Guardians of Evil

by C. R. Daems

  “You mean…” Zeph said but didn’t continue.

  “I doubt you have to worry about the young priest anymore.”

  Liada met Zeph’s gaze. “He doesn’t believe in threatening people.”

  “The men who ‘arrested’ the priest came from near the Inn. Since they were in priests’ robes, it’s logical to assume they’d been waiting for him,” Tali said.

  “I’m getting as bad as Emmund,” Liada said. “I should feel sorry for the priest or horrified by what happened, or resolved to never let that happen again. I’m not. I’m—I’m relieved.” It would keep her safe and give her a chance to protect the First Ones. The priests were abusing their power. Maybe people with too much power always did that. But she’d have to think about that later.

  Threatening, physically or verbally, or trying to bribe the priest would have gotten the Senior Priests involved. She knew, like it or not, that this was the only solution that would guarantee her safety and Zeph’s.

  “I agree.” Zeph shook his head. “I guess we’re learning that life isn’t simply white or black, good or evil. It is far more complex. I’m glad it wasn’t up to me to decide.” Zeph eased himself back into the chair.

  * * * *

  Kaim returned the next morning, while Liada was still dressing. She knew right away when she felt the feather-like tickling on her neck and the feel of its snout in her ear.

  “Good morning, Liada. I’m not too early?”

  “No, Kaim. You can interrupt me any time you have information.” Liada had to laugh at the little Seadragon. Since they never slept, the need for sleep, tiredness, and fatigue had little meaning. Something they observed but couldn’t relate to.

  “I’ve been watching the house where Jym went. He came out after dark and spent the next few hours visiting several houses along Jett Alley and Pit Row. Not a very nice neighborhood, although he seemed comfortable there and nobody bothered him. He did little talking with the people he met. It appeared that they already had some prearranged agreement. Jym gave each a small rod of wood with symbols I couldn’t recognize. Since I can read any language, the symbols must be a secret code.”

  “Can you copy them?” Maybe Emmund would understand them.

  “I believe that I can.”

  “I need to go to work right now, Kaim. Wait until tonight. I’d like Zeph here when you draw them.”

  “I will stay with you in case you need anything more.” With that, Kaim settled on her shoulder. Liada smiled all the way to the kitchen. She had First Ones as friends. Best of all, they were riding on her shoulders, which gave her a feeling of closeness. Lately her days alternated between worry and depression or hope and joy.

  She prepared the usual eggs, potatoes, and pork strips and added potato pancakes. For the later meals she prepared pan fried beef, and a chicken stew. The vegetables she halved. One she left plain and the other half she prepared in a creamed sauce. She had found that most liked her creamed dishes.

  After work, Liada and Zeph met behind the cabin to construct the symbols Kaim had seen. They spread a patch of sand on the floor and attempted to draw what Kaim described. For an hour, they listened to Kaim and tried, without success, to reconstruct the symbols. Kaim, holding a small thin stick in his snout, finally managed to draw one in the sand.

  “Enough. This isn’t working,” Tali said. “Kaim should fly in the pattern of the symbol. I will watch and duplicate it in the sand.”

  That proved to work well. After Kaim agreed the symbol looked right, Zeph copied it onto a piece of paper. Eventually, they assembled fifteen symbols.

  “There were many more, but I couldn’t see all the sides of the rods or where their hands held it.”

  “Those are symbols used by thieves and assassins.”

  Liada gasped. She hadn’t heard Emmund slip up on them.

  “They vary somewhat by empire and by city, but there are some which are universal. Those three, for example, stand for kill, water, and fire. I would guess that many of those symbols, when combined with others, form names or places. Most appear unique to Osshaft.” He studied each symbol from different angles. While he did, Liada heard Tali and Kaim talking in some exotic sing-song language.

  “Kaim and I agree that ‘fire,’ and ‘water’ strongly suggest the methods the First Ones would use to kill.”

  Liada repeated Tali’s remarks.

