And now for 8.
Metamor Keep: Investigating Calamity
By Charles Matthias
March 17, 708 CR
The
Caial brought them to a fortress in the midst of the city and marshalled
them into separate cells with only a bit of hay for bedding. There
they were left throughout the night. A healer visited each of them
and tended their wounds while soldiers with spears stood ready to skewer
any who thought to take the opportunity to escape. None of the
wounds they suffered would linger more than a week or so, even the
magical bolt of energy that had struck Akaleths leg. He would limp
for a while but the muscles would heal in time.
Once the
healer had left, Czestadt brooded, Kashin asked the healer to send word
to Cardinal Bertu, and Akaleth laid down to sleep. They never heard
word from the two mages or the blind man. The sun rose and grey
light penetrated the gloom of their cells. Akaleth woke and said
his morning office, while Czestadt snored after having finally fallen
asleep, and Kashin stretched and began his morning exercises.
Another
hour later Bertu arrived with an escort of Caial. They brought him
to Kashin who stood to greet the cleric. Good morning, your
eminence.
Good
morning, Kashin, Bertu replied with a slow shake of his head. The
two Caial soldiers gave the Cardinal a little distance, but their eyes
never left the Yeshuel. I warned you this might happen.
We are
grateful that it did, Kashin replied. The was a mage behind Father
Akaleths kidnapping who tried to kill us all. If not for the
Caials arrival, we might have died last night.
So
Captain Heyland tells me. It seems one of the mages has confessed
to masterminding the kidnapping. Im told you three will be
released and free to leave the city soon. Although I think they
want to offer you a stern word of reproval at the very least for not
alerting them immediately when you discovered Akaleths
disappearance.
Kashin
nodded for a moment and then shook his head. I could not take the chance
that the Caial would be as hostile to us as the Mage Guild. If they
found Akaleth wandering by himself, they may have killed him before
learning why he was there. The two soldiers scowled but said
nothing.
As you
said last night. Still, Bertu smiled in sympathy, I do not
believe you give them enough credit.
One tried
to kill him before we even set foot in the city. I do not think my
fears were unjustified.
Bertu
grimaced and spread his hands weakly. Perhaps not. But he has been
kept safe and healed of his wounds as much as they are able. The
simple irony is that of all six involved in this nonsense, only he is
going to escape without any punishment. I imagine rumours of his
masterminding the whole affair will spread if they havent already.
What a tale though, the only innocent in the whole affair is the dreaded
Questioner! Marigunds citizenry will not be pleased. Im
told the Mage Guild has a special anger prepared for Hugo and Diomedra.
The Cardinal sighed, shook his head, and lowered his eyes. What a
foolish waste.
Dont let
it be a waste. Good will come out of this. Even if only in
their souls.
Bertu
rubbed his chin for a moment and then began to nod. I have said before
that you do not understand our history. I come to understand now
that I do not understand yours, nor can I comprehend the sacrifices and
suffering youve had to endure. Your faith, Kashin, and that of
your companions, is a true gift. Thank you for sharing it with
me.
Kashin
said nothing for several long seconds, his hand crossing his chest to
clutch at the end of the sleeve covering his left stump. Im just a
servant, your eminence. If you can, please see Father Akaleth and
Sir Czestadt and let them know the good news as well.
And with
that, Cardinal Bertu thanked Kashin one last time and was gone.
----------
The blind man
knew night from day by the sounds of birds announcing the dawn, and the
warming air brought by a sun he had only heard described to him. He
had often attempted to imagine it as the hottest of fires spinning and
spinning above him like a wagon wheel, but otherwise it meant little to
him. All it truly meant to him was warmth and that those blessed
with sight would be about and from them he might beg some coin.
Not that
he needed to beg. His skills kept him well-fed, dressed, and housed
by Demarest as one of his private troubleshooters. Nor was this the
first time hed been inside the Caial prisons. But this was the
first time hed ever been here when not under Demarests orders. It
was only a matter of time before his employer arrived.
And in
that he was not disappointed. A few hours after waking, he heard
the familiar bootfalls, a chair scrape across stone, and then a heavy
grunt as the man sat down outside his cell. Well, Cornelius, youve
helped create quite a stir. You cannot leave this time without some
punishment, I hope you know that.
The blind
man nodded and shifted on the bedding of hay until he was facing his
employer. I am aware of that.
Good. Before I speak to any of the others, I wanted to speak with
you. Tell me exactly what happened. Leave nothing out.
