“I suppose you’re right,” Wredegar said, “but if I had my Wosmoks, things would be different. You’d be safely out of here and we’d have the rioters in our pocket.”
“We must not do anything else to provoke the Donovards,” Vesamune said. “In time, they’ll ransom me back to Rugenhav.”
Wredegar’s first thought was what he had heard about how the Donovards ransomed Geras Vilarwef, but he did not mention it to her. He truly hoped Vesamune would be ransomed so he could make his escape and return to his honorable knighthood.
“Very well. I’ll not pursue the riot leaders at this time,” he said. “I’ll stay until they ransom you, but I can’t stay in this house day and night. It’s too confining for my peace of mind.”
“An unnecessary risk. Still, I’m glad you finally see things my way,” she said with a smug grin.
97. ARTHAN
Clonmel Estate in Eglamour, Toulon Ministry
Midsummer, 3034
“Where did you find all of that?” Arthan asked through a mouthful of eggs and bread.
Serdot set the bag of papers on Arthan’s table. “When I was searching his chambers again, I thought it odd that Reimvick did not have much correspondence lying about, as any gossip-hungry nobleman would. I found a few drips of ink on the stone under his table and found a floor tile with new mortar around it. I pried it up and found this trove underneath.”
“Excellent,” Arthan said, shoving his plate aside. “Was there anything else?”
Serdot shook his head as he dumped the letters from the sack. “Just more alchemical ingredients.”
“Let’s start reading, then,” Arthan said as he picked through the pile. “Did Tronchet see you?”
“No. I went in last night and was out again before the magistrate made his rounds.”
“Let’s keep him out of this until we have something to show. So far I see letters to his mistress, a page from a ledger, not much of use.”
“All of it is useful,” Serdot said. “Together it paints a portrait of his life. What’s this, a letter to ‘E’ signed by ‘O.’”
Serdot skimmed it side-eyed before Arthan plucked it from his hands.
E,
My students completed the Lord Gottfried task. Unfortunately, not all of them returned to Thorendor. You may remember Morroy, the Calbrian. He died of his wounds. But we gained a new student whom I judge to be well suited for our work—if he will submit to my authority.
O
“He mentioned Thorendor,” Serdot said.
“So ‘O’ must be Osmond,” Arthan said, “meaning Arasemis…Good of Reimvick to have clarified that yesterday. What further proof do we need that he’s involved in the assassinations?”
“This letter establishes Arasemis’s involvement, but not Edmond Reimvick’s.”
“But this is his correspondence,” Arthan said.
“When you accuse him at court there must be no question.”
“At least the Rugens don’t seem to be involved. You were right, Serdot.”
“There could still be another layer to this onion, my lord. They could be working on behalf of the Rugens. We only know what is written, not what’s not. We must be open to other possibilities.”
“Look, here is another one,” Arthan said, holding up another letter.
E,
We leave Thorendor in three days for your location. Thank you for arranging everything in Borel, and for your preliminary details about the palace. I look forward to more information on the best route from Borel to the palace.
As for us, we’ve made the discovery of a lifetime: arcanae relics that will aid our tasks like nothing else before. Modern Candlestone will never be the same. I will show you once we are in Borel.
O
“My God,” Arthan muttered. “He is supporting them…”
“That’s what we need.”
“What are the arcanae relics, Serdot?”
“When I spoke to Henrey’s guards, they said the assassins wore queer-looking armor. One of them had boots with wheels and blades affixed to gauntlets.”
“We must find where they are hiding in Borel before they kill again.”
“Borel is a dangerous place. Brugarn’s men are still fighting pockets of rioters. Here is another one…”
E,
Not only has our latest task against Valient failed, but he has an alchemical sword. When he arrives in the capital get a good look at it. Juhl didn’t expect it, of course, but she is all right. This is very worrying. Reply soon.
O
“So Arasemis is afraid of Adrithayn,” Arthan said. “Father was right about the sword.”
“Perhaps Arasemis is more surprised than anything. None of his other targets defended themselves with alchemy.”
“I know you haven’t had time to find that historian, Danleri, but if Arasemis fears my father’s sword, I need to understand it.”
“Don’t worry, my lord. I’ll find Danleri.”
Arthan nodded. “So, why did Reimvick keep all of these letters? Why not toss them in his fireplace?”
“Not everyone is careful, even conspirators. Reimvick’s hiding of his correspondence tells me he valued keeping it enough to risk its discovery. Hard to say why…Look, here is an unweathered and unsealed parchment. Reimvick never had the chance to send it.”
O,
I will be unable to meet you in Borel. That bastard Valient and his pesky widsemer are determined, and they’re getting closer. I must limit myself to risks that are absolutely necessary, if we are to succeed. If the relics that you found are truly revolutionary, then my hope is that the following instructions will be unnecessary.
The king is still holed up in his tower, as I’ve written before. I don’t expect him to change his location. Duke Brugarn has posted Crownblades at the tower’s main stairwell. Brugarn himself moves about the palace and the city frequently, and he keeps more Crownblades with him.
