by Kate Sander
Understanding, he said, “I’m not sure what his story is. The Queen found him. The first time I met him was this morning when we went over the plan to break you out. But the Queen trusts him and I trust the Queen.”
Satisfied, Senka yawned and turned, entering the shelter. Jules stared after her. He didn’t know what she had endured in her short life, but he felt himself becoming protective over her.
And he realized that despite the scarring and the violence, she really was quite beautiful.
11
Armend
My Dearest King and Queen,
I have done your bidding these past two weeks, and regrettably have very little information to pass on. The only whispers I have heard are from the Head of Treasury. He seems to think that the Melanthios are behind our Quicksilver shortage and wishes war against them.
I will continue to listen to the treason, and though my soul tells me to lash him with my tongue as he speaks, I will resist.
I fear, as you feared, these whispers by Treasury will become talk.
Ever your servant,
Uncle Armend, Head of Peace
Armend signed his name with a flourish and put his quill back into the ink. He re-read his letter and thought smugly that it was perfect. Armend wanted to place seeds of distrust, but as he was lying he didn’t want any specific information. Plausible deniability was key.
With the letter dry, he folded it and wrote the name of the King. No one in their right mind would try and intercept a letter addressed to the King, so he wasn’t worried about spies or his raven being caught. He left his chamber and headed to the man he knew with a flight of Ravens ready at any time. Ravens were the smartest creatures in Langundo, and were used without hesitation for mail. They would carry the letter for hundreds of miles and would always find their quarry unless they were killed in the journey.
Ravens could also be trained to report to only one person. That was often how Captains received orders from the city. They had a raven assigned to them, and that raven would run messages back and forth from Solias. The raven would stay away until a whistle drew them down to their master. Armend had never understood the use of caring for a raven full time. Vile vermin, they were nothing better than rats with wings.
Armend walked through the golden palace without looking around, completely lost in thought. He needed to get Treasury, Housing and Goods out of the way or on his side. Really, he could only frame one of them. If he tried to frame them all for treason it would draw too much suspicion.
The King was quite easy to manipulate, but the Queen was the thorn in his side. He was sure she didn’t trust him and he needed to figure out how to get her under control.
All he wanted was to give this great city what the old King had envisioned for it. Pulse lights in every house, no shortage or rationing required. Safety. The people of Solias deserved to feel safe. And the only way to accomplish that once and for all was by crushing the enemy. The Melanthios had to die. Only then would Armend save Solias.
Arriving at the market, he wrinkled his nose. The smells of spices made him nauseas and the colorful tents hurt his eyes. He was in no mood for this. Sebastian should be on this errand, but he was busy following the Queen trying to get information on her movements for Armend.
She was a dumb bitch, but she seemed more troublesome than a normal woman.
Armend quickly strode into the right shop. The smell of bird shit was everywhere. He hurried the man a Krit and walked out. He didn’t mind being seen in the market, it was quite usual for members of the council to send ravens and do their own shopping. Even though they were only a step down from the King and Queen in power, they didn’t keep servants except to cook and clean their quarters in the castle. This was completely unreasonable. Who kept this city running? Certainly not the monarch. It was the council, and servants should be provided… for every need.
He trudged back through the market and over the bridge lowered to cross the moat. He needed to control the Queen, that was key to everything. A wonderful idea formed in the corners of his mind. At first he couldn’t believe that he was thinking it, and glanced around nervously. If someone could read his mind he would be hung tomorrow. He would need to use all of his considerable talent of lying, but he felt like he could make this work. He wouldn’t even be able to tell Intelligence or Justice.
He allowed himself a small smile as he climbed the stairs and headed to the council. Sebastian slipped into stride beside him.
“Anything?” he asked.
“The Queen was away from her chambers from around seven last night and did not return until almost three this morning. She returned considerably dirtier than when she left. The King was drunk all night and didn’t notice her absence,” Sebastian replied in a low voice.
“Well, well, well. I do believe the informant Intelligence provided us was mistaken about some of the information he believed was true. Sebastian, I bet you 30 Kritz that the King is genuinely surprised this morning at the news of a prison break.”
Sebastian smiled and offered him his hand, “Deal.”
They shook and entered the council chambers. Sebastian disappeared into a corner and Armend took his chair. He was the first one here. Treasury, Goods, and Housing showed up, blissfully unaware of the shit-show that was about to occur. Justice showed up next, and sent a wink Armend’s direction. Armend smiled internally when Intelligence wasn’t with him. Oh yes, Armend thought, we are in for a show.
Alchemist Omega and the King entered next. The Queen followed, looking as sharp eyed and beautiful as ever. Armend loved a worthy challenge, and it seemed that bitch was going to his. In no way would anyone expect that she had been in the dungeons not five hours beforehand. She looked as well rested as ever.
They prepared for the meeting when the Queen said suddenly, “Where is Intelligence?”
When no one responded, she steadied her gaze and looked at each one in the eye. No one could hold that cold blue stare for long. “I said,” she said, barely above a whisper. Her eyes locked on Justice’s face, “Where is Intelligence?”
