“It wasn’t the flame that I invoke, either. You did what Nellise does with that prayer, but without any sort of ‘incantation’, as you might call it.”
“I wasn’t even aware of it,” Aiden admitted, astonished at this revelation as much as she was. “I needed light so I just… sort of made it happen.”
“You really are a sorcerer,” she remarked, smiling slightly at him. It was the first time she had expressed any sort of positive emotion towards him since their last encounter near the Akoran highlands. It created mixed feelings in Aiden’s mind.
“Perhaps I’ve just been hanging around the right sort of people,” he replied, receiving a slight nod of acknowledgement. The short chat suddenly became very awkward, as it was the first time they had been alone together — crowd not withstanding — for some time. The silence started to drag out as neither of them had the courage to speak. Fortunately, their meal arrived shortly thereafter.
Nellise arrived a few minutes later, as Aiden was digging into a platter of sizzling roast chicken and mashed potatoes. She seemed to have acquired a new friend, however, for by her side was an elderly man in fine clothing and long grey hair, receding at the top but bundled into a short tail at the nape of his neck. His heavy mustache was similar to the way many of the upper-class men of Fairloch wore their facial hair and his face was worn and wrinkled with age. His blue eyes sparkled with intelligence and vigour.
“I see I haven’t missed out on the food, at least,” Nellise observed.
“Not at all, and I bought enough for all of us,” Aiden replied after he’d swallowed a mouthful. “Who’s this gentleman?”
“Friends, allow me to introduce Sir William Bryce-Clifton. Sir William, this is Aiden Wainwright and Sayana Arai, two very talented people whom the duke has recruited to aid him.”
“Any friend of the duke is a friend of mine,” Sir William declared in a resounding tenor, proffering his hand. Aiden gave him a firm handshake and gestured to a seat next to Nellise. The elderly gentleman bowed slightly to Sayana before he sat down, while Aiden wondered just how old he was. Although Sir Godfrey had hinted that Sir William had ‘experience’, it had become clear that he was being polite, for the man before him was well into his sixth decade.
“Well, this is a fortunate encounter,” Aiden remarked, keeping his thoughts to himself. “How did you two run into each other?”
“I saw this lovely young woman helping a wounded man through the crowd, so I offered my assistance, as any gentleman would,” Sir William explained.
“It was excellent timing on your part, Sir Knight,” Nellise thanked him, “as my wounded companion was enjoying my close company a little too much.”
“Think nothing of it, dear lady,” the knight dismissed. “Clearly, God guided me to your presence at the right place and time, so I have no doubt as to your worthy intentions. Tell me, Mister Wainwright, why is it you were seeking me out?”
“We came from a meeting with the duke a little while ago, and his aide Sir Godfrey mentioned that you were someone we should talk with,” Aiden replied, silently taking his measure of the man.
“Ah, Godfrey — splendid chap,” the elderly knight stated with a warm smile. “I have not spoken directly with him in quite some time, but I am well pleased that he remembers me.”
“I was under the impression you were fast friends,” Aiden said hesitantly, glancing at Nellise for a moment.
“In the past, certainly,” Sir William clarified. “But he is a talented man and found his services to be in demand in the royal court. Those duties keep him quite busy, whereas I am considered something of a relic, rarely consulted on important matters.”
“You sound bitter,” Sayana stated rather bluntly.
“Not really, miss,” Sir William sighed. “But if His Majesty feels he has no use for me then who am I to disagree? I have sworn to obey him, and that oath binds me to the King’s service, even if he never calls upon me.”
“So, he just left you here while he’s off fighting a war?” Aiden asked respectfully, trying to avoid provoking the old fellow
“Evidently, yes,” the knight replied curtly, unable to hide his disappointment. “May I ask why Sir Godfrey sent you to see me?”
