? Now let me continue. You did say I could tell the whole story first, correct?"

  Ean folded his arms across his chest and held his tongue.

  “As I was saying, I was having some fun, increasing our supply of coin, and so I decided to spend it."

  With a shrug, Dao lay back on his elbows and looked up at Ean.

  "Wait," Ean said after realizing Dao was finished. "That's it?"

  "Yup, that’s my story."

  "That's not a story!" Ean grimaced as a family making their way out of the temple gave him a weird look. When he continued on, it was in a lower tone. "What if you had gotten caught?”

  "Not a chance. I have spent more years than you can count relieving people of their possessions. Taking purses off the dolts here was as easy as picking grass."

  "And now we have a cart."

  "You’re welcome,” Dao said, missing the sarcasm. “People traveling with a cart aren't any more conspicuous than a group traveling without one."

  "So, we're going to drag a heavy, clunky cart the whole way--"

  "Of course not. That would be stupid. When we are ready to go, I'll go get the horse--"

  "You stole a horse?!?"

  "If you could stop using words like 'stole', that would be wonderful. And no, I PAID for the horse. There were quite a few fat purses in the Merchant's Circle that are decidedly lighter now. If it makes you feel any better, I did spend all of the money you gave me."

  "I . . . " Ean began, but stopped and placed a hand over his face. What could he possibly say?

  "I did spend my money as well. Bought you some presents out of the goodness of my heart."

  "What--" Ean had barely gotten the word out of his mouth when Azalea shoved him out of the way.

  "Presents? I love presents! What did you get me!”

  "The perfect thing for anyone traveling into a new land,” Dao said with an amused grin. “Check the bag in the back left corner of the cart."

  With a squeal of delight, Azalea hurried over to the cart and tore open the top of the bag. She gave the inside a quick glance then looked back at Dao with a raised eyebrow.

  "Leather clothes? Exactly what do you expect me to do in these?"

  "Armor, my dear. Leather armor. I understand the two of you might be a bit hardier than myself, but that doesn't mean you should be walking about with only a few layers of cloth as your only protection. There are creatures in my land that make the wolves and bears of yours look like puppies. Some of the people can be just as dangerous”

  "Well, I suppose that is an acceptable present. And I can wear it regardless if I look like this,"—she waved her hands up and down her body—"or I'm in my much more beautiful, natural form."

  "Exactly my thought. Same goes for the set I bought for Ean. His armor will cover his arms and hide those glow lights he calls tattoos. He can even wear them to bed. That way, anytime he has a bad dream, he won't light up the night."

  "Do I really . . . oooff," Ean cut off as Azalea tossed the leather armor into his chest. He scrambled for a moment but was able to catch it.

  "Yes, when you are having a bad dream, you turn into a nightlight. Who cares while we are out traveling. Try on your gift. I want to see you looking like a warrior for a change."

  "Fine," he growled. "Then we're leaving."

  "Whatever you say, my warrior king."

  Ean turned away as Azalea gave a mocking bow. He could play dress up, if it got them moving. The only thing he cared about now was getting out of the city before anything bad happened. It was past time to put Lurthalan, and the Seekers, behind them.

  Chapter 16

  Even seven days after the events in Rensen, Kaytlin could not shake off the rage she felt.

  She had regained consciousness after the battle to find herself in the bed of one of the villagers of Rensen. The woman, Mary or Martha or some other 'M' name, had pulled her from the street and then tended to her. The villager claimed to be a devoted follower of Alistar, but after the events that had transpired, Kay found it hard to believe anyone in that mud hole of a village followed the god of justice. The woman had cleaned her up and her husband had reset Kay's shoulder, so there was at least a little good in them.

  Kaytlin hadn't stayed to find out just how much. She had mounted Rook and ridden hard back to Lurthalan, only stopping to take quick naps and let her horse eat and rest. She had made it back to the capital in six days, not a personal record, but considering the pain of riding hard with her injured shoulder, she was proud of the feat. The unfortunate part was that she had arrived late at night, the Voice of Alistar was already in his bedchambers, and El and Zee were off who knows where in the world. Kay had gone to bed that night frustrated. Frustrated and saddle-sore.

  Her mood had only worsened when she woke up the next day. She went straight to The Voice's receiving room . . . only to be bothered and impeded by the many sycophants under his service. They tried to get her to see the temple healers and Saniteal, faking concern for her shoulder. When that didn't work, they tried pushing her off onto one of the lesser priests of the temple. Kay ended up resorting to physical threats just to get the men to inform The Voice that she wished to see him. They complied, and she took up a chair as one of the priests left to inform The Voice she wished an audience.

