Falx arched his left eyebrow. “Are you saying that the Magi enslaved the minds of the mercenaries they hired?”
“If this Grimgrin is to be believed, then the answer is yes,” Tanys said. “I have heard tales of a healer in this city who delved into the forbidden arts. His experiments were so reviled that he was cast out of the healer’s guild. My first husband talked about him, for they were once acquainted. I believe his name was Belgos.”
Falx looked up in surprise. “Wait, I know of a man by that name, he is a healer in the temple of Vis.”
“Chief healer,” Tanys corrected him. “When Nylius became Lord Executor, Belgos was immediately elevated to that exalted position within the Order.”
“So the Magi are turning these mercenaries into trained beasts? I must gather my men and order the Magi to open their gates so we may investigate,” Falx said. “I can only do that if all the great houses are with me. Can you assemble an alliance with the other noble families?”
Tanys sighed. “Do not be a fool, Falx. Nylius is shrewd, and I am certain he is already in an alliance with one of the great houses, or else he would not attempt this. You know as well as I do that the noble families are too busy squabbling with each other to ever unite.”
Falx was livid. “But we must all unite, or the Magi will end up ruling over the entire city!”
“Have you not been listening?” Tanys said. “The Magi are not alone in this, there is a powerful house backing them. It is House Kentis, my family’s biggest rivals. Those accursed mongrels have influence over a number of the smaller families, so a united alliance is impossible unless there is blatant proof that House Kentis and the Magi are doing what we suspect of them.”
“House Kentis? How do you know this?”
Tanys gave him a devious look. “How do you think? I employ a great many spies, and I have two in their very household- one is but a lowly slave and the other is considerably … closer to their matriarch. I have trained them in proper mind techniques to hide their true thoughts from any sort of Striga. House Kentis are my greatest adversaries in this game of ours, and I always keep a close watch on all my enemies.”
“The Magi have a secret army, and they have stolen the guns,” Falx said. “You told me that one does not need much skill to use these ancient weapons, but could a troop of mindless slaves be effective with them?”
“I know what those weapons can do, that is why I had kept them safely hidden away in one of my warehouses until an unknown group of raiders killed my guards and stole them,” Tanys said. “Those guns were my secret weapon should the Magi ever attempt something like this, but they turned the tables on me. Grimgrin stated that his blade gave several of the mindless men wounds that should have been mortal, but they did not feel any pain, nor did they bleed. Instead they continued to fight. With an army like that and armed with guns, they may very well be invincible.”
Falx gasped. “By the gods! What can we do?”
“The guns. Find them,” Tanys said tersely. “Do whatever it takes. Use only the men you fully trust in this investigation, for the other houses cannot know of this.”
Falx bowed slightly. “I shall use every effort to track those weapons down. But this investigation requires coin if I am to speed it up.”
The matriarch of House Aranida made a dismissive gesture. “Coin is not a problem. Double the bounty on Grimgrin if need be. There is also another matter that needs to be dealt with.”
Falx bit his lip. Now what? “What else?”
“A few moons ago, I heard of a tale,” Tanys said. “It was about a woman and a boy who had come upon the gates of the city. They were the last of their tribe out in the wastes. The Watch dealt with them and both were sold into slavery. Do you recall that incident?”
“I might have,” Falx said. “I believe it was a minor administrative problem. Ever since we stopped our trading routes and closed the gates, it has been standard practice to enslave any outsiders who come into Lethe.”
“They were not ordinary outsiders,” Tanys said. “The woman was a Striga, and I heard she took down a roomful of Watchers before she was subdued and stripped of her Vis by your healers.”
Falx frowned. “I have not heard of this.”
“Do you remember who was commander of the watch in that district?”
“A son of a canis named Silqewe. He is still in charge of watching the eastern walls to this day. I know that he takes coin from House Kentis and some of the richer slavers. I would have dismissed him cycles ago, but he is too influential within the organization,” Falx said.
