by B J Hanlon
Edin sat at Sandon’s left, with Arianne next to him. Landon and Corta sat across from them. Edin saw they ate following the noble custom using the silverware—real silver—from the outside in.
His mother had insisted he learn and while it had been useful at the Aldenheim keep, he had nearly forgot.
Mounds of baked fish, freshly steamed vegetables, potatoes two ways, and bottles of wine were strewn about the table.
Edin made sure to watch Asmov as he opened each bottle and poured the wine. When he saw others drink from the same bottle, he relaxed… though not completely.
People laughed and joked about, they gossiped about other nobles in Alestow. “I hear Lady Viiel had an affair with a blacksmith, her betrothal to Lord Wentermein is in jeopardy.”
“She could be with the blacksmith right in front of Wenty and that old fool wouldn’t know.”
Edin tried to laugh with them but had no idea who they were talking about. Next to him, Arianne quietly ate her food.
As they finished, Edin took the silk napkin from his lap and placed it on the cleaned plate. His belt was too tight and ready to snap like a dried twig.
Arianne was breathing heavily as well; her hand gripped his under the table.
“You know Master Berka, I’ve noticed something,” Corta said. “You do not speak as a commoner. Some of your words are far too long for someone with little or no education. Where are you from?”
“The north.”
“Looks like it. You’re pale under that sunburn are you not?”
“Didn’t think I was sunburned.”
“Maybe they have better institutions in the north,” Sandon said.
“Then what of his manners, elbows off the table, napkin on the lap. The way he knows how to use the silverware. Would I be wrong to make this accusation?”
Even Arianne tilted her gaze toward him as the room went silent.
Edin cleared his throat. “Well, I am honored you all think so good of me. I ain’t a noble though.”
“That’s over doing it…” Lenter said. “I know a good bluff when I see one.”
“My mother worked for a lord far to the north.”
“What city? Was it an Earl… a Baron?” Sandon said.
Between the eight nobles, he was certain that one of them knew of all the other lords in Dunbilston.
Something Edin didn’t know. He had no choice but to offer a bit and hope they didn’t kill him outright. “Yaultan,” Edin said.
“Yaultan… yes I’ve heard of that place, but that means you’re from Resholt.”
“Gods. What are you doing here?” One of the other nobles gasped, his hand suspiciously reaching under the table. The man looked to Sandon. “You know as well as I that this is beyond improper.”
Arianne squeezed his thigh.
Sandon just lifted a palm and the man went quiet. He turned back to Edin as the rest of the table went silent. “You’re no spy, are you?”
Edin involuntarily snorted. “I’m honored you think so highly of me…”
“I did not think so, if you would’ve somehow left the city before this evening’s dinner, I would’ve been more inclined to believe that. So, what are you doing in our fair state?”
“Adventure,” Edin said shrugging his shoulders.
“Yaultan… yes I remember, there was some trouble there a few months back,” another male said.
“There’s trouble everywhere, brother Sinndilo,” Sandon said.
“Yes… I know but the Lady of Yaultan, a baroness I believe, was killed by a mob. Apparently, her progeny was an abomination.”
Edin held the man’s gaze, he could feel Arianne begin to dig her fingernails into him like spikes.
“Really?” Sandon said. He turned his gaze to Edin, “did you know this magus?”
“Your fascination is astounding brother,” Sinndilo said.
“I did,” Edin said bowing his head.
“What was his name? What was he like?”
“He was a dear friend… since we were boys. He was a good man as far as I know, we spent most of our childhood in the forests and hills.”
“Edin de Yaultan… that was his name,” Sinndilo said.
Arianne let go of him. “I’m sorry, where is the privy?” she said standing.
“I’ll go with you,” Corta said in a way that made it sound as if it were normal for two women to use the bathroom together.
The wood chairs scampered on the floor as everyone pushed back their chairs and stood. Edin felt the blood rushing to his ears as he watched her rush away.