  “I agree,” Emmund said, nodding. “All the elements are coming together. A list of people who oppose the Roganista Priests, money to finance the operation, the priests raising the tension within the city, and now hiring the assassins guild. Liada, you and your ‘friends’ have done well.” He gave her a long look. “You are safe for now.” He slipped around the corner before she could respond.

  “Not one for long conversations,” Liada said, shaking her head.

  “Do you think that last comment referred to our young priest?” Zeph said after a minute of silence.

  “Yes. I would bet his ‘friends’ have been watching us as he promised. He seems to have a simple idea: if you find a problem, eliminate it.” Liada gave a weak laugh. “From the tatts on his forehead, he’s senior member of Gorlack’s security. From the tatts on his arms and chest, I’d bet he’s had a successful career. Gorlack sent their best. He’s like a panther—deadly.”

  “He isn’t that old,” Zeph said, looking after Emmund. “And I don’t much like the way he looks at you.”

  “He’s never—done anything. You know. Like what you mean.” She felt a blush go up her face. “But I don’t think you can be old and do what he does for Gorlack.”

  * * * *

  As Liada was getting ready to open her door to go into the kitchen, Tali landed on her ear. “Are any of your circle still watching Rychael’s house?”

  “No. Members of my circle can’t be away from me for more than a half-day. The compulsion to return begins within a few hours and becomes more compelling as the hours pass. It’s been several days since Lyunaoliakainoe returned. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. Do you want me to send someone else?”

  “No, I don’t think so. Kaim, would you mind going? You have more experience in the city than Tali. I feel safer now that the young priest is...no longer a problem, but I’d like Tali to stay with me in case something else pops up.”

  “I will be a dark cloud over her.” Kaim laughed. The laugh sounded like it had been carried on the wind.

  “Tali, you sound so different than Kaim when you laugh, more musical.” Even the laughs of the First Ones were fascinating.

  “The Seadragons control air and water. They can raise huge storms with violent winds and rains. So when they laugh, it carries the sounds of the storm. In this case, it carried a gentle rain shower.”

  In the kitchen as she chopped and stirred her pots of food, Liada hummed and sang songs with Tali. Preoccupied singing, she didn’t notice when Girta stopped in around mid-day.

  “Well, I assume that the young priest hasn’t bothered you since he grabbed you the other day.”

  If you only knew why, Liada mused.

  “No, Mam. I think you scared him.”

  “That’s good. They have gotten far too uppity. And the young ones have been the worst. I’d still be careful, Jatia,” Girta said as she picked up a tray of food and carried it out. “I’ve heard some stories that I don’t much like about their goings-on.”

  Liada couldn’t stop humming now that the threat from the young priest was gone, and her friends were safe. And best of all, she had Tali to keep her company. Today, at least, was wonderful and little else mattered. After work, she thought about going to the market, but hesitated. The priests did seem to seize women and girls. Besides, she had been a little too visible over the past few days. What if the young priest had told his young friends about her or the senior priests became suspicious of her actions. It would be best if she kept out of everyone’s way for a while, so she strolled, still humming, towards her room.

  “Jatia,” Zeph shouted. He waited to
talk until he got closer. “You’ll never guess what happened this morning.”

  “You actually did some work?”

  “No—” Zeph rolled his eyes.

  “That’s not unusual. You’re always goofing around.”

  Zeph gave her arm a playful punch. “No, a man stopped in with his carriage. He wanted me to check out his horse’s shoes and the leather harnesses.”

  “That’ll keep you out of trouble, Zack,” Liada said. She knew Zeph’s days had been a little slow. If they stayed here, his reputation for good work would eventually keep him busy, but until then he had to expect it to be slow.

  “The man has a contract to drive two important people from Ostono to Breeze Point. He leaves in three days. He said one’s a senior priest. Want to guess who?” Zeph gave her a broad smile.

  “It couldn’t be my friends, the Honorable Roward and Sechael,” Liada said thoughtfully. Breeze Point was at the southern tip of Sporish and its only other major city. It was at the end of a narrow channel of water separating Sporish and Gorlack, connecting Lake Sliccic and Lake Disos. That probably meant that as soon as Emmund found out they would leave too.

