by Blink, Bob
Yerid’o nodded. “He warned us about a threat to the east, but few wanted to believe. He would be a valuable member of the coming Caucus. Perhaps he would become Lamane again, now that the war seems unlikely. I am certain he would choose the path you are suggesting. At the very least, he would bring wisdom to the selection of our next leader.”
“Even with our ability to travel, there is a lot of territory out there. One of his sons indicated approximately where he was headed. I will see what can be done,” Rigo promised.
Yerid’o flashed a brief smile. “You should also visit the village of Bab’hon to the north,” he said. “Elm’ad sent him riders warning him to withdraw his forces from Branid for now, but he has a prisoner that you might find of interest.”
“A prisoner?” Rigo asked.
Yerid’o nodded. “Prince Rhory of Branid,” he whispered conspiratorially.
Chapter 84
Rigo had planned on visiting Bab’hon’s camp within a few days of the confrontation with Elm’ad even before being informed that the Prince, who had been thought dead might be being held there. Elm’ad had told Rigo that they were headed to visit Bab’hon and his attacking forces when he had directed him to the secluded hillside and sprung the ambush. Rigo had since wondered if there was something about Bab’hon he should be curious about, or whether he had simply been the last on the list. Elm’ad had to act before they completed their visits or he would have had no means of diverting Rigo somewhere the attempt on his life could be made. Now the visit would be more focused colored with the awareness the Prince might be alive. It was starting to appear that Lady Mos’pera might be correct after all.
“I’ve been there before,” Tara said when Rigo indicated he had changed his plans and wanted to go to the camp immediately rather than the following day as he’d initially intended. “I was following up a rumor of a young woman with the gift, but nothing came of it. It’s an older camp, long established.”
Having someone in their group who knew the way simplified matters. They could make the jump without relying on one of the people in It’oni’s camp, many of whom still had reasons to dislike them and might make an attempt to misdirect them. After some discussion, it was decided that a much smaller group would go to the camp, while most of the wizards, including Jeen, would return to the important tasks at the Outpost. Kaler and Daria insisted on staying with Rigo. It was unlikely they would consent to his going anywhere in Lopal without them for the immediate future. Tara had to come since she was providing the memories of the camp’s location, and Burke stated his desire to come along as well. As the second strongest wizard with combat magic, Rigo felt it comforting to have him along. Their visit would be unannounced, and while there would be no way the inhabitants here could get word of Elm’ad’s death to Bab’hon’s village before they arrived, who knew what preparations might have been made there.
Tara targeted a small hill just to the south of the village allowing them to study the place unobserved before venturing in. The community was indeed a long standing settlement, with some areas so old to have fallen into decay and abandonment. One could see where the older parts of the community had been ignored and allowed to collapse from age and newer structures erected in other areas. The village was situated alongside a swiftly flowing river that would eventually feed into the Great Central River several day’s ride to the west. A thick stand of trees filled the valley to the north and small rocky hills bordered the village to the east. Along the river rich fields had been cultivated, although this late in the season they had already been cleared of their bounty as the community started to prepare for the cooler months ahead. If anything, Bab’hon’s camp was larger than that of It’oni.
“I don’t think they are expecting trouble,” Burke said softly after the activities of the residents had been studied for a while.
Daria agreed. “It doesn’t appear that they have any formal guard or men posted to defend the village. It looks to me that the warriors of the village are all present and not off on raids. Too many younger men of fighting age are present.”
“Yerid’o’s claim that Elm’ad warned them to stand down appears to have been correct,” Rigo noted.
“There’s Bab’hon’s lodge Tara said, pointing to a large structure set into a cluster of trees near one of the small ponds. In addition to the large structure, two smaller buildings were situated a short distance from the back of the main building, the three being somewhat removed from any other structures.
“Let’s go see what we can find,” Rigo said standing.
“Are we going to walk in like we did at It’oni’s camp?” Kaler asked.
“No. We wanted to draw everyone out that time. This time I think we’ll just appear on Bab’hon’s doorstep.”
So saying, Rigo opened a Bypass that would place them on the green grass just opposite the front of the lodge they could see in the distance. Rigo was the first to step through, followed immediately by Kaler and Daria, then Tara and finally Burke.
Within moments of their stepping out of the air and onto the grass, a pair of armed men spotted them and shouted warning. The men headed their way, drawing swords with the intent of preventing them from approaching the lodge. Kaler had already drawn his own sword and Daria was scanning to see if any others would attempt to interfere, knowing that the two men coming their way would be no problem for Kaler to handle alone. Rigo stepped purposefully toward the door of the lodge, but the shouts of the guards had accomplished their purpose and before he could reach it, the door swung open and a young man with a trim blond beard stepped out.
The bearded man quickly took in the situation and shouted a warning to his men to stand down. Nervously, he looked at Rigo, and after a moment Rigo realized why he looked familiar. This man had been one of those who had ridden beside It’oni at the battle when Rigo had been forced to kill the Lamane. He’d appeared too young to be very important, yet here he was at the home of the tribal leader. Rigo didn’t believe he was Bab’hon.
“Master Wizard,” the man said respectfully.
