by Alon Shalev
“Brave?”
“Oh, yes. He has pulled us out of a few tight situations. He is driven by the strict moral code of a warrior. I think it makes him a bit wooden sometimes, but when he is not thinking like that, he can be funny and quite creative.”
She was about to compliment Rhoddan’s acting abilities, but stopped short, thinking of Shayth’s warning.
“That’s cool,” Maugwen said. “Tell me. You said that elves and humans live and work together. Do they also sometimes, you know, become couples?”
Ilana thought for a while. “I don’t know any, but I have seen a few when we have joined with other groups.”
“I guess they can … you know?”
Ilana stared at her for a moment before understanding. “Make love?”
Maugwen giggled. “Shush! Actually I was thinking about babies and family.”
Ilana laughed. She realized it had been a very long time since she had spent time with other females her age. She was the only young elfe in Uncle’s group. The others were older by eight or ten years. There had been a dark-skinned elfe in a neighboring group that had been her friend. She wondered what was happening with Sellia.
“Does he have any magical powers?” Maugwen asked, and Ilana abruptly tensed.
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve heard the guards talk about an elf they’re chasing. They’re scared of him. He has some kind of power. I thought that maybe Rhoddan could be this special one.”
Ilana thought for a few moments before answering. “Sounds like wild rumors. A magical elf? Really?” She laughed flippantly, but saw Gwen wasn’t smiling. “Look, even if there really was a magical elf–and I doubt there is–and even if it was Rhoddan, and it wasn’t being kept a secret, and I really did know,” she hesitated, “then I still wouldn’t tell you.”
“Oh,” Maugwen pouted. “You could trust me. I hate General Tarlach after what he did to my father and me.”
“It’s not that,” said Ilana, now with more confidence. “If I told you a secret and the guards asked you, they could probably sense if you were lying. You would be tortured.”
The girl’s eyes widened at the prospect. “I wouldn’t tell them anything,” she said unconvincingly.
“You wouldn’t be able to stop yourself, and it wouldn’t be your fault.”
Maugwen nodded and then sighed. Her cheeks puffed with air, and she exhaled. “You’re right. Thank you. But I still want to think he is the special one.”
Ilana smiled. “He is special. Each one of us is. You are special, too, Maugwen.”
Maugwen snorted. “Me! I doubt it.”
“Of course you are. Perhaps you just haven’t figured out how yet. That’s okay. You’re still young. Or maybe you haven’t been around people who appreciate you.”
“Do you really think so?” Maugwen’s eyes widened. “Thank you, Ilana. That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”
She looked over at the other cell. Rhoddan had finished exercising and was talking with Shayth very quietly.
“That one is quite a mystery, too, from what I’ve heard.”
“Shayth?” Ilana asked, suddenly interested. “What about him?”
“He’s the Emperor’s nephew and has been really bad. Apparently he thought he was going to inherit the throne until one of the Emperor’s wives bore an heir. Then he went off killing innocent people and–”
She stopped abruptly. Shayth was squeezing the cell bars, his knuckles white, and glaring at her. His dark eyes scared even Ilana. She felt a chilling tension fill the alcove of cells.
“Do you believe every worthless piece of gossip you hear?” Shayth snarled.
Maugwen wilted and sidled closer to Ilana. She didn’t say anything and Ilana wasn’t sure what to do.
“Steady, Shayth,” Rhoddan murmured. “She’s just a kid.”
“Yeah, but even kids spread lies,” Shayth rounded on the elf, his voice still icy. “And lies can become as powerful as the truth when they’re repeated enough times.”
Rhoddan was lost for words, but Ilana stood up and came to the front of her cell. When she spoke, her voice was quiet.
“Shayth. We have never insisted that you tell us what you’ve been through, and we won’t now.” She felt herself using considerable effort to keep her tone steady. “But it is difficult learning to trust you when we don’t know anything.”
“How much do you know of Rhoddan here?” Shayth snapped. “You only met him a few weeks ago, and he isn’t being forced to stand before an inquisition.”
“Okay,” she replied, forcing a smile. “We can drop it. And for the record, Shayth, I do trust you. And I also believe that people can change who they are if they really want to.”
“Maybe I don’t want to.”
“I think you do. I think that is why you are with Sean–with us. I believe we have come into your life to help you make that change.”
There was silence from Shayth’s cell–a brooding, ominous silence–and Ilana felt sorry for Rhoddan being stuck in there with him.
“Ilana?” It was Shayth, but his voice had lost its edge.
“Yeah, Shayth?”
“It’s true, what she said, more or less. There is more to it, but it still doesn’t paint a pretty picture.”
“Okay.”
“Do you believe what you said, Ilana? About people being able to change?”
“I do, Shayth. I really do.”
“Good,” he said. “I want to believe that you’re right.”
Forty-Five
Mhari was adamant that whatever conversation Seanchai wanted to have that night would have to wait. They were both exhausted, and she insisted they drink some resuscitating danseng tea and go straight to sleep.
“We must plan this carefully,” Mhari said, the tone of her voice firm. “Right now you lack the strength and clarity to talk this through rationally. Is your head hurting?”