Armend gave credit to Justice, a lesser man would have shrivelled in his chair. He looked down, avoiding the question, but was spared from answering when Intelligence burst through the door and rushed to the table.
“What is the meaning of this?” the Queen demanded, the usual disgust in her voice that was there when speaking to Intelligence.
“Jail break,” Intelligence wheezed.
Armend had to give the Queen credit, she was an amazing actor. She gasped along with the rest of them, a look of horror on her face. But she had hesitated a fraction of a second and had allowed the King to react first. Armend was quite sure he was the only one at the table who noticed. Oh, she’s good, he thought as Intelligence collapsed in a chair, she’s very good.
Intelligence caught Armend’s eye and gave a quick wink. She’s good too.. Intelligence looked harried and tired, like she had been up all night. Her eyes bugged like she was stressed. No one but Armend and Justice would know that the jail break had been anticipated and allowed.
Everyone was talking and yelling. Finally the King slammed his huge fist onto the table making the glasses of water rattle, “Silence!” he yelled. No one spoke. Treasury was standing. He had been yelling something at Goods, who had been sitting dumbstruck. Housing had been talking to Justice. Intelligence had the sense to look ashamed as the Queen yelled at her. Alchemist Omega was fast asleep in his chair.
“Intelligence, please stand and give us all the information you have. Explain yourself,” the King huffed out.
Treasury sat slowly, embarrassed. Armend appreciated his reaction as he would be able to twist it when later talking to the King.
Intelligence stood, “My Lord.” She rubbed her hands through her hair. “I was woken at around 2:00 this morning by a panicked guard. He said that “she” was out and killing everyone, then he ran away. I quickly dressed and followed. I came across the first of my men,” she gulped a
nd wiped a tear from her eye.
Oh she is very good. She should have been a thespian, Armend thought to himself as he watched the show.
“He was dead. Shot in the back while running away. It appeared someone had also cut his throat. There were two more guards dead. Stabbed. One had his throat ripped out. They were good people.” She gulped again and buried her head in her hands.
The King’s voice softened, “It’s alright, Intelligence. Take your time.”
Armend watched the Queen. She looked at Intelligence with cold hard eyes. The realization hit that the Queen may know that the traitor knew of her involvement. That she knew the escape was too easy.
The chess match had begun.
Armend would stay in the background, allowing Intelligence and the Queen to battle.
“I’m sorry,” Intelligence continued, sniffling and wiping her eyes, “I’m sorry. I will try to compose myself. We continued down the path the escapee took and found three more men dead. I dare not bring myself to describe what had happened to them. I followed the carnage left and found that the prisoner had taken refuge in the bunker at the bottom most level of the dungeons.”
Intelligence had everyone on the edge of their seats. “We had the door surrounded. The men were just breaking through the door when I arrived. There was no one inside.”
Everyone gasped.
“Where did she go?” Treasury asked.
“My guards said they saw more than one person enter the bunker, but they couldn’t be sure of the number.” Intelligence replied.
“She… She had help?” Goods asked.
“Of course she had help,” Intelligence snapped, “Even though that Melanthios prisoner was an amazing fighter, she has been in prison for two years and we have never been close to her escaping.”
“Wait,” said the King, “You’re telling me the prisoner who escaped is the same one who had the information about the Melanthios camp?”
“Yes Sir,” Intelligence said quietly. Let him come to the conclusion. The Queen offered him no help and glared at Intelligence, red-faced.
“So why her?” the King asked.
“We’re not sure. But Sire, I believe you are asking the wrong questions,” Intelligence replied, leading him on.
“Which ones should I be asking?”
“Namely, how did the prisoner and the helpers know where the bunker was in the first place?” Intelligence paused for effect, “And where did they go?”
“Well the only people who have knowledge of that bunker,” said the King, thinking hard, “Is the council itself?”
Uproar! Everyone was shouting for their own innocence, including Armend. Only the Queen sat still.
The King slammed his hand on the table again. The room fell silent. “Intelligence, I am giving you free reign. You must find out where this prisoner went, why this one was chosen and who helped them.” He stared from face to face. “If I find out that someone in this council has betrayed me, I will tie the noose myself.”
Everyone except the Queen paled. She wasn’t and believed her involvement would never be discovered. Armend also found a new respect for her. She would, in cold blood, let another person of the council be hung for her crimes.
“Peace,” the King continued, “Give Intelligence the men she needs.”
Armend and Intelligence nodded. The King rose, shortly followed by the Queen. “I will tie the noose myself,” he repeated and strode away. The Queen turned to follow. Everyone held their breath until they left.
Alchemist Omega woke from his nap, leaned over and asked Housing, “Did I miss something important?” Housing shook her head in disgust, rose and followed the King and Queen.
Alchemist Omega shrugged and struggled to his feet, leaving the room with Goods. The room was silent. Only Treasury, Intelligence, Justice and Armend remained seated.
“I know you guys have something to do with this,” Treasury said in a low voice.