“I take it your girl did not know of your friendship with an abomination?” Lenter said.
Edin shook his head.
“Apologies,” Sinndilo said. “It’s an amazing story though, were you there?”
Edin nodded, he closed his eyes and could see the char on the manor, the nearly invisible flames lapping into the morning sky. “Yes… they killed everyone, the lady, the staff, all burned alive in the manor.”
“They murdered the staff?” A female gasped.
“Except the abomination. I hear he’s still out there,” Lenter said. “Maybe he was in the city this very morning.”
“Gods, all of this magi talk bores me,” one of the other women said. “This morning the magi destroying a building, now the lizard people burning commoners alive.”
“The Por Fen are not lizard people.”
“They look like they are, hairless monsters with beady eyes. They’re creepier than Asmov.” The group laughed except Edin and Sandon. He could feel Sandon’s eyes still on him.
“Let us retire back to the sitting room.”
“We can play a game…” the woman asked. “Would you rather…”
Arianne and Corta reentered the room. “I’m not feeling well,” Arianne said. “Perhaps I should head back.”
Edin stood, “of course, I apologize my Lord, we must be going.”
“Nonsense, Asmov will make sure she reaches the Mason alright,” Sandon said. “You will stay. I wish to learn all you know of such magi-related tales.”
Sandon held a stern gaze in his eye, a questioning look but not fearful.
Was it possible someone spoke of his escape and Arianne’s involvement? They were seen by many people. A woman in a sling, a man covered in blood. Blood that Sandon had assumed was poo.
“Yes,” Arianne said. “You should.” Her jaw was clenched and her eyes were red.
“Let me see you out then.”
She didn’t take his arm and scurried through to the hall.
“The carriage driver has turned in for the night,” Asmov said, “I will take her.”
Edin didn’t like the sound of that, but Arianne just shrugged. “Please bring the carriage around then.”
The beady-eyed man disappeared to the rear without a sound. Edin grabbed her arm and turned her. The crystal chandelier hung above casting fractured light around the foyer.
“We should not separate,” he said.
“Do not touch me. You lied,” she hissed. “De Yaultan, no wonder you never told me. It is an old name… it was Ellorna’s surname. You are noble, and you are from a family of traitors. I was correct when we first met.”
“I did nothing.”
“You did nothing. This is funny,” Arianne huffed flinging her hands in the air. She winced. “If you’re so innocent, why keep it a secret?”
Edin tried to take her hand but she pulled it away.
“I will travel with you to the Isle, only because that is the only place for our kind. But when we arrive, my wish is we no longer have any contact.”
The front door opened and Asmov appeared. “Are you ready my lady?” His voice ticked up a notch.
Arianne nodded.
“Be careful,” Edin whispered, he leaned in to kiss her cheek but she backed away. “I don’t trust him.”
“I don’t trust you.”
She twisted around and marched through the door and down the steps.
&nbs
p; “Do not fret young master, your lady will be well taken care of.” A wicked grin crossed below the man’s thin mustache.
Edin watched the door close. It slammed harder than necessary. Arianne will be okay, she’s a magus and she’s fierce. She has to be.
“Berka, come let us chat,” Sandon said over his shoulder.
Edin nodded and turned to follow Sandon back to the sitting room where they perched on large couches and chairs around the hearth while servants poured glass after glass of wine.
Sandon seemed to be the only one not feeling the effects. His eyes were alert as he watched everyone’s speech become more slurred and less cultured.
They began to sound like gossiping drunkards, only the location wasn’t a tavern, but a highborn townhouse. Edin tried to keep track of the wine bottles and who was opening what one… it was a free-for-all.
After an hour or so, at least that was what Edin thought, he stood on wobbly legs. “I’m sorry, I must depart,” he said. “I wish to see how mistress Arianne is doing.”
Sandon’s hand slowly went to his side as he looked to one of the servants, a thin woman with tired eyes that never seemed to look above the waist. “Have you seen Asmov yet?”
