I swallowed, I had no recollection of this case. To the blood of demons, another blind spot among the memories. I was obliged to improvise.
“I don’t know. To tell the gods honest truth, I haven’t had time to think it through yet.”
“But you have promised us more than two months ago that we would talk about the details when we come to visit,” the old Countess protested.
“I bore witness to that, Orlond.” the Count said, empting his glass once again.
“We have always known you to be a man of your word. This was the noble trait that our daughter had fallen in love with.” The Countess adding in a shorter tone, “Despite better judgement.”.
In the meantime, the Duchess joined us, overhearing the conversation.
“What is going on here, mother?” she asked.
“Your dear husband had promised us months ago that once we visit you, he would come to a decision regarding our request at the Veyidermer land.”
“But we have discussed that already, haven’t we, my dear husband?” she turned to me with a questioning look.
I had no memories of this! Somehow, I had to elope the situation and I had to do that quickly. The more uncomfortable questions they asked me, the bigger the trouble I would be in. I had to act fast.
“That’s right, darling. Please, explain the details to your parents, I am suffering from a nightmarish headache. I will go and have some rest. Please, excuse me.” I turned my back to the relatives and Victoria and walked with confident steps towards the door of the palace, escorted by the guards.
“But Orlond, are you leaving your son’s birthday celebration just like that?” Victoria asked but I didn’t reply. I was glad to finally leave those annoying parents of hers. I wouldn’t have wanted to find myself in yet another uneasy situation because of the gaps in my memory. I hardly started my nap when she barged in and began yelling at me.
“How can you leave us just like that? Don’t you think of your son?”
“I am sorry, darling. I have developed a terrible headache.”
“I don’t care about that, come back this minute!”
“Don’t yell at me, woman, and don’t dare to give me orders!” I warned her, forcefully raising my voice. “When I last checked, I was the monarch of this land and not you.”
“What the hell is going on with you? I hardly recognize you.”
“I am under great pressure.”
“Don’t blame it on the burden of the responsibility you bear. I would like to get the husband back that you were a couple of days ago, because I don’t like the one that you are now.”
She stormed out, angrily smacking the door behind her. This had not turned out successful. If I infuriate the Duchess, I could easily be discovered. I must consider the option of exchanging her for a member of my race too, if things were to continue the same way.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Request of an Old Friend
We had dusted and read all the codices, folios, and rolls that wrote about the magical totems of witches. The whole team had been working on this for a week, still we only managed to find crumbs of information about the Eye of Damnation. What we had learned about it was close to nothing. It was prepared from the eye of a demon by witches of great power, centuries ago. If it was buried somewhere in mother earth, the dead would arise from their graves and attack the living. It was considered a sacred relic of the Shadow Sisters, the location of its hiding place was kept as top-secret and merely a few people were entrusted with the knowledge of its whereabouts.
“To the fire of dragons, we will never find traces of that fucking Eye!” I swore loudly as I dashed the last folio in my hand.
I have told you, Noan, that you were discharged. They had designated you to a task that is impossible to resolve with your present knowledge.
Don’t annoy me now, Gusir! You might as well help me out but that you never do!
I do, you just don’t listen to me. You’d rather get into futile arguments with me.
I folded my fingers and uttered a prayer to Dermeron, asking him to give direction.
“God almighty, I have lost the route that you had selected for me, please show me a sign that will serve as my guide in this barren world.”
He will not be able to help you either, believe me. You are repeating those pointless words in vain.
My faith is stronger than anything. You will see that he will guide me to the right place where I can find that bloody object.
I wouldn’t bet on that, dear Noan.
It was late at night, I sighed and gazed exhaustedly at the slow dance of the flames of the candles on my desk. Freckledface could stare at this for hours, may his soul rest in peace. I suddenly heard sounds of steps coming from behind the shelves, and soon the figure of a woman emerged.
“Who are you?” I asked.
She came to my table and at that moment, I could recognize the girl in the dark brigandine armor.
“Just me, Weridan, Master. I only came to tell you that the books we had to look through are finished, there are no more of them. What shall we do?”
What a girl, Noan, she is standing here at your table. Don’t just look at her, taste her!
I shushed these perverted thoughts and cleared my throat.
“Have you found any new information about the relic?”
“Not really, except that we learned how to prepare a sense-stimulating magic potion out of crow legs and wolf testicles.”
“Sounds appealing. Everyone should go to bed, there has been enough research for today. Even I can see two of you now. I hope your sister is not here?” I looked around, rubbing my fatigued eyes.
“She isn’t, I came alone. Should I call her too?” she smiled.
“No, I just said it because it would have been strange to say this if she was in fact standing here.”
“Master, I know what you were referring to, you are as exhausted as we are,” the girl began biting her lips.
“Yes, that’s true, Weridan. We will see each other tomorrow morning and continue working.”
“I understand, master, I will let the others know. Is this all you want?”
“Yes, that is all for today.”
“As you wish,” she said and turned around, disappearing among the towering shelves.
This is a sign, Noan. Have you seen it?