“Well, that’s what I’m trying to figure out,” Aiden answered directly, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “You see, there is a security issue developing, and we need trustworthy people to provide assistance. How can I put this delicately? Your age strikes me as being a little too advanced to really help us in a fight, so I have to wonder what skills you possess.”
“If you are referring to my prowess in battle, I can assure you I am no novice,” the knight informed him. “I participated in the cull of bandits not ten years ago along the Kingswood highway near my estate, and they haven’t resurfaced since. Prior to that, I helped lead an assault against a group of traitorous sewer-dwellers that called themselves ‘assassins’, though that was long ago. I hesitate to mention it as it wasn’t really a battle, more of a common alleyway scuffle, though I am proud to say they haven’t returned to the city. But you are being evasive, sir! How can I answer to your satisfaction when you will not discuss the real issue at hand?”
“Can I trust your discretion?” Aiden asked, realising why Sir Godfrey had really sent them to this man. He had been involved with battling the assassins in the past, and that experience would count for something.
“I give you my word of honour I shall not tell another living soul,” Sir William said, locking eyes with Aiden.
“There have been several attempts to kidnap the princess over the past week,” Aiden began after glancing around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. “My companions and I have been personally involved in thwarting them and frankly, we feel that we’re out of our depth. The latest attempt seemed to involve members of this so-called assassin’s guild, the very group you mention combating in the past, and this is probably why Sir Godfrey wanted us to meet. That, and our deductions have resulted in the unpleasant truth that we cannot trust the City Watch and we are seeking reliable allies to aid us.”
“The assassins have returned?” Sir William bristled, clearly outraged. “Dash and blast it, man, why didn’t you mention that right up front? I am at your service, sir!”
“Keep your voice down,” Aiden warned, hoping no one had caught that outburst.
“My apologies, I was taken aback by the gravity of your situation,” the elderly knight said in a more reasonable tone. “What resources I have are at your disposal, as well as my sword arm, aged though it may be.”
“Have you other, less physically demanding talents?” Nellise asked politely.
“I am well acquainted with the city and the surrounding lands, my lady, as well as a passing fair knowledge of the inner workings of the nobility. You say that there may be some members of the aristocracy involved in this devilish plot? I will be more than happy to assist in sleuthing out the blaggards. And I appreciate your concern for my well-being, madam, but I assure you I am fit, healthy and more than ready to step into harm’s way,” Sir William added, touching the cleric’s forearm lightly as he spoke.
“It sounds to me like you’d be of great help to us, Sir William,” Aiden stated. “Welcome aboard. You’ve met Pacian, briefly, and tomorrow you’ll meet Ronan, who is helping us out with his own chain of local contacts. Would you care to join us for the rest of the meal, before Sayana finishes it off?” She appeared to be about to lick her plate clean but upon noticing so many eyes turn in her direction, had second thoughts.
“I have already eaten, but thank you for the offer,” Sir William replied, standing up. “If I am to be prepared for the morning, I must ride to my estate immediately and gather my equipment. I take it you are staying at the Fair Maiden?”
“Yes, I think it will serve quite nicely in that regard,” Aiden said.
“Then I shall meet you here at first light,” the knight declared. “Good evening to you Aiden, ladies,” he finished, and strode throu
gh the crowd towards the front door.
“Pleasant enough chap,” Aiden commented mildly, biting down on some crusty bread.
“I think I’ll take some of the food and go to my room, if I have one,” Sayana said.
“That reminds me,” Nellise added, “I hired two rooms — one for Aiden, Pacian and Ronan, and one for myself and Sayana.”
“So you’ve fixed Pacian up okay?” Aiden asked as he mopped up the last of the gravy with a slice of bread.
“No, but I healed his wounds,” Nellise replied with a half-smile. That, Aiden thought, was most reassuring. If she could still smile and even make a joke, she wasn’t doing too badly at least.
“Alright, I might as well turn in as well. We’re going to need all our strength in the coming days, I suspect.”
The ladies bid him good night, and headed off through the crowd, leaving him to ponder the weight of the task set before them.
