The Emperor's Guard

by Kevin Hopson

  “Because Glory was a retired soldier and he might still be in possession of battle gear?”

  “Yes. And the fact that Glory suffered facial burns.”

  Colum’s eyes narrowed. “What?”

  “It’s true,” Seoras said. “The man paid a horrific price for serving Southwallow. It’s why he chose to live a secluded life. If he were to show himself in public, wearing a mask wouldn’t be improbable, even if there is a law against it.”

  “And it gives the real Glory possible motive,” Asgall said. “One could argue that he’s resentful for what happened to him. Enough that he wants the Emperor dead.” He glanced over his shoulder at his uncle. Then he turned back to Colum. “Assuming your theory is correct, what kind of power does the curse continue to hold?”

  “I’m not certain, sir. Now that it’s out of the ground and away from water, it’s effect could be minimal. Then again, it’s proximity to the Emperor could still make it dangerous.”

  “We can’t take the risk, so how do we permanently break the curse?”

  “Simple,” Colum replied. “We break the bond. We untie the lock and separate it from the snake.”

  So that’s what Colum did.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  A touch woke Asgall. When he opened his eyes, the doctor stood next to him with a hand on his shoulder. Asgall had slept in the leather-upholstered chair all night, staying at the Emperor’s side, but it was a constantly interrupted slumber. As comfortable as the chair was, one could only sleep so well in it. Asgall straightened out and sat up.

  The doctor released his grip and retracted his hand, a smile stretching across his face. “The Emperor is improving.”

  Those words of comfort were enough to jolt Asgall awake. “Is he conscious?”

  “He’s been coming and going. The curse has taken a toll on his body, so he’ll need continued rest for now.”

  “What time is it?”

  “Just past sunup.”

  Asgall got to his feet, arched his back, and stretched both arms above his head. Then he bent over and retrieved his belt along the floor, one that held his dagger and sword. He wrapped it around his waist and secured it tight.

  “I could use some air,” Asgall said. “I’ve been in this room far too long.”

  “Go then, Commander. He’ll be fine, and I’ll be with him.”

  Asgall nodded. “I’d like to be here when he fully wakes.”

  “It will be some time before that occurs. You should take a walk. Get some food in your stomach. Get your energy back.”

  “Precisely what I was thinking.” Asgall approached the doctor, resting a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you for your assistance.”

  “Of course, Commander.”

  Asgall exited the double doors. Tormod, Eachann, Seoras, and Colum were all standing outside.

  “How is he, sir?” Seoras asked.

  “Better,” Asgall replied.

  “That’s good to hear.”

  “I was thinking of taking a walk.”

  “You should, sir,” Seoras said. “We can handle things here.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  “Would you like some company, sir?” Colum inquired.

  Asgall mulled it over. “Sure.”

  Colum fell in beside him, and the two of them made their way down the hallway. A few minutes later they were on the streets of Southwallow. Asgall’s stomach rumbled, and he immediately sought out food. Many of the city’s vendors were up and about, doing business just after sunrise. But Asgall needed something more. He motioned to a bakery, and Colum followed him inside.

  “Good morning, Commander,” a gentleman said from behind the counter.

  He was a portly fellow with a balding head and mustache. Asgall firmly believed that round-shaped bakers provided the best goods. One couldn’t taste their creations on a regular basis, and fine tune them, without growing a little bit in the belly.

  Asgall smelled the aroma of sweet dough, herbs, and spices. “Good morning, Gwynn.”

  “What can I get you, sir?”

  “A wigg would really hit the spot.” It was a sweet bun that Asgall could seldom resist.

  Gwynn looked to Colum “And for you, sir?”

  “I’m fine. Thank you.”

  Gwynn nodded and made his way to the end of the counter, Asgall noticing the wood-burning oven in the corner. Gwynn came back with the bun and handed it to Asgall. The Commander reached for one of his pockets, but Gwynn put a hand up.