“Be careful sir,” Justice said in his thick accent, “You go around saying things like that, you and your family are bound to disappear.”
“You have two kids, don’t you?” Intelligence said as she examined her finger nails. She kicked her feet up on to the table. Treasury paled. “Both under ten. Be a shame to have us pick which one joins the trials.”
The threat was very much understood. Treasury muttered something incoherent and quickly left the room. Sebastian slunk out the shadows and handed Armend 30 Kritz. Armend beamed.
“What’s that for?” Justice asked.
Armend shook his head and mouthed “not here,” then he said out loud, “Oh, Sebastian just owed me some money.”
Justice and Intelligence nodded. “Well,” Intelligence said, “Want to go for a pint in the market? I’m feeling parched.”
Understanding the connotation, the three rose and left the room. Sebastian followed. The group headed silently through the castle, through the giant wall and over the moat, and into the market. They didn’t speak again until they were settled in the corner booth of a bar, drinks in front of them. Sebastian was outside keeping watch.
Armend took a big quaff of his beer then said, “The King doesn’t know anything about it. He’s not smart enough to act that well. Speaking of acting well,” he looked at Intelligence. She smiled and bowed. Justice and Armend roared.
“I especially loved it when you wiped the tear from your eye when describing your dead guards,” Justice said, then took her hand and kissed it. Intelligence blushed.
“You know,” she said, drinking her beer, “I thought it might have been too much, but once I said it, it was just right.”
“The Queen wasn’t convinced,” Armend said.
“Good. I would have been disappointed if that bitch was convinced. She knows we let her go. Although I’m still not sure how they got out of that bunker. My men are going through it again with a fine toothed comb. They’ll find something,” she drank again.
“Well, hopefully our informant is still with them and will send a raven soon. I will send a troop of thirty Exalted after them when we know where they went,” Armend said.
“We need to get rid of Treasury,” Justice said. He preferred a wine from his home country over the ale from Langundo.
Armend nodded, “Yes, we do. Now we decide if we simply want him framed, or gone.”
“I think gone,” Justice said, and Intelligence nodded in agreement.
“I’ll get Sebastian on it,” Armend said. They toasted and drank. Sebastian came into the booth. “Speak of the devil,” Armend said.
Sebastian handed him a sealed letter, “Raven just arrived. Smart bugger found you here.”
Armend opened it and read, then passed it to Justice and Intelligence to read. Inside, the untidy scrawl read:
We are going North East towards the forest. There was a tunnel under a bed in the bunker that put us in trees East of the city. Myself, the Queen and another broke her out. The Queen left us there. We will be at the forest within the week.
“Well, that certainly is helpful,” Armend said when they had all read the letter. He burnt it over the candle on the table until it was ash.
“Sebastian, get word to the Exalted. I want one troop, dressed lightly, to find their tracks and follow them. Tell them to kill them all.”
Intelligence looked at him quizzically, then laughed, “You cheap bastard. I knew you’d never pay him.”
12
Senka
It had been five days since the escape from the prison. Sticking to the plan, they travelled by night and slept during the day. Senka would have made it to the forest if she had been travelling alone, but Vigo and Jules were heavy and slow on their feet. Senka stayed with them for about half the day, then busied herself going back and keeping watch for pursuit or running ahead to plan their next rest point and finding food.
When she was with Jules and Vigo, she and Jules worked on their communication. It was going well, and was at the point where they could both sign and understand mo
st of what the other was talking about. Vigo didn’t care and pushed ahead silently with a permanent frown.
“Anything?” Jules signed to her when she came over a hill on the plains. Senka had been out trying to see if they could make the forest by daybreak.
“About a mile and a half,” she signed back. The moon was bright overhead. Jules and Vigo crested the hill and saw the dark forest. “We’ll have to stay up all day. We need to find shelter in the forest for night.”
Jules sighed and Vigo noticed. “What did she say?” Vigo asked in his soprano.
“That we have to travel all day now. We’ll make the forest at sunrise and she said we need to find shelter for the night in the forest.”
“Well that’s bullshit,” Vigo said, spitting on the ground.
Senka glared at them, “Trust me,” she signed to Jules, “We don’t want to be travelling in the forest at night.”
“You sound scared,” Jules signed back, half joking.
She stared at him for a long time, finally, “You would be too if you knew what kind of monsters were in there.” With that cryptic note, she jogged behind them.
“Where are you going?” Jules yelled, getting her to turn her back and face him.
“Going to see if anyone is following us. Make for the trees, I’ll find you.” She turned and jogged towards a hill for a better vantage point.
Senka made sure that the guys were heading in the right direction, then sprinted up the hill. Something unusual had caught her eye on the way back from the forest. Light started to shine over the trees. Day was coming. They needed to find coverage, and fast.
Lying on her stomach, she scanned the plains. As the sun shone over the plain and she saw it. There was a line of men following their footsteps. They looked to be a half mile away and moving fast. Running single file to hide their numbers, they wore dark clothing to camouflage themselves in the dark. Senka crawled back down the hill unseen, then stood up and sprinted for Jules and Vigo.