Chapter Six
Several hours passed before Aiden relaxed enough to fall asleep, but for once, his dreams were undisturbed by the terrible things he’d seen nor any strange, dragon-related messages.
Pacian was still sound asleep and Aiden was reluctant to wake him so he crept to the door and opened it slowly. By the dim lantern light streaming in through the gap, he noticed that the extra pallet that had been set up on the floor for Ronan to sleep on was still empty. Aiden’s mind was still too clogged with sleep to think on this, so he resolved to ask around to see if the sailor had been seen during the night.
Walking downstairs, Aiden noticed the common room of the inn was almost deserted at this hour, with most patrons apparently preferring to wait until at least dawn before rising. Still, the staff of the Fair Maiden were already preparing for the morning service, stoking the fireplaces and wiping down the benches as the aroma of hot food wafted through the establishment.
So it was with some measure of surprise that Aiden saw a man sitting at a table just ahead of him, dressed in practical black clothing and gesturing for him to sit down in the chair opposite. Curious, Aiden walked forward to see what he wanted, all the while wondering if this was some sort of trap from their enemies.
“Be at ease, Mister Wainwright, I’m not going to bite,” the man informed him dryly.
“Well, you never can tell these days,” Aiden replied mildly. The mysterious stranger was of olive complexion with weathered features, had neatly combed grey-streaked hair and brown eyes that seemed to take in everything around them. Despite his relaxed appearance, a certain tension could be seen in his posture, as if he was prepared to leap into action at a moment’s notice.
“You are right to be cautious, though my patience is limited, Aiden,” he explained, his manner completely professional. “If you would be so kind as to sit down, we can proceed.”
“I’m guessing you work for the Crown,” Aiden surmised, doing as he was bid, and received a slight nod in response. “I’m sure you have some kind of proof of that.” The mystery man reached into his tunic and withdrew a pendant hanging around his neck. It was a silver disc with the dragon of Aielund etched upon it, the same that appeared on Aielund’s flag.
What do I call you?”
“I am referred to as Mister Kinsey, though that is not my real name,” the man confided. “I am primarily here as a liaison, but I am also charged with keeping an eye on your progress as the investigation develops.”
“Does the duke not have full confidence in our abilities?”
“He does not,” Kinsey replied bluntly. “His Grace cares a great deal about Princess Criosa however, and he values her opinions. You must understand that you are from a small country town, new to the city and little more than a youth, if I may be completely honest. Your experience at hunting those who do not wish to be found — experts in blending into an urban environment, if you will — is somewhat lacking.”
“Is the princess well?” Aiden asked, eager for news of her condition.
“Though I have not seen her directly I am assured that the poison has been cured, and she is resting comfortably,” Kinsey assured him.
“I’m pleased to hear that,” Aiden said, hiding his relief. “So, you’re offering to help?”
“I am His Majesty’s spymaster, though I find myself bereft of competent staff at this time,” Kinsey answered. “Ordinarily, you would be working directly under my aegis in these conditions, but Her Highness has vouched for your capabilities, so I am content to merely keep an eye on you and your associates.”
“I find your faith in me refreshing,” Aiden remarked with mild surprise.
“I am not here to bandy words with you, Mister Wainwright,” Kinsey stated flatly. “Prove your worth and you may gain my respect. Be it known, however limited my capabilities at this time, that I am doing my utmost to uncover this plot and I intend to keep you up to date on any developments on my part. Now, here is an official document bearing the duke’s seal that will provide you with some measure of authority.
“Should it prove insufficient, bring this to the attention of Sir Godfrey and he will inform me. I will then do what I can to aid you should the situation warrant.” Kinsey handed over the short note and Aiden placed the document into a pocket in his longcoat after a brief examination.
“Your lodgings have been paid for by the Crown,” the spymaster continued, “and I have opened an expense account under your name to cover any additional costs you may accrue. Simply go to the royal bank on Oak Street and withdraw what you need. These funds have been provided to you despite our extremely challenging financial situation, so do not squander them.”
