Aiden lost track of time as he continued leafing through the delicate pages. The assortment of discoveries the man had made was astonishing, though few of them would be considered 'magical'. The ones that were listed as 'sorcerous in origine', or 'crafted of artifice most dark', did not exhibit the obscure script he had seen on the sphere. Seventeen relics, recorded in six different languages, and not one of them was helpful in his task.
When he finally reached the last chapter, it was like he had suddenly started reading a different book. The language changed to one Aiden was unfamiliar with. Bewildered, he turned back a page and carefully read the ancient writing to find out what he had missed.
The best he could make of it, Alcott had been conferring with a colleague with the odd name of ‘Cylferth’, concerning a relic that had been recovered from an excavation. It seemed the rest of the book was written in this strange language and there was a diagram that piqued his interest. The ink had faded terribly over the years, but enough of it was still legible to give an idea of the relic’s true shape. It was a small box with tiny doors that opened up on each side.
He was about to turn the page when he saw something familiar in the corner. The diagram indicated that on one side of the box were engraved symbols, and to Aiden's shock, he recognised them as being similar to the ones from the glass sphere.
Excited, he peered closely at it and compared them to the faint symbols on the shard hanging around his neck. There were some notes in Cylferth's handwriting that seemed to be related, though Aiden, of course, could not read those either. Resisting the urge to scream in frustration, he leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes.
“Dale, do you have a moment?” he called into the other room where the old man had been examining the cylinder.
“Yes, did you need something? I'm afraid I don't have much food, in case you were hungry.”
“No, I need your professional opinion on something,” Aiden explained. “Take a look at this.” Dale put down a magnifying glass and walked over to where Aiden was studying, and then peered down at the pages through his small spectacles.
“What seems to be the trouble? If you're concerned about the faded writing I'm sorry, that's just how the book was. No refunds.”
“No, not that. Do you recognise this language?” Aiden gestured at the strange script before him. Dale took a few moments to gaze at the writing.
“Oh yes, I do believe it is the language of the dwarven peoples,” he answered. “Not the most common language, but you'd be surprised how often it's used in the relics and whatnot I deal with.”
“So, you can read this?” Aiden asked, his heart leaping at the prospect.
“After a fashion,” Dale confirmed. “Is this the page here you're having trouble with?” Aiden nodded. “Let me see... 'The object was dormant when first recovered, but during my first examination I accidentally pressed one of the nodules inwards, causing glowing writing to appear on one side of the device. The writing appeared to change every thirteen seconds, and then vanished after a minute - sixty-five seconds to be precise.' How remarkable.”
“Does he mention anything else about the device, such as what happened to it?”
Dale continued reading, flipping the page back and forth a couple of times as he went. “I'm afraid he changes topic after a while. He did mention that the device required further study, and he would write more about it eventually. Is this of particular interest to you?”
“It certainly is,” Aiden confirmed. “I've been searching for something like this for years. Is there anything else at all that you can tell me?”
“I'm afraid not. I can't see any further reference to this discovery. I imagine you'll need to start looking for his next book if you want to find out more.”
Aiden was crestfallen. “Who was this person writing in dwarfish? Where did he live?”
“A dwarf, I imagine,” the old sage chuckled. “They’re always digging around, uncovering God knows what. As for where he lived, this book is probably over two hundred years old, therefore he most likely dwelled in the old underground dwarven city of Ferrumgaard.” The name didn't seem familiar to Aiden, but if he could find out more information about this object, he was going there sooner or later.
“Where is this place?” Aiden inquired. “I need to pay them a visit.” He wasn't prepared for Dale's reaction, which bordered on surprise.
“The city used to be in what we now call the Calespur Mountains, northwest of here. I say 'used to be' because, I'm sorry my boy, but Ferrumgaard was destroyed nearly a century ago,” Dale said almost apologetically. Aiden was dumbstruck.
