"Forced?" Her blows came slower still. "Forced by whom?"
"Your mother's brother."
Her response came after some hesitation. "You're lying."
Ensel Rhe had his back to the dojo's entrance. Encouraged by the direction of their conversation, he allowed her to force him from the room. In the hall outside, with his daughter's blades still flying at him, Ensel Rhe found an opportunity to answer Jakinda's accusation.
"I do not lie. But nor do I expect you to believe me. Not without proof."
"Offer me some then. Give me a reason to believe you." She issued it as a challenge.
"At the moment, I have none."
"Then I believe you even less, for only a liar would level baseless accusations against a respected man like Uncle Balrabbek."
"Your uncle is many things, Jakinda, but respectable? Never."
"How in Uhl would you know that?" she asked between breaths. "You have no idea what we've been through. Uncle Bal saved our house and gave us new life. What did you do except run away?"
Jakinda Rhe pushed her father past other hallways. A scribe walked down one, but he stopped as soon as he saw the two eslar fighting. Gerwyn remained with them, hovering in the background, the long sword Ensel Rhe had discarded held in an easy grip. Realizing the best way to keep their exchange private was to reverse their positions, Ensel Rhe leaped past Jakinda so her push led them back toward the dojo.
"I did not run away," Ensel Rhe said. "I told you, I was forced to leave. Although you do not believe this, I speak the truth. Soon, I shall have proof. Not against Balrabbek, but at least against your matron."
"Ingrid? Now you drag her into your lies?"
"She is not here for whatever purpose she told you."
"What are you talking about?"
"Ingrid is here at Balrabbek's behest, doing his work. When Balrabbek forced me to leave you, your mother, and Hannu, she was there with him."
Jakinda's kinjatos grew still. "Do you even know what happened to Hannu?"
Ensel Rhe knew.
"I—I found him," Jakinda said, her voice breaking for the first time. "He was at the stream in the garden, playing, and... Who could do such a thing to a child, we all wondered. We were lost. Mother...did not do well after. No one did. Uncle Bal stayed with her. He saw to things around the estate, took care of our businesses. He made sure Hannu's killers were brought to justice."
"Hannu's killers?"
"Hannu Rhe was...murdered."
She mistook his question. He'd known of his son's murder from the start. Also, he knew well his son's murderers, for he had been the one to hunt them down and kill them, not Balrabbek.
"Doesn't that mean anything to you?" Jakinda asked, studying him. "I just told you your son, my brother, was murdered, and you stand there as if I just told you the moon will come out tonight. I can't believe you wouldn't feel—"
Ensel Rhe's gaze strayed beyond his daughter to a figure just coming into view from around the hall's far corner. It was a woman, who looked up from a batch of papers and likewise saw him. The moment she did, she stopped dead in her tracks. Her eyes—white, eslar eyes—went wide, and her grip on the papers loosened so they fell to the floor like leaves from a tree.
"What are you looking at?" Jakinda asked, turning.
Ingrid Kane.
Before the first paper had touched the floor, Ingrid turned and ran.
Ensel Rhe shoved Jakinda aside and pursued.
"Hey!" she called out to his back even as Gerwyn sprang into action.
"I have warned you, sinjee!" the krill shouted. "Harm her at your own peril!"
Ensel Rhe paid such warnings no heed. Rounding the corner, he saw Ingrid at the top of the stairs. She didn't dare take the time to glance back even once. Ensel Rhe took the steps in threes, following her into another hall which let out into a little-used courtyard. She ran across it, straight to another stair. Ensel Rhe spotted a guard, and slowed. But the man's attention lie elsewhere, and so Ensel Rhe made it across the court with no alarm sounding. At the top of the stair, Ingrid whipped around a corner and disappeared from sight. As Ensel Rhe rounded the same corner, he spotted his prey fumbling at the knob of a door. They were on a terrace, one side of which was lined with doors while the other overlooked one of the palace gardens. A long, wide stair led from the terrace down into it. Despite the woman's efforts, the door refused to open. Ensel Rhe slowed to a purposeful stride. As he neared her, Ingrid started to back away. Though she eyed the stair, no time remained to make a break for it. Her mouth opened, about to cry out, when Ensel Rhe grabbed her by the throat and slammed her into a nearby pillar.
