4!
Metamor Keep: Investigating Calamity
By Charles Matthias
It was well into
the afternoon before Kashin reached the confrontation in the ancient
sacrilegious temple beneath Yesulam. He described the behaviour of
the Sword of Yajakali with distinct distaste, and utter horror at the
Blood Bound who had been drained by it. Several of the mages
cringed at the utter depravity of Jothay drenched in his own blood like a
gorged leech. But the crowning moment of confusion for the Marigund
mages came not when Kashin described how he and Nemgas were split by the
touch of Yajakalis blade his previous discourse with Bartholomew on
the subject of Cenziga had prepared them for that miracle but when he
spoke of the man who slew the Shrieker.
You have
to be lying, Sir Rivers said with an affected air of detached
nonchalance. We all know the Ecclesia hates magic and the Questioners
moreso than most. It could not have been this Questioner Akaleth
who slew the Shrieker.
But it
was, Kashin replied. I witnessed this with my own eyes. As did
Sir Czestadt. And the very man who did this is now waiting in your
antechamber.
How could
he possibly have done that? Chalcus asked in alarm. He has no training
and Ainador is dead to all magic.
Not
true, Kashin shook his head. The power of the Sondeck works anywhere in
the Holy Land. It is one of the reasons the Ecclesia has long
recognized and encouraged their order in Sonngefilde. However their
power works, it must be much the same way for Father Akaleth.
But to
kill a Shrieker with light? Massenet asked, dubious, but not as angered
as the other two. That seems rather unlikely.
Kashin
glanced at the man with incredulous eyebrows on his left. And how many
Shriekers have the mages of Marigund killed?
Massenets
eyebrows climbed down to nearly obscure his eyes. We have never been set
upon by such evils, at least, not since the days of the Guilds
founding. Ancient records suggest that at least one may have been
seen in the distant past when the elves still ruled this land. But
no, weve not killed any. But we do have several accounts of them
and how they were killed. Including some recent ones from Metamor
Keep in the last year.
This took
Kashin by surprise. The Yeshuel shifted his left stump so that it
was covering his chest. Truly? That I didnt know. But
thats beside the point. I am telling you what I saw. And I
saw Father Akaleth kill a Shrieker by striking it with light, light that
he created. I do not know how he did this, or why it worked.
I only know that it did.
The others
wrangled over the question for some time, with Elizabeth reporting on
what they knew of the Shriekers and how those at Metamor were
killed. Comparisons were made, and all noted the way Shriekers
seemed to deaden light. By the time they had finished debating all
of them seemed satisfied that what Kashin was describing was at least
plausible. Kashin took advantage of the pause to eat some of the
cheese and cakes.
An hour
later, after hed described freeing the Patriarch from Marzacs taint and
the strange ghostly visit from Qan-af-årael after the Winter Solstice he
admitted to having no further knowledge of events of Marzac. The
mages thanked him and Elizabeth offered to escort him back to the
antechamber. Kashin was delighted to accept. He did not mind
their presence or telling his story. He just did not like the sorts
of questions that they often asked and the ever present but never
explicitly voiced suggestion that those from Yesulam were ignorant
children in need of instruction from their betters at the Marigund Mage
Guild.
He was so
quick to leave that he did not in fact notice the look of pure poison he
received from one of the other six mages as they dispersed.
----------
This mage
continued alone into another part of the tower where they were met by a
friend. This friend, short of stature but keep of appearance,
fox-like and angular, cast a pair of simple runes that stilled the air
around them. His eyes narrowed. What did you learn?
It seems
it will be more difficult that we thought in getting to the
Questioner. Apparently he has magical powers as do both the Yeshuel
and Yesbearn with him.
The short
fellow frowned. We are still going to kill him though.
Of
course! That hasnt changed. If the Caial wont uphold their
own laws then we must. But we must be cautious. If were
caught...
The second
mage blanched and shook his head. We must be careful. There are
going to be many who will want him dead. But his magical abilities
frighten me. He pursed his lips and after a moments consideration
added. Ill slip into the Cardinals palace tonight and take a closer
look at them while they sleep. He held up one hand to forestall his
companions objection. I have done this before. I wont be seen
and I wont leave any magical traces either. Will you have a chance
to question him today?
Not
likely. The Yeshuel knew quite a bit more than we
anticipated. None of the others want to speak with the Questioner
either. That bladeslinging Yesbearn is next.