“Yes, from the histories I've read,” the sage went on, “the place was flooded when the clan struck an underground lake. Most of the population was drowned, and only a small percentage managed to escape in time. A terrible shame really, for they were such accomplished artificers and engineers.”
Aiden leaned back in his chair to digest this information while Dale shuffled back to his desk. He wasn't about to give up, but Aiden had no idea how he was going to gain entry to a fallen underground city, let alone find a two-hundred-year old book there.
“Thanks for your help Dale,” he sighed, “You were invaluable.”
“Quite alright,” the old man said absently, returning to his work. Aiden closed the book and stuffed it into his pack then headed for the door, his head bowed in thought.
He barely noticed the rain as he walked through the flooded streets, meandering around the small town as he tried to think. His choices were quite clear – he could give up and never find out what really happened on that fateful day when he fell into the strange cave, or he could risk his life and quite possibly the lives of others looking for some answers.
When Aiden returned to the inn, he found Pacian eating breakfast at a table and joined him there. His blond hair had grown longer these last few months and was now tied back in a small tail at the nape of his neck. His dark clothing was simple and comfortable.
“What’s your problem?” Pacian asked, speaking around a mouthful of toast without looking up.
“I have good news and bad news,” Aiden answered, leaning in closer. “I found what I was looking for in the old book. I know where to go.” Pacian actually stopped chewing for a moment and stared back at Aiden.
“So it had something about that glass sphere you dropped?” he inquired.
“Not directly, but remember those symbols I told you about? The ones glowing around the outside? I found another object with those marked upon it.”
“I never saw those,” Pacian reminded him.
“Just trust me, would you?” Aiden pleaded. “This is important.”
“To you, maybe. Me? I’m just happy to be someplace that isn’t home.”
“I know that feeling,” Aiden agreed, recalling the final argument he had with his parents before leaving. “Look, this clue leads to the north, so that’s where we’re heading next.”
“That might be more difficult than you think,” Pacian mumbled with his mouth full. “The gates have been locked for weeks now, ‘cause of bandits or something. How do you figure we deal with them, or even get out of town for that matter?”
“I’ll figure something out,” Aiden muttered as he leaned back in his chair to think. Pacian didn’t appear to be listening, for his wide green eyes were staring over Aiden’s shoulder. He turned and saw Nellise standing right behind him.
“I’m sorry to eavesdrop,” she announced after clearing her throat, “but I think we have a mutual problem that needs solving.” Aiden exchanged a glance with Pacian, who pushed a chair away from the table with one foot, allowing her to join them.
Chapter Two
“Who’s your friend?” Nellise asked, looking at Pacian who was still staring at her.
“Pacian Savidge, an old mate of mine,” Aiden answered while Pacian tried not to choke on his food.
“You look to be about the same age,” Nellise observed. “Did you grow up together?”
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br /> “Yep,” Pacian answered once his mouth was clear. “Someone had to keep an eye on Aiden, ‘cause he's one shifty character, always getting into trouble and whatnot.” He aimed one of his charming smiles straight at her, the kind he used on local girls to devastating effect.
“I have the distinct impression you are describing yourself there, sir,” Nellise chided, evidently aware of Pacian's intentions. Aiden grinned at her shrewd observation, judging it to be right on the mark. Pacian merely laughed, not ashamed at being caught out at his little game.
“So I presume you want to leave town too?” Aiden interjected before they strayed too far off topic.
“I’m sure everyone here wishes to leave, for different reasons,” Nellise pointed out as she folded her hands on the table before her. “My concern is for our supplies. I've asked around and it seems the entire town is running low. Bracksford relies on traders bringing in goods and buying produce from the local farming community. This lockdown is strangling the town.”
“Perhaps we should have another talk with the mayor?” Aiden mused. “It seems like madness to keep the place shut for so long.”
Nellise nodded. “He is most definitely agitated about something and refused to listen to reason. I don't have as much influence in this town as I'd like.”
