by SL Figuhr
“If you think he should know, by all means tell him. I do hope he will not impede any requests for clarification. I would hate to have to involve the king. I suppose I shall have to hire an impartial third party to determine innocence or guilt, or look into the matter personally.”
He winced. “I do not recommend either course of action.” “Why?”
“You must not undertake it," he insisted. “Forgive my forwardness. Let me speak with the sheriff first. It could be this was all a terrible misunderstanding, and a way can be found to clear it up.”
Saizar lowered his voice as if he didn’t want anyone to overhear him. “I will find the merchant men, whether they reside in the tavern or not. Madam must stay out of drinking establishments inside the town itself, any of them, but especially the one called The Bloody Knuckles. And madam must not pursue the matter herself.”
His eyes caught mine again briefly, drilling into me in an effort to convey a hidden message before he looked away. I tilted my head while lowering my voice. “What are you not telling me, guardsman? I command you to tell me.” I punched a bit of power behind the last sentence, watching him waver for a moment.
Saizar looked around, as if expecting to see spies hiding behind the furniture and window coverings. He leaned closer to me. “I should not say, but if it will help madam understand, I shall.” He paused again to sip some wine, continuing, “Decent women do not frequent the taverns or pubs here at all.”
My imagination was piqued. “Surely there are merchants who might bring their families with them?” I asked, wondering if he would tell me the truth the way Mary Elana had.
“I am not some shrinking violet. What are you not telling me? This is a town. Where do travelers stay when they are here? Certainly not all of them are men.”
I should not tell her, the sheriff would not like it known. I could see him wavering on a decision. Swiftly, he said, “Those who have local contacts, or have been warned, stay at particular inns only or with other guild members who live here. They never stay at that tavern.”
He gave a slow nod, briefly flicking his eyes my way before returning them to a spot on the wall. “Look at me. It’s hard enough having this chat without being treated like I don’t exist.” My hunger making me irritable.
Saizar scowled, looking me in the eye as I continued my intelligence gathering. “The king, does he know? How can he expect to have trade if the very people he depends on for it are harassed?”
He hesitated, uncomfortable with the direction our conversation had taken and what he was about to admit. “Rumor has it they are more than just harassed, madam. Your slave was lucky he was sold into slavery; he could have been killed.”
“You are part of the law, guardsman. Why are you letting it happen? Is it not your responsibility to protect the people who live here, including those who visit?” I was angry.
“Bullshit!” He blinked his eyes in astonishment as I continued, “You are admitting the sheriff is corrupt and chooses to ignore the situation.” I had a theory. “Or perhaps he is told who to protect and who not?” My eyes bored into his.
He looked around, quickly nodding once, not speaking, still trying to convey a meaning with his eyes. I sat back in my chair for contemplation. “My slave may have been telling the truth.” My tone was low and menacing.
“I was not there for the event. I could not say with any certainty. It is not something which happens on a regular basis. The tavern is frequented by rough men, and on occasion, equally rough women, all of whom are considered lawless.”
“People who wouldn’t mind how they earned an extra coin or two. Why is the tavern still open? Why has word of what takes place inside not leaked out?”
“Decent folks are encouraged to go elsewhere, and most do after spending more than a few moments inside. The ones who refuse? Who is to say they were ever at the tavern? Who will vouch they safely made it through the mountains? You claimed to have come overland and ran into the outlaws plaguing our area, did you not? I was given to understand it’s why you needed to purchase slaves.”
I saw no reason for him to know the truth: I’d run into the bandits because I had hunted them down and fed off them. “I do not go out of my way to cause harm to innocents. The slaves I own are well treated.”
He looked down, then back up. “Be that as it may, please stay out of the Bloody Knuckles, and forbid your slaves to frequent it if you do not wish them harm. It is not a spot to be overheard asking for the merchant men or particulars on what happened the night your former freeman was attacked. The tavern is riddled with those looking to make a quick profit.”
My tone remained low and terrible. “Guardsman, why do you warn me? You are part of the sheriff’s band, meaning you to take part in those crimes.”
