Artesans of Albia

by Cas Peace

  Relieved, Taran grinned. “Someone’s got to keep an eye on him, sir.”

  “I wish you luck.” Blaine stared back at Robin. “Very well, Captain, you’re released from duty to search for the Major. But,” he added, as Robin made to leave, “I can’t send anyone with you and I’ll be expecting regular reports. Until I decide otherwise, you’re still under my command.”

  Robin snapped a salute that Taran and Cal echoed. They left the General’s office and made for their own rooms.

  Cal gave Taran a wide-eyed look before turning to Robin. “Were you trying to get thrown out? That was a huge risk you took.”

  “Not really.” Smiling, Robin extracted his letter and handed it to Cal.

  Taran looked over as Cal unfolded the parchment. It was blank.

  + + + + +

  Bull and Rienne were waiting for them in their suite. The healer and Cal shared an emotional embrace; they had neither seen nor spoken to each other for more than a week. When they finally parted, Taran caught Rienne’s eye and pointed to the pack resting on the floor by her feet.

  “Have you packed us some extra supplies?”

  “I’ll give you supplies,” said Rienne. Cal frowned at her and she placed her hands on her hips. “You didn’t think you were going off again without me, did you?”

  Cal stared. “But you can’t come.” He turned to the others for support. “Can she?”

  No one spoke.

  “And just how are you going to stop me? I’m just as concerned as you are. Don’t forget, I’ve been receiving messages from the Major for a few days now, even if they did seem like dreams. And when she asked me if I’d work in the infirmary, she also asked me to consider myself attached to her command. That means I have to go with you, if there’s even the slightest chance she’s been hurt.”

  “It’s more than a chance, I’m afraid,” murmured Robin, his face betraying his worry. “I can’t think of any other possibility for her silence. Rienne, I’d be very happy to have you along.”

  Cal glared at him but knew he was out-maneuvered. Robin asked Bull to see to their horses, agreeing to meet him at the horse lines, while Taran led Cal into their quarters to pack.

  An hour later they were riding along the same track they had followed the Major’s horse two weeks before. To Taran, it seemed like years ago. Robin was obviously remembering the day, too, as he was introspective and silent. Bull, clearly recognizing Robin’s pain and not wanting to intrude upon it, told Taran and Cal what would happen.

  “We’ll start by heading for the mansion,” he said. “Maybe, once we’re physically through the Veils, Robin will be able to sense the Major. If so, we’ll follow his lead. If not, the mansion’s our only hope of picking up the trail. It’ll be interesting to see if Marik can throw any light on what’s happened. I thought it was odd at the time, but looking back, his behavior at that damned banquet seems even stranger now. He was definitely jittery about something.”

  “Do you suspect him of harming the Major?” Taran was surprised. “He’s supposed to be an ally.”

  Bull huffed. “He is supposed to be an ally, although it wasn’t his personal choice. I’ll tell you the tale one day. But I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—demons are devious. Marik’s never really been useful except as a host, and you’ve seen how interminable his banquets can be. Sully always said he’d show his worth one day but I’ve never held my breath.”

  Taran shrugged. “Well, if he had anything to do with this, he’s hidden himself away. Robin and I could only find traces of a couple of people at the mansion. It was virtually deserted.”

  Bull glanced at the silent Captain. “If that’s the case, we should still be able to read the substrate, pick up a clue. Failing that, we’ll just have to scout the countryside to see if we can sense where they went.” He turned to Cal, who was riding protectively close to Rienne. “Cal, my lad, you’re going to have to be very alert on this trip. What are the chances of you learning how to shield Rienne? You’re likely to be quickest in her defense if there’s any trouble. What do you think, Taran?”

  “I’ll learn it,” said Cal before Taran could reply. Rienne smiled.

  “You can leave group shielding to us,” continued Bull. “We’ll call on you if we need you. Fair enough?”

  “Fine by me,” said Cal. “Rienne’s never been through the Veils before. She’s a bit nervous.”

  Rienne chuckled. “I’m sure the four of you will be able to protect me.”