“No sir, he has not returned.”
“Good,” Sinndilo said, “I’m positive that man is part dematian.”
Edin felt a shiver and it wasn’t with regard to the name of the cousins. “He went with Arianne,” Edin said, his pulse racing. “I need to go.”
“I’ll join you,” Sandon said.
“If he touches her, I’ll kill him,” Edin said.
“I wouldn’t stand in your way,” Sinndilo said.
Sandon said nothing.
“Well, I’m going to retire to the guest room, Corta, join me,” Lenter said. “The needle needs polishing.” At least two of the women made exaggerated ‘eww’ sounds.
Edin nearly ran out of the room and down the hall to the front door.
“We should check the carriage house,” Sandon said, his voice calm. “Out back.”
He stopped when he saw the Marquees heading toward the rear of the building. Hopefully the creepy man was just shirking his duties after dropping off Arianne. Edin wanted to walk faster, but Sandon seemed to be enjoying the stroll.
They went through a swinging door and into a grand kitchen with no staff then out a small servant’s door to a warm garden. There were few birds chirping and the air smelled like rain was on its way.
They moved down a thin path guarded by knee-high shrubs staccatoed with bubbling water fountains. A pair of structures were built seemingly into the back wall. One offered the smell of the stables, the other was the carriage house. Both were empty.
“It’s not here…” Sandon grunted. “Where is that fool?”
They followed a cobblestone path through the dimly lit courtyard to the postern gate. Sandon unlatched it and pushed it open to reveal a man in a guard uniform standing on the other side.
“Asmov, has he returned?” Sandon asked.
“No, my lord.”
An animalistic growl came from Sandon’s throat.
“Do you need assistance?”
“No,” Sandon’s hand went to the hilt of his blade as he glanced at Edin.
Edin started down the road toward the gate they’d entered.
The cobblestone alleyway out back was large enough for three wagons to pass each other without problems. Lining it were the same large fences and tall townhouses.
Dark trees shifted and rustled with the wind. The blare of a horn instrument came from behind a large wall at the end of the alleyway.
“What type of man is this Asmov?” Edin asked as they reached the gate of the city within the city. “He is not right is he…”
“Lord Sandon are you alright?” the gate guard asked.
Sandon waived his hand but didn’t answer. He was already starting to get slightly winded. Sitting on the throne and drinking wine too much would do that to a man, Edin thought. But Sandon also was lean and the sword at his side didn’t seem to be just for decoration.
“I liken him to a cross between a philosopher and a doctor.”
He knew it was going to upset the young lord, but he had to say it. Arianne was too important. “How many women has he murdered?” They cut through a crossroad to another alleyway on the other side.
“Murdered? You think he’s a murderer?”
“You can see it in his eyes, my lord.” They turned down the main avenue. A quarter of a mile away he saw the open space that was Middletown’s square. Edin picked up his pace.
“You can tell by his eyes?”
“They can tell you a lot: desires, whether someone is lying, if a man is crooked, if their intent is to only cause pain… to torture.”
“Torture?” Sandon grunted. “It is only used by the cruel. I despise torture,” Sandon said.
The slope of the avenue allowed Edin to take longer strides and begin to outpace Sandon. Sweat tickled his brow and his breathing got heavier though he wouldn’t stop.
“You learn nothing from simply causing pain with no purpose.” He was almost shouting now.
It was beginning to come to Edin. “Is there ever a purpose to causing pain?”
“Knowledge,” they were only a long city block away from the market. “Knowledge about your true nature makes a wise ruler. I desire to learn, to be wise.”
“So, what can you learn by cutting off a man’s foot or taking his eye?”
Sandon was quiet for a second. “It depends who cares for the man, what the man’s past is, who the man loves. People will do much for love...” he chuckled through rapid breaths. “Commoners believe that trash. Love does not exist, only loyalty.”
