by Dan Mat
He held his breath for a moment, until his sight evened with the flight path of one of the quetzals. He waited for the bird to raise its wings, to expose its body. And then he released the string. Elf immediately knew he missed. He rushed, instead of being patient, annoyed by seeing the arrow flying over the quetzal. But he wasted no time, grabbing another. His confidence was higher than ever. Enepel knew he’ll hit the target this time, releasing the second arrow. Even before the first disappeared in the thicket, on the other side of the field. And he made it, by striking bird’s trifling, slender body, at the exact center. With one loud, yet brief shriek, quetzal fell dead to the ground.
Elf thought about shooting a couple more, seeing they were still unaware of the danger. When all of a sudden, a wild, unbearable clamor came from the bank. The clutter of flapping wings against the ground was only surmounted by the savage, frightened shrieks. At least a couple of quetzals fell into Enepel’s trap. He had to act quickly, if they were to remain there. He saw them freeing before, far too many times.
Elf jumped from the tree, startling the entire flock. In an instant, the birds flew high up and to the left, into the forest, searching for a cover. But Zaanven didn’t care, as he dashed across the field, straight towards the nearest noose. He was there in no time, somewhat pleased with what he saw. All of the traps were sprung, but only two held the catch. And he wasn’t going to allow them to escape too. With one swift, vigorous twist, elf cracked both of their necks, killing them in an instant. Only thing left was to dismantle the traps, collect the ropes, and pick the bird he caught first. Fortunately, the large arrow protruding from quetzal’s bright red body, was quite noticeable in green grass.
Enepel kneeled to pull the arrow out, inspecting the tip for a moment, making sure it wasn’t damaged. And once he got up, he found himself looking at another tip. That of a spear. Held with both hands, by almost completely naked halfling. Judging by the angry look on his face, Zaanven knew he was in trouble. The three dead quetzals were most likely the reason for it. With the flock now long gone, elf was probably guilty of ruining halfling’s hunt. And once another four of them came out from the bush, there was no doubt in elf’s mind. He stumbled upon the hunting party.
CHAPTER 10
Last thing Ghnot expected, when he arrived in Zhinnaeg that morning, was such a warm, and open-armed welcoming. Folks were approaching him, patting his back. Giving him hugs. Ghnot recognized some old faces, but also saw a lot of the new ones. And that put a smile on his face. Gave him hope for the future. Those orcs, who were children when he lived in Zhinnaeg, now all had their own. Much more families lived here now, than before. The entire town seemed bigger. Ghnot couldn’t wait to see and learn what changed. But there was no time for that now. He came here with a specific task in mind, everything else was irrelevant.
“Brother!” Uggut appeared from the tunnel, leading deeper into Zhinnaeg’s caves “Come. Follow me. The king is waiting.”
“He’s in the hall?” Ghnot asked.
“Yes.” Uggut nodded.
“Is he alone?” Ghnot asked again.
“No.” Uggut answered “Walug and Snikork are there too.”
“And Roshnak?” Ghnot whispered.
“Of course.” Uggut smiled.
“I still can’t believe it’s him.” Ghnot scratched his chin.
“Me neither.” Uggut retorted.
“Do you think we can trust him?” Ghnot asked
“He is aware.” Uggut said “And I promised to tell him everything.”
“And you think that’s wise?” Ghnot asked.
“I don’t know, but I think he’s the only one who can help us.” Uggut answered.
“I hope you know what you’re doing.” Ghnot said, as they turned into a short corridor, leading straight for the war room.
“Me too.” Uggut retorted, pausing for a second in front of the door.
Loud, intense conversation came from the other side. Wallug and Snikork were undoubtedly trying to plead their case again. To try and delay, or even disrupt the king’s plans. Despite probably knowing, the war is imminent now, with Ghnot’s arrival.
“That is more than ordinary tradition!” sudden outburst of rage came from within the war room, as Uggut opened the door.
It was Snikork. Ghnot could recognize that screeching voice anywhere.