Were
alone? He hadnt heard anyone else enter the dismal hall in which hed
been locked up.
Your ears
should tell you that well enough, but yes. I do have sway with the
Caial in this regard. Captain Heyland knows you are of mine.
Now go on. What happened?
Cornelius
licked his lips and flexed his fingers. I received orders in the usual
manner to wait in the Gauntlet for an enemy of Marigund to be left
there. I was to kill him and make it look as if hed been fomenting
religious strife.
And you
believed those orders? There was venom in Demarests powerful
voice.
You have
asked stranger things of me in the past. The orders appeared
genuine. I had no reason to doubt them.
Demarest
sat silently brooding for several seconds before telling him to
continue. Cornelius then relayed the instructions not to bring any
metal swords and how hed armed himself with glass daggers instead.
Demarest muttered under his breath but the blind man couldnt quite make
out what it was. He then described waiting in the Gauntlet, the
wagons arrival, chasing down the fleeing man, the fight that ensued, and
then Hugos confession and the arrival of the Caial. He ended with
Diomedras attempt to escape, hitting her over the head with his cane,
and surrendering to the Caial. Demarest mostly stayed quiet during
the recitation, but he knew his employer was smouldering with barely
concealed rage.
Were any
others implicated in Hugos confession? He asked at length.
No.
I was under the impression that Hugo didnt want anyone else to take the
blame but himself.
That
wont happen, Demarest growled. And then he stretched and
stood. His voice, when it came again, was imperial in command and
terror. I must decide whether you have broken faith with me,
Cornelius. It seems as if you have not, but I will be the final
judge of that. I will ensure that your punishment by the Caial is
light, but you will be under close scrutiny until I can be sure of your
loyalty and trustworthiness. If so, I will return you to your
position in my employ.
This
trial period, how long will it last?
As long
as I deem it necessary. The chair was dragged back against a far wall.
Good bye, Cornelius.
Good bye,
Demarest. Thank you for your kindness. But the head of the mage
guild stalked from the hall and a distant door clanged shut. The
blind man leaned back against the cool stone wall and sighed. If it
came to it, he could always spend his days begging again.
----------
Hugo was grateful
of one thing only, that after thoroughly interrogating him the Caial had
let him keep Boots in his cell. A magical ward prevented the rat
from leaving the room either beneath the door, through the slot for food,
or out the window. Hugo cared not. His heart, even after so
many hours, was still aflame with the miracle of his healing. A
miracle wrought by a hated Questioner of the corrupt Ecclesia no
less!
As the
mage lay on the hay, Boots was curled up on his chest, nose to
tail. The day had dawned and grey light came in through the tiny
window. He ran one finger down Boots black back and smiled as the
little eyes popped open and found him. An array of whiskers
twitched up and down as he uncurled himself to stretch forward and sniff
at Hugos stubby chin hairs.
When
that man touched you, Boots, what did you feel?
The
man you dont like? I felt all the pain go away, Master. I
felt as alive as the day you first spoke to me.
The
day hed bound Boots to him as his familiar. The day that Bootss
life had been linked to his own. If neither suffered accident or
fell to illness, theyd live a full mans lifespan the both of
them. Hed still only been a boy who didnt want to lose his only
friend in the world. Even now that he had risen in the guild ranks
and made many other friends and thought hed fallen in love, none was as
close to him as this little rat who loved him without reserve.
I dont
hate him anymore, Boots.
Oh
Master, thank you. I hope we get out of here soon. I dont
like this place.
I
dont like it either, Boots. And I hope we get out soon too.
Just trust in me and well do it.
I
always have, Master.
I know,
Boots. I love you my little one.
And
I you, Master! Boots rubbed his little nose against Hugos
cheek and the man laughed faintly.
But the
laugh died when he heard the outer door to his hall screech open.
Somebody came through dragging a wooden stool across the stone
hall. When they stopped in front of his door, he could see through
the little slit that it was Demarest. He couldnt see much more of
him than his face, but that was enough to make Hugos blood run cold with
fright.
Hugo,
Demarest began in a cold, lifeless tone, I trusted you. I
entrusted you with helping me manage the many in my employ and even
sponsored your entry into the Guild. And this is how you return my
trust? You use my own resources for a personal mission to kill a
Questioner. Yes, he was insufferable, but he provided valuable
information to us that we could not have obtained on our own.
Further, youve brought shame and embarrassment to the Guild. The
King is furious at this diplomatic breach. Why did you do it?
