* * * * *
Idimus had let Kalinies be since they exited the Library. The Wizard had done his job—somewhat—and the King had enough information to at least begin his search. As well, Kalinies would be no good if Idimus let him starve to death. It was the General’s turn to serve him now. A day had passed since he sent word and now could only wait, however impatiently for him to arrive. The sooner he could end this, the more at ease he predicted he would be. Yet, this idleness gave him time to think, and wonder about how much information he was even going to give Gerin. The General may follow blindly in order to find Fate, simply because he was ordered to do it. He was that loyal, but after Estophicles, after the betrayal, Idimus again was forced to wonder how deep Valaira’s influence ran. Until he had the one thing that could kill her, until he had Fate in his hands he would say nothing. He only hoped that Gerin would not ask too many questions
“Sire?” came a muffled voice followed by a knock on the door.
“Enter.”
The guard pushed it open and then took a step back, allowing the General entry before shutting it behind him. In that time, Gerin made his way to the throne and knelt, “My Lord,” his mind spoke.
“General Gerin. Thank you for coming on such short notice.”
“Privilege, my King”
“Any word from Estophicles?”
“No, Sire. He still remains missing. Not even Estechian knows where he is.”
“Are you certain?”
“Aye, Estechian is not like his brother. He is not able to keep his thoughts from me. He will not betray you. It has not even entered his mind.”
“Good, and the army? Training goes well I presume?”
Idimus was acting strange, but Gerin simply continued to answer his questions. “Aye, your Majesty. A few casualties, but the others have fought much harder since.”
The King seemed attentive, but at the same time uninterested. “Good…good,” Idimus paused for a long time as though struggling to find the words of what to say next. Try as Gerin may, the King walled off his mind, rendering him unable to help with his search. “What if I were to tell you I knew of something that could all but assure your victory?”
“I will not assassinate him, Lord. I must defeat him face to face.”
“No you misunderstand me. I am simply talking about a weapon, one that will grant you enormous power when you do battle with him.”
Gerin perked now, “A weapon? Of what sort—Wind Chaser?
“Better, I believe. But I have very little information about it. Only that it resides within the mists of Sayassa. You told me you once traveled there. Tell me how. Are you able to do it again?”
“I am not sure, in all honesty. I simply headed too far north many years ago. I have heard the mist bars anyone from entering, but it did not for me. I believed it to be only fog…when I reached it I heard a voice call out to me. A voice of a woman. Asking me to enter. I obliged.” Gerin paused for a moment, thinking, and then a slight tremble erupted on his hand. “I prefer not to relive that time. I will just say what I saw in there has made me stay far away from Sayassa ever since.”
“And would you return for a weapon like that? One that could assure my…your victory?”
“My victory is already assured King. But if it is your command, it shall be done.”
Idimus nodded slowly, “I think it would benefit us all if you were able to obtain it.”
Without question, the General agreed, “Where exactly?”
“The Legend states that once you enter, the mists will lead the way for a Champion…” Idimus seemed as though he wanted to go on, but halted.
Questions tumbled around in Gerin’s brain, but he refused to let any of them reach Idimus. “You would like me to leave now?”
“Nay. You have been traveling for quite a while to get here. I will give you the opportunity to rest first, but when you have I ask this of you.”
“Then I will take some time. Is there anything else of me now that you wish?”
“No, General. Please use any room to your liking.”
Gerin bowed one final time and stood. The moment he turned to the door, an overwhelming ponderous look surfaced on what little face he had. It did not, however, show in his body as he exited swiftly with intent in his step.
Once a fair amount of time had passed, the King relaxed, terrified that Gerin would discover more than he needed to know from his actions. Instinct had told him to feed Gerin’s pride, his honor. To make it seem as though he pressed Fate not for the security of his kingdom, but for the General himself. Gerin was loyal, but as hard as he fought for his King, he fought that much harder for himself. The King worried as the conversation went on that he would not seem himself. That he was being too nice or even compassionate. Gerin did not ask questions nor did he seem to notice. As usual, he simply did what he was told to. It was obvious now to Idimus that he would seek Fate out, and put as much effort into finding it as he did training himself.
Now the only thing Idimus had to worry about was how to get it away from him when he returned with it.
In A Time Of Darkness Page 80