Finally he inhaled air and calm. “Tell me what you know.”
Haltingly, the young man did so, revealing the little he knew. It was not much. Caballa floating in a pond. Caballa with a bruise on her forehead. Caballa now with the undertakers.
All gods.
Caballa was dead.
Tristan would be felled in his grief.
“Thank you,” Tianoman said. “Is the boy all right? And his sister?”
“We will take care of them, my lord.”
Tianoman nodded, unable to say or do more.
After a moment or two the young Valleur bowed and left, understanding he had completed his duty and his Vallorin was too overcome to respond further at this point.
Blinking then, Tianoman noticed him move away, but did not react. He frowned, though, as it occurred to him a little bump on the head would not drown someone as awake and aware as Caballa. Something was off kilter.
Decisively, he strode into the mountain’s maze of passages. He needed to see Caballa himself before he called to Tristan.
Unobtrusive, two guards fell in behind him.
SHE LAY DAMP AND still on a marble slab.
Wearing only a nightdress and robe, it was clear Caballa went wandering in the night. Her feet were bare, and that was not right. The stone underfoot could grow cold at night. Where were her slippers?
The senior undertaker waited alongside her body. He no doubt understood Caballa required special orders and had not yet commenced the preparations required for burial.
“Have you examined her, Lamman?” Tianoman demanded roughly. His tone covered how close to tears he was.
Lamman bowed. “I have, my lord. There are a few inconsistencies to a simple tumble and dunking.”
Tianoman’s heart thudded in his chest. He thought so as well. “Tell me.”
“The cold water has revealed something we may have overlooked had she been found in dry air. Bruises, my lord. She is covered in bruises.”
Tianoman frowned. “From?”
“Not from tripping and falling into a pond, my lord,” Lamman responded. “In my considered opinion, Caballa was severely beaten before she died. My lord, I believe she succumbed before she was thrown into the pond. The latter was to emulate an accidental death, I believe.”
Tianoman leaned into the slab, closing his eyes. “Is there any proof of an assailant?”
Lamman cleared his throat. “It appears, my lord, that she fought back. There is blood and skin under her fingernails. I would suggest someone in our city currently hides a scratched face.” He paused and then added, “I have sent four guards to start searching for someone matching that description.”
“Excellent, thank you.” Tianoman straightened to stare at the lifeless form of the beautiful Valleur seer. All gods, Tristan would go insane. “Keep her untouched for now. Tristan has the final word on her preparation.”
Lamman bowed and stepped respectfully away.
Tianoman moved to Caballa’s side and gently touched her face. “Rest in peace, dear friend,” he murmured, and then forcefully swallowed down grief and tears.
He strode out.
Whatever it took, her killer would be found.
Avaelyn
TIANOMAN’S REQUEST FOR ENTRY into their home came before dawn on Avaelyn.
Elianas opened a bleary eye. “This early? Something is up.”
Groaning, Torrullin rolled out of bed. “Tian will not ask on a whim.” He sent a confirmation and then headed out to meet Tianoman in the sitting area, grabbing a robe as he left.
One look at the younger man’s face and Torrullin knew it was bad.
“Caballa is dead,” Tianoman said without preamble. “Just listen, for I need your help with Tristan.”
Torrullin nodded without speaking. Silent also, Elianas joined him and together they listened to everything Tianoman had to say. In the aftermath both men sat untidily on the edge of the long couch, both still wordless. They had known the day would come, but for it to happen this way was appalling. Caballa had deserved to exit in only peace; this was not how it should be for her.
“We shall find who did this,” Torrullin said eventually. “Tristan, however, is our priority.”
Tianoman slumped into an armchair. “Will you bring him here?”
Elianas stood and snapped his fingers. Instantly he was dressed. He did it once more, for Torrullin.
Dressed in the black as well, Torrullin paced to the ledge. Grey light revealed sunrise was imminent. “I am calling him now.”
Tianoman immediately stood again.
