The Fractured Heartstone

by Ian Thornburrow-Dobson

  Around them the wild grasslands that swept through Ythelia spread out as far as the eye could see. With every mile they advanced further into Tirgaal, the green hues gradually turned into bright colours of orange and maroon that was reminiscent of the grain that was grown for agriculture in this region. Ydari and his companions trotted by expansive farms that put the ones dotted around Maleardhus to shame and legions of workers tended to the crops and worked the fields. There was the heavy scent of manure on the wind and it was almost potent enough for Lothram to lose his lunch. Interspersed between the farms, sprawling vineyards swept over the rolling hills and line upon line of creeping vines were lost to the horizon. Ydari’s mood improved with each step the closer they came to Tirgaal’s capital and this exuberance spread quickly amongst his fellows. Villages too grew in frequency the longer they travelled until at last they crested a hill and gazed down into a sprawling valley.

  In the centre sat the walled city of Tirgaal. Three rivers shimmered gloriously in the afternoon sun and they wound their way from different directions into the metropolis where they converged into one mighty causeway that acted as the primary means of trade and the lifeblood of Tirgaalians everywhere. The walls wrapped around the city’s buildings in a vast oval and there were no structures built within hundreds of yards from it. Instead this portion of land lay empty save for the occasional barracks or Guardhouse that gave its soldiers the space and time to react to foreign aggressors. The rest of the city seemed as if it had been lifted directly from a fairy tale. Monolithic steepled roofs soared into the sky and at its centre they became a veritable forest of stone towers, so much so, that one was practically indistinguishable from another.

  Ydari turned his back on the view and led the way back to the road. They descended the hill for some time until at last they had entered the valley. The scenery here was just as beautiful as the countryside they had ridden through and it was augmented by the shimmering splendour of the city beyond. In no time at all they were riding up to a huge gate with a heavy portcullis held in place. On either side of this stood two pair of guards. They remained stiff and composed in their thick plate mail that was more ornamental than practical but it had become a tradition amongst the men and women who defended the city’s borders. It made little sense to Ydari as he took in the detail of the regalia that clad the guards. It was made of the finest steel that money could buy and the Tirgaalian coat of arms was emblazoned on each of the cuirasses but it was heavy and was practically useless if they ever had to give chase. As the Ythelian watchmen passed under the portcullis two more guards stood to attention on either side of them. Both men clutched a ceremonial flag that also bore the city’s crest. The display was meant to impress travellers that had journeyed to this ancient settlement but to Ydari it reeked of pomp and arrogance. He quickly reminded himself however that Maleardhus was more than likely guilty of such displays and affectations.

  The guards remained stony-faced as Ydari and Lothram led the way into the city and, after a brief stop to ask for directions, they trotted their mounts into the maze of streets. Every so often a citizen of Tirgaal would eyeball them uncertainly or a tradesman would hawk their wares at them but for the most part their journey was unremarkable. Eventually they found their way to a large and imposing tavern that was just off the main highway. Ydari looked about through the crowds until the shout of a familiar voice caught his attention. Kael was standing outside the Inn and waving frantically, occasionally elbowing people who had the simple misfortune to be passing by. Ydari wove his horse to the side of the road and dismounted, leaving Lothram, Teobrin and Idrahil to stand by while he headed over to his brother.

  “There you are Ydari. I was beginning to fear you had gotten lost or waylaid by some miscreants,” Kael joked with a flourish.

  “So far the only miscreants that waylaid me were under your command,” countered Ydari.

  “I’m wounded brother. You cut me to the quick.”

  “So, did you want to say something or just exchange jokes again?”

  “Well, Raelynne and I did discover something interesting,” Kael replied.

  “Would you mind in hurrying up and getting to the point then?”

  “We found that mage, Arlydd. Actually, it was surprisingly easy and she wasn’t careful at all about hiding her movements. In fact, it was like she wanted us to follow her.”

  “Oh, why’s that?”

  “Well, that’s because she’s been to the Palace three times this week. It’s like she’s flaunting it and daring us to try to follow.”

  “Maybe. But there’s got to be more to this than meets the eye. Where are you staying?”

  “The Drunk Baron. It’s just a short walk from here.”

  “Very well. Is Raelynne close by?”

  “She is, yes.”

  “Good. Get her to show Teobrin, Idrahil and Lothram there and take care of our horses. You and I have business at the Palace.”

  “When did you get so impatient?” Kael joked.

  “The day you were born,” Ydari answered a little testily.

  “Very well, I shall do as my liege lord commands.”

  Ydari signalled for his companions to join him. They managed to fight their way through the hustle and bustle and after the Captain had explained the situation, they went their separate ways. Ydari turned and left Lothram, Teobrin and Idrahil to find Raelynne as he disappeared into the crowd. The Watch Captain looked back for a second to see his wayward brother lagging only a step behind and both men were of one mind as they traversed the thoroughfares of Tirgaal City. They managed to find their way to the Palace easily enough by following the lines of dignitaries as they shuffled past in the same direction and soon Ydari and Kael were standing before a structure that smacked of grandeur. In the centre of the Palace a huge tower soared into the sky and on its face a sundial had been carved. The rest of the structure stretched out for hundreds of feet in both directions and was made of smooth limestone until they ended in another tower at each end of the building.

