by Isaac Hooke
Timlir held his ax over one shoulder, instead of letting it hang from the loop in his belt. When he noticed Malem’s curious gaze, he said: “Almost lost me ax during the flight. Hoop broke.”
“That would be bad,” Malem agreed. He turned toward the mayor. “So, how long will it take for you to find out if a man with several spare horses passed through Redbridge or the outlying territories?”
“Not long,” the mayor said. “The jungle patrols report in every eight hours, so if any of them encountered a lone man of his description in the night, I’ll know shortly after I arrive.”
Malem nodded. “Good.”
“Wait here in the Portly Pig,” Townshed said. “I’ll send word in an hour or two.”
The mayor walked pompously to the horse seller.
“Lend me a horse,” Townshed said loudly, likely for Malem’s benefit.
“Fifty drachmae,” the seller said.
“I’m your mayor, filthy bastard!” Townshed said. “The horse will be returned to you within the hour!”
“Fifty drachmae,” the seller repeated. “I sell horses, don’t loan them.”
The mayor muttered a few choice curses, and then produced a coin purse, and handed the seller the prerequisite drachmae. “You’re a seller of horses? More like a thief! Charging prices like that for subprime horseflesh. I’ll see that you’re shut down before this day is done, I will!”
The horse seller shrugged. If he was shut down, the man would probably move to another square and open up again.
Townshed pulled himself clumsily onto the back of the horse, and gave Malem a happy smile as if nothing had happened. “Wait for my word!”
With that, he trotted away.
4
A little boy came rushing up to Malem. His face was dirty, so he knew the child was a denizen of the streets.
“Coin to spare, Mr. Breaker?” the lad asked.
Malem smiled, and pointed at the coins the street busker had dropped, and the kid’s eyes lit up. He dashed to the coins, and began retrieving them.
“Mr. Breaker, now, huh?” Gwen said, as she went into the inn.
“You might as well change back,” Malem told the dragons. “You’re drawing too much attention.”
“Right here, in front of everyone?” Sylfi asked.
Malem glanced at the throng that had gathered to watch along the outskirts of the square.
“Position your backs to them,” Malem said. “So when you change back, the big saddles on your backs will hide your nakedness. Xaxia, Timlir, Grendel, get ready to help them dress. Aurora, Wendolin, you’re with me.” He realized after giving the orders that Grendel might not be so keen on helping anyone dress, since it involved touch, but hey, it would be good for her.
He beckoned toward the inn, and Aurora scowled at him before stepping inside. She was dressed in a red robe—it was a darker shade than the robes Abigail usually wore, almost the same color as blood, so Malem believed she wasn’t a fire mage. She still hadn’t revealed what power she wielded, nor had she tried to use it to escape, as the collar prevented her from touching her innate magic. She had long, straight black hair that fell beneath the lowered hood of her robe, hiding the aforementioned collar.
As he followed after her, she turned to glance over her shoulder at him. Her eyes were a bright blue, like sapphires that almost seemed to glow—no one had eyes as blue as that. Her face was beautiful, yet seemingly set into a perpetual frown, with the brow wrinkled—that expression ruined the beauty somewhat. His eyes involuntarily drifted to the collar at her neck, which was revealed when she turned her head, the hair momentarily swishing out of the way.
By using that collar to Break her, he had not gained any slots. Nor did she use any in his head, like a typical monster would. The same would probably hold of any human he Broke with the help of that collar. He still wasn’t sure if he would lose the Break when he removed the device, which was why he had left it on all this time. Wendolin had given him the key, which essentially looked like a long icepick, and taught him how to use it, so he could remove the collar at any time. When he finally did, he’d have to make sure Aurora was well away from that sword of hers. The weapon basically made her invincible. He almost hadn’t taken it along, but the weapon was too powerful to leave behind. Something told him he might need it in the days to come. Assuming he ever decided to release her.
