The Pain of Compassion

by Roland Boykin

  Already, Sofia’s influence had lessened the impact of the evil emanating from the Duke’s mansion. Emma could see it in the spirits of those she passed. There was a lightness to their steps while smiles and friendly greetings abounded.

  Emma’s mind began to wander once away from the Capitol and out on the deserted road. A sudden turn of her thoughts almost brought her to a standstill. It was all coming true at last. The Deluti were returning and the final confrontation with the Dark Lord was imminent. The fate of her people and all the Elder Races hung in the balance. Would they survive?

  Another thought she had tried to push aside kept returning. Sebastian. How had the overgrown, furry oaf managed to breach her walls of indifference and uncaring? He meant more to her now than she would ever admit to anyone. It was unwise for an assassin to grow attached.

  Sebastian was too trusting. Emma pictured him as a sheep in wolf’s clothing. The humans would use and then discard him. She hoped one of the others convinced the ogre to stay at the inn and out of sight. Tears welled up at the thought of losing him.

  Her cheeks had dried by the time she reached the Halfway Inn, and decided to stop. While the talisman would keep her going, she still needed to eat. Besides, help from the locals would be vital if their plans were to have a chance. The common room was deserted except for the one table with the same old man and his friends. Emma chose the table next to them and hoped her trust wasn’t misplaced.

  The innkeeper hurried over. “Emma, nice to see you again. How is our friend, Sebastian?”

  “In grave danger, along with the entire royal family, Harold. We need your help. But first, I’ve been running for hours and need to eat. A plate of food would be welcomed, and I’ll explain as I eat.”

  Harold returned with a heaping plate, a pitcher of water, and joined her at the table. He and the others had the common sense to hold their questions. A cup of water and half a plate later, she paused and looked each man in the eye.

  “One of the Dukes fell to the evil of the Scarred Mage, and is planning to overthrow the King tomorrow evening.” She turned to the old man. “Those guards you complained about last time are all loyal to the Duke and share his ambition. There are too few of us to fight them so I’m on my way to Baron d’Roddell’s Keep for help. We’ll return on horses, but the guards will never allow armed horsemen into the city. Would you men be willing to ride with us and take care of the horses after we dismount and continue on foot?”

  The men at the table sat back and stared at each other as the innkeeper leaned forward. “Emma, you still have a long way to go. How will you reach the Keep and then return in time?”

  “I was told there is an ancient road along here that runs straight to the Keep.”

  The old man exclaimed. “By the Eyes, Harold! She means the old Deluti road. It’s one of the reasons your ancestor built the inn where he did.”

  Harold stared at Emma and shook his head. “That road hasn’t been used in my lifetime and is impassable. The road itself is overgrown, and the forest on either side is old and thick.”

  She stood, ready to leave. “I am Elintria, Harold. I run faster through the trees than you do on the ground. Now, where is this road?”

  Harold jumped up to run to the kitchen. He returned with a small package and handed it to her. “Here. Several meat pies to see you on your way. The road begins behind the inn where some paving stones can still be seen. When you return, we will help in any way we can.”

  Surprised and heartened by his simple gesture, she jumped up on the chair and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you.”

  Headed for the door, she stopped and faced them again. “One more thing you must know. The Deluti are returning, and I hope you understand what that means.”

  The old man downed his ale, stood and bowed. “Yes. War is coming. May the Eyes watch over you, Elder.”

  Emma returned his bow, nodded to the others and faded from sight.

  Chapter Twenty Five ~ Navon Returns

  Navon and his companions stepped through the arch, and he stood once again in the courtyard of the Wistaglon Palace, home of the Deluti spirits. Both Moonlight and Moshere began sneezing at the dry, lifeless air. Navon’s anger rose up inside him as the figure of the Deluti spirit materialized and offered greeting. Hands clenched at his side, the young Deluti ignored the greeting.