  Then she waited.

  And waited.

  Watched clergymen and women go into and out of The Voice's offices.

  And waited some more.

  Until finally, when she was about to confront the 'gatekeepers'
to The Voice about whether they had actually informed him or not, Kay was finally granted permission to enter. She pushed past the glorified secretary that gave her leave to enter and went into The Voice's inner chamber.

  For the main room of one of the most powerful people in Ven Khilada, The Voice's office was unremarkable. Four iron candleholders sat at each corner of the windowless room, the candles at their tops were as thick as a man's arm. Plain white walls seemed to glow as they reflected the candle light around the room. A single oak desk was the only piece of furniture in the room, a grand construction that took up most of the back of the room, its surface curved in intricate designs. And behind that desk sat The Voice.

  Waytan Blucardain, Voice of Alistar, was in his twilight years. Wrinkles crisscrossed his pale face. He wore a long, snow-white beard while the top of his head was devoid of hair. The weight of both his age and position had hunched his shoulders and put a permanent curve in his back. A long, pure white robe covered a stickly body. His eyes, though, bright gold irises, shined with a strength that his body no longer contained.

  Dropping to one knee a few paces in front of the desk, Kaytlin crossed her arms in front of her chest and bowed her head.

  "Most Holy One. I bring troubling news."

  "Rise, child," Waytan replied, his voice as strong as the fire behind his eyes. "And help an old man to his feet.”

  "Of course."

  Moving with swift steps, Kay was at his side in an instant, her arm extended for him to take. He grasped it, and slowly pulled himself out of the chair. They moved together to the front of the desk, where Waytan leaned against the wood as Kay took a few steps back.

  "So tell me," Waytan said. "Is this a social visit or have you come bearing news?"

  "Unfortunately, news. Dire news, if what I fear is true."

  "Dire? Such a strong word to use. What is that you fear?"

  "The Plaguebringer, Most Holy."

  Waytan stared at her for a moment, then let out a loud laugh. His body shook as he continued to chuckle, his hands patting his leg.

  "Oh my girl, you had me worried there for a moment. A good joke, a good joke, although a bit dark. I would have expected such a thing EliZane but not you."

  "Most holy one, it is not a joke."

  "It is not if you keep pressing it. Saying such things can cause a great deal of angst with the rest of the followers of Alistar, and it is only because I have known you for so long that I don't take offense that you have mentioned that monstrosity."

  "Let me explain what happened, then you can tell me if my words are said in jest."

  "Kaytlin . . . " he looked at her then, his eyes searching for something. When he found whatever it was, his mouth closed and he nodded. "Tell me then. Just the facts."

  "I was down in Rensen investigating a disturbance. I stopped at the local inn to question the people there. Only moments after entering the inn, my amulet warned me of something nearby connected to the Abyss. Before I could conduct an investigation, I was attacked. By a Yulari."

  "A Yulari? From my studies, I remember reading that those creatures prefer subterfuge. It openly attacked you?"

  "Yes. It was a young one, full of arrogance and bravado. I would have easily put it down, but a young man came to its rescue. A young man with an incredible amount of magical power."

  "What type of magic? An Elementalist?"

  "No, he controlled a power I've never seen. It reacted with my amulet, which protected me, but the backlash of it almost took down the front of the inn. For the amulet to react in such a way, it must have been energy from the Abyss."

  "Or normal magic somehow corrupted by Abyssmal energy."

  "Most Holy, I don't think--"

  "Continue your story. We will come to a conclusion together at its end, not before."

  Kaytlin took a moment to squash the annoyance rising from her gut, then continued.

  "The force of the reaction with my amulet launched both myself and the Yulari out into the street. It took me a few moments to recover, but the monster seemed out of action. Before I could take its head, however, the young man intervened again."

  "With this unknown magic?"

  "No . . . not at first. He faced me bare-handed and was proficient at dodging my blows. After a time where neither of us was gaining an advantage, the young man was able to withdraw enough to throw up some kind of magical shield."

  "Which some magus have been known to do."

  "Yes . . . " Kay tried not to grind her teeth. "This is true. While the young man distracted me with words, the Yulari was able to subdue me, dislocate my shoulder, and began to feed on my essence. I lost consciousness soon after. I should be dead, but instead awoke in the home of one of our devoted followers. As soon as I was able, I made haste straight to the temple, arriving last night. After dancing around those that serve you for the most of the morning, we have arrived at the conclusion of my story."

  "A harrowing account. Surviving a Yulari with a magic user under her control is no small feat, even for someone of your talents."

