by Edward Cox
Denton sipped his coffee and shook his head. ‘A love of food is a love of life, Marney. When this war is over, I’ll take you to a restaurant I know on the Island of Remember When. They serve a steak fried in a fungus butter that will invigorate even your taste buds.’
‘I’d like that,’ Marney said with a smile. ‘I’d like that very much.’
Denton appraised her for a moment, seemed pleased, and then resumed devouring his breakfast.
The conversation remained on a fair-weather level until the morning meal was finished. Denton insisted on paying the bill, and then the two agents caught a tram into the western district. There were far fewer passengers than there had been on Marney’s previous journey. They rode in silence for a while, and Marney gazed out of the window.
Have you seen the paper today? Denton thought to her.
Marney shook her head, and the old empath took his newspaper from the pocket of his coat and passed it to her.
It seems Gideon has decided to go public with our cover story.
Marney unrolled the newspaper and read the headline: WILD DEMON IN LABRYS TOWN – Denizens warned of infection …
Below the headline was an artist’s impression of the demon: a lumbering, misshapen silhouette lurking in the shadows of a back alley.
Marney thought back to her earlier journey, and the concerned words the mother on the tram had addressed to her daughter.
I thought Gideon wanted to avoid panic. How does this help?
There’s more method than madness to this, Marney, Denton thought to her as he took the newspaper back. With the denizens on their toes, Fabian Moor will find it a little harder to move around town without drawing attention. That article also explains a little about the virus, but not everything. The denizens are ordered to isolate anyone who shows signs of infection and alert the authorities. But they are also assured the problem is being dealt with. Most will think this is happening to other people in some other part of town. The populace has been made aware, at least to some degree.
Marney nodded. Selective information. It could help to stop the virus spreading … you know, if it comes to that.
Let’s hope it doesn’t. Denton turned his grim expression to her. If the denizens ever discover the wild demon is really a Genii, panic would spread far quicker than any virus.
Marney felt a chill.
But that’s a problem for another day, Denton continued with a cheerier delivery. Right now, we have to remember our best manners, Marney. An Aelfirian Ambassador and the western district await us.
Marney nodded and gazed out of the window again, to watch her small world going by.
The tram was already deep within the west side of town.
Like many of her fellow agents, Marney had been raised in an orphanage. As a small girl, she held to a fantasy that one day her long-lost parents would return to collect her. They would be rich, highly respected, and they would take their daughter to live a life of luxury in the western district. Of all the privileges in Labrys Town, that was where the best could be found. At least, that was how it used to be, and probably would be so again once the war ended.
It was easy to tell this was a wealthier part of town. The buildings appeared better maintained; the streets were wider, freer, less cramped and squashed than in the other districts. Even the air seemed fresher, cleaner. Fewer denizens bustled through the streets, for fewer denizens actually lived in the area. When Marney and Denton arrived at their destination they were the only two occupants left in the tram.
‘Is it just me,’ said Denton as they walked along the street, ‘or does the sun shine a little brighter in this district?’
Marney smiled as the old empath removed his worn and patched coat and slung it over his arm.
‘Now then, Marney. Tell me what you know of House Mirage.’
Marney thought back to her lessons in Aelfirian history at university. ‘Not a great deal,’ she admitted. ‘It’s a desert realm. One of the few remaining trading posts outside the Labyrinth, as far as we know, but smaller than us.’
‘Very good. And … ?’
Marney pursed her lips. ‘It’s run by bureaucrats and politicians. There’s no royalty as such, though there is a line of succession that runs through the family of the current High Governor.’
‘High Governor Obanai, that’s right,’ Denton said. ‘Anything else?’
She shrugged. ‘They denounced Spiral and the Genii, but also abstained from fighting in the war. That’s pretty much all I know.’
‘Which is probably more than most of your fellow agents,’ Denton beamed. ‘High Governor Obanai claims to be a pacifist, but others would call him a bet-hedger or fence-sitter. Either way, House Mirage has never given anyone cause to doubt its loyalty to the Timewatcher.’
