by C S Marks
“I will be there,” said Orrion. “I dislike large crowds of people, therefore I will not call attention to myself, but rest assured that I will be there. Thank you for safeguarding my intentions. If you will excuse me, I have preparations to make.”
Orrion and Salastor rose and bowed to each other, and then Orrion took his leave. After he had gone, Salastor reflected that he had never before seen eyes as deep or expressive, nor felt concern so genuine as he had in Orrion. Dûn Arian would be lessened without him.
Later that night, a most unusual thing happened to Gaelen Taldin. She was riding Toran, flying fast over the stony terrain, bent low over his arched, powerful neck. He did not fear the dark, for his eyesight was keen enough and his bold rider gave him courage. Yet Gaelen’s thoughts wandered back to Orrion, and she was not concentrating on her task. Therefore, when Toran abruptly drove his forelegs into the ground and slammed to a halt, she was unseated.
Toran was alarmed, his head and tail raised high in the air as Gaelen, who had not expected this, was thrown forward onto the hard ground to lie flat on her back with the wind knocked out of her. Toran stood frozen in place, like a marble statue, as though afraid to move. Then he gave a mighty snort and ran backward, nearly falling over his hind feet in the effort to escape whatever it was that had frightened him.
Gaelen had recovered her wits and leaped to her feet, drawing her blade. She looked in the direction of whatever had frightened her horse and, at first, saw nothing. Then she heard Toran approach from behind and felt his breath against her back. Apparently, he knew enough to not abandon her. She calmed him, taking hold of the neck rope that had come loose and now dangled from his head-collar.
When Toran snorted again, Gaelen looked out into the night, and this time she beheld the tall figure of Orrion standing silent in the dark, just staring at her. When he realized that she had seen him, he took a few steps toward her and called out.
“Are you all right? That was a hard fall.”
Gaelen did not wish to answer him, for she was suddenly very ill-at-ease, but she could not be discourteous. “I am unhurt, thank you. Something startled my horse. He’s young, and sometimes unpredictable.”
“Perhaps he saw a shadow,” said Orrion in a helpful tone.
“Yes, perhaps,” Gaelen replied, suspecting that the only shadow Toran had seen was about seven feet tall and looked very much like Orrion. “What are you doing all the way out here, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“I was merely enjoying the sight of the stars. They are brighter when one is farther from the City,” was the slow and deliberate reply.
Even as he took another step forward, Gorgon was engaged in a raging conflict with Lord Kotos.
She is alone, and she is hurt despite her claim. I can see it. She would be taken now so easily…I could spirit her away never to be found. We would have such a nice, long time together! Oh, my heart aches at the thought of it! Her pain would be my jubilation. So close now…so very, very close!
You cannot, you dare not! Earlier we had the chance, but if you take her now you might as well kill us both! If you take her, the others will be distracted from the plan. They will go in pursuit of you, and then you might as well just let them take you, for if they don’t, the Shadowmancer will. Your purpose will be unfulfilled, and the Elves will all breathe a sigh of relief that you are gone.
So…close…I can almost feel her neck in my hand…her blood would be oh, so warm. So warm, so delightfully comforting. No one need know about it. No other suspects me as she does.
You dare not take her now until our plan succeeds, so you can just stop your wishing and whining and salivating. Unclench your right hand and come to yourself. You are called to a higher purpose than the death of one Wood-elf. Use whatever small part of your brain that has not been consumed with the desire for revenge, and THINK!
Orrion took another tentative step toward Gaelen, and for the first time she could actually see his eyes in the darkness. For a moment, she saw both a deep hunger and profound sadness in them. Then, suddenly, all emotions were veiled.
Toran pulled back, snorting again, as Gaelen stroked his neck to calm him. His ears were laid back flat, his nose was wrinkled slightly. It was the first time Gaelen had ever seen a threatening expression in her friendly, playful horse. Gaelen knew that Toran was threatening Orrion out of fear, and she was beginning to be afraid herself.
“Please don’t come any closer,” she called. “You have unsettled my horse. I do not mean any discourtesy, but I cannot linger and exchange pleasantries. I leave you to your star-gazing.”