“No,” Seanchai replied. “I can–”
Mhari shook her head. “We are both tired. Drink up.”
As soon as they had finished their tea, they both fell straight to sleep.
When Mhari woke the next morning, it was already daylight. She heard her student’s heavy breathing. Seanchai usually started the day with his standing exercises, but today he had both swords out and was exerting himself using movements that Mhari had not taught him. His form was tense and slightly erratic, and he glistened with sweat in the crisp morning light.
Mhari sighed to herself as she rose and went to start a fire. This conversation would not be easy, and the old woman was not sure she would be able to persuade Seanchai not to charge off to Galbrieth. She glanced his way again. The young elf was furiously fighting his invisible opponent and needed to get it out of his system. Breakfast could wait.
The sun was considerably higher in the sky when Seanchai finally stopped for a drink. He took great gulps of water before picking up his shirt to mop the sweat off his face and body.
Mhari offered him a bowl of the thick oat gruel they ate each morning. Seanchai nodded his thanks and sat, waiting to start the conversation. Instead, after they finished eating, Mhari stood. “I need to think about our next steps. I want you to do your standing exercises.” She turned and walked off.
Seanchai glared at his teacher’s departing back, impatient to take action. He realized he had no choice but to wait, and did as he was told. As his stomach filled with warm waves of energy, he felt the tension drain from his muscles. He sighed and fully embraced the energy. When he finally opened his eyes, Mhari was sitting in front of him.
“I only wanted a short walk,” she smiled. “You’ve been standing for two hours.”
“Wow, I had no idea,” Seanchai replied, then stretched, his body, which vigorously emphatically confirmed the long time spent in the poses.
They sat down and drank water. Mhari spoke. “We scryed together, but I’m not sure we saw the same things. It’s important to correlate even insignificant details
and not assume that our experiences were the same. Understand?”
Seanchai nodded.
“I will begin,” said Mhari. “Interrupt me if I miss anything. Your friends are prisoners in the garrison. Ilana is there, and the boy, and they are now together with the elf, who we can assume is also alive. Am I correct so far?”
Seanchai nodded. “Yes. Rhoddan is alive.”
“Did you see Ilana and Shayth enter Galbrieth?”
“Yes.”
“Were they alone?”
“No. There were three others with them.”
“Did you see Shayth negotiate with someone for a guide into the garrison?”
“Yes,” said Seanchai. “But I couldn’t make out much in the dark.”
“Did you follow them into the garrison?”
“Yes.”
“How many were caught? This might be important.”
Seanchai thought for a moment. “I’m not sure. There was the guide, Shayth, Ilana, and two others. There was something strange about them. They didn’t talk, but clicked to each other.”
“Two? And they clicked as a means of communication? Are you sure?”
Seanchai thought for a moment. “Yes. I saw when the officer pulled back the hoods. There were definitely four including Ilana and Shayth. The guide had left them.”
Mhari nodded. “So we know your friends are together. We’re not sure whether the general thinks Rhoddan is you, but we should assume that by now they know he isn’t. What else?”
“The Emperor plans to have them executed on his birthday as an example to everyone.” Seanchai said. This was really what he wanted to discuss.
“Is there anyone else with them in the cells?”
“I don’t know,” Seanchai snapped. “Is it important?”
“Possibly. I felt a presence; a power I didn’t recognize.”
“Well, we’re going there, right?” Seanchai’s voice rose. “They could be executed any day.”
“Not any day. Remember, the execution is planned as part of the Emperor’s birthday celebration. We read it on the notices that were posted.”
“But if the general knows I’m not one of the prisoners, why wait to kill them?” Seanchai was becoming increasingly agitated and took a deep breath.
“The Emperor wants to make an example of them,” Mhari replied. “He must have given specific orders. You saw the posters. Anyway, there’s still a big piece you are not aware of.”
“What is that?”
“What do you know of your friend Shayth?”
Seanchai shook his head. “You asked me this once. I told you I don’t know much. He’s very closed about his past.”
“But you said you would vouch for him, right?”
“Yes, but that was…I guess that was instinct. Why?”
“Instinct can go a long way, so allow me not to reveal what he hasn’t told you yet. Just trust me that Tarlach will keep the company alive, and that he’ll follow the Emperor’s orders exactly. If that means keeping the prisoners alive and unharmed until the Emperor’s birthday, then that is what will happen.”
Mhari took a moment to eat some of her meal before continuing. “Now, this is what I suggest we do. You will go back to our base camp in the morning and pack everything up. Hide what you cannot carry in the back of the cave where I sleep. Leave no evidence that anyone was ever there. Perhaps one of us can return some day.
“There is a bag of herbs there, including danseng root. Take it all with you. I will keep the danseng that we have here. There’s also a small bag of money stowed away there. It’s not much, but use it to pay for information, as you need it.
