by Unknown
Qwen drifted down to Liddea and flowed around her, gently oscillating the air near her ear. Message given, he melded with his companions, and together they flowed from the ship.
“Thank you for your help. Would two of you keep watch and tell me if Liddea is moved away from where she is now? Don’t let anyone hurt her or the other girls. Remember, don’t touch any surface inside that chamber. You would be ensnared, surface-bound, and probably injured.”
Qwen and the two remaining Zephyrs surged to the front of the ship, observed the sailors’ activity on deck, confirmed the vessel was the Wave Dancer, and then flew rapidly back to the warehouse. Once he returned, he assumed his physical form.
***
Slag’s hair was stirred by a sudden breeze. He looked upward in time to view Qwen make his appearance and float gently down to stand in front of him.
“We have found Liddea.” Qwen was immediately assaulted by individuals asking questions. Even the children were unable to remain mute.
“How did she look?”
“What did Liddea say?”
“Is she unharmed?”
Slag, in a commanding voice, shouted, “Quiet! Let him speak!” Silence abruptly reigned. “Now Qwen, please tell us what you know.”
Qwen nodded. “My agents informed me that they had located Liddea. I then left to confirm that she had indeed been found. Upon arrival at the wharf, I was directed to the Wave Dancer. The ship is in preparation to set sail. Liddea is in a chamber with four other girls, located under the wheel deck at the ship’s stern.”
Sloan whistled softly. “Did I hear correctly that in the short period that Qwen has been away, he traveled to the wharf, found the missing girls, and returned?”
Slag raised his hand with a slight smile and stopped further discussion. “Believe me, Sloan, Qwen is capable of doing what he has just described and much more. He is a unique and talented individual.” He stood silent for several heartbeats before continuing. “Qwen, tell me why you didn’t bring the girls back.”
“Trade Master, my first impulse was to use the Arts to free them. As I contemplated such an attempt, a rather odiferous fellow came into the compartment and delivered food to the girls. I discerned that the room they are imprisoned in is protected by rune lore. If I had conjured in the chamber, not only would the conjure have failed, but I would have been struck senseless and captured along with Liddea and the rest.”
Sloan broke his silence. “How then were you able to enter and leave their cell?”
“The master rune, created to ward the portal we used to gain access to the girls chamber, had been destroyed. As long as we avoided physical contact with any internal surface, we didn’t trigger any of the cell’s traps.”
Slag interrupted. “If Qwen could have rescued Liddea and the four other girls, he would have. It is time to gather our forces and capture a ship. Qwen, have your agents monitor the situation at the wharf. We need to make sure the Wave Dancer doesn’t sail prematurely.”
“They are in place and will keep me informed.”
“Sloan, contact the other members of your division who are free to assist us tonight. Someone should monitor that watch commander of yours and make sure he doesn’t catch wind of our intentions.”
“Indeed, Trade Master. I suggest we gather here two marks after sundown with all necessary equipment. We can use this warehouse as the staging area for our assault.”
Slag looked over at the children. “The young members will return to the Temple, and I will inform the Matriarch of our news. Once the task is completed, I’ll select members of the Trade to help assist in this business and have them meet here at the designated time. Qwen, it will be up to you to provide details of the ship and area around it. Sloan, invite the Dock Master to our meeting.”
Sloan and Qwen acknowledged Slag’s requests. Qwen took his leave of the children. Sloan left a little after Qwen, so that they were not seen departing together.
Slag sat on the floor and indicated to the apprentices that they should join him. “I have something to say. When I’m finished, you can ask your questions. You have done well, staying quiet as long as you have. Officer Sloan is a member of the Trade. Knowledge of his association stays here and is not to be discussed further. Master Qwen has demonstrated a portion of his capacity as a Practitioner. I am sure you can appreciate why I asked him to test all of you. Again, what he is able to do is Trade business.” He watched five heads nod in understanding. “Now, what would you like to know?”