“Our soldiers can’t be denied the blessings.” Snikork proceed “Ritual must be held. They need to have the opportunity of asking for help and courage from warrior spirits.”
“And they’ll get one.” Roshnak answered “But we must abstain from using the war drums.”
“I don’t understand:” Snikork said “Why?”
“Because, they could warn the humans, when it is most imperative for them to remain clueless.” Roshnak explained “Our attack must be a complete surprise to them.”
“But how else are we going to ask for spirits, without the war drums?” Wallug asked.
“There are other ways.” Roshnak said “Isn’t that right, Uggut?”
“Um, yes.” sorcerer shyly retorted “Excuse the interruption, but Ghnot, the chieftain of Khoill, just arrived.”
“I’m so glad to see you my friend.” Grodish jumped from his seat, seeing Ghnot walking through the door “Come. Join us.”
Led by Uggut’s example, chieftain of Khoill sat just beside Roshnak, directly opposite to Snikork.
“Could I ask for your opinion Ghnot, regarding this little predicament of ours?” Roshnak proceed with the conversation.
“Going into a battle without the warrior ritual, would desecrate our main principles.” Ghnot said “ But on the other hand, I understand the necessity of being secretive.”
“Well I guess it all depends on Roshnak’s ability to call upon the spirits, without using our war drums.” Snikork said “Can you manage that, shaman?”
“With a bit of help from Uggut, yes.” Roshnak retorted.
“But how?” Wallug asked “I don’t understand.”
“Me neither.” Snikork added “How else are you going to call upon the spirits?”
“By casting a spell onto the drum. By binding it to a specific spirit.” Roshnak explained.
“And what good would that do?” Snikork sounded annoyed “What about the rest of them?”
“The rest will follow, as soon as that one spirit delivers our pleads.” Roshnak answered.
“But only if you find a willing one? Am I right to presume that?” Snikork asked.
“Yes.” Roshnak answered.
“So you don’t know which spirit to choose from?” Wallug asked.
“That’s where I’m going to need Uggut’s assistance.” Roshnak retorted.
“Alright then.” Snikork said, as he turned around “Tell us Uggut, which spirit should we call upon?”
“Well I…I don’t know.” Uggut stuttered “I’d need to think about it.”
“Don’t think.” Roshnak said “Feel.”
“One name comes to my mind.” Uggut said after a brief pause.
“Whose?” Snikork asked.
“Of our former king, Broolg.” Uggut retorted.
“What?!” Wallug almost fell from his chair.
“You can’t be serious?!” Snikork couldn’t hide his shock.
“That is absolutely preposterous.” Wallug added.
“Or it can turn out to be quite brilliant.” Snikork scratched his chin, as he looked at Roshnak “Are you positive this will work?”
“Without a shadow of a doubt.” shaman answered.
“And then what?” Snikork asked.
“And then...” Grodish said “Then we’ll go to war.”
CHAPTER 11
Xavnier Gloir walked somewhat reluctantly into the grand chamber of Vallsynk palace. He was fearing this moment for weeks, but there was no turning back now. Despite having a constant sinking feeling. Despite obviously struggling to remain calm an collected. These last few steps, he traversed, through the narrow corridor, seemed l
ike an eternity. The assembly was just a couple of minutes away. Halfling could now very well, hear the voices of the dignitaries, coming from the hall. He immediately knew, they are waiting only for him. It finally came to this. Today, Xavnier will find out on whom can he rely, and who’s going to present the obstacle, in his endeavor to became the lord of Vallsynk.
The councilors of every guild were already seated at a long, heavy, fine lacquered, wooden table. All twenty three of them, coming from those most influential guilds, such are military, miners, naval, or traveling guild. To those that were more trivial, which dealt in art and various types of leisure. Xavnier didn’t knew all of them, but he hoped that fact wouldn’t present the obstacle to his bidding in finding much needed allies. Besides them, halfling spotted representatives from the councils of five towns. With the size of a stake, they had in many Vallsynk affairs, it was no wonder they had shown such an interest in the proceedings.