A few minutes later Tristan appeared on the bridge over the fishpond and headed indoors. The moment he saw them, he froze in position. Clearly the man read them well. Squaring his shoulders, he closed in and vaulted up onto the ledge. Standing face to face with Torrullin, he waited.
Torrullin gripped his shoulders. “Caballa died last night.”
Tristan jerked from the hold. “You lie!”
Elianas approached from behind and stood firmly at Tristan’s shoulder. He braced there as he often did for Torrullin when that man required support. “Tris,” he said.
Tristan’s head jerked sideways, and he paced back into the solid presence there. “Elianas, tell me it is a lie,” he whispered, his head descending. He leaned into the support behind him.
Elianas laid his hands on the man’s upper arms and exerted gentle pressure. “Caballa is dead, Tristan.”
Torrullin nearly bit through his tongue when Tristan slithered through Elianas’ grip to the floor to hunker there on hands and knees.
Tianoman fell to his knees before him. “Cousin, we are here for you.”
Tristan lifted his head. The skin on his face pulled taut to whiten every scar there. “How, Tian?”
Tianoman understood he asked about Caballa. In as few words as possible, he explained.
By the end of it, Tristan had stiffened. His entire body already screamed his inner rage. He hurtled to his feet and Elianas had him from behind again, with Torrullin in his face.
“We do it together, Tristan,” Torrullin said. “I swear to you, we shall find who did this. Now, however, this present, it is for Caballa. We shall farewell her with reverence and compassion and every honour. Do you hear me?”
Tristan stared into Torrullin’s eyes. His face dissolved as tears ran freely. His head lowered to Torrullin’s shoulder and he clutched at his arms.
Elianas stepped away as Torrullin drew his shuddering grandson close and held him. Swiping a hand over his wet cheeks, he retreated to stand beside a weeping Tianoman.
Torrullin met Elianas’ gaze.
Indeed, they would find who did this.
Chapter 68
Properly read, signs lead to the anticipated prey
~ Tracker Lore ~
Akhavar
Linard
SIXTEEN MEN AND THREE women with faces scratched had already been brought in by the time they arrived in the mountain city.
A guard whispered the news to his Vallorin as they entered the Throne-room. In an undertone, Tianoman told the man to take an added ten guards and step it up, and to keep everyone they found in a secure place until after the interment. The man bowed and moved away.
Tianoman glanced at Torrullin, who merely nodded and led Tristan and Elianas to the cold chamber where the deceased were held.
After watching them leave, Tianoman summoned the Elders.
WITH THE THRONE-ROOM cleared of everyone except the Vallorin, Elders and guards on duty, Tianoman confirmed the rumours already circulating about Caballa’s murder.
As it was an informal gathering, no one was seated. Emeren, after pacing a while, asked for permission to speak.
Tianoman nodded in her direction.
Coming to a halt, she revealed that Caballa came to see her in the night and they discussed the issue of Elders for Avaelyn, what with fourteen new sacred sites being raised.
Tianoman stared at her. “Forgive me, Elder Emeren, but Ca
balla would not mention something of that nature without good reason.”
Emeren bit at her lip. “My Lord, I believe she went before the Throne and Tarlinn spoke to her.”
Frowning, Tianoman muttered, “Yes, he tends to follow … never mind. She spoke to Tarlinn and then discussed it with you, am I right?”
Emeren swallowed. “Correct.”
Tianoman’s eyes narrowed. He was aware something more had been discussed, but perhaps it was of a more personal nature, the kind of issues women tended to delve into. He chose to ignore his suspicions. If something was indeed pertinent, Emeren would reveal it. He had no cause to doubt either her loyalty or her sense of duty.
“How many Elders for Avaelyn?” he asked.
“Two to begin with. We were to, well, insert them.”
Tianoman’s lips quirked. Because Torrullin would absolutely hate Elders watching over him. Tarlinn’s subtlety was to be commended. “Who did you decide on?”
“Caballa said she would approach Artorin.”
“Good choice,” one of the Elders murmured.
“Agreed,” Tianoman said. “Where is Artorin?”
