Imperial Assassin

by Mark Robson

  ‘You there! Legionnaire! Halt!’

  Reynik did not waste his breath by responding. He took the next available alleyway on the opposite side of the street and disappeared into the night.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Reynik gave the password to the guard at the servants’ entrance to the Imperial Palace. He was waved through without question. The guard knew better than to question someone who knew that particular password.

  Reynik had called at the safe house where Femke had last been staying. It was empty. If Femke was still using it, then she was not at home this evening. Reynik knew there was a chance she could be here in the Palace, but it was a long shot. It was more likely she would be out in the city on a mission.

  There was no time to search for her, or to wait until she returned home. Reynik needed help. He needed to talk to the Emperor. Surabar would know what to do next. He had been a military General for years. It was his plan to begin with. He would not have committed them to it without having thought through some contingencies. Of course it was probable this was not a situation he had ever considered. After all, what were the chances of his infiltrating the Guild, getting found out, but then escaping with his life? It was not a sequence of events he would have anticipated.

  Racing through the corridors and up the stairs, Reynik approached the Emperor’s study. He was not surprised to see light flickering in the high windows that opened onto the corridor. Good, he thought, at least the Emperor is in.

  He approached the guard at the door. ‘Legionnaire Reynik to see the Emperor,’ he announced. The guard looked suspicious.

  ‘Password?’

  Reynik gave his password and the guard nodded. ‘Very well,’ he said. ‘Wait here just a moment.’ The man knocked on the study door and disappeared. He reappeared very quickly. ‘The Emperor will see you now.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  Reynik stepped inside. He had hoped that Femke might be in the office already, but the Emperor was alone. He marched smartly forward and stopped with his posture firmly at ‘attention’. He saluted and the Emperor smiled.

  ‘At ease, Reynik. It’s good to see you’ve not forgotten all your military training. Now, why are you here? Femke told me earlier that you’d successfully infiltrated the Guild. Have you discovered the location of their headquarters? If not then you’ve taken a great risk by coming here.’

  ‘No, your Majesty. I’ve learned nothing new. I’m here because I have a problem. My cover has been blown. Shalidar tried to kill me not half an hour ago. The Guildmaster set me a hit, but it was not one that I could carry out. I’m sorry, your Majesty, but I’ve failed. They asked me to kill Commander Lutalo. I could never do that. Commander Lutalo is my father.’

  ‘You are Lutalo’s son? I didn’t realise that, but I can see the likeness now.’ The Emperor got out of his chair and paced across the room with his right forefinger poised thoughtfully at his lips. ‘Did they realise, do you think? Did the Guildmaster know of the relationship before he set you the task?’

  ‘It’s possible, your Majesty, but unlikely. I’ve tried to keep that fact quiet to prevent any talk of favouritism amongst the other men. I don’t know how, your Majesty, but despite taking lots of precautions against being followed, Shalidar stayed on my tail and witnessed a conversation between my father and me. We talked about what I was doing. I know I shouldn’t have done it, but I couldn’t lie to my father. In talking openly, I inadvertently compromised the position we risked so much to attain.’

  The Emperor paused in his pacing for a moment and looked at Reynik with his most piercing gaze. ‘Don’t judge yourself too harshly, young man. Anyone who would kill his own father in cold blood to complete a mission would not hold a shred of human decency in his body. It’s a shame that you went to Lutalo first rather than coming here, but the outcome would probably have been similar. Your going to him is perfectly understandable. The question remains – what can we salvage out of this? Have you any clues yet as to who the Guildmaster is? If we knew who we were fighting, it would make anticipating his next move more feasible.’

  ‘All I can tell you is that he’s not a young man, your Majesty. The timbre of his voice and his bearing both suggest an older man. I would place him between fifty-five and seventy years old. His speech is cultured and clearly intonated, like that of the Nobility. He speaks as one who is well educated. He is of medium build and height. It’s not much of a description, I know, but aside from these things, there is nothing I can tell you.’

  ‘Hmm! If the Guildmaster is a Nobleman, then he’s not one of the old-school Lords. If he were then the Guild would have made a concerted effort to kill me.’