Hugo
lowered his eyes. I hated him, Master. The law is clear, or so I
thought, no Questioner may enter Marigund on pain of death. The
Caial was not doing its job, so I took it upon myself. I recruited
Diomedra because I knew she hated them as much as I did. I used
Cornuelius to circumvent Akaleths light powers after hearing of his
demonstration. It was my plan and my intention that brought this
shame upon us. Let me suffer for it.
Demarest
grunted, but his voice lost none of its venom. That is not entirely up
to me. But, what I can assure you, Hugo, is that you will not be in
my employ any longer. I cannot trust you. It agonizes me,
because I loved you as a son. You betrayed me, Hugo. And for
what? To kill a man whod done nothing; and you failed at
that.
Im glad
I did, Hugo said softly.
But the
head of the Mage Guild heard him. We all are. If you had
succeeded, we might have riots on our hands right now. As it is,
rumours and tales are spreading, but thankfully that is all. This
is being explained as an attempted murder, which it was. But the
King insists that those responsible be punished severely.
Hugo
gently stroked Boots down his back. Is there any hope that my life will
be spared?
You
forfeited your life when you tried to kill the Questioner. You
should know that.
Its not
for my sake that I ask. I worry about Boots. I dont want him
to die too.
Demarest
rolled his eyes and stood up. Your life is out of my hands, Hugo.
And no matter what the Caial decides to do, I expect you will be out of
the Guild too.
The
guildmaster turned to leave. Hugo felt tears come to his
eyes. Im sorry.
I know.
There was a long pause followed by a sigh. And maybe that will be
enough. Good bye.
Hugo
cradled Boots close as Demarest dragged the stool back out into the
hall.
----------
Well, well, a
voice with authority said just outside Sir Czestadts cell. So youre
the one who can manipulate swords. I never expected to meet you
like this.
Sir
Czestadt lifted his head and stood, crossing his arms before him. And
who you are?
Captain
Heyland. We met briefly last night when I brought you in.
Ive been left in charge of deciding how to proceed in your cases.
I must tell you that nobody is happy right now. To bring complete
satisfaction to the city, I ought behead all of you.
Ive
never before beheaded been, Czestadt said through gritted teeth. Just
use a sword.
Heyland
laughed, but not in a vicious sort of way. And Ive been told that you
heal any sword wound inflicted on you. Its almost curious to see
if youd heal a beheading too. But that is what I would do if I
were to satisfy all of the crowds. I dont do that. Justice
and seeing that people are punished only for the crimes they
committed. And so far as I can tell, you have not committed any
crimes worthy of death.
That is
reassuring.
But you
did fail to report the kidnapping and tried to circumvent the
Caial. That cannot be ignored.
Czestadt
grunted and rolled his eyes. Would anything you have done?
My duty!
Heyland snapped with far less humour. You may not believe it but some of
us here in Marigund do believe in doing our duty. We Caial must
especially be neutral. The man who tried to kill your charge ere
you came into the city has been demoted to cleaning refuse from the
slums. When Czestadt made no reply, Heyland continued in his officers
voice. You are going to be sent from the city today and you will not be
allowed to return.
That
suited him just fine. He expected they knew that so made no
objection. And my charge, Father Akaleth?
He
committed no crime that we can determine. Unless we learn
otherwise, he will be free to go where he wills; within reason. He
will be strongly encouraged to leave Marigund, but I doubt that will
bother overmuch.
Thank
you, Czestadt replied with a breath of relief.
Heyland
turned to one side. Now I have other duties. I expect well have
this wrapped up by noon. Well escort you from the city then.
Until
noon. Czestadt sat back down to wait. Heyland lingered a moment
longer before leaving the knight to his contemplations.
----------
Diomedras head
ached. She wanted to wring that blind mans neck but knew she was
in far worse trouble. Shed be lucky enough to save her own
neck. Everything had gone wrong in the worst possible way.
Shed decided, after finally waking up in a magically warded cell, to do
as Hugo asked and lay the blame on his shoulders. Advancement in
the guild was out of the question now. Guild membership alone might have
been squandered if they were angry enough at her. Best to wait and
see just how angry they really were.
The Caial
captain had come not long after shed woken and shed emphasized her
reluctance to take part in Hugos conspiracy, but that her affection for
Hugo had overridden her better judgment. But after shed been left
alone for what felt hours. So when the door to her hall opened, she
stood eagerly, rubbing her head to emphasize her pains, wondering who it
was.
Diomedra, Demarests voice was even, neither angry nor glad. How could
you have done this to us?