  “I survived your test, Spirit of the Deluti, but the cost was almost too high. Many lives could have been lost if I had failed. Even successful, one life was almost ended because of your test. Have the Deluti forgotten the compassion they once held for the other races of this world?”

  “Any loss of life is unfortunate, but sometimes necessary. It is also unfortunate you have gained another companion. The test of life will certainly result in their deaths. But that is a decision for another day.”

  The spirit then turned away and floated toward one of the entrances to the courtyard. “Come, there is trouble in your kingdom. Lord Demitrios requested we delay your testing and deliver you to your home.”

  “So, Demitrios has the power to influence the activities of the spirits?”

  “As High Lord, the spirits are required to accede to his requests whenever possible.”

  The mist surrounding the perimeter of the city resolved into the fields outside the d’Roddell Keep. The city street they were on ended at the path to the Keep. Conflicting emotions filled Navon with joy and apprehension at the thought of facing his family. But what did the spirit mean by trouble in the kingdom? Resisting the urge to run from the city of the dead and return to the world of the living, He paused and turned back to the Deluti spirit.

  “When I become High Lord, the role of the Deluti in this world will change.”

  The love and support coming from his companions put a smile on Navon’s face as he spied Altair coming down the path with Emma, of all people, beside him.

  ***

  Emma breathed a sigh of relief as the forest thinned and the ancient keep came into view. Not many remembered it was originally a Deluti fortress. The meat pies were history, and hunger had become a constant companion. She hoped Altair wouldn’t make her beg for food, but she would if necessary.

  It was just not her way to knock at the door. She waited impatiently for someone to open it and slipped inside unseen. As the oldest, Altair took his responsibilities seriously in the absence of the Baron, and was still in the office writing in a ledger. Several lanterns lit up the room, and a brazier near the desk kept the night chill at bay.

  Emma tip-toed into the room and eased up onto the padded chair directly in front of him. The warmth from the brazier was welcomed as her body began to cool. Her mouth began to water at the sight of a platter full of bread, meat and cheese sitting untouched at the edge of the desk. Sighing, she released the beams of light shifting around her.

  Altair glanced up from his ledger, lifted an eyebrow and continued writing. “I’ll be with you in a moment, Elder.”

  “An offer of food would be nice, Altair d’Roddell.”

  Without looking up, he nodded toward the platter. “Help yourself.”

  Emma didn’t hesitate to pour herself a glass of wine and climb back in the chair, the platter on her lap. Not used to being ignored, she fed her frustration with meat and cheese.

  Setting aside the ledger, Altair leaned forward, elbows on the desk. The corners of his mouth threatened to turn up into a smile when he saw the empty platter in her lap. “It’s late, and I doubt you came here just to eat my dinner. How may I help you, Elder?”

  Emma refused to be embarrassed or feel sorry she’d eaten his meal, and returned the platter. Hands on hips, she faced him. “The name’s Emma, and you would be hungry too if you’d just run all the way from the Capitol. And I can guarantee it’s not in my nature to do such a thing unless lives were at stake. We need your help.”

  Altair stared at her without blinking. She seemed sincere enough, even with her attitude, and he could think of no reason an Elder would come here l
ate at night and make up stories. He decided to hear her out. “I’m listening.”

  “Duke d’Lorange has been infected by the evil of the Scarred Mage, and is using it to fuel his ambition. He will stop at nothing to become king. The Palace and City Guards have been replaced by men loyal only to him. The Banquet was a ruse to gather all the ruling families in one place. Whether the Duke intends murder or use the threat of it is unclear. What is clear is the King will not survive. We are too few to fight them and need help. The Ancient One sent me here believing you would supply the men we need.”

  The Baron’s oldest son leaned back in disbelief. “I have never trusted that honey-tongued Duke, but I can’t believe even he would contemplate such a treasonous act. What proof do you have?”

  Emma sat back down and returned his stare. “Only the word of an Elder who has no reason to lie to you, and the fact I heard the words straight from the Duke’s mouth.”

