She had lived as a fisherman plying the seas in search of fish and discussing the best areas to find a particular species with the other fisherman. She had been a net-mender, chartist, historian, and even a priest. Always she knew exactly what to do and how to act. She saw the civilization through the eyes of the people.
Tonight’s dream was different though. There had been no Omungan invasion, no creation of the Wound of Kaltara, no bloody assassinations of the previous Stars, only blackness. But the blackness was alive with scents and sounds and Lyra struggled to make sense of them all. The scents came at her in a rush, sweet, pungent, moldy, and musty, all mixed together. The sounds were detached from the scents and made no sense at all, yet she perked her ears to listen to them all. They were not the noises of man or creatures, but rather the sounds of raw force, the sounds of power. Pinpoints of light penetrated the inky blackness and began to swirl and her focus blurred as she tried to watch.
She shook her head to clear her vision. The noise intensified dramatically and sounded like a roar, a roar of the earth tearing itself apart. She felt a great pressure building around her, from within her, and mentally tied the roar to the building pressure. The noise was her own. The building pressure was her soul and it yearned for release. She closed her eyes and felt the warmth of the forces gathering around her, pushing outward, seeking freedom. The blood pulsed in her veins and rushed about seeking an exit from her body.
The roar burst into a thunderclap and her eyes snapped opened to see the tiny pinpricks of twirling light exploding outward, growing larger. A sense of escape fled through her as she watched the light of the sun spray over her and the cascading rock surrounding her. The sky appeared above her, bright and blue, as tremendous slabs of rock blew outward away from her. She stared in amazement as the mountain that was her, exploded and rained down the slope towards the valley far below.
The roar died and was replaced with the sound of giant chunks of rock falling down the mountainside and Lyra gazed at the world around her. She stood perched atop a tall mountain, its peak disintegrated to expose her previous prison. No longer incased in the solid rock prison of the mountain, Lyra inhaled the sweet air deeply and stretched her arms. Feeling a presence nearby, she turned swiftly and stood facing Kaltara.
“You have done well, my Star,” Kaltara stated with a smile. “You have thrown off the shackles of your earthly life. You are Sakovan now. No, more than Sakovan, you are Sakova. You are my child and I give my people into your care.”
Lyra’s eyes narrowed at the image of Kaltara as his words turned into the hoot of an owl. Her brow wrinkled with puzzlement as the hooting continued, but from more than one direction now. Suddenly, Kaltara faded and she felt a great weight on her legs as if the mountain was trying to reclaim her. She brushed absently at her legs and her hand felt a sticky, moist substance. Shouts filled the air now and she tried desperately to move her legs but they would not obey her. In frustration she screamed.
Lyra sat up abruptly and opened her eyes. She recognized the clearing where the party had made camp for the night. All around her people were running and shouting. She threw off her blanket, but it was stuck by her legs and she looked down to see a man’s body draped over her legs. The man’s head was bleeding profusely where a Sakovan star had penetrated his throat.
Lyra kicked the body away as she caught sight of Goral swinging his massive maul at the dark shape of a man. The maul connected with the man’s head and the attacker’s body went flying off into the trees. Not far from Goral, MistyTrail separated from the darkness to swing her sword into the legs of another dark shape. The shape fell to the ground and MistyTrail plunged the sword into the man’s chest.
Looking in the other direction, Lyra saw StormSong facing off against three attackers. She tried to rise to go to the proud warrior’s aid, but MistyTrail was by her side before she could get up.
“Stay down,” MistyTrail ordered. “They are using bows as well.”
Lyra started to object and rise, but MistyTrail swiftly swept her legs out from under her and the Star of Sakova crashed to the ground. She felt the weight of a body being thrown on top of her and caught sight of StormSong taking out two of the attackers with a vicious figure eight.
“Stay down or I will make sure that you do,” ordered MistyTrail.
Lyra watched as StormSong decapitated the third attacker and then the campsite turned silent. She felt MistyTrail’s presence behind her and then the feeling of the body being lifted off of her.