I didnt
plan for any of this to come out like this. I listened to Hugo who
assured me that it was the right thing to do and that none would ever
know. I should have told you earlier. Im sorry.
Demarest
shook his head and crossed his arms, grey eyes hardening.
Diomedra. I know youre lying to me. I know Hugo is just
trying to protect you because of his sense of guilt. That I can
respect, even if I can never trust him again. But you... you were
entrusted with many secrets and much authority. And now you lie to
me. Id hoped youd be wiser than that.
Im not
lying!
Demarests
face went stone cold and he snapped like a whip. Stop it. I know
it, Diomedra! I know it. You wanted this Questioner dead and
were willing to break any law of Marigund in order to do it. Youve
shamed the guild and me. Had you told me the truth, I would have
interceded for you. Now... Im going to let the Caial do whatever
they wish.
Diomedra
felt her blood run cold. She dropped to her knees and trembled.
Please, Master! Dont let them kill me. I was only trying to
do what I thought was right! Im sorry! Please!
Good
bye. Demarest said by way of reply. She continued to beg, crying
out in fear, all the way untilh e shut the door behind him. She
screamed a vile epithet of rage, beat the cell door with her fists, and
crumpled to the floor to weep in fury.
----------
Father Akaleth
spent most of his day in prayer. The cell was actually bigger than
what hed lived in at the Questioner Temple in Yesulam and felt amused at
the extravagance. That morning hed explained what he knew to the
Caial Captain and since then had seen nobody. From the way the
light moved along the cell floor he judged it to be roughly noon by the
time two pairs of steps came down the hall to his cell. He glanced
up when he heard a key fitted into the door. It groaned as it swung
inward.
Beyond
stood Cardinal Bertu and the Captain Heyland. The red-haired
Cardinal was genuinely smiling, while the captain appeared somewhat
relieved. Well, he stated, we find you guilty of no crime, and so we
release you into Cardinal Bertus care. We strongly suggest you
leave the city as soon as possible. Both your companions Kashin and
Czestadt will be escorted out of the city under armed guard, but you can
rejoin them there.
Thank
you, Captain. And their things?
You can
bring them to them. It has to at least look like weve
inconvenienced them. He shook his head. I never thought Id be letting
a Questioner go free. Did you really heal that mages rat?
Akaleth
blushed somewhat and nodded. Well, not so much I, but Eli choose to use
me as His instrument of healing. I did not understand until I saw
the man confess. His heart changed in that moment. How often
do hearts truly change, Captain?
The
question made Heyland frown. Ive seen a lot of people come in and out
of these cells, Father. I dont often see them have a change of
heart. Its rare. Far too rare.
Akaleth
rose to his feet and left the cell behind. Bertu clasped him on the
shoulder and guided him toward the end of the hall where freedom
awaited. Akaleth paused and turned back to the captain. And what
of him? What are you going to do with him?
Heylands
moue deepened. Since he confessed, and it was judged attempted murder
and not murder itself, we have decided to be lenient. Flogging
followed by exile. Not permanently, but long enough that most will
have forgotten his face by the time he returns.
Again, he
wasnt quite sure why, but the Questioner said, If he is to be exiled, I
would like him to be in my care.
Both Bertu
and Heyland stammered in shock. Your care? the Captain managed. He
tried to kill you.
And is
sorry for it. I forgive him.
He is a
committed Rebuilder and will not want to travel in the company of
Followers, Heyland pointed out. Bertu just watched with a very
curious _expression_.
Akaleth
spread his hands wide. Then we shall have some very interesting
discussions during our travels together. If it will appease your
sense of justice, consider this a portion of his punishment. I
suggest cutting the number of strokes by half and replacing it with the
condition that he is to be in my care during the term of his exile.
Its a
three year exile!
Then his
skin will be quite browned by the time he returns. That should keep
him from being recognized.
Heyland
opened his mouth to object, closed it and shook his head. He turned
to the Cardinal and asked, What do you think, your eminence?
Bertu
shrugged his shoulders. I have not always found Father Akaleths counsel
to be wise. But in my few days of knowing him, I know it is also
fruitless to argue with him when he sets his mind on something. I
suggest you change your sentence. If Eli worked a miracle through
Akaleth to save the mans rat, then perhaps there is no better friend he
could have during his exile.
Heyland
let out a long sigh and with a heavenward look surrendered. So be it
then! He and his rat are yours, Father! Youll have to leave
today. The flogging is in an hour at the grand square.
