[Mkguild] The Last Tale of Yajakali - Chapter XLIX
C. Matthias
jagille3 at vt.edu
Fri Dec 28 17:10:56 EST 2007
And here we go again, with the next
chapter! This begins Book IV, which will be the final book in this mega-tome.
Metamor Keep: The Last Tale of Yajakali
By Charles Matthias
Book IV
A Tale of the
Mountain and the Cleft
Few things in this world so contrast each other,
so compliment each other, stand as antipodes as
stark as night and day, as a mountain and a
chasm. Before the first one gapes in awesome
wonder, moved to marvel by the power and majesty
of the peak that stretches upwards to the
heavens. And from the second one shrinks in
fear, their heart tightening as they ponder the
limitless depths that lay before them, yawning
wide like a ravenous maw, each cliff face a
thousand tearing teeth with root and rock
exposed, sinking beneath all the catacombs of the
world to reach into Hell itself.
from That Which is Known of Galendor
Summa Terræ of Elvmere
Chapter XLIX
Dawn Tales
For the first time in what seemed a
lifetime, the first rays of the sun through the
narrow window brought Kashin up from sleep. He
lifted his one hand, the right his left arm
ending just above the elbow where Yajakalis
blade had struck it five weeks past. Five weeks
past hed woken from a night that had lasted even
longer, one filled with dreams of colourful
wagons, a curious hamlet nestled between the
cliffs of Vysehrad, a mysterious city standing as
high as the clouds, and a desert where nightmares came to life.
Kashin blinked as he stared past his
fingers at the ray of sunlight. The shadows
slanted across a bed of linens and wool. The top
cover was embroidered with pontifical heraldry,
crown and keys with the stylized tree in the
shape of a cross at their centre. When hed
woken up from his dream in the catacombs, hed
known who and where he was in an instant. Now he
stared, blinking away the nighttime phantoms to comprehend what lay before him.
As his eyes took in the rest of the
chamber, his memories seeped back. The chamber
was of moderate size, with windows to the east
and the west, though most of these had been
covered by long draperies also bearing the
pontifical gold embroidery. Soft carpets
stretched across the floor, though he glimpsed a
few bare patches in which nestled an intricate
pattern of coloured tiles. He couldnt see what picture they portrayed.
On the other end of the room stood two
more beds, and between them lay three
pallets. The pallets were of such a plain design
that Kashin knew they had been placed here only
last night. But he recognized who slept in
each. In the two beds lay Sir Petriz and Sir
Czestadt, knights of the Order of Driheli. In
the pallets slept the Questioners who had aided
him, Fathers Kehthaek, Felsah, and Akaleth.
They were sleeping in one of the Papal
suites, special guests of Patriarch
Geshter. Yesterday, they had freed him from the evil taint of Marzac.
After sleeping in the catacombs for the
last five weeks, it felt strange to lay in a real
bed, and to feel real sunshine calling him to the
day. Kashin smiled faintly, glancing over his
hand. It was now a little over a year past when
Patriarch Akabaieth had been slain most foul
outside of Metamor. Now, what must he still do to finish the job hed begun?
Good morning, Kashin, the elder
Questioner said softly. Kashin lowered his hand
and saw the priest turn on his side. Kehthaek
regarded him without smiling. You appear troubled.
Out of the corner of his eye he noted
Czestadt stirring; the Stuthgansk knight
undoubtedly listened. But the man who had once
vowed to kill him was now his ally. There is
something, Kashin admitted, returning his
attention on Kehthaek. We have broken the evils
hold on His Holiness. Yet I do not think our work is complete.
And what do you think we have yet to accomplish?
I do not know. Surely those who allied
with Jothay must be held accountable. Kashin
shifted himself into a sitting position. His
black mourning garments sat folded upon the floor
next to the bed. He took the shirt and pulled it
over his head. He wriggled both his arms into
the sleeves, and then pinned the end of the left
sleeve closed beneath his stump. Do you really
think it only Temasah and Rott?
No, Kehthaek replied. The priest
pushed himself into a sitting position and
stretched his shoulders. Kashin felt uneasy
seeing the priest disrobed, as if witnessing a
great tower revealed to be a ramshackle hut. The
priests darkened skin stretched taut over ragged
bones, and numerous old sores and welts marred
even the wrinkles. And we may yet find more in
Jothays letters, but I doubt we will need to. Others can comb them now.