  Altair stood and went over to study a map of the Kingdom hanging on the wall. Hands clutched together behind his back, he turned to face her. “The Banquet is to be held tomorrow evening. Even if I agreed to supply you with men, we would need the power of a Deluti to reach the Capitol in time.”

  A white light, brighter than the sun, burst through the window and filled the room. Altair and Emma squinted at the window, their mouths hanging open in shock. A smile covered Emma’s face as she jumped down from the chair. “I believe that power just arrived!”

  The sound of pounding boots was followed by a guard sliding to a stop outside the office door. The young man, eyes wide in fear, stared at Emma and managed to stammer, “Altair… a city… in our fields.”

  Emma headed for the door. “Come on, Altair. Let us go and greet your brother.”

  He turned from staring at the window and looked down on her, confused. “Brother?”

  “Yes, silly. Your brother, Navon Deluti.”

  Altair’s face lit up with a smile as he followed the diminutive Elder down the path to the gate. Eyes filled with wonder, he looked out over the city of the spirits. Legends come back to life, and his little brother was a part of it. And there was Navon, walking the streets of the white city, a wolf and horse at his side. Altair hurried to catch up with Emma.

  Navon and his companions stepped from the white cobblestones of the city onto the dark gravel of the path. The city flashed once again and vanished from existence, leaving the after-image etched in their minds. No one had thought to bring a lantern, and they were plunged into total darkness. A ball of soft light appeared above Navon’s outstretched hand, and slowly rose to illuminate the area.

  Altair hesitated and hung back a moment. The legends also said the Deluti had held themselves aloof from the Elder races and humans, and the confidence surrounding Navon was unmistakable. How much had he changed? His concerns evaporated as he watched his brother greet the Elder with joy.

  Navon lowered his head in a bow to Emma, but she grabbed him instead and planted a kiss on his lips. Laughing, he lifted her up and spun in a circle.

  “Put me down, you big oaf,” she mock grumbled. “Why is it, all the males in my life think they can pick me up anytime they want?”

  Still laughing, he stole another kiss and set her down. “That’s because we all love you!”

  Altair stepped up and grabbed his brother by the shoulders. “Look at you! I always knew you were special, but a Deluti?”

  Navon reached up and squeezed his brother’s arms. “I may not be able to fly, big brother, but I have learned a few things,” he smiled, glancing up at the light. “Come, I want you to meet my companions.”

  Emma and Moonlight didn’t need introductions, but the Elintria was taken aback when Moshere introduced himself to her mentally. Altair bowed to both, suitably impressed. Navon became aware of another presence hovering at the edge of the shadows and shook his head.

  “Looks like I have more introductions to make,” he announced and sent a mental request for the others to join them.

  Emma squealed with delight as Silverstar and his pack padded into the circle of light. Moonlight’s brothers came running, their entire bodies wagging. It was obvious she had not only outgrown her siblings, but gained maturity as well. She calmly put up with their antics.

  Navon’s smile faded as he surveyed the familiar faces gathered before him. “That we are all here cannot be a coincidence. The Ancient One asked the spirits to bring me home because there is trouble.” He glanced from Altair to Emma. “What has happened?”

  Altair made his decision and turned to Emma. “You will have the fighting men you requested. I’ll leave it up to you to explain the situation to Navon. I need to roust out the men and get them ready to travel.”

  “Make sure they bring hooded cloaks,” she called after him. Emma pierced Navon with those crystal blue eyes he remembered so well. “You must get us back to New Bratan before tomorrow evening, or the King dies.”

  ***

  Sebastian slowly opened his eyes and stared at the drifting specks of dust sparkling in the rays of sunlight streaming through the window. It was later than usual for him because of his late night with Rafael. What an interesting young human. The ogre looked forward to spending time with him in that library he spoke of so fondly.

  He let his eyes wander to the rest of the brightly lit, but lonely room. It was too quiet. Emma had been gone less than a day and already he missed her. What a change from how he’d felt a year ago. It appeared the world was changing in more ways than he could imagine.