  "I do not believe it was the Yulari that was in charge. The man--"

  "Was only a simple manipulator of magic."

  "But the way my amulet reacted to his magic--"

  "Was a sign that the man has been under the influence of the Yulari for a long time. He has been with her long enough that the corruption she has brought from her home has saturated the man and his magic."

  "Most Holy, I do not think--"

  "Kaytlin, Kaytlin. I understand your concerns. The facts you've brought forth could make it seem that . . . something dark . . . could have returned to our lands. But the more likely conclusion is that all that you've encountered is a Yulari and her pet."

  "But it seemed that the man was the one in charge . . . "

  "And I'm sure that the Yulari twisted his mind to the point that he believes the same thing. Does not make it true."

  "But Waytan--"

  "Enough. You go too far to address me by my name. I fear that suffering a loss, something you are not accustomed to, has made you look for a reason that does not exist. Let me ask you a simple question whose answer will squash all of your fears. If something as dangerous to our entire realm as the Plaguebringer returning were true, would not Alistar himself have warned me? Would our most gracious and protective deity have spoken to me, his Voice to the people, to have me spread the word of such a catastrophic event?"

  " . . . yes of course he would, most Holy One."

  "And you would believe me if I told you this has not occurred?"

  "Of course. Your word is law."

  "Good. Then the matter is settled."

  Kaytlin opened her mouth, but quickly shut it when The Voice directed a look at her that would have snuffed out a flame. Dropping to one knee, she bowed her head and closed her eyes, then raised both of her hands, palms up, towards The Voice. Then she waited.

  "Expecting a penance for your stubbornness? Look at me, Kaytlin."

  Raising her gaze, Kaytlin found The Voice standing in front of her. In his hand rested a simple knife, bereft of ornament or even a hand guard. Flecks of red spotted the metal of the blade.

  "It is true," Waytan continued. "No one in the service of Alistar is above receiving penance. Even a Seeker. I've added Olleander's blood to this blade twice, and EliZane's more than I should've had to do. Never you, though. The Ivory Dawn's blood has never blessed this blade, and as long as I am Voice, I will see it never happens. Rise, Kaytlin."

  Doing as she was commanded, Kaytlin rose and lowered her arms. Then she waited patiently for The Voice to continue.

  "I know you are a loyal servant of Alistar. It is your devotion that has made you brash this day. I would never punish you for that. But this discussion is at an end and I want to hear no more talk of Plaguebringers. Almost two centuries may have passed, but the Plaguebringer's name is still feared. The Deadlands to the north are a constant reminder of the damage he has caused. The dark god's temple still stands
on the outskirts of town, fear of the past still keeping it from being torn down.

  “In time, that fear will fade. Both Ze'an and the Plaguebringer will become stories of myth and not history. People will still fear the Scars and the monsters they produce, but will forget where they come from. This age of rebuilding will turn into an age of peace. But for that to happen, we must NOT scare the people with even the idea of a new Plaguebringer out in the world. Are my words understood?"

  "Yes, Most Holy."

  "Then our audience is at an end. The day is still young and I have many things to do, least of which is to lead our people in sermon this afternoon. Unless there is something else?"

  "No, Most Holy."

  Waytan's posture relaxed and he leaned back against the desk.

  "And please, after you have taken a few days to recover, visit again. I would enjoy having a few moments with you to talk of nicer things and share a warm pot of tea to warm my old bones."

  "I would like that as well." Kaytlin gave the man a low bow. "May you always walk in Alistar's graces."

  "And you," Weytan replied, but she was already moving towards the door.

  Kaytlin moved out of the office, not slowing down as some of The Voice's aids tried to question her. Frustration threatened to bubble out of her. Anger drove her forward. Instead of focusing on her emotions, Kaytlin focused on her destination. She had to get out of the temple and away from everything that was wrong with it.

  It had turned into a place of fear.

  The regular citizens that worshipped Alistar feared the Abyss. Feared Scars opening up and unleashing horrors into their backyard. The lesser priests feared losing followers to Alistar as the concepts of justice and honor became less of a priority compared to wealth and possessions. Instead of calming the populace, the priests tried to feed into that fear to keep the average person coming to the temple to pray for protection. The sight of the temple, in charge of appointing heroes in Alistar's name, hadn't nominated a single person in six years. Meanwhile, the Listeners were cloistered away, barely leaving the temple when they should be out amongst the people. How could they relay the concerns of the people to the Hand, the man from each temple that carried out the will of the people, if they never took a step outside? Of course, without any information to go on, the Hand was too afraid to go to any of the meetings of the marble council and embarrass himself in front of the Hands of the other temples.