  “No cost to the Guard,” Gwynn said with a smile.

  “I appreciate that, but I’m more than happy to pay.”

  “I wouldn’t think of it.”

  Asgall grinned. “Thank you, Gwynn.”

  Colum sidled up to Asgall as they made their way outside. The brisk air of the autumn morning revived Asgall, and the two of them stood against the façade of the two-story building.

  “Would you like some?” Asgall asked.

  Colum shook his head. “Thank you, sir, but I try to stay away from sweets.”

  “Suit yourself.”

  Asgall took a bite of the bun, and another wave of vigor surged through him. He’d just finished his meal when he caught a view of someone. Rhun Harley. A tall and lanky man in his forties.

  He owned a grocery down the street. Asgall watched as the man crossed the cobble-stoned street, heading straight in his direction, Rhun’s brown hair and clean face becoming more noticeable as he closed the distance between them.

  “Good morning, Commander,” Rhun said.

  “Good morning, Rhun.”

  “How are you this morning?”

  “Good.”

  “And you, sir?” he said to Colum.

  “Fine, sir.”

  Asgall could tell Rhun was making small talk to help soften them up. “Is there something we can do for you?”

  “As matter of fact, there is.”

  Of course.

  “I hate to bother you fine men,” Rhun continued, “especially this early in the morning, but my store was broken into last night.”

  Asgall shifted his feet and stood upright. “Was anything taken?”

  Rhun nodded. “Several jarred goods. Some sugar and dried fruit, too.” He paused. “Business has slowed lately, and I can’t afford to lose inventory.”

  “I understand.”

  “Any idea who would do something like this?”

  Asgall glanced at Colum, and Colum raised his eyebrows. He assumed they were thinking the same thing. If their culprit was spooked, perhaps by returning to Glory’s property to find members of the Guard snooping around, they could be on the run. And stealing food wouldn’t be out of the question.

  Asgall eventually shrugged. “Could be anyone. Mind if we take a look?”

  Rhun’s mouth was agape. “That isn’t necessary. I only wanted to bring it to your attention. I don’t want to take up too much of your time.”

  “We have time. It’s no bother.” Rhun pursed his lips. “I insist.”

  Rhun looked unsure but ultimately bobbed his head. “Very well.”

  He led Asgall and Colum to the store, which was diagonal to Gwynn’s bakery. Rhun pushed the door ajar and held it open, allowing the two Guard members to enter. Asgall stepped inside first, surveying the interior.

  There were only a few aisles of goods, but each aisle, at first glance, appeared fully stocked. Asgall perused the store, noticing gaps in inventory here and there. Perhaps Rhun hadn’t replenished some of the goods he’d sold. Or these were some of the items taken by the thief. Maybe a combination of both. Asgall stared at the front door.

  “Does that door have a lock?” he asked.

  “Yes,” Rhun replied. “It can be locked and unlocked from either side with a key. It was open when I arrived this morning. Likely kicked i
n by the thief.”

  Asgall made his way to the door, where Colum stood, eyeing it with scrutiny. It had opened fine when Rhun guided them inside. The hinges were fully intact, and there was no evidence of blunt force to the wood frame, knob, or metal lock.

  The Commander moved away from the door, this time heading toward the counter. He maneuvered around the edge of the counter, inspecting the shelves behind it.

  “Nothing was stolen from behind the counter,” Rhun said. “I’d urge you to be careful. Some of my most valuables are hidden there, and I wouldn’t want you to break them.”

  Asgall took the hint and backed away but not before noticing something under the counter. He acted as if he hadn’t spotted it and walked in the direction of the aisles again. Colum was still positioned near the door.

  “By the way,” Asgall said to Colum. “I forgot to ask you earlier. How is Mari doing?”

  His question caused confusion on Rhun’s face, but Colum nodded, immediately recognizing what Asgall was referring to. Without notice, Colum seized Rhun. Rhun winced as Colum forced the man’s arms behind his back. Colum pressed Rhun’s hands together, holding him at the wrists. He squirmed, but he was no match for Colum’s strength.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Rhun barked.

