Such practices as human sacrifice had been outlawed at the creation of the Vispasian Royal Union, two centuries ago. Indeed, it was written into the constitution of each member nation and, for as long as anyone could remember, only animals could be used in blood offerings on altars across the continent.
Children, though.
Not just humans, but lives terminated before they had the chance to blossom into something great.
As I questioned the men, soldiers continued to round up prisoners from various pockets of the island. I saw them returning with more figures chained in a line, their hands raised above their heads. At first I felt that these could be interrogated in the morning, but something struck me as odd, so I walked over to meet them.
‘Where are the children?’ I demanded of the soldiers. ‘They couldn’t have all been burned.’
‘We’ve not found any, sir,’ one replied. Behind him the line of prisoners was being marched to the side of the building alongside the others. ‘This lot said they’ve all been put down. Burnt.’
‘They’re lying. Go back and find them.’
‘It’s getting dark, sir. An hour of light left at the most.’
‘Go back,’ I repeated. ‘Take torches to light and go back. Search every building on the island. Go underground – that’s where some of them will be. We’re not leaving this island until we have secured their freedom. They’ve suffered long enough. Any survivors will be taken back to the mainland.’
He stared at me blankly.
‘Do it!’
‘Sir.’
Dispiritedly, they reorganized themselves. After hearing me, another eight men volunteered their services and a moment later they all marched off with unlit torches.
Back in our makeshift camp, someone had lit a large fire away from the prisoners. The smell of cooking drifted towards me and I trudged over to the others without much of an appetite.
‘Do you honestly think they will find any of them?’ Sulma Tan asked, rising to greet me.
‘I do not think anything,’ I replied. ‘This is simply the right thing to do. For far too long on this island there has been a shortage of this sentiment.’
Glowing in the light of the fire, her tired, worn gaze met my own. Respectfully, she added, ‘I am not so sure I could be in the Sun Chamber, if this is what you have to deal with all the time.’
‘It isn’t always this bad.’
‘I am horrified,’ she said. ‘The queen will be horrified, too. Everything she has been trying to build in her country has been undermined by the people closest to her. This is not how it was meant to be.’
‘Then the queen needs to choose better friends in future,’ was all I could manage in response.
The Return
Twenty-three children came with us on the journey back to the mainland.
Just twenty-three.
There may well have been more survivors and I prayed to Polla that those children were able to tap some hitherto undiscovered vein of evumite in order to stay alive. It might prolong their existence just a little longer, enough to keep them going until another force could be sent to investigate the operations on the island thoroughly.
We made sure the rescued children were fed well. They were, understandably, very silent and unwilling to say much, no matter what language I tried. Aboard the other two ships we kept our prisoners in chains below deck, feeding them meagre rations for the day – which was, probably, more than they would receive when we got back to the palace gaols.
Now that the investigation had been concluded, I used the opportunity to write down my discoveries in full so that I could present them to the queen and send an urgent messenger to brief the Sun Chamber on the entire affair.
It had been a curious journey from discovering the severed and discarded pieces of Bishop Tahn Valin, before finding Grendor of the Cape, Lydia Marinus and Tagg and Meruwa Drennar – highly influential people within the nation – dead in a public place, their bodies dumped. Originally it had looked like their lives were not connected but all of them were, in fact, bound together by this vile operation.
I thought again of those who had committed the murders, who had been victims and had escaped, bided their time, and taken revenge when the opportunity came. If I had gone through the experiences they had endured, if I had suffered the same daily privations as them – being made to crawl through tunnels, being beaten and worse – would I have been able to let those experiences go?
Murder was murder, however, no matter how justifiable. To remove a life from this world is the decision of the gods, and the gods only.
For now, though, the difficult choice of what to do with these people was not mine to make. All I could do was simply inform the rulers and lawmakers of what had gone on, and let them come to their own conclusions, no matter how uncomfortable they were. It was for nation states to enforce their own justice, and not the will of the Sun Chamber.
We were meant to sift through the debris and present the case as we saw it. Should we operate any differently, should we demand that nations behave in a certain way then that would create a very different Vispasia, one not too far removed from being an empire. That was not what the Sun Chamber was about. Besides, it was unlikely that any royal would want to submit to a higher authority – other than their gods.
During the afternoon I leaned over the balustrade observing the distance, lost in my own thoughts, my cloak flapping in the breeze. Leana approached me with her welcoming insouciance, her boots heavy on the deck.
‘No sickness still?’ she asked.
‘None.’
‘No seizures?’
‘Nothing for many days now.’
‘This evumite – you claimed it had properties. This whole mining operation has claimed that too. The reason for our being here is based on the realization that this rock has properties.’
‘What are you getting at?’
‘Spirits save me. You have not taken the ring out of your pocket since you realized what it could do. It obviously helps you. Will you keep it?’
It was true that I had recovered swiftly from my injuries when I had been beaten, and that my seizures and sickness were no longer a concern. There was no denying that owning such a thing would enhance my life in numerous ways. Not only would my seizures be a thing of the past, but my work might improve if I could recover from the unavoidable skirmishes that came from being an Officer of the Sun Chamber.