He waited for the children to decide who would speak first. As he expected, Zeal took the initiative.
“We want to help, but I don’t think you’ll let us.”
Slag closed his eyes to gather his thoughts. When composed, he opened his eyes, looked directly at Zeal, and answered, “That was not a question but a statement, as well as an assumption. People may be injured and possibly killed getting Liddea and the other girls back safely. Neither Matriarch Izlan nor I want to risk any one of you being harmed trying to assist us. Give me time to think about what you can do to help while remaining safe. Thank you for the aid you have given so far. Do not give me cause to lock you in a room with a guard until our dealings are completed, since you could pick the locks anyway.”
Nester raised his hand and spoke. “So, how then do you intend to get Liddea back?”
“Well, a question at last. Unfortunately, I don’t have everything planned out. For now, send Sloan to the ship and have him request that the captain turn Liddea and the other captives over to him. If the captain and crew resist, force them to cooperate, even if it requires violence. You do understand you can’t be on or near the Wave Dancer in case combat ensues?”
Slag’s explanation was met by the silence of five pensive faces. He sighed. They were probably thinking about how he had trained them to fight. Although proud of his apprentices, he knew they still had a lot to learn. And he was angry. Not with them; with the ones who had taken something precious from him. He suddenly realized Liddea and the other apprentices meant more to him than the rest of his Trade family.
“You cannot come with us to the Wave Dancer.”
Mehrle raised her hand. “What are you going to tell Lady Izlan?”
“Everything I know. I’ll request that she and a couple of the healers from the Temple join us at our meeting tonight and remain on hand to help with potential injuries. The Matriarch would take offense if I tried to keep her completely out of the way. I gave her my word I would keep her informed. That promise will be kept, even though I would rather just rescue Liddea and deliver her back without Lady Izlan being involved.”
Zeal piped up. “You mean without her bothering you.”
“Well, there is that as well, I guess,” Slag said with a brief laugh. “Now, when you get back to the Temple, I expect all of you to stay put until I send for you.” He looked directly at each apprentice. “Do I need to repeat myself?” He got to his feet. “Head to the Temple. I will meet you there.”
As the children stood and left the warehouse, he could tell by the way they communicated silently and avoided looking at him that they were not happy. He followed them to the door and waited for them to walk out of the alley and turn the corner. He twice whistled a crested wren’s call and was quickly joined by one of the lookouts.
“Locate Bell, and have her meet me at the Temple of the Ladies of Life as soon as possible. Then tell Turk to gather his Set, in full kit, and be here undetected one mark after sundown.”
He closed the warehouse door behind him and headed to the Temple. When he arrived, he stopped at the building across from the main entrance that housed Durann’s Tailors and greeted Kaid, who was still on watch.
“It is time to discuss my discoveries with Lady Izlan. Come give me support while I try to collar the cat across the way.”
Kaid laughed. “Now this I have to see. What have you found out?”
“You and Bell, as soon as she arrives, will hear all during the meeting with the Matriarch.�
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“I saw Bell hurry into the Temple a few moments ago. We can head on in.”
“Have you seen our apprentices?”
Kaid smiled. “All of them entered the Temple half a mark ago.”
“Good.” Slag led Kaid toward the Temple gate.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
LIDDEA WAS RESTING on her mattress when the door opened. Stinky squatted in the doorway and began to shove bowls of food into the chamber. After completing his task, he made a disturbing pronouncement, closed the door, and left. She’d heard talk from other girls who had lived through what Stinky planned to do with them and promised herself she would never allow him to touch her. The stunned, frightened faces on her companions solidified her decision. Not only would she make good her escape, but she would also see to the other girls’ rescue.
