The Serpent and the Unicorn: Book I and II

by Susan Skylark

  Chapter 15

  A lone horseman approached the gate at an ominous walk, eerily similar to the events of a week ago. “Who goes?” barked the guard at the gate.

  “One who has come to see your master,” hissed the horseman, “open up, you putrid swine before you regret it.”

  “Yes, sir,” whimpered the guard as he opened the gates. The stranger walked his horse into the central courtyard and dismounted. A servant ran up immediately to take the man’s reins.

  “Where is your master?” hissed the man. The terrified servant pointed nervously towards the door into the kitchens. The man strode importantly towards the indicated door.

  The kitchen door banged open and the stranger entered the room. He saw only Tristan, sitting with his booted feet upon the table in front of the fire sharpening his sword. “May I help you?” he nonchalantly asked.

  The man quickly recovered from his surprise and snarled, “where is the General?”

  “He is not here right now, can I take a message?” asked Tristan merrily.

  “Where is he you useless oaf?” growled the man.

  Tristan smiled sweetly and continued to hone his blade, “he has returned to Panmycea to resume his former post amongst the Order.”

  “Panmycea!” choked the man, “I do not have time for such a journey, you must send a messenger.”

  “I will see if I can spare anyone,” said Tristan thoughtlessly, “I am sure we can get your message there within a month or two.”

  “A month or two?” snarled the man, “have you any idea who you are trifling with?”

  “Since you failed to introduce yourself,” said Tristan, “I haven’t the foggiest.”

  The man quivered with rage and said, “you will send this message tonight or I will have your head, I would have it on general principle but I am in a hurry.”

  “I like my head where it is thank you,” said Tristan, “but when I am done with it I am sure you can have it.”

  “Silence minion!” shouted the man, “here is the message you will send to your master. Take careful notes and seal the letter.”

  Tristan slowly put his sword away and took up pen and paper. The man shook with ill-contained rage as he waited for Tristan to ready himself. “I am ready,” said Tristan politely.

  “Thank you so very much,” snapped the man, “now start writing. Dear sir, a terrible tragedy has befallen our agents at the University and it is feared none are now alive to see that our plans are carried out. In this light, it is no surprise that the University has taken things in their own twisted direction and have fallen under the influence of the Brethren. They are very interested in teaching ‘useful’ things and other such nonsense. They have also recalled all of their students from their Journeys and will not allow anyone to go abroad who is not well versed in something of value to the common folk. Instead of sending students on a ‘teaching journey’ they now encourage them to go out and expand their knowledge by studying under a master in a given field or by conducting a research project to further what is known about a particular subject. As could be guessed, this has had a disastrous effect on our efforts to inundate the commoners with nonsense and gibberish. Without students blathering in their ears constantly, the peasants are slowly opening up to other sources of information, most distressingly the Brethren. I will go forth and try to salvage what I can, but will await further orders. You will know how to contact me. Sincerely, Nevis. End the letter. See that this is sent immediately to your master.”

  “As you wish,” said Tristan gaily.

  “This is no laughing matter,” said the man, “your master will be very unhappy when he discovers how his steward runs things in his absence.” The man stormed out into the night and rode off into the darkness, nearly running down the startled gatekeeper.

  Trap, Turin and the others crowded out of the larder where they had been hiding. It had been a very crowded hiding place, but they had heard all the stranger had had to say. “What do you think?” asked Tristan of the others.

  “I think we have nearly succeeded in driving the promulgators of confusion from the East,” smiled Turin, “now what?”

  “We had best inform the Lady,” said Tristan. He lost no time in mounting up and riding West towards Astoria. While he could have sent someone else, he was growing weary with nothing to do in the castle all day but train students, so the journey was a welcome change. He also sent a rider towards Dara with an update for Arora; he also sent a small group of the more learned in lore among the Brethren at the castle to reinforce Arora’s bare bones teaching staff. The rest would wait at the castle for further instruction under Pallin’s command. The stranger had turned off the road heading West just out of sight of the castle hoping to verify that his message was indeed sent out tonight. He was pleased to see a rider setting out soon after his departure, but there was still something about the whole thing that he did not like. With nothing more pressing to do, he decided to follow the messenger just to make sure his message reached the appropriate destination. While he could try and salvage what little remained of their grand scheme, nothing could really save it and if there was treachery in the works the General must know of it.

