Aurora's Heart

by V C Sanford

  “Rhianwen,” she asked between bouts of laughter, “don’t you think it’s funny at all?” When no answer came from Rhianwen, Nikiva realized her friend had disappeared.

  *******

  Rhianwen took a moment to steady her nerves, and then ran for the shadows near the closed door. So far so good. Inch by inch she crept closer until she was close enough to distinguish the sounds of voices, but she couldn’t make out the much of the conversation. Her heart beat faster when she heard one name she recognized: Alex. I need to get inside, maybe I can hear what they’re talking about.

  It was too dark to get a clear view of her surroundings. The only window she could see was higher than she could reach. A quick search produced nothing she could use as a ladder or anything she could stand on that was high enough to make a difference. Two futile attempts at free climbing the uneven surface of the wall left her with bloody fingers and a long scrape down one knee, but no closer to her goal.

  I’ve got to build up my strength back up or get Nikiva to teach me a spider crawl spell. This isn’t going to work. There’s another warehouse that backs up to this one. Maybe I can find a way up there.

  A rickety wooden lean-to built against its backside looked promising. She was certain she could climb to its roof, and then by jumping, she could reach the edge of the taller building. It would be simple to drop down onto the first warehouse from above. Even better, she spotted a large barrel that held rainwater near the back corner of the wooden shed. It was cold after she removed her boots, but she climbed better without them. Getting up on the water barrel was no problem. Praying that the brackets that held the iron drainpipe to the side of the building would hold, she scaled the wall, then pulled herself up over the lip of the roof.

  Lying spread eagle on the rooftop to catch her breath, Rhianwen started to have second thoughts about what she was attempting. Her parents were city-bred, they’d be aghast at the idea of their adoptive daughter scrambling about on rooftops like an animal. The fact that she had crawled around exploring caves with her older brothers wouldn’t matter.

  Oh well, at least I’ll have an interesting story to tell everyone back at the inn. She crept across the roof then dropped down onto the warehouse below, landing with a soft thud. A ten count later and things were still quiet, so she allowed herself a brief rest. Satisfied she was still unobserved, she worked her way from shadow to shadow until she was directly above the open window, the one that was not lit. Grasping the edge of the roof, she stretched downward with her foot, easily reaching the small window she’d chosen. Praying she’d not lose her balance, she slowly lowered herself down until her entire weight was resting on the window ledge, and then she squatted, sliding her hands along sides to help her balance. Success! She froze, holding her breath, but the room remained silent. The window was a tight fit but with a little wiggling, while going over the sill, she managed to scramble inside, dropping down to the floor without incident.

  Her luck was holding, except for several sacks labeled grain and two unlit lanterns hanging on hooks near the door, the room was empty. Rhianwen listened at the door for the sounds of activity. Hearing nothing, she cracked open the door and slipped out into the hall.

  Lights were spaced evenly along the entire hall, enabling a clear view in both directions. She counted two closed doors between her and the narrow stairway leading down, and one at the opposite end of the hallway. Silently she made her way to the staircase, thankful for her stocking clad feet. She stopped and listened at each door, checking to see if any would open as she went. Both doors were securely locked and there was no sound from inside.

  Thank you, Tyche. Okay, Rhii, you can do this. One by one she descended the stairs, checking each one for a weakness that would creak. It was darker on the main floor but there was still more than enough light for her to see. This part of the warehouse was open space except for what she thought might be an office. She could hear angry voices coming from inside. Only a few more steps and she’d be able to hear everything they said. The sensation of cold steel against the back of her neck removed every trace of smugness. Then two muscular hands grabbed her from behind.

  *******

  Maxx leaned casually against the pole, cleaning his nails with a small thin-bladed knife, one of four that he carried hidden within his clothing. Like a cat watching a mouse hole, he never looked directly at anything, but always kept an eye on everything going on around him.

  “Please Rhianwen, I’ve got to know. Tell us how you came to be trussed up, gagged and deposited on the Inn's doorstep like a holiday bird?”