Now he did look me full in the eyes without flinching. He was enraged. “I do not partake of those activities. It was by accident I did learn of them. I should not even be telling you these things. I wouldn’t if —”
“Don’t give me your excuses. You are just as guilty as the others, if not more so, as you know what goes on and you do nothing to stop it!” I had to change my censorious sounding tone to cajoling. “Please, Sir Guard. Your actions today and before in the tavern toward my safety show you are a man of principle and well-meaning intent. I am honored you chose to confide in me. Please, tell me the true reasons why such evil continues unabated. I want to help you as a way of showing my gratitude.”
He slammed his hands down on the armrests, his fingers tightening around the wood while hissing, “I have sent a report to His Majesty. I was told the matter would be investigated. When it seemingly stopped, I thought the matter resolved. Months later, I discovered that they had only become more careful. When I again reported it, I was set upon and warned to keep my mouth shut and do nothing if I valued my life. I was told it was not only the sailors who needed a place in which to unwind and relax.”
Saizar grabbed his goblet, gulping the wine down before pouring more. “Had I but known what the sheriff’s men were like, I would never have joined. As it is now, I have seen too much and cannot leave, expecting to live.”
He sat back with mouth clamped shut, his lips almost vanished from anger. Why have I told her any of it? She is just a woman. Now she will blab about what I have said, endangering me. They will kill me. He had never confided his knowledge since the day he had been attacked.
I almost missed the look of panic and distress crossing the face of the man before me. “Madam, I can do little to retrieve the coin you paid. The rest is a job for men.”
“Should I choose to help you, don’t dismiss my proposal. I may be a woman, but I can hear things you won’t. As you have shown, men discount women. There are males who don’t think to censor talking of their plans around us, but love to brag when we are about.”
His expression turned alarmed as he practically begged me, “Please, madam. I should not have spoken of it with you. My intent in coming here was to warn madam about the nature of the tavern and to ask that she drop your inquiries into the subject of the slave.”
Saizar struggled to keep his face neutral, but his eyes failed him. They had crimped in anger, as he bit back any additional arguments. Rolf came inside for me; when I left, the guardsman was staring into the fire, brooding over the remains of his wine and meal.
I didn’t need to use my powers to gain entrance to the throne room on my second visit. The guards must have been told to expect me. They led me directly to King Maceanas. He sat in a small audience chamber where the remains of a meal was being cleared away and attended by a few of the royal harem. Also present were two men I was unfamiliar with. I made my curtsey, and when no offer of a seat was forthcoming, it seemed I was to remain standing during the ordeal.
The chamberlain did so.
“That is the title you claim is yours, is it not?”
“Yes, Sire.”
“What country did you say you are from?”
“The one I just left, or
the one my ancestors lived in?” “Both.”
“Once? Are you saying it no longer exists?”
“Yes, Sire.”
For someone who claims to be a victim of outlaws, she has been spending coin freely, including on rebellious slavesWhy would a woman calling herself a duchess dress like a mercenary and hang out in taverns known to be frequented by lowlifes? I think she is but a common trollop out to deceive the royal court; it must be stopped now.
The king looked toward the man with the casket, whom he called Dascis, as he cleared his throat. “If I may?” Dascis turned to me. “Where was this country supposed to have existed?”
It seemed some records had survived after all. I needed to be cautious. I had a prepared cover story for in-depth queries. “I only know what I have been told by my deceased mother. It was a city built upon the banks of a river with mountains to guard her back, and partook of the seasons as they came in turn.”
“She may have, but I cannot recall the names she used for them.” “How terribly convenient,” Dascis muttered under his breath.
“You have no country, no home, no one to vouch you are who you say you are. How can I be sure you were even attacked by bandits?” Maceanas demanded.
I arched a brow. “I have no way of proving the veracity of my title to you, only my word, my honor, and my family signet ring.” I held out my hand to show the age-worn ring.