  Rhun didn’t have anything sheathed at his side, but Asgall patted the man down to make certain he wasn’t concealing anything. Satisfied that Rhun didn’t possess any kind of weapon, Asgall looked around. He found a chair nearby, probably one Rhun used to stock the higher shelves. He clutched the top of the chair and slid it along the floor. “Have a seat,” he insisted.

  Colum pushed Rhun toward the chair and forced him to sit. He stood behind the chair with hands firmly on Rhun’s shoulders, Asgall standing across from them. Mari was a code word for apprehending someone. The Guard often used it when they didn’t want to alert someone to their actions. It typically made things easier.

  Content that Rhun was secured, Asgall ventured behind the counter, squatted, grasped an item, and returned to the aisle holding it in both hands. Colum’s eyes widened at the sight. Even he hadn’t anticipated the find. A one-piece helmet and mask with hinged flaps on the side.

  “Possession of this alone will see you sent to the cells,” Asgall said. “But three murders and a failed assassination attempt of the Emperor will certainly bring worse. A verdict of death.”

  Rhun said nothing. Fear had clamped his mouth tight.

  “That’s right,” Asgall continued. “Your attempt failed. We found the items you buried, including Glory. Unfortunately, you didn’t bother covering up your tracks, and Colum here is my best hunter. The staged break-in was a nice touch, though. If we didn’t know better, we might believe our suspect to be on the run, all the while removing any suspicions of you being involved. It was a well-conceived plan. Even if it did fail in the end.”

  Still no response from Rhun.

  Asgall took a step closer. “It’s public knowledge that you’ve opposed the Emperor, especially in recent months. I’m sure it didn’t sit well with you when he chose to raise taxes for certain shop owners, yourself included. I can understand your dismay, but murder wasn’t the way to go about it. Then again, if you were hoping for a new Emperor, one whose interests might align with yours, I suppose it would make sense. But, still, it was an overly-ambitious plan.”

  Rhun titled his head and looked down.

  Colum placed a hand under Rhun’s chin, forcing his head upright. “You will look at the Commander when he’s speaking to you.”

  “A mask can be a powerful symbol,” Asgall said. “It can give someone the confidence to carry out acts they typically wouldn’t commit. But take the mask away and what do you become? Exposed. Vulnerable. Weak.”

  A shiver escaped Rhun, his shoulders fidgeting.

  “You needn’t worry, though,” Asgall said. “You’ll get a fair trial. But I can’t imagine the ruling will be in your favor. As I mentioned, I would expect nothing short of death for you.”

  # # #

  “Rhun Harley?” the Emperor said, sitting up in bed.

  Situated in the same chair he’d slept in the prior evening, Asgall noticed that his uncle’s color was returning, and he was quickly reverting to his old ways.

  “I know it’s difficult to believe,” Asgall said. “I never thought him capable either.”

  “He was so enraged with me that he cooked up this entire thing?”

  “It looks that way.”

  The Emperor shook his head. “Could there be another helmet like it in Southwallow?”

  Asgall shrugged. “I wouldn’t consider it impossible but, even if another one does exist, Rhun didn’t have anything to say in his defense. Plus, his behavior told me everything I needed to know. He was reluctant to let us search the store. There was no sign of a break-in, and he turned even more anxious when I ventured behind the counter. I’m certain it’s him.”

  “Did you find anything else?”

  “Only some old coins that were painted over. They were made to look like gold. Even if he isn’t found guilty of murder and conspiring to kill you, the unlawful possession of the mask and counterfeit coins are more than enough to imprison him.”

  “I suppose that’s something of value. But even if he is found guilty of all charges, I don’t understand why he would kill in the first place. Other than Glory, that is. Rhun obviously needed him out of the picture for the plan to succeed. But why kill Elis Morgan and Telor Wogan?”

