by Unknown
Izlan rose to her feet. “Yes, we’ll have more than enough time to prepare.”
“Until later, then. We all have to make ready.” Slag then took his leave, followed by Kaid and Bell.
Charion crossed to the door. “Matriarch, I think we should go to your personal chambers and help you to arrange things.”
Izlan was curious of Charion’s behavior. “Good idea. Lead on.”
Soon, Izlan was joined by her four assistants in her sleep room. “Okay, Charion, mind telling us what you’re about?”
Charion smiled. “Kaid informed me he suspected the children of being capable of listening in on discussions that are conducted in your workroom. You once told me that this chamber was warded. The ward should prevent anyone spying on us.”
Martell whistled softly. “So that is why you agreed with Kaid to leave the children alone. If you are correct that we were spied on, then the children know of Slag’s plan.”
Izlan laughed. “It’s Slag’s plan, but not ours. We need to prepare for this raid tonight, and I think it is time to revisit old habits.” She walked over to her wardrobe, pressed the ring on her left middle finger into a hidden recess, and placed the palm of her right hand on the wall. In a soft voice, she recited the phrase, “For the Protection of Life,” and then stepped back as the wardrobe slid aside to reveal a hidden alcove.
Inside the lit compartment, as if sleeping and waiting to be awakened, was studded leather and chain armor, along with a sword, buckler, brace of knives, and a helm crested with red metal spikes. The buckler was embossed with the head of a wolf. The animal’s glowing red eyes stared back at Izlan. The unsheathed long sword had a wolf’s head at the end of the pommel, with red stones placed in the eyes that glinted in the light.
She took the weapon in hand. “I want you all to kit up. Landis, notify the monitors that the five of us are going to be away from the Temple tonight and they are in charge. Patrice, make sure you bring supplies for healing, including effusions. Everyone, get an early meal and pack a snack and water skin for later. Meet back here one mark after sun’s rest.”
Landis laughed briefly. “So you’re finally going to let Slag know who he’s been dealing with all these seasons.”
Izlan took the weapon in hand. The sword vibrated gently in her palm. She accepted the greeting from her old friend before placing the sword in its sheath. “Yes, he is about to discover he doesn’t have as much control over matters as he thinks. By the way, Charion, did Kaid inform you of the idea he has for managing the children?”
Charion shrugged. “Kaid has a strategy, but I don’t know what it is.”
Izlan sighed. “Charion, when you see Kaid again, check with him, and make sure he doesn’t need our assistance with the children. I am going to take a walk around the grounds. Muster here dressed for the party before we are to meet with Bell.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
THE CHILDREN GATHERED in the orchard to discuss the conversation overheard by Zeal. They listened quietly while also maintaining watch for any mentors until he’d completed his report.
Mehrle broke the silence first. “The adults are right. What they’ve decided to do is risky, and someone will probably get hurt. We don’t want to endanger them or Liddea, the other girls or the rescue by interfering.”
Nester stopped digging at the roots of a tree with the toe of his boot, pushed the dirt back into the hole, and packed it down. “I for one don’t want to stay here at the Temple, waiting for who knows what to happen at the ship. We can help without being a hindrance.”
“The Mouse knows a way that will allow us to listen in on our mentors’ meeting unseen.” Tulip turned to Zeal. “It’s time to show them.”
Mehrle glanced over at her. “Show us what?”
Zeal stood and brushed the leaves off the back of his pants. “You’ll see. Follow.” He guided them away from the Temple, through the woodland, to the entrance of the mausoleum.
The door opened as they approached. Zeal led them inside the structure and nodded to the spectral guardian as he entered. “Thank you, Obin.”
Fronc asked from behind him. “Who is he talking to?”
Tulip nudged Fronc. “Master Obin. We can’t see him.”
“Why not?” Fronc looked behind the door and saw no one.
Tulip giggled. “Later.”
Zeal crossed the chamber and stopped in front of Iris, who stood, eyes closed, with the babe and kitten cradled in the crooks of her arms. “Hello, Iris. I would like to introduce you to Mehrle, Nester, Fronc, and of course you already know Tulip. Would you let us in please?”