“So you were never informed as to the fate of the Striga and the boy?” Tanys said.
Falx shook his head. “I did not deem it necessary. I was preoccupied with other matters at that time. A few barbarians end up at the gate every now and then, and we always turned them over to the slavers eventually.”
The matriarch scowled. “The boy is now considered part of House Kentis. It seems that they adopted him and rewrote their records in the Great Library in order to ensure he was a direct descendant of Matriarch Cirine.”
Falx was intrigued. “What? Why did they do that?”
“Do you remember the rumors that pertained to the Grand Magus? It seemed that he found a way to rejuvenate himself. Why else would he still be alive all these cycles. A man his age should have died a long time ago,” Tanys said.
Falx grinded his teeth as he tried to recall. “Something about … children?”
“Yes, there was a tale of special children who had the power of blood,” Tanys said. “It was said that these children could somehow heal the wounded and restore the dead back to life.”
“Wait,” Falx said. “Are you telling me that the child who accompanied that former Striga was one of these beings?”
“Matriarch Cirine seems to think so,” Tanys said. “Why else would she adopt a barbarian boy from the wastes as her descendant?”
Falx’s eyes widened. “By the gods! They might use the boy as a bargaining tool with the Magi Order!”
Tanys smirked. It had taken him long enough to figure it out. “Now can you see why the Magi and House Kentis are allied with each other? There is no doubt that Silqewe, the Watcher who took them in through his gate is working for House Kentis. My spies have told me that the boy longs for the Striga who accompanied him, perhaps that woman may even be his real mother. Does Silqewe favor any particular slave-master?”
Falx nodded. “Yes. A slaver named Duamuket. A disgusting grubworm who has a taste for young slaves of both sexes.”
“We must drive a wedge into this alliance,” Tanys said. “If we can find this former Striga, we may yet turn the boy over to our side. Go to Duamuket, and find out who he sold the barbarian woman to. Be sure to take care of this personally and make haste. We may not have much time.”
“By your command,” Falx said. “Anything else, Matriarch?”
“Yes,” she said. “There were other stories of the Grand Magus that pertains to the subject we are discussing. One of these tales stated that he used the blood of these children to not only prolong his life, but there were unfounded rumors that claimed his loins had somehow regrown themselves.”
Falx looked away. “But, if that is true, then…”
“Yes,” Tanys said. “Then he can father children, which is a direct contravention of the old treaties.”
Falx was fully attentive. So much was being said, and the sun had not yet gone over the horizon. “Have you heard any rumors as to who might be his child, if any?”
Tanys grinned. “Oh, yes. I once had a great many spies amongst the Magi, but sadly they were all purged. It is said that Grand Magus Jetan had not one, but two children. Both were boys, and they had the gift of Vis. It seemed that he loved them so, and refused to have them subjected to the ritual of emasculation, for fear that they might have died during the process, as many younglings do.”
“Three Magi with intact loins,” Falx murmured. “By the gods, if that is true, then
it may be enough proof for us to bring to the other houses and exact a purge against them.”
“I have given you enough information this morn to make your task much easier,” Tanys said. “Now go. Be aware that if you fail, then you may rest assured that your life, as well as your family’s lives, will be forfeit.”
Chapter 10
The central marketplace was a gigantic leather tent, with countless stalls underneath it selling all sorts of wares. Along the narrow streets were stone tables, merchants loudly proclaiming that their goods were better than the competing ones beside them. Mounds of dried green algae were scooped by the handful and placed into pouches. Bone cages with snarling canis beasts were displayed to become either food or a pet. Cooks tending their stew pots of shrooms and chopped ret meat would make sure that their cooking fires were kept smoldering, for customers preferred their food piping hot. Water sellers carrying clay jugs over their heads would weave through the crowd, doing their customary low howls that indicated their supplies were fresh. Tanners and clothiers displayed their newly sewn traveling cloaks, tunics and sandals. Amidst the bustling throngs of sellers and buyers, pairs of red cloaked Watchers would weave through the crowd, looking out for any potential trouble. The noontime sun was making things hot and arid, and many were making a killing selling fresh water and chilled algae wine.