At the head of the table sat Teer Scejvor, chief regent to the Lord Pserofes, and a confidant to all and every operation, town of Garhmier had in Vallsynk. Besides that, he was also a mediator in this assembly. And for Xavnier, probably the most important person in this room. With the influence he brought from Garhmier, Scejvor was obvious choice for becoming said ally, he desperately needed. With chief regent on his side, with his influence, halfling had no doubt, the votes to win the election would swing in his direction. Chair to the left of Scejvor was unoccupied. Without any reservations, or a second thought, Xavnier sat in it.
“Good day, gentlemen. My name is Teer Scejvor, and I am the chief regent of the Garhimer’s mercantile guild.” Scejvor said, as soon as halfling sat in his chair “Before we commence this assembly, allow me to reminisce on the gruesome ways in which we lost our colleagues and friends, councilors Slynan Panmorn and Aesedair Fletcher. As I understand, the investigation is yet to be concluded?”
“Actually it was. Earlier this morning.” Xavnier said “Commander Er’ulrath personaly delivered the report to me. They’ve decided to share the results with the others sometimes later in a day.”
“Do you have the report with you?” Scejvor asked.
“Yes.” halfling nodded, placing the document on the table “You wish to read it now?”
“If everyone agrees.” Scejvor said, looking for the approval.
And he didn’t need to wait for long, seeing every councilor nodded in agreement. Scejvor waved his fingers towards halfling, asking for the document, which he immediately received. Neatly arranged fascicle of papers, was secured with thin, yet sturdy, red string. Small, yellow slip was inserted in between, holding the warning of confidential content. Scejvor flipped the first page, as he coughed, clearing his throat.
“Official investigation regarding the fire in Vallsynk’s mercantile guild main building.” chief regent read the first line “Leading investigators commander Saekul Er’ulrath and lieutenant Dip B’sac, signed on the bottom line.”
Scejvor skimmed over the entire page, mumbling something to himself, before looking up at Xavnier.
“These are their signatures and seals?” Scejvor asked.
“Yes.” Xavnier nodded.
“Very well.” Scejvor said, picking the second page.
“Nine fifteen, arriving at location. Ten thirty five, two of the bodies were recovered from the rubble. Eleven twenty, bodies were transferred into a military district mortuary, for an urgent autopsy. Inspector Dip B’sac present. Preliminary result suggests, the fire is the cause of death.” Scejvor read a couple of lines, before stopping “Commander is very detailed in his report. If you agree, I’d skip right to the conclusion.”
Eager nods from every councilor told him they are all impatient to find out who is responsible for the deaths of the two merchants. And Scejvor knew well not to withheld that important information from them for much longer, skimming the pages, before finding the answers.
“Conclusion of the investigation.” Scejvor said loudly “On the bodies of councilors Panmorn and Fletcher were found stab wounds, coinciding with the profile of the straight blade, presumably a dagger. Furthermore, the fires that engulfed the building of the mercantile guild, were without any doubt an act of arson. As an attempt to cover up the crime of murder.”
“Horrible.” one of the councilors sighed.
“In the expanded investigation, that included crime, which was commited inside the private residence of councilor Enepel Zaanven, another body was discovered. That of the soldier Akaez Surt.” Scejvor proceed to reading the report “With completely identical injuries, found on the bodies of deceased councilors, it was obvious the same assassin was involved in both incidents.”
“Assassin came to kill Zaanven! But killed his guard instead!” Huarg Setl, councilor of miner’s guild snarled in anger “I wonder who’d profit the most, from the murders of three mercantile councilors?”
All eyes immediately turned towards Xavnier Gloir. But halfling did not respond. It seemed he didn’t even register Setl’s taunting remark. He was deep within his thoughts, reliving everything that occurred. Xavnier felt walls were crumbling around him, as he stared aimlessly at the floor right in front of his feet.
“What? You don’t have anything to say?” Huarg proceed with his taunt.
“I’m afraid you jumped with the conclusion, councilor.” Scejvor said instead, noticing halfling’s absence of mind.
