by AS Hamilton
Day 6 – Night
Sal-Cirus
Brynn leaned against the fence of the corral and smiled. There were significantly less horses since their visit this afternoon. He was thankful for Sariah's link to Kaydyr, it made an impossible task merely difficult. While scouting the mages in the city, Brynn found several apprentices, but only a few experienced mages. These were mostly human and did not have access to the planes Brynn planned to use. Two were elvan, though, which meant the task was still not a dance in the meadow. Brynn decided the best strategy was to disguise himself on the planes so that whoever noted him, perceived him as their colleague. This tactic was a first for him. Rebel mages often used it, but instead of mimicking the other mage's aura, as his predecessors did, Brynn had gone a step further and sampled each mage's spirit, using it to construct a more thorough camouflage. It was the application of a theory he had researched over turns but had never tried, until now. Thus, Brynn had spent some time monitoring the two elvan mages before attempting his ruse.
The proprietor of the horse stall had just finished spreading some hay for the remaining horses and amiably wandered over to Brynn.
'What happened to all the horses?' Brynn asked, gesturing to the five horses congregating in a corner of the corral.
'This man you were speaking with, he buys them for his master, yes. He most amused to 'steal' this 'good deal', while you send your message, yes,' the merchant said with a chuckle.
Brynn's smile turned into a grin, this was as it should be. He had imposed his will on the man to cause him to decide to do it after Brynn created a circumstance where the decision seemed natural. He was gaining more experience in using mind-will. Great care was still necessary, though, as one could never tell when interference with Fate might result in calamity rather than success. Brynn had mapped out each step of the scenario from the moment he began to exert his will to the moment he walked away.
The merchant was still chuckling. 'He believed he make the big coup, yes. I do not think he realise you do not really want to buy my horses, no.'
Brynn affected a look of mild offence. 'Really? Why do you say that?'
'Because you are no servant of a thane, no,' the proprietor stated simply, and without threat. 'No thane would ever allow that an elvan has more knowledge than he has, no.'
Brynn frowned briefly, realising where the proprietor was going in his thoughts. Brynn had not extended the illusion he was human to the merchant, having judged that he was not a threat. It was a lesson. Next time he should include all in an illusion, whether they were a danger or not.
'That is an interesting conclusion,' he remarked indifferently, maintaining a lightness in his tone.
'Oh, I not tell others, no,' the merchant said with a grin. 'This is not me. Else guards would be here, yes.'
Brynn gave him an appreciative smile, the merchant did not realise Brynn had already seen the paths of his mind and knew the merchant was sympathetic to the rebels.
'I did think it quite a cunning line you gave him, saying you give lame horses to slaves, yes,' the proprietor added.
Brynn smiled wryly, he had thought that it was a good line too.
The man had an unusual accent and spoke his Common with care, being sure to pronounce each word fully and adding a yes or a no to the end of his sentences to emphasise his meaning. Most times the inflection on the yes or the no sounded like he was questioning whether he had stated the sentence correctly. Brynn found himself nodding or shaking his head to confirm that he understood the merchant's meaning.
Brynn considered him curiously. 'From whence do you come?'
'A place you likely have not heard of, no. My home is Casinca, yes.'
'The islands out to the east?'
'Yes! Yes!' came the enthusiastic response. 'You have heard of it?'
'I learned of it in my studies. It sounded like a beautiful place.'
'Oh, it is! It is, yes. A resplendent island! Lovely, long beaches, lush forests, yes. The soil inland is good, rich! Lots of fruits and vegetables we grow, yes.'
Brynn chuckled at the man's exuberance. 'May I ask why you moved from such a paradise?'
'The Great Lord reigns there and claims immense share of our produce, yes. Selling horses is only way I support my family. Two little girls and a little boy, and my wife.'
Brynn smiled at the inflection the merchant put on 'little', making it sound like leetle. In his enthusiasm his accent was growing more noticeable.
'On Casinca I train the horses to add income from vegetables, yes. Now, do this all of time...' he said mournfully. 'In end, we must move,' he finished with a sad smile and a shrug.
'One day you will be able to return home, I am sure of it,' Brynn murmured encouragingly. 'Never-the-less, I am very glad you were able to sell most of your horses.'
'Yes, yes. I am glad, too, yes,' he said. Then he added, 'Your friend, she returns, yes.'
The merchant made a nodding gesture indicating someone behind Brynn, where, sure enough, Sariah was walking towards them. Having changed back into slave robes, she also replaced her confident stride with the humble gait common to slaves. He admired Sariah's ability to meld so well with the persona she had adopted as well as disguising her blindness. He turned back to the horse merchant.
The man thrust out his hand saying, 'My name is Peerisnevu. Peers to you, yes.'
Brynn clasped it firmly in return, reminding himself it was a human custom and deserved respect, as friendship was being offered and he valued that. 'I am honoured.'
Sariah reached them. Brynn looked for Kaydyr and found him perched on a rooftop nearby.
Peers dipped his head to each of them in a respectful farewell and went over to his horses to give them privacy.
'I cannot see a tavern,' Sariah said, having used Kaydyr's position to scan the area.
'It is just around the corner.'