“I am sorry, Lyra,” MistyTrail apologized. “I had to keep you down. It was you they were after.”
Lyra picked herself up as Temiker, StarWind, and SunChaser entered the clearing. Lyra turned and saw StormSong and Goral before speaking. “Where is HawkShadow?” she asked, fearing that the Sakovan assassin may not have survived.
“He is checking the bodies,” StarWind reported. “He will be back shortly.”
“Are these the twenty assassins that were missing?” Lyra questioned.
StarWind nodded, “Yes, but not all of them. I think three of them got away. HawkShadow will know for sure. We will be able to track them so they will not get far.”
“Not unless they are headed towards Okata,” the Star shook her head. “I must get to Okata before Malafar.”
“That is the direction they fled,” HawkShadow declared as he entered the clearing. “If we still had the chokas they wouldn’t stand a chance. I will go on ahead. They will need to sleep sometime.”
“So will you,” Lyra objected. “Forget them for now. Let’s all get some sleep.”
The Sakovans nodded and started clearing the bodies out of the campsite while Lyra disappeared under her blanket. She lay awake for a long time pondering the attack and the strange dream, but what kept her awake was the frustration of not knowing what to do once they caught up with Master Malafar. She could not fathom killing her own father, and yet there appeared to be no alternative. She was the only who could stand up to Malafar’s power, if she could even do it again. He had been confused the last time they battled. What if he was stronger than she was? What if he wasn’t? It was not fair that one of them must die, she thought bitterly. Eventually Lyra cried herself to sleep.
Chapter 38
Needle in a Haystack
“Second floor facing the Palace,” Temiker reported as he strode down the stairs of the carriage platform at the side of the Palace Arms.
“Do you know if there are vacancies in the adjoining rooms?” Lyra asked.
“They are practically empty,” Temiker stated. “The city gates have only been open for a couple of days now. It will take a while for word to spread.”
“The merchants stay in the Merchant District,” interjected SunChaser. “The inns will be full down there pretty soon, but mostly visiting dignitaries stay here. Are you sure you don’t want to stay at my mansion? There is plenty of room to put everyone up.”
“No,” answered the Star of Sakova. “I do not want to compromise your cover in Okata, besides, Malafar may remember your mansion and I do not want him to know we are here.”
“I will get the next room,” offered HawkShadow.
“Let’s split up into pairs,” suggested StarWind. “We make too noticeable a group standing together. I will take Goral and get a room right after HawkShadow is done.”
“Good idea,” mused Lyra. “I will get a room for StormSong and MistyTrail. Either of them would be memorable to the clerk.”
“There is no reason why we cannot wait in the lobby if we are split up,” Temiker pointed out.
“True,” responded StarWind, “but let’s keep some distance between us.”
“I see no reason why I cannot go in with you, StarWind,” Lyra declared. “I do not want to risk getting rooms on different floors and two rooms for two women travelling together would not appear strange.”
StarWind nodded and the group split up. HawkShadow entered the doors at the carriage platform while Lyra and StarWind walked ar
ound to the front of the inn, leaving SunChaser, Goral, and Temiker to fend for themselves. They would filter in after a few moments had passed.
Lyra marveled at the grandeur of the city as they rounded the corner of the building. She hesitated at the front steps and gazed over the grand plaza that separated the inn from the palace. She smiled at the chirping birds and frisky squirrels that frolicked in the park, but her smile faded quickly. Okata was not going to be a peaceful city much longer, she knew. Her eyes passed over a group of children playing near a clump of trees in the park and she wanted to run over and tell them to go home. Shaking her head, she turned and followed StarWind up the front steps of the Palace Arms and into the plush lobby.
The lobby was huge and carpeted with couches and comfortable chairs spread throughout it. The walls to her left and right both sported huge fireplaces with clumps of chairs before them. There were about a dozen people in the lobby scattered about in small groups or sitting alone. Light music emanated from a doorway across from the main entrance and Lyra could smell meat cooking somewhere distant. She absently licked her lips as she thought about having a prepared Omungan meal for a change.