  “Perhaps to keep them quiet. They might believe him to be the real Glory, but Rhun couldn’t risk them talking and warning others of his possible plan. Or maybe their demands were excessive. They either required too much money or weren’t willing to sell the items he needed.”

  “Which raises another question. How would he get a lock of my hair?”

  “I don’t know, but it’s something that continues to bother me. I can’t help but feel that someone close to us is involved.”

  The Emperor sighed, and Asgall could sense his uneasiness.

  “But you needn’t concern yourself. It’s my job to figure it out, and I promise you I will.”

  He smiled. “I’ve never doubted you, nephew, and I don’t plan on doing so now. The same goes for Doctor Owens. I trust him with my life.”

  # # #

  As Reece Owens entered the small building, Saith Conway looked up from his chair. Saith bent forward and rested a palm on each armrest. He wrapped his fingers around the thin planks, preparing to push himself upright, but Reece raised a hand to the barber.

  “There’s no need to get up,” Reece said, turning to close the door behind him.

  Saith put his back to the chair. “I didn’t realize we had business. Unless you’re in need of a cut.”

  Reece shook his head and walked toward Saith. He reached a glove into the tiny sack along his waist, the barber’s eyes widening in response. Reece stopped and pulled his hand from the bag, revealing a surprise. “Five silver coins.”

  Saith arched his brows. “I don’t understand. You already paid me.”

  “I did. But that was for the item you procured. This is for something else.”

  “What?”

  “Your silence.”

  “I told you I wouldn’t breath a word of it.”

  “And now I’m making certain of it.”

  Saith swallowed, apparently unsure of Reece’s intent. “You told me the lock of hair was for an admirer of the Emperor.” Reece nodded. “Then why the need for this?” When Reece didn’t reply, Saith continued. “You know it’s in my best interest to remain quiet. I might be the Emperor’s personal barber, but I’m sure some would frown upon my actions. I don’t desire unwanted attention any more than you.”

  Reece nodded again. “Which is why I’m offering you additional payment. Unlike others, I know your word means something.
In this case, five silver coins.”

  Initially reluctant, Saith reached out a hand and accepted Reece’s gift. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Reece turned to the door and, before he could grip the knob, Saith spoke again. “Did your client find the item to their liking?”

  Reece glanced over his shoulder, offering a sly grin. “I’m confident they did.”

  TRAITOR’S MARK

  CHAPTER ONE

  “Are you certain?” Owin whispered.

  He stood on the other side of the door, opposite Nesta, his back to the stone façade of the house.

  “He mentioned Southwallow,” Nesta murmured. “A client there. I’m not certain of his plans, but I do know one thing. Griff deals in the black market, and nothing good could come from it.”

  Owin took a breath. He met Nesta’s gaze, his deep-set eyes hiding behind a mop of brown hair. “We’re fugitives. Enemies of the empire.”

  “Does that mean we should lose our conscience?”

  “Of course not, but we left Southwallow behind. We tried to make amends, and we did the best we could under the circumstances. We no longer have a duty to Southwallow. Or the Emperor.”

  Nesta ignored him. She tried to peek inside the window next to her, but the shutters were closed. The only thing visible was a sliver of light coming through the crack. Nesta turned her attention to Owin again.

  “You needn’t be involved,” she said. “It’s your choice, but I need to know now.”

  Owin glanced at the overhang, his head nearly coming to the top of it. He was closer to seven feet in height than six, and Nesta could use his size and strength. But she was more than capable of handling matters on her own.

  “What would you have me do?” he asked.

  “For starters, you could put a foot to the door. Kick the damn thing in for us.”

  “I’d consider that unwise. Even in darkness, we’ll bring unwanted attention to ourselves.”

  Nesta surveyed the street. There were a few people about, but none of them batted an eye in their direction. “There’s no better time than the present.” Owin exhaled, briefly closing his eyes. Nesta could sense his reluctance. She moved toward the door. “No problem. I’ll be happy to do it.”