  “Seriously, though,” said Robin, coming suddenly out of his preoccupation, “we’ll all have to shield Rienne when we pass through the Veils. If Bull’s right and she is an empath, it might affect her. Especially as she has no idea how to shield.”

  Rienne frowned. “Empath? What’s that?”

  Bull tried to explain and as he did so, the healer’s face cleared.

  “I think I know what you mean,” she said. “When Sullyan and I were talking about her past, I could see in my mind some of the things she was telling me. At the time I thought it was because I’d had too much to drink, or that Sullyan was a very good storyteller. But I seemed to be able to feel what she was feeling, almost taste and smell what was going on around her, if you understand me. And I really did ‘see’ her run out in front of Blaine to fend off the attackers. Does that sound right?”

  “It does,” agreed Robin. “Empaths are often receptive to an Artesan’s mind, especially a powerful one like the Major’s. They’re also often highly attuned to the emotions and feelings of ungifted people, picking up on the slightest change of mood.”

  He turned to Taran and Cal. “That would explain why Rienne got those nightmares instead of me. They’ve already been linked and if she’s injured, Sullyan would find it much easier to reach Rienne in her sleep than to communicate with me while awake.” He sobered. “So at least we now know one thing. The Major was definitely alive a couple of days ago. Rienne, please let us know immediately if you feel any more contact with her, or if you get any sudden, unexplained hunches as to where she might be. Even the vaguest sensation might be important.”

  Rienne nodded, a worried look in her soft gray eyes.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Robin led them to the stream where they had crossed through the Veils before. The day was chilly and overcast, there were no wading birds or bright fish flashing through the steely water. They reined in along the bank and dismounted, pulling their cloaks tightly around them. Robin glanced at Bull, who said mildly, “This is your show, lad. Do it your way.”

  The Captain nodded gratefully and turned to Taran. “Will you form the structure for us again? I’ll go through first and scout the area, Bull will follow me, then Rienne and Cal can come through together. You can collapse the structure behind you. Everyone agree?”

  They nodded and Taran went to work, feeling Rienne’s eyes on him as he formed the tunnel. She had never been allowed to watch anything like this before; Taran had always been careful of her safety. He doubted she could see the structure as clearly as the others, but he thought it likely she would sense it on her skin. As if confirming this, she gave a gasp as the tunnel blossomed beyond the Veils.

  Robin led his horse through, naked sword in hand. He seemed to dwindle and fade as he progressed, but once he emerged from the other end, his substance returned. The same thing happened to Bull and then it was Rienne’s turn.

  Cal took her by the arm and led her through the clinging fog of the Veils. Taran could see her staring in awe but the shield they were holding around her protected her from harm. The sensation must be odd, he thought, disorienting, and he could see she was relieved when it was over. She and Cal emerged beside Robin and Bull, and Taran led his horse out to join them.

  They rode on, Rienne taking in the terrain with interest. It wasn’t so different from Albia’s, although Taran did hear her asking Robin if he knew what medicinal herbs grew here. He smiled to himself; she would be wondering whether any of them could be useful. The terrain might
not be so different, he thought, but the weather certainly was, it was colder with a hint of frost. They would all be glad of their heavy woollen cloaks.

  Robin led them at a hand canter for most of that gray day with only a brief stop for food, bodily needs, and to rest the horses. None of them saw any sign of the land’s inhabitants; it was all as it had been the first time they had come. Occasionally, Robin would ask Bull and Taran to take care of the shielding while he closed his eyes, trying to pick up even the faintest trace of Sullyan. He always met with failure, becoming more depressed with each attempt. Taran knew Rienne longed to comfort him.

  Camp that night was made in a stand of trees that sheltered a soft carpet of old leaves on the ground among their peeling trunks. Once the horses had been seen to and a hot meal eaten, Bull proposed they try a Powersink. He asked Rienne to take a turn on watch while they were occupied and she agreed, although Taran could see she didn’t feel confident.

