Little traffic traveled the southern highway. Twice Kandys slipped into the edge of the woods and hid behind the thickest trunk she could find while small knots of farmers passed, headed toward Hurst. The rough bark felt alien to her—a vacant shop front or gap in the eaves of a warehouse would've been far preferable. Twice something scampered over her legs and she nearly screamed aloud. The third time she spotted a horse-drawn wagon in the distance, she risked staying on the road. A pair of men sat on the driving board, one flicking a whip at the team. A crossbow and a pair of staves were propped within easy reach, but the passenger simply raised a hand in greeting as Kandys jogged by. She shrugged and ran on, pleased at least to not be inhaling the loamy scent of the forest floor.
At a fork in the road Kandys stopped. She stared for a long moment down the wider of the two tracks. Forthaven lay that direction. A new city, one where Stamovan's reach wouldn't be so long and the Sandlanders might not be welcome. If she chose that direction it might be weeks before any of her pursuers realized she'd even left Hurst. The lure of even a bit of safety beckoned, but she hesitated. Stamovan would never actually give up, and she doubted the Sandlanders would be any less persistent. Also, Alexander expected her back in Hurst this evening—she'd put her trust in him after being turned away by Adriana, so why abandon him now?
The Huntsman put himself at risk hiding her, and Kandys was certain that any small chance she had of settling matters with the Sandlanders resided in him. Even that didn't matter, she decided abruptly. She'd promised to perform this strange errand for Alexander and she wasn't one to go back on her word. She would hide out with him for a few more days and see what happened. If nothing else, the gnomes could smuggle her out again later. Without another thought she headed down the smaller of the two roads.
By the time she reached the village Alexander had described, Kandys's legs were beginning to ache and her feet hurt from the unfamiliar feel of unsmoothed rocks protruding from the roadway. She paused to catch her breath and studied the ring of huts and cabins. One stood out from the others—a stonework house in the midst of the split-log structures. To the side of the house a dwarf worked at a spinning stone situated beneath a shade made from wood and woven leaves. The back of the small shelter was a rack of wooden pegs laden with knives, rakes, chisels and a pair of battered swords. The dwarf pumped the gears of his whetstone with one foot while pouring water over the round edge then traded the ladle for a woodsman's axe. Sparks flew as the metal contacted the rock.
He looked up briefly as Kandys approached but continued grinding the axe for a moment. Though the dwarf concentrated on his work without flinching, the shriek of metal on whirling stone made her ears ache within seconds. He was naked from the waist up and tiny sparks bounced off his thick chest, pocking him with tiny red marks. A burning scent wafted from the stone to her nose, and she stood back until the dwarf ceased pumping. The stone wheel spun to a stop with a trailing whine, like the dying scream of a man caught in the wrong back alley at midnight. The dwarf tested the edge of the axe on his thumb then set it carefully on the ground beside his chair.
“Got about half a day's work ahead of whatever you need,” the dwarf said. “Leave the sheath with the knife, if you don't mind."
“I'm not here for that,” said Kandys. “I came from the city."
“Well, I'm flattered. I suppose I'll have to close up shop early if such a pretty lass has come so far to visit. Is the shop to your taste, or d'you have a mind to see the bedroom?"
Kandys'e eyes narrowed. “Are you Gerder Fromark?"
Gerder gestured to the empty lane running through the village. “You see any other dwarves ‘round here?"
“Alexander Finnell sent me. You remember him?"
“Ah, the Huntsman.” Gerder stood and hefted his water bucket. Motioning to Kandys to follow, he strode toward the center of the village. “How's he fare? Come to think of it, you look a bit like that other lass he brought ‘round last time."
“He's well, and the other woman was my sister."
“Don't sound like her, though. She was pretty uppity, for someone comin’ for favors. So, Alexander want you to have a look at the dead folk, too?” Gerder stopped at a brick-lined well and reached up for a geared handle. It turned easily under the dwarf's powerful arms.
“I've seen my share. Alexander asked me to show you a rock."
“He did, huh? Give me a moment."