"Why have you come to Brighton?" Ensel Rhe asked, anger in his voice.
Behind him, he heard his daughter and Gerwyn's rapid approach. Ingrid thrashed about, trying to free herself. The edge of his sword at her throat put an end to her struggles. Still, she trembled in fear. Real or not, it was inconsequential to him. Ensel Rhe made sure she looked into his eyes and understood she'd find no mercy here.
"Why?"
She opened her mouth, emitting a croak before Jakinda Rhe and Gerwyn were right behind him with weapons out and he knew he'd no more time for questions. He spun around with Ingrid still clutched at the neck. Jakinda hesitated. Gerwyn did not. But the krill was unwilling to risk his employer, and so he struck with too much caution. Ensel Rhe caught the krill's long sword with his khatesh, letting the blade slide down its length even as he shoved Ingrid into his daughter. Jakinda had no choice but to fold her katanas in or else impale the woman. Then they were both on their way to the floor in a tangled heap. Free of obstacles, Gerwyn brought his sword back around on the backswing, but Ensel Rhe was already past him and leveling a kick at his back which sent the krill staggering into the pillar he'd just smashed Ingrid against. Gerwyn spun around, growling.
"Get Ingrid to safety, Jakinda!" Gerwyn said.
Standing now, her response was simple and to the point. "No!"
Then they were both on the attack. Ensel Rhe drew his short sword from his belt, knocking both of Jakinda's blades away in the same motion just as he dodged Gerwyn's thrust. Behind Jakinda, Ingrid had also risen, though she did not stay to fight. The woman turned and ran, all the while calling at the top of her lungs for the palace guard.
Gerwyn held back his next attack. "Your quarry is gone, sinjee. There is no point in continuing this battle."
Ensel Rhe agreed. Jakinda, however, did not. She came at him again, her swords flashing. At almost the same moment, a handful of palace guards ran into view from both sides of the terrace. Ensel Rhe spied more running toward his position via the gardens. They'd arrive in seconds. Ensel Rhe drove Jakinda back, giving himself room to deal with the guards. Gerwyn stood ready, but did not come at him. Then the first of the guards were there. Armed with pikes, they leveled their weapons at him and ordered him to surrender his swords. Ensel Rhe responded by swatting aside of one of the pike's heads and moving inside the weapon's range. The guard tried to back away, but Ensel Rhe smashed the hilt of his khatesh into his face, sending him stumbling back. The other pikeman had enough sense to drop his polearm and at least attempt to draw his sword. Too late, as Ensel Rhe kicked him in the chest. The man staggered back and, unbalanced, went over the side of the terrace to fall into the garden below. His scream turned to a groan as soon as he connected with the ground.
More guards arrived, come up the garden stairs, with swords already drawn. Ensel Rhe met them before they'd gained the terrace, knocking aside the blade of the first, catching the next with his backswing, and then sidestepping the jab of the third. Behind him, Jakinda had her twin swords poised to strike. He spun around, his khatesh turning one blade of hers just as her other came for him. Drawing close, he shoved her at the stairs and into the new arrivals. Others came at him from behind. With a wild swing of his khatesh, he cleared a space around him. Then everyone stopped.
"Throw down your weapons and surrender yourself!" said Captain Fuchs.
> Just come onto the scene, he stood amongst a dozen of his men with sword pointed at the eslar. Gerwyn was in their midst. Behind Ensel Rhe, at the stair, Jakinda and another host of guards stood ready to pounce. Realizing the situation was untenable, Ensel Rhe sprang with sword raised, not aiming for the stairs, but at the balcony railing where he'd forced the guard over moments before. He jumped, making the twenty-foot drop with ease. He dove forward the second he sensed Gerwyn leaping after him.
"What's it to be, sinjee-ka?" Gerwyn asked as Ensel Rhe spun about to face him. "Continue playing, or leave this place before someone truly gets hurt?"
People in the gardens ran from them as guards, with Captain Fuchs in the lead, streamed down the stairs. Amidst the graveled lanes of the garden, Ensel Rhe spotted more guards coming. Above, Jakinda was at the balcony, her expression unreadable.