  Bull reassured her. “Just let yourself be open to any feelings of danger,” he said. “Keep your eyes peeled and if there’s anything you don’t like the look of, don’t hesitate to rouse us. This shouldn’t take long. It’ll either work or it won’t.”

  As Rienne walked to the edge of the trees, Taran guided Cal through the principle of the Powersink . He was quick to pick it up and Taran praised him. “I wouldn’t be at all surprised if you came out of this an Apprentice-elite,” he said. Cal smiled with pride, he’d been working all afternoon on the shielding technique and was learning fast.

  This Powersink was vastly different to the first one Taran had participated in. The absence of a Master-elite’s strength—even if only half of it had been available to him—made this one a much less powerful and heady experience. However, two Adepts-elite, one Adept and an experienced Apprentice could wield considerable strength. Robin was confident as the power was surrendered to his control and he used it to fling a wide net of awareness toward the mansion.

  After only a few minutes, he turned away in disgust. The place was as deserted as the last time they had looked. Only two or three people—probably guards—remained within; everyone else was gone.

  Puzzled, he widened the field of search, but as he had no specific direction to work with, he was questing in the dark. Deflated, dispirited and depressed, he eventually relinquished the Powersink.

  Taran watched in sympathy as the young Captain lowered his face to his hands. Bull stood and leaned over, patting Robin’s shoulder. “Come on, lad,” he encouraged, “let’s not have the wake before the bloody funeral. We’ve only just started looking. There’s plenty we can do yet.”

  Robin nodded, only marginally cheered. Bull then walked through the trees to relieve Rienne, who made her way back to the campfire. She crossed immediately to the despondent Captain, accepting a mug of fellan from Cal as she passed.

  Sitting down by Robin, she murmured, “I’m sure she’s still alive.”

  Robin raised a haggard face, his eyes red. “I wish I could believe that.”

  “But you’re so close to her, don’t you think you’d have felt it if she had … died?” Rienne was plainly reluctant to say or even think the word.

  Robin’s hands twisted together in pain. “Yes, I’m sure I would. So if she’s alive, why can’t I sense her presence?”

  Rienne had no answer and could only offer her hand on his arm for comfort.

  “Could she have crossed to another realm?” asked Cal.

  Robin shook his head. “Why would she? And I’d still be able to link with her. I’d still be able to pick up her trail, especially with all of us in concert. No, there’s some other explanation, though I dread to think what it is.”

  Bull came back through the trees. “The mansion’s still our best bet,” he said. “With the speed we’ve made today, we should be able to reach it by midday tomorrow. We’ll gain entry—by whatever means necessary—and do a thorough search. If we read the substrate from inside, either in the rooms we used or maybe the council chamber, I’m sure we’ll pick up some clues. Meanwhile, we need to set watches. There’s nothing moving around right now but I’d feel safer if we did. Cal, will you take first watch?” The young man nodded. “Then you, Taran, then me. Robin, will you take the early turn?”

  The Captain nodded and Taran realized that Bull had assigned him the watch usually taken by Sullyan. He doubted Robin took any comfort from it, though.

  + + + + +

  Morning dawned bright, the previous day’s cloud cover having been blown away by a breeze. As he struggled from his blankets, Taran thought it would get colder as the day progressed. He was thankful for the hot breakfast Rienne made; it would help warm bodies not used to sleeping on the ground. He did his share of the camp duties and they were cantering on their way again only one hour after dawn.

  Soon, he spotted the small range of hills that had sheltered them after Bull had been shot. Now they were in sight of their first goal. Robin led them on warily, aware that despite what they had seen on their search, there might still be raiders or members of Marik’s court in the hills. Cautiously, they approached the rise before the mansion plain. Once they crested it, nearly an hour later, they could look down on the building.

  Even from this distance, it was clear to Taran that all was not well. The shanty town that had clung to the mansion’s walls like fungus on a dead tree was completely deserted. Half-demolished, there was evidence of fire and hasty evacuation. Robin pointed out that Marik’s standard was missing from the flagpole on the topmost turret. It had been flying when they left; now, it was empty. He glanced at Bull.