Kandys waited until the well rope was wound tight and Gerder had transferred the contents of its bucket to the one from his shop. She fished the broken finger from Jantaru's sculpture out of a pouch and handed it to the dwarf.
“Alexander told me to ask if this is the same stone you found in the farmer's house."
“The same—ah, I see.” Gerder turned the slender fragment over in his hands. He examined the grain at the broken end and sniffed the piece before passing it back. It is, though this one's obviously been worked."
“You're sure?"
Gerder sighed. “I take it back. You sound exactly like your sister."
* * * * *
Though the dark bruises of sleepless nights rimmed Emperor Theodoric's eyes, it was Nikkolynda who slowed their walk about the keep gardens. They strolled along the inside of the tall hedge, invisible from the main road but within hearing of the conversations of passing folk, who never realized their sovereign was only a few yards away. Emperor and wizard spoke in low tones as they walked, quieting occasionally when interrupted by the clatter of a rickshaw.
Nikkolynda's golden robe reflected the morning sunlight to a nearly blinding degree. The Prime Wizard leaned heavily on his cane, and Adam watched him nervously from a few paces behind, ready to rush forward should the old man fall. The soldiers surrounding the trio held naked swords or readied spears, though they remained a respectful distance away. Sirgar led them, marching ahead of the Emperor and somehow turning instinctively whenever Theodoric changed course. Long shadows swam across the grass as a pair of flyers wheeled overhead. Ignoring the retinue, the Emperor searched Nikkolynda's face as they headed toward a path through carefully trimmed rosebushes.
“Killing yourself while searching for this warlock won't do me any good,” Theodoric said. “You look far worse than I, and you've only got one subject to please.” He toyed with his monocle lens, which bounced against the front of his silk shirt as he walked.
Nikkolynda smiled wanly at the jest. “Our mysterious opponent tires me daily. First the slayings, then the attack on Counselor Thornwell, then the spider. Now, an assault on my tower. I don't understand him."
“I'm told the man who entered your tower was unrecognizable upon exiting."
“An unfortunate hazard of magical defenses,” said Nikkolynda. He'd already decided against revealing the Sandlander's identity to the Emperor. Nikkolynda guessed that Teriya had been duped into the foolhardy assault by the warlock and had no desire to play into the other's plan.
Theodoric gave the Prime Wizard a dubious glance but chose to let the matter drop. The rose path broke open into a small circular courtyard, which was dominated by three exquisite sculptures of rearing dragons. The Emperor ran his hand along one scaled marble leg in an almost loving gesture.
“Your efforts to find the warlock have proven fruitless?” Theodoric asked.
Nikkolynda jabbed the ground with his cane, then sat between the dragon's feet on the large pedestal. Adam squatted on the grass a short distance away and stared up at the fanged mouth with wide eyes. Despite the warm sun and the pleasing scent of roses wafting in from the path, the boy shuddered.
“It's unfathomable,” said Nikkolynda. “There are times when I think the bastard is looking over my shoulder, yet I can't locate him. To think that a magician that powerful could hide from me is, well, it's unbelievable. Yet he must be close by. No one could have compelled that spider from more than a few miles away. No one.
“What's more, I simply don't see what this man hopes to accomplish. Does he wish to incite us to war? Very
good—kill the men at Selmer Ridge, kill Virmual Postwick. Kill de Niron, too, so that we march without our most capable general. But why kill the bard? And why in this manner? There are hundreds of ways to slay a man, some magical, some not. To what end does the warlock expend such incredible amounts of energy to slay one or two men? It nags at me, as if the answer to this puzzle is right before my eyes but I simply can't see it."
“What about Adriana?” asked Theodoric. He raised a hand to Sirgar, who stood at attention near one exit from the courtyard. The giant soldier nodded and turned his gaze outward.
“I can only guess that the counselor and the Huntsman have stumbled across something our warlock would prefer to remain hidden. Again, however, I can't say what it is. Pellorin speaks with the Huntsman daily, but nothing he reports serves to enlighten me."