  Rhianwen cut her eyes at the smirking Duaar. She thought seriously about pushing him into the nearby watering trough, then she realized the angle was wrong. Sighing deeply, she continued her story.

  “It was the man from the dance hall. You were all busy with the mare when I spotted him. I know I should’ve let someone know, but I was afraid it might be our only opportunity to see where he was going.”

  “You could’ve been killed. You should’ve told us. I can’t believe you’d do such a foolish thing.” Nikiva wasn’t willing to discuss any possible rationale her friend could have for taking that kind of a chance.

  “Nikiva, you’re being unfair,” Rhianwen protested, her eyes misting over with tears. “There was no time, I had to make a choice, and my choice was to follow him. To be honest, I’ve never been so scared in my life,” Rhianwen confessed, her voice trembling.

  Maxx rolled his eyes. How old was she? Drassted robe covers everything but her eyes. At times she seems like an old wise woman, other times she’s as naive as a child. He’d never been that green, even fresh from the hold. He tossed a handkerchief to the teary-eyed girl, plopped down on a bench by the barn and propped his boots up on a bale of hay. Rhianwen wiped her eyes and gave him a little smile of appreciation. She wondered why he didn’t smile back, then stopped when she realized he couldn’t see her mouth. Feeling wicked, she stuck out her tongue.

  “Could you recognize him again? It was dark after all. We’ll understand if you didn’t get a good look at his face.” Alex tried to act like it was unimportant, but this was the first real clue as to why someone was trying so hard to kill him. It might even lead him to identify who it was.

  “Yes, of course. I don’t think I’ll ever forget those eyes.” She answered promptly, eager to help now that everyone had stopped teasing her.

  “Describe him to me. Take your time and be sure, it could be important to us all.”

  Rhianwen thought for a moment and then described the man that she’d followed.

  “I’ve seen him about town.” Alex nodded to show his approval of Rhianwens’ detailed description. “Castillo’s his name. He’s Samsara’s second in command. Rumor says he’s also an assassin. He’s got one fearful reputation, mostly based on second-hand descriptions of his torture techniques since no one has lived long enough to describe them first hand. He’s not the kind of man you want to make mad, even the city guard gives him room to pass.”

  “Rhianwen, are you sure he’s the man who brought me the letter?” Maxx asked.

  “Oh yes, she proclaimed. He made it very clear that he didn’t appreciate my following him. In fact, he implied if I ever did it again, he’d hamstring me, and then he’d leave me tied up to the pier at low tide for the crabs instead of the Inn’s porch. I’ve never been so afraid in my life.” She gave an involuntary little shiver and moved closer to Nikiva. Nikiva held her friend tightly, offering her arms for comfort.

  “I forgive you this time.” She paused then threatened sharply, “but if you ever do it again---- you’ll wish I’d left you to the crabs.”

  *******

  Alex vented his frustration, kicking the chair leg each time he passed it. “This drassted room is too small. I can’t relax. I need to get out and walk. I think best while I’m moving.”

  After watching Alex complete several passes, Maxx decided he’d seen enough pacing for one night. “You’re making me crazy, all thi
s marching back and forth like some type of demented soldier.” He worked his body up to a sitting position upon the cramped bed, placing his legs on either side of Rhianwen as he did. Rhii passed him a handful of walnuts, and he began cracking them, feeding her bits of the sweet meat inside.

  “How else can you expect me to act? Someone tries to kill us…twice. Then my uncle asks me to meet with him to discuss a business matter, and it’s delivered by one of the highest-ranking members of Samsara’s band. It’s foolish to think that the two are not related. This might be my only chance to find out if my uncle was involved with my fathers’ death.” Somehow, he needed to make them understand that it was important that he keep the arranged meeting.

  “And the lamb walks meekly into the Wyvern’s den.” Maxx carefully cracked another nut, and then picked the meat out of the shell with his knife. He tossed the shelled meats to the girls, aiming for their mouths and laughing at their attempts to catch them each time he missed.