“And is Asmov loyal?”
There was no answer as they reached the square. Peering toward The Mason, Edin saw the carriage sitting idle a few yards off to the side. A small child was hesitantly approaching the large mare with something in his hand.
More dread than relief came to Edin as he sprinted over to it.
There was no driver. The horse snorted and shook its head, the reins slapping the bridle and the kid leapt back with a startled shriek. An apple dropped and rolled between the horse’s legs.
Sandon opened the passenger door.
“Empty.”
“The room,” Edin said. He ran inside and burst into the crowded common hall.
Heldren saw him and glanced toward the stairs.
Edin pushed a large man out of the way. The man yelled but Edin was already heading up the stairs. He took three steps at a time as he finally reached the room.
Footsteps behind him said that the Marquees was still in tail.
Edin tried the knob, it was locked. He stepped back and threw a boot into the door. It crashed open and slammed into the wall.
Asmov was lying on the ground in front of the bed. A single tear of blood sat on his cheek, his mouth was open and a stiletto was a hand’s length from his elbow. The man’s chest was flat on the floor, but his head, twisted grotesquely was nearly staring at the ceiling. The beady eyes were blank.
Edin’s pack was gone.
“Well I’ll be… what happened to him?” Sandon said. It was odd, he wasn’t angry or shocked. He seemed more interested as if he were trying to find the answer to some unknown problem, or in Sandon’s world, figuring out what made a person tick as he took off their fingers.
Edin shook his head. He didn’t care, the man was an evil man and probably deserved worse.
The slink of a sword exiting its sheath came from behind him. “So, she’s a magus too. Is that correct, Edin de Yaultan?”
Edin clenched his jaw. Of course he’d have figured it out when he met the witnesses down at the dock. He remembered how he told the city guard to leave when he fought Polus. Sandon could’ve put a stop to any investigation. Maybe that was why the inn was never searched, why guards looked but didn’t act.
He swallowed and turned back toward the Marquees.
His connection to the talent wavered like a man contemplating his own death on a windy rooftop. A moment later, it disappeared like the plunge that followed.
“I am correct, am I not?” Sandon asked. “The Ranger that survived told me as much… though he told no one else.”
“Sandon, I need to find her.”
The Marquees leveled his sword, “I cannot let you do this. Your woman murdered my confidant, my teacher.”
“Your teacher was evil,” Edin said.
“I disagree. I’m sorry, it has to come to this and I truly am fascinated by magi.”
Edin didn’t make for Mirage, killing a Marquees was bad. The consequences could be unknowable. Arianne and he were already hunted by the church, adding Dunbilston to that list… that wasn’t something he wanted to do.
But dying, was something he wanted to do less.
“I promise I will not let them draw and quarter you. Only I will study your corpse for knowledge. Though I do not normally study nobility.”
His rapier was quick as he tried to thrust, Edin barely twisted his body to stop it from piercing his heart.
Edin ducked a second slash that sang and then snapped into the bed post. A dollop of wood splintered off as Edin rolled over the mattress to his feet and drew the blade. He sidestepped so Asmov’s body was in between them.
The Marquees lunged forward as Edin blocked the thrust and tried to slash back but Sandon spun in a circle on one foot like a ballerina. Edin’s blade cut into the wood frame of the bed cleaving it in two.
“You showed me that move,” Sandon said. “New blade I see… not as elegant as a rapier though.” The Marquees slashed low, then high.
The room felt like it was growing smaller. He parried, trying to figure out a way not to kill the man. Slowly, he saw the uncertain look growing over the Marquee’s face.
Sandon leapt back. “What magery is this?” The Marquee wheezed. “You are in two places at once.”
“I do not wish to kill you.”
The Marquees howled and leapt at him. Edin stepped back but didn’t see the obstruction that was Asmov’s face. As he tried blocking a downward slash, the Marquee used it as a feint and followed with a thrust.