Theodoric took Nikkolynda's cane and prodded at the dragon. He pried loose some dirt caked in the creases of the sculpture's scales, nodding to himself as it sprinkled to the ground.
“Nikko,” said Theodoric, “you don't think Alfrid has anything to do with this, do you?"
Nikkolynda shook his head. “What I think won't matter in a few days. Nearly all your people are ready for war, and those who aren't are wisely keeping quiet."
“War,” said Theodoric, and spat at the ground. “Do I truly rule so many complete imbeciles? What do we have to gain from war with Addamantia?” He rubbed absently at the healed-over hole in his nostril, as if invoking the memory of the ring that had once hung there.
“Many say that the Western Realm would do well to be unified again."
“I say the Western Realm is doing damned fine as it is!"
“And I agree."
Theodoric attacked another accumulation of dust between the dragon's outstretched talons. “Nikko,” he said, “who's responsible for this? If it's not Alfrid, and not Johanasen, who?"
Nikkolynda hesitated, then made a quick decision and steeled himself. He met Theodoric's gaze squarely and said, “I fear the wolf more than I fear Addamantia."
Theodoric's eyes widened briefly before he squeezed them shut. “Nikko, if anyone other than you said that—"
“I'm sorry, Theo, I would—"
“No.” The Emperor opened his eyes and put one hand on Nikkolynda's thin shoulder. “I forgive you for saying it, Nikko, but it can't be true. He's a good son, a loyal citizen and a true leader. It's impossible to think that he'd betray me."
“I truly hope not,” said Nikkolynda quietly.
If Theodoric noticed the wizard's lack of retraction, he let it pass. They remained silent for a few minutes, a bent and frail old man seated before another who stood straight and strong. Eventually Theodoric put his free hand under Nikkolynda's elbow and helped the wizard stand. A shadow sailed over the dragon's ridged back and across the grass, making Adam jump, then look about sheepishly. Nikkolynda pretended not to see Adam's embarrassment, but the motion caught Theodoric's eye.
“How is this one working out?” the Emperor asked. “I notice his training differs a bit from that of the other apprentices."
“He possesses a natural aptitude for magic,” said Nikkolynda as the two started for the path. Sirgar saw them coming and disappeared to scout the way ahead. The other soldiers fell into place around and behind the Emperor. “I don't know if his ability stems from his relationship with me over the past few years or if it was within him all along. I'm a master of numerous things, but I'm afraid that teaching isn't one of them. Our success is due largely to his innate understanding and Pellorin's hard work."
“You discredit yourself. Rumor around the keep has it that you've already taught the boy to turn rocks into toads."
Nikkolynda laughed. “If he's doing that, I've yet to see it. Still, I wouldn't put it past him to influence a game of dart ball this afternoon."
* * * * *
Alexander and Adriana were walking down Governor's Way when Count Hafflston's rickshaw clattered by. Alexander shouted the old Huntsman's name and Hafflston turned about. He spotted Alexander and called to the driver, who whipped the rickshaw in a tight turn that threw Hafflston into one side of the cart. He gave the young man a baleful glare as he stepped onto the pavestones, balancing carefully on his good leg until his walking stick had firm contact with the ground. As the rickshaw rolled away, the count shook hands with Alexander and bowed to Adriana.
“Dear girl,” Hafflston said, “as convenient as I find these wheeled urchins, I swear they'll be my death. Give me a horse any day."
“Rickshaws don't require an army of street cleaners,” said Adriana. She smiled at the old count, which pleased Alexander greatly. They'd spent the morning interviewing reluctant and even hostile members of the Magician's Guild. Most of the men and women had already been vetted by Aldus Alton and quite openly resented spending more of their time with the Huntsman and counselor. After three hours of unproductive conversations Adriana's mood was anything but pleasant.
“We're just on our way to find lunch,” said Alexander. “Care to join us?"
“As long as we walk,” said Hafflston.