Aiden raised an eyebrow as he picked up on something. “Are you someone who would normally have influence?”
“In my home town of Culdeny, I help run the local church. I'm an acolyte with the Resolute Heralds chapter of the Church of Aielund.” Nellise explained.
“Oh, I see,” Aiden replied, slightly crestfallen, though not nearly as much as Pacian. He was fairly certain that priests took a vow of chastity, or something similar. It put an end to certain plans that may or may not have been forming in the back of Aiden's teenage mind.
“Well, I can't wait around in town forever, hoping that the mayor has a moment of sanity. I’ll stop by and have a few words with him and see if I can’t convince him to let me through.”
“The word on the street is that there are bandits preventing travel to the north,” Nellise reminded him. “Even if we can arrange passage through the gate, we could well be facing armed and dangerous men.”
“We’re pretty sneaky,” Pacian said with a wink at the lovely woman. “I’m sure we can find a way around them.”
“And then what?” Nellise pressed. “If the roads are still dangerous for merchants the town is no better off.”
“I hope you’re not suggesting that we fight them?” Aiden asked incredulously. “That’s for the town guards to deal with.”
“Not that we can’t handle ourselves, mind you,” Pacian added with a dash of bravado.
“Well that’s good to know, but have you noticed an abundance of guards in town of late?” Nellise inquired pointedly. “Most of them were recruited by the King when his army swept through town recently. I doubt those who remain are up to the challenge, which is why we’re stuck here. But, I have an idea.”
She turned and caught the attention of Colt, who still sat at the bar nearby. He glared at her curiously for a moment before heaving his bulk off the stool.
“What?” he asked rudely. Aiden knew where this was headed and groaned pre-emptively.
“Won’t you join us, Colt?” Nellise offered, gesturing to an empty chair. “I might have some work for you.” The big man seemed to consider this for a moment before accepting the invitation.
“What’s the job?” he grunted, ignoring Aiden and Pacian completely.
“If I’m not mistaken, you are wearing the attire of a Royal Ranger,” Nellise remarked. “These two young gentlemen and I wish to travel north and require an escort.”
“I should point out that we don’t have money to pay you,” Aiden interrupted before things got out of hand, words which Colt seemed to take issue with.
“I’m not a bloody mercenary,” he growled. “I work for the King so keep your coins to yourself.”
“If you’re a soldier, why aren’t you with the King’s army with the rest of them?” Pacian asked with a sly expression.
“None of your business,” Colt answered with a spiteful glare. “It’s a moot point anyway, as that damn fool Olaf won’t let anyone in or out of town.”
“We’re going to see him about that,” Aiden warned, determined to find a way out.
“I went and spoke to him a few days ago myself. Told him I'd throttle the pompous bastard if he didn't let me out of here.”
“The fact that you are still here leads me to think that you weren't altogether successful,” Aiden observed dryly. Colt looked a little ashamed as he reluctantly nodded.
“He called the guards on me. Took a knock to the head from one of their billy-clubs and woke up in the local barracks.”
“Oh Colt,” Nellise admonished, shaking her head. “Force isn't going to work here. Olaf requires a delicate touch.”
“I propose we all go over there and calmly explain the situation to him, and how critical it is that the gates be opened once more,” Aiden suggested. “We won’t threaten him” - Colt gave him a sour look but remained silent - “but we're not going to leave until we get what we need.” Tom ambled over from the bar with a plate of food, placing it on the table.
“Cheers mate,” Colt rumbled. “Look, getting out of town is one thing, but fighting a bunch of bandits is another. I mean, look at you - a couple of unbearded lads and a lady of the cloth. Have you even been in a fight before? Have you killed a man?” Aiden and Nellise exchanged an uncertain look, but Pacian didn’t hesitate.
“Yep, more than one,” he boasted with quiet confidence.