Kaydyr pushed off from the ledge of the roof and silently glided to her shoulder. Sariah transferred him to the crook of her arm. There were less people about at this time of night and those who were out were too engrossed in their tasks or in each other to pay the hawk any notice.
'So what was it called?' she asked out of curiosity.
Brynn flashed a grin at her. 'You will love this. The Lopsided Goat.'
They had started walking, but Sariah halted, one fine red-gold eyebrow raised in doubt. 'The what?'
'Lopsided Goat. Sarre did say he thought it was named after a disabled animal. The owner is human, but has the disposition of an ill-tempered dwarven. He must have a sense of humour though, because not only does he limp, but the name captures his looks and personality quite accurately.'
Sariah shook her head, more at Brynn's amusement than in disbelief. 'As long as the ale is drinkable, I guess the name matters little.'
'Trust me, the place sounds more appealing than the tavern down the road.'
Sariah raised her brows expectantly.
'The Slightly-Decrepit Badger.'
Brynn's grin brought a groan from Sariah. 'Beware of mages with too much humour and not enough sense,' she grumbled, gesturing for him to lead the way.
Brynn saw her lips curve into a brief smile though and laughed. 'I am just trying to lighten your mood.'
'Save it for the tavern patrons, they will appreciate it more, I am sure,' Sariah shot back, not quite managing to suppress her smile.
'But we are going straight to the forge, are we not? So, fortunately for you, I have a captive audience.'
'Hmmph, well, for the sake of keeping a low profile, I suggest we only speak as necessary until we reach the forge,' Sariah murmured gruffly.
Day 6 – Night
Sal-Cirus
Lost in the noise of his work, Gareth heard no one enter his forge. Finally, he finished with the latest sword and sat back, resting for a moment. He walked over to another bench to grab a cloth and when he turned to go back he noticed the two elvan for the first time.
There was a female hovering like a ghost in the
corner and a male looking like a lion considering his prey. Gareth shivered, an unpleasant feeling settling in his gut. How had these two gotten in and how long had they been watching him? He shuddered again, trying to shake the feeling of dread that was descending coldly over him.
He watched in silence as the male approached. He was impressive in his size and muscle. The sharp elvan features gave him a predatory look. Gareth had thought the Great Lord's captured elvan mages made him nervous, but compared to the way this one made him feel... In a mere moment he made Gareth's previous experiences seem like a childhood nightmare; long ago, far away and very insignificant. Gareth made a gesture of protection.
'Fear not Gareth, we are not here to harm you,' the male said in a low voice, the smooth words were clear and short. Cold. And no trace of an accent, either. Only rebels talked like that.
'What are you wanting, then?'
'Of you, nothing taxing. We just wish to take temporary refuge here. I will watch from your upper floor, while my friend watches this entrance. All you need to do is continue with your work and pay no heed to us,' the male answered.
'How much is it worth?' the smithy asked, his business instincts over-riding his desire to flee.
The male drew out a pouch and dropped it gently on the workbench. 'You will find that this will more than compensate you, so much so, our presence here will escape your memory entirely.'
Gareth's eyes narrowed as he calculated how far he could push the elvan. 'That's possibly true, yet I've a long memory and am not used to working with ghosts. Is there nothing more to offer?'
'I could kill you and ensure there is no memory at all. Although I thought you would prefer to assist. I mean, I would rather the leisure of leaving without guards breathing so closely down my neck I could later claim intimate liaisons with them. However, I can easily accommodate you if you would rather die,' the male offered, his tone deceptively light and casual.
'Put in such a light, I believe I can see things your way,' Gareth hastily assured him, forcing a smile and taking a physical step back. Those threats were not idle, so, for now, it was wisest to comply.
'The stairs?'
'Yonder,' the smithy jerked a thumb towards the back. 'On your right.'
The male disappeared, while the female stayed near the window… and the door. Gareth didn't like the way the male was so sure of his control. The smithy consoled himself that when they were about to leave they'd be more eager to ensure his silence. Possibly to the sum of several more sovereigns.
Day 6 – Night
Sey-sjhon River
(northern end)
Baschia rested in a small hollow. It was a cloudy night and not as cold as the previous evening, yet she preferred her shadowed, hidden spot. She was heading to Sal-Cirus. After speaking with Brynn a few hours ago, she was now aware that there was no need to hurry as Brynn had only reached Sal-Cirus today. The timing worked out well because she could use this break to contact each of the may-en-ghi scouting pairs dispersed around the country and see how they were faring. First, she wanted to find out how Balhalku and Denica were. They had taken over from her, continuing to lead Nathan along the false trail that would bring him almost to Denas before heading back to Sal-Cirus. The Thane believed Brynn was heading to Sal-Cirus via a circuitous route, so that was where they would take him... eventually.
Balhalku and Denica had continued to leave prints, broken twigs and bent grass, as well as using illusions to convince locals they saw a rider on a grey and white charger with a large cat companion. Then, they reported that the Thane was losing patience and might abandon the trail. Baschia suggested they let the patrol glimpse one of them with an illusion of 'the elvan' to renew their interest. She was anxious to discover what had happened.