‘It could,’ she added, ‘make both our lives a lot more simple, could it not?’
‘If I take this for my own gain, Leana, then am I any better than those men and women who made children suffer in dark tunnels, simply to enhance the pleasure of their own existence?’
‘We cannot know if it was pleasure. The people who owned it had much to gain by remaining alive – land and wealth and status. Therefore they had much to lose in death.’
‘Either way, this stone has the blood of children all over it. It has the history of an operation that is unspeakably sinister, that has destroyed the lives of the most innocent of our world.’
‘You are still stupid if you do not take it. Your life was a challenge with your seizures and now it is not.’
‘That may be so. However, we managed to cope with the problem, more or less. If my seizures have gone away, then more problems will come to fill in the void and occupy my mind. But the issue remains that the stones are not only evidence in this case, but it would be improper if I left here with one in my pocket. It would be a theft – not only of a trinket, but my morals would forever be gone.’
I expected more admonishment from Leana, but none came. Instead she nodded. ‘Good. I expected you would say that, so I am pleased that you have not disappointed me.’
‘Nice to know that you’re checking up on me.’
‘You are not the only one who understands morals,’ she replied. ‘I have read the same books as you, albeit in more refined languages.’
‘And probably in better bindings,’ I add
ed, a nod to her once-fantastic wealth – something else that I had learned so recently.
Leana did not respond to my comment. Instead she laid a firm hand on my shoulder before marching back across the deck, leaving me alone with the blue vista, the cool breeze and the repetitive sound of oars cutting through the water.
Blockade
Our arrival back at the docks in Kuvash revealed a bad sign. There was next to no activity in the water. The ships that would once drift along the river to the estuary and beyond were still firmly roped to their moorings. The busy activity of trade had ceased. Instead, a single vessel with a raised naval flag indicated a military closure. No ships were permitted in or out, by orders of the queen.
Sulma Tan was clearly vexed, though her cool, stern expression betrayed little emotion. As we neared the bank, she began to walk the deck impatiently.
‘If you have other business,’ I said, ‘go to the queen. Make clear my command to your soldiers and I’ll handle the rest.’
She scanned my eyes for any hint of speaking between the lines. I was only a little insulted that, after all I had done for her nation, she found hesitation in doing so.
‘Have everyone converge at the palace. The children can be looked after in comfort by the staff there. You know where to take the prisoners. I’ll ask the captain of our ship to accompany your entourage there.’ She untwisted a gold signet ring from her thumb and handed it to me. It bore the markings of the nation, a raised stag set in a blue stone. The craftsmanship was exquisite, the detailing crisp. ‘Should you have any trouble, show this and it will ensure that whatever instructions you have will be carried out.’
‘You’re most kind.’ I indicated the vacant waters and the strange sense of quiet. ‘What do you think it is?’
‘I think we are at war, Lucan. My nation and yours have probably come to conflict. Detrata was our biggest trading partner – now look. The only people who will make money now are those in the weapons trade.’
Sulma Tan rode on ahead, while the rest of us marched behind on foot.
We received no bother on our way through the city. Armed escorts ensured no trouble came from the prisoners. The captured men trudged in a line, their faces reddened by the sun, their clothing filthy. A few passers-by gave us curious glances as we led twenty-three glum-looking children through the streets, but other than that our passage was without incident.
This was late afternoon and the city should have been thriving. As it was, a handful of carts were led away from empty marketplaces. Awnings offered shelter to no one. A handful of people regarded us from open windows, to see if we brought news with us; but they soon looked away.
The prisoners were taken to the palace gaols, the children to a guest room usually reserved for ambassadors or visiting dignitaries. They were brought good food as well as new clothing and, in the briefest possible terms, I explained to the members of staff nearby just what an ordeal they had been through. My firm words were enough to see them treated like royalty.
And then Leana and I simply waited to present our findings to Queen Dokuz Sorghatan.
By the time Sulma Tan came to find us it was early evening. She brought information that a member of the Sun Chamber had arrived, a man named Dorval. I hadn’t heard of him.
The two of us were brought together and left alone in a private chamber. The warm light of several cressets showed him to be of good physique. Athletic and with a noble bearing, he stood a shade shorter than myself. He was roughly the same age, and with keen, green eyes and chestnut hair. A diffident fellow, he had a likeable demeanour.
Our first sentences were spoken in code, as we explored just what level of clearance we each had, and when we came to a satisfactory conclusion we wandered out of earshot of gossiping administrators lingering in the doorway, or guards who could have been spies.
‘There are not many agents left in these parts,’ I said, now speaking standard Detratan.
‘Oh we’re still to be found here and there,’ he said and smiled. ‘We’re just not as obvious as rumour makes us out to be.’ Dorval’s tone grew more serious. ‘And we only make ourselves known when strictly necessary.’
‘How long have you been in Kuvash?’ I asked.
‘I arrived a few hours after you set off on your trip, so I remained here for the night. Not a bad city really. Successful mission?’
I wondered how much he knew. ‘A success in terms of completion of my investigation. However, it was something of a failure for the soul and a belief in human dignity.’