‘Until now,’ Marney replied.
‘Perhaps, but don’t be so quick with your judgement, Marney.’
They turned off the main street and headed down a wide and deserted road where the tramlines did not run. It was lined with lush gardens and grand houses, and Marney knew she had entered the merchants’ quarter of the western district, the most expensive area in which to live in Labrys Town. The watchful eye devices sat atop evenly spaced pedestals, full spheres like those outside the Nightshade. Marney had never been to this area before; she looked at the size of the houses and realised the stories of its grandeur were in no way exaggerated.
‘Caution and care must be taken on this mission,’ Denton told her. ‘We have reasonable cause to suspect Mirage’s involvement with the artefact, but Ambassador Ebril and his entourage were by no means the only Aelfir to be stranded in the Labyrinth when the war began. Remember, we only have the word of a dying criminal to suggest that this Ursa belonged to House Mirage at all.
‘Diplomacy and observation will be key here, Marney. But for now, let’s hide ourselves, shall we?’
Up ahead, in the near distance, three police officers stood in a group outside the gates to a house. They chatted among themselves and looked bored. Marney felt Denton project his emotions to form a concealment shield around him, and she did the same. Denton continued the conversation mentally as they made their way towards the unsuspecting officers.
Although Mirage abstained from the fighting, it has not remained entirely neutral in the war. It might be a small House compared to the Labyrinth, but it is an important supply line for the Timewatcher’s armies. Mirage remains connected to four other Houses – the Floating Stones of Up and Down, Green Sky Forest, the Burrows of Underneath and Ghost Mist Veldt. There used to be others, but they sided with Spiral.
However, the Burrows of Underneath and Ghost Mist Veldt are vast realms, Marney. There, the Aelfir have been fighting the Genii since the war began. Two years of hostilities, and the armies of both sides number in the millions. The Timewatcher only knows how many deaths those Houses have witnessed.
Denton paused to allow the gravity of his words to settle. Marney puffed her cheeks as she walked – millions of Aelfir fighting a brutal war against creatures of higher magic, and for two years solid, without respite. She couldn’t imagine such hardship.
But with Mirage as a supply route, Denton continued, Green Sky Forest can keep our troops fed, while the forges and laboratories of the Floating Stones of Up and Down can restock weaponry. Now consider – Mirage isn’t guarded by the Timewatcher’s barrier like us, Marney. If High Governor Obanai has switched allegiance, or if the enemy could fight through to the portals at any one of the connecting Houses, then Spiral could cut off a vital supply line, and four very important allies would fall.
That Ursa had sympathies for Spiral, that he is most likely affiliated to House Mirage … well, you understand what kind of delicate situation we may or may not expose here.
The two agents approached the three police officers, slipped by them, unnoticed, and headed through the gates they wer
e guarding.
A long and wide paved driveway stretched ahead, flanked by extravagant gardens. At the end of the driveway a huge, three-storey manor house stood. Marney was decidedly impressed as her mentor led her towards it.
Let me tell you something of the man you’re about to meet, Denton said. Ambassador Ebril is an old and experienced politician. You will find him charming, welcoming and, for the most part, very good company. However, like all Aelfirian ambassadors, he has been schooled in some form of magical art. And most assuredly, he will be prepared for this meeting.
Every expression on Ebril’s face may or may not be genuine. The emotions he projects might be visceral or misdirecting. The words he speaks can and cannot be believed. His every action will be calculated.
Denton grinned at his protégé. Ebril will not trust you. He will not like you. But always he will smile for you, Marney. Now, I think it’s time to announce our arrival. Drop your concealment.
What? Marney stopped walking. We’re going to let him see our faces?