  “I agree, he’s up to something. I’ve never known anyone in my father’s family to do anything out of the goodness of their heart. There’s no one I’d rather have at my back than you. But this time I’ve got to go alone. My uncle said he’d send a carriage for me. He claimed it was a matter of protecting his image in the eyes of the community. So, help me get ready, okay?”

  ********

  Alex ran his fingers under the starched white collar, but the garments upright neckband still reminded him of a noose. Facing the hangman would be easier than this. But at least the condemned man gets a hearty meal for his trouble. He lounged uncomfortably against the red velvet interior of the carriage, tugged once or twice at the sleeves of his dinner jacket, and then adjusted his cravat. No matter what he tried, he was unable to remove the sensation of a rope slowly tightening about his neck. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths, trying to settle his overwrought nerves without success.

  The Glass House was the pinnacle of elitist dining in Cabrell. Once the residence of a deposed noble family, after the war, it had been completely renovated and now provided evening meals in the style of the noble houses of Muut. With its extensive menu and a long waiting list for tables, the influential upper crust of Cabrell had rapidly ensured its niche as the city’s most popular entertainment location. Originally a favorite of single gentlemen without their own dining halls, or those needing a discreet place to entertain visitors not considered important enough to welcome into their own homes, seemingly overnight it became the place where old nobility mixed readily with the social seeking nouveau riche.

  Alex had never dreamed of stepping foot inside, much less being able to afford a meal at The Glass House. He found himself looking forward to his meeting with his estranged uncle, if for no other reason than the likelihood of a first-rate meal. If he was luring him into a trap to kill him, then at least he’d die happy. Going by the line of carriages waiting to drop off passengers, the food must live up to its reputation.

  The maître d’ asked his name, then escorted him thru a luxurious dining room draped with expensive fabric to an inconspicuous alcove furnished simply with a table and two chairs, a perfect location for anyone who cared to dine without being noticed. Lord Torrin Baldric was already seated in the private room enjoying a glass of amber-colored wine. The maître d' bowed respectfully to Lord Baldric and snapped his fingers for the wine attendant. A pleasant young man instantly appeared with a similar glass for Alex. He stepped away, leaving the bottle on the table after pouring his drink. Minutes later, a waiter appeared with the first course, lowered the privacy curtains and left the two men to enjoy their dinner and conversation.

  Alex shifted in his chair, unsure if he should start the conversation or wait for his uncle to begin. He decided to sit quietly and enjoy his meal.

  Lord Torrin concealed his contempt by taking a bite of his salad, a tantalizing mixture of shrimp and scallops glazed in some type of vinegary spiced sauce and served over a bed of mixed greens. Following his lead, Alex took a bite. The flavor was delicious, enticing him to linger and enjoy each mouthful.

  “I think you’ll find the seafood goes well with the peach sherry. Many prefer a dry white wine, but I enjoy being different.” Lord Orrin poured more of the delectable infusion into Alex’s empty glass.

  Alex sipped at his wine again. This time he made it a point to savor it long enough to come up with some type of answer to his uncle’s comment. A long silence ensued before he realized he’d thought of his answer, ---but he’d failed to utter it aloud.

  “It’s delicious uncle, quite unique in flavor. I find the bitternut and peach combination enticing. I’ll have to save my money and bring Maxx here to sample it in the future.” His uncle cocked an eyebrow but didn’t comment so Alex continued. “Forgive me my bluntness. Why have you summoned me today? I’m certain it’s not for my expertise in sparkling wine.”

  Lord Torrin smiled but his eyes darkened briefly. “So bold. My nephew has become a man during his travels.” He laid his fork across his plate to signal to the server that he was finished with the course. “Are you in such a hurry to escape my company that you can’t take the time to enjoy a good meal with your own uncle? It’s not as if you’ve many family members left. As my brother’s only surviving son you’re my only living relative. Without the possibility of children of my own, I expect to name you as my heir.”

  Startled by his uncle’s statement, Alex missed his mouth with his fork, allowing his food to drop off unto the cloth covering the table. He immediately dropped his napkin over the scallop.