He may be
a problem, the second mage admitted. He rubbed his chin with his
fingers for a few moments then reached a decision. Return to tower and
find out whatever you can about their abilities. Under the pretext
of how they used them against Marzac.
I expect
others will want to know that as well.
True. Return then and once we know more we can decide how this
Questioner will die. The first mage nodded and turned back down
the corridor. The second mage snapped his fingers and the shimmer
of air dissipated. He turned the other direction, glanced out a
window at the sombre early evening sky, and stopped to admire the many
birds nesting on the rooftops.
----------
Sir Czestadt sat
stiffly in the chair, his eyes and demeanor sullen. The mages
clustered around and after Demarest introduced each, he added, I have
been told that you do not natively speak our tongue and that you have
some difficulty with it. I have cast a spell so that your words
will be comprehensible to our ears; we are not familiar with your native
tongue and this is the only prudent way to ensure we can speak to
whatever length and breadth we desire.
This only
irritated the Yesbearn. How am I to learn your tongue properly if you do
not give me occasion to practice it?
You may
practice it all you wish. But to expedite our conversation, we have
chosen to employ the magic at our disposal.
It is an
insult.
It is
expedient and already accomplished. No magic has been cast on you,
only on ourselves. You will hear your words exactly as you speak
them.
Elizabeth
offered a sympathetic smile. We understand it makes you uncomfortable,
Sir Czestadt, but this is really for our benefit, not yours.
Please, allow us this privilege. Speak as you would, consider your
words as you would, and do not concern yourself for how we hear
them.
The knight
said nothing for several long seconds. But at last, with a heavy
sigh he nodded. Very well. Employ your parlour trick. What
do you wish to know of me?
Massenet
began the questioning, the pipe between his lips bobbing up and down as
he spoke. We understand that you were once of the Kankoran order and
that whilst among them you learned how to manipulate swords. Tell
us of this.
Czestadt
snorted. I am a blademaster. No sword can kill me. I can
touch them with my will and bend them to it. As you can see, he
gestured at the pink scar running down the side of his face, I have been
sliced and skewered by swords before. The wounds always heal.
And that is all I shall say of my abilities and of the Kankoran who
taught me these abilities.
Surely
there is more you can tell us, such as how you studied and learned t
reach for them, Chalcus asked. His own scars, not as deep,
glimmered in the brightly dancing witchlight.
I will
not reveal any secrets of my former order, Czestadt declared. Would you
wish a former member of your guild to speak freely of your secrets?
Chalcus grimaced and shook his head. The others said nothing. So
neither shall I.
But you
left the Kankoran, Massenet said, And from what we understand they are
not forgiving of those who leave them. Czestadt said nothing. The
pipe lowered slowly with the fading of his friendly smile. You joined
the Driheli. We know they are a knightly order based from
Stuthgansk, one of the principle cities in eastern Sonngefilde. We
do not know much.
And you
shall remain ignorant. I am here to tell you of Marzac.
And we
are coming to it, Massenet assured him. We merely wish to make sure
that we have the chain of events leading to your involvement
correct.
Czestadt
nodded after a moments pause. Then I will tell you this. I left
the Kankoran a dozen years ago and joined the Driheli because I came to
believe in the truth of Eli, Yahshua, and the Ecclesia. I advanced
amongst the knights and became Knight Templar. When Bishop Jothay
of Eavey summoned us to Galendor to hunt Kashin, I took a dozen knights
and commanders with me and sailed north. I sent the knights to
scour the Flatlands for clues while I remained near Marilyth. I
learned that Kashin had gone to the distant east and intercepted him
southwest of the Vysehrad. We fought, he gave me this scar with a
blade that could not be seen, and then after rising from my seeming
death, I returned to Yesulam and came face to face with Jothay for the
first time. And it. That sword that was not a sword.
The blade
of Yajakali, Diomedra finished for him.
Aye.
Tell us
more of what you felt in that blade.
Czestadt
described at length his impression of the sword, from its appearance with
the eyes to the way it deadened everything around it. The mages
listened attentively and asked probing questions. Every time
Czestadt suspected they were asking more about his abilities than bout
the sword he refused to answer. But after a while their focus
settled on Yajakalis blade and Jothays uses of it rather than on how
Czestadt could feel what he felt.
They were
particularly interested in the Blood Bound, but Czestadt could only
describe what they looked like, smelled like, and acted like; hed never
seen how they were made, but Akaleth had. Merely mentioning his
charge made several of them, notably Sir Rivers, scowl fiercely.