Uncle Acro stopped briefly beside a stall as he held the drinking horn to his lips and gulped some watered down wine. His embroidered tunic was stained with sweat, and he had just taken a bath that morning. In front of him stood two bodyguards, who kept a wary eye in case someone wanted to make trouble. Acro wiped the drops of wine away from his mustache while turning around. “Well, what do you think, Efrin? This is your first time visiting the central marketplace, is it not?”
Rion was standing behind him, along with Kardra and two more bodyguards bringing up the rear. “This is all so wondrous, Uncle!’ the boy said. “I have never been around so many people before.”
Acro smiled at him before taking another sip. He was so glad that Cirine had given permission for the boy to accompany him. Acro had been telling the matriarch that it was not good for the boy to keep him locked up in the manse for the past few moons. It was important, he told her, that the boy develop social skills, and the only way to do that was to go out and interact with the citizenry. If the boy was to truly integrate with the family, he said, then Efrin must be allowed some freedom. “Yes, boy,” Acro said to him. “The true heart of the city lies here. This is where everything is bought and sold. Each individual around you does their part, for if one sort of good is suddenly prohibited, then the whole world shall grind to a halt.”
Rion nodded eagerly. “Who determines the price of each good?”
Acro spread out his hands. “Why, the marketplace of course! If a merchant sees that the day is hot, and if he has the supply to chill his wine with fresh spring water, then he will raise his prices slightly, for he knows the demand will be high, and his rivals shall either match his price if they can do the same, or they will lower theirs if they do not. The discerning customer always knows how to make a bargain, for the object is to buy as many goods that you need with as little coin as possible.”
Rion bit his lip. It was so different compared to life with the Arum Navar. Out in the wastes everything was shared, not bought and sold for profit. He felt that he could think more freely out here since his mother wasn’t around to pry into his thoughts. Nevertheless, he used only deep memories, hidden away by his other persona, in order not to take any chances, for he could never be too sure if anyone was listening. “If some of the food remains unsold by the end of the day, why do they not give it to the slaves? I have seen quite a few slaves today, and they look very hungry,” he said.
Acro smiled while shaking his head. “Because there is no profit in it, Efrin. If everyone gave their unsold wares away, then they would soon be lacking in coin to buy the goods needed to produce what they are selling. Slaves are meant to suffer anyway, for that is their lot in life. An empty stomach keeps them docile, while a full belly would make them lazy and rebellious. And we surely cannot have the latter happen.”
There was a sense of pity in the boy’s eyes. “I wish there was some way to help them. Their lives seem so miserable.”
Kardra was listening, but she kept silent, with her head down. The last thing she wanted to do was to help stir up trouble.
Acro shrugged as he finished the last of his wine. “Such is the way with the world. You either suffer or you do not. Count yourself lucky, Efrin, for you have been born into one of the great families of Lethe, and it shall be your destiny to rule over this lot when you finally come of age.”
Rion crossed his arms. “When I grow up, there will be changes to the way slaves are treated.”
Acro stared at him disdainfully. “Ah, so we have a reformer in the family now! Well, you should know that if you give a slave too much power, a revolt would be inevitable. The last slave rebellion happened long before I was born, and half the slaves in Lethe ended up dead after the Magi and the Watchers restored order. So the moral of the tale is be careful what one wishes for.”
“I do not wish for any violence,” Rion said. “I merely wish that there was less harshness in this world that we live in.”
Acro chuckled while patting Rion on his head. His loins were beginning to tingle with anticipation for the day ahead. “Such a kind, sensitive lad you are! And a handsome one too. It is a pity you were born a boy, otherwise I would take you right now.”