“There is a book with the herbs.” Mhari leaned forward and spoke fervently. “Listen, Seanchai: this book is very, very important. It is something for you to keep, to treasure. You must look after the book. When you read it, you will hopefully understand. Read and reread. Memorize every word. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Seanchai replied, “but–”
“No, no buts.” Mhari’s voice had risen and she took a moment to compose herself. “Sometimes things are not what they seem. Listen to me. Whatever you might think of it, memorize every word in the book.”
“I understand,” Seanchai replied. “You are my teacher and I will follow your instructions.”
“Thank you,” she whispered and took a moment to eat some more of her meal.
“Now, stay at the camp for two days. After the full moon, take Snowmane and ride to Galbrieth. Keep your hood up at all times. Remember, you are physically very distinctive. People will remember and talk about you, and we’ll lose any element of surprise. Take your time. You shouldn’t enter the city until a week has passed. It will be two days before the celebration, and the place will be swarming with people. Lose yourself in the crowd.
“Go to a hostel called The Galbrieth Arms and ask for Jalkieth. When you mention my name to him, he will deny that he knows me. You must let him see your hair and eyes, but no one else can see you do this. Tell him you have something under your hood to show him. He will know what to do. He’ll take care of you and your horse. And always leave the inn with your hood up, or you’ll endanger a rare friend. Understand?”
“Yes, but–”
“No buts,” Mhari’s voice became firm. “Wait for me as long as you can. In the meantime, scout out the main square and its surroundings. Do not go near the garrison or the jail. Formulate a plan to break them out in case I do not come. Be ready to change it on a moment’s notice.”
“Where will you be?” Seanchai asked.
“I’m going to look up some old friends.”
“Do we have any?”
“Let’s hope so,” Mhari grimaced. “What you saw through your scrying gave me a glimmer of hope.”
“Which part?” Seanchai frowned.
“You referred to the two men who were caught with Ilana and Shayth. They clicked as a means of communication.”
“Yes. Who are they?”
“I’d rather not say for now, as they are in hiding. General Tarlach tried to wipe them out some years ago when they refused to submit to the authority of the Emperor.”
“Who is this General Tarlach you keep mentioning?”
“He’s the officer in charge of the garrison. He has a sordid, violent history, especially with these people.”
“Do you know how to find them?”
“Maybe.”
“It’s a bit of a wild card, don’t you think?”
“More than you can imagine,” Mhari said, her voice grim. “But you told me that Ilana and Shayth were with three others when they entered the city. When they went underground and got caught, there were only two of them.”
“So? How might that help us?”
“I hope one escaped,” the old woman said. “But only after he saw the man who massacred so many of his people. Even if he missed who the general is, I will be sure to let them know.”
“That sounds hopeful,” Seanchai said.
“Not really, my dear pupil. You may very well find yourself alone, in a crowded city, with no time and very few options.”
“Then what should I do?”
“Grab your friends and bring the mighty stone walls of Galbrieth crashing down. Then run like hell and don’t stop running.”
Forty-Six
General Tarlach stood on the thick, gray wall of the garrison at Galbrieth looking at the main square below him. The chilly wind ruffled his cloak, but he stood straight, oblivious to the elements. He held his hands loosely behind his back absorbing every detail of the bustling activity below.
There, workers were erecting huge circus tents, building a stage, and assembling a sheltered area with seating for the traveling nobles and the ambassadors sent from the Emperor’s court.
Tarlach reflected on his position. He had been part of the army that had conquered Galbrieth twenty years ago. For many years the army had remained on alert to the threat of rebellion. This was why the garrison was so large, so f
ormidable–to keep anyone and everyone out.
Though most of the rulers from those days had now passed on, there was always a potential threat of usurpers. Hosting the land’s nobility at the Emperor’s celebrations, and showing them considerable honor, would help woo the younger generation of influential wealth to become allies. The execution would also ensure they understood what would happen to them if they didn’t act as trusted associates. They would, after all, have front-row seats for the hanging of Shayth and the elves.
Earlier that day, the young man that Bortand had sent to the capital to verify the orders had returned. He had appeared nervous before the general and Tarlach soon understood why. He was supposed to verify the orders to execute Shayth were legitimate with the Emperor’s aides, but that had not happened.
“My lord,” the messenger said, shuffling his feet. “I was brought before the Emperor. He commended your decision to verify such a sensitive issue, but also wanted to…”
The man swallowed hard and Tarlach grew impatient. “What did he say, man? Don’t be afraid. You’re the messenger, nothing more.”
The man glanced at Bortand and then up at his general. “He said to tell you to be on your guard, sir. And to expect the unexpected.”
This perturbed Tarlach and he was unable to put it from his mind. That the Emperor was uneasy was understandable. He was making a grandiose display of authority and Shayth was still family, despite all that he had done.
But expect the unexpected. What did he mean by that?
A soldier patrolled the walls to his left, making an obvious effort to show how thoroughly he was searching for the enemy while on duty. No doubt he usually rushed past this exposed area before finding shelter further along the wall, Tarlach thought. Now he was certainly not thrilled at the prospect of the general watching him. It was about to get worse for the sentry.
“Come here, man,” Tarlach commanded.
“Yes, sir. What can I do for you, sir?” The soldier snapped to attention.