The nobleman was especially hostile in his questions and Czestadt kept a
close eye on him. No matter how much Elizabeth and the Cardinal
vouchsafed their hospitality, he knew this man was a threat. Nor
was he the only one that put him on edge; he was only the most obvious
about his contempt.
He then
described Zagrosek who he later learned was the man who killed Patriarch
Akabaieth. Massenet was particularly interested in what the rogue
Sondeckis role was in the events, but not a one of them didnt appear at
least a little curious. Even Sir Rivers couldnt deny that he
wanted to know who this assassin was and what he was doing in
Yesulam. Czestadt felt no compunction in revealing all he
knew.
They did
not evince surprise at anything else he mentioned until he came to the
moment when Father Akaleth defeated the Shrieker. This they treated
very skeptically. Finally, after a rather sneering question from
the blonde Diomedra, he slammed his fist into the arm of his chair.
Enough! You insult me and Father Akaleth with your refusal to
believe. I have told you what happened. He destroyed the
Shrieker with light, a light he used to guide us out of that infernal
pit. I will not hear him gainsaid by effete cowards like you!
How dare
you! Sir Rivers leapt to his feet enraged. Chalcus also snarled,
and Massenet fumed, while Elizabeth shook her head and Diomedra smirked
in amusement. Bartholomew glowered and Demarests face purpled in
apoplexy. But it was the noble who acted fastest. He strode
before Czestadt and slapped him full across the face with the back of his
hand. How dare you speak such things!
Czestadt
grabbed him by the wrist, twisted it behind his back, and slammed the man
to his knees without ever shifting in his seat. He then pushed him
forward so that he fell against the table. Chalcus put a beam of
light that shimmered but held steady against his neck. I would not do
such things if I were you, he said with a smile that begged Czestadt to
continue.
Sir Rivers
got back up, dusted himself off, and lifted his hands to strike
magically, when Elizabeth took him by the shoulder and drew him back. Do
not think it, Alexander. He is a guest. He needs to learn
better manners, but he is a guest.
You
insult my charge and expect manners? Czestadt asked, neck perfectly
still against Chalcuss evanescent rod. I do not suffer such things
lightly.
I think,
Diomedra said in a sultry voice, that you are used to command and not
used to others contradicting you or casting doubt on your words.
You dont like it. And you think us cowards because of it.
You are
cowards because you have never faced what I have. My words are a
toy to you, a plaything that you are interested in for now but will soon
lose interest in. Czestadt let his eyes, dark and intent, turn on
Chalcus. The scarred mage glared back at him unflinching.
Youd be
surprised what we have faced, Sir Rivers said in a hoarse whisper.
Very, very surprised.
Czestadt
lifted one hand and touched the scar on his face, all the while avoiding
Chalcuss spell. I have been mortally wounded several times in my
life. How many can say that?
Elizabeth
gaze Rivers a warning glance, and then scowled at Chalcus. Put that
away. He is not going to harm us.
Im not
sure about that, Chalcus replied, eyes narrowing. I think hes begging
for a fight.
Czestadt
smirked. I have never begged for anything in my life.
Not even
your life? Chalcus asked, his voice both hostile and curious.
Never.
Demarest
growled. Chalcus!
The
scarred mage grimaced but drew back his spell. The searing light
vanished leaving behind air crisp to the nose. Czestadt wanted to
rub his neck to feel the skin but kept his hands still. He was not
going to show the slightest hint of weakness before these mages.
Sir Rivers
rubbed his arm where the knight had gripped him. His voice reeked
with disgust. I presume we will be able to continue this conversation
without further imprecations?
Czestadt
did not look at him, but kept his gaze on their leader Demarest. It
would be my hope that you can restrain yourselves from calling into
question the character of my companions and I.
Demarest
was unmoved. You would do well to return the favour. None here
appreciate your words.
I dont
care. He leaned forward slightly. You do not wish us to be here.
I will be content to leave. Continue your questions and as long as you do
not doubt my words we will end soon.
Both
Rivers and Chalcus looked eager to determine whether Czestadt was telling
the truth about being invulnerable to blades. Massenet and Diomedra
were not much happier. Demarest attempted to hide his loathing, but
did not succeed. Bartholomew had regained his composure which meant
that of the seven mages only he and Elizabeth appeared calm. And it
was she who spoke next. Very well, Sir Czestadt. We will move
along. After the Shrieker died, what next came to pass?