  “I’d be surprised if it wasn’t.”

  * * * *

  As Liada and Zeph sat in her room mulling over all that had happened since they left Ostono, Liada felt the brush of Kaim’s wings. She smiled. It would be wonderful if he could stay with her like Tali. He was also becoming a precious friend.

  “What did you learn, Kaim?”

  “A Senior Priest stopped in to see Madam Rychael and Sechael—with his Quag. Fortunately, I was able to dash out of sight. I didn’t dare get close enough to hear what they said. After he left, Rychael and Sechael went to a stable and rented a carriage.”

  Her gaze met Zeph’s. “You were right.”

  “I’m going to be sorry to leave. Girta has been good to us and I’ve had fun getting the chance to work as a real blacksmith.”

  “I know. It felt good to be responsible for the kitchen, like a real master cook.” Liada flushed and giggled. “Well sort of like a ‘junior’ Master cook.”

  * * * *

  That night Zeph and Liada again sat reminiscing over their early lives in Ostono. Liada missed her parents.

  Zeph frowned. “I never lied to them about anything important before. And what will they think if they find out I’m not at my uncle’s? They might think something happened to me—or that I just ran away.”

  Emmund slipped silently into the room.

  “I understand that Rychael and Sechael are planning a trip,” he said as he closed the door. The room felt warmer all of a sudden. What did Emmund really want? Would he help the First Ones if it weren’t in Gorlack’s interest? In fact, would he help Sporish or Ostono once the threat to Gorlack ceased to exist? Had he saved her from the priest only because she spied for him?

  “No,” she said. “Sechael and the Senior Priest Roward are going to Breeze Point.”

  Emmund stared at some point through the wall as though it wasn’t there. “You two should get ready to leave. It’s too dangerous for your friend to follow them.” He turned his dark eyes toward Liada with an enigmatic expression. “And it would be dangerous for you if the priest saw you following their coach. I’ll make arrangements in Breeze Point. Be ready for me to pick you up on the morning of the third day.”

  “What if we don’t want to go?” Liada said and almost smiled when Zeph’s head snapped in her direction. They had little choice. Emmund wasn’t asking them. He was telling them. Liada knew she would go whether or not Emmund went. She would do whatever it took to save the First Ones and the trail led to Breeze Point. But she felt stubborn and knew she was being a bit childish—like a little girl who had been told to mind her manners.

  I’m grown, and it’s time he treated me like a woman.

  “That would present another one of those dilemmas.” Emmund didn’t state the dilemma it presented.

  “Then you are ordering us to go to Breeze Point,” Liada said. She didn’t see how she could say, sorry I just wanted to hear what you would say.

  “No. If I have to force you to go, I can’t trust you.” One corner of his mouth curled into a wry smile. “Do I really have to force you?”

  “Tali?” She needed a way to get out of the predicament she had gotten herself into without appearing childish.

  “You want to go so why not say so,” Tali said. She sounded bored but amused.

  Liada had backed herself into a corner, but she didn’t have to like admitting it. “We want to go.”

  Emmund merely shook his head. “Was that really necessary? I knew you’d already decided to go, from the look on Zeph’s face if nothing else.” He reached out and tilted her head to so she had to meet his gaze. “I’ve come to know you better than that. I’ll see you three days hence.” And he was gone.

  “What was that about, Liada?”

  “I don’t know. I guess I was trying to find out where Emmund stands. Does his interest extend pass Gorlack? Or maybe I’m just tired of his bossing me around.”

  Chapter 10

  Sporish: Osshaft

  Liada waited in the kitchen for Girta the next morning. The kitchen was filled with the smells of onions sautéing to go in the eggs, and bread baking. She felt sorry to leave, especially with such short notice.

  “Madam Girta, I’m sorry to tell you we’ll have to leave in two days. You’ve been very kind, and I’ve enjoyed cooking for you.” She kept eye contact with Girta, wanting her to know that what she said came from her heart.

