“An agent of Cain,” David panted, turning to leave, “I have to find the others.”
Haven reached for the man and clutched his arm. “Wait, David. What was she going on about?”
David sighed uneasily, the news making his mouth dry. “That Cain will soon set his eyes upon Lochmare.”
Chapter 7
Chasing Shadows
Sam and the others gathered around the Whitespell’s dining table while David relayed to them what Lilith had said. "There's no doubt in my mind that she's a succubus. She knew our deepest fears. Vampires can feed off of dread as well as blood. She was definitely an agent of the Dark One.”
Nathaniel slammed his fist on the table and paced the kitchen. “Confound that blasted spirit! Is starving us out slowly not enough? He must slaughter us now by the thousands?”
April shook her head, trying to stay optimistic. “We have the deal in place with the Underlord, the famine crisis will be over soon.”
“It won’t matter how hungry we are when we’re burning,” Dinaer commented.
Ashtock crossed his arms over his chest. “We have the numbers, stand and defend.”
“It’s a city of over two million people,” Nathaniel explained. “Even with the army, the police, and the nine of us, we still wouldn't have the ability to defend so many.”
April stood. “Can we even believe this demon creature? How do we know Cain will make good on her threats?”
Everyone in the room looked at Samuel, seated at the head of the table with his fingers interlaced in contemplation. The Guardian sighed. “She’s right. Cain’s lieutenants have made empty threats before,” Sam stated.
“When last you were warned of an attack, you did little to defend yourself Guardian. Have you forgotten the outcome of that night?” Dinaer warned.
April’s temper flared. “How dare you! His mother died in his arms that night!” She yelled protectively.
Sam placed a hand on the female rogue’s arm. “No April, Dinaer’s right too, we can’t just ignore this either. But this time it’s bigger than just me. Cain wouldn’t sack Lochmare to stop one Guardian; he’s trying to set a precedent. Make an example for any kingdom who would withstand his control.”
The assembled nodded their heads solemnly. Sam stood. “This city is a beacon of how the races can live together. If Cain can destroy it, it sends a message against any cooperation between them. It will take everyone to help save it. We must take this warning to the king.”
“Because he’s believed everything you’ve said so far…” April sneered.
“We don’t have a choice April; we cannot fight a whole invasion force on our own. We’ll need the army, a plan. The citizens will have to be protected,” Sam said.
“…and if he doesn’t listen to us again?” David asked.
“Then I'll think of something. We have to try,” Sam slammed his fist on the table.
Haven entered the room, wiping her hands clean of blood. Everyone’s attention turned from Lilith’s warning to their companions’ welfare. “How are they?” David asked.
“Ahtash is conscious, it seems the lipstick that woman was wearing was some form of toxin that restricts blood flow. She’ll be stiff for a few days but she’ll be ok,” Haven stated.
“…and my sister?” Dinaer asked, concerned. It was the first time any of them had seen any emotion out of him.
Haven sighed. “Her surface wounds are mended. She had a few ruptured organs and broke her pelvis. I was able to fix those in time. but... there's a problem...”
Everyone prepared to hear the bad news. “Healing magic can only rapidly accelerate the body's natural ability to mend itself. Healers can save people if we can get to them fast enough to counteract the damage done; however, when something is severed, we can't replace it,” Haven cringed, awaiting the group’s reaction.
“What are you getting at?” April asked.
“Poikaer's spine is broken. I healed the fractured vertebrae but the spinal cord... it can't be mended,” Haven sighed. "She'll never be able to walk again.”
The gravity of what she was saying hit the group like a stampede. Everyone sat and stared at the floor. Dinaer brushed past the healer to his sister. Haven moved closer towards David, seeming on the verge of tears. “I’m sorry, I failed.”
David shook his head, giving Haven a close embrace. “No, it’s ok. We know you did everything you could.”
After a few moments of silence, Sam cleared his throat awkwardly. “There isn’t anything more we can do tonight… we should all get some rest. I’ll go to see the king in the morning.”
