by Ben Hale
Other trees in the garden began to move, bending to Ero, bowing before him. Tree and shrub, flower and bush, all paid homage to the man Le Runtáriel had anointed. Men followed their example, dropping to their knees together. Even the soldiers knelt.
Ero smiled at them. “The Church of Light will accept no more offerings,” he called, his voice washing over the crowd. “For now, the church and I are here to serve the needs of the people, and to root out the evil that has risen in this land.”
He turned to the limbs adjacent to him, which shaped into the form of a woman. Ero bowed to her and stepped close, kissing her hand. The leaves of the tree shimmered a distinct shade of pink before returning to normal. Then she lowered Ero to the earth. Without a word he made his way through the path to the tunnel that would take him to temple. Beauty fell into step behind him.
As she trailed him she could not shake the disturbing sight of thousands on their knees, all reaching for Ero. If they didn’t believe before, they certainly believed now. But how would they react when they learned the truth?
She stepped into the tunnel but paused on the threshold, looking back at the great tree. Le Runtáriel was returning to its previous shape, its branches rustling and relaxing. Then she caught up to Ero and they stepped into the tunnel, the strongdoor closing behind them. He glanced her way but gave a tiny shake of his head, motioning the guards to give them space. When they were out of earshot she spoke.
“How?” she whispered.
Ero smiled. “Every woman has her secrets.”
“You’ve been talking to Jack too much,” she said.
“He’s the one that said I should treat her like a woman, not like a tree,” Ero said.
“How did Jack enlist your aid?” Beauty abruptly asked. “When he returned from the Vault of the Eternals the first time he said you refused to help. What changed your mind?”
Ero came to a halt and turned to face her. “I learned what Skorn intended, and what Jack had done in the Vault.”
She folded her arms. “What did he take?”
“Something that cannot remain on Lumineia,” he said.
“He blackmailed you into helping? I didn’t realize Jack could be so manipulative.”
Ero’s lips tightened, betraying a hint of anger. “Jack convinced me of what needed to be done, and I chose my own course.”
He turned and strode away, leaving Beauty to her confusion. She looked back down the tunnel, where light was still visible beneath the door. Jack had obviously planned Ero’s appearance in great detail, but had he gone too far? Would Jack’s arrogance finally be his undoing? For the first time, Beauty wondered if making him guildmaster had been the right choice.
Or if it would doom them all.
Chapter 13: A Woman Scorned
Jack crashed through the Gate in Woodhaven and tumbled to the floor in a splash of seawater. He landed with a grunt but managed to retain a grip on Inna. The impact and the water began to rouse her and she began to stir. Jack slid the pocket mirror into its secret pouch and caught her up, striding to the doorway.
He passed through the illusion that hid the Gate and stepped onto the balcony, leaping into the giant trees of the elven city. Casting his shadowhook, he descended to the base of the city and alighted in a small garden. As he deposited Inna against a tree trunk she groaned.
“What happened?”
“We escaped,” Jack said.
“How?” she asked, shaking her head to clear it.
Jack thought back to the moment before he’d released the crossbeam of the Hullbreaker. He’d realized that with Inna unconscious he could use the pocket Gate to escape, but doing so without a distraction would be risky. He could not afford word of the pocket Gate reaching Skorn.
He could have portaled to one of the other Gates, but in the moment of decision he’d thought Woodhaven would be the safest. The guildhall in the elven city was reserved for high level thieves, making it the least traveled. If any of the thieves caught him exiting a Gate questions would be asked, and Jack would not have been able to keep the pocket Gate a secret. If he was fortunate, none would suspect he’d used the Gate to reach Woodhaven.
“I took an alternate route to Woodhaven,” he said.
She blinked and her eyes widened. She stumbled to her feet and looked around. “We were in the middle of the ocean. Just how long was I unconscious?”
“A while,” Jack said with a smile. “But I took care of you.”
“I bet you did,” she said with a snort.
She cast about as if she didn’t believe him, her eyes lifting to the enormous trees of Woodhaven. Homes were nestled among the branches, their walls woven from thousands of smaller branches. Some of the greater limbs lifted platforms up and down like graceful arms. Light twinkled among the trees and buildings, filling the enchanted forest with glowing illumination. In the distance the elven mage guild shimmered in the night, its great arches graced by fluttering birds of pure light.
“How did we get here?” she demanded, whirling to face him.
“Every relationship needs its secrets,” he admonished.
She laughed, the sound tinged with anger. “You really expect me to believe you escaped from the worst pirate Talinor has seen in a century, sailed us to an elven haven, and carried me through its streets—all while I was unconscious?”
He shrugged and stepped onto a path that led south. “An answer will cost you a kiss,” he said, and flashed a grin. “If you’re inclined to know.”
She blew out her breath and caught up to him. “Then why not go to Keese?” she demanded. “That’s where Skorn’s caravan is passing through.”
“The route I took came here,” he said. “And I got suspicious looks when I carried a beautiful woman on my shoulder.”
She flushed and poked him in the ribs. “Don’t change the subject.”
“Why?” he asked. “We’re here.”
“Where?” she demanded.