Kardra tried to stay calm. She knew what his kind was capable of. She quickly clasped Rion’s hand. “Efrin, I think it is time for us to go back to the noble’s quarter. Your uncle has more … personal engagements to do.”
Acro placed the now empty drinking horn back onto the stone table and gave the merchant some coin. “Yes, off you go, boy. I need to head to the slave market now.”
“Uncle, your words have great wisdom,” Rion said. “If you do not mind, can I stay around here a little while longer? I promise not to bother you at all.”
Kardra glanced around nervously but said nothing.
Acro seemed a little surprised, but the boy’s words put him at ease. He gestured at the two bodyguards at the rear. “Oh, very well. You two, stay with her and the boy.” He then turned around and headed towards one of the side streets with the remaining two bodyguards in front. The slave market was just up the avenue, and he had an appointment with a child dealer.
The two guards at the rear kept a respectable distance, so Rion began to walk around the other side of the stalls, with Kardra following right behind him. The moment he saw Acro turn the corner, he glanced back at the servant girl. “We have some time to ourselves. Where is Duamuket’s slave stable?”
Kardra gave him a worried look as she pointed to an adjoining street. “It is up on that hilly road. Efrin, I think it is best we stay far away from there.”
Rion glanced back at the bodyguards who were slowly catching up to them. “I need you to distract those two so I can make my way to the slaver manse.”
Kardra bit her lip. “Efrin, no!”
He placed a hand on her forearm. “Please help me. I must know where Miri is.”
Kardra hesitated a little. “I … what do you need for me to do?”
“Just follow my lead,” Rion whispered to her before raising his voice to normal levels as soon as the bodyguards were within earshot. “I need you to find a nice shawl, for I would like to give my mother a gift for allowing me outside today.”
Kardra blinked a few times in confusion before she understood. “A … a gift?”
“Yes,” Rion nodded before gesturing at the bodyguards. “Have them help you look, for we need to return soon.” He pointed to a nearby stall. “I shall be over there, with that telling stone merchant.”
The two bodyguards looked at each other. “Master Efrin, I think one of us should stay with you,” the first guard said.
Rion shook his he
ad. “No need.” The boy pointed at the Watchers who were strolling nearby. “If there is any trouble, I shall just call out to them. Now I need all three of you to fan out, and cover the entire market for that special shawl. I think it is the purple colored one with the gold lining on it. But if you can find something better, then by all means purchase it, please.”
“A cloth like that must be very expensive, what shall we buy it with?” the second bodyguard said.
Rion gestured at Kardra. “She is the official house slave for Kentis. If you find the merchant, just tell him that we can purchase it using the family account. I am sure they know what that is.”
The first bodyguard nodded in assent, but the second one still had doubts on his face. “Are you certain of this, Master Efrin?” he said.
“Yes, do not worry, for I shall take full responsibility,” Rion said while turning around and walking towards the telling stone shop. “Off you go.”
The other three hesitated at first, but Kardra soon directed them to where the clothier stalls were. As soon as they were lost in the crowds, Rion walked away from the merchant’s table and moved quickly up the side street. The slaver avenues tended to be more run down, and there were open sewers lining the sides of the lane that he traveled on, filling the area with the stench of human misery. There was a slight incline while he traversed up the cobblestones. Several houses had open courtyards, and he could see small crowds gathering beside raised platforms while they made bids at the slaves who had been put out on display in front of them. The very idea of people being bought and sold to be used for whatever their owner desired filled the boy with revulsion. It seemed to remind him of his most distant memories as a prisoner of a Magi citadel out in the wastes. Rion felt pangs of pity at the pathetic men, women and children being bandied about, their nude, emaciated bodies were alternately prodded, poked and examined like some lifeless commodity. A girl, no more than seven years old, locked eyes with him as he continued on, her silent stare through the mop of disheveled hair at the top of her head seemed to call out to him for help, but there was nothing he could do.
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