He entered the common room of the inn, which served as a tavern, and walked to the table Gwen had taken. There were only a few other patrons at this hour, and they had all gotten up and moved to the far side of the bar—Malem could tell because of the way the chairs at some of the tables were pushed outward, with one chair toppled entirely. The barkeeper would be fixing that shortly, no doubt.
Malem broke a few nearby songbirds outside, and placed them along the rooftop to watch every direction—a little early warning system. If the birds spotted anything untoward, they were ordered to let him know.
He sat down with Gwen, as did Wendolin and Aurora. Gwen sat with the chair leaning back, and had her feet up on the surface.
“That’s dangerous, you know,” Wendolin said.
Gwen shrugged. “I’m all about living dangerously.”
The barkeep came over. A short woman with red hair in pigtails and cute freckles. She put her hands on her hips as she addressed Gwen.
“We’s got rules,” the woman said. “No feet on the tables.” She had a large gap between her two front teeth. Malem always found that to be a sign of sexual promiscuity.
Gwen shrugged, and lowered herself to the floor.
“It’s for yours own safeties,” the woman said, waggling an admonishing finger back and forth.
“My safeties?” Gwen said.
“Yes,” the woman said. Before Gwen could answer, the woman sent her gaze Malem’s way. “Well, hello there handsome!”
Malem grinned widely. “Hi.”
“What brings you to the Portly Pig today?” she asked.
“I came for you,” he replied flirtatiously.
Gwen kicked him under the table.
“Well, that’s mighty fine of you,” she said. “Yours famous around these parts. I remember watching as yous came into the city, with your army camped on the outskirts. We weren’t sure if you were coming to make friends with us, or conquers us. Some thought you merely intended to pass through with your army. But imagine everyone’s disbelief, when, a few days later, we saw your army crossing the river on flatboats, made from the forest. A rumor passed through the ranks that you offered to pay for the wood you took from the forest, and that really cracked a lot of us up.”
“Well, I’m glad I could entertain you,” Malem said.
She nodded. “Yes, so while I’m happy and all that you came, I do have one favor to ask, Mr. Breaker.”
He waited for her to explain this favor, and when she didn’t, he said: “What’s that?”
“Please don’t burn down my mother’s inn,” she said.
“I’ll do my best,” he told the proprietor.
“Thank you!” she said. “So then, what can I get yous all? You look like a thirsty bunch!”
“I’ll have a flagon of your best beer,” he said.
“Coming right up,” she said.
She spun about, but then he said: “I’d like to pay upfront.”
She glanced over her shoulder at him. “Drinks are on the house! Remember that ‘fore you burn the place down!” She winked, and left.
“She likes you, Mr. Breaker,” Wendolin said.
“Wouldn’t be the first time,” Malem quipped.
Another kick from Gwen under the table wiped the smile from his lips.
He glanced at Aurora. “Do you drink?”
She didn’t answer.
“She does,” Wendolin said.
“Good,” Malem said. “Maybe it will loosen her lips.”
Or would you prefer we talk privately, like this, he sent Aurora.
Again, no answer.
Do
n’t resent me for Breaking you, he told her. You left me no choice. Denfidal would have disrupted the balance of power in the Black Realm, and returned to destroy the world.
You destroyed everything I ever knew, Aurora said. You reduced me to a slave.
You’re not a slave, he sent.
Really? Can I go, then? she asked.
You know I can’t let you go, he told her. Not until I know what it is I will be unleashing upon the world.
Then I am a slave, she said. These other women, do you make them stay against their will, too?
No, they are free to leave at any time, he said. But they’re not dangers to the world, like you are. If I did let you go, it would be without your sword. And you would remain collared.
Then I would find out how to break free of the collar, and I would return to retrieve my sword, she sent.
I figured as much, he said. Why do you think I haven’t set you free, yet?
“I think someone’s having a private mental conversation,” Gwen commented, causing Malem to look away from Aurora.
The proprietor arrived, and set down the flagon Malem ordered, along with four glasses.