“We all will,” April corrected.
Slowly the assembled dispersed to their rooms, April taking the attic as the elves now stayed in the living room with Ahtash recuperating on the couch. Sam stared at the ceiling as sleep escaped him. He contemplated Dinaer’s words on the night in the tent. The words about how there would be more deaths, more loss to come, more of his friends losing everything to help him finish his quest. Sometimes he felt that it would be better to continue it alone and not endanger another person, city, or friend. When he eventually did fall asleep, the eyes plagued his dreams again as they often did and his night was restless and long.
* * *
Sam, April, David, and Nathaniel woke early to walk the stretch through the central borough towards the palace grounds. Dinaer and Haven had chosen to remain with the wounded and Ashtock had volunteered to stand watch over the house should Lilith try to make another appearance. They entered the palace gates and were told to wait inside the front lobby. They were greeted by a smiling Lucas Hayze. “Sam! April! How are you? My father was thrilled to hear of the deal we made for the food. He’s already sent envoys to dignitaries across Teva to come and meet you as you requested.”
“They may not want to come after he hears the news I bring, your majesty,” Sam stated bluntly. “I need to see your father at once.”
Lucas’ smile faded into a look of concern. “Was there news from the Underbelly? I hope all is well with the shipment? We desperately need that food in Lochmare.”
“If we do not see the king right away, there may not be a Lochmare,” April reinforced Sam’s cause for concern. “Your father, now.”
Lucas stammered, “Of course, this way.”
* * *
“A succubus? In my city?” King Jeremy stated, in the midst of color selections as a horde of servants brought by choices for him. Lucas had led the group to where Jeremy was planning the dinner party that Sam would meet the dignitaries. “Guardian, you come to me with the wildest stories. Dragons in my provinces, deities with wild quests, and now this.”
“All those stories are true, as is this one, your highness. Two of my companions lie injured due to her attack,” Sam stated as Jeremy sampled soups.
“We have heard of the incident sire,” Counselor Regent stated nearby, "and to hear it from witnesses, it sounds to me as if one fell off a roof, which is illegal to stand upon in the first place, and the other suffered from heat exhaustion.”
“Heat exhaustion?” April challenged. “She’s a dragon, and it’s the middle of winter.”
Jeremy sent the rogue a disapproving look. David’s eyes darted back and forth, his mind a blur. He pulled on Sam’s arm and whispered into his ear. “Lilith may have been shielding her true form from everyone else except me. There have been cases where vampires have been able to cloak themselves from other’s view. Part of their mind powers.”
“You’re telling me this now?” Sam whispered back harshly.
David shrugged. “I wasn’t thinking about if others could see the demon when she was strangling me in the street,” He retorted back in frustration.
“At ease, both of you!” Nathaniel stepped in. “Guardian, we cannot convince the king of this creature’s existence without corroborating evidence. This meeting is premature. I suggest we come back later.”
Sam nodded. He turned back to King Jeremy, who had long forgotten the fo
ur adventurers were still there in the midst of his party preparations. “Still here Guardian? Next you’ll be telling me the moons are falling out of the sky. Are you finished spreading unneeded panic so I can get back to preparing your dignitary banquet?”
Sam nodded, visibly embarrassed. “My apologies, your majesty. We will investigate this matter more thoroughly before we trouble you again.”
“See that you do, and do not tarry in your preparation for the other leaders. You have saved my people from starvation and for that I am grateful, but my favor for you will be short lived should you embarrass this kingdom and me,” Jeremy warned, looking directly towards April. “Be sure your companions understand this as well.”
Sam nodded again, turning to leave. “Of course, your majesty. We thank you for your time.”
Sam and his companions left the room and walked down the hallways towards the front doors. “Is there really a succubus walking our streets? Threatening an attack from Cain?” Lucas asked, following them.
“It’s true, I just can’t prove it yet,” Sam stated, visibly frustrated. “I can’t believe no one saw her!”