Earlier in the day, she’d felt the air blow against her face while peering through the barred opening in the wall. Any touch of a breeze was welcome, since it helped remove Stinky’s stench, which always lingered long after he’d left. Her nose had become accustomed to the odor of unwashed bodies, but the smell coming from the partially full chamber pot didn’t help, either. Shortly after Stinky’s departure, a sudden breeze whipped around her. Liddea thought heard Qwen’s voice whisper on the wind, telling her, “Liddea, you are found and will receive help. Do not give up hope.”
She looked around for the source of the message but only felt the air flow from her, toward the opening in the wall. She quickly moved to the sill, lifted herself up, and looked through the bars. There was little to see: a few clouds drifting on the wind, and a gull on the wing gliding in the air. She lowered herself and turned around to find four pair of eyes staring at her. Had she imagined Qwen’s voice?
“Liddea, are you all right?” Tilly’s eyes were wide with concern.
Marum approached her, touched her hair, and spoke barely above a whisper. “I saw your hair fly around and imagined that I smelled fresh-baked scones and honey.”
“I’m fine.” She took Marum’s hand and guided her to sit next to Tilly. She then walked over to the door and peered through the window to confirm there was no one on the other side before turning to her fellow captives. “Let me first ask a question of my own. Since you all have been here, have any of you ever felt the air move or a draft of any kind?” She was met with blank stares and silence. “I don’t know if a person on the other side of this door can hear us when the door is closed. You told me when the door is open, sound does go both ways. So, if we want to discuss something we don’t wish to be overheard, one of us needs to keep watch to make sure there is no one outside this chamber.”
Liddea turned and looked out into the corridor. “I don’t know what just occurred, but, good or bad, I plan on leaving here tonight. I would suggest that you all wait here for me to get help and return for you. That way, if I get caught trying to escape, I’ll be the only one punished.”
Kamri huffed and gave Liddea a smug look. “There is no way out of here. If you have a way to get out, why haven’t you gone already? You are just as helpless as the rest of us.”
Liddea stifled a giggle. Kamri, on cue, flung her hair from her face and glared.
Tilly walked over to Liddea, also gazing out the opening as she addressed the girls. “You have no idea what Liddea can do. If she says she can leave here, she can. If she says she will send back help, she will. I am tired of feeling helpless. If you are against Liddea, then you are against me, as well.”
Marum moved over next to Liddea, too, but didn’t utter a word.
Liddea looked over her shoulder. The dim light reflected from Marum’s eyes before Marum looked away and lowered her head. Liddea glanced toward the two remaining girls. Kamri was waiting for Betra to choose a side.
Betra sat up straighter. “I too felt the air as it flowed to and from Liddea. There has never been any sort of wind in here, even with the door open. I don’t know what, but something strange happened. So tell us your plan. How are you going to get out?”
Liddea smiled. “I have my way. As for a plan, wait until I think the people on board the ship are asleep. After first mark is best. Since there is no way to accurately judge the passage of time, I’ll have to guess. Once up on deck, I will make my way off the vessel. More than likely, I’ll have to enter the water and swim to shore, find help, and then come back for the rest of you. Until time to leave, I am going to eat and rest as much as possible. One way or another, I’m not going to stay a captive.”
Betra moved over to the bowls, took one, and returned to her mattress. “Then I’ll make up my mind after I see if you can do any of what you claim.”
Tilly and Marum gathered their food, plopped down together on Tilly’s mattress, and began to eat. Liddea picked up the two remaining bowls and approached Kamri. “Kamri, take what you wish. I’ll eat what’s left.” Kamri snatched one and turned her back to everyone.
Liddea joined Tilly and Marum. She wasn’t hungry but knew her body would need fuel later. After finishing her meal, she lay down and tried to rest. She wanted to believe Qwen had somehow communicated with her but was certain there was no time to wait for a rescue. The ship was sailing in the morn. She needed to act while it was still docked.
***
Izlan allowed Bell and Charion to precede her into the room then stopped briefly at the door to address a runner. “Please ask Ladies Landis and Patrice and Master Martell to attend me.” She shut the door, crossed the chamber, and leaned against her desk. “Bell, would you like something to drink or eat until the Trade Master arrives?”