"Tell Jakinda something for me," Ensel Rhe said, his gaze returning to Gerwyn. "Give her these names: Ill Sigith and Jux Jeorn. She will know what to do."
Ensel Rhe turned to run into the gardens. Only a single guard blocked his escape. His attempt was ineffective. Gerwyn did not pursue, which left Ensel Rhe free to lose his other pursuers quickly and easily amidst the tall shrubs and meandering footpaths. When he was sure the guards ran in the wrong direction, Ensel Rhe started to make his way toward the eastern wing. He'd heard no one had been allowed into that section of the palace for some time, which made it all the more interesting to him. With all of the palace guards looking for him in the gardens, it seemed the perfect time to pay Aaron a visit.
14. Erlek's Research
JACOB WAS IN A PARTICULARLY good mood. Though cool and overcast, it seemed the sun might peek out from amidst the clouds at any moment. Repairs on the ship were ahead of schedule, and he expected to take delivery of several of the items he'd requested from the city's tinkerers as soon as later that evening. With so many things coming together and running smoothly, he found himself with plenty of time to think about Lady Bella Kelm. Such thoughts were not all gratifying, though, for he knew the Griffin remained in port only as long as it took to make repairs. The best thing, he knew, was for him to forget about her. He tried, but only halfheartedly so that soon, instead of figuring out how to dismiss her from his mind, he was thinking how best to arrange their next meeting. He'd her request to come see the airship. But Jacob had yet to broach that particular subject with the captain. He'd rather not broach it at all, except he had said he would. Still, he knew the captain's answer even now, and Jacob dreaded having to deliver bad news to the lady so soon after they'd just met.
Jacob strolled across the command deck. Saws and hammers sounded from all corners as he watched a ship's carpenter followed by a trio of airmen come up from below. The group went down the gangplank to join another crew working at repairing the hull. Others came and went, some on-duty and some off. Jacob had organized the men in shifts which rotated between work, sleep, and play. Many skipped the designated sleep hours so they'd have more time in the city, which Jacob was perfectly fine with. As long as they fulfilled their obligation to get the Griffin back in the air as soon as possible, how they spent the rest of their time was none of his concern. With all they'd been through, they deserved the time to loosen up.
"Permission to come aboard?"
Jacob recognized the voice before Tippin had finished shouting his inquiry. Jacob waved his consent. The sergeant came right up to the command deck and, once the formalities were out of the way, got right to business.
"I made a commitment to assist you and the crew. I'll see it through if that's all right with you, Commander."
Jacob kept his good feelings at seeing the sergeant in check. Circumstances warranted it, he felt. "Of course, Sergeant. Welcome back. I have to admit, I did not expect to see you again."
"You almost didn't. I asked around with some of the men. My men, that is, from Norwynne. Also ran into some of the Griffin's boys in town. No one from Norwynne remembers seeing an airship. Your crewmen had as much clue about what happened as I did. I don't fault you—or anyone onboard—in other words. That said, you have me for three more days...or for much longer. My captain—my army captain—gave me an out. Seems with both Rulana and now Fallmere's soldiers all in one place, they haven't the resources to feed and shelter all of us. They're offering a stipend to anyone who steps up and accepts honorable discharge."
"You're considering it?" Jacob asked. The notion surprised him, for Tippin was an army man, through-and-through.
"Considering, yes. I'd like to know I've somewhere to land before I jump, though."
"You can land right here, Tippin. You know that. I don't know anyone onboard who'd contest it."
Tippin eyed him. "You sure about that?"
Jacob laughed. "Well, maybe not everyone. But you know my thoughts. I'll have a contract drawn up and ready for you to sign as soon as you make your decision."
"Very good, sir," Tippin said. "But enough of that. What's the business here?"
Jacob was just about to tell him when he spotted a man walking through the shipyard toward the Griffin. The man stopped at the foot of the gangplank.
"Seems we've a visitor," Tippin said.
The visitor held a letter. Mr. Gyles, who stood guard duty, exchanged a few words with him. Then the airman called over a ship's boy—Jacob saw it was Rail—before sending the boy scurrying up the gangplank straight to Jacob. Rail saluted, then delivered his message.