Lucas stepped in front of them, trying to calm Sam. “Guardian, I will tell the army to stay on high alert.”
Sam sighed. “Thank you, but we should be preparing for an attack, not a party. The dignitaries are going to be in danger, not to mention everyone else.”
Lucas put a hand on the Guardian’s shoulder. “Samuel, the security is going to double in the next few weeks to protect these ambassadors. Cain is still tied down in the north. If he plans to attack Lochmare it would be a foolish gesture. He won’t make it three feet past the inner walls. We’ll find your demon before anything further can happen.”
Sam brushed past him, “Forgive me if I don’t share in your optimism, your highness, but I’ve seen Cain’s devastation first hand. Once they’re inside your walls, you’re already dead.”
Lucas was left dejected in the hallway as Sam and his party stormed out of the palace.
* * *
Sam paced the gardens behind Whitespell Manor. His mind was a mixture of thoughts, frustration, and perhaps a pinch of fear. He picked up a potted plant and threw it, smashing it into a pond. “Easy now, those flowers aren’t a picnic to grow, you know?” A familiar, warm voice beckoned from the pond.
“Dytin?” Sam asked, moving towards the water.
Sam gazed into the pond, but instead of seeing his own reflection in the still trembling ripples, he was looking at the golden face of the Architect. The eyes gleamed as if the celestial being was smiling. “It is good to see you again, First Son of the Wind.”
Sam was instantly reverent. “My lord, I was not expecting… how are we speaking…?”
“Through the water stone of course. You have been successful. Four shards gathered in only a few months’ time. That's very commendable,” Dytin said.
"Thank you. It's not getting easier,” Sam responded.
"Few things worth doing are,” Dytin said. "Do you have the Stone of Shadow with you now?"
Sam dug into his pouch and removed the stone, holding it so Dytin could see. “Place it into the pond,” The Architect beckoned.
Sam did as instructed, placing the crystal shard gently into the pond. The stone sank instantly and the water rippled. Sam watched as it sank towards the bottom and out of sight. Dytin’s eyes closed and he brightened ever so slightly. “Ah, Hypnos. Welcome home.”
Sam nodded, happy he had accomplished at least one task he had set out to finish. Dytin opened his eyes. “You seem troubled, Guardian,” He said.
“I am. Very troubled,” Sam replied. “How will I convince the King to listen to me and prepare the city for an attack? I know it’s coming.”
Dytin sighed. “Ah yes. Sadly, I can be of little help to you on that matter, Samuel. I never factored politics into my plans for Teva. Nothing good ever came from them.”
Sam shook his head, but Dytin continued. “If you are confident in Cain’s threats, then you should leave the city before he arrives. Remember, you are above one kingdoms’ troubles. Your quest should take precedence.”
Sam stood and almost slapped the water in anger. “Lochkary is my home! I can’t abandon its capital when I know what’s coming. I can’t… I won’t let what happened to Cortendale, happen here.”
Dytin sighed disapprovingly, but nodded in understanding. “It is your decision, Guardian. I just hope you don’t lose focus, or worse, your life.”
Sam nodded. “We do have one thing we never had in the valley, a lot more warning that it’s coming.”
Dytin agreed. “Yes, the pride of Cain’s minion gave you a valuable tool.”
Sam was growing more confident. “You say I am above politics, then I won’t play them. If the king won’t prepare his troops than I will create a plan myself.”
“Perhaps I can help as well. Should you need it, I’ve sent the gold to you in the Lochmare Bank. Perhaps some well-placed coins can get you into hard to reach spaces for reconnaissance.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Sam looked back to the pond.
The Architect chuckled. “Then it seems you have everything you need. Be careful, breezechild. We will be watching you with great interest.”
With that, Sam’s reflection became his own and he was left alone in the gardens. April appeared in the doorway. “Hey!” She called, “Who in Damnation are you talking to?”
