Ebudae

by Carroll, John H.

  “Yeah, and there were four other bodies in an alley, all killed exactly the same way. It’s nothing like the work of Blavoci’s men. They’re sloppy,” Florsy said. “Plus the four men had nothing to do with any of this.”

  Clutz looked at Pelya as though not wanting to say the next part. “Your friend Ebudae came to Aphry’s tent at Carnival a few hours after you left. Captain Fallamer investigated the deaths and learned that she met up with Juggles after leaving us.”

  “She wouldn’t have . . .” Pelya wasn’t so sure, but the way the men died didn’t sound like Ebudae.

  Clutz shook his head. “Captain Fallamer doesn’t think so either and Ebudae isn’t a suspect. But it’s a mystery to her who would have done it or why. We didn’t volunteer any of our information, which could get us in trouble if she finds out.” He looked worriedly at Captain Zephan and Commander Coodmur.

  The captain waved off the concern. “We have bigger problems. Blavoci’s man, Samael Thanzin, is demanding reparations and insisting that Pelya be publicly punished.”

  “Over our dead bodies,” Florsy said before the other two could make similar vows. Their hands were on hilts just as Frath had done.

  “We’re trying to avoid that sort of thing,” Captain Zephan said in exasperation. “There are no enemies here, so everyone can keep hands off your weapons.” She stared them down until they had hands behind their backs, far away from the swords. “Good then. So, does anyone have any ideas as to how to solve our little problem that doesn’t consist of the entire City Guard storming all of Blavoci’s holdings?”

  All the men looked at each other and thought deeply. None of them came up with an idea. Pelya wasn’t sure they would like hers, but she threw it out anyway. “I want to go make sure Ebudae’s safe and then go rescue Aphry and Glav.”

  It was unnerving to have them stare at her. She concentrated on her hands in her lap. Captain Zephan was the first one to speak. “You are in grave danger and your first concern is rescuing people you barely know, people who abandoned you and slaves to the dark, dangerous ruins underneath Dralin?”

  Pelya looked her in the eye. “Yes. They’ll be tortured and sold into slavery. They don’t deserve that. Nobody does.” She tugged on her braid. “I don’t know what to do about Master Thanzin. I’m sorry I put myself in danger and made so much trouble for all of you. I didn’t mean to.”

  They protested her words until Captain Zephan shushed them. “If you were a full member of the Guard, I would chastise you for being so foolish.” She glared at Frath. “It’s the sort of thing your father would do, the sort of thing that leads to falling down stairs I’d imagine.”

  Frath looked away innocently. “What a pretty bird,” he declared, looking at a purple-crested red bird tugging on an early worm a short distance away.

  “Uh huh.” She turned back to Pelya. “If you were a full member of the Guard, you would have gone in with a unit at your back since you’re smarter than your father.”

  “Hey!” Frath protested to the chuckles of the other men.

  “It’s true,” the weaponmaster pointed out.

  “Fine, but I’m prettier.” He stuck his tongue out and made a face.

  “You keep your delusions to yourself,” Captain Zephan said with a smirk. Going back to Pelya, she said, “If you rescue those people, it will make Thanzin all that much more determined to harm you.”

  “He’s already determined to do so. We need to send a clear message that Pelya is never to be messed with,” Gilron said. “Men like Blavoci and Thanzin think they can do as they please and intimidate everyone until they’re put in their place.”

  “I don’t want to make the problem worse, but I just can’t leave Aphry and the others as prisoners or slaves. I just can’t,” Pelya insisted.

  “I know how you feel,” Frath said. “It kills a piece of me whenever I’m not allowed to help someone in danger. I wonder how many pieces I have left.” He stared at the brightening sky, oblivious to the fact that his eyes began to glow.

  Everyone else exchanged glances, but said nothing about the effect. “We’d be willing to help,” Florsy said. “They’re being held in another warehouse on the edge of the Western Livestock District next to the Western Slum District.”

  “Someone would have to talk to our sergeant of course,” Grinkin said with a glance at the weaponmaster.

  “That’s a terrible place.” Captain Zephan shook her head. “I can’t agree to that. There are better uses of time and Guard resources.”