  ‘The creed prevents them from killing you, your Majesty. They are not allowed to do anything that might cause the destruction of the Empire.’

  Surabar gave him a twisted smile. ‘Ah, but it does, Reynik. It’s all in the interpretation. I’m aware of the creed, but you see in the eyes of the old-school Lords, having a commoner for an Emperor is the beginning of the end for the Empire. They view my removal as essential to the Empire’s survival. Therefore, by killing me, they would be saving the Empire from destruction. I think we can safely rule out the idea that the Guildmaster is one of the old-school ranks, or I’d be wading knee deep in assassins by now.’

  ‘Well, your Majesty, maybe Femke would be able to find out more. It’s very risky, but I could still get her inside the headquarters. If we’re going to attempt it, then it’s now or never. She must be in place before a watch is set on my rooms. Do you know where she is?’

  ‘Yes, she’s here in the Palace. We had a meeting about half an hour ago. She has a room here. Do you know where it is?’

  ‘Yes, your Majesty. I know it. What are your orders? Should I attempt to get Femke inside the Guild, or is the risk too great?’

  The Emperor’s brow furrowed as he considered his response. It was a difficult choice. Femke was such an effective spy that he was reluctant to send her on so dangerous a mission. The chance of success was very small, but if anyone could find out the identity of the Guildmaster and the location of the Guild, then it would be Femke. His mind ran in circles, which was unusual for one used to making life and death decisions. He was torn. Was it worth the gamble? She was his most reliable source of information. Was the potential reward worth spending the life of his most valuable spy?

  ‘Go,’ he said, his face serious. ‘Get Femke and get her inside the Guild. But, Reynik . . .’ he added, as Reynik instantly saluted and turned for the door. Reynik stopped and looked back.

  ‘Yes, your Majesty?’

  ‘Try to bring her back in one piece, would you? She’s a damned good spy. I don’t have many like her.’

  Reynik grinned. ‘Don’t worry, your Majesty. Femke is one very capable young lady, but I’ll do my best to help her in any way I can.’

  It was not far to Femke’s room. Reynik knocked at her door and it opened instantly. It was as if she had been standing on the other side waiting for him. His heart skipped as she smiled at him. She was still wearing the nondescript street clothing he had seen her in earlier, but she looked lovely no matter how she dressed. His mind rebelled at the idea of placing her in such dire danger, but he had no choice.

  ‘Femke, the Emperor wants me to get you inside the Guild. We have to go now. The Guild knows I’m an impostor. Shalidar tried to kill me not more than an hour ago. If I’m going to get you inside, then we need to go before Shalidar has a chance to organise the Guild into setting a watch on my rooms. I suggest you wear something dark. Nowhere in the Guild headquarters is brightly lit.’

  ‘Just give me a moment,’ Femke replied, catching the urgency in his voice. ‘Come in. Take a seat. I’ll only be a few seconds.’

  Reynik stepped through the door and closed it behind him. Femke’s room was quite large, but there was no private dressing area. To Reynik’s acute embarrassment, when he turned around again he realised that she was already throwing off her clothing as she walked
swiftly over to her large wardrobe cupboard. Colour flushed his cheeks as he made a determined effort to look away. Femke talked as she rummaged through her wardrobe, pulling out a selection of dark clothing.

  ‘How did they find out? Were we seen in the marketplace earlier?’

  ‘No. Well, I don’t think so, anyway. I was given a hit this afternoon. By chance, or design – I’m not sure which – the Guildmaster tasked me with killing my father. There was no question of my doing it. Unfortunately, despite all my precautions, Shalidar managed to follow me. He overheard me warning my father that he’d become a target. Shalidar . . .’ Reynik choked, unable to continue.

  ‘What is it, Reynik? What’s the matter?’

  Femke walked across to him and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Reynik looked up gratefully, but instantly lowered his eyes again as he realised Femke was not yet wearing much clothing. A tear rolled down his cheek.

  ‘Shalidar killed him after I left,’ he stammered.

