by Bill Albert
Occasionally Gallif, who was in the lead, would pause to make sure Luvin and Rosario are caught up behind her. There were also rare moments when they could hear the muffled voices of Giants inside the building. They would listen carefully and decipher what they could for a few minutes before moving on.
An hour later, next to a small crack in the wall that allowed a stream of sunlight to pass through, Gallif decided to sit and catch her breath. It was hot and stuffy in the repetitive movement had made matters worse. There was a thin but steady breeze coming through, so they changed position every few minutes to make sure they always get some air.
Luvin had gone to shadow form and was working his way ahead looking for places to enter the tower. He was able to move much faster that way and they had agreed to wait here.
“I’ve been thinking about Rayjen a lot lately,” Gallif said calmly. “Thinking how he works so hard for us.”
“Me, too,” Rosario said “you know what I was when he found me? I was about to be hanged, that’s where I was. I was 18, as old as you are now, and I was being chased by a mob of believers who wanted to hang me for blasphemy. I had, according to them, then something unforgivable and hell would be my punishment,” she said with tears cleaning streets of dust off her cheeks. “No trial, no jury, just a sentence and execution,” she stepped to catch her breath.
“I’ve known you for year, at least,” Gallif said. “You’re an incredible healer, you dedicated yourself to taking care of the sick and the injured. I can’t imagine you do anything evil or unforgivable.”
“I kissed a girl,” Rosario said without shame. “I liked it.”
Gallif felt a lump in her throat and tear started to flow down her cheeks as well.
“She liked it, she kissed me back and let me kiss her all over,” Rosario said as a whisper of that night came back to her. “Then her loudmouth arrogant brother caught us. He was running to his daddy and he told her what we done.
“He came back into the barn with daddy backing him both carrying pitchforks and screaming how I had deserted her and forced her to sin. The only way to cleanse her was to confess for it and then be hung.
“She looked up at me crying with those dear sweet beautiful brown eyes. I’ve never felt more love for or from anyone than I did at that moment. So, I confessed, said that I forced myself on her, then ran.”
“I’m so sorry,” Gallif said reaching over and putting her hands-on Rosario’s shoulder.
“I ran for almost a full day before they caught me. There were going to hang me right there, even had the rope in the tree, then Rayjen showed up. He came in casting and forced them all to back away. He came up to me and with a clear and strong voice asked me if I was guilty. I said that I was. Despite everything I knew was the right thing to do. There was a flicker of his wand and we were at the school.”
“We never spoke about it again, yet, I felt the fact that I lied to protect her was why he saved me.”
“It was,” Gallif said confidently and Rosario looked up into her green, tear stained eyes. “I was about to kill someone when he brought me here. When I met him, my last night before leaving the school, I asked him why he picked me. He pointed out that I could watch at deer in the forest and knew which way it was going to run. He said he could see me, us, the students that way. He could see all the hidden kindness in this, there was more good than bad. He’d be very proud of what we’re doing.”
“Thank you,” Rosario said and used some of the tears on her cheeks to wipe her face clean. Then she reached over and did the same to Gallif.
“Despite everything,” Gallif said with a wry smile, “I’d kill for a hot bath right now.”
They both laughed aloud and pulled together for a long, heartfelt kiss on the lips.
Without another word, they stood and started upwards again.
***
A half hour had passed before they found an opening along the inner wall. Though there was at least 100 feet between the opening of the top floor they pushed a loose plank out of the way and waited for Luvin to give them an all clear sign.
Once they were inside Luvin came out of shadow form and ran to help them. They were inside a dressing room filled with extra robes and accessories that the Council of Ministers could use before or during sessions. Luvin had made sure it was safe and informed them they would be okay for now.
“I overheard two of their tenants talking. This room was for backup or urgent replacement needs. It’s rarely used.”
“Were still a few stories down,” Gallif said.
“Yes, but there is no other way to get in further up. What few cracks I could find lead into busy, areas with lots of giants present. This was the closest I could find that would get you inside without being seen.”
“Have any of the Ministers shown up yet?” Rosario asked.
“From the way they talk the First Minister is always in the Council chamber. It sounds like he never leaves.”
“I always thought that was just a myth,” Rosario said. She looked around the room and found a sparkling clean robe that, according to the area it was stored, was used by the Fourth Minister and she used it to clean her face and arms.
Gallif found an unmarked stack of white blankets and use one to clean herself.
“I’m not sure how are going to get to the top but I suggest we go soon. The more Ministers that are here the tighter security. The only other option would be to go outside.”
“Outside the tower completely?” Rosario asked.
“Yes,” Luvin nodded. “There is a very cleverly hidden ladder on the outer shell, where someone, not a giant could climb all the way to the top. It’s on the west face of the tower, away from the rest of Spring Field.”
“In the entryway for someone other than a giant?” Gallif asked in shock. “Could it be for hobgoblins?”