'Denica?'
'Baschia,' the other may-en-ghi responded wearily.
'Are you well, Denica? You feel worn, dispirited.'
Denica immediately sent a calming sensation. 'Do not fear, Baschia, all is well. I confess, we have had a tense day.'
'You carried out the plan, then?'
Denica heard Baschia's apprehension and knew she would blame herself for their near-miss. It would be best to say it quickly and move beyond the moment.
'We did. Balhalku revealed himself at the apex of a hill with the sun behind him, both of which aided in his escape. I created an illusion of 'the elvan', just as we decided.'
Baschia felt Denica's hesitation. 'And that was when things went awry?'
Denica sent an affirmative. 'The Thane is not like most others, he is a hunter, and thus, he did not stare or let fear overcome him. He snatched a crossbow off the rider next to him and shot Balhalku.'
'No! Is he—'
'Balhalku is fine,' Denica quickly assured her. 'Just a little shaken. The bolt struck at a shallow angle, so I was able to remove it without causing too much discomfort. I have spoken to Sala and he said as long as we keep the wound clean, Balhalku will recover.'
Baschia gasped, 'Thank Fate it was not worse.'
'At least this means we no longer have to keep up this false trail,' Denica pointed out a little more brightly.
Baschia thought it over. It was true. With the sighting, the elvan would know the Thane was on his trail and resume his previous caution. The Thane would only search the area for another day before returning his attention to Sal-Cirus. By her estimate, it would take the Thane a number of days to reach Sal-Cirus and Brynn should have left by then.
She sent her approval. 'I agree. In fact, under the circumstances, I think you should return to Caradon, mayhap have Belon look at Balhalku.'
'Honestly, Baschia, it is not that bad, he is on his feet already.' Denica sent a feeling of mischievousness as she added, 'I am almost certain he limps simply because he enjoys my concern!'
Baschia chuckled. 'Alright, then. Do you know if the Thane perceived your true nature?'
'I have just returned from shadowing their camp, which is why I sound so weary. The Thane has been taught to use barriers, but nothing I could not get around. He believes Balhalku is an extraordinarily large lion.'
'Good,' Baschia purred. 'You have both done exceptionally well. Let me know when you are ready to return to scouting duties.'
'Thank you, I will be in contact in a few days. We will start heading towards our previous scouting area. My guess is that you will have us pick up where we left off.'
'Your guess is good. The pair scouting your area now will be due for a break by the time you reach them. Is there anything more to report?'
'No. Dream light, Baschia.'
'Dream free, Denica.'
Baschia felt the other may-en-ghi withdraw her link. She purred, despite her initial distress at Balhalku's experience, she was pleased. Now, to see to the other scouts and then to take advantage of this overcast evening and get several more kilometres under her paws before sunrise.
Day 6 – Night
Sal-Cirus
Brynn pulled himself part-way through the window and looked up at the gutter above. His back was to the narrow alley running between the smithy and the building in which Toormeena was being kept. He was sure if he stood on the window sill he could reach the gutter and pull himself up. The question was whether the gutter would hold him. He looked down. The two-storey drop was not likely to be fatal, but his back would not thank him. The sill took his weight without protest and a tug on the gutters provided hope. Lifting himself up on to the roof proved awkward, but not impossible.
Sariah's contact said that Toormeena's room was located on the south-east corner of the seventh floor. He could see it from here, five levels above. The contact had advised them that the alley-side of the building had the sparsest lighting, but also warned that guards patrolled the alley. On observation though, Kaydyr reported that two of the guards posted on the western entrance wandered down to the alley opening every quarter hour and just looked down it before returning to their post. The hawk had also spotted a window opposite Toormeena's building, which was th
e one he had just used to access the roof. Unfortunately, the southern side of the building was the only side with no balconies along its front, but Sariah suggested that if Brynn climbed to the blacksmith's roof he could get to the roof of the building next to the smith's, which was another storey taller and would give him access to the south-east end of the alley. The balconies started at the fourth level, which meant Brynn only had to free-climb about three meters to reach the first balcony. From there, he could make his way up to the seventh floor. He could also use the balconies as cover if his movements attracted the attention of the guards. Climbing up the balconies was not going to be easy, but it was certainly less dangerous than free-climbing the whole distance.
They had assumed that the blacksmith's workshop would be empty at night, giving Sariah somewhere to hide while Kaydyr watched the guards on the western entrance. The hawk could then warn her when the guards started their walk to the alley opening, and Sariah would signal him. But with Gareth in his workshop, Sariah needed Kaydyr to keep an eye on the smith. He was thankful for Sariah's quick thinking when it became apparent someone was working late and she slipped him the pouch of coins. At least the corner window of Gareth's workshop gave her a view of the alley entrance, so she could still warn Brynn when the guards were approaching, but he would have less time to hide.
Brynn had been taught to rock climb with equipment and without. For this excursion, Brynn had decided to leave his boots on the inside of the window. Keysjhon would disapprove, his father was quite correct when he pointed out that if he had to run, Brynn would be better off with something on his feet. This would be a lot different to the surfaces he had trained on though and Brynn judged he would have greater success barefoot.