The queen can be found in her bed with her sister, Lord Ministeress Voufon, nearby. The chambers of princesses Milisend and Brielle are in the northeast wing of the palace, near the prison tower. Brugarn’s bedchamber is one floor above in the northwest wing. Do not confuse the northern prison tower with the king’s south tower. They appear similar but the king’s tower will have fewer lit windows at night.
Remember what I told you about the gates and the other lord ministers. I agree with your plans to shelter in Wallevet for a while when this phase of our work is over. I look forward to hearing about the next phase of your plans.
I hope my assistance proves my loyalty for the cause you ably lead, even if I never formally joined it in the way you had wished. At least I was not like Raymond or Father. I think Grandfather Erwold would be proud of us.
E
“We have him now, Serdot. Damned by his own hand.”
Serdot sighed. “I owe you an apology, my lord. When we first came to Eglamour I told you that Reimvick was a persistent gossip and occasional annoyance, but nothing more. I couldn’t have been more wrong.”
“He deceived all of us, Serdot.”
“But it is my business to see through such things. I will remember this lesson…We must move quickly. Arasemis did not receive this letter, but he’ll soon hear about Reimvick’s capture. He’ll try to complete his work at an accelerated pace.”
“Let’s delay announcing Reimvick’s treachery at court. I’ll go at once to Hamelin and Tronchet so the royals can be warned. They will have to secure the palace and search for any assassins who may already be inside.”
“I will go downstairs to question Reimvick about Arasemis’s location in Borel,” Serdot said, “and what other instructions he already sent to Arasemis.”
“Find out about his students, too. Names, descriptions, anything. And whatever Candlestone is.”
“My lord, Reimvick is unlikely to give up these details freely. As these letters show, he is clearly committed to their p
lot.”
“You’re a widsemer. Surely you have methods to elicit these details from him.”
“Elicitation takes time, my lord. And we have no time. But there are quicker, harsher methods…”
Arthan blinked and turned away, thinking of the lives at stake, his father, and the boldness he had adopted. “Do what you must, Serdot. We are besieged by the Rugens without and by Candlestone within. The future of our kingdom depends on us.”
98. RODEL
Borel District of Eglamour, Toulon Ministry
Midsummer, 3034
Rodel peeked around the corner of the alley, then motioned behind him. Marlan promptly crossed the street into the next alley. Rodel liked traveling with Marlan. They understood each other and Marlan had quickly learned Rodel’s Wosmok hand signals for moving quickly through a city or at night.
Infiltrating Eglamour’s outer wall was as easy as at Aughreim, even while wearing their mechans. They abandoned their stolen Aughreim horses in a nearby forest, then ran up the walls while careful to avoid the guards. They knew Borel was in the outer city, and it did not take long for them to learn where.
Borel was a nasty place, the worst slum Rodel had ever seen. Despite the riots, it was overcrowded with newcomers looking for a home, out-of-work artisans, and former soldiers turned mercenaries. Beggars and bandits were everywhere. And those were just the areas recaptured by the king’s men. Rodel and Marlan took care to avoid the areas of fighting.
When night fell they approached the southern edge of Borel.
“What are we looking for?” Rodel asked when he joined Marlan in the next alley.
“Arasemis said to meet them at a well near the gate that leads to the Genthus District, toward the southwest.”
Rodel leaned against the grimy wall of the alley and looked up at the stars, shaded as they were by the haze of hearth fires, summer dust, and sewer stench. “The noise and smell of this place…No wonder they riot. What soldier is willing to patrol here?”
“That’s why so many underground alchemists live in Borel, shunned as they are from the other districts,” Marlan said. “Machinists are even said to be here, though Arasemis doubts their skill.”
They pushed on, sprinting over rooftops when the shanty-stuffed alleys got crowded. Soon they found the gate to the Genthus District and the nearby well. They waited around the corner until the single gate guard paced by.
“What are we looking for?” Rodel whispered.
“They were supposed to be waiting for us, but of course we were delayed. Arasemis would have left some clue for us if they had to leave, however.”
“Maybe a hidden note with directions to the safe house?”
Marlan shook his head. “Too risky. But let’s go have a look before the sentry returns.”
They trotted to the well and looked around all the stones for a bit of parchment. They lifted the bucket, looked inside and at the bottom, and inspected the winch. Nothing. As they prepared to give up, a voice came from a bench hidden in the moon shadows.
“Have you lost something?”
Marlan swiftly rushed toward the voice, drawing his belt knife.
“No need—” the man tried to say, but Marlan put his hand over his mouth and the knife to his throat.
Rodel gently lifted Marlan’s knife, fearing he would kill the man. “Look at him,” Rodel said.
Marlan pulled the man from his bench and into the moonlight. A thin, ragged scarf was tied around the man’s eyes. But he was young like them.
“Who are you?” Marlan asked, removing his hand but pointing the knife at him.
“The watcher of the well,” the man said. “And someone who can maybe help you…”
“Why do I need a blind man’s help?” Marlan asked, lowering the knife.
“My sight is black but my hearing is like that of a black adder. You came to the well, searching, but not for water. And only when the guard’s footsteps faded. None who come to this well move as you’ve moved, ever.”
“What can you offer us?” Rodel asked.