  The rider moved swiftly, almost to the point of recklessness. At this pace, he would kill his horse far before they reached Panmycea. This would never do; he appreciated the haste, but if the messenger’s horse succumbed to exhaustion his letter would never reach the General. Besides, at such a pace his own horse would soon wear out. If the fool meant to be careless, there was only one thing for Nevis to do. He reached out with his mind and found the unthinking void that was his lurker’s mind and bid the creature follow as fast as it could. The beasts had little enough mind when not enslaved to the Brotherhood; once so bewitched they had almost none at all. But they were not favored as mounts because of their wits; they could outrun and outlast any other creature that went about on legs save a unicorn.

  Nevis’s horse was showing signs of exhaustion when the creature finally caught up to them. He dismounted and left the worn animal to its own devices. It would have fled from the monster had it not been on the verge of collapse. How the messenger’s horse could continue at such a pace was truly a mystery. Finally, the cursed man stopped for a rest, but he was on the road again far sooner than any sensible traveler ought to be. It was an exhausting chase and it soon became clear that the rider was heading North and West instead of angling south as he should if he wished to reach Panmycea. There was treachery among the General’s servants it seemed. Nevis had no choice but to follow the messenger to his final destination and try to discover his true allegiances. But a desperate thought was trying to make itself known though he did his best to drive it away. The further they went, the more apparent it became. He had given his report into the hands of the Brethren. It was the only way the man could possibly maintain such a speed over such a distance. It was also the only civilized country on the road they were taking. Finally, after a relentless chase they finally arrived at the destination Nevis’s worst dreams had anticipated. The man rode directly into the castle in the middle of the bustling city of Astoria. The guards took one look at the man and let him pass; Nevis could not continue on into the city on his beast without causing a panic. If he continued on foot, the man would easily be out of reach before Nevis could stop him.

  He had no choice; perhaps he could learn something of the Brotherhood’s greatest enemy while he was here. He put the monster into an enchanted sleep and hid him as best he could and then headed towards the main gate leading into the city. As he approached the gate one of the guards halted him, “what business have you in Astoria?”

  Nevis put on his best oily smile and said, “I have traveled from the distant East on urgent business to your city.”

  “He tells the truth,” whispered the other guard to his comrade.

  The man whispered back, “I know, but th
ere is something about him I do not like. He practically reeks of evil.” Just his luck, the guards had to be numbered among the Brethren. It was said they could sense the presence of one sworn to the Brotherhood and also discern a lie when spoken. He hoped that hearsay was wrong. “What manner of business brings you hence?” asked the guard.

  “A message I sent has gone astray and I have come to see that it does not reach the wrong ears,” said Nevis.

  “You tell the truth stranger, but I do not like the feel of you,” said the guard, “I cannot let you pass until I have consulted my superiors on this matter.” For a moment he thought to reach for his sword and force his way in, but both men were eyeing him suspiciously. He might take one of them down, but he would die in the process. He wisely chose to wait while the guard sent a servant running towards the fortress.

  Meanwhile, Tristan had reached the courtyard of the castle and dismounted. He went immediately to find the Lady. She could not be seen immediately as she was in an important meeting with some dignitary or other. He sat outside the room and waited. A very short man bowed as he left the room. Tristan jumped as he looked upon the man; if he did not know better he would swear it was one of the woodland folk from the Northern Wilds, but he doubted they would venture so far from their homes. A servant emerged from the room and beckoned Tristan to come in. He bowed to the Lady and she nodded courteously. “Why must you always come to me looking like a vagabond?” she asked lightly, “I know necessity makes bathing impractical, but it is nice to be greeted by visitors who do not smell like a sweaty horse. What news brings you so far so swiftly?”

  He related his news to her and then gave her the letter dictated by Nevis. “It is good to know our plans in the East have finally begun to bear fruit,” said she, “I am glad we have captured the castle, but it is distressing to know it was in vain. It is troubling to know that the Order is once again under the sway of evil, and this time voluntarily. Something must be done about them before they return to their previous ways or become far worse. We have had many of the Brethren within the Order riding back after their untimely discharge from the Order’s service. I am also expecting Ex-councilor Karly at any time. He was booted off the High Council and fled just ahead of the men sent to arrest him. Our agents have helped greatly in his escape; what will arise from this action I know not. I have also had disturbing news from the Northern Wilds: it seems that there are many strangers abroad and that evil things are stirring. I fear war may be brewing and I cannot point a finger at any specific enemy.