He next
described the leeches that had gorged on foul blood but only Elizabeth
asked any questions. Then he related Kashins confrontation with
the evil inhabiting Patriarch Geshter. This too evinced little
surprise. It wasnt until he described the horror he felt on the
morning of the Winters Solstice when he felt the evil of the Sword flare
in his mind and revel in a triumph that never came to pass that the
others asked any further questions. But these were all brief, and
when he reached their conclusion, they thanked him and assured him they
were done for the evening.
Czestadt
walked back to the antechamber with Elizabeth rushing to keep up.
Somebody had brought Akaleth an old book which he was reading while
half-reclining on the floor. Kashin busied himself with
stretching. Both looked up when they returned.
Elizabeth
glanced down at Akaleth, her eyes lifting in surprise at the book, but
she said nothing of it. It is late, and we have much to discuss amongst
ourselves. Father Akaleth, we shall begin with you in the
morning. The Caial will escort you back to the Cardinals
palace. Do not go anywhere else. She said coldly then turned and
swept back up the hall. The double doors shut behind her without
the touch of any hand.
Well I
see both of you have made many new friends today, Akaleth said with a
faint laugh.
Czestadt
and Kashin looked at each other, then at the priest, and then back at
each other. Both of them laughed. Akaleth rose and held the
book under one arm as the trio left the Mage Guild under the watchful eye
of the Caial.
----------
Evening closed
over Marigund like a velvet fist. The sky was clear but dark, while
the city streets were lit in bright profusion. Still, numerous
alleys were wreathed in shadow, shielded from the light by the buildings
on either side. Along one of these crept a solitary figure draped
in a common black cloak. His eyes remained fixed on the Cardinals
palace across the street. He bent down and lowered one arm. A
sleek rat scampered down, small claws holding firm to the richer cloth
beneath.
Just
before stepping onto the ground, the rat turned back his head and with
beady black eyes stared at the man. A voice, small but loyal,
chirped in the mans mind. Im supposed to watch and listen to
the three foreigners. Is there anything you want me to learn,
master?
The
man smiled and gently ran a finger down the rats head and back.
One paw lifted and held at the finger. The mans thoughts were
equally gently. Whatever they discuss. And watch the
priest most especially. I want to learn of his intentions and his
habits. Whatever you see or hear, tell me.
The
rats whiskers flicked back and forth. I will, master. And
then he scampered to the pavement and ran along the alley, hugging the
right wall, before disappearing within a small sewer opening. The
man straightened and prayed for his familiars safety.
The rats
name was Boots. Hed been a gift to a lonely child who had always
thought his white paws on an otherwise solid black body had made it look
like he was wearing boots. Hed liked the boy who gave him little
tidbits of corn, seeds, cheese, and bread, and who let him crawl over him
to get warm on those cold days. He did not understand the fullness
of time, but his master had told him that after three years, that
precocious boy, in an attempt to keep his precious Boots alive, had used
a familiar spell that bound them together.
And Boots
could now claim, these twenty years later, to be the oldest rat alive if
he cared enough about such things. That it brought delight to his
master was enough for him.
He did not
understand why these foreigners upset his master so much, but they must
be truly vile to do so. He did as he was asked, scurrying through
the sewers in order to safely cross the street. The stench was not
as bad in this district as it was on the outskirts of the city.
Still, when he reached the other end and emerged next to the Cardinals
palace, he scrubbed his fur off as best he could just as his master had
asked.
Boots
climbed the chimney stones all the way onto the roof. From there he
scoured the stones along the roof until he found one lose and scurried in
underneath. He could feel his masters comforting presence with him
always, knowing that he was just across the street and wouldnt let
anything happen to him. That trust kept him pushing through the
darkness with his nose, sniffing until he finally found a pathway through
the attic that led back behind the internal woodwork. He followed
this until at last he emerged into one of the upper rooms.
The room
was empty but for a bed that had not been used in some time. Boots
followed the wall to the edge of the hallway. He could smell no
animals in the house, only humans. He heard voices coming down the
hallway and followed after them.
The
hallway opened up into a larger room. Boots stood on the balcony
overlooking a warm gathering place where the Cardinal entertained
guests. Boots had met the Cardinal before and felt a bit of delight
and a half expectation of some tasty morsel as the man was wont to give
friendly animals. But with him were the foreigners too. They
didnt look at all like anybody in the city, and his master had made sure
to describe them in pretty good detail. Two of them had darker skin
while the lighter skinned one had a pink scar on one side of his
face. And the priest was the smallest of the three. Boots
wanted to hiss at him but his master had wanted him to keep quiet.