So he recognizes me as well, and is making no attempt to hide the fact, Rigo thought.
“I have come to speak with Bab’hon,” Rigo said, getting right to the purpose of their visit.
“We were told that you might come. Elm’ad sent riders to indicate you were visiting all of the tribal kings and demanding a cessation of the attacks. We have already complied with that demand.”
“You are not Bab’hon,” Rigo stated bluntly.
“No. I am his eldest son, Arn. My father left several days ago, riding to It’oni’s camp as directed by Elm’ad. A new leader must be chosen since you killed the Lamane in combat.”
“Elm’ad is dead,” Rigo informed the young man. He watched as the man’s eyes widen at the news.
“Elm’ad tried to have me killed. I warned him as I have the rest of Lopal’s leaders that any treachery would be met with instant retribution. The war is over. Any who do not understand this will suffer the consequences. Your father will learn of this and what faces Lopal when he arrives at that camp.”
“Why are you here?” Arn asked. “Is there something I can do to help you?”
“I wanted to be certain the word had been spread to your village so there is no misunderstanding of my expectations. Elm’ad has not proven to be entirely trustworthy and he might have directed your father to pursue a different path.”
“You can see that we are abiding by the demands you made. If Elm’ad plotted some treachery, it was without the aid of those in this village.”
“That is fortunate,” Rigo replied. “Now if you will hand over the prisoner you are keeping, we will be done here.”
The young man had been caught off guard and wasn’t the most accomplished liar. “Prisoner?” he asked, trying to appear confused.
“Do not dare to consider lying to me,” Rigo hissed. “I will level this entire village if you give me the slightest reason to do so. I have warned you the war is over.
Prisoners are to be released. It’oni wouldn’t listen. He is dead. Elm’ad attempted treachery. He is dead. Would you choose to be next?”
Arn’s father had not provided him specific direction with regard to the prisoner. They had thought his existence was a complete secret and other than making certain the man didn’t escape, had not contemplated how to respond to questions about him. Arn had been present to see what this wizard could do, and knew he would follow through with his promise. Already he could see the steel in the man’s eyes. He would destroy their homes and in the end find the man anyway.
“We have only the one,” Arn mumbled uncertainly.
“And who would he be?” Rigo asked.
Uncertainly, Arn replied. “Prince Rhory of Branid. The son of the former king.”
“Take me to him,” Rigo demanded.
Arn sighed and pointed toward the rocky hills some distance away. A number of Arn’s guards had arrived, but he warned them to stay back and not interfere. They followed at a distance as Arn directed the wizards to the Prince. Rigo and his friends followed as Arn led the way through the trees and to a cave well hidden a considerable distance from the lodge. There were no guards and nothing to indicate anything of importance was here. They had to look closely to see the opening, which was blocked by a crude but effective metal door made of rusting bars.
“He’s in there,” Arn said, pointing toward the cave.
Rigo was in no mood to delay matters, and used a touch of magic to rip the grating from the mounts that held it in place. The twisted and broken metal door crashed to the ground leaving the way clear.
“You first,” Rigo said, pointing the way.
The cave wasn’t very deep, but it burrowed far enough into the hillside that light was required. Rigo used his magic to light the interior, noting the debris scattered on the floor and the foul smell of an unwashed body and body wastes coming from deeper in the cave. Near the back of the chamber was another metal door, this one looking even more worn than the one that had barred the entrance. Once again Rigo impatiently ripped it from its mountings.
Inside, they could see a dirty and emaciated man with a filthy beard and torn clothing laying on a patch of dirt with a thin blanket rolled up for a pillow. Rigo noted immediately that the right arm was twisted unnaturally and that the arms and neck were covered with swollen and infected sores. The man reacted slowly, but tried to cover his eyes against the glare of the light.
Rigo glared at Arn, who backed away uncertainly.
“It’s him,” Daria said. “I saw him once before. One almost wouldn’t recognize him, but I’m certain.”
“Tara,” Rigo asked, knowing that the young woman was nearly as skilled as Jeen with the healing arts, but she was already moving toward the man.
They all watched as the orange glow of the healing energies flowed from Tara into the man on the ground. Tara took her time, and when she withdrew her magic and stood, she nodded at Rigo.
“The worst was the broken arm and the infections. I’ve fixed those. He had no major wounds, and should be fine given some time. What he needs now is rest, food and a bath.”
“Let’s get him home,” Rigo said, as he bent to help the man from the ground. He wasn’t sure he should use his magic to lift the Prince without his permission. They helped him walk outside the cave.
“We will see to the Prince,” Rigo informed Burke and Tara. “Go back and inform Jeen what we found here. I’ll meet you back at the Outpost tomorrow.”
Burke nodded and moments later he and Tara had disappeared through a Bypass.
“You are fortunate he still lives,” Rigo told Arn. “When your father returns, inform him what happened here today.” Then he created his own Bypass, and helped the invalid Prince through the opening following Kaler as they traveled to the inn.
Back at the Prancing Pony they ordered food to be sent to the room. Slowly the prince ate, drinking more than eating solids, his stomach unaccustomed to real food after the slop he’d been given in the cave.
“Who are you?” he managed after a while.