  ‘Oh, Reynik, I’m so sorry.’ Femke gave him a quick hug, but was not blind to his embarrassment. It was clearly not the time to tease him for his prudishness. She stepped away and threw on her change of clothes. True to her word, she was dressed again within a very short time. ‘Come on. I’m ready,’ she said, catching his hands up from his knees and pulling him to his feet. She hugged him properly this time. ‘Let’s crack open the Guild and see that Shalidar gets his just reward,’ she whispered in his ear. ‘You’ve done a great job, Reynik. Now it’s my turn. Lead the way.’

  Reynik’s heart was pounding in his chest. How could he take her to the Guild headquarters? If she were killed there, he knew he would never forgive himself. But he had no choice. If they were to succeed, someone must get the information they needed. He could not deny that Femke was the person best qualified to get it.

  Reluctantly, he eased away from her and met her gaze. Did she realise how he felt about her? Would she have hugged him like that if she did? All the feelings bottled up inside him ebbed, building with a pressure that threatened to explode out like a flash flood. Somehow he contained them. The only leakage from his well of emotion was the visible tear tracks still staining his cheeks. Reynik did not move as Femke gently reached up and wiped them away with the back of her finger.

  ‘Don’t give up, Reynik. It’ll all work out in the end. Trust me. Come on, let’s go.’

  Reynik could not find words to answer her. Instead he nodded. A quick visit to the Palace stores resulted in Reynik changing his apparel for dark clothing similar to that Femke had chosen. Like silent shadows, the two figures dressed in black slipped into the corridor, through the Palace and out into the night.

  ‘Wolf Spider’s an impostor – a spy sent to scout us out. He’s one of the Emperor’s men.’

  ‘Really? You have proof of this?’ The Guildmaster’s voice was full of scepticism.

  ‘I followed him to Lutalo’s tent and listened in on his conversation. He admitted a lot of things to Lutalo about what he’d been doing. I heard it all. It appears that Brother Wolf Spider is a serving member of the First Legion. More importantly, though, Lutalo is his father. Did you know of their family ties, Guildmaster? Was the hit designed to test his loyalty?’

  Shalidar’s unspoken implication was clear. If the Guildmaster had known of the relationship, then the test was a harsh one. Shalidar doubted many of those in the Guild would have fulfilled such a contract. There were a few amongst their number who might have made the hit if the fee were high enough, but they would be the exceptions rather than the rule.

  ‘No, I didn’t know of the relationship. However, it appears chance has worked in our favour, Brother Dragon. My unwitting choice of target exposed a most convincing infiltrator. It’s strange. Even with your testimony I still find it hard to believe Surabar would order the deaths of Kempten and Lacedian in order to get someone inside the Guild. If such hypocrisy were made common knowledge, then he would be discredited as a ruler. No one would ever trust him again. The bizarre thing is that his reputation is so spotless few would believe it even if we were to release such information. I wouldn’t put it past the canny old fox to have relied on this when he sent the lad on the mission in the first place. I knew Surabar was a wily General, but I had no idea he was this ruthless. You know, I think I’m beginning to like him!’

  Shalidar looked up sharply at the Guildmaster’s admission. The old man was leaning on the front gate of Shalidar’s booth. Even in the dim light, the assassin could just make out a hint of a smile under the Guildmaster’s hood.

  ‘What would you have me do, Guildmaster?’

  ‘Kill the boy, of course. Brother Wolf Spider must not be allowed to live one second longer than necessary. He has seen the inner sanctuary. His treachery to the Guild must be punished. I will send Brothers out to watch his transfer points on a rota until he is found and killed. I’ll also set a watch on his rooms in case he somehow gets past the outer defence. You’re to track him down and kill him. I shall send Brothers Viper and Bear out on a similar mission—’

  ‘That won’t be necessary, Guildmaster. I can handle Wolf Spider,’ Shalidar interrupted.

  ‘I’m sure you can, Brother Dragon. Nevertheless, I’ll send them to make sure. Whoever gets to him first will collect the fee. At least with a bit of healthy competition you should remain focused. I know how easy it is for some of you Brothers to get distracted by lucrative side ventures. Don’t. The Guild will pay double the normal traitor kill fee to ensure your concentration does not wander.’