At that moment, Xaxia, Timlir and Grendel entered with Sylfi and Weyanna, who were fully clothed. Grendel was rubbing her hands on her robe—she obviously hadn’t liked handling the clothing of the dragons.
“You’re going to need some more glasses!” the barkeeper commented.
“And another flagon, if you please,” Malem said.
“Coming right up,” the woman said as she left.
“Where’s Brita?” Malem asked.
“Watching the saddles,” Weyanna replied.
The newcomers sat down. Xaxia and Grendel had to move chairs from nearby tables, as there weren’t enough.
Timlir sat next to Malem. “Us men have to stick together!”
Malem smiled.
“Between you and me, though, we could certainly use some more male energy to balance this group out!” Timlir continued.
“I don’t know,” Xaxia said. “I think the energy is about right.”
Timlir frowned. “It’s too bad none of you are dwarves. Otherwise I might even be interested in you.”
Xaxia raised an eyebrow. “You think any of us are interested in you in return?” She laughed.
Timlir scowled, and leaned toward Wendolin beside him and whispered something in her ear. She promptly slapped him in the face.
“Guess I deserved that,” Timlir said.
“What did he say?” Gwen asked.
Wendolin shook her head. “Nothing I care to repeat. He’s an obscene little man.”
“I certainly am!” Timlir said proudly.
The barkeep arrived with more glasses, and the second flagon.
Now that everyone could drink, Malem poured himself a glass, and the others did in turn.
All except for Grendel and Aurora.
“You don’t drink?” he asked Grendel.
“Haven’t in years,” she said. “I doubt I could hold my liquor.”
“Maybe you should try,” he suggested. “Might be good for you.”
“I’ll have to pass,” Grendel said.
He glanced at Aurora. “What about you? Have a drink. Relax and loosen up for once.”
She glared at him, but then grudgingly grabbed a glass, and filled it with the flagon. As she took small sips, that permanent frown she wore relaxed somewhat.
“That’s right,” Xaxia said. “A way to forget your ills.”
“All of you are my ills,” Aurora said. “Your Breaker is keeping me a prisoner.”
“For good reason,” Xaxia said. “You almost killed all of us with that sword for your master. One day you’re going to have to tell me how you slew that lich. Assuming you told the truth about that.”
The latter woman merely shrugged mysteriously.
“Maybe we should go back to the Khroma mountains and check,” Sylfi suggested after a long swig.
“You go and check,” Gwen said. “I’m not going under that particular mountain ever again. Undead.” She shuddered. “Hate them. I’ve seen enough death in this life, and I certainly don’t need to start seeing un-death.”
“Why do you fear the undead?” Aurora asked her, tauntingly. “There is so much you can learn from them.”
“Oh, really?” Gwen said. “You talking from experience?”
Aurora again performed that cryptic shrug.
“She already admitted to talking to the lich, when she followed us into the tunnels beneath the mountain,” Xaxia said.
“You really have no memories of who you were?” Grendel asked Aurora.
The blue-eyed woman shook her head. “I remember awakening a year ago in the Black Realm. That was my birth date, as far as I’m concerned.”
“You were born fully grown, and with the ability to think and reason like an adult…” Xaxia said. “I don’t think so.”
“I’ve heard of some races that can summon golems,” Timlir said. “The Tempest witchdoctors far to the south, for example, could create molds out of clay, and then animate those creatures, so that they became flesh. These golems would be birthed in that moment, fully grown, and with the ability to think and reason, as you put it.”
“Gobling witchdoctors can do it, too,” Sylfi said.
“What are you saying, I’m a golem?” Aurora asked.
Timlir shrugged. “It’s possible. Perhaps Denfidal carved you out of clay.”
“Funny,” Aurora said.
“I wouldn’t discount the power of the Balor,” Weyanna said. “Before we banished him, he was one of the most powerful in existence.”
Aurora’s face darkened. “Yes. You destroyed my life on that day.”
