"You just happened to be in the neighborhood of an island hundreds of leagues from your home?" mocked Alex. "I do not think so. Why are you here?"
"Oh," fretted the fairy. "You must not tell Prince Midge that you discovered me. Promise that you will not say anything?"
"No promises," Alex replied firmly. "Why are you in my home if not to spy on me?"
"I am here just in case you need to communicate with the Bringer," answered Bantam. "I truly am not spying."
"If I wanted to talk to King Arik, he is only two Doors away," countered Alex. "Your story bears no resemblance to the truth."
"That is only if the Bringer remains in Tagaret," retorted Bantam. "He has been traveling a great deal lately. All of the Knights of Alcea are getting fairies so that we can all communicate."
"Why?" pressed Alex. "Why the sudden need for communication with the Knights of Alcea? They were disbanded three years ago."
"The Knights of Alcea will never be disbanded," replied Bantam. "Each may have gone his own way, but once you are a Knight of Alcea, only death can break that bond."
"You are avoiding the question," Alex said accusingly, "and Smokey is looking a little hungry."
The dog growled menacingly as if on cue, and Alex smiled inwardly, even though he did feel guilty about the deceit.
"You wouldn't?" Bantam gasped nervously. "I was with Kaz when we saved your life outside Tagaret. How could you do such a thing?"
"You are right. I couldn't," Alex relented, "but I can make you wish that I did."
Smokey groaned with disappointment and the fairy glared at him.
"Speak," commanded Alex. "My patience is wearing thin."
"There are troubles in Alcea," the fairy confessed. "Tanya was supposed to invite you to a meeting in the Royal Palace, but she couldn't do it. She left me here instead, but not to spy. You have to believe me. Tanya would never spy on her parents. I am supposed to stay hidden unless there is a need for communications. That is the truth."
"What are the troubles facing Alcea?" asked Alex.
"That is not my place to say," balked the fairy. "If Tanya wanted you to know, she would have told you."
"I understand your position," sighed Alexander, "but you should try to understand mine. I already knew from Tanya's visit that something was wrong, and I intend to find out what it is. One way or the other, you will tell me what I need to know."
"Are you threatening me with that beast again?" scowled Bantam. "Is that anyway to treat a friend?"
Smokey growled again, and Alex laughed.
"Smokey would never harm you," Alex confessed. "He harms no one, but his growl is ferocious, isn't it?"
Smokey groaned with disappointment again.
"You said that you were here for communications," Alex continued. "If you do not inform me of what trouble is facing Alcea, then I will merely send you to King Arik with a request for the information. You know that he will not refuse me, and you will be right back here spilling your guts. Why not make this easy on both of us? Tell me what you know."
The fairy sighed and nodded her head in agreement. "I do not know a great deal," she confessed, "but I will tell you what I know. There is a new religion in Alcea, and it is causing troubles. Many of the king's advisors think the priests are stirring up a revolt, but nobody knows how to deal with it. They don't want to shut the temples down because the people will riot."
"That's all it is?" Alex sighed with relief.
"No," Bantam shook her head. "That is only one problem. Elves attacked Hega in Cordonia and massacred all the humans. Prince Garong thinks it might be the Dielderal."
"I thought the dwarves finished off the dark elves," mused Alex.
"Maybe they did," shrugged Bantam, "but the elves of Elderal are out hunting for the murderers. Humans also attacked the dwarves of Lanto. The humans threatened to annihilate all dwarves. Prince Darok came to Tagaret to get the Bringer to do something about it. He feared that if the dwarves took action on their own, it might start a war."
"Prince Darok is a wise man," Alex nodded.
"There are also assassins tracking down the six brothers that crewed your last sea voyage with the Bringer," Bantam continued. "I am sure you know the one I mean, but I have been told not to discuss the voyage."
"I do know the one you mean," Alex said as he began to sense the craziness that was hitting Alcea on all fronts. "Is there anything that ties all of this together?"
"Not that I know of," answered Bantam, "except there is a Priest of Balmak in Trekum who is preaching about destroying the lesser life forms like elves and dwarves, but that could be just coincidence."