I needed a new one made, I noted. The men leaned forward to inspect it, sitting back as I continued my faradiddle. “I heard of the beauty of your land from passing travelers. It reminded me of my mother’s descriptions of Illthanthia. I decided to journey here, and if what I saw agreed with me, to make it my home. In the few days I have been here, I do not know if I have made the correct choice. Despite your kingdom's potential, it is becoming clear I should gather what wealth remains to me and leave. It seems people are attacked regularly for no discernible reason.”
“What else should I call it? Your hills are infested with scores of bandits who robbed and kill with impunity. The law is a joke. You enslave people with no regards to who they are, what they’ve done or whether they are really innocent or guilty.
There was dead silence in the room, all eyes on the king after my brazen words. He gurgled, turning even redder. I feared he would expire from his emotions; wouldn’t that throw them all into a tizzy?
“Insolent bitch!” Maceanas sucked in a breath. “You—you—I’ll have you thrown in the dungeons and then we’ll see how you like my laws!”
The sapphire-eyed man spoke up. “Your Majesty, may I?” He did not wait for an answer. “How can you have money if you were attacked by outlaws? I have heard rumors you lost all your people and possessions to them.”
“Yes. I escaped because my guards insisted I travel disguised as one of them. I carried my funds on my person. The bulk of my wealth is safe in other countries with money holders. I plan on sending for it when I decide upon a place to stay.”
“I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage, sir. I do not know who you are, nor how you come to know these things; if you would be so kind as to tell me?”
He hesitated briefly before saying, “I am Earl Sydney. My countess tells me you tried to buy her body slaves from her when she was displeased with them. As for the rest, rumors spread quickly, especially when you buy a rebel slave and show up in inappropriate clothing for one who claims to be noble-born.”
“There are no rebels!" Maceanas screeched. “I will have them killed! They will not plot treason and murder or overthrow me the way my family was!”
“I do not know of any rebels. I did buy slaves. There is one who is insisting he was a freeman before men claiming to be a part of Sheriff Jake’s office ambushed and sold him.”
“It does,” he grumpily snapped, waving for his cup to be filled. “As for the slave, you should not have bought him but left him to his fate. I am told he was trying to escape, grounds for execution. How dare you interfere with our laws? How do I know you are not leagued with the miscreant and here as a distraction so an assassin may try to kill me?”
He was on a path I didn’t want him to pursue. I was at my most logical, persuasive best. “I have no way I know of to convince you that what you speak of is not correct. As for the slave, his story was so farfetched, that I cannot comprehend how anyone with a measure of intelligence would consider a tale like that a lie. I have no wish to displease Your Majesty by circumventing your laws. If they decree he must die, I can only be content to obey.” My tone implied otherwise.
“You should have been informed by the slaver from whom he attempted to escape. The slave who you purchased should have been executed immediately, not allowed to be sold.”
The way I phrased my reply had the men understanding it was a considerable amount. I had two saddle bags full of flawless gems, gold and silver; along with rare spices. They could not hide their shock or greed. The king decided to ignore the problem involving Jake and Gri. No doubt visions of the tax I would have to pay to the crown if I was granted residency had something to do with the decision.
“It was the first open one I happened upon. I was not in there long before I realized my mistake. I met Saizar inside, who confirmed my suspicions and warned me to leave. Shortly thereafter, I came to present myself to you per his advice.”
“I was told my ancestors roamed the world after the country they called home fell to invaders, and they were forced to flee if they wished to live. I had not expected to find proof of the lands they visited.”
Dacsis still was not pleased. “I don’t think it speaks well of a family who is unable to settle down and is always roaming. How can descendants show or understand the meaning of loyalty if they haven’t found a homeland after all this time?”
“Yes! Loyalty! I want no malcontents, not even ones from other countries.” Maceanas seemed more concerned with drinking than the proceedings, a fact the men were quick to pick up on.
“I am the last of my line. It is true we all had wanderlust, but at one point or another we find a place we wish to settle down in. I am tired of traveling, and want a place to call home. I thought I would prefer your country. The numerous problems I have encountered, however, have caused me to reevaluate my situation,” I stated.