“Water would be refreshing, if it is no bother. The Trade Master should be here soon.”
There was a knock on the door. “You sent for us?” Martell inquired as he, Landis, and Patrice entered.
Izlan poured Bell a glass of water. “Yes, I am about to have a meeting with Master Slag. Bell thinks it might have something to do with Liddea.” Her three lieutenants took flanking positions around the room, each assumed a comfortable but ready posture.
Izlan played hostess and passed out snack cakes and drink until, a quarter mark later, there was a knock on the door. Slag and Kaid entered.
“I have food and drink here, if either of you are interested.”
Slag shook his head. “Kind of you, Matriarch, but we are not in need.”
Izlan indicated for Slag to take a seat at her conference table. “I believe it was you, sir, who called this meeting.”
Chairs scraped on the floor as everyone was seated. Izlan noted that Kaid placed himself next to Charion and whispered something in Charion’s ear. She briefly wondered what information was exchanged before refocusing her attention on Slag.
He leaned forward. “I have recently been informed of Liddea’s location. She is on a ship named the Wave Dancer, which is currently docked at the wharf in slip seven. She is being held captive with four other girls who I assume are other children who have gone missing over the past moon. The ship is set to sail with the tide in the morn. I plan to free them tonight and have come to inform you, Matriarch, as promised, and invite you to participate in the rescue.”
Izlan took a drink of water from her cup. “How can we assist you, Trade Master?” She had an idea but wanted to hear Slag out.
“I don’t want members of the Temple with us when we assault the Wave Dancer. You could possibly get hurt, if things get out of hand. I ask that you, and whomever you chose, come to our rally point in your capacity as healers and be available to treat any injuries suffered by the liberators or captives.”
Izlan thought to herself, This arrogant man thinks to treat me as if I were a fragile piece of pottery? She bit her lip momentarily, to hold her composure and keep from laughing in Slag’s face. “It is kind of you to look out for us.” She smiled politely as she continued to listen and saw Slag’s brow rise as he searched her face momentarily before continuing.
“I also need your assistance in figuring out what to do about my apprentices. They have alre
ady informed me that they want to help with the rescue.”
Izlan sat back in her chair and placed her hands in her lap under the table to keep them from strangling a certain male. “I am sure they do. What are you going to do about it?”
Slag held up a hand up. “The apprentices have been told that they will not be allowed to participate in the assault on the ship.”
Izlan sighed. “I wish we could just lock them up. Unfortunately, due to their fine education, I should assume that is impossible?”
“Indeed,” Bell answered. Izlan heard a touch of pride in Bell’s voice.
Martell looked from face to face. “Does anyone know where they are, perchance?”
“They were observed returning to the Temple. They haven’t left again, as far as I know,” Patrice answered from across the chamber. “We still don’t have an answer to the question of what to do with them, do we?”
“I have a recommendation.” Kaid glanced purposefully toward the ceiling as everyone focused on him. “Leave them alone.”
Landis gave Kaid an incredulous look. “Leave them alone! That is your suggestion? Do you have any idea the trouble—no, let me correct myself, the danger in doing what you propose?”
Charion spoke up. “Hold on a moment. I think that Kaid has a good idea. Quite brilliant, actually, and it is the only answer to our dilemma.”
Slag looked over at Izlan. “I am not sure I understand, but I have no reason not to trust our advisers.”
Izlan answered, “It is not our advisers I have concerns about.” She saw Charion and Kaid shaking their heads back and forth before glancing upward. Izlan decided to follow along and ask questions later. “I’ll agree, for now. Thank you, Trade Master, for your information and invitation. I personally plan to assist in Liddea’s rescue, and healing will be provided.”
Slag nodded. “Then I will have Bell return to guide you to the location where we plan to assemble to decide on our course of action. Can you gather what you need and be ready to arrive there two marks after the sun sets?”