by M. J. Sewall
The gate opened and they sailed into the large open waters. When they were out of earshot of the guard, Gordon asked Aline, “Why was he so rude to that guard?”
Aline replied, “The second gate is controlled by men that hate weakness. If Mantuan had been polite to the man it would've raised suspicion. To these men, strength gains respect,” said Aline.
Gordon wasn't sure he understood that exactly, but he had very little time to ponder it as the ship turned. Gordon suddenly saw the kingdom of the gods for the first time. The sun glistened off the buildings of Artoth. There were great walls around the kingdom, but the buildings rose high above them. Gordon could see some of the different levels of the terraced kingdom. He had always read about the great terraced levels, connected by stairs and bridges. The buildings looked different from each other as well, like they had been built by the greatest builders, in every style imaginable.
Gordon asked, “Is it really true that the water never stops flowing in Artoth?”
Aline said, “It's true. The mountain above feed a constant flow of water around the terraces and into secret storage places underneath the kingdom. They say Artoth has enough fresh water to quench the thirst of the whole world.”
“Get below Gordon. Now,” said Mantuan. Aline grabbed Gordon's arm. As they both went below, Gordon saw the airship floating outside of the kingdom. Mantuan joined them below. “As I feared, they made it here before us.”
“But if the ship is floating there, is it safe to enter the kingdom?” asked Gordon.
“It will be safe enough. When visiting a hostile land, only a small group go on their mission. The rest of the men stay armed and ready in the air where no one can touch them. From there, they can see anything coming. Trust me, I'm the one that invented the tactic,” said Mantuan.
“What's the plan?” asked Aline.
Mantuan answered, “The plan is the same. The three of us will go to make contact. We will wear hoods so that no one is recognized. I'll have to go without my patch, so you'll be my guard Aline. Let's get ready.”
Lantovas asked, “May I accompany you? I want justice for my king.”
Mantuan answered, “I need you to do something else. Let me tell you in private.” Mantuan gave his idea to Lantovas. The Thurian guard smiled and accepted his mission.
They docked the ship, making sure it was the farthest dock from the airship. At the entrance to the kingdom, there were fee collectors. They paid both their fees to the blue and orange guards and went through the kingdom gates.
Gordon couldn't help but smile at the enormous, tall buildings everywhere he looked. It was like walking into an old painting. Many of the buildings looked even taller than they were, since they were on terraces that were higher than the ones they came in on. Gordon didn't like the reason for his travels, but he was glad to see so many new places he'd only read about.
A group of girls a little older than Gordon approached them just as they were entering the kingdom. They were all smiling brightly and each had a flower just over the ear. They were dressed in simple, white clothes. Very clean, Gordon thought.
“Have you met the mother?” asked one of the girls coming up to Gordon.
“Sorry, what?” replied Gordon.
The girl handed Gordon a card with a drawing of a woman's face. Her eyes were closed and she was smiling. Her hair seemed to be made of flowers. “The true mother. This is your pass to meet her. Please come. Just follow the flowers.”
Another girl and a boy about the same age tried to hand cards to Aline and Mantuan. “The mother loves us all…”
Mantuan said nothing and waved his hands at the young people. Aline said, “No thank you. I already have a mother… and I think she loves me.” Aline tugged on Gordon's arm and they left the group of young people. As they continued down the stone streets, Gordon looked at the card and said, “What was that about?”
Aline said, “It's one of the newer faiths. They pray to a motherly goddess that they say protects us all. They dress the same, and they try to get new travelers to come to their gatherings. They seem nice enough.”
“They seem nice enough. But this mother has apparently removed their brains. When you have no brains, anyone can put a bad idea in your head. My advice is to stay away,” said Mantuan.
Gordon put the card in his pocket and they continued on. They came to the first set of stone stairs that led up to the next terrace. Gordon looked over the stairs and down to the rushing water below. When they got up to the next terrace, he realized how big the kingdom must be. He could see terraces up ahead, like large cities floating over streams of water, all connected to each other. He wondered how many different terraces and levels there were. He asked, but Aline just said, “No one knows.”
They walked for quite a while through open air markets, down narrow passageways and through crowds large and small. This was a large kingdom with a lot of people. They had already climbed up or down eight separate terraces. Or little cities on each terrace, as Gordon came to think of them.
Gordon noticed how many different kinds of people there were. Not just different from him, but different from each other. There were people dressed in clothing of all styles and colors; wearing headdresses, bald, tall, short, skinny, muscular, tiny. People of all skin color, all going about their business on the sunny day. Most were walking, but some were on horses who didn't seem to mind the stairs between terraces. There were a few small carriages with people in them being carried by men at each end. Gordon realized it would be hard for any carriage on wheels to navigate this kingdom because of all the stairs.
Artoth reminded him of Thure, but much older. Many different languages were being spoken. He thought he could tell where some of the people were from, others he couldn't even imagine. What struck him most were the smells, old and deep, and totally different somehow. And there was also something about the light that was unique from anywhere else he'd been. Being in this kingdom was like he was in a completely different world.