Rigo introduced them to the Prince.
“How did you find me?” he asked.
Rigo explained briefly. “Your wife was right that you were still alive.”
“You’ve spoken with Mos’pera,” Rhory asked.
“Just the other day,” Rigo said.
“Sulen is weeks away,” Rhory objected.
“It is only three hours by horse from here,” Rigo told him.
“Three hours?” Rhory asked confused. “That can’t be. Where are we?”
“There is much we have to show you,” Rigo said. “For now, you must regain your strength. Do you feel strong enough for a bath?”
Rhory looked at Rigo with a longing in his eyes. “To be clean again. Please.”
After moving Rhory into the side room, Rigo arranged for a tub and warm water to be brought to the room. Normally baths were taken in the special room downstairs, but sufficient coin was a strong motivator, and before long a tub of warm water waited for the Prince. Daria went for new clothes while the Prince spent a full glass in the tub, the water dirtier than anything Rigo could recall when the man climbed out.
Rhory climbed into the clothes that Daria had purchased, and finally sat in a chair, looking far better, but still thin and looking very little like the Prince.
“My arm?” he asked, holding up and bending the arm that now showed no sign of the former damage. “The scabs and sores. They are gone as if they never existed.”
“This will seem hard to believe,” Rigo said slowly. “A form of magic was used to cure your ailments. That was also how we brought you here.”
“I would have said that I don’t believe in magic. But something that is very much like magic has been used. I can think of no healer who could repair the damage to my arm, especially after so many days of neglect.”
Prince Rhory gathered his strength, and then asked hesitantly. “How goes the war, and how is my family?” Rigo was certain he expected the worst.
“Much has happened since you were captured,” Rigo said. “I should let your family explain. The war is over. I have seen to that. It never really had a chance to start. In that we were lucky. Your family has not fared so well. Your father and youngest sister are dead. Poisoned.”
“By that bastard Cordale!” Rhory exclaimed. “I was told that had happened, but had hoped it was a lie.”
“Who told you this?” Rigo asked.
“Bab’hon, after he locked me in that cave. He told me that Cordale had conspired against me, telling him where I could be found and the numbers of my forces. He wanted to trade me for parts of Branid and protection from invasion. He also said that Cordale’s man Roit had informed him that my father had been poisoned by Cordale. Where is Cordale now?”
“He is Branid’s King,” Rigo told him.
Rhory groaned. “He is a traitor. I will see him dead!”
“You’ll have to wait in line,” Daria hissed. “Now there is no longer a reason to let him live,” she said more to Rigo than Prince Rhory.
“In a few days,” Rigo said. “We should do this properly so the people of Branid understand what has happened. First Prince Rhory needs to regain his strength.”
“You spoke to my wife?” Rhory asked. “How is she?”
“Well enough,” Rigo told him. “Like your stepmother, Cordale has them sequestered in a villa where he can control them. I suspect his long term plans are less honorable, but he will never have a chance to complete those designs.”
Rigo abruptly stood. “Watch over the Prince,” he said. “I’ll be back shortly.”
Rigo opened a Bypass and stepped through it without another word, disappearing, leaving behind his two friends and the Prince.
“You people have many miracles at your command,” Rhory said, staring at the space where Rigo had disappeared. “How did you learn such wonders?”
“Kaler and I don’t have such abilities,” Daria told Rhory.
“There is a small group like him that you will learn more about before long. Magic has been dormant for many years, but it is as real as the old tales claimed.”
“Where did he go?” Rhory asked.
“I have an idea,” Daria said. “If I’m right you will know in a short time.”
Rhory looked at her, but she wouldn’t say. A half glass later, Rigo stepped back into the room, followed almost immediately by Lady Mos’pera.
“Rhory!” she exclaimed seeing her thin and bedraggled husband sitting in the chair. “What in Risos name did they do to you?”
Rigo signaled to his friends. “We will be downstairs,” he told Rhory and Mos’pera. “We’ll come back in a glass.” Then they left the two alone.
Chapter 85
“That’s ridiculous,” King Cordale objected looking angrily at Roit. “There is no way he could be alive.”
“We would have said as much about the Kalabhoot, but now we know differently,” Roit reminded Cordale. He had overheard several of the men in the garrison making comments to the effect that the former Prince had been found alive. Cordale was eager to dismiss the claims, but Roit wasn’t at all certain there might not be some truth to the rumors. He had been held prisoner by Lopal and released at the direction of the supposed wizard. What if Rhory had been prisoner as well? Perhaps he too had been released and was making his way back to Sulen. If so, they had more problems ahead.
“They found his armor and bones,” Cordale said in response, attempting to force the argument his way.
“They found his armor,” Roit corrected the King. “No one was able to determine whose bones were mixed in the pile that was discovered. More than ninety men were cremated in that fire. There’s no proof his bones were among them.”
Cordale frowned unhappily. Too many odd and unexplained events had been happening of late and he wasn’t pleased. When Roit had returned Cordale had an opportunity to learn what his most trusted personal guard had seen. The field of burned bodies bothered him greatly. He could think of no way such destruction could have been carried out, at least not under the conditions stated.