He pointed to a spiral staircase ascending to a large home held aloft by three great trees. Several levels tall, the large structure would have housed dozens elves. It resembled the homes scattered about but was located on the extreme eastern edge of the city. At the summit lay the chamber that contained the Gate. Beyond the guildhall, the trees grew smaller and smaller the further they were from the enchantments of the city.
“What is this place?” she asked.
“Our elven guildhall,” he replied. “I wager you could use a rest after our journey.”
“Apparently all I’ve been doing is resting,” she said tersely, but followed him up the steps.
They ascended to the lowest level of the structure and entered the alcove for the front door. Jack passed a hand over the rune that permitted entry, and the enchantment recognized him. He swung the door open and led her inside.
“Are you this forthcoming with the location of your guildhall with all your women?”
He grinned and motioned her inside. “Only those I trust.”
She grunted and followed him in, her eyes widening at the view. The floor was made of aquaglass, allowing a transparent view of the forest floor below. Comfortable chairs and tables dotted the space, also made from the solid water charm. The space was empty, but the sound of their entry drew an elf from a small office adjacent to the main receiving room.
Urin’s features blossomed into a smile when he spotted Jack. “Guildmaster,” he said, exiting his office to greet them. “I was not expecting you.”
“Our arrival was not anticipated,” Jack replied. “Can you find Inna a room and a change of clothes?”
“Of course,” Urin said, sidling up to her with a broad smile. “And anything else you require . . .”
“She’s an assassin,” Jack said. “And quicker than you with a sword.”
“How intriguing,” he said, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Without taking his eyes from her, the thief spun his fingers, casting a fox out of light which darted toward the stairs. Urin moti
oned Inna after the animal, but she cast Jack an uneasy look. Jack nodded to her and she reluctantly followed the animal from the room.
“We’ll depart at first light,” Jack called to her.
“Don’t let me oversleep again,” she said.
Urin’s expression turned wounded. “You’re supposed to warn me when a girl’s already taken,” he said to Jack.
“I’m not taken,” Inna snapped.
“Don’t worry,” Jack said, his voice conciliatory, “our affection need not be a secret.”
Inna growled in exasperation and followed the fox from the room. When she was gone Urin turned to Jack, his smile fading.
“You brought an assassin?” he asked. “Have you forgotten about the bounty on your head?”
“She’s not here for the coin,” Jack replied. “Gallow killed her father to take over the Assassin’s Guild.”
“An ally,” Urin said with a smile. “We can certainly use that right now.”
“Because of the bounty on me?” Jack asked. “Or because someone stole the Gate?”
“That wasn’t my fault,” Urin said, raising his hands. “I don’t know how they got in.”
“We’re the Thieves Guild,” Jack said. “People don’t steal from us, we steal from them.”
“I’m sorry, Guildmaster,” Urin said. “Thalidon and Roarthin delivered your personal Gate four days ago. I’ll make certain it’s back in your office within a month.”
“I know you will,” Jack said, and smiled to let him know he wasn’t angry. “I’m sure it will turn up by then.”
“We will continue our search.”
“Excellent,” Jack said, and clapped him on the shoulder. “Now, how about we share a mug of ale and you tell me what you know.”
“I’m two hundred years old,” Urin said, his lips twitching with amusement. “It would take decades to tell you everything I know.”
Jack laughed. “Then let’s settle on what you’ve learned about Skorn.”
The meal hall sprawled across the third level of the guildhall. Banners adorned the walls with images of past guildmasters. Two spaces were conspicuously absent—the last two. Lorelia had ordered Skorn’s image removed, and shortly after betrayed the guild to him. Jack had ordered her image taken down as well, but instead of destroying it, the banner hung in his office in the Evermist.
His gut tightened as he looked to the empty wall, wishing it could have been different. Lorelia had betrayed the guild because Skorn promised what she most desired. Jack had kept her secret, and none knew about the ugly features she hid beneath her mask charm.
He reached up and touched the amulet on his throat, wishing he’d had the opportunity to know her better. He turned away from the spot and took a seat, forcing a smile as a mug was placed before him.
“What have you learned?” he asked, taking a sip of the herbal brew.
“They’ve been recruiting for months,” Urin said, “but lately they have become more aggressive. Talinor has taken notice, and several arrests have been made.”
Jack leaned back in his chair, mulling that over. The cult of Skorn had always operated outside the knowledge of governments, fearing punishment for their perverse practices. For them to act in the open implied a sense of urgency, indicating Skorn was getting impatient.
“How many have been arrested?”
“Two score,” Urin replied. “Mostly in Talinor, but some in Griffin and the elven kingdom. I understand Herosian has sentenced four to execution.”
Jack peaked an eyebrow. Talinor rarely performed executions, and only in the cases of the most severe crimes. Anticipating his question, Urin smirked.
“Apparently the Keese guard managed to capture Carvia, one of the highest ranking members of Skorn’s cult. She and three of her companions were torturing a soldier that had infiltrated their ranks.”
“Will Skorn attempt to get her out?”
Urin jerked his head. “He hasn’t yet, and their execution is approaching. I got the impression she has been overzealous, and I suspect Skorn is going to let her hang.”