“Are you seeking a path?” the man asked. “I know of secret paths. Paths your eyes cannot see.”
Rodel glanced at Marlan. He was still unconvinced.
“Has someone hired you to help us?” Marlan asked.
The man nodded. “He who has the strength of two men in his one arm.”
Rodel glanced at Marlan again. He nodded.
“Tell us the path,” Rodel said.
“It cannot be told, only walked. And only at night.” The man smiled. “Not that it makes a difference for me. Follow, please.”
Rodel and Marlan gave him space to move. The man felt for his bench and gathered a small sack that held his provisions. He walked down the alley next to the district wall, feeling his way with the tips of his fingers.
Around the corner the man opened an unlocked door in the wall. It was completely dark inside. Marlan pushed Rodel in front of him. Rodel reached into the darkness and grabbed the man’s shoulder, and Marlan did the same with him. They shuffled forward, squeezing through narrow passages and ducking beneath beams. Up stairs and then down again. On the other side of the walls they could hear people talking, laughing, shouting, and snoring. There were the scents of smoked meat, beer, and vomit. Then sweet perfume.
After a few moments the path became quiet again and light gradually appeared. Rodel squinted, seeing candlelight beaming through the gaps around a closed door in front of the blind man.
“We are here,” said the man. He plucked a key from his pocket. The lock turned, and they stepped into the light. It was an empty cellar, with a small table in the middle with a lone candle. “I will go no farther,” the man said. “Farewell.”
Rodel and Marlan watched him depart back into the darkness, pulling the door behind him. He locked the door, then shuffled away. They looked at each other before ascending the stairs at the end of the cellar. When they opened the door at the top of the stairs, a familiar voice called out.
“Well done, my apprentices,” Arasemis said, smiling from a chair by the hearth. “A fine stew is still on the fire.”
“My apologies for the delay, Master,” Marlan said.
“It’s of no consequence,” Arasemis said. “You and Rodel have arrived safely.”
“Courtesy of the well watcher,” Rodel said.
“Juhl and Fetzer?” Marlan asked.
“Resting, as you soon should be.” Arasemis held a handkerchief to his mouth and coughed harshly.
“Who was the blind man?” Rodel asked.
Arasemis cleared his throat. “Our supporter in the palace found him for us—” He stopped to lean forward and cough again.
“Are you all right, Master?” Marlan asked.
“Just a foul air from the road exacerbated by the stench of Borel. Now, that’s all the talk for tonight. Eat and rest yourselves. The eve of a great chance has come.”
99. THEUDAMER
Nairnbern Castle, Alpenon Ministry
Midsummer, 3034
“I think we should order Wredegar to escort Vesamune out of Eglamour, Your Majesty,” Meliamour said, standing with Theudamer outside his tent.
Theudamer looked at Nairnbern Castle lit by the glow of the predawn sky. The distant thud of wood and iron echoed repetitively as the Donovards tried to fight off the battering ram at their door.
“I know they suspect Vesamune of orchestrating the assassinations,” Theudamer said, “but I value the information she continues to send about Eglamour.” He lifted Vesamune’s letter to his eyes again.
…and if it were not for the additional guards Brugarn has posted around my residence, I’m sure the common rabble would have sacked the house and dragged me out into the streets. Only Wredegar can get in and out without being seen, but it’s only a matter of time before Brugarn’s men are posted inside my home. I’m under no illusions that his “protective” guards are doing anything but waiting for his order t
o…
“I understand her peril,” Theudamer continued, “but as an ambassador to my enemies, she knew the risks.”
“She is your niece, Your Majesty. Like me, she will always obey you. But the Donovards will eventually be unsatisfied with her house arrest. The death of Lord Henrey will demonstrate that the assassins—whoever they are—acted despite her arrest. If the Donovards persist in thinking she is behind the killings, they’ll kill her. As she said, it’s only a matter of time.”
“Her dispatches are valuable, Meliamour, and will only be more so as we march toward the capital. More than any of my advisers, you understand the value of unique information.”
“Your army is still several months from the capital,” Meliamour said. “Will you permit me to send Hedger and the other Wosmoks to Eglamour to extract her? Wredegar could stay and continue to send dispatches about the city.”
“I don’t want to send the Wosmoks north until Asteroth capitulates down here.”
“She is my sister, Your Majesty. She has been a loyal servant.”
Theudamer resumed watching the Donovards on the ramparts. “So be it. Order Wredegar to escort Vesamune out if she so desires.”
The distant thudding ended with a crunching sound. General Graf rushed up to them a moment later. “Your Majesty, the siege ram has burst through Nairnbern’s second gate!”
“Excellent!” He turned to Meliamour as he put on his helmet. “You have my orders. In your letter to Vesamune tell her about the imminent fall of Nairnbern, the last bastion before Asteroth’s Cantrileme. Tell her we’ll be in Eglamour sooner than the Donovards will expect, but that she is relieved of her duties if she wishes.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. May today’s victory be swift.”
“It will be,” Theudamer said as she hurried away. The emperor strolled to his horse with Graf. “What is the situation, General?”
“I’ve just given the order for the first wave to attack the inner gatehouse. Your cavalry is ready for the charge.”
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