  “I think it’s an excellent idea,” Frath said. They turned to him in surprise. “Thanzin isn’t going to leave Pelya alone, so we need to send a message. Let me take the boys and rescue those Carnies. We’ll take Pelya to Ebudae’s where they’ll both be safe.” He began tapping on the table to emphasize each section of the plan. “Rescuing the Carnies will send a message that we’re going to go directly against them. We’ll take the highest-ranking person in this warehouse and drag him in front of Thanzin as a warning. Then we’ll make it clear that all of Blavoci’s holdings in Dralin will be considered a direct threat to the City Guard if he makes one more move against Pelya.”

  “I like it,” Grinkin said. “Let’s do it.”

  “That’s a terrible plan!” Captain Zephan disagreed.

  “I have to concur with the captain,” Gilron said. “And considering we outrank everyone, we win.”

  “I’m not going to sit here while Pelya’s in trouble!” Frath yelled, smacking his hand on the table. “I will kill everyone in Blavoci’s organization and then take Pelya far from Dralin if that’s what I have to do to keep her safe.”

  “Calm down, Sergeant,” Captain Zephan ordered. “Do not deliver ultimatums to us. We’re not just your commanding officers, we’re your friend and Pelya’s.”

  Frath relaxed, somewhat mollified. “I’m sorry. I just won’t allow anyone to hurt my daughter.” Pelya buried her face in his chest and listened to his voice rumble in his torso. “I have to do something. People like these dogs don’t respond to reason. We’re going to have to make them fear for their lives.”

  “He’s right about that,” Gilron agreed. “We need to convince him that messing with the Guard is a bad idea.”

  The captain shook her head. “At the same time, he’s not important enough to mobilize the entire guard. It would draw attention to bring in too much power, attention that would make powerful people question the wisdom of keeping Pelya in the Guard.”

  Pelya sat up. “There are other ways to intimidate a criminal, which Thanzin is. People who kidnap others and make them sign over carnival stages are criminals.” She pointed at her father. “Daddy says that criminals always leave clues because they secretly want to be caught. We can rescue Aphry and the others and then get them to testify in exchange for protection. Ebudae and I can do that because Guardspeople might not be able to get away with certain things.” She ignored the narrowed looks everyone gave her at that suggestion. “Then we can get records of everything Thanzin has ‘purchased’ at Carnival recently. If Uncle Clutz and them find out where Thanzin keeps hidden records or logs of those purchases that show wrongdoing, then Ebudae and I can liberate those as well.”

  “We’re perfectly capable of finding and liberating them ourselves. We can even make it look legal. There’s no way I’m letting you put yourself in danger,” Florsy insisted.

  Captain Zephan sighed and put her face in her hands. “You shouldn’t say things like that around me.”

  “Sorry, Captain,” Florsy apologized with a blush.

  She waved it off. “It’s actually not a bad plan other than the part where two teenage girls go off putting themselves into danger.” Captain Zephan folded her arms on the table and stared at Pelya.

  “I’ll rescue the Carnies. We’ll call it reconditioning as part of my recovery.” Frath grinned widely, eliciting a chuckle from the weaponmaster and a roll of the eyes from the Captain.

  “So it’s set then,” Grinkin said. “Me and t
he boys’ll liberate any records related to Carnival takeovers and kidnappings while Sergeant Jornin rescues the Carnies.”

  “What about the official records?” Clutz asked.

  “I’ll send someone to the record house.” Captain Zephan brushed the disobedient strands of hair behind her ear yet again. “I think Captain Pumosa is investigating Master Blavoci’s holdings. I’ll talk to her and see if she has more information. Perhaps we can coordinate actions. You said Captain Fallamer was investigating the death of the Carnie . . . Juggles?”

  Pelya nodded. “Yes. I don’t know what his real name is.”

  “Alright. I’ll let Captain Fallamer know we have information and that we think Thanzin is behind it. She likes you, Pelya, so she’ll be thrilled to help.” The captain put a hand on Gilron’s shoulder. “What will you do sir?”

  “It’s best I not tell you, Captain.” He gave a slight smile with no humor behind it.

  Captain Zephan stared at him for a moment then sighed. “Very well.” She pointed at Frath. “You are not going anywhere by yourself. Who are you taking with?”