  Where stealth and manipulation have failed, I think the enemy is finally going to move openly against us. We must be ready. I am alerting all of our agents in the field to keep their eyes and ears open and we will be recalling many of them and redeploying them to the areas where they will be the most useful should such a conflict arise. The Brethren have not ridden openly to war in a millennium, but I fear there will be no stopping it if things continue as they are. But that is neither here nor there, I am glad to hear the University is finally coming around. I will send some Teachers to assist Arora in her efforts there. I will recall the Brethren stationed at this castle of yours immediately. I have need of them elsewhere. As far as what to do with the thing, I think your idea of handing it over to the University is best. I have no wish to waste resources defending such an inconvenient location, yet letting it fall back into enemy hands is out of the question. What a hassle over such a hopeless ruin!”

  As she finished there came a knock at the door and a servant popped his head in. He said, “My Lady, there is a questionable man at the gate and the guard asks what to do about him. He says the man ‘reeks of evil.’ They await your counsel.”

  She turned to Tristan, “any idea who this might be?”

  He said, “I wonder if it is not the author of my letter. Taragon thought he smelled some stench of the evil beasts the Brotherhood uses on a couple of occasions during our ride, but we never took the time to investigate. He may have followed us.”

  The Lady smiled to herself, “send four of our best Warriors down to escort him to me. We will see what he wants.” The servant looked at her in dismay but bowed and went to pass along her orders. Tristan looked at her in shock, what was she up to?

  Four Warriors in full armor walked down to the main gate. Their leader said to the waiting Nevis, “the Lady of Astoria wishes to hear your case. If you wish, we will escort you to her but you must leave your weapons in the guard house.” Nevis nearly jumped with surprise. The Lady wanted to see him? He wondered what trickery she was up to, but it was an opportunity not to be missed. To the best of his knowledge, no one in the Brotherhood’s history had ever gotten anywhere near the leader of the Brethren. He stripped himself of all his weapons save a dagger hidden in the top of his boot, but the guard asked if that was everything and when he said it was, the guard glared at him dangerously until he removed the hidden knife and placed it with the rest of his gear. So much for ulterior motives. He entered the gates and the four guards formed up around him and escorted him through the city and into the castle. They brought him to a small room that was dark save for the cheerful fire burning on the hearth. Before the fireplace sat a table, upon which rested some familiar feet, which belonged to a man sharpening a familiar sword.

  “You?” squawked the confused man, “I thought I was to see this Lady of yours.”

  “You will,” said Tristan patiently, “but first I must let you know she greatly appreciated your letter. It was very thoughtful of you.” As this exchange took place, the curtains were drawn back and sunlight filled the room. Nevis turned from his annoying adversary and faced the woman he had come to see. An absolutely ancient woman sat in a chair by the window, apparently uninterested in him or her insubordinate agent.

  “You have sent a most informative letter young man,” said she, “and I thank you for your pains. I am sorry if it will cause any trouble on your part. I am sure your masters would not approve of you sending such a message to their enemies.”

  Nevis spluttered in agitation, “I did not direct that letter here. That man brought it here against my will.”

  Tristan broke in, “you said to take it to my ‘masters’ and she would be my master so I have simply done as I was told.” The man fumed silently, there really was no way around such an argument.

  “What do you want of me?” demanded Nevis.

  “We demand nothing of you,” said the Lady, “I wish only to offer you our protection should you find returning to your masters too dangerous after such a gaffe.”

  “Your protection!” shouted the man, “what kind of an offer is that?”

  “Simple,” said the Lady, “I assume your life will be forfeit when it is discovered what has happened, hence I offer you my protection. Of course you will have to revoke any oaths you have sworn to the Evil One.” The man was nearly shaking with rage; the woman had the audacity to make demands of him that no sane person would even suggest in his presence.

  “Am I your prisoner?” asked the man trying in vain to remain calm.

  “I have no knowledge of your wrongdoings though I am sure they are many,” said the Lady, “and I offered you something of an amnesty in allowing you into my presence. You are not my prisoner and may leave if you wish. Though if any of my agents happens upon you in the future, this amnesty will hold no sway over their actions and I cannot promise that things will turn out well for you.” The Lady stood and made her way to the door and as she walked past him, Nevis seemed to flinch in pain. He had never felt such awe or reverence for anyone. Even his own masters only inspired fear. Something in her presence demanded the respect she was due; here was true power, though none of her own doing. Tristan stood and bowed as the Lady passed by on her way to the door. Before she left she said, “you will be given a room where you may think on my words. If you have come to no decision by morning, you will be escorted from the city
. Otherwise you may leave whenever you like prior to the deadline. Goodnight.” The door closed quietly behind her and he was left alone in the room with Tristan.

  Nevis turned towards the annoying man, “what exactly is going on here?”