Alex turned and walked back to the fireplace and sat down. Bantam remained perched on his shoulder and Smokey followed and curled up alongside him. For a long time, no one spoke.
"When is this meeting?" Alex eventually asked.
"They were meeting when we arrived here earlier," Bantam answered, "but I think the meetings may last a few days. When we left, the advisors could not even agree on which trouble was the most pressing."
"I think I need to go to Tagaret and check in with the king," Alex decided as he rose to his feet and cupped Bantam in his hand. He bent down and placed the fairy on the dog's head. Bantam shivered with fright, but Smokey ignored the little creature. "He really won't harm you, and I will back in a few minutes."
"No you won't," the fairy responded. "Jenneva locked the Door in her study."
"She locked the Door?" questioned Alex. "She seldom locks that Door. Are you sure?"
"I am positive," nodded the fairy. "She obviously thinks you will try to sneak off during the night."
Alex nodded and stared at the flames again. His mind raced to find a solution to the problem. He walked out of the room and returned a short while later. He was dressed in his black suit, and all of his weapons were strapped on. Over the black suit he wore a long gray cloak with a hood.
"You thought of the unicorns, I see," frowned Bantam.
"Why didn't you suggest them?" asked Alex.
"I don't want Prince Midge to know that I was discovered so easily," answered the fairy. "He will be disappointed with me."
Alex nodded in agreement. "I will make you a deal. I will keep your secret from Prince Midge, if you will keep my secret from Jenneva."
"How can I do that?" asked the fairy.
"Before Jenneva gets up in the morning," Alex explained, "you will move my boat out to sea. Cast an illusion of me sitting in it, and propel it around the point to where she can't see it. Do we have a deal?"
"But you will be in Tagaret," protested the fairy. "Prince Midge will know that I have been discovered."
"No, he won't," smiled Alex. "I have a reputation for having an intuition about these sorts of things. No one will be surprised when I show up."
"Deal!" grinned Bantam.
Alex turned and strode out of the room. As soon as he was out of sight, the dog rose and shook his head, sending the fairy into the air as she furiously flapped her wings to get away. Smokey, however, was not interested in the fairy. He silently padded his way out of the house. Bantam grew curious and flew after the dog.
Smokey leaped out a window and headed towards the rear of the house. Bantam watched as the dog crept soundlessly through the bushes to where Alex was staring at the black unicorn. When Alex mounted the black unicorn, the dog broke out of the bushes in a run. Just as Kaz was lifting off the ground, Smokey leaped into the air and landed on Kaz's back behind Alex. The fairy shook her head in disbelief as she heard Alex laugh when he felt the dog behind him.
* * *
Dawn was fast approaching as Kaz glided to a landing in a park along the river in Tagaret. Smokey immediately jumped to the ground and stretched his legs.
"That will teach you to steal a ride," chuckled Alex. "I would tell you to stay with the unicorn while I meet with someone, but I doubt that you would listen to me. Try not to growl at anyone. I want to be as inconspicuous as possible."
&nbs
p; The dog appeared oblivious to Alex's words, but Alex didn't mind. He was already thinking about his first meeting of the day. He guided Kaz out of the park and along the streets of Tagaret to the Sword and Shield Inn. Smokey followed closely and when Alex dismounted and entered the inn, the dog was right beside him.
The common room of the inn was empty, but a burning candle showed that the innkeeper was awake. Alex closed the door and a young man appeared immediately. Alex asked for a room with a view of the street and said his name was Kyle Agrat. The man nodded wordlessly and headed for the stairs. When he reached the top of the stairs, he opened a door on the left and stared at the dog following Alex. Alex ignored the innkeeper and stepped into the dark room. Smokey followed, and Alex closed the door before moving to the far wall and waiting in the dark. A few moments later, the door opened again and a man entered. Alex had expected Smokey to growl at the stranger, but the dog was nowhere to be seen.
"You've been gone a long time," greeted Larc, "although I am not surprised to see you. The innkeeper said you had a dog with you. Does he bite?"
"No," Alex answered. "I saved his life last month and now he doesn't want to let me out of his sight. He is a good companion."
