Lenak looked from Tolle to Arlent, the latter grinning. Arlent's dark cloak appeared grey from the road dust. His hat was pulled low over his brow hiding his narrow face in shadow.
"Well now, if that isn't something: an Anethean, a Daerlan, a Tuor and swordsmen escaping from Belderag's men. If that doesn't remind of something, I don't know what does."
"What does it remind you of?" said Lenak. Lenak's wool cap framed his light brown hair and his cheeks were red from the wind of their journey. Arlent stared at him and pushed him away. Lenak stumbled and nearly fell. His eyes narrowed.
"Tolle, I told you not to let your servant speak to me." Arlent's dagger glinted in the light. Lenak got to his feet, fumbling for his own weapon.
Tolle slugged Lenak on the shoulder reluctantly.
"Keep your thoughts to yourself," rasped the thief. "Only follow my commands." Noticing that Lenak now had a knife in his hands, Tolle pulled him close, the master thief's foul breath on Lenak's face. "Obey me or I will slit your throat myself."
Lenak nodded silently and Arlent turned his attention back to the streets of Gornst. They were on the roof of a tavern far above the eyes of the soldiers nearby with a sweeping view of the streets leading to the castle.
"I believe we just saw the Talos Company ride," said Arlent.
"Talos Company?" said Tolle. "They aren't real. Just a children's story."
"You haven't traveled as far as I have, old friend. There are legends sure, but more than a bit of truth started those legends. The Daerlan Altair Talos and his brother Gorm Talos organized a band of immortal mercenaries' ages ago and they are still around today. The Talos Company, I mean. Old Altair was killed years ago and I think Gorm may have passed on also, but the third partner of their company, Kerreth Veralier, half man and Zidar, is said to still be walking this earth after many thousand years and could pass for a man of forty years. Imagine what we could accomplish in three thousand years, Tolle. Just imagine the riches."
"How do you know so much about them?" asked Tolle. "I've only heard a few legends, but nothing that suggested they still exist, if they ever did."
"I had a mentor when I was a lad who had traveled with them for years. He wasn't as immortal as he thought he was." Arlent grinned to himself. He looked at Lenak suddenly, but the boy turned this gaze elsewhere.
"Will they interfere with our task?" asked Tolle.
"If they discover us, I think they would. Kerreth Veralier does not allow assassinations right in front of him. Despite working for hire, Veralier follows some sort of code. Plus, we can't pretend to think as a 3,000 year old being. He takes the very long view of things, I should guess. We should steer clear from them."
"Doesn't look like they will be back soon," said Tolle.
"No, and that's lucky for us. However, we don't know how many of them there are. The riders we saw may not be the entire Talos Company. I've heard they often had an army of their own. Let's explore the town some more and hear the gossip. I will see what attractions there are for my skills and you and your boy scout out your needs. There's a tavern near the center of town called The Grey Fox. Let's meet there an hour after sundown and put the plan together." Arlent walked off without another word. Lenak looked at Tolle who pointed in the other direction and they moved off.
Tolle led Lenak to the outer walls of the castle that separate Gornst proper from the keep. Tolle spent time watching the guards on duty and used a knife to probe the mortar of the wall. He walked around each of the buildings closest to the walls and then inspected where the city wall met the castle wall.
"May I speak, master?" asked Lenak.
"Go ahead."
"Arlent seems to know a great deal about the Talos Company."
"Yes, he told us how."
"I know a little about them too. Only immortals are ever asked to be a member. What type of immortal would have been a mentor to a thief or assassin such as Arlent? And how could Arlent kill him as he implied? Did you have such a mentor?"
Tolle looked at Lenak and spit out the side of his mouth.
"I would like to know more about you, Lenak, except my instructions were clear to see you as only what you appear to be. The points you raise are very good. Do you suspect he has other reasons to know about the Talos Company?"
"I am not sure. I just voiced my thoughts."