Denton chuckled. Ebril has seen my face a hundred times, Marney. He is not some denizen or blabbermouth. He is an Aelfirian Ambassador with every right to know the identities of the Resident’s men. As does the merchant who owns this place. This household knows the importance of secrecy, so don’t fret, and follow my lead …
Evidently, the household was waiting for the Relic Guild agents. No sooner had they dropped their emotive cloaks then the ornate front doors opened and a smartly dressed servant stepped out to greet them. He was human, not Aelf; undoubtedly employed by the merchant who owned the house, and not one of Ebril’s entourage. Marney felt naked and exposed with her face revealed to him, but if he was curious about her identity, or if he actually knew she was an agent of the Relic Guild, he gave no sign.
With a warm smile, he said, ‘Welcome. The Ambassador is expecting you.’ He bobbed his head humbly. ‘If you would care to follow me …’
The interior of the house impressed Marney further. She and Denton entered a roomy hall, where a wide staircase of milky, black-veined stone led to the upper floors. Every door and ornament around the hall looked expensive and expertly crafted.
Like all the other Aelfirian refugees, the members of House Mirage had been lodged with the town merchants as respected and honoured guests. The Aelfir didn’t mingle with the denizens, and were rarely spotted in the other districts, though they did, of course, have the free range of Labrys Town. The merchants pretended to be honoured to house them, but the refugees were a drain on resources as they had long ago depleted what finances they had brought with them, and had no means of gaining more. But the merchants grinned and bore the situation, focusing on the recompense that would undoubtedly come when peacetime arrived.
With another genial smile, the servant stopped and faced the two agents.
‘Sir, miss, if you would be so kind as to wait here, I will announce your arrival.’
‘Of course,’ said Denton.
Opening a door, the servant slipped through, and closed it behind him. As soon as he was gone, Denton’s voice entered Marney’s head again.
Gideon and the police watched this house all night, but they monitored no unusual activity. Not that I really expected Ebril to do anything unusual. If he’s involved with Fabian Moor at all, he certainly wouldn’t meet him here. It’s too conspicuous. Moor would find better places to hide within the town’s underworld.
The door opened and the servant reappeared, once more wearing a humble smile. He stepped to one side and motioned to the doorway.
‘The Ambassador is ready to receive you.’
With a nod of gratitude, Denton led the way to the room beyond.
Remember, Marney – question everything you see, hear and feel.
In a spacious drawing room, Ambassador Ebril welcomed his guests by opening his arms and beaming a smile. ‘My friends – greetings.’
He stood mostly silhouetted before a tall window that gave a view of the gardens outside, and through which sunlight gleamed. He wore robes of a light material, perhaps better suited for desert conditions. His beard was long and grey, and his hair was covered by scarves. His Aelfirian features were lined with age, but his huge, round eyes were bright blue, clear and seemingly honest.
Before him was a low, square table, around which cushions were placed for sitting. Upon the table were baskets of pastries and breads, and two silver platters of fruits that weren’t often seen in Labrys Town nowadays. There was also a tall teapot with a long spout, around which were placed six small, clay cups without handles. Marney got the impression that the usual decor of this drawing room had been altered to make the Ambassador feel more at home.
An Aelfirian girl was already seated on the cushions at the table beside Ebril. Clad similarly to the ambassador, but without head scarves, she had long hair dressed into a tight plait that hung over one shoulder like a dark snake. Her face was petite. The usual triangular features of the Aelfir were, on her, a more subtle heart shape; her pointed ears were small and delicate. Her huge eyes were soft green, unblinking and innocent, yet her expression was oddly noncommittal. She looked younger than Marney by a few years.
Without introducing the girl, Ebril said, ‘Master Denton, it is good to see you again.’ His tone was clear and confident. ‘But I have not had the pleasure of meeting your delightful companion here.’
‘Marney,’ Marney said before Denton could introduce her. She moved forwards and offered her hand across the table. ‘It’s an honour, Ambassador.’
Ebril took her hand in both of his and gave it a gentle squeeze. ‘The honour is all mine,’ he said, his smile perfectly charming.