Adriana led the men on a short walk down a few side streets. Along the way Alexander observed an ominous change in the people around them. Nearly every man and woman on the street carried a sword or at least a dagger. He thought back to his first day in the city and guessed that only half the folk he'd seen then had gone armed. Likewise, the military presence on the street was inescapable. In less than twenty minutes he counted no fewer than sixty soldiers hurrying in one direction or another, most belonging to one of the three units marching toward the eastern gate. Glancing upward, he found the midday sun eclipsed constantly by circling flyers.
He grimaced and looked at Hafflston as Adriana stopped before the wide-flung double doors of a restaurant. The old man caught his glance and motioned with his head toward the sign hanging over the doors. It had been painted over hastily and now displayed a large spider partially blocked by crossed swords. Alexander was glad he'd exchanged most of his Addamantian coins for Hurst currency.
Adriana ignored the young dwarf who stood on the walk outside and bellowed out the day's prices. The interior was crowded but fairly quiet as patrons conversed in low voices over plates of steaming boar and mugs of ale—straight from the Stronghold, according to the boast painted above the entrance. Adriana claimed a table near the front of the restaurant and the trio was greeted quickly by the mother of the youngster outside. Alexander shared a short bench with Adriana, across from Hafflston. Both men requested the boar roasting on an open flame near the back of the room, while Adriana opted for vegetables.
When the dwarf departed to shout their order at her husband the three leaned close over the table. Adriana must have washed her hair recently; Alexander tasted the scent of soap when he inhaled. He edged over slightly until he felt her dagger's scabbard brush his thigh.
“Have you two young folk tracked down our killer yet?” asked Hafflston.
“Well, we've determined that the majority of the Magician's Guild hates Huntsmen,” said Alexander.
“Add that to what we knew before and we still have nothing,” said Adriana. She glanced at Alexander and frowned. “I'm starting to think I should smuggle you back to Addamantia before things really get bad here."
“And abandon you to find the killer yourself? I like to think I'm a little more gallant than that.” He patted her hand and she smiled.
Hafflston laughed as the dwarven woman set mugs of beer on the table and hustled away again. “You don't have to worry about her, Alexander. Her lover's the biggest, meanest brute in the Emperor's army. Have you met Sergeant Sirgar?"
“Um, no,” said Alexander, casually removing his hand. He grabbed his beer and hid from Hafflston's amused eyes behind the upturned mug. Beside him Adriana sucked in her breath audibly, as if she'd just realized something previously unclear. When Alexander returned his beer to the table the counselor's face was bright red.
“If the war cry is officially
raised you'll doubtless be expelled from the city anyway,” said Hafflston. “I think you're safe for the time being, though. Last night's events have distracted the Emperor's attention from Addamantia, at least for a bit."
“Last night?” asked Adriana.
“You haven't heard? A Burning Man attacked Nikkolynda and, well, paid the consequences."
“In the keep?” said Adriana, and Alexander shared her disbelief. Even before the mobilization he would've been amazed that a Sandlander could penetrate the keep's defenses. The guard disposition was simply too good for such subterfuge, particularly for an assassin who stood out as much as a Burning Man.
“It must have been one of their warrior-mages,” said Hafflston. “Probably one of the lieutenants of that troop camped outside the city walls."
“Aren't their fandyiha and feyrhakin staying in the city?” Adriana asked.
Hafflston shook his head. “I'm told that they'll be escorted from the city proper at sunset. His Righteousness is allowing them to continue their business during the day, but if Hurst declares war I'm sure the Sandlanders will be forced to depart."
A cold sensation spread through Alexander's stomach at the count's words. Though he'd noted the preparations firsthand over the past three days, the possibility of outright war still seemed unthinkable. Worse, the prospect of being trapped in the enemy city was outright terrifying. Perhaps he'd be better off just walking into the desert with the Burning Men.
Adriana seemed to be of a similar mind. She turned and laid one hand on Alexander's arm, looking at him earnestly. “Maybe we should talk to Sirgar about getting you out,” she said. “You're free to leave the city right now, but traveling to Addamantia is damned likely to be a death sentence. Sirgar could get you a safe escort. Nobody'll cross him without orders from His Righteousness."
The offer tempted Alexander more than he cared to admit. He considered it, but briefly. “I've got to stay,” he said, shaking his head.
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