"I must assume you are here to help with the situation in Alcea?" asked Larc.
"I am here to learn about it," corrected Alex. "Nothing more. I plan to see the king later this morning, and I want to be fully informed when I do."
"I wish I could fulfill your request," sighed Larc as he slid to the floor beneath the window. "The truth is, we just don't know enough about any of the situations going on in Alcea. Tell me what you know, and I will fill in any blank areas that I can."
Alex and Larc talked for two hours. During that time the sun rose and light filtered into the room. Alex finally found Smokey curled up on the floor near him and smiled. He absently stroked the dog's fur as he conversed with the head of the Spiders.
"Strong looking dog," Larc commented as he rose to his feet. "Give me a few minutes before you leave the room. I want to check and see if anyone is lurking about."
Alex nodded and pulled the hood forward on his head. When he felt the time was right, Alex rose and exited the room with the dog on his heels. Alex mounted Kaz and rode towards the Royal Palace. Just short of the palace, Alex dismounted and walked his horse towards the gates. As he spoke to the guards, he kept his face lowered so they could not see it.
"I am looking for Randi Witzak," Alex said softly. "I was told that he was here."
"And who is looking for him?" one of the guards asked suspiciously as he tried to gaze under the hood.
"An old friend," answered Alex. "Tell him that Garth Shado would like a word with him."
The guard hailed a runner and gave him instructions to find Sergeant Witzak. Alex moved to the side so that he was not obstructing the gate and waited. In a few moments, Randi appeared with a big grin on his face.
"Garth, you old dog," greeted Randi. "Come on in, and I will show you around."
"Begging the sergeant's pardon," said one of the guards, "but Garth Shado is not the only dog here, and the other one doesn't have a rope to restrain him. We can't let him in unless he is restrained."
"Your dog?" Randi asked Alex.
"I guess," Alex responded. "As much as any man really owns an animal. I tend to see him as my companion, not my property."
"Can you restrain him?" asked the sergeant.
"I have never tried to," answered Alex. "He doesn't bite."
"Rules are rules," shrugged Randi. "Not much I can do about them."
Alex turned and stared at the dog. "Sit here and wait for me," he commanded.
The dog sat and whimpered for a moment as the guards let Alex lead his horse through the gate, but he soon rose and wandered off.
"I never knew you as a dog person, Colonel," commented Randi once they were away from the gates.
"It's a long story," replied Alex. "We sort of found each other at sea one day. He has never left my side since. I need to get in to see the king, Randi. Can you help me do that without anyone knowing that Tork is in the city?"
"You bet," grinned Sergeant Witzak. "I will take you to him personally. Tie your horse up, and let's get out of the public view."
Alex stopped at the hitch rail and went through the motions of appearing to tie the horse, but he actually just draped the reins over the rail. As the sergeant opened the door of the palace to let Alex inside, he heard shouts from the gate. As Alex passed through the doorway, Smokey came racing across the palace courtyard and dashed into the building.
"That's sure to draw attention," frowned Randi. "Can't you control him?"
"Evidently not," chuckled Alex. "He doesn't like to be away from my side. Close the door, and let the guards search the grounds for him."
Randi laughed and closed the door. He led Alex through the corridors of the palace and halted outside the library. After ordering Alex to wait outside the door, the sergeant slipped into the library and whispered in the king's ear. The king laughed and nodded. The rest of the people in the room looked curiously as Randi opened the door and a gray-cloaked man and his dog walked into the library.
"Welcome to Tagaret, Alex," greeted the king.
"Father?" gasped Tanya. "What are you doing here?"
"I was walking my dog and thought I would stop in to say hello," grinned Alex as he removed the hood. "Am I late for the meeting?"
"We are just starting," grinned Arik. "Do you need to be brought up to date?"
"I don't think so," Alex replied as Tanya looked on in disbelief, "unless you know something that is truly fresh."
"There is something that has arisen this morning," Arik replied. "We received a fairy message from Bin-lu in Ongchi. He has managed to infiltrate the Temple of Balmak there. He believes the temples are being used to foment an insurrection and that officers of the Lanoirian Intelligence Section are involved. He also reported that he has seen two Priests of Balmak so far, and each of them carries the name of K'san."