“What? Come again?” Setl asked.
“As I said before, the investigation moved to councilor Zaanven’s residence.” Scejvor said, before he continued reading the report “In the upstairs bedroom, investigators found roughly cut strips of bed sheets, soaked in blood. And tracks leading through the window, overlooking the back yard, heading in western direction.”
“So?” Huarg asked again “As I said, Enepel was attacked.”
“Disappearance of councilor Zaanven, in the light of these new discoveries, changed his status from possible target, to a probable suspect.” Scejvor read the next line of the document.
“That is preposterous!” Huarg yelled.
“A day later, the report of a missing horse, from the central city stables, connected directly to the case.” Scejvor proceed with reading “Several tracks, and some traces of blood, found in and around the building, alongside with the testimony from the eyewitness, identified councilor Zaanven as a thief. Confirming him as a prime suspect in a triple murder.”
Loud sigh came from the other side of the table. One of the councilors couldn’t hold his excitement.
“Subsequently, the tribunal issued a warrant for councilor Zaanven’s arrest, and a reward amount of a thousand coins.” Scejvor read “The amount which will be fully paid, upon the extradition of the suspect.”
“Is this the reason of your silence?!” Huarg yelled at Xavnier “It must be quite a relief, knowing everyone will be focused in capturing Enepel? And with Panmorn and Fletcher dead, you’ll remain only mercantile councilor.”
“You crossed the line Setl.” Elias Mird, the councilor of naval guild retorted “Apologize, right now!”
“Not in a thousand years.” Huarg snorted.
“You got it all wrong.” Xavnier said quietly.
“What was that?!” Huarg snapped at halfling.
“You are wrong!” Xavnier answered much louder “I am sitting here feeling like shit, realizing I survived because of Panmorn and Fletcher. So I ask you, how can I find a relief in that?”
“What are you on about?” Huarg asked.
“It’s as if you haven’t heard a single word from the investigation report.” Xavnier said.
“Enlighten me if that’s the case.” Huarg retorted.
“You asked how am I alive and Fletcher and Panmorn aren’t?” Xavnier asked.
“Yes.” Huarg nodded.
“The answer is in the blood.” Xavnier said.
“What do you mean?” Huarg asked “Those traces that they found in his house?”
“And around the stables. Yes.” Xavnier answ
ered.
“So?” Huarg asked.
“So, when he attacked Panmorn and Fletcher, he must’ve sustained some injuries himself.” Xavnier said.
Huarg’s face expression change in an instant, as he begin to understand the investigation foundings. And that left him speechless.
“Zaanven undoubtedly planned to visit me, after he’d be done with the others.” Xavnier resumed “But the must’ve hurt him while defending themselves.”
“And therefore he changed his mind, turning back to his home.” Scejvor added “Forgetting about the guard, who turned out to be an unwanted witness, he had to get rid of.”
“But he had no time to clean his tracks, or for anything else.” Xavnier nodded “A patrol would soon come knocking on his door, because of the fire.”
“A common practice in similar situations, to determine if the official is safe or not.” Almest Hven, the security guild’s councilor, added.
“Just like they visited me.” Xavnier added “To check if I’m alright.”
“And that fire gave him the opportunity to escape the town.” Scejvor said.
“I can’t believe you are swallowing this bullshit!” Huarg growled “I know Zaanven my entire life. This doesn’t seem like him at all.”
“We can only guess his motives at this point.” Scejvor said “But there is no doubt, he is the main suspect.”
“I can’t listen to this anymore!” councilor Setl jumped from his chair “We can not continue under these circumstances. We need to postpone the assembly.”
The reaction from the other councilors, or general lack of it, infuriated Huarg even more. Even his closest associates, decided to distance themselves from any and every relation with Enepel Zaanven. Sending him a clear massage, they’ll distance themselves from him too. In a fit of rage, followed by a sudden, and for him atypical torrent of curses, he aimed at everyone present, Huarg stormed out of the hall.