She kept her eyes locked on Orrion, as though she half expected him to attack her at any moment, swung aboard Toran, and turned him back toward the gates.
Soon Orrion had only a lingering cloud of dust to mark her passing, and Kotos breathed a proverbial sigh of relief. Gorgon, however, was not relieved. He lifted his grey eyes to the stars, clenched his right hand hard enough to bloody it, and opened his mouth in a silent scream.
Aryiah’s remains had been collected and placed in a small bronze casket that now sat upon a pillar of marble in the courtyard of the Hall of Omens. The smell of incense mingled with marwani-weed hung in the late morning air, as it often did in this place.
The crowd that gathered now was not large. Few in the City had known Aryiah, and she had seemed fearsome to many. Most of the members of the fire brigade were there, as well as the entire Company, Lord Salastor, and the High Council. There were others present as well, about two hundred in all.
Orrion stood in one of the recessed alcoves that flanked the courtyard, as far to the rear as possible. A few in the crowd had noticed him, inclining their heads in respect, and as he waited for Maji to arrive and begin the service, he took the opportunity to reflect on his recent experiences.
Tonight he would leave the Silver City. Although many aspects would not dismay him, he had come to appreciate some things in this civilized world. He had learned that having a clean body and a clean bed is not such a bad thing. His palate had experienced flavors he had never known before, having lived mostly on unseasoned flesh and whatever lowly fare he could steal. Here he had been encouraged and even expected to partake of any and all things offered to him. The spices, wonderful greens, meats, soft cakes, and savory sauces had both excited and comforted him.
Gorgon had discovered that, in fact, he loved to eat. He especially enjoyed sweets, and he had acquired a taste for wine. After tonight, it was back to eating cold flesh and hard bread when he could find it.
The thing that both amazed and frightened him the most was the reaction of the people to his new persona. They were not afraid of him, not exactly…but they were awed by him. In time, they would come to revere him. On the rare occasion that he voiced an opinion, everyone respected it. No one dared to disagree. He knew that, if he wanted to, he could command them and they would do whatever he asked. Why was that so? It must have been the influence of Lord Kotos; surely the opinions of Gorgon Elfhunter would not be so compelling. Yet some of them were his opinions. If Gorgon could have done so without being observed, he would have slapped himself with his one good hand.
Kotos, who had been privy to his thoughts, spoke to him then. Now do you see why we must leave? I am surprised at how easily you have been lulled by your soft bed and your fine feasts. This place, and the power you are acquiring in it, will seduce you. It will divert you from the task of destroying the Elàni. Surely you would not wish to trade one path for the other? I will make a promise to you, Elfhunter—when Lord Wrothgar’s plans are fulfilled and your life’s purpose is achieved, I will give you the amulet. You may then return to Dûn Arian, if it pleases you, and rule it as your own realm. You know I have it in my power to see this done. Let that promise satisfy you until that day.
“Do not try to beguile me,” Orrion muttered under his breath. “I know what a promise from you is worth.”
Do you, now? I very much doubt that. What you definitely do not know is
the extent of the power I can wield. That power can either be your friend, or your enemy. I can be a very good friend, but you do not wish to find out what kind of enemy I can be. Now, don’t ever voice doubt in me again. Come, and let us work together!
“Oh, yes…I feel so much more confidence in you now…you are quite the persuasive one,” whispered Orrion. Much to the surprise of those standing near to him, he smiled.
Do not trifle with me, Elfhunter! If you do, I will take your sanity and leave you witless! You will not live for one day outside my good graces. Now, here is some persuasion: you had best reestablish the proper respect, or face my wrath!
He sent a bolt of pain through Gorgon’s brain that nearly blinded him. Gelmyr’s laughter rang with thunderous clarity in his ears. He could neither see nor breathe for a moment, as white light filled his vision. He gasped in pain and tears started in his beautiful grey eyes. Those standing near mistook them for tears of grief. Orrion appeared to be nearly overcome with it.