  Tristan smiled and said, “the Lady has said exactly what she means. You have until dawn to revoke your oaths to your sinister masters and then you will be given her protection. Otherwise you will be asked to leave in the morning and left to face whatever fate will befall you.” “

  Why do you care what happens to me?” asked the man curiously, “I am your enemy.”

  Tristan smiled, “true, you and I are currently on opposite sides of an ancient war that neither of us started, but you are still one of the Master’s children and therefore I am still prone to care about your welfare, physical and otherwise. It was my doing that you are in this mess and it is only fair that we offer you a way out.”

  “If you care so much about me and my kind, why do you destroy us every chance you get?” asked the skeptical Nevis.

  Tristan said, “I would love the opportunity to give every one of your sinister brothers the chance we are giving you, but you know as well as I that there is little time for idle talk amongst warring factions. If your people would sit down for a peaceful chat, I would be happy to discuss these things with them, but as it is, we more often meet for battle than for negotiation. I fight to defend the innocent lives you seek to destroy. If you did not force my hand, I would not be so determined to kill in order to save my own and other lives.”

  “You really mean all this!” said Nevis, “I have much to think on. Lead me to my quarters.” Tristan opened the door and nodded to one of the waiting guards who joined him in escorting their guest to his quarters. The other three guards followed at a distance.

  When they reached their destination Tristan said, “these gentlemen will be waiting outside your door to answer any of your questions or to escort you out of town if you wish to leave. I bid you goodnight.” He left the confused Nevis in the care of the four Warriors.

  Once he was alone, Nevis sat on the bed deep in thought. This little errand had most definitely not turned out the way he had planned. These Brethren were completely different than he had been expecting. They were his sworn enemies, yet for the most part they treated him with more respect than he received even amongst his own brothers. The Lady was quite impressive in and of herself; he had never seen such grace, power, and wisdom gathered all in one person. There was a peace and a power about her that he envied. There was none of the terror and greed that filled his own masters and colleagues. Here, there seemed to be a determined sort of cooperation and companionability whereas amongst the Brotherhood there was a continual striving against one another. He almost envied them. The darker side of life had always fascinated him, especially when he discovered that it could be used as a path to greater power and influence. He had always thought those who strove for the rights of the weak and oppressed were pathetic and feeble, but here he discovered that it took a special sort of strength to fight back your own desires and work for the good of others no matter the cost to oneself. He was also amazed to learn that while he was an enemy to these people, he was still considered a valuable person even with all the evil he had done. It gave him much to think about.

  Sometime in the small hours of the morning, Nevis poked his head out the door and looked up into the eyes of his watchful sentries. “I wish to speak with the man who was here earlier,” said he. One of the four nodded and headed off at a trot. Nevis smiled at the thought of rousing Tristan from his bed after such a long ride.

  A bleary eyed Tristan soon came walking towards Nevis’s chambers behind the sentry. “Yes?” said Tristan as he yawned.

  Nevis grinned, “I just had a few questions. Will you come in?” Tristan nodded and motioned for the guard to remain outside. He sat in a handy chair while Nevis took the bed.

  “What can I do for you?” asked Tristan now a bit more awake.

  “I have been thinking much on this strange little association of yours,” said Nevis, “but one thing still bothers me. What has become of the traitor to the Brotherhood known as Trap?”

  Tristan eyed him skeptically, “why are you asking?”

  “It is not widely known amongst ourselves what becomes of a man who revokes his oaths,” said Nevis, “I want to know what I am in for should I decide to do likewise.”

  “Perhaps I am taking a risk, but consider it an exercise in trust,” said Tristan, “Trap was captured in Arca some months ago after losing a fight with myself and another of the Brethren. He was on the verge of taking his own life when I questioned his fate after death. He laughed me to scorn, but something must have changed in his mind because he did not allow himself to die as so many of your colleagues do. Over time he gradually came to the realization that nothing worthwhile could come of his relationship to your evil masters and he revoked his oaths. He was a broken and lost man after that, mostly because everything he had ever believed in life had been a lie. Gradually he found some meaning and direction in life again. When he was well enough to travel, he was escorted to Astoria under guard and stood before the Lady on charges of murdering three of the Brethren, amongst other things. His life was justly forfeit the minute he surrendered to us and he knew it. He had found peace with himself and was willing to face the certain death he knew was coming, but the Lady offered him a choice. His life was no longer his own and he could choose to end it immediately via a swift execution or he could dedicate it to something larger than himself and serve others for a change. He chose to dedicate his life to the Master’s service and was thus spared from execution, but he may yet meet death as a result of his choices. You are under no such stricture. We will not execute you if you refuse to join us. All we ask is that you no longer serve evil.”