  “Me.” Pelya lifted her chin in determination that would not be swayed. “This is my mess. I know who the Carnies are by sight and I’m extremely capable.” Just as everyone was about to protest, she smacked her hand on the table hard. “I will grow up whether you want me to or not. You all know my abilities and know that I’ll follow Daddy’s orders when we’re in danger. I’m a good person to have guarding your back.” Pelya said the last part to her father. She pleaded with her eyes, praying he would take her.

  Frath looked at Captain Zephan and Commander Coodmur, but they just returned his gaze, letting him make the decision. He looked back into Pelya’s eyes and smiled sadly. Running the back of his hand against her cheek, he said, “Your mother would love what a strong and determined young woman you’ve become.”

  “Thank you, Daddy.” Pelya didn’t say anything else, but tried to look a little more strong with just a touch of pitiful.

  “There’s no one I’d rather have watching my back,” he finally said. “If you get hurt though, you’re going to see me kill a lot of people in a rage I won’t be able to control. If that happens, you find a corner to hide in. After that, we may have to leave Dralin in a hurry.”

  She looked for any sign that he was joking, but only found grave severity in the words. “Yes, Daddy.”

  “Go then,” Captain Zephan said decisively, the powerful words jerking them all out of the moment. “Before I change my mind and realize that this is probably a terrible plan after all.” She got up from the table to begin her own preparations.

  Pelya followed her father out of the garden, feeling excitement at getting to go on an adventure with him and worry that she might let him down.

  Chapter 18

  Pelya walked fast, but every once in a while she had to take a few extra steps to keep up with her father. He was lost deep in thought and she decided it was best not to disturb him, plus she had enough things racing around in her own mind.

  Lizor was dead and her uncles wouldn’t give any details, which meant that it was probably gruesome. The images she envisioned of his dead body made her stomach clench and she brushed them aside.

  She liked the muscle builder. He had invited them into their shady tent and accepted them without judgment. Lizor didn’t think Frath was a terrible person for raising Pelya in the City Guard. He thought it was impressive that her father cared so much for her that he would do so.

  The Carnies had accepted her and Ebudae without taking their raising into consideration. While it was true that they hadn’t helped rescue the slaves, Pelya understood that the Carnies were entertainers, not knights or heroes. Just rescuing Aphry’s brother had gotten them taken or killed.

  The one thing that didn’t make sense was Juggle’s fate. Why in the world would anyone assassinate him? It would make Thanzin’s dealings more difficult the next time he asked someone for information. She wondered how Ebudae would take the news.

  A jolt of fear ran up her spine and caused the hair on her arms to stand up. “Daddy? Do you think Thanzin would hurt Ebudae? Would he have already visited?”

  Frath looked at her with a frown and thought about it for a moment. “Come on.” He set the pace at a ground-eating jog that Pelya matched with effort.

  They reached the estate slightly out of breath. Nothing appeared wrong externally and the squirrel let them in without pause. Mary opened the door for them after a few knocks. “Is everyone safe?” Frath asked her.

  “Yes. Lady Pallon is in the sitting room.” Mary frowned at Pelya for no reason.

  She ignored the look. Pelya didn’t like Mary any more than she liked Lady Pallon. “Where’s Ebudae?”

  “Probably sleeping like usual. She’s not my concern.”

  Pelya opened her mouth to respond, but her Father dragged her inside. “We’ll pay our respects to Lady Pallon first.” Pelya met Mary’s glare behind Frath’s back with one of her own. They entered the sitting room where Lady Pallon was sitting next to a crackling fire and looking out the window. The room was cooled from the outside heat and the lit fireplace seemed out of place. “This is an unusual place for you to sit, Milady,” Frath said in surprise. “You normally take breakfast in the conservatory.”

  “I’m getting old, my friend.” Lady Pallon’s voice had aged unnaturally and she looked tired. “This manor is finally winning its battle to kill me.”

  Frath sat down on the edge of a chair near her. “What is it? You don’t look well.”

  She closed her eyes. Everything about her manner spoke to apathy. “I hate raising children. I just wanted a peaceful life. It made me happy when Melody ran off.” When she reopened her eyes they were crazed. “Ebudae is evil. She’ll murder everyone in this forsaken city if she’s allowed to live.” Lady Pallon reached out and grabbed his arm with a bony hand. “Kill her,” she rasped. “Kill her, my friend, before it’s too late.”