  “I’m sorry to see you go. You’ve been more than I expected when Emmund asked for you and Zack to work here. He can be…” She gave a brief laugh, “…less than truthful even though he is a good man. I knew when I agreed that it would only be for a short time. Anytime you want to work for me, you’re welcome.” Girta came over and hugged her, and she returned the hug with enthusiasm. When Girta released her, Liada’s eyes were misty. Girta patted her cheek and picked up a tray with dishes of eggs and potatoes on it, but Liada thought she looked a little teary-eyed.

  * * * *

  The sky was an early morning gray with fingers of gold reaching up from the horizon. Liada paced as she and Zeph waited in her room for Emmund to arrive. Before long the rattle of harness and stamping of hooves signaled he was outside. When they went out, a small two-person carriage stood in the yard. The carriage was a faded shade of black, the horse dull brown, and the driver’s seat torn and worn. In his tattered cloak and floppy hat, Emmund looked as shabby as the coach. The inside was the same as the outside, worn and dull. Zeph piled their two bags on the back while Liada put a basket of supplies inside. She sighed as they settled down inside. In this old coach, it would be a bumpy three-day ride. The coach clattered over the cobblestones from Stony Street onto South Fields Road, which led to Osshaft’s farming district in the south. From there the road was well maintained, as half of Osshaft’s food supply came from South Fields. The first half of the day, towering pine forest cut off most of the sun. Emmund stopped only once, allowing them to eat a lunch Liada had packed, stretch, and relieve themselves behind some trees. By afternoon, the trees thinned and the land changed to gentle rolling hills covered with wild grass. The land flattened out as they approached South Fields. They rode for over two hours through farms growing wheat, vegetables, and grazing cattle. For a while, a mare raced them along a fence, trailed by a yearling colt.

  The sun had set by the time they reached the Old Farmer’s Inn, an impressive brick building that would accommodate over a hundred guests. It had to be large as South Fields provided a convenient stopping point for people traveling to and from Breeze Point and Osshaft, for merchants buying produce, and for the men driving haulers.

  The serving girl sat steaming platters of country food in front of them at their corner table. Liada’s stomach grumbled and it smelled good—roasted chicken with piles of vegetables. It tasted as good as it smelled, but she decided she could easily dup
licate the meal and even make it better. She owed Wilorm much. He’d shown her how to make food delicious to taste and a feast for the eyes. Emmund sat with his back to the corner, makeup hiding his facial tatts and long-sleeved shirt buttoned at the wrist. She started to chuckle then decided perhaps it wasn’t funny.

  The sleeping room was rustic and a reasonable size with a table and chair, which had seen better days, but the bedding was clean and the bed comfortable.

  The next two days, the scenery offered little to maintain their interest, alternating between rolling hills and thin forests. Worse, the roads were rutted and bumpy. By the end of the day, Liada was sore and exhausted. Even Emmund muttered as he rubbed his back.

  “I think I would rather walk,” Zeph said as he climbed down from the coach on the second night. “I feel like I’ve been dragged behind the coach instead of riding.”

  “I hate to mention it, but eventually we’ll have to return to Osshaft over the same roads,” Liada pointed out. The ride had been very uncomfortable and tiring, but they did have Tali and Kaim for company. They sang songs and Kaim talked about Sporish and how it had changed over the centuries. For Liada, the ride had been fun even if she was sore from the bumping and jarring.

  “Maybe we can arrange for a boat up the channel to Lake Disos and home. I’d prefer being seasick to being beaten half to death in a coach,” Zeph said.

  They arrived in Breeze Point late on the third day. Emmund guided the coach through the town streets to a small Inn with a sign full of runes Liada couldn’t read. When she looked at Zeph, he shrugged.

  “The Adventurer,” Tali and Kaim chimed together. Inside, the dining room and tavern were decorated with fishing nets, miniature boats of every description, and maps of the three lakes. The dining room was quiet with only a couple of men in work clothes at one table eating fish off heavy platters. As usual, Emmund headed straight for a corner. After a tasty fish meal, the thin-faced innkeeper showed them to rooms at the back of the Inn.