“It could be,” Luvin speculated. “If it were designed just for them it would need to be so big. It’s perfectly designed for human. The way the stones are placed there is no way anyone could see it from any spot other than the top. There’s another thing about it. It’s a very dangerous climb even knowing it’s there. The rungs are evenly spaced, they skipped back and forth, only somebody really skilled and patient could climate.”
As they all considered just how unusual this was Rosario finished cleaning herself and move several small boxes in front of the gap they had used to enter.
“Which way do we go now?” Gallif asked Luvin.
“Go left outside this door until you get to a T intersection, go left again, and you’ll hit a flight of circular stairs. The steps are smaller, not as wide as a giant step, so I think they are mostly used by the militia and attendants. We’d better go.”
They said nothing as they listen that the door for any movement outside. Getting only silence in return they open the door and turned left, moving slowly, steadily, and prepared to fight they patted to the intersection, when left, and easily found the stairs. T they were halfway up before a shadow cut off the lighted hallway upstairs.
“Oh, shit,” Luvin said as the two giants stormed down the stairs towards them.
“There’s no reason for any of you to be here,” the tallest giant said waving his massive sword at the three humans.
“Especially you! The assassin,” the shortest one said and swung wide to strike Gallif down.
They knew that, no matter what, they must in this fight quickly. In this small space inside the tower they knew the noise would attract a lot of attention very fast. Gallif and Rosario pulled their swords to defend them from the giant’s attacks. Gallif smiled knowing that Luvin was smart enough to stay in shadow form as she and Rosario steadily backed away. Keeping the attention of the attacking giants on them would allow Luvin to slip behind them and they would be able to attack from both directions.
As determined as they were to catch the assassin, and despite their massive strength, the giant guards were disadvantaged. A lifetime of training and faith prevented them from taking
several direct attacks in their desire to avoid damaging anything inside the tower. The second was that the stairs, designed for much smaller creatures, cause them to lose balance as they adjusted their giant weight. In addition, both Gallif and Rosario had a better reason and determination to fight. The giants were brought down very quickly.
Gallif pulled her sword from the giant’s stomach after he collapsed to the ground. He wasn’t dead yet, but she could see by his wounds he would be soon. She could not deny that, despite everything she knew, she still felt uncomfortable causing the death of a giant.
“We have to stash these body somehow,” Rosario cried.
They looked around but there was no obvious place to hide them and they knew every second increase the chances of someone else coming by.
Luvin ran to a door at random, heard nothing inside, then tried to open the door but it was locked. He pulled the lock pit from where was hidden in his sleeve and quickly the door surrendered to him. The three of them together could barely get the tallest giant’s body into the darkened room. The smaller giant’s body was easier but still cumbersome.
“Look where we’re at,” Rosario Stead in astonishment once they had the freedom to look around.
“What is this place?” Gallif asked and Luvin echoed her.
“Remember your classes on the Giant Lords from the school,” Rosario said to remind them. “Everything, absolutely everything involved royalty is archived and amazing details.”
“Of course!” Luvin exclaimed. It’s written down, catalogued, listed in detail, before being moved to the vaults. Of course, it would be here!” He cheered and ran to one of the wooden closets. He opened it up, peek inside and smiled gleefully.
He had opened the door halfway when he realized there was someone hiding inside.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE: AS SECRETS FALL
In the quiet, calmer moments of the day the First Minister would let himself gaze upon the eastern horizon and imagine that Starpoint Mountain was still there. He imagined things would be just the way they’d always been had Starpoint mountain never fallen, they never felt the tremors from its center, or that the secrets in the entire Land of Starpoint and remain hidden in its shadow.
Yet he knew that today was not a day to relive those fantasies. Their future was at stake and looking into the past would just bring darkness.
He closed his eyes, took a slow, deep breath, then he’ll still listening for any hints or changes.
The Second Minister sat in his chair staring at the floor. He was confident that all his agents, bodyguards, and soldiers were in place and ready to move at his command. He was positive he knew what the Third Minister was going to do when he arrived that didn’t bother him at all that Krove was late.
The Fifth Minister said nervously in his chair wondering why they had been called. As the newest member of the Council he had finally gotten comfortable with the regular meetings, but this was different. This was unscheduled and he felt the tension in the Queen when he was forced to leave her. He looked carefully at the other six Minister’s in their chairs. The Fourth Minister chair he had expected to be empty, it had been vacant since the Fourth Minister’s death, but it was the other empty chair that worried him.
The Sixth Minister sat stroking his beard. He had dreaded this day and knew that the Third Minister was going to try and take the throne. At least, he had expected it but his failure to appear on the time worried him greatly and he wondered what devious trick Krove, the only one missing at this point, might be up to.
“It’s a sad state when the Minister with authority to call a special Council session is late to arrive,” the Sixth Minister said to break the silence.
“It’s unknown as to the cause,” the Ninth Minister said. “It would be better to wait until we know the full story before making a judgment.”
“Well said,” the Fifth Minister added, and the Seventh Minister expressed his agreement.