So Boots
settled down to listen. Im here, master.
His
masters strong voice was there immediately. What are they
doing? What are they saying?
They are eating and...
You
should control your tongue better, the Cardinal lectured the scarred
one. You are here as their guests. No one else wants you
here.
They may
call me whatever they wish, the scarred one replied. But I will not
tolerate them impugning the honour of my companions.
They drew
weapons on you! the Cardinal snapped. Are you trying to goad them into
a fight?
No.
Then what
are you trying to do?
To ensure
the truth is what they hear.
Then
speak the truth! You do not have to make them believe you.
The Guild will believe whatever it wants to believe.
Boots
relayed this back to his master as quickly as he was able. His
master listened but said nothing.
The priest
began to nod. There is truth in what his eminence suggests. We
cannot make them see things from our point of view. We can only
tell them the truth and trust that the truth will be all that is left
after they have finished wrangling with our testimony. He shrugged his
shoulders but his face remained placid. Boots had never seen a
human who kept their face so still. We arent going to learn anything
from them anyway, so we neednt bother trying.
The
Cardinal had no trouble making his face do strange things. Boots
recognized the look as one of discomfort. Thank you, Father
Akaleth. I did not expect you to agree with me.
The truth
can come from any mouth. This much I have learned in the last
year. He shook his head, the faintest hint of chagrin coming over
him. Boots passed that along too.
I
wonder why that would embarrass him. His masters voice was
confused, but he said nothing more.
The three
guests, the Cardinal, and another priest whom Boots had seen with the
Cardinal in times past continued to converse for another hour.
Boots faithfully reported all he heard. His master asked a few
questions about what the individuals were doing, but apart from eating
some bread and cheese which smelled very savoury and made all his
whiskers twitch eagerly they remained seated during the course of their
conversation.
Eventually
they did disperse, and Boots had to risk crawling along the banister at
the edge of the balcony until he found a good grip on a wooden door frame
and was able to scale down to the floor. This he only did after all
five of them had departed and the lamps extinguished. He followed
their scents out into the hallway below, and after turning down a side
corridor, he found where each was sleeping.
Whose
room is which?
I will
learn, master.
Boots
had no trouble squeezing underneath the doorjambs and peering into each
room. All of the rooms were still lit so he was exceedingly
cautious. The first room was that of the other priest who lived in
the city. He squeezed back under the door and ran in zigzags until
he reached the next one. Beneath this was the scarred
foreigner. And he did see Boots! But the fellow didnt seem
to care so much as glare at the rat. Boots froze for a single
moment, fear clutching his little heart, but at the firm assurance of his
master, he was able to turn and made his escape.
Boots
waited a few minutes before trying the next door. This belonged to
the one-armed man. He knelt in prayers like master did each
night. Boots left him alone.
The last
room he checked held the foreign priest. He too was saying
prayers. But in his barely audible words, Boots heard many things
that he dutifully passed back to his master. The part that most
delighted his master was the very end.
Eli,
forgive my anger and my pride. Grant me the grace to be free from
these terrible temptations. I cannot free myself from them and need
your grace. Pour it upon me, O Eli. Through thy Son,
Yahshua.
Haughty. His masters voice exuded delight. That is very
good to know. Come back home, Boots. Weve learned enough
tonight.
Boots
wasted no time darting back through the large and frightening hallways,
up the door, up and over the banisters to the balcony, down another long
hall, and then back up through the cobwebbed and cluttered attic space to
the roof. A light patter of rain was falling. Boots shook off
before climbing down the chimney. The road was empty so he ran
straight across. Once back in the alley he shook again and followed
his masters scent.
His master
was at the very rear of the alley next to a door into the adjacent
building. Boots ran up to him and leapt into his waiting
arms. Those warm arms cradled him and Boots held on with his little
claws. The cloak drew over him and he knew he was warm and safe
again. Did I find everything you wanted, Master?
Everything you could, Boots. Thank you. I have some bread and
cheese waiting back home for you.
Oh thank
you, master! I love you.
And I love
you, my little Boots!
The
dark figure took his rat back through the maze of buildings to the Mage
Guild and their home. The rat dreamt of the sweet bread and cheese
that awaited him. The man pondered how to use the Questioners
weaknesses against him all the while stroking his beloved familiar and
friend.
----------
May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love,
Charles Matthias
!DSPAM:4c97e91c230481345131859!
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