  “Don’t you dare speak about her that way, you wicked, terrible beast!” Pelya screamed at the woman.

  Lady Pallon gave a strangled cry as if seeing Pelya there for the first time. The grip on Frath’s arm became tighter and she crouched down. “Kill her too.”

  Frath stood and angrily shook the arm off. He didn’t say anything for a moment, but stood protectively in front of Pelya. “You’ve been a good friend to me, Milady. It hurts my heart to see you lose your mind.” He bowed. “I will always remember you fondly. Good day.” Frath turned Pelya around roughly and shoved her toward the exit of the room.

  “KILL THEM!” Lady Pallon screamed at their backs. “Kill them before they destroy the world!”

  Pelya tried to look back, but her father pushed her forward. She saw anger fighting grief across his face. She dashed up the steps, trying to keep ahead of his pace.

  The door to the suite was closed. Pelya grabbed the handle and made to dash through. She crashed into it hard because it was locked. Frath came up behind her. “It’s advisable to open the door before walking into a room.”

  She playfully scowled at him and was happy to see an amused smirk on his lips. Pelya took out a key that Ebudae had given her when they were younger. She opened the door and they both went in.

  Tina was standing at the entry to Ebudae’s bedroom, watching to see who was entering. When Pelya and Frath walked in, she visibly relaxed. Blankets and a pillow were on a couch in the sitting room of the suite, indicating that perhaps the woman was sleeping there.

  “Hello, Tina. Is Ebudae alright?” Pelya moved toward the room, relieved when the servant nodded. Frath stayed in the sitting area with Tina.

  The bedroom was dark with the curtains closed. She climbed on the bed and crawled to the lump under the covers with wild hair sticking out all over a pillow. “Ebudae?” There was no movement. Pelya shook her shoulder. “Ebudae, wake up.”

  “Gmmbly”

  Pelya tried to decipher the word. “. . . What?”

  Ebudae lifted
her head and looked at her with slitted eyes. “Go away. I’m tired,” she whined.

  “Your life is in danger and your grandmother is crazy or something. Wake up.” Pelya shook her again.

  “I don’t like you anymore. Where’s my food?” She sat up against the pillows and grabbed a tray of food on the nightstand.

  Pelya reached for a piece of bread and snatched her hand back when Ebudae slapped it and growled at her. “Are you still hungry from the spells you cast underground?” Pelya asked.

  “No. I went out the next night and had to cast more. Then a man came here and I zapped him with lightning.” It was hard to understand the words since they were said through mouthfuls of food. “What time is it?”

  “It’s morning three days after we broke into the warehouse.” Pelya wanted a slice of bread, the oatmeal hadn’t been enough that morning, but knew better than to take anything off the wizardess’s plate.

  Ebudae chewed on some cheese. “I need sleep. I’m exhausted and my mind is muddled.”

  “One of Blavoci’s men, named Samael Thanzin, knows that we rescued those people and wants us to pay. Daddy and I are going to rescue Aphry and Glav. They were kidnapped. I was hoping you’d come with.”

  “Does he have slick hair and a gold-gilded, black coach?” Ebudae wiped an arm across her eyes and Pelya could tell she wouldn’t be any help on their quest.

  “I don’t know. I haven’t met him.”

  “I hit him with lightning and threw a dagger into his bodyguard’s leg. They limped out of here.” Ebudae looked at Pelya miserably. “I can’t go. I need sleep so much.”

  “Okay. You lie down and get some rest.” Pelya set the food aside and tucked in her friend. Ebudae was asleep instantly. That slice of bread Pelya had been coveting was still on the plate along with a few strawberries. She gathered them up and made her way off the large bed.

  Frath and Tina were waiting at the bedroom door. “Is she alright?” Frath asked.

  “She used a bunch of magic and needs to recover,” Pelya answered. “Tina, is she safe here?” Tina nodded heartily, making it clear that the servant would protect her lady with her life if need be. “Good. I’ll be back as soon as I can to help you take care of her, but I have something to do first.”