It was curious; Marney hadn’t been able to sense the ambassador’s emotions on entering the room; and now, even with the use of touch, he still felt closed and empty.
Nice try, Marney, Denton’s voice chuckled in her mind. But I did warn you. Ebril will reveal nothing that he does not wish us to know.
‘Come, sit, take some refreshments,’ the ambassador said. He waited until his guests had settled themselves on the cushions – a feat which was by no means easy for a man of Denton’s size and age – before seating himself beside the young Aelfirian girl.
‘Can I offer you some pastries or fruit?’ he asked Marney.
‘Thank you, but I’m not hungry,’ she replied with a grateful smile.
‘Ah, then how about some tea? It is from the foothills of Green Sky Forest.’
Marney was about to decline again, but then Denton, who was already in the process of selecting a large pastry, answered with no small degree of desire in his voice.
‘Tea from Green Sky Forest? I should think so.’ He added a mental note to Marney: Have a cup, Marney – it’s both customary and polite.
‘Yes, please,’ she said.
Ebril nodded at the girl beside him, who set about pouring four cups of dark green tea. She did so with a pleasant air, and only then did the ambassador introduce her.
‘Master Denton, I don’t believe you’ve met my daughter before.’
‘Indeed not.’
‘This is Namji. She is training to follow in the footsteps of her father.’
‘And no doubt making her father proud,’ Denton said. ‘A pleasure, Miss Namji.’
‘Likewise, Master Denton. And to you also, Mistress Marney.’
Her voice was as soft as her eye-colour.
Marney smiled at her in return. Although Namji’s emotions were as closed as her father’s, there was a quick, subtle movement of those innocent eyes that Van Bam had taught Marney indicated deceit.
I noticed it too, Denton thought to her as he accepted a cup of tea gratefully.
What’s she hiding? Marney said.
Your guess is as good as mine. I didn’t know Ebril even had a daughter.
Denton sipped his tea, and then smacked hi
s lips. ‘Perfect,’ he said. ‘Only this morning, Ambassador, I was bemoaning the recent decline in food quality.’ He took a second sip. ‘Absolutely perfect.’
Ebril chuckled. ‘As part of her training, my daughter became an observer to my duties. Sadly, this trip to the Labyrinth was also her first time away from Mirage. It proved to be a much longer visit than anticipated – due to unforeseen circumstances, of course.’
‘Of course,’ replied Denton, and he then addressed Namji. ‘Your exile from your homeland is most regrettable.’
‘Thank you, Master Denton. Though, in truth, I have been told there are much worse places to be in exile than Labrys Town.’
Denton smiled at the reply. ‘I see you’ve had a good teacher.’
‘Indeed. The wisest.’
Ebril gave his daughter a look of pride. ‘But now to business, my friends.’ He cast a shrewd gaze over the two Relic Guild agents. His emotions remained blank. ‘I have to tell you that Merchant Forester and her family do not appreciate having their home watched by the police – and nor do I.’
‘My apologies, but the Resident thought it prudent,’ Denton said. ‘It was a precautionary measure only, I assure you.’
‘I see.’ The Ambassador looked disbelieving. ‘I read this morning that a wild demon has found its way into Labrys Town. Is your visit here today merely coincidental to this news?’
Denton placed his empty cup down on the table. He paused for the perfect amount of time, giving the air of respectful consideration. ‘Ambassador, we are investigating someone whom we believe belongs to your House.’
‘Ah, then you must be talking about an Aelf by the name of Ursa?’
Openness? Denton thought to Marney. That’s an interesting tactic. She felt his mixture of surprise and suspicion, but he didn’t elaborate further, and said aloud, ‘Someone by that name is causing you trouble, Ambassador?’
‘Not especially, but let’s not be coy with each other, Master Denton. Ursa is my record keeper. He has been missing now for three days.’
‘Three days?’ said Denton.