Iris opened her eyes. “Welcome, Tulip, Zeal. I do so enjoy your visits. Greetings to you, Lady Mehrle and young Masters Nester and Fronc. What news do you have of Liddea?”
“She is being held captive with four other girls on a ship at the wharf. We are going to help with her rescue.” Zeal turned to look back to his companions before facing Iris again. All but Tulip stood speechless. “Iris, we have need of the supplies you have so kindly guarded.”
“Well, do go down.” Iris stepped off the dais, which slid aside to reveal the stairs that led to the unlit passage below.
“Thank you, Iris.” Zeal gave her a bow and reached up to pet the kitten before taking the steps downward. “Rub the cat before you follow me.”
He looked over his shoulder to see Tulip scratching the cat on its head. Nester and Fronc bowed to Iris, and Mehrle gave Iris a curtsy then reached for the kitten twice before deciding to finally touch it. Her eyes opened wide in wonder when the animal rubbed her hand. She quickly joined him and Tulip. Nester and Fronc looked at each other, waiting to see who would go first. They moved simultaneously, stroked the cat together, and hurried down the stairs. Zeal thought Fronc was handling meeting Iris much better than he’d expected of someone so conventional.
Tulip softly said to Mehrle, “Do you still think flower names are silly?”
“Not any more. Right now, I wish I had one,” she whispered back.
Zeal stopped at the light’s edge at the bottom of the steps and took Tulip’s hand. “Hold hands so we can keep together, and close your eyes. See if you can find your inner vision.”
Mehrle reached toward Tulip and Nester. “What is Zeal talking about?”
Tulip gently squeezed Mehrle’s hand. “Everyone, do as Zeal says. If you concentrate, you’ll be able to visualize the corridor ahead. It will appear in shades of gray.”
Fronc exclaimed after a long moment, “It is just as you described.”
Mehrle suddenly gasped. “I can see it, too.”
Nester grumbled in frustration. “What are you all talking about?”
Zeal turned and saw him staring at them. “Nester, if your eyes are open, nothing will happen. Pretend you’re wearing the hood.”
Nester shut his eyes and, several heartbeats later, smiled. “Oh!”
Zeal sighed. “I’ll move slowly at first. Stay together. We don’t have far to travel.”
He led the way through the corridor and opened the hidden door.
As Zeal entered the room, the ceiling began to glow, emitting a comfortable level of light. “You can open your eyes now.”
Tulip joined Zeal at the table. Together, they watched their three companions explore the chamber. “Welcome to our crock of worms.”
Nester stumbled as he gazed about the room. “Look at all the weapons covering the wall! Why‘d you keep this from the rest of us?”
Mehrle took a seat at the table at the center of the chamber. “I recognize this chest under the table. It had our Fangs in it. Where did all this come from?”
“Yeah, what’s the story here? Who is Iris?” Fronc looked from Zeal to Tulip then back to Zeal, who gestured to the remaining chairs.
“You two, please sit.” He stared a moment at the seat that Liddea would have filled, feeling empty inside. He deeply wanted her back with them. Then he closed his eyes and recanted the tale of his first meeting with Iris. “It was almost
six seasons ago…” He felt pleased to finally be able to share this secret. “Then there was the day Iris gave us our Fangs.”
Tulip placed her hand on Zeal’s arm. “Let me tell the rest.”
He nodded. “Sure, go ahead.”
Tulip sat a little straighter. “I followed Zeal to the Temple, curious…”
Zeal listened along with the others to Tulip. He watched everyone get caught up in her story.
“…The whole time, Zeal and I wanted to tell you about Iris, but you now understand why we couldn’t. Zeal and I think Liddea’s abduction caused Iris to decide to allow us to bring you to meet her and show you this place.”
Fronc raised his hand. “Zeal, I find it amazing that you would even think to talk to a statue who calls herself a custodian and you, her champion. Are you sure you and Tulip aren’t making some of this up?”