Sam looked to her and smiled. “Nevermind. C’mon, we’ve got work to do.”
* * *
The next week was spent in collective preparation. Store fronts were stocked with the new delectables that arrived for them to sell, the palace was up in arms in cleaning, decorating, and preparing lavish details for the dignitaries, and Sam’s party spent every waking hour scouring the city for clues to Lilith’s whereabouts, all the while reporting back to Sam on troop placements, defensive weaknesses, and possible plans of attack on the city. When the attack came, Sam would be ready.
After the week of scouting, Sam was growing restless. There had been no sign of the vampire, Lilith, or any other possible follower of Cain. Sam knew that Cain would make his presence known on a wider scale, he just didn’t know how yet. Nathaniel guessed the Dark One would try something at the banquet, and while Sam agreed that something might occur that night, it wouldn’t be the full scale attack they were expecting. A political banquet was too small scoped. The nations of the world would not quake if a bunch of nobles and royalty were killed, no, Cain wanted to destroy the entire city. Wipe out the capital to get the other kingdoms to fear him. Make an example.
But an example of that scale took coordination, battle strategy, and troops. The Lochkary Army would know days in advance if a massive surge of Cain’s forces had broken through the front lines and were on their way to them. That only left the sea. Sam ran scenario after scenario over with Nathaniel and the others, but time and time again their plans failed without the support from the army and navy. Sam slammed his fists down on the table in frustration. “Lilith hasn’t left us any clues yet?”
“I know she was Edmund’s mistress,” David stated. “But no one from the castle will speak with me. The servants are too fearful.”
“What about Edmund? Would he know anything about who she really is?” Sam asked.
“Unlikely, the prince wouldn’t be interested in anything about her,” Nathan stated, knowing Edmund’s patterns of behavior from the years he spent guarding him. “The man beds any pretty woman he feels like, with little to no concern for who they are. It’s more likely she was spying on him than he on her. That’s probably how she found out we were in the city in the first place.”
“What about those two advisors? The Magi?” April asked.
“They’d probably be more inclined to talk to David about her; they might even be able to help us track her down. If we can find Lilith, we can show her to the king and he’d be bound to believe us,” Sam stated.
“I’ll try. We are probably the o
nly remaining Magi in the kingdom… if not the world,” David agreed.
Haven knocked on the doorframe to the dining room where they were planning. “Sorry to interrupt, but the tailor is here.”
“Tailor?” Sam asked.
“For your banquet garbs. You didn’t think you could just walk into it wearing your armor did you?” Haven asked.
“I was planning on it,” Sam replied, “Cain’s attack could come at any moment.”
“You need to look your best, Guardian. This is the first impression many of these nations will have of you,” Nathan agreed with his sister.
Sam sighed. Haven cocked her head to one side like a disapproving mother. “I’ll tell you what? I’ll tell the tailor to make you a uniform so you can keep your sword close at hand. Deal?”
Haven then looked to April. "We should probably find you something too, April. What's your dress size?"
"Excuse me?" April placed her hands on her hips.
The men chuckled softly but both stopped once April glared at them. Haven couldn't help but smile as well. “I think I have just the thing for you sweetie, come with me.”
Haven took the rogue’s hand and started pulling her towards the stairs. April mouthed the words save me at Sam as she passed by him. The two ran upstairs while Sam stepped into the living room and stood on a stool while a tailor started his measurements. “I’ll go speak with the court Magi. I’ll let you know what they say,” David said, moving to the front door.
Nathaniel sat in a chair as Sam was being fitted for his suit. A soldier stepped into the manor as David walked out. “Captain Whitespell?” He asked.
“Here,” Nathan took the letter.
The young man saluted respectfully and left. Sam looked over his shoulder at the captain who opened the letter and read it quickly. “What is it?” Sam asked, suspicious.
Nathaniel wrestled open the letter and his eyes bulged. “It seems I have been promoted,” Nathaniel said aghast.
“Congratulations,” Sam said. “Why the change?”
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