Gordon noticed a man begging. The man looked old until Gordon got closer. As they walked by, Gordon realized that the man was only a boy a few years older than him, maybe seventeen or eighteen. He looked like a living skeleton. Gordon stopped when he read his sign, his blood turning to ice. It read, sweetblood sickness please help.
Gordon fished into his pocket. He realized he had the same coin he had been holding the day he put his name in the tower. Aline put her hand on Gordon's shoulder as the coin fell into the man's metal cup. They walked on, not talking about the fact that the boy had no legs.
They finally arrived at a large tall building that resembled a tower and entered the courtyard. They got to the great door with a large metal knocker. It made a deep musical sound and the door opened with two large eyes staring at them, “Yes?”
“I'm here for Santovan,” said Mantuan.
“Your business?” asked the young woman.
“Personal,” Mantuan said as he lowered his hood and put his patch on.
The young woman looked surprised and closed the door briefly. The young woman smiled and motioned for them to come in. She led them up winding stairs until they reached the upper part of the building. The girl excitedly asked them to wait for a moment as she ran off. From the other room they heard, “It can't be,” as a large man came out to meet them. “They said you were dead!”
“They say a lot of things. How are you, my friend?” Mantuan and the stranger embraced. Gordon got the feeling that he had met this man before, even though he knew he couldn't have. Something about his face, he thought.
“And who are these two fine young people?” asked the man.
“Santovan, meet Aline. And Gordon…” Mantuan said cautiously “… the rightful king from far away.”
Santovan looked them over, smiled and said, “My house is suddenly full of dead people. You were king for a day and you are already famous all over our world. Nice to meet you, my king. And always nice to meet a lovely young lady. Come, let me feed you.�
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Chapter 45: Red Cloak
“Any other ideas?” asked Darion, eating an apple.
Brenddel stood in the open market with a dark expression and said, “No. I was counting on those two contacts to lead me in the right direction. Now I have no one else to ask… wait, maybe one more. He's a merchant that lives here in the kingdom, but he's hardly a friend. Anyway, we are close to the meeting place, let's go find this contact of the little councilor first.”
“Lead on,” replied Darion.
Brenddel was wearing the red cloak the councilor was supposed to have worn. It was much too short, but he hoped that would not matter. “We have to find out if what the councilor said was true. If Extatumm has an army of airships, then all of our kingdoms are in danger.”
Darion noted, “You seem to know your way around this kingdom fairly well,” he glanced down at the rushing water below, as they went over a wooden bridge.
“You have an annoying habit of asking a question without asking a question. I respect those that say what they mean,” said Brenddel.
Darion laughed, “Fair enough. In my kingdom, you never say what you actually think. There are many games played in my kingdom and they can be exhausting. So, how do you know your way around Artoth so well?
“I was born here. I lived here when I was a boy,” Brenddel responded.
“I didn't expect that. How long…. rather, many kings have you served in your adopted kingdom of the thirteen?” asked Darion.
Brenddel didn't immediately answer, but finally said, “Five, if you count Gordon.”
“Five. That would mean you first served under… the slaver King Daymer?” asked Darion. Before Darion knew what was happening, he found himself a foot off the ground, up against a stone wall.
Brenddel said very slowly, “I don't discuss that king. Ever. Nod your head to show me that you understand.”
Darion looked into Brenddel's eyes and slowly nodded his head. Brenddel let him down and they continued on their journey. They didn't speak again until they reached their destination.
Darion asked, “Where are we exactly?”
Brenddel responded, “This part of the kingdom is one of the oldest sites known to man. It is mostly ruins from an even more ancient kingdom that no one talks about. Both ancient faiths had gods that were supposedly born here. It is for visitors now, with street vendors around the old remains of the water fountains.”
“How are we going to find him in all these people?” said Darion. “I see people wearing red everywhere.”
It was true. There were people wearing red hats, red scarves, red shirts, red capes, and even red pants. There were also people yelling, with signs in their hands. One read, the gods are angry. Another man was shouting, death form the skies, turn back to the gods.
Brenddel ignored them. “If this meeting was so important, he should be looking for us,” replied Brenddel, slowly moving around the old ruins.
They had been walking for half of an hour among the different water fountains. Many people had their eyes closed, saying silent promises to their gods at the fountains.
Darion and Brenddel scanned casually for anyone to make eye contact with them. They finally saw a man standing in a shallow archway, staring. Brenddel looked away for a moment and then looked back, and the man was still looking at him.
The man walked to them, “Pardon me, but I couldn't help notice the fine fabric of your red cloak. May I ask where you got it?”
“It was a gift from the firstcouncilor Trunculin. Perhaps you've heard of him?” Brenddel replied.
The man nodded, “I have. Perhaps we could go somewhere more private and discussed it.”
“That is what I had in mind,” said Brenddel.
They went to an old ruin far away from the crowds. The man said, “I wasn't expecting two contacts.”
“The firstcouncilor has a new ally. This is Darion of Thure, the brother of the murdered king. The firstcouncilor asked me to bring him along,” said Brenddel.