  Where was the little man? Normally, Roll would have brought up a plate of food for the ogre by now. Even though the folks in the common room always treated Sebastian with respect, he felt out of place and was more comfortable eating in his room. He also enjoyed his conversations with Roll when the little man wasn’t pretending to be Poppie.

  Rolling onto the floor, he stood and returned the mattress. The bed was too short for him to sleep comfortably, but with the mattress on the floor, it was tolerable. Concern for his friend sent him out to knock on Ronald’s door.

  “Poppie gone be.”

  It took a moment for Ronald to make sense of the ogre’s words, but he soon nodded. “That isn’t like him, is it? I haven’t seen him since last night either.” He ducked back inside and returned buckling on his sword. “Have you eaten?”

  The rumble that erupted from Sebastian’s stomach gave answer.

  “I’ll join you in the common room for a bite to eat, and we can ask the innkeeper if he knows anything.”

  The common room was empty. The watcher was also gone as the Prince had promised. Aaron shook his head as Sebastian and Ronald seated themselves at a table against the wall.

  “Poppie? No, I haven’t seen him since late last night. A man showed up just after midnight and said he had a message for Poppie from a friend. They left together through the back.”

  Eyebrows raised, Ronald asked. “Isn’t that unusual?”

  “Not really. Poppie is well known, and can find almost anything, no matter the time.”

  Ronald and the ogre shared a look of concern as the innkeeper left. He returned shortly with several platters laden with eggs, bacon, and the largest steak Ronald had ever seen. Sebastian’s fangs sparkled as he smiled and dug in.

  Aaron sat down and faced the Lieutenant. “Just so you know, I’ve known Prince Mathias since he was a boy, and he has been a positive influence on the lives of many. Myself and a number of others will join you this evening. Most can handle a sword and all want a chance to protect the Prince and his family.”

  The sincerity in the man’s eyes told Ronald everything he needed to know. “Thank you. Hopefully, the men we are expecting will arrive in time, but if not, you and your friends will be welcomed. What I worry about is the number of City Guards. Will we have to fight our way out of the Palace?”

  Aaron leaned forward, smiling. “You won’t have to worry about the guard. They have made many enemies here, and will find their hands full come this evening
. It didn’t take much to convince a group of bored sailors to join in the fun.”

  The front door slammed open, and four of the City Guard marched in. One remained at the door, and one ran to the kitchen entrance, while the other two approached the table. Aaron jumped up from his chair, hands clenched at his sides.

  The Sergeant of the Guard raised his hand to him. “Stay out of this, Innkeeper. It doesn’t concern you.”

  His movements stiff with distaste, he placed a small, cloth covered bundle on the table and flipped open the covering, watching for Sebastian’s reaction. Revealed was a small dagger covered in blood.

  “Do you recognize this, ogre?”

  “Yes. It be a knife I give to Poppie, for gift.” He growled and then demanded, “Where you find?”

  The Sergeant took an involuntary step back as the ogre stood, fangs openly displayed in a snarl. “The knife, along with a blood soaked cloak already identified as belonging to the boy, Poppie, were found in an alley this morning. Since you are the last one seen with the boy, I will have to bring you in for questioning.”

  At Sebastian’s look of confusion, Ronald spoke up. “The ogre has been in his room all night.”

  The Sergeant’s eyes never left the ogre as he sneered. “And of course you can prove this.”

  Ronald hesitated. He would be walking a thin line here if he said anything else. Sebastian would never betray Rafael’s trust be revealing their meeting, and if the lieutenant brought it up, more questions could be dangerous for all concerned.

  Aaron tried to come to the ogre’s defense. Arms crossed, he informed the Sergeant, “Sebastian was not the last one seen with the boy. Poppie left the inn after midnight with someone else.”

  “I see. Who was this someone?”

  The innkeeper’s arm fell back to his sides. “I don’t know. His face was hidden inside a hood.”