  The Palace was surrounded by a vast fence and a huge gate barred entrance to the rest of the populace. Around the exterior of the structure heavily armoured knights trooped with monotonous regularity and, despite their ceremonial attire, Ydari knew that they were trained soldiers and would not hesitate to act should an intruder dare to enter the grounds and test their mettle. Kael whistled in awe at the splendour of the Tirgaalian Palace and nodded approvingly. Ydari smiled in spite of himself and let the vagabond watch the world pass by as he approached the fence and walked along its perimeter. The minutes dragged by and there was nothing particularly interesting to see nor any way to access the building unless it was by invitation. An idea suddenly occurred to Ydari but it was quickly shoved aside as a familiar figure approached.

  Ydari jogged over to Kael and roused his attention by slapping his head roughly and pointing to a group who were approaching the Palace’s main gate. The form of the Cultist Mage Arlydd swept forwards and she was ringed by a guard all clad in severe-looking black attire. Slightly ahead of them, another knight clasped an Akanthiri flag. Ydari gawped at her and a shiver of fury rose to the surface. He clamped his jaw tightly and held his emotions in check as the arrogant woman looked up and saw him. Arlydd smiled when she saw Ydari and his stupefied features before fixing her gaze straight ahead, paying him no more attention.

  “You!” Ydari screamed at the woman.

  Ydari’s exclamation caught Arlydd’s attention and her head wheeled around and she laughed haughtily as Ydari’s face screwed up with irritation. Arlydd kept walking as if he were only a minor inconvenience, which incensed the Captain further. Ydari rushed forwards and immediately the guards enclosed Arlydd in a ring protectively and held Ydari at a distance. He continued to bellow insults, designed to goad her into action, but instead she commanded her entourage to push him aside.

  “It’s so good to see you,” said Arlydd disingenuously as she pulled up short. “So, you finally made it to Tirg
aal then? I was so worried about you.”

  “I have no time for your arrogance. You will answer to me for whatever you’re planning here,” Ydari threatened.

  “I don’t believe I will, little mouse,” Arlydd replied. “I’m afraid the Cat doesn’t have time to play with her food today.”

  “What have you got planned? I demand to know.”

  “Where’s the fun in that?”

  “You know I’ll stop you,” Ydari yelled as a guard pushed him back roughly.

  “You know what, I’ll give you a sporting chance. I just hope that King Aynhar’s poor son, Ferilan, lives long enough to see his tenth birthday. It would be a tragedy if something were to happen to him,” Arlydd drawled in mock sympathy.

  “So that’s your game is it? I’ll kill you before I let you act on your plan.”

  “I wouldn’t if I were you,” Arlydd retorted as the two guards directly ahead of her unsheathed their weapons and stepped forward meaningfully. “You’re talking to the new Akanthiri ambassador to Tirgaal and you might start something you won’t be able to finish if you’re not careful. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have important matters to discuss with the Regent,” she said with a smirk, relishing the look of ire written across her foe’s features.

  With that, Arlydd swept onwards as her entourage rudely pushed passers-by out of their way as they marched in regimented formation. Ydari backed away and watched as they trooped up to the Palace Gate. It swung open for them before snapping shut with a tremendous clang behind them. Kael could see the dark cloud that hung over his brother and the two of them retreated up the path and ducked into a disused alley. Ydari visibly shook with anger but after a few moments he calmed down and composed himself.

  “What was that about?” Kael inquired.

  “I’ve found out how the cultists got in contact with their Co-conspirator, the Regent. The mage we tracked down is the new Akanthiri Ambassador so she has free reign to come and go as she pleases under the guise of diplomatic negotiations.”

  “Akanthir?” Kael asked incredulously. “They’re involved in this?”

  “Perhaps. It may be prudent to discover how they’re connected to Arlydd but we have another problem to contend with first.”

  “Oh, what is that?”

  “I think the Regent and Arlydd plan on killing Aynhar’s son and make Adaryn the new heir to the throne.”

  Kael and Ydari stood in silence for some time as each absorbed what had been said. Inside Ydari was still fuming, though on the surface he maintained a veneer of cool calm that unsettled Kael deeply. The vagabond knew that whatever machinations were occurring inside his brother’s head, they would include him and he longed for the silence to be broken so that he could voice his opinion. Around them daily life in Tirgaal City remained unchanged and the confrontation at the Palace gate had barely caused a scene. Ydari paced about for a moment as Kael watched people drift aimlessly up and down the street, occasionally stopping to talk to a friend or to gaze with keen interest at a particular shop or sign. The various hues and styles of clothing spoke volumes, indicating that people far and wide across Efealtor had made the trip here.

  As Ydari thought to himself, another band of troops marched up in their regalia with another officious looking gentleman standing in their midst. His clothing was an assault on the senses. He was wearing an ornate red hat and the rest of his clothing was a strange combination of red and blue that had been badly blended together. The two Ythelians watched them pass and Ydari stopped pacing for a moment and his face lit up as a thought occurred to him. He turned to Kael with a smile and the bandit chieftain inwardly winced when he saw this, knowing all too well what the look meant.