“I understand and thank you for the trust, however limited it is,” Aiden replied soberly.
“Finally, the individual you are most likely searching for is known as Holister, sometimes rather pretentiously known as Holister Swiftblade, who led this band of killers the last time they showed up in the city and was never caught. We don’t even have witnesses as to the identity and appearing of Holister so we don’t have much to go on. Experience tells me that men and women of poor character tend to congregate — birds of a feather, flock together, as it were — so you might want to ask Ronan about the location of his old associates, colloquially referred to as ‘the thieves’ guild’.”
“If he can learn anything about the possible return of Holister, you may be able to track down their current location,” Kinsey finished. Aiden made a mental note to remember all of this information, and then pondered a question that the king’s agent might take offence to.
“You seem to be very intelligent Mister Kinsey, and certainly you’re young enough to still be in active service, so I’m wondering — and please don’t take this the wrong way — why didn’t the king take you with him?”
“I have already done my service in the name of King and Country, Mister Wainwright, and have paid the price for doing so,” Kinsey replied grimly, awkwardly standing up and leaning heavily on a cane. “Go about your task with utmost discretion, Aiden, and remember that time is short. Even now forces are moving against us, and we have precious little information as to their plans. Good day.” With that, Kinsey limped towards the door.
It was a sobering thought, that even in this day and age where clerical healing was available some injuries could not be healed. Once again, Aiden considered himself extremely lucky to have Nellise along to help them, and briefly thought of what would have happened were it not for her talents.
Before long, Aiden was joined at the table by the rest of his companions, with Pacian appearing to have made a full recovery from his grievous injury. More than once Aiden caught him glancing fondly at Nellise when she wasn’t looking, and Aiden sighed inwardly as to the fruitlessness of his friend’s pursuit.
As they ate, other guests came down and ate their first meal of the day, until the inn was bustling with activity and light chatter. Aiden took the time to explain his meeting with Kinsey, and the funds they had at their disposal for equipment and lodging. Nellise asked about Criosa’s he
alth, but all Aiden could tell her was what he had learned, in that she was resting well. Further news would have to wait.
As they were finishing off some hot buttered toast, Ronan came through the front door of the inn, his longcoat covered in dirt and his boots leaving a trail of mud as he strode towards the table.
“Okay, so, it turns out that some of my old contacts don’t like me very much anymore,” the sailor grumbled as he sat down, looking thoroughly dishevelled from what must have been a long night.
“Are you alright?” Nellise asked, somewhat taken aback by his appearance.
“Yeah I’m fine, although I could probably use a bath and a meal,” Ronan shrugged. “Anyway, things didn’t go as I planned last night, but I did manage to find a couple of people who might be able to help us out. I’ve told them to come here so you can meet them, and I expect they’ll be arriving shortly.”
“I hope they’re acquainted with the city more than we are,” Sayana mentioned as she wolfed down an extra helping of stew.
“Actually, they’re not local,” Ronan replied hesitantly. “I had hoped to locate some old ‘friends’ who would be of use tracking down a hidden group of killers, but they’re not really talking to me anymore. So, as far as figuring this whole thing out goes, it’s up to us.” He reached over and wiped his hands on a napkin, then grabbed a hunk of bread and tore into it.
“So these people you found, what exactly do they do?” Pacian asked suspiciously.
“Well,” Ronan answered between mouthfuls of bread, “One of them is a warrior from the southern mountains, you know, those Akoran tribal folks?” Nellise’s expressen froze and she turned pale as Ronan kept talking. Aiden wasn’t sure that Nellise would stay in the group if an Akoran joined, not after their failed raid on the Akoran camp a couple of weeks ago. “She’s made quite a reputation for herself in the past week, and well, I think we’re lacking some fighting strength.”
“‘She’?” Nellise asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
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