Kotos had calmed, and now took Gorgon’s pain away as easily as he had caused it. All right, now master yourself. I regret causing you pain. But this is too important to risk losing just because you are too short-sighted to stay on task. Calm yourself, Elfhunter, and let us be partners again. I believe I have made my point.
Gorgon did not answer him, but Kotos knew that his point had been taken. The Elfhunter had made a bargain with Darkness, and now he was bound by it. There was no turning back.
Maji had arrived, and the service began. As Aryiah had opened her heart to the lights in the heavens, so now the people were invited to open their hearts and think whatever thoughts came to them.
“Be silent and thoughtful,” said Maji. “Come and approach Aryiah’s remains if you wish, and pay your respects to her, for she was our friend. If our prayers are heard, she will send a sign.” All those present bowed their heads and kept their own thoughts.
At first, the only sound to be heard was the deep, clear tone of a bell that Maji struck with a tiny hammer. The sound swelled and rippled, helping to clear the mind and focus the heart. But then, everyone heard the harsh cry of a crow. Karatsu sailed into the courtyard, calling in his strident, discordant voice, circling over their heads. To the surprise and dismay of all, he settled upon the casket, shaking himself and ruffling all of his black feathers.
“He has been summoned,” Maji whispered, pausing in her striking of the bell. There was now no sound to be heard. Karatsu scanned the crowd with his black, glittering eyes. He gave a sort of croaking cough, stretched his neck, and shook his head again.
All at once he drew himself up and rose into the air. “Call her! Call her!” he screamed, flying fast over the assembly. “Call her! Call her!” He appeared to be searching the crowd, and Orrion drew back into the shadows, his heart filled with fear.
Do not let the bird see you! said Kotos in alarm. But there was no escape for Orrion, no way out of the alcove except through the crowd.
“Deceiver! Deceiver!” cried Karatsu. “Call her! Deceiver! Call her!”
“Do something,” whispered Gorgon. “If you are so powerful, do something, or we are undone!”
Kotos did. Look at the bird, Elfhunter. Look hard at it, and do not let your gaze wander. He summoned all his strength of will and sent forth a cloud of bewilderment out amidst the crowd. It took nearly every scrap of power he possessed. Karatsu was caught by it and fell from the air to strike Maji’s upturned face. The bird scrambled, raking her with his long, black claws quite unintentionally, but it was enough to frighten her such that she fell sideways, knocking the bronze casket to the ground, sending Aryiah’s ashes billowing into the air. Everyone in the courtyard felt Kotos’ malevolence, and they were overcome with confusion. Maji was weeping, horrified at what she had done. Karatsu screamed, in a normal crow’s voice this time. Whatever spirit had occupied him had vanished. He fled as fast as he could from the courtyard, cawing in panic.
Now Lord Salastor and Hallagond were at Maji’s side, calming her and helping her to her feet. “It’s all right, my people,” said Salastor, turning to the crowd. “This was an unfortunate accident, but everything is all right now. Please, let us bring order and dignity back to these proceedings.”
Everyone in the crowd was white-faced and shaken, and some were on the verge of weeping. Yet they heard the strong, clear voice of Salastor, and it summoned them to order. Whatever message Aryiah had intended had been effectively disrupted and obscured.
Lord Kotos was exhausted. Gorgon had never known him to be so weakened, and it alarmed him for a moment. Do…do not be dismayed. I have spent my powers, but they will return. Sending bewilderment over such a distance, affecting so many, has drained me. The Seer had a strong spirit. It was…it was not an easy thing that was done. Now I must rest. You will see to your preparations, until the evening comes. Then we will go to the lore-master. Do not disturb me until then.
Gorgon heard no more from Kotos, and when the crowd dispersed, he was left alone to deal with them as they passed by. Many would remark later upon how weary and grieved Orrion had appeared. Of course, that was to be expected. Elves were known for the sincerity and depth of their passions, and Orrion would surely be no exception.
Salastor had offered Orrion a horse, but he had declined. “It is better that I go on my own feet. Besides, those of my race are tireless, and we can travel through terrain where horses cannot go. My thanks for the food and other provisions. I’m sure they will see me well on my way.”