“What The Father has in mind did not include other kingdoms. It was not agreed,” replied the man.
“I know it seems strange,” said Darion, “but the queen has stolen my birthright. I'm a man without a kingdom and I'm looking to make new alliances. So are my men, who are loyal only to only me. My army is in Aspora now, ready for my instructions. Surely your inner council is looking for allies that have a private army.”
The agent responded, “It won't be hard to find out if you speak the truth. I think there might be a place for you in our plans. I am Coltun. Before I look foolish, how much do you know?”
Darion jumped in. “We know you're building an army of airships. This would change the power structure of all of our kingdoms. Whether it is to attack, or merely to threaten, I want to be on the right side of history. The winning side.”
Brenddel was surprised at how blunt Darion was being. Either he meant every word he said, or he was a very good actor.
The man nodded. “The firstcouncilor shared much with you. He would not have told you this, unless you were indeed an ally. Yes, we have built many airships. We have modified and expanded the original plans. Our newest ships look very different than the other airships. We are not quite ready to let the world know what we are doing.”
Brenddel said, “The firstcouncilor shared much with us. But there are a few unanswered questions. How are you getting all the gas you need?”
The man said, “Well, I am here for a specific set of reasons. I can't discuss all of our plans. I can only say that we make our own gas. If the firstcouncilor is worried about how much coin your kingdom is losing by us not buying your gas, it is more than made up for by the price we paid for the airship plans and our coming alliance. All we are required to talk about today is how soon we can arrange the meeting.”
Brenddel knew nothing about any meeting. It was difficult for him to control his anger at hearing that the firstcouncilor had sold their kingdom's biggest secret. But he had to know more. “The meeting can be very soon.”
The man looked at him suspiciously. “So, we're still on schedule? The inner council had feared that this Gordon business would put things on hold.”
Brenddel lied. “Nothing has changed. Gordon was discredited, and now he's dead. A new king has been chosen. The meeting is still on schedule,” said Brenddel hoping that partial truths would get more information from the man.
“That is the good news the council was hoping for. TrTorrin, our great father, will be escorted to meet with your king and firstcouncilor. We will need an airship escort for our delegation, as planned. If we are agreed on the basics, I am to escort you back to Extatumm, where we can meet with the father. In secret, of course.”
Brenddel replied, “Of course. Unfortunately there is another matter that I must attend to before we leave. Trunculin wants me to follow up a lead on the men who poisoned the king of Thure.”
The man looked confused for a moment and then said, “How… how can I help?”
“I need to go see a man. He's a merchant named Santovan of the family Xoss,” said Brenddel.
Darion looked confused for a moment, but Brenddel clarified, “Denogg's brother.” Darion understood and nodded.
Brenddel continued, “He lives not far from here. I don't know if he'll help me or not.”
Darion offered, “He also won't like the fact that his brother is in prison. Surely he's heard by now,”
“We still have to try. Shouldn't take long,” said Brenddel.
“I will accompany you. I am at your service,” said Coltun, their new ally.
Chapter 46: Old Wounds
“That's why you look familiar!” said Gordon.
“Yes, Denogg is my brother. I'm very sorry to hear that the first meal you had with him went so badly. At least, badly for the king of Thure,” said Santovan.
They were finishing their lavish meal and Gordon was still picking at his raisin cakes, careful to stay balanced with his sweetblood. Not being able to test his b
lood, Gordon had to trust how he felt. That just made him think of his uncle again.
Mantuan finished his tea and brought up the subject of their visit. “So you're positive that the murderers are agents from Extatumm?”
“Oh yes. When I heard about what happened in my brother's house, I started finding out whatever I could. They were definitely Extatumm agents. I just confirmed it yesterday with a contact that does some trading near their lands. But they will be deep back into their protected circle by now,” said Santovan.
“But why? Why would they want to kill me, or the king of Thure? Why would they want to interfere with any other kingdom at all?” asked Gordon.
“Here in Artoth, we are Extatumm's closest neighbor. We hear whispers of what goes on in their secretive lands. What they say and how they behave are two very different things. I can only guess why they wanted one of you dead. But as far as interfering with other kingdoms, they had been doing that ever since their 'great and glorious transformation' as they call it. They have agents in nearly all the kingdoms, and they have a nasty habit of taking people in the middle of the night. The two kings of Artoth have mostly let it happen, since most taken are from the lower classes. The kings almost feel as though they're doing my kingdom a favor, taking people no one would notice.”
“Why would they want to take anyone?” asked Gordon.
“When they overthrew the king and queen of Dard, they declared their ideas. Some of them sounded fine. The people ruling themselves with no king to tell them what to do. The workers being taken care of like never before, freedom for all, everyone equal. They all sounded very nice. But from what we hear, the reality is much different. We know there are large mining operations and gas fields. They still have leaders, they just don't call themselves kings. And they are a very suspicious people. The leaders keep Extatumm very closed to outsiders,” said Santovan.
Aline seemed bothered by something and she excused herself to go into the next room.
Gordon asked, “I thought you said everyone was equal. How can they have leaders?”