  Nevis stared at Tristan in disbelief, “you threatened Trap with death unless he took your Oath?”

  Tristan shook his head, “the Oath is not something that can be forced. It was offered as an option, but it could not be taken unless it was something he truly wanted with all his heart.”

  “You have said enough,” said Nevis, “I will continue to think upon this and you will have my answer in the morning.” Tristan bid him goodnight and left the room. Nevis sat long in the darkness thinking over his past and his future.

  Just after dawn there came a knock at the door. Tristan slowly opened the door and closed it behind him. Nevis sat upon the bed with a grim smile upon his face, “I have come to a decision. While this has been a fascinating study in the ways of your people and my masters will be happy to know the fate of the traitor, I must tell you that I cannot take you up on your offer. I am not seeking sanctuary, nor do I regret joining the Brotherhood. My only regret is being so foolish as to entrust my message to you without enquiring further into happenings at the castle in the General’s absence. I must go back and face whatever penalty my foolishness has earned. I have, however gained a new respect for the Brethren and perhaps someday we can meet if not as friends, at least not as enemies. Perhaps we can come to a mutual understanding.”

  Tristan shook his head, “there can be no ‘mutual understanding’ as long as you serve evil willingly. There is only right and wrong, there is no middle ground. There is only the Truth or chaos. Your decision saddens me, but it is yours to make and we will keep our word. These gentlemen will escort you to the border and you may go as you wish from there. I hope one day you will find the chance to change your mind, but the decision is yours and I will hinder you no longer, farewell.”

  Nevis was soon escorted from the room and out into the countryside. As he left, he stared back in wonder at the strange folk he had left behind and wondered again at what course his own future might take. He rode hard for Panmycea. The Lady and Tristan watched him go from an upper window. “I did not think he would take our offer,” said the Lady. <
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  “Do you think it was wise allowing him to see and hear so much of our business, especially Trap?” asked Tristan.

  “I do not think any great harm will come of it and greatly hope that in the end it may prove a fruitful endeavor,” said the Lady. As they were turning from the window, a large mounted party came riding out of the woods along the road. The Lady sent Tristan down to greet their visitors.

  At the main gate to the city, the party was stopped by the guards. Tristan soon arrived out of breath. It was as the Lady had thought: Karly had come at last. Tristan bowed formally to Karly and his party and signaled for them to ride forward. As they wound their way through the crowded streets, Tristan easily kept apace of the horses. “It is good to see you sir,” said Tristan, “I only wish it were under happier circumstances.”

  Karly looked down at his former officer, “perhaps it was a day that should have come sooner. I only wish the more honorable days of the Order had not been so short lived. I am not too saddened to be leaving, especially with the recent changes to the Order. It is just hard to change the course of one’s life so abruptly, especially after so many years of dedicated service.”

  The Lady herself met the party as it rode into the courtyard of the castle. “Welcome Karly,” said the Lady, “it is good to see you once more. My sympathies for your recent loss and close call.”

  He bowed from his saddle and said, “if not for you and your men, I would have had no escape at all. I must speak with you directly.” She motioned for him to walk beside her.

  Tristan and Karly’s escort followed. Once they reached the privacy of the Lady’s favorite audience chamber, everyone found seats and Karly began, “it will be no surprise to you that General Vrill, a suspected member of the Brotherhood, has returned to Panmycea at the invitation of the High Council and has resumed his former post on said Council. All members of the Order who trained in Astoria or had amiable relations with the Brethren were summarily dismissed from the Order. Through this process many of the more honorable men amongst us were removed from the Order, leaving only the troublemakers and men of more dubious character. This being said, the conditions were ripe for what happened next. Shortly before my expulsion from the Council, a measure was being discussed to change both the name and mission of the Order. After recent happenings, I do not doubt it will pass.”

  “What is it?” asked the Lady.

  “The new name is to be The Legion of the Serpent,” said Karly, “and their mission is to conquer the known world for their new namesake. At first I thought it a joke, but then some very questionable things started to happen and as things progressed I knew it was only a matter of time. War is coming My Lady, and I have come to offer what help I can. Many of the Order have already sworn allegiance to you and once removed from their former posts have found shelter amongst the Brethren, but there are those of us who are friendly towards Astoria but never swore your Oath and may never do so, but wish to fight this evil alongside you. I offer you the services of the Order in exile. We will fight the coming storm under your banner.” The Lady was speechless for the first time in living memory.