Now the sun was setting, and Gorgon roused Lord Kotos from his rest. “Awake, O Great Deceiver, for the twilight is falling. It is time we went to see the lore-master.”
Is that a disrespectful tone I hear? I thought I had made myself clear about that, said Kotos.
“Not at all,” Gorgon replied. “You are obviously a great deceiver, to have confounded so many in the courtyard. I was impressed.”
Do not try to beguile me, Elfhunter. It will not work, growled Kotos. Yet you should be impressed, and so I will trust you for the moment. Is all prepared as I advised?
“Yes, all is prepared. I was just saying farewell to my soft bed and to my fine chambers. I sense a change in the weather; the rains will come just in time to make our journey miserable.”
You did not mind the rain before you came here, said Kotos. In fact, you welcomed it. The mighty Elfhunter feared no discomfort, for he had been called to a higher purpose! But do not fear…the journey will get very dry again all too soon. For now, you must go out into the lands north of the City and wait there for me. The Company will head north, and you must follow behind until you can steal in and reunite with me. Then we will work together once more. You will need to be self-reliant again for at least three turnings of the moon, but surely that will not dismay you, knowing that your purpose will be achieved in the end. Be advised: if you do not do as I instruct, if you have any thoughts of abandoning me and stealing my amulet, do not keep them any longer! I will find you in the dark, and you will regret ever drawing breath. Are we clear on that point?
“So much for friendly cooperation,” muttered Gorgon. “Do you think me as stupid as that? Remember that I have allied with you because I want the same result. If I abandon you, the plan will fail and the Elves will not come to grief. That is reason enough, and far more compelling than any threat you can make.”
I only wish to be certain of your motives, said Kotos. Now that you have enlightened me, I will not doubt you again. Now, let us proceed. Fima is most likely taking a late supper in his private study…let us seek him there first.
Fima was just where Kotos had expected him to be, for he was a creature of habit when he was not traveling. Orrion could hear his dry, rasping cough as he approached. “It would seem that the dwarf is not well…are you certain that he will go with the Company? I will have a long wait for nothing if he remains behind, and as a result I will have a considerable distance to make up to catch them. Are you certain of your choice?”
A fair
question. Do not fear—I have made a study of our friend the dwarf, and I cannot imagine his being left behind. When I am with him, he will feel some of my strength. Yet that is the only thing he will feel, as I cannot influence him in any way. My manipulation of him has been based on plain intuition, as for some reason his folk are immune to my suggestions…I have given up trying. I could choose another member of the Company to travel with, but the dwarf is best if I wish to remain undetected. Choose anyone else and we take the risk that the others might see my spirit reflected in the eyes of my host. Remember that I will not require the dwarf’s services for long. That is why you should come to me as quickly as you can arrange it. It will take only a moment for our reunion.
Orrion paused outside the doorway to Fima’s private study. He could see the old dwarf seated at his study-table, reading manuscripts as he always did, with a plate of cakes at one elbow and a flagon of ale at the other. There were many stout candles glowing gently about the chamber, sending a warm, golden light to aid him. There were several pieces of old, well-used furniture, including a brown leather sofa and three red velvet chairs. It was the picture of comfort, and Gorgon felt drawn to it, yet he knew that he could not remain.
Be careful now, and do not startle him. Remember…all you need do is touch him and it will be done.
Fima heard the soft knock, and looked up to behold Orrion standing in the doorway. Kotos was dismayed to see the mix of emotions play across Fima’s face, though they were there for only an instant. It was the first time he had ever seen mistrust in the old dwarf’s eyes.
“Forgive my intrusion, but I would speak with you,” said Orrion in his most gentle voice. “May I come in and sit with you for a while?”
Fima covered his thoughts with a veil of hospitality. “Of course, you are welcome. Come in and join me.” He indicated the sofa, and Orrion obliged, as the table and chairs were set too low for his tall frame. “Would you care for some cakes? They are excellent,” said Fima nudging the plate toward Orrion.