“Perhaps we can find another use for her,” Jack mused.
“Carvia?” Inna took a seat beside them. She’d changed clothes and placed a bandage over the welt on her head.
“You know her?” Jack asked.
Inna wrinkled her nose and took Jack’s cup, draining it. “She led the cult until Skorn showed up and replaced her with Gallow.”
Jack grunted in realization. “I suspect she was trying to regain his favor, and failed.”
Urin leaned in. “What do you have in mind?”
“A vengeful woman has no allegiance,” Jack said.
“You want to turn her to our side,” Inna said, catching onto what Jack was insinuating. “But how?”
“She’s not going to ally with the Thieves Guild,” Urin said. “You left Skorn with scars and nearly killed him—twice. She might turn away from him, but she won’t turn to us.”
“Then we send another,” Jack said.
“Who would she listen to?” Inna asked.
“She was betrayed by a devil,” Jack said, and smiled. “Perhaps she’ll listen to a god.”
“Ero?” Inna’s eyebrows shot up. “The imposter in Azertorn?”
Urin scowled at her words. “He’s real,” he said.
“A believer?” Jack asked in surprise.
“I wasn’t until I met him,” Urin said defensively. “He’s . . . different. I can’t say if he’s a god, but he’s more than human.”
“He’s just a clever man,” Inna said with a derisive snort. “He’s no more deity than Skorn is.”
Jack enjoyed their argument for a moment and then swept a hand. “You are both right. But right now the only thing that matters is that Ero is an ally.”
Inna folded her arms. “You expect me to believe that Ero—the supposed god come down to lead the Church of Light—is an ally of the Thieves Guild?”
“It’s true,” a voice called from the doorway.
Jack turned to find Beauty striding into the room. Jack smiled at Beauty and inclined his head to her. She returned the gesture and took a seat.
Urin shook his head. “How can you know that Ero is an ally?” he scoffed.
Jack’s gaze swept the room. It was late and they were the only ones in the meal hall. Then he smiled and turned to them. “Because we summoned him.”
Chapter 14: Thinning the Herd
Inna stared at him before bursting into a laugh. “I don’t believe you.”
“Believe what you will,” Jack said, turning his attention to Beauty. “What brings you back to Woodhaven?”
Beauty stood and stepped to the bar, filling a mug from the keg. Then she returned to a seat across from him. “I wanted to send a report of his actions back to you. I still don’t know how, but he convinced Le Runtáriel to support him.”
“They will flock to him, now,” Jack said.
“It was a dangerous attempt,” Beauty said with a wry smile, “but once again, your plan somehow comes together. But your idea to enlist Carvia is equally as difficult, and will require Ero to leave the relative safety of the temple in Azertorn.”
“Ero is old,” Jack said, realizing Beauty had overheard his plan for Carvia, “not frail.”
She laughed at that. “You really think he can turn her?” Beauty asked. “She was one of Skorn’s most ardent supporters.”
“If anyone can, Ero will,” Jack said. “But you’ll need to provide the opportunity. Who can we use in the Talinorian government?”
“Duke Gorwall,” she replied. “He has the authority and the means to arrange a meeting before her execution, but I wouldn’t call him an ally.”
“Tell him we won’t accept assignments against his estate for a year. After what we’ve taken from him lately, the reprieve will be all we need to offer.”
She grinned and took a sip from her mug. “I’ll send him a message, but aren’t you worried it will draw too much attention from Skorn?�
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“I’m counting on it,” Jack said. “If Ero can draw Skorn out, we won’t need to find him. He’ll come to us.”
Inna and Urin looked between Jack and Beauty, their expressions wide in astonishment. Inna seemed torn between humor and disbelief. Urin released a low whistle.
“How did you do it? Ero is more than human.”
“He is,” Jack said with a smile. “He’s an ancient, just like Skorn.”
Inna snorted in disbelief. “The ancient race has been extinct since the Dawn of Magic.”
“When Ero and Skorn lived,” Jack said, folding his arms.
The disbelief on her features remained and she shook her head. “It cannot be true.”
Jack smirked at the doubt in her voice and turned to Urin. “What we have said here cannot leave this room. Rumors already abound regarding Ero’s identity. We cannot afford to add to them.”
The elf seemed dazed, as if his entire world had been destroyed. Jack wondered if the elf had been a true believer, and meeting Ero had confirmed his faith. Jack called his name and the elven master looked at him.
“There may still be a god,” he said, “but Ero is not it.”
Urin nodded in agreement but he still seemed shaken. “I’ll keep the truth to myself.”
“Then you have your assignment,” Jack said. “And I have mine.”
“Keese?” Inna asked, and stood with him.
“What’s in Keese?” Beauty asked.
Jack shared what they had learned on Kulldye Dreg, but glossed over the details of their return. Inna might not know what happened, but Beauty had seen the pocket Gate once, even though she thought it had been destroyed. She was shrewd enough to figure it out if given enough clues.
“Skorn is being cautious,” Beauty said. “Talinorian mercenaries are lethal.”
“I’ll take Gordon and Ursana,” Jack said.