  ‘Double! Yes, Guildmaster. I’m on my way.’

  ‘Good. You can be sure that Viper and Bear will be hard on your heels. I’m going to see them right now.’

  ‘OK, Femke, this is it. Once we touch the talisman to that stone over there we will be transferred to my living room in the Guild complex. It looks like we’re in time. I can’t see any watchers, can you?’

  Femke shook her head. They had scouted the alleyway without seeing any sign of danger. If someone was watching, he was well hidden and most likely freezing. The temperature had plummeted during the last hour. Frozen air driven straight from the Vortaff region gave the wind a vicious bite. Femke’s face felt as if a thousand needles were pricking it, and her fingertips were numb with cold. Nobody could stay still for long in these conditions, she decided. The alley must be clear.

  ‘Remember, the disorientation will last a while. I’ll carry you through to the bedroom and leave you under the bed. Stay put until you feel fully recovered from the effects of the transfer. I’ll try to cause a diversion. With any luck, it will give you a chance to look around before I come back for you. You’ll have two hours – no more. Find out what you can in that time and then get back to my room. Happy?’

  ‘Ecstatic!’ she said with a forced grin, trying not to think about what she would do if Reynik could not get back.

  ‘Right, let’s go then,’ he said decisively, rising from where they were crouched together in the shadows.

  ‘Wait!’

  ‘What is it?’ he asked, ducking down again.

  Femke leaned forward and kissed him firmly on the lips. ‘For luck,’ she whispered. Reynik looked dumbstruck. Shand but you’re stupid sometimes, Femke, she cursed silently. You want him to be clear-headed, sharp and focused, so why confuse him with unneeded emotion now? Did you learn nothing in Mantor? Have you lost your mind? Allowing feelings for Danar to develop had been a mistake. This could be worse.

  To his credit, Reynik was quick to recover his outer poise. Femke was relieved, but knew she had not helped their cause.

  ‘Thanks,’ he muttered, giving her a forced smile. ‘Come on, we mustn’t delay any longer. The Guildmaster is no fool. Shalidar’s information will provoke a rapid response. Let’s go.’

  Reynik grabbed her hand and they both ran forward to the transfer stone. To Femke it looked little different from the other stones around it, save for eight small indentations in its surface. Reynik drew out the silver talisman
with his left hand and put his right arm around her waist.

  ‘Hold the talisman with me,’ he instructed. She did as he asked. Together they touched the spider to the stone.

  Reynik had described the transfer to her, but though he had tried to convey the sensations she would experience, the reality was mind-blowing. For a moment it felt as if the wind had whipped her inside a tornado, spinning her so fast that she lost all sense of position. Femke felt dizzy and sick. Was Reynik still with her? She could no longer feel his arm.

  Tiny stars danced around her as if she had somehow grown whilst the universe had shrunk so much that she dominated the heavens. She felt god-like in proportion. Then came the explosion. Reynik had told her what to expect, but nothing could have prepared her for the feeling of exploding into a million tiny particles, smaller than the swirling motes that surrounded her.

  The coalescence was every bit as disorienting as Reynik had predicted. Femke sensed rather than felt him catch her weight as they re-materialised in the underground chamber. Despite her best efforts at maintaining consciousness, Femke’s mind could not cope. When she surfaced again, she had vague recollections of being carried. There had been shouting and the sound of running feet. Had it been real, or a dream?

  Femke opened her eyes. It was dark. The air felt strange – close. She tried to lift her hand to her face, but it impacted something wooden just a few inches above her body. Of course! The bed, she realised. Reynik had done it. She was under his bed.

  The stone floor had sapped much of the heat from her back. Her bottom, her upper back and the back of her shoulders felt numb. How long had she been here, though? There was no way of telling. Time was of the essence. She had no idea how long she had before Reynik was due to come back. For all she knew he could be due back any moment, or worse, he could be overdue. All she could do was to explore the complex as swiftly as possible. She would learn what she could and then return here in the hope that Reynik would make it back.