"Sir, the landlubber has a letter for the captain. Says he won't give it to anyone but him."
Jacob suppressed a smile. Rail had been a landlubber himself a little over a week ago. "Send him up. I'll deal with him."
Jacob, with Tippin at his side, met the messenger as he stepped onto the deck.
"I'm Jacob Madison, First Mate. Is this about the buyer?"
While Jacob had been searching for tinkerers to work on the Griffin's more delicate assemblies, Captain Kreg and Mr. Mortimar had made contact with a potential buyer for Erlek's papers.
The man nodded. He'd a few missing teeth and a mop of oily hair which remained plastered to his head despite the breeze. "This letter's for the captain."
"The captain is busy. Give it here and I'll see he gets it."
The man shrugged and handed the letter over. With his duty fulfilled, the messenger walked back down the plank and soon disappeared into the shipyard.
Leaving Tippin abovedeck, Jacob delivered the letter to the captain with haste. With their coffers so low, Jacob knew a credit line had been established with the docking master based solely on the captain's reputation. Captain Kreg was eager to have the savant's materials sold and coin in hand to make sure the credit line stayed open and materials flowing. The captain therefore opened the letter as soon as it was in his hand. He scanned its contents, grunted once, then handed it over to Jacob to read. Brief and to the point, it called for a meeting with a time and place already designated. By Jacob's reckoning, they'd about an hour to make the appointment.
"That's short notice," Jacob said, more to himself than to his captain.
"Sooner the better," Captain Kreg said.
"Yes, sir."
Captain Kreg stood up from his desk. "Fetch Mr. Mortimar. You'll accompany me as well, Jacob."
"Sir, if I may? I would much prefer Mr. Tippin's manners—and fortitude—over Lundy's."
"Bring them both then."
"Sir?"
"Have you any idea to whom we intend to sell the savant's materials?"
Jacob examined the letter once more and the envelope as well. The former had no signature and the wax seal on the latter had no distinguishing mark.
"None, sir."
"A dwarf by the name of Thorvid. He runs half the city, and not legitimately. Word around town is he's one mean son-of-a-bitch."
"Are you expecting trouble?" Why else bring both the boatswain and sergeant?
"Not as long as the deal goes down as agreed upon. The research for the coin. That's the arrangement." Blyden patted a
book on his desk. Jacob recognized it as having belonged to the savant. "This is a taste, so his expert can verify what we have is legitimate. The rest stays onboard until we've come to terms. After that, our business is done, and we never see each other again. And don't bother asking what he intends to do with the savant's materials. I've no idea, and I didn't ask."
Once Lundy and Tippin were collected, the four headed into the city. Blyden knew the way, and so they followed his lead until they stopped in front of an old antique shop.
"The letter said to go round back," Blyden said.
Behind the shop, they found a nondescript door in an abandoned alley. Captain Kreg knocked twice, and then they all settled in and waited. A few moments later they heard a lock undone, and the door creaked open. A bald man with a scowl poked his head out. Satisfied with what he saw, the man opened the door the remainder of the way and they all filed into a long storeroom. Most of the space was filled by wooden shelves, reaching from floor to ceiling, lined up one after the other. On each of the shelves was a scattering of what looked to Jacob like junk, though he imagined others might call them antiques. A table with two chairs at opposite sides occupied a small space to one side. Presently, no one sat there. The bald man indicated they should wait, then he disappeared behind one of the tall shelves and they heard another door creak open and shut. Moments later the same door opened again. This time, multiple footsteps sounded until a host of men came into view. At their head strode a dwarf.
Thorvid wore a long silk tunic with fur-trimmed leather shoes and steel bracers on his arms. His dark, thick beard was streaked with gray and reached as far as his thick leather belt. His hair was pulled back from his scalp into a ponytail as long as his beard. Golden earrings hung from his earlobes and an assortment of jeweled rings decorated his fingers.
With him were five others. Four had the look of the one who'd opened the back door for them. The fifth was slighter of frame, and wore a rumpled jacket and tie with spectacles perched upon the bridge of his nose.
The Nullification Engine (The Alchemancer: Book Two) Page 24