Another Elder murmured, “He went to Avaelyn an hour ago, to sight-see apparently.”
“You saw him?”
“I did, my lord.”
“How did he appear to you?’
The man shrugged. “Other than too many details about hiking the wilds, it was Artorin.”
Therefore it had nothing to do with Artorin. His face remained unmarked or this Elder would have mentioned it. Tianoman asked, “And Caballa’s second choice?”
Emeren sighed. “I did not agree with this, but Caballa mentioned Halon.”
Silence arrived. No one was happy with Halon in the present.
Tianoman eventually inclined his head. “It does make a certain kind of sense. Torrullin gave him a second chance and yet it is true none here desire him reinstated to Elder. Perhaps he may retain status by choosing to transfer to Avaelyn, to aid the man who saved his life. Caballa was being logical.”
Emeren pulled a face and a few of the other Elders also grimaced.
“Caballa clearly spoke to them after she left your chambers,” Tianoman said. “Artorin paying a visit to Avaelyn proves that.”
Emeren murmured. “She said she could not sleep.”
“Do you suspect either of these two men of foul play, Elder Emeren?”
“Artorin would not even contemplate it, my Lord, no matter what the incentive, but Halon? I am not as certain.”
Tianoman paced until he had a guard directly in sight. “Find and detain Artorin and Halon.”
The guard bowed and swiftly left.
“Anyone else have something to add?”
No one did.
Threading a hand through his hair, Tianoman said, “Please prepare Caballa’s bier and look to the auguries for timing of interment.”
The Elders bowed as one and left.
Tianoman sat on the edge of the dais and lowered his head into his hands. Hurried footsteps caused him to look up. A guard knelt before him.
“Tell me,” he said, dread settling into his gut.
“My Lord, Halon was apprehended attempting to flee from the outer exit.”
“His face?” Tianoman whispered.
“Lacerated, my Lord.”
All gods. “Hold him until after the funeral. Forget Artorin; he is innocent. Let the others go with apologies. I believe we have our culprit.” Murderer, he desired to spit out.
The guard hastened away.
They should have hung Halon as a traitor on the day of unmasking. By all gods.
TRISTAN WASHED CABALLA AND dressed her in her much-loved gown, the gold brocade she favoured on Valaris, saying it kept the winter cold at bay.
He ever teased her about beautiful women and their frippery when she donned it, causing her to smile and say the gown was by far more stunning than she was.
When Lamman suggested cosmetics to cover her bruises, he refused. Caballa would enter her afterlife as herself, wounds and all. She would have it no other way.
Tristan then sat with her the remainder of the day and all through the night, holding her hand, talking to her as if she was still listening. Often he smiled. Caballa knew how to listen. How many emotional knots had he not untangled simply by talking to her? She needed not say a word. She could flay with words, though, there was no mistaking that. How many times had she not put him in his place?
During the small hours of the night he wept, wracking sobs that threatened to steal his very breath.
In silence, Torrullin, Elianas, Tianoman and Teroux kept the vigil with him.
Tears tracked over four sets of cheeks.
IN THE MORNING THE Elders formed an honour guard as Caballa was taken to her final place of rest.
Dry-eyed, Tristan watched the bearers leave with her.
“Come, Tris,” Tianoman said. “Bathe, eat, rest a bit.”
Tristan allowed himself to be steered out with a cousin on either side of him.
“The ceremony commences with twilight,” Tianoman said over his shoulder to the two men left behind.
Torrullin nodded and soon he and Elianas were alone.
They looked at each other. Both knew how it felt to lose one so much loved.
There were no words.
THE CEREMONY WAS SIMPLE.
Many spoke of Caballa the seer, the woman, the friend and colleague. Many left a gift on her bier. A flower, a bracelet, a swathe of bright cloth, a pebble, a note.
Caballa was much loved.
She would be missed.
Then it was done, and only the five men and Aislinn remained in the cavernous space that was the Chamber of Biers where the Valleur were now interred.