"Could he have seen the same man twice?" asked General Gregor.
"Impossible," answered the king. "He killed one of them, or rather Tedi did."
"Tedi and Bin-lu are together in Ongchi?" asked Lord Markel.
"Tedi, Natia, Bin-lu, and a Lanoirian woman named Rut-ki are working together," nodded Arik. "Tedi was on his way here when he stumbled across Bin-lu. He was coming to report that Garander was murdered in Lanoir. The six assassins got away, but the gypsies prevented the torture that they had in mind. When the fairies arrived, Tedi and Natia decided to stay in Lanoir and help Bin-lu and Rut-ki with their investigation."
"That is three of the sailors dead now," sighed Prince Oscar. "We should endeavor to find Alando and Ecaro before the assassins do."
"I strongly agree," interjected Alex. "You should also make sure that all of the Knights of Alcea are aware that their lives are in danger."
"What do you mean?" asked Lord Clava.
"Whoever is tracking down the sailors will turn to tracking the Knights of Alcea next," answered Alex. "They are starting out with what they think are the easiest targets, but they will soon grow frustrated by their lack of progress. I expect them to grow bolder as time passes by. Admiral Hill is also at risk."
"Admiral Hill hasn't been seen since that voyage three years ago," commented Arik. "I have no idea where to look for him."
"I know where he is," offered Prince Oscar. "Princess Callie and I offered him our home on Grakus after Sarac was slain. I think his sailing days are over, and he merely yearns to live a simple life."
"He should be safeguarded," warned the king.
"I am confused," interrupted Niki. "I thought the main problem was the attack on the dwarves. Why are we talking about the old admiral?"
"There are several problems facing Alcea right now," Lord Markel tried to explain.
"There is actually only one," interrupted Alex.
Everyone stared at Alex with confusion. Prince Oscar was the firs
t to ask the obvious question.
"Which one of the problems do you see as the pressing one?" the prince asked.
"All of the turmoil is connected," declared Alex. "I think the priests of Balmak are behind the interracial attacks, and I think they will escalate until feuds between the races erupt."
"The Priest of Balmak in Trekum has preached hatred towards the dwarves and elves," nodded Lord Clava. "I think we spoke once before that the possibility of whipping up such hatred might be connected."
"I do not think the attacks were perpetrated by worshipers in the temples," Alex disagreed. "While such preaching might give that appearance, I think such speeches are mere cover for the attacks."
"Then how are the priests involved?" asked General Gregor. "You seem to be contradicting yourself."
"I believe the priests are part of a larger conspiracy," explained Alex. "Their preaching is meant to foment turmoil in the general populace, but it is only one part of a greater attack on Alcea. Someone seeks to weaken Alcea by dividing it into many small parts. I think we fool ourselves if we analyze each attack separately."
"Who would do such a thing?" asked Tanya.
"And what do they hope to gain?" questioned Lord Clava. "Do they assume that if Alcea is broken into small factions, that they would be able to seize power in one of them?"
"The troubles are too widespread to be an attempted seizure of one province," General Gregor posed. "If Alex is correct, the strategy is indicative of seizing control of all of Alcea, but only a fool would try that. The Red Swords and the Alcea Army are still potent fighting forces, and no one can think that King Arik would relinquish control without a bloody fight?"
"And there is no opposing army," added Prince Oscar. "Peasants and farmers cannot beat the Red Swords, no matter how many of them there are."
"You have hit upon the crux of the matter, Oscar," stated Alex. "If there is an opposing army, where is it hiding?"
"So you think there is an army out there somewhere?" asked King Arik.
"Undoubtedly," nodded Alex. "The men coordinating this attack are not foolish. Their moves have been clever and stealthy. For two years they have been putting into place the pieces they need to divide Alcea. The religion of Balmak is a stroke of genius. In a short period of time, they have managed to capitalize on Alcea's greatest weakness, our lack of prosperity. They have gathered thousands of people to their banner by feeding on the citizens' discontent."
Knights of Alcea Page 18