Mehrle laughed. “Meeting Iris and experiencing inner vision notwithstanding, you all touched that kitten. A stone cat shouldn’t feel like a living animal. Look at this chamber! The proof is all around us.”
Nester nodded in agreement. “Zeal and Tulip’s story holds truth. It is hard to believe you kept this all secret for so many seasons. Can you tell us more about the stuff in here?”
Fronc echoed Nester. “You had us believe that our Fangs were acquired from the Trade Armory. None of these weapons came from there.”
“Tulip and I never said anything about the Armory. You all came up with that idea, and we just never corrected you.” Zeal pointed to the chest under the table. “I returned the chest here late the night Tulip and I gave you your Fangs and discovered the table and chairs. They weren’t in the room when we obtained the chest. I knew then that one day we would all be in this chamber together. Tulip and I have returned on multiple occasions. Periodically, we would discover something new in here, such as the wardrobe over there or a weapon left on the table.”
Tulip stood. “We want to show you something.”
She and Zeal walked to a large wardrobe of rose-colored wood. “We’ve kept Iris informed regarding Liddea’s disappearance,” he explained. “Iris told us, when we were here last, that it was time for you all to meet her. We paid a visit to this chamber before returning to the Temple and discovered the wardrobe doors ajar. They have always remained tightly shut in the past.”
He opened the two panels. Inside, folded on the middle shelf, were six light-gray garments. With a snap of his wrists, he shook one out and then held up a pullover garment with long sleeves and four slits across the bottom with cloth ties. “Iris said we are to wear these on our adventure this evening. She hinted they would protect us in some fashion and should be worn under our clothing. I’ll show you how to put it on.”
He undressed to his small clothes, pulled the garb over his head, and pushed his arms through the sleeves. The bottom hung down to just above his knees. When the ties were used, it looked as if he wore a younger child’s knee pants. The garment was tight-fitting and molded to his form. He spun in a circle. “I call mine a work shirt.”
Mehrle laughed. “Zeal, you come up with the strangest names for things, but they always seem appropriate.” He handed one to her.
She began to undress and was soon joined by the others, each putting their clothes back on after donning the shirt. “The material feels soft,” she said, “and is so lightweight.”
Fronc felt his chest. “I’ve never seen or felt cloth like this. What is it?”
Zeal shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Nester twisted, squatted, tumbled away, and then stood. “It doesn’t bind and I can move freely. Zeal, I like your work shirt.”
Zeal smiled. “It wears as if it were a second skin.”
Tulip reached inside the wardrobe. “Come back over here, Nester. More has been left for us tonight.” She gave Nester an object then passed others to Fronc and Mehrle.
Nester inspected Tulip’s offering. “It looks like some kind of pack.”
Zeal reached in, grabbed two of the remaining three bags, and gave one to Tulip. Again, he thought of Liddea, as he figured the last one must be meant for her, and then closed the wardrobe and returned to the table. “This is our new kit. Take a look inside.”
Fronc ceased opening his backpack and stared at it intently. “Hey, my name just appeared on the underside of the flap.”
Zeal looked down and watched his own name be engraved into the leather. He sent thoughts to Iris, thanking her, not caring if she could hear them. He would also thank her in person later, he decided.
Nester whistled. “This is impressive. Iris is doing this, right?”
Zeal saw everyone look toward him. “Yes. Like our Fangs, these are her gifts to us, as is everything here and the chamber itself.”
Mehrle asked softly, “Why would Iris do this?”
Tulip answered, “Zeal once told me, if I wanted answers to questions regarding Iris, go ask Iris directly.”
Zeal grinned. “I did say that to you.”
Mehrle was quiet for several heartbeats. “I plan to talk to Iris after we get Liddea back.” She began to inspect the contents of her pack.
Fronc hefted his bag to test its weight. “This is too light to contain everything it has in it. Yet another puzzle.”
Mehrle turned hers around. “I like how the straps adjust to allow you to wear the pack on your back or front. You can even use these ties to fasten objects to the outside.”