"I wonder. Well, watch your thoughts around Arlent. Keep silent if you are able. If what you suspect is close to the truth he won't hesitate to slit your throat. Arlent does not pretend to be a saint and he has left a long trail of corpses in his wake."
Tolle looked down the wall toward the east to where Arenna Aruk's compound nestled against the city wall. A one-armed woman walked toward them. She wore a sword and left several men standing a few yards behind her.
"Who are you?" she asked. One eye was blind and she leaned close to Tolle.
"None of your business," rasped Tolle. He already had a dagger in his hand; Lenak saw the tip peek out of Tolle's long sleeves.
"My men have watched you for some time. Your study of the walls is suspicious and I would know your interest."
"Indeed? And who might you be?"
"As you can see, I have armed men with me, so I will trust to your common sense. I am Arenna Aruk, and that is my compound next to the wall. I am concerned for the safety of the city I live in. Are you a thief?"
"Is it that obvious?" rasped Tolle.
"You are no merchant and the peasants have no interest in the stability of the walls of Gornst or of Castle Belderag. You are very close to my compound and the merchant area is off limits to the Thief Guild. We have an understanding. I guess you are from another town. Is there any reason for me not to turn you over to the city guard?"
"Ah, you are a loyal follower of Lord Belderag."
Arenna stared at Tolle. "Your assumptions, right or wrong will not win friendship from me. I must have your clear answer or drop that dagger you conceal in your sleeve."
Tolle shifted his feet and looked at the men standing behind Arenna and then at Arenna. Her white eye seemed to look through him. He made a decision.
"I am here to spy on Belderag and him alone. I cannot say who sent me, but my mission does not harm the people of Gornst. I am not here to thieve."
"A spy? How can you mission against Belderag and not against Gornst?"
"Despite the connection, my master believes Gornst would be better without Belderag," said Tolle. "And with luck, a better leader in his place."
"Ah, a fine distinction. You are to find out what Belderag is doing and find a way for him to be removed. It will take war to displace Belderag. If that is your path, let your master contact me, I may be of service. Gornst must not feel the brunt of this war. I have influence here and can help in your task."
"Your name is Arenna Aruk?"
"Yes, Dacu Belderag is my father."
"Father?"
"Yes, does that shock you?"
"Not so much. Many castles have fallen from within. I will pass your words along. If you will excuse us, I have more work to do."
"Allow me to accompany you," said Arenna. "I can show you many of the less known passages in the castle and even a few that may be considered 'secret passages'."
Arenna waved one of her men forward and she whispered to him. He signaled the others who returned to the compound.
"This is Ranst, who will accompany us. Please, follow me." Arenna led the way and Ranst brought up the rear. Tolle walked ahead of Lenak.
Arlent walked casually until he was out of Tolle's sight, then he moved quickly down a side street, through an alley and into the back door of a tavern on the north side of Gornst. It was a dark place and few patrons stood at the bar. They all looked at Arlent when he entered.
"What do you want?" asked the barman.
"I want to speak to Chander," said Arlent.
"Never heard of him."
"Probably because Chander is a woman. Tell her Arlent is here. And I have urgent business to discuss."
The barman did not say anything but he glanced to the far corner of the room. Arlent kept his eyes on the barman and his hand on his dagger, taking a few steps toward the center of the room. Then he turned to look. An old woman, wrapped in a patched blue cloak grinned at him. She lacked several teeth and her gaunt frame belied her strength and vitality.
"Welcome Arlent," said Chander. "It has been many, many years."
"Hello, Chander. It has been too long."
"Well, let's not go that far. Why has the prince of thieves come to Gornst? Surely you have enough to keep you busy in the big city?"
"I do and it is a job from Andara that brings me here."
"What kind of job?"
"Disposal." Arlent waved to the barman to bring him a drink.
"True? Belderag, I hope."
"Perhaps, but whoever is it, there will be much turmoil. I wanted to give you warning to protect your people and also alert you to the opportunities that may arise."
"Yes, yes, as you say. You always have been courteous, even as you rob my coffers. It is difficult to trust you. I may have you closely watched while you are in Gornst. Did you know my people marked your coming?" She smiled. "How soon do you make your move?"