  “I know what we should do,” stated Ydari at long last.

  “Is it to pace up and down ineffectually because you’re a master of that strategy?”

  “I’m beginning to understand what I sound like to Lothram,” the Captain mused thoughtfully.

  “Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit,” Kael countered.

  “Then both of us are the lowest of the low,” Ydari retorted. “Shut up for a second and listen. Why not use the Legium’s idea to our advantage? We should head over to the Ythelian embassy and convince them we’re on a diplomatic mission to Tirgaal. That’s our way into the Palace. We need to confirm that the Prince is in danger before we act.”

  “Agreed. So, what do you have in mind?”

  “Somebody needs to head to the docks and book a passage on a ship just in case we do need to act quickly so that we have a way of getting out of Tirgaal. In the meantime, we had better get some decent clothing.”

  “We?” scoffed Kael. “I’m perfectly happy with the clothes I have.”

  “Yes, but if we’re to convince them we're ambassadors for Queen Elhara we have to look the part. No offence but they might see through the story if you show up infested with lice and bed bugs.”

  “I’ve always admired your charm and wit; do you know that?”

  “Indeed, I did. It’s one of my most endearing qualities, is it not?”

  “Yes, quite,” Kael replied. The two men kept a straight face before they suddenly both burst out into raucous laughter, not being able to help themselves in spite of the gravity of the situation. They got more than a few baffled looks from passers-by as they turned on their heels and turned their backs on the Palace.

  Chapter Eleven

  The door jangled musically as Kael and Ydari exited the tailor’s shop and stepped out into the open air. They looked themselves up and down quizzically as they scrutinised the clothes they had just purchased before spending the next few minutes tugging their garments this way and that until they were at least somewhat comfortable. The two men were garbed in tight-fitting black doublets and trousers and Ydari felt naked without his scale mail and weapons. The snug fit of the clothes was cloying and it itched like mad but no matter how much Ydari scratched it would not relent. Kael had protested when Ydari had asked that he use his own money to help pay the exorbitant fee that was demanded from the tailor but he had finally succumbed to his brother’s nagging and grudgingly parted with his coin.

  It had taken two days to make all the necessary arrangements and the obstacles thrown up by the men and women of the Ythelian embassy had created a headache of gigantic proportions. Nevertheless, they had been successful in their bureaucratic mission and they were now armed with the stamped forms needed in their attempt to gain access to the Palace. Kael and Ydari drew more than their share of odd looks as they continued to battle their finery, fidgeting every few steps in their futile attempt to gain some form of small comfort. In the end both men abandoned it as a lost cause and walked through the winding streets until the Palace loomed before them. They adopted a nonchalant stride and kept their faces neutral as they stepped up to the guards stationed outside the main gate. The man at the front looked down and squinted as he examined their appearance. After a few seconds he looked away, mentally dismissing them as they approached.

  “We are here on behalf of Queen Elhara of Ythelia,” Ydari announced formally as he stepped up.

  “I’ve never seen you before,” the guard replied matter-of-factly.

  “How observant of you,” stated Kael sarcastically.

  “Are you making fun of me?”

  “You’re earning your pay today Padfoot,” Kael began before he was suddenly silenced with an elbow from Ydari. Kael winced from the impact and fell silent as he rubbed his torso to alleviate the pain.

  “Ignore him, he’s an arse,” Ydari interceded before the conversation devolved further.

  “Clearly.”

  “We are on a diplomatic mission from Ythelia and we’re here to request an audience with the Regent. We wish to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two nations.”

  “Yes, what he said,” Kael added, leaning over Ydari’s shoulder and smiling idiotically.

  “Will you stop being a moron for five seconds?” Ydari protested.

  “Yes, ple
ase stop,” the guard added in a strangled tone of frustration. “Have you got any means to prove your claim or did you just come here to annoy me?”

  “Maybe he did but I came here on official purposes,” said the Captain, handing over the stamped forms.

  “Well, everything seems to be in order,” the guard replied grudgingly after inspecting the documents for a few moments. “You may enter. Show them in,” he hollered.

  Kael stepped forward to add something but a look that could shatter glass silenced him before he could utter whatever was on his mind. The gate swung inwards and Ydari and Kael stepped through, offering a nod to the guard they had spoken to moments earlier. He merely looked off into the middle distance and tried intently to pretend they were not there as they walked on. The Watch Captain looked at his brother and shook his head in disbelief, though he hid a smile as he did so.

  Kael and Ydari walked purposefully to the Palace’s main entrance whilst troops patrolled the exterior of the building. A large courtyard separated the structure from the gate and off to the left a large barracks had been built and it was here that most of the men and women on patrol spent their time. Ahead of them a formally garbed butler stepped forward to greet them as they approached. He bowed low to them and the two men remained frozen on the spot as he completed his gesture of greeting. He turned and bade for them to follow. The butler swept into the Palace and the trappings of the Royal household made Ydari and Kael stop in their tracks and marvel at their surroundings. The opulence of the space put the White Tower to shame.