Sydney turned toward the king, saying in a lowered voice, “She can help refill your coffers. Already merchants have benefited from the lady’s stay. You mentioned you needed support to get rid of the bandits. Offer her full citizenship, after meeting certain provisions; until then, make it temporary.”
“Do you really wish to have a foreign woman bearing such a title, a citizen?” Dacsis muttered. “What if she wants to marry? The man may demand he be granted her higher title and the standing it confers.”
“You could assign her a sponsor, one tasked with seeing she learns our laws and cultures. Ask for a portion of her wealth as surety against fleeing,” Dacsis muttered.
“Do not bring it up again! I will hear no slur against my childhood friend, who has been more loyal than any of you. He will do as I command.” The king’s voice rose at the end.
Both men winced, falling silent as I acted as if I couldn’t hear every word they tried to keep from me. I stood still, the perfect picture of a model future citizen waiting to prove her loyalty.
The men looked at me as the king said, “I must think on matters. I do not like the rumors which swirl around you and your actions. I do not advise you to get too comfortable here. I will grant you a three-month temporary citizenship, but not leave to use your title.” My brow quirked up. He hastened to add, “At least until inquiries into your claims can be verified.”
“It depends on what difficulties we encounter. If your behavior has not given offense, and all other replies are satisfactory, I shall consider making it permanent. You will need a sponsor while you are here. Who will teach you our laws and customs? I will send word when I have found one for you.”
I backed away until I could turn and leave, deciding to investi
gate the advisor, trying to determine why he smelled the way he did. I would find a method to break the seemingly impenetrable wall around his mind.
The hall was silent, the torches used for light having long since burned away. I paused outside the room of Lord Nicky, listening to the young man breathe. He was sunk deep in sleep. I had fed off one of the many palace slaves, ripping from his mind where the young man slept. Now here I was wasting precious time dithering outside his room. Did I dare go in? What was with this sudden indecision? Why shouldn’t I? But I felt a flutter of fear just the same. This is ridiculous! Stop waffling and go! I raised a hand to the door, gently pushing. It was locked. I sent my power out to undo the small hindrance. It swung inward on silent hinges. I wrapped myself in shadows, gliding through rooms, past sleeping slaves until I stood before his bed.
The advisor mumbled, turning over as I approached. I inspected him closely, taking in a deep breath, inhaling his scent. Under the smell of sweat was an odor of rotting eggs, cinnamon, ambrosia and vanilla. The same unidentifiable scent from the bar. I knew he had not been inside when I was there. He didn’t seem the sort to frequent such places either. Was he related to someone who had been? Tentatively I reached out a hand, brushing a finger across his cheek. He felt warmer than most. It didn’t necessarily mean anything. There was nothing unusual about his skin tone or texture, but I still felt somehow he was not mortal. I tried to slip into his mind, but could not. It was strongly shielded and locked to me, even in sleep.
I drew the shadows closer around me. I had a feeling I shouldn’t linger overlong. If I planned on biting him, I should get on with it. I took a deep breath I didn’t need. The idea of what I contemplated sent a frisson of fear through my being. I should not. No, stop. Just a little drink and I would know if his blood would be poison to me or not. One of his arms lay on top of the covers.
Gently, carefully I picked it up. Nicky mumbled without waking. I brought his wrist to my mouth, keeping my eyes on his face, gently bit into the vein. The blood leapt into my mouth, scalding me. Involuntarily my eyes widened in shock. Even the flavor of it was different; besides the metallic tang, it also tasted the way he smelled. I wanted to drink deeper. I had already started to swallow when a warning ping went off in my brain. It was with great effort I stopped drinking, swiping my tongue over the wounds to heal them. An instant later, I felt a cramping in my gut so overwhelming I curled to the floor. It was like the death pains I had experienced when my body first transformed. I could feel my hold on the shadows growing tenuous. It would be disastrous to let them go, even though the pain was excruciating. My whole body flushed with heat. Blood-sweat broke out lightly on me. My lungs burned as I took in sharp breaths, panting, trying to remain silent. I could see my skin instantly turn pink, flushed with humanity. The pain left as suddenly as it had come.