Akaleth
lifted an eyebrow. The alacrity of your justice is rather
frightening.
Heylands
frown darkened. It has to be. Its the only way to keep the city
safe. And once you and your friends are gone, things will return to
normal and this nonsense will be behind us.
Akaleth
opened his mouth to argue but closed it when Bertu gave him a very
withering stare. Together, the three of them left the cells behind
and headed toward their unexpected fortunes.
----------
A dozen soldiers
with Captain Heyland at the command escorted Kashin and Czestadt toward
the Dawn gate. The choice to travel through the main Follower
district had been an easy one, as was the decision not to shackle the
two. Not a one of the guards carried a sword. Spear points
were kept at their backs, though only a few of them were held
tightly.
Along the
street watched the city-folk, eyes wary and questions murmuring behind
hands. Several children ran into the street to say hello to
Kashin. Their parents called them back to no avail. Kashin
patted each on the head and bade them return with a warm smile and tender
eye.
They met
no resistance, and once out the massive gates, felt a warm breeze bending
the grasses and racing over the hills. The caravansary thronging
the road was quiet. At the far end a familiar carriage draped in
brown canvas waited, a pair of horses readied, each held by in place by
familiar faces.
Kashin
wasnt sure what to think but did his best to smile. Mistress Lumas, Sir
Rivers, I see youve readied our carriage. Thank you.
Elizabeths _expression_ was polite but sour. As a parting gesture, and as
our way of apologizing for Hugo and Diomedras treachery, weve also
replenished your supplies. You should have enough for two, three
weeks if you manage it well enough.
You have
our gratitude, Kashin replied with a slight bow and his sole hand
pressed to his heart. I do express my sorrow and apologies for the
contentiousness of our visit.
Sir Rivers
chuckled at that and shook his head. The smile he bore did not
appear sarcastic, but almost sympathetic. Coming from the man who
hadnt even wanted to look at them when theyd first arrived discommoded
them both. Your visit has proved one of the most entertaining two days I
can remember in many years. I do so wish I could have discovered if
your swords are as sharp as your tongues!
Sir
Czestadt lifted an eyebrow and Elizabeth glowered at her fellow
mage. In even tones, she reproved, It was quite a bit more
contentious than it should have been. And you were no help at all,
Alex, need I remind you. She then held up her hands and closed her eyes.
But enough of that. Let us leave in peace and leave it at
that.
I agree,
Kashin said with a warm smile. I do hope that the information we brought
was valuable to you.
Very
much, Sir Rivers crowed with delight. More than you could
imagine.
Kashin
wasnt sure if that was meant to be a barb or not. He choose to
ignore it. Good. Then no matter what else, our purpose here has
been fulfilled. When Father Akaleth joins us we will be off and not
to return.
Back to
Yesulam? Elizabeth asked.
By a
circuitous route, he replied with a gentle laugh. We have one other
duty to tend, but it is not for you to concern yourself with.
Her face
was inscrutable for a moment but she eventually nodded politely. Of
course. May your journeys be swift and safe and far from Marigund.
With that she started past them toward the soldiers still lurking behind
the two foreigners.
Sir Rivers
lingered a moment longer, his eyes glancing at the various detritus, farm
implements, broken wheels, and other leavings that littered the
grounds. He grinned, eyes returning to Sir Czestadt. He took
a few steps, and gestured with one hand at his sword. I do still wonder
how you would have fared with that, he raised his arms high and all bit
of rusted metal and broken wood lifted into the air behind him, against
this.
Elizabeth
glanced over her shoulders and then rolled her eyes. With a firm
shake of her head and set of her shoulders she marched back to
Marigund. Kashin noted the floating debris with a lifted eyebrow as
he continued on his way to the carriage. One of the horses turned a
head toward him eagerly and he gently stroked it across the face and
ears.
Sir
Czestadt, for whom the show was meant, crossed his arms and made a point
of noting every one of the objects that Sir Rivers had lifted with his
magic. Then he returned his gaze to the mage and nodded in apparent
surprise. A close fight it would be.
Aye, Sir
Rivers said, frowning a bit. All of the debris crashed to the
ground and new splinters scattered about. It would be. He turned
stiffly and marched after Elizabeth. Czestadt smiled and joined his
friend at their carriage. Neither said a word.
----------
May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love,
Charles Matthias
!DSPAM:4c97e936230701804284693!
_______________________________________________
MKGuild mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.integral.org/listinfo/mkguild