Wendolin laid a comforting hand on Aurora’s knee. The latter woman didn’t recoil.
“It needed to be done,” Malem said. “For reasons already explained to you, many times.”
“Denfidal was evil,” Gwen said. “And deserved to die.”
Aurora gave her a cool look. “But you see, from my point of view, Denfidal was not evil. You were.”
“You say that, though you indiscriminately killed man and beast to feed your master through that crystal sword,” Xaxia said.
“You were the ones who attacked us first,” Aurora said.
“Not true,” Gwen told her. “You followed us into the dungeons beneath the Khroma mountains, and destroyed the Light Pearl.”
“I never attacked you directly, though,” Aurora said.
“That’s because you were saving us for Vorgon, I forget,” Gwen said.
“How did you even know we had it?” Sylfi asked. “The Light Pearl.”
“The lich told me,” she said. “Denfidal sent me to this realm to search for the last Light Pearls—the only objects he believed would harm him. When I heard a rumor that one was located beneath the mountain, guarded by a lich, I went to retrieve it. But you beat me to the mountain. Your presence there only confirmed for me that a pearl was indeed hidden somewhere under the mountain, so I joined Vorgon’s uraks and followed you inside. As I said, you beat me to it, but I quickly rectified that.”
“You certainly did,” Sylfi said.
“By the way, does the sword have a name?” Xaxia said.
“Denfidal called it Arathal,” Aurora said. “Apparently it means Killer in the demon tongue.”
The conversation died after that.
“What kind of mage are you?” Malem asked Aurora in the silence that followed.
“Does it matter?” Aurora answered. “I can’t use my magic anyway.”
“It matters,” he told her. “Because the type of mage you are will influence whether I remove your collar or not.”
She shrugged noncommittally.
“Well, we can tell what kind of mage she isn’t,” Xaxia said. “She said that none of us could wield the crystal sword, and it’s true: we all tried. That means only a mage of her particular bent can use it. So, process of elimination: she’s
not a dark mage, a light mage, fire mage, Eldritch mage, or earth mage. Did I miss anyone?”
“Ice mage,” Weyanna said. “With healing powers.”
“Ice mage healer, yes,” Xaxia said. “Aurora is not any of those.” She glanced at the robed woman. “From the color of her robes, I’d say she’s some kind of blood mage.”
“Blood mage?” Sylfi said. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
Xaxia shrugged. “Neither have I. Made it up.”
“Figures,” Sylfi said.
“So what are you?” Xaxia asked Aurora.
As expected, she didn’t answer.
“You’re going to have to tell us one of these days,” Xaxia said.
“Why?” Aurora asked.
Malem was the one who answered. “Because I’m not removing your collar and letting you go until you do.”
Aurora was silent for several moments.
I don’t trust her, Gwen sent. She’s going to attempt an escape. Gwen was using a special mental band that Malem had set aside for the team, which excluded Aurora. Of course it also excluded Grendel, Xaxia and Timlir, who weren’t bound to him.
Actually, she already has tried a few times, Wendolin said. We’ve always caught her before she could leave the palace. It’s going to be tricky where we’re going, especially if we decide to camp in the woods.
Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to bring her along, Gwen said.
We can still bring her back, Sylfi added.
No, this will be good for her, Wendolin said. By having her share in this adventure with us, we will bond her to us. She should begin to open up. I also believe she’ll start remembering who she was, at some point, now that her connection to Denfidal has been severed. Anything can trigger a memory. A breaking glass. A shout. I will watch her for the signs. And I take full responsibility for her.
Yeah, but even you can’t watch her at all hours, Gwen said.
No, Wendolin agreed. But here’s how it works. If she escapes on your watch, I’ll still take the blame.
“Why do I get the feeling you’re all in each other’s heads again?” Xaxia asked.
“That’s because they are,” Aurora said. “No doubt talking about me.”
“They can do that?” Timlir asked. “Wouldn’t you hear?”