  Lord Torrin smiled indulgently before continuing as though he’d announced nothing of importance. “Darien was my only blood relative. After his death, I searched for his children. I’m sure you’ve heard about the reward I’ve posted for information? It’s been five years since you disappeared, longer for your brothers. I’d given up all hope of finding you. Then low and behold, you appear here in Cabrell, acting as though you never left.”

  Alex coughed self-consciously. “You set men on my trail because you needed an heir? Not to have me killed?”

  “Why would I have you killed, my boy? What possible motivation could I have for your death? No, I seek only to bring you back into the family. The bloodline must be preserved.” He stopped talking as the next course was served, quail stuffed with nuts and rice, flavored with mushrooms and wild onions in a lightly seasoned butter sauce. Alex remained quiet until the attendant had departed before replying.

  “My mother didn’t feel that way. She wanted nothing to do with my father’s family.”

  “Yes, I know. Their marriage was not a happy one. She was convinced Darien cared nothing for her. She was certain he married her in hopes of finding out the families’ treasure.”

  “Treasure? We lived in the dock ward. The most valuable thing we owned was a copper brazier.”

  Lord Baldric signaled the serving girl to remove his plate and bring on the next course.” Your late mother guarded a secret that has passed from parent to child for many generations, the location of a great hidden treasure. Aurora died without entrusting anyone with the information. Had she lived, she would have passed the secret on to one of her children. You boys were too young, and your father turned to spirits and other vices. No one knows the location of the medallion, but I think clues to its location remain.”

  “It sounds like an old wife’s tale, something to regale children with to put them to sleep.”

  “It’s possible. Darien spoke of it several times as he believed it true. I think he loved her, in his own misguided way. I know he regretted her death,” Lord Baldric said. His attention was briefly diverted by the arrival of the waiter, who removed the empty wine glasses, replacing them with crystal brandy snifters. His uncle waited until the waiter had withdrawn before he continued. “You father claimed that as she expelled her final breath, she whispered three words, “in the hearth.”

  “In the hearth? There is no hearth, our family home was destroyed in a fire two yea
rs ago.”

  “True. But I believe your mother was talking of another hearth. A location she felt you’d recognize. As her heart faded she tried to pass on the secret.

  “I’ve no idea what she meant.”

  “It was to have been entrusted to the eldest. Had your brother returned, it would be him sitting in that chair. But you were always your mothers’ favorite child. Given the choice, she’d have chosen you to carry on the family’s honor.” Once more Torrin smiled and again Alex was reminded of a snake with his prey, his smile, held a fraction longer than was necessary, never quite reaching his eyes. Alex chose to sit quietly and listen as his uncle talked. Whatever this secret was, it was obviously the only thing his uncle was concerned with.

  “Did your mother ever speak of a special place? Somewhere she’d feel safe leaving something of such value? Or possibly you saw her with a pendant, silver with an oval shape, hung on a chain? It’s ornately engraved on one side.”

  “I’m sorry Uncle, but nothing comes to mind, so many of my childhood memories were of times best forgotten. If something comes to mind, I’ll inform you immediately. To be completely honest, if my father found the pendant, he probably pawned it to buy Duaar Ale.” Alex tried his best to appear fascinated at the prospect of becoming his heir. “I’ll do my best to live up to the honor you’ve bestowed on me. Your heir apparent! I’m pleased to find it wasn’t you that tried to have me killed. Of course, that leaves me wondering who’s behind the attempts on my life.”

  “I’ll look into it tomorrow. Perhaps my standing in the city will prevail.” Lord Baldric appeared piqued as the dessert course was placed before him. He tasted the rich confection, a delicate puff pastry filled with nuts and candied fruit, frowned once more, and then he rose from the table with a slight bow. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a social affair I can’t avoid, even for our long-awaited reunion. I’m afraid that I’ve delayed my attendance for as long as I dare. But stay and enjoy your dessert. My carriage will return you to your lodging. I look forward to our next meeting.” He hurried away before Alex could offer an excuse for him to linger further. Shrugging, Alex returned once more to the delicious tartlet before him, each bite reminding him of how annoyed Maxx would be at missing such delicious food.