StarWind led Lyra towards the center of the room and they stood, seemingly in light conversation with one another, watching HawkShadow register for a room. Lyra caught sight of StormSong and MistyTrail entering the lobby cautiously and signaled StarWind with her eyes. StarWind nodded and Lyra caught the spymaster’s fingers moving rapidly at her side. StormSong gave the barest of nods and led MistyTrail away from the other groups.
Within a few moments, HawkShadow turned away from the counter and nodded absently. He moved swiftly off towards the stairs while StarWind led Lyra towards the counter. Lyra watched Temiker and SunChaser disappear up the stairs while StarWind waited for the clerk to finish some paperwork and look up at her.
“Can I help you?” the clerk said, finally finished with his papers.
“Yes,” smiled StarWind, “I want a room on the second floor overlooking the plaza.”
“Two actually,” Lyra chirped. “Together if that is possible.”
The clerk nodded and turned to see if the rooms were available.
“I hope you will pay a visit to my room later tonight young lady,” a male voice suddenly said from behind StarWind and Lyra.
Lyra whirled to face a tall thin man with a smile upon his face and saw StormSong over his shoulder, approaching with her hand on a belt knife and fury on her face. Evidently the man’s comment was not uttered as softly as he had thought and Lyra’s mind raced to prevent the coming confrontation. Suddenly Goral rose from one of the chairs and stepped in front of the approaching StormSong and placed his huge hand on her shoulder, shaking his head.
Lyra was vaguely aware of StarWind standing next to her with her mouth hanging open and the Star scowled at the thin man, “If I wanted such a vulgar display, I would be staying down by the wharf.”
The man looked genuinely confused as his eyes darted from Lyra to StarWind. His face reddened deeply and bowed slightly to Lyra. “I am sorry, young lady,” he apologized. “I was not talking to you, but the woman in front of you.”
“And that makes it any better?” Lyra growled. “Take your filth out into the streets and leave us alone.”
Lyra felt StarWind’s hand on her shoulder and saw Goral coming up behind the man.
“Do I know you?” StarWind asked the man, although she recognized him immediately.
“I never forget a voice,” the thin man smiled, his face still beet red. “I did not mean the invitation as vulgar. I merely would like the opportunity to speak with you again as we did in Campanil not long ago.”
StarWind nodded and smiled. “I would be pleased to speak with you again, Mayor Ferde,” StarWind declared. “I did not expect to see you in Okata.”
“Nor did I expect to find you here either,” grinned the Mayor. “My room is on the third floor at the top of the stairs or if you are more comfortable in public, we could have dinner together.”
“Let me dwell on it,” StarWind smiled. “I will let you know.”
The Mayor smiled and bowed slightly before leaving for the stairs. The significance of the man’s statements finally struck Lyra and she felt a chill between her shoulder blades. Discovery so soon after entering Okata could be disastrous. She knew that they had to find Malafar and do it quickly before anything else went wrong.
She turned to find the clerk trying to suppress a smirk. She swiftly finished registering for the room, and promptly went up the stairs. Temiker stood in the hallway outside his open door and Lyra entered the room and sat down. Within moments, all of the Sakovans were in the room and Temiker closed the door.
“What needs to be done with Ferde?” Lyra asked.
“I am not sure what he wants,” admitted StarWind. “I never expected to be recognized by my voice, but the fact that he didn’t shout for the Imperial Guard when he heard me is promising. I think I should meet with him as he asked.”
“Then do so,” commanded Lyra, “but do it in his room. Let’s not take the chance of someone else hearing us. I want the rest of you out looking for signs of Malafar. Search all the inns and anywhere else he might find a room to sleep in. See if you can learn anything about Alazar’s movements or schedule without being too obvious.”