“So civil,” the Sixth Minister chided them stroking his beard.
“How long will that last,” the Second Minister asked. He was surprised that he actually got a response.
“History has shown that civility is the First casualty of conflict,” the First Minister said, and the others knew he was addressing each of them. “We will be facing that moment soon.”
They all stopped when they heard the door at the bottom of the spiral staircase open and footsteps of someone coming upstairs. They could tell by the speed and relative lightness that it was not a giant.
The Guardian, one of the few non-Giants officially allowed to enter the chamber at will, reached the top step and looked at them steadily before continuing. Though he was standing behind them he was well aware that they knew he was in the room. He took a deep breath as he walked to face the First Minister.
“My Lord,” the Guardian addressed him. “I humbly beg for forgiveness for interrupting.”
“Forgiveness is granted. You may continue,” the First Minister said.
“A delegation has arrived and request an immediate audience with the Council of Ministers. Cokinis, of the healers, Tuttrup, of the warriors, and Mekon of the special agents.”
The Sixth, Seventh and Ninth Minister’s shifted in their chairs. Mekon had been deleted as a member of the regular special service and was about to be declared her Fugitive Kind.
“Mekon is a reject and a criminal,” the Seventh Minister said strongly. “He should not be allowed to enter this sacred chamber.”
“I agree,” the Eighth Minister said.
“Cokinis and Tuttrup are well respected,” the Second Minister protested. “Should we deny them entrance as well out of fear that Mekon’s disloyalty affected them?”
“What do they want?” the Ninth Minister asked.
“They say they have information vital to the future of the Giant Lords.”
“Nonsense! What can it possibly have that we don’t already know?” the Ninth Minister challenge them.
“Is civility that fleeting that we are willing to sacrifice it that quickly?” the First Minister asked. “Less than a day ago the convicted assassin of a Giant Lord was given the chance to beg for forgiveness. Now we can’t give that opportunity to a giant?”
“Under one condition,” the Ninth Minister said remaining tough. “My personal bodyguards enter and keep watch of them.”
“How dare you!” The Sixth Minister roared. “You question this Giants presence in this chamber, yet you invite in weapons?”
“Do not insult me,” the Ninth Minister barked back. “My guards can handle themselves in combat without additional weapons,” he snarled, and they all got the threat.
“Agreed,” the First Minister said to everyone surprise. “I’m sure three of your guards unarmed will be enough to maintain the civility. Bring them up,” he told the Guardian who ran down the steps as fast as he could.
The Ninth Minister glanced at the Sixth. He knew his victory was minor, but it was still a victory.
Almost instantly Mekon, Cokinis, and Tuttrup came up the stairs into the chamber. They got on their knees and respectfully bowed and nodded honorably to each of the Ministers.
They stood with her hands clamped respectfully behind their backs and Mekon was about to speak when the First Minister Rosa hand to stop them.
“And the rest,” the First Minister said knowingly to Mekon as he smiled wryly. “We are at the point of no return,” he said looking at the other Ministers.
They all followed his gaze and saw a woman that none of them had ever seen before entering the chamber from a spot just outside the open wall.
Mekon wondered who she was and how she had gotten there but almost forgot her one Rosario climbed into the chamber as well. She looked around and, despite her disdain for the Giant Lords, couldn’t help but be impressed by their presence.
Luvin was next and stood and stared at them and off as Rosario pulled him away from the edge. He nodded to them and stayed absolutely quiet.
Gallif came last and
took her spot right next to Mekon. With the determination in her eyes and certainty in her stature no one doubted her authority to be there.
***
There was a flash of recognition across the woman’s face when she saw Gallif that it made her wonder if they’ve met. Gallif searched her memory for whispers of this attractive, olive skinned woman but found none.
The woman stepped out from behind Gallif’s red tinted armor hanging in the closet and drew a flame sword from a sheath and waited for them to move. She looked Gallif up and down a few times before speaking.
“I chase you after you murdered the King,” she said and registered the surprise on Gallif’s face. “We fought in the current under the wall, but you escaped before I could capture you.”
“I did not murder the King,” Gallif said shaking her head.
“Well then,” the woman said returning the flame sword to its sheath and holding it out. “I guess this is yours.”
Gallif took the sword gently remembering the greatness of the teacher who had given it to her.
“Who are you?” Rosario asked.
“My name is Kellis,” she said. “I worked exclusively for the First Minister. He’s been watching you very carefully and would like to meet you.”
Gallif blinked several times in surprise before she could speak.
“You said you fought me?”
“Well, the shifter that was part of the frame up to make the witnesses think it was you.”
Gallif rocked back on her feet and put a hand over her mouth in shock. She had fought a shifter before, but it never occurred to her that there would be one involved in these events. They all knew that shifters existed, but it was very rare that they were exposed, or were even made aware that they had been exposed, to one. The possibility of one being involved in this series of events made the situation much more dangerous.