“Sure you have, killer,” Colt growled, “and underneath this rugged exterior I’m actually a petite redhead.”
“I -”
“Save it, I’m not impressed,” Colt interrupted. “I’ve fought bandits in the King’s forests for five years and it’s nothin’ to joke about. Maybe you’re tellin’ the truth and maybe you ain’t, but your mate and Nellise are as green as they come. Don’t get me wrong, I hear you when you say the town’s in strife, but even with my help we’d be hard pressed to clear them out. So no, I’m not going along because that’d just encourage you.”
“A potentially dangerous confrontation wouldn’t be my first choice,” Nellise answered delicately, “but somebody has to make it through to Culdeny and it seems to me we’re it. So I’m going to try, which is more than I can say for you, sir.”
“Ouch,” Pacian chuckled as Colt’s expression darkened.
“So you lot are lookin’ to break the blockade?” Tom interjected. “I used to do caravan escort work back in the day, but I’m too old for that sort of thing now. I’m glad someone’s thinking about steppin’ up, but I don't think it’s any place for a lady or a couple of lads to go without someone of more experience helpin’ out, Colt. You’d be doing the town a big favour if you went along, mate.”
“What, so I'm a babysitter now?”
“I'll clear your tab if you go,” Tom offered bluntly. Colt blinked in surprise and appeared to be giving the offer some serious thought. When he abruptly left the table Aiden thought he had rudely refused the offer, but then Colt reached down and purposefully picked up a large sword and a longbow wrapped in oilcloth from a dark corner next to the bar.
“I’ll take that as a ‘yes’,” Tom chuckled.
“Let’s go,” Colt grunted, heading for the door without waiting to see if they’d follow. Aiden gave the innkeeper a grateful nod as he passed by, with Pacian and Nellise joining him as he hurried to catch up.
“Not a mercenary, huh?” Pacian pointedly asked of Aiden as they headed outside.
A short walk through the muddy streets brought the small group to the mayor's office, which appeared to be a converted two-storey house. After stepping through the doorway, Aiden was impressed by the lavish furnishings within, including an elaborate candelabrum perched on a small polished table. On the wall above a comfortable looking sofa hung a p
ainting of a strange desert landscape, and colourful woven carpets covered the floor.
Across the foyer, a pretty young lady with narrow lips and large brown eyes sat behind an oak desk, busily sorting through a pile of papers before her. Although it was unlikely she missed the entrance of the four people, she nevertheless remained focused on the task before her.
“Pardon me, but we'd like to see the mayor, if he's available,” Nellise asked politely, moving to stand before the desk.
“The mayor has only just risen for the day and isn't ready to see visitors yet,” she informed them curtly. Although young, she had great potential to become the irritating, obstructionist secretary to which such people aspire. Her parents must have been very proud.
“We can wait,” Nellise conceded, turning to the others with a shrug and indicating they should make themselves comfortable. Pacian, appearing bored, exchanged a look of exaggerated suffering with Aiden before he walked past the secretary and into the room beyond.
“Excuse me, you can't go in there,” the young lady protested. Colt laughed softly and shrugged to the young lady as he followed Pacian. Seeing his attempt to coerce the mayor with subtlety slip away, Aiden groaned inwardly and followed them, with Nellise right behind him.
Stepping into the dining room, Aiden saw his friend standing before a middle-aged man of means, wearing expensive clothing and sporting a carefully groomed grey moustache. He sat at a fine table near a blazing fireplace holding a spoon in one hand, with a bowl of untouched soup before him. His gaunt appearance told Aiden that he hadn't been eating properly for some time now.
“Are you the mayor?” Pacian asked shortly.
“I am indeed,” he replied gruffly, startled at their appearance. “Who in blazes are you?” The old man was clearly upset about the interruption to the breakfast he wasn't eating.
“I tried to stop them, sir,” the lady called from the other room.
Nature Abhors a Vacuum (The Aielund Saga Book 1) Page 3