‘It gets to you, being an officer, doesn’t it?’ he said. ‘Still, it’s not much better being an agent, but I mustn’t complain too much – things are about to get a lot worse.’
‘The border conflict?’
‘You could put it like that. I’d prefer to call it jingoistic warmongering in very poor disguise.’
‘Who’s at fault?’
‘Who do you think?’ Dorval muttered. ‘The new Detratan republic is on the warpath. Ambassadors are fleeing or being killed outright, and Koton will likely fall very soon. Friend, I give it ten days. Ten days before ten thousand men march into the city, and they won’t be wearing Kotonese colours.’
‘This place isn’t exactly kitted out for a siege.’
‘Which is why Koton will easily fall under the advance of Detrata.’
‘And nothing can be done about it?’
‘The Sun Legions are on standby, having so recently been sent out of Detrata to Maristan, but I’m not sure they’ll intervene in the matter. Not now things are this serious, anyway. They normally like to add pressure or help provide force to settle small disputes. Getting involved in a conflict this size would mean they had to pick sides. That act, simple though it may seem, would result in the Sun Chamber breaking up the Vispasian Royal Union. It is unthinkable.’
‘Shouldn’t they do that? Should they not simply protect Koton from their aggressor?’
‘Well said, for a Detratan boy, but these things are not for us to decide. Besides, much blood will be spilled, friend. It may be that if Koton surrenders quickly, many lives will be spared and the Sun Chamber can attempt to negotiate a reconciliation afterwards. Maybe they’ll redraw the borders slightly and that will be enough to see that Detrata’s thirst for conquest is quenched.’
‘Do you honestly think a few yards of land will satisfy them?’ I asked.
‘Not a chance.’ He grinned. ‘I’m ever the optimist.’
For a moment it felt as if he had more to tell me on the subject, some subtle nuance on the art of war or on the prevention of bloodshed. Instead an easy silence fell between us.
‘Why are you here?’ I asked.
‘To connect with you in the first instance. To inform the queen of the military manoeuvres and advise where she should organize her defences.’
‘And you think she will take advice from outside her nation?’
‘She has the choice to ignore me,’ he added. ‘Anyway, I’m really here to get the royals across the border when the time comes, though she doesn’t know it yet. Koton will fall. Kuvash will be taken. Queen Dokuz can either hang around to greet the invading army or perhaps I can tempt her to safety. She’ll be more valuable alive in the long run.’
‘She’s a proud woman,’ I replied. ‘I’ve no idea what she’ll say.’
‘I can be charming when I need to.’ There was a flash in his eyes as he spoke.
‘Do you need any help getting them out?’
He shook his head. ‘We’ve people ready throughout the city on standby. Besides, my friend, you have other orders. You’re to return to Free State.’
‘Is my investigation here known?’ I asked.
‘Partially. You’ll have a chance to report fully in person, in the Free City. All officers from the northern and western nations are being recalled right now. There’s a conclave the likes of which we’ve not seen in years.’
‘This situation must indeed be serious.’
‘Only time wil
l tell, friend,’ he replied coolly.
‘I need to make my final report to the queen and send through my messages to the Sun Chamber ahead of me. It’s urgent that I do so, given the nature of the investigation and what I discovered.’ I informed him, in a concise manner, of what had been going on here and on Evum. Dorval listened without comment to the horrors I described, his gaze occasionally flickering to the doorway as someone passed along the corridor outside.
When I finished he rolled his lips and nodded thoughtfully. ‘You did well. The Drakenfelds are certainly thorough. They were right about you – you’re like your father in his prime.’
As long as I wasn’t like him in later life . . .
‘So be it,’ Dorval continued. ‘Present your findings to the queen. Make your farewells and we’ll have you out first thing in the morning.’
‘What action do you think will be taken here when I’m gone?’
‘If you’d have asked me a year ago, then that would have been simple enough to decide. As it is . . . with war about to flare up, we may need to keep some of your findings secret. Can you imagine what such a mineral might mean during wartime?’
He had a point. Though I did not work for the Sun Chamber for glory, I had hoped for some recognition. He must have seen my expression, for he added, ‘But don’t worry – the commissioner, so they say, is already impressed with you. This will enhance your standing in the right circles, ones that will see you amply rewarded.’
‘So long as justice is served.’
Dorval shrugged and guided me back to the others. ‘The continent is now at war, friend. Justice will have a new meaning.’
In a private court session I gave my findings to the queen. The only other people present were Princess Nambu Sorghatan, Sulma Tan, Leana and myself. Guards had been sent from the room. The hall remained almost empty, the queen’s throne suddenly so isolated and vulnerable.
Using my notes, I spoke at length. For over an hour the queen listened to my unintentional humiliation of her nation. My words reverberated around the chamber, even though I spoke with quiet consideration. She nodded here and there in my speech, and asked me to expand upon points, but generally she let me continue without interruption. When it came to physical evidence, I laid out the two rings containing evumite on a purple cushion provided by Sulma Tan.
Retribution (Drakenfeld 2) Page 36