"This week," said Arlent.
"Barely enough time."
"Better than naught."
"And they sent you to kill him," said Chander. "Alone?"
"Tolle is with me."
"Ah, so that is why you came to me. Tit for tat. You make my life easier and I make yours easier. That puts a very different light on things. I underestimated you, Arlent. You do think ahead of your moves. Very well, I accept your offer."
"He is traveling with a young boy named Lenak. Do what you want with the boy."
"Is Tolle necessary for your task?"
"I believe so."
"My men will move once Belderag is dead."
"Excellent, Chander. I do not know why I do not visit more often."
"Alas and yet, I shall endure. Now, finish your ale and get out of my tavern."
Arlent drained the mug, stood up and walked out the back door. The barman came to fetch the mug.
"Tell the boys to meet me tonight," said Chander. "We have two murders to plan."
"Two? But he spoke of one."
"Yes, he spoke of one, but I speak of two. He knows too much of my business. I only come to this tavern once every two weeks and yet Arlent walks in out of the blue as I sit here. How did he choose this tavern? He is too dangerous. Spread the word."
Tolle glided into the tavern to a table in the back. Lenak shyly walked in and stared at all the people busy with their drinks and laughter as if he had never been in such a noisy gathering. He stood in the middle of the floor and nearly collided with Danni.
"Hey! Watch where you are going!" said Danni.
Lenak stared at her and muttered. "Sorry." He saw Tolle and went to join him. The warmth from the fire was comforting and Lenak relaxed for the first time in many days. Danni served ale and stew. Lenak peered up at her and she smiled. Lenak blushed. He heard Danni chuckle to herself as she went back to the kitchen.
When Lenak pushed the stew bowl away Danni swooped in and took it away. She winked at Lenak and he reddened again.
"What's the matter boy?" said Tolle. "The girl's taken an interest in you. Bet you can bed her."
"What?" Lenak looked at Tolle and then at Danni who waved at him.
"Come on, surely you're experienced."
"I'd rather not talk about it."
Tolle laughed and drained his mug. He had another one in hand before Lenak's blush disappeared. Arlent entered the tavern, nodded to Tolle and went to the bar for a drink. Lenak watched Arlent scan the room noticing each person, taking their measure and filing the details away for the proper moment. A large shadow covers their table. The barman stood next to Lenak.
"I see you making eyes at my daughter," said the huge man. Lenak shook his head but no words came out and he slid down his chair a bit. "You ask me for permission first, right lad?"
Lenak nodded.
"Can't talk?" asked Colly.
"I believe the moment has got the better of him," rasped Tolle.
"Ah well. It happens. More ale gentlemen?"
"Thank you," said Tolle. He immediately drank from his mug. Lenak sat staring straight ahead. "Good thing you didn't try the girl. That barman's one of the largest men I've ever seen. Did you see how big his hands were?"
"Can we go?" asked Lenak.
"Soon. Arlent looks to be up to something. He'll give a sign and we will leave. We need to tell him about the passages Arenna showed us and he will tell us what he's found. Then you can sleep and dream of the fair maiden yonder."
"I feel sick," said Lenak.
"That's the way of love, I'm afraid. Best get used to it, boy, it doesn't get any better."
"It doesn't?"
Tolle smiled and drank his ale. Lenak sat quietly, focused on his thoughts. Arlent finally joined them, ignoring Lenak.
"Well, I think we can move quickly," said Arlent. "There is enough confusion in town with the rumors of Celaeri and Belderag's preparation for war. The appearance of the Talos Company only made it worse. If we keep to our business, moving like we have a destination, we will be able to reach the areas we need."
"Good," said Tolle. "We have found the main passages in the castle and a few hidden ones. I think we can get in and out before anyone realizes what happened."
"Let's go. I want to see those passages."
The trio rose and departed. Danni grabbed Lenak's arm.
"I'll be here when you come back."