  “At least the lack of people should make getting in easier,” he said. “What do you think? The frontal approach or sneak in around the back?”

  Bull thought for a minute. “It can’t be a trap,” he said, “we know there are few guards. There are enough of us to provide a solid shield if anyone decides to try a shot, so I’m inclined to use the front door. Much quicker. We could spend hours finding the back way. Any other suggestions?”

  “As long as we keep Rienne out of the way until it’s safe,” said Cal.

  “Of course. She can wait in the trees over there where she can see the gate, and we can signal when we’re in.”

  Rienne wasn’t happy about being left on her own, but she knew her skills were no use in this situation. She knew nothing about fighting; only the damage weapons could cause. She agreed to the plan.

  Robin led them on a circular route as they descended the ridge, coming at the mansion through the trees where they left Rienne. As they rode through the wreckage of the shanty town, Taran sensed no hostile eyes.

  The mansion’s massive gates and the postern gate at the side were shut.

  “Let’s try the polite approach,” said Robin. Bull gestured for him to go ahead.

  Up to the huge gates he rode and with the pommel of his sword thumped loudly on the wood. “Open up, messenger for Count Marik.”

  Taran didn’t expect a response and for a moment there was none, but then he heard the bolts of the postern being drawn. Robin leaped from his horse and Bull did likewise. As the door was pushed ajar from within, the big man grasped it in powerful hands, heaving it fully open. Robin had his sword to the guard’s throat before the startled man had time to react.

  Yelling for Taran and Cal to follow, Bull slipped past the gate. They dismounted and drew their weapons, edging through behind him. Two more guards dashed out of a small guard house to help their comrade.

  “Taran, Cal and I will take care of these two, you go and see if there are any more,” shouted Bull.

  Sprinting toward the guard house, Taran ignored the sounds of combat behind him and slipped quietly through the door. The building was deserted. Re-emerging, he saw that Robin had tied his man securely and was helping Cal and Bull, neither of whom seemed under pressure. Swiftly, he looked around, identifying the mansion’s entrance as the only other possible source of danger. He ran around the courtyard, keeping out of the direct line of s
ight of the open doorway, and sidled along the wall until he could see into the passage beyond. It was clear.

  He jumped through the doorway and listened intently in the pale light of a few tallow torches. There was nothing to hear or sense. When he turned back to the others, two of the guards lay bleeding their last on the slick cobbles and Robin was menacing his prisoner, trying to make the demon tell him if there was anyone else inside.

  The guard stayed defiantly silent, staring at Robin through pale, slitted eyes, until Bull came up behind him and casually sliced off an ear lobe. The demon’s agonized shriek echoed around the courtyard.

  “Where’s the Count?” repeated Robin.

  “Gone,” rasped the demon, blood streaming down his neck.

  “Gone where?” yelled Robin.

  Bull laid his dagger beneath the guard’s other ear and the demon flinched, sweat beading his face. “They’ve gone to Kymer,” he spat. “They left two weeks ago.”

  Robin and Bull stared at each other.

  “Kymer?” said the Captain. “That’s Rykan’s province.” He turned back to the guard and shook him roughly. “Are you telling me Rykan came back for the council meeting?”

  Despite his pain, the guard smiled wolfishly. “He never really left. There was a tasty morsel here he fancied.”

  Robin stamped furiously on his arm and the demon grunted in pain.

  “I knew we shouldn’t have left her here,” raged Robin. “If Marik’s betrayed her, I’ll slice out his heart. The gods know what’s become of her now. Curse Blaine for recalling us too soon.”

  Bull frowned. “Calm down, Robin, getting angry won’t help us. We don’t know this is Marik’s doing. And if Rykan’s that enamored of her, he’s not going to do her any harm.”

  They became aware of a rasping sound. It was the demon guard laughing at them as he bled. “No lasting harm?” he wheezed. “She’ll be dead by now if I know Lord Rykan. He’ll have had what he wanted of her ten times over. There will be no stopping him now.”