Aislinn placed her hand on the cold stone. “Caballa, you were a fountain of wisdom. You helped me when I was a new wife and even more when I became a new mother. I love you, my friend. May your new journey be as fruitful as this one was.”
Touching then Tianoman’s shoulder, she stepped aside.
Tianoman rested both hands on the rectangular vessel. “I will miss you, Caballa. Go well.” Swallowing, he glanced at Teroux, and joined Aislinn, taking her hand in his.
With tears streaming, Teroux shook his head. “I have no words to do justice to a glorious friend.”
Tristan closed his eyes and drew in a shuddering breath.
Gripping his shoulder briefly, Elianas stepped forward to bow before the bier. Straightening with his hand over his heart, he said, “Caballa, you were the first to offer me your cheek to be kissed. You welcomed me. You became a true friend.” He lifted his hand to his forehead. “Woman of the Valleur, you will be honoured in memory for eternity.” He smiled then and rested two fingers on her bier. “Find your peace, Caballa.”
Torrullin approached. For a long time he simply stared at her name engraved in stone. “We endured much, you and me, from the twins’ Coming-of-Age through the destruction of Torrke and more to a realm of contrary time. Ever have I relied on your wisdom, as well as your sight. Always I knew you were the truest of friends.” He drew breath and lowered his forehead to the cold stone. “I will miss you forever, Caballa.” Straightening then, he swiftly stepped away.
Tristan gazed at Torrullin. “You loved her.”
“I did.”
“No, I mean you loved her.”
Torrullin offered a smile. “She deserved love, Tristan.”
Tristan blinked and then he too smiled. “She deserved love indeed. Thank you.”
Elianas gave Torrullin a look, causing the man to mutter, “What? I would have fallen into bed with Raken too had Vannis looked the other way just once.”
Silence, and then Aislinn spluttered into laughter. She slapped a hand over her mouth, but could not contain her giggles. Teroux suddenly wheezed a laugh and doubled over to hide it.
Elianas shook his head in a long suffering way.
Tianoman rolled his eyes.
Trist
an’s smile widened. “Caballa would want us to laugh and remember the best of times. Thank you, all of you.” He went to her bier and rested his hands there. His smile slid away. “Caballa, you deserved to be loved.” Lifting fingers to his lips, he kissed them and rested the kiss upon her name. “I loved you. I will love you forever.”
Turning then, he strode from the Chamber of Biers.
AS NIGHT DEEPENED OVER Akhavar, Torrullin and Tianoman summoned Artorin the Elder to the small conference chamber near the royal suite. Although Tianoman had released him from suspicion, Torrullin wanted to talk to him.
Elianas was with Tristan to inform him there was a suspect, but they would be summoned only once it was confirmed. Elianas probably needed to forcibly restrain the man from barging in.
The Golden man in a quiet voice told them Caballa approached him to go to Avaelyn with the builders, to become Avaelyn’s first Elder.
Given that the ruse was now in the open, Tianoman explained to Torrullin about Tarlinn’s directive to Caballa.
“I am going to wring his neck … somehow,” Torrullin muttered.
Artorin gaped.
Torrullin waved a hand. “Elder, you have no idea how …” He noticed Tianoman’s look. Of course, this was a Vallorin’s territory and Vallorins did not share such insights. “Never mind. You are welcome on Avaelyn, Artorin, openly as Elder.”
Artorin grinned and spoke his appreciation.
“You may go,” Tianoman murmured.
“He is innocent of this,” Torrullin said after he had left.
“I agree.”
“I am going to bloody tackle Tarlinn, though.”
Tianoman barked a laugh. “Good luck.”
Halon came in kicking and screeching between two grim guards. They dumped him unceremoniously on the carpet. His two guards braced alongside him with two more behind. Halon, clearly, had made a nuisance of himself.
The man’s face was gouged and scratched as if a wild cathron had raked him repeatedly. Marks upon his nose spoke of teeth; Caballa not only gouged him, she bit him.
Lore of Sanctum Omnibus Page 247