What, Gusir?
She was biting her lips, this is an obvious sign that she desires you. I know that deep down you are craving for her. This woman is a beast that has to be conquered. She is not that fragile type who has to be protected from a light breeze.
Gusir, you are a famished prick, you know that? I grow tired of you.
I am your dark side sure, but in the end I will prove to be right, you will see. My scent is inerrable when it comes to such matters.
Sure. I’m going to bed now, it is getting late.
I blew out the candles and left the underground library. I went down the corridors and after mounting a few staircases, I finally reached my room. I opened the door and sat on my bed to light a candle and offer an evening prayer to Dermeron. I was getting ready to go to sleep when someone knocked on my door.
“Who is it?”
“I am Weridan. May I enter, Master?”
“Is it something urgent that cannot wait until tomorrow?” I asked.
“It cannot wait, Master.”
“Then come in.”
Well, well, who has appeared in our room in the middle of the night? This cannot be sheer coincidence. Take the opportunity and shag her for me.
Shut up! I hit on my forehead.
The door opened with a creak and the swordmaster entered my room as I lit a candle and placed it on the desk.
“I am aware of the lateness of the hour, Master, but I would have a personal question that doesn’t leave me peace,” she said, looking at me a bit embarrassed with her ocean blue slit-eyed gaze.
“Alright, come and sit beside me, tell me what is causing you such turmoil,�
�� I raised my eyebrows curiously.
“All my life, I had studied and fought in Irwaldia, far away from my sister, but now we are at the same place. Deep down I fear how I would react if she were to be severely injured. I mean, I don’t want to endanger the team with a sudden bad decision that I might make for my sister, I would never forgive myself for that.”
In the meantime, I poured a glass of wine to her and to myself, not to converse with a dry throat.
“Look, Weridan, you haven’t gone through the battle baptism which is a highly important divide in the life of a novice. That is when it tests you to see whether you will become a real Inquisitor. All of us might commit fool errors even as experienced Inquisitors, I have made several mistakes myself, for we are mortal, feeble humans. It is needless to mull over this, it is always the situation that decides the action.”
“I understand, Master. How did your first mission end as an Inquisitor? I have heard at the training that it defines our future career.”
“This is utterly true. Well, mine is an interesting story, Weridan,” I smiled and quickly emptied my glass just to fill it up again.
“I would love to hear that,” the girl sipped from the delicious wine.
“If you insist, I will tell it to you. I joined Master Karal as a novice, about fifteen years ago. I was the youngest member of the team, so obviously I was picked upon by the others, they always mocked me for something. A few days later, as we were travelling through the sky-high mountains of Tarmaria, a furious stoneshredder attacked us because we had disturbed his peace. He frightened our horses so much that many of us fell on the ground after our horses went berserk. We found ourselves amidst great danger at that moment. Thanks to Dermeron, or out of pure luck, I managed to stay in my saddle, and I suddenly remembered that these powerful creatures couldn’t resist the view of moving rocks. So, I quickly looked around and found a major stone that lay on the side of the road, right next to us. I commanded my already nervous horse to go next to it and using the blade of my sword, I hit on its bottom. I knew it hated it and would kick backwards out of all its force. It kicked the rock right in the middle, which moved and tumbled down the mountainside amidst great blustering noises. The ten-foot high behemoth began furiously chasing the stone that was rolling downwards.”
“I like this a lot, Master, it is an amusing story. And no one got hurt?” the swordmaster girl smiled at me.
“No, luckily everyone survived.”
“I hope that my first action will end similarly, but if not, that is no problem either. If a Master of such calibre as you are is leading us in the battle, I will feel safe.” She glanced at me with sparkling eyes, the tension so thick, we could nearly touch the attraction between us.
This is it, Noan, the moment has come! Be a man and do what a man should do.
I rubbed my temporal to shush the annoying voice of Gusir in my head.
“I will always be here and support you, regardless of what difficulties may lie ahead.”
“Thank you, Master, this means a lot to me. This wine is really delicious, I haven’t felt this tingly in a while. I should be leaving, the hour is late.”
“You can sleep here, if you want,” I asked her, insinuating at the intentions that were luring deep inside my dark side that Gusir had brought to the surface. She looked at me and smiled.
“Yes, Master, I would like that,” she nestled close to me in the bed. I blew out the flickering flame of the candle and gently hugged her. The night had gone by too quickly while we were in the arms of each other. In the morning, by the time I woke up, I couldn’t see Weridan anywhere.
That’s right, Noan, didn’t I tell you that this would happen?
Goddamnit, you were right! May Dermeron forgive me for my sins. The regulation of the Inquisition clearly states that bodily relationships are strictly forbidden among team members.
Nobody will know about this, and you know that, Noan, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Today, you did what you really desired. I am proud of you, my lighter half.
I am less proud of you, but I couldn’t resist the temptation.
I got dressed and I was arranging my things in the chest when the parchment I had received from Motari flared up with writing on it, so I rolled it out and read the text.