“Perhaps we are here first,” pondered MistyTrail. “Should we watch the gates for his passage?”
“He is here already,” Temiker frowned. “I heard some of the Imperial Guard talking about a weird fog that developed this morning at one of the gates. I am sure that it was Malafar.”
“I have a few friends in the city who can be trusted,” stated SunChaser. “I will get them to help search for the mage. Should I warn Kapla? Maybe we can get the Katana to stay indoors.”
“No,” stated StarWind. “If they search the city for Malafar, none of us will escape this time. The result of finding a bunch of Sakovans in the city would be as disastrous as killing Alazar. We have to find Malafar ourselves.”
Someone must stay behind with Lyra, commanded StarWind. She should get some rest and must be protected while she does.
Can I keep watch for you? chirped MistyTrail. I will not let anyone disturb our Star.
Lyra smiled at the diminutive Sakovan. You can keep watch for me anytime, she answered.
Let's go to work then, ordered StarWind. Goral take the waterfront, StormSong the Merchant District, SunChaser the Diplomatic District, HawkShadow the trades area. Temiker, you know your brother the best. Search out those areas where he might have friends or acquaintances that we would not know about.
Where will you be? asked HawkShadow.
I have some people to talk to, starting with Mayor Ferde, frowned StarWind. Let's meet back here in four hours.
StarWind watched her small band nod and split up before ascending a flight of stairs and tapping lightly on Mayor Ferde's door. The door opened promptly and a smiling Mayor Ferde waved StarWind into his room.
Thank you for coming, he smiled. I apologize for my unfortunate display in the common room. Come sit down. We have much to discuss.
StarWind's eyes swept the room as she hesitantly crossed it and sat in a chair by the window, allowing her a view of the street below.
I am not trying to trick you, laughed Ferde. I am travelling alone and I have not alerted anyone to your presence here.
Why not? she quizzed.
Frankly, he admitted, I think I believe you. I am puzzled by some things though, like why you are travelling with Malafar's daughter?
A shiver of fear streaked down StarWind's back and her eyes narrowed to slits as her lips pressed tightly together. Her body tensed, a tight coil ready to spring at a moment's notice. Malafar's daughter? she questioned.
Ferde shook his head and smiled. Lyra's picture was posted all over Campanil when she fled the Academy. I do not forget faces either. Are you safeguarding her from the government? Or are you using her to track down Malafar?
; StarWind silently cursed herself. She had forgotten about the wanted posters and now Lyra was deep in the bowels of the enemy capital. Regardless of their search for Malafar, they must get her out of the city immediately.
Ferde's eyes widened with surprise during StarWind's silence. Malafar is still in the city, isn't he? He is going to try to kill another Katana.
StarWind stared at Mayor Ferde as her mind raced. If the Campanil Mayor spread his suspicions to the Palace or the Imperial Guard, they were all dead. Lyra had to be their first concern and then Malafar, but the question that was most poignant was how far she should trust the Mayor. He could be a great help or the kiss of death. Yet, he had not revealed their presence so far. She could easily kill the Mayor and put her efforts towards getting Lyra out of the city, but that would not stop Malafar and he had to be stopped to avert the war. Swiftly, she calculated the risks and made up her mind.
Malafar is here as you suspected, StarWind admitted. We must stop him before he does something foolish.
Like killing Alazar? Ferde whispered as his head nodded slightly.
Yes, agreed StarWind reluctantly. I think that we can stop him, but if the Imperial Guard knows we are here, they can foil our attempt. I must insist that you remain quiet about our presence in Okata.
Mayor Ferde frowned as he watched StarWind. He knew that her request was more than a plea and that she was quite capable of killing him to guarantee his silence. Still, he had to stop the assassination if he was capable.
Why do you and Lyra have a better chance at stopping him than the Imperial Guard or the Monitors? he asked. Lyra dare not show her face outside her room and you can scarcely guarantee to stop a powerful mage by yourself. Convince me that you can avoid this despicable crime and I will remain silent.
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