Zeal set before him a coil of silk rope attached to a padded grapple, a mottled gray hood that, when worn, would hide his features and prevent light from reflecting off his face at night, and leather gloves dyed the same color as the hood. In small inner compartments he’d found a set of blackened lock picks, a palm-sized metal mirror, chalk, wax, and a small metal flask containing oil. He thought the oil would be handy to silence a noisy hinge.
Mehrle began repacking her kit. “It appears we’ve been given identical gear.”
After familiarizing himself with the items, Zeal restored them to their places. “There is room for a lot more inside.”
Tulip nodded. “I can think of a few things I would add. Fire starter, a few candles, and bandages come to mind.”
Nester left his gifts on the table and approached the wall. “Zeal, can you tell us about these weapons?”
Zeal made eye contact with Tulip. “Would you please answer Nester’s question? After all, you’re the best fighter amongst us.”
Tulip’s cheeks reddened. She walked over to Nester. “Sometimes, when Zeal and I visit here, we discover something new on the table.”
She removed a long knife from the wall and handed it to Nester but left the accompanying sheath hanging on its peg. “This was the first weapon we found. It needed a little loving and conditioning. So, Zeal and I brought back polish, honing stones, and leather strips from the Armory. We removed the blemishes on the blade, sharpened it, and put a new leather grip on the pommel.”
Nester turned the knife as he inspected it. “You did a good job. This is old but well-made and still serviceable.”
Zeal spoke up behind them. “Obin told me that most of what you see belonged to the residents above. They can’t wield them any longer and are happy to have us put them to use.”
“Tulip, have you seen this Master Obin Zeal has been talking about?”
“No, Mehrle,” she replied. “As I said before, I can’t see or hear Master Obin.”
“Who are the residents Zeal is referring to? I wasn’t aware anyone lived in the mausoleum.”
“Zeal is talking about the people interred in the crypts. Iris told me, when I asked her, that Zeal has always had the ability to see and communicate with the no longer living. Sometimes I wish I could, as well. There is much I’d seek to learn from them.”
Zeal reached over to Mehrle and rubbed her arm. “The spirits in the mausoleum have chosen to remain as protectors of the Temple. You have nothing to fear from them. They mean us no harm. I don’t know why or how I can see and hear the nonliving.
Being able to do so has always felt normal to me. I was surprised when I discovered not everyone could and decided to keep it to myself.”
Mehrle’s face brightened. “I’ll be fine, Mouse. I just need to get used to the idea. And accept that Iris exists, as well.”
Zeal appreciated that his companions hadn’t made fun of him or judged him, after learning of his talent. He expected more questions, though, at some point.
Fronc left the table. “Let’s talk about something else. Can I see the knife, when you are done with it, Nester?”
“Here you go.” He handed Fronc the blade then took a short sword off the wall and began to inspect it. “I’m still too small to put this to use. Zeal, I like how you have these hung.”
Zeal laughed. “We didn’t put them there. Once we’d finished refurbishing that long knife, we left it on the table. On our next visit, we found it on the wall with a new sheath underneath it, and the sword you are holding was lying in the knife’s place.”
Fronc smiled. “We have our own armory. Nice.”
Tulip took down the crossbows and carried one to Mehrle. “I think this will fit you.”
Mehrle took the weapon, bent over, slid her toe into the cocking stirrup, and pulled the string till it was held by the latch. “That seated too easily. I don’t think this crossbow has much power.”
Tulip gave Mehrle a wink. “Trust me, it will work just fine. I have personally used that crossbow to bury a bolt into a tree more than a quarter of its length. I had to break the bolt off, because I couldn’t pull it out.”
Mehrle unlocked the string and released the tension. “Hmm, then I don’t think we have ordinary bows here.”
“Zeal and I found both of them already hanging on the wall. As you know, none of us have been taught how to repair a crossbow.” Tulip pointed to a symbol on the stock. “See the bloom engraved there?”
Mehrle nodded. “Yes, that’s that same flower etched all over the blade of our Fangs. I remember Zeal said earlier that Iris gave them to us.”