Dear Friend,
I am writing to you because I am in need of your assistance. I have noticed something strange about Duke Orlond in the last few days. He doesn’t remember certain issues that we had discussed. I have asked the Duchess and she also confirmed my suspicion that something is not going right with him. He had forgotten his son’s birthday which was yesterday – this had never happened before. I am not sure, might this be the symptom of a disease, or something else? He might be under the influence of someone else, or an entity possesses his body. It could also be a curse. Since you are the expert in this field, I would like to hear your opinion. I will take you here via portal. I hope that you have a few days available to look into this rather delicate matter.
I am looking forward to your prompt response.
Your old friend,
Motari
The writing vanished as I finished reading and again I was looking at an empty paper. This is rather suspicious. Since it is about the Duke, I must help my mage friend, but first I need to ask for permission to leave. I also have to notify my team about being absent for a few days.
This is it, Noan, finally a real task that suits us! We won’t have to hunch over dusty folios in the library anymore.
Yes, Gusir, this will be real field work.
It is a shame that we have to leave the swordmaster girl here, you had so much fun last night with her, didn’t you?
What has happened, has happened and I can’t deny that I enjoyed it.
You see? You should listen to me more often. I don’t want anything bad for you.
I left my room and headed upwards to the catapult tower where my old master, Dorodian resided. I climbed several steps until I reached the top. The great hall was filled with young novices who were in the middle of an alchemy lesson taught by the grey-bearded, hunched master. I knocked on the open door to attract his attention.
“Excuse me, Master Dorodian, would you have a minute?”
“Who is disturbing my class?” he grunted, but as soon as he turned to see me, he greeted me with a toothless smile. “Ah, it is you, Master Noan.” He came closer and shook my hand. “How can I help you, son?”
“Master, I must urgently take leave of the fortress for a few days to help a friend regarding a highly delicate matter. I would need your permission for this.”
“Say no more, I will grant you the permission, Noan. To this day, you were one of my best students and I can still remember you, even though my memory is not like it used to be.”
“Thank you, I always tried to pay attention and to gain as much knowledge as possible. We never know what proves to be useful during a witch hunt.”
“I can see you haven’t forgotten my words even after so many years.”
“No, Master, I have clear recollection of them, as if I heard them only yesterday.”
“As you can see, now I am attempting to induce a spark in the darkness of the mind of these youngsters, which will not be an easy job as far as I can see,” he frowned with his wrinkled forehead.
“I can believe that, but you are one of the best teachers here, you will find a way.”
“That may be so,” he smiled. “I will notify the council that you must leave urgently. Feel free to go.”
“May Dermeron bless you, Master Dorodian.”
“You too, son.”
I turned around and rushed down the stairs, heading toward the dining hall. My team must have been impatiently waiting for my arrival. In the hall, many have already finished eating their breakfast; all the six members of my team were sitting around one of the tables. Funny, Father Tero, Fist, Stout, and the twin girls, Weridan and Kirien.
“Greetings, Master! Have you slept in?” asked Funn
y with the usual idiotic smile on his face.
“I had to run a pressing errand, that’s why I am late. I have something to share with you all, so listen to me!”
“Alright. We are listening, Master,” Stout said as he crossed his arms.
“Unfortunately, I must leave for a couple of days but I don’t want to involve you just yet, the matter is highly delicate. Don’t leave the fortress while I’m gone. I designate Father Tero lead while I’m away, he is the ranking inquisitor. His command equals mine while I am away. As a last order from me, keep looking for information concerning the Eye. And don’t give Father Tero too much trouble.”
“Take care, Master! You can trust me with the team,” said Father Tero.
“I know, Father. Farewell”
“Can’t we go with you?” asked the swordmaster girl, her ocean blue eyes reflecting a certain sadness.
“Not this time. I must take my leave, time is pressing.”
“We will be expecting your return,” replied Weridan in a disappointed tone.
“May Dermeron bless you on your way.”
“And you, Master Noan!” they responded simultaneously.
I returned to my room and composed my answer to the Arch Mage.
My old friend, Motari,
I have arranged my duties here. The problem that you mentioned in your letter is highly delicate and cannot wait even a day. As soon as you receive my letter, I am ready to leave the fortress and help you in everything you might need.
Yours faithfully,
Noan
Hours had passed and I was impatiently walking up and down in my room, waiting for Motari to arrive. I had packed everything I might need. I took the medallion sensing spells and jinxes, the sacred water, and the large tome on diseases attacking the mind from the library, and to kill time, I started counting the cracks on the ceiling. I counted to three hundred and twelve when I noticed azure blue sparks twinkling in front of one of the walls as they expanded to a gate amidst loud sizzles. I did not delay. I picked up my baggage and confidently stepped inside the portal. On the other side, I found myself in a dimly lit but well-equipped laboratory, filled with complex, zigzagging vials and a kettle, forming one big system all together. Motari was standing in front of me in his usual pitch-black mantle. His grim gaze tamed when I came through the gate, which he closed behind me with one smooth move of the hand.
Faceless: The Takeover (The Shapeshifters Book 1) Page 23