Lenak stared at her and hurriedly followed his companions. Danni watched until Colly came over to remind her to do her work.
"Why does that boy interest you so?" asked Colly. "What about Captain Picker?"
"Boy? Father can't you tell a girl when you see one?"
"That was a girl?"
"Yep. And I don't think she wants to be with them. Do you think she's a prisoner?"
"If she was a prisoner she probably would have asked you to take her to a room."
"Father!"
"Just to get away from them, but I don't think they know she's a girl. At least, they didn't talk like it."
"Oh, she could be in danger if they find out."
"Could be, but why are they here? They didn't look like merchants."
"Maybe Chander knows," said Danni.
"You stay away from Chander."
"I've known her since I was a child."
"She's always after you to join her company of thieves."
"Well, I know most of them too. I think that girl could be in danger and Chander could help us."
"Perhaps. But you have work to do."
Danni frowned and went back to the tables. Colly leaned against the bar thinking about the young girl. Why would she be traveling with those two disguised as a boy. They were strangers to Gornst; where did they come from? He did not trust their looks.
"Ah, Colly Bulger, ease your thinking, I'm afraid you will hurt yourself."
"Chander? What brings you to my place?"
"Just friendly visit. And a word to the wise. Can we go in the back?"
Colly and the old woman went to the storeroom. Danni saw them and smiled.
"Colly, King Haldane has sent assassins to kill Belderag," said Chander.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. There's no doubt. I think that trio that just left your common room is involved- the two men and the boy. I don't think Haldane would make such a move without his army close by. I have sent a man out to scout the south road. I believe the king will take control of the city. There will be chaos in Gornst for a time but the king's soldiers will bring order. Keep your Danni close and be wary. I don't trust the assassins. They have done me harm in the past and I aim to repay them. I'd hate you or Danni to get in the way."
"I see. I have no urge to defend Belderag, or to claim the city for my own."
"Yo
u say that now, but I remember your youth. Your sword is within reach I would guess. Keep to your tavern, Colly, and the madness will pass you by."
"Thank you, Chander. By the way, Danni is concerned for the boy with those men. Might be a slave or something. If your people find him without the men, would you bring him here?"
"Perhaps. His safety would depend on the situation," said Chander. "But I will pass the word."
"That would suffice. Would you care for some stew?"
"Don't mind if I do. On the house?"
"Of course. Don't choke on it."
"Never have. You're too straightforward Colly. No, I'd fear for my life when you come at me directly with your sword. No treachery for you."
Chander sat down and Colly served her stew. Danni was waiting for him at the bar.
"Well? Does she know about the girl?"
"No, but there is trouble brewing and we need to be ready. Sharpen your knife, Danni. I'm afraid you'll be slitting throats again. Ah, what would your mother say?"
Chapter 16
The gods imbued many things with their powers often unbeknownst to the gods themselves. Some of the items were found and the power drawn upon for other purposes. The Mother Stone of the Celaeri was such an item. Jerue Adan discovered how to draw the power of Moruga from the stone to augment his own. Part of the plan to defeat the Celaeri was to separate Jerue Adan from the stone and push the Celaeri away from Adan's Hill. There is no knowledge of how long the power lasts in an object as the Mother Stone. If the Celaeri ever returned it would be through the power of the Mother Stone.
From Gerrand's Histories of Landermass.
Was it worse to be recaptured, or to be welcomed back without punishment? He was confused by their concern for him followed by their threats if he did not comply with their wishes. He was still light-headed from the blood loss and had not eaten in hours. Ioane Adan chained him to the weathered stones near the Mother Stone. They did not need more of his blood yet, but the time was coming and he felt weak. Several vessels of water were set near him to replenish his fluids. The commotion on the summit had increased since he left. The noise was constant; the banging of construction, the clanging of hammers and voices everywhere. There were dozens more Celaeri working on their structures and a smithy had been built. The heat from the smithy warmed him even at a distance. He could see what they wrought; spears, swords and shields. The reckoning was near.
Greyrawk (Book 2) Page 16