Kehthaek rose from the pallet and donned
his priestly black cassock. The red cross shone
like a sombre fire alone in a moonless
night. Beside him Felsah and Akaleth
stirred. The latter had slept in his robes, and
apart from the linens wrapped around his hand
where Mizraheks whip had scoured the flesh, he was a thing of blackness.
Would you trust others after everything weve seen?
Kehthaek did not lift his hood, and so
his slow smile made Kashin shudder. Do you think we have any other choice?
Right the priest is, Czestadt grunted
as he rose. No choice we have. Seen our swords
are, them we cannot now sheath.
True, Kashin admitted. He donned his
breeches and stretched. His Holiness should be saying Matins now.
Or having a very long talk with his
confessor, Czestadt muttered in the southern
tongue. Sir Petriz gaped at him, then shook his head.
Either way, he will send for us when he
is ready, Kashin declared. Until then, we should wait and prepare ourselves.
An hour later, a young Yeshuel who
stammered in awe at the sight of Kashin, came and
brought them to the Patriarchs personal
study. As the Patriarch would often enjoy the
company of learned theologians, visiting Bishops
and other foreign dignitaries, as well as
fortunate pilgrims grants the honour of a private
audience with His Holiness, his study was
furnished with sufficient chairs, lounges, and
benches to seat two dozen men in comfort. A
personal library occupied a bookshelf on the
interior wall, while wide windows overlooked the
Yurdon river to the east. Betwixt the windows
sat an altar upon which rested golden
reliquaries, above which hung Yahshua upon the
crucifixion tree. If necessary, this study could
become a private chapel with only a slight rearranging of the furnishings.
Patriarch Geshter sat in a high-backed
chair with golden angels embroidered in red
damask. Before him several other chairs had been
set. Four Yeshuel stood guard inside the room,
while the one who had summoned them took up
position behind the Patriarch, eyes still heady with admiration for Kashin.
Geshter smiled to them, and held out his
hand. Come forward, my children. I have much to
thank you for, and much more we need to discuss.
The Questioners each knelt before Geshter,
kissing the ring upon his hand before taking
seats upon the least comfortable of nearby
benches. Sir Czestadt and Sir Petriz did
likewise, except they chose cushioned
chairs. Kashin was the last to kiss the Papal ring, but he remained kneeling.
Why do you not sit, my child? Geshter
asked kindly. Could this be the same man hed
seen yesterday? Where before there had been iron
and poison in those venerable eyes, now he saw only gentleness.
I have spent over a year to see
Patriarch Akabaieth avenged, your Holiness,
Kashin replied, his words tense. I came so far
as to even draw a blade upon the very office I
swore to protect with my life. Am I worthy to sit in your presence?
Geshter pursed his lips, while the
Yeshuel at his side, no more than a boy newly
given the green, trembled curiously. Who among
the Yeshuel had not heard of Kashin by now, and
of the wonderful miracle performed at the
Bishops Council with a sword of gold? That same
sword hung at his side now, eerily silent.
You did not draw your sword upon the
office of the Patiarch, nor upon St. Kephass
seat. You drew it upon the evil that yearned to
destroy the Ecclesia from within. Yahshua has
preserved it, through your courage, Kashin of the Yeshuel.
I cannot be of the Yeshuel, he
replied, pain gripping his chest, until all who
conspired to kill Patriarch Akabaieth are brought to justice.
Even if that requires the very last
breath from your body, you are worthy of sitting
in my presence this day. Geshter lifted Kashins
chin with one hand. Please, take the seat I have offered you.
Kashin nodded and did so, running his
fingers along his the sleeve tucked against his
stump. The Patriarch took a deep breath and laid
his hands in his lap. This is a most unusual
day. I have ordered all passages into and out of
Yesulam blocked until matters have settled. My
ministers inform me that this has caused great
unrest in the city, more so than the rumours
themselves have created. I hope to open the city
soon, but I cannot do that until we are certain
the guilty will not flee, nor will they bring in other conspirators.
The three principal actors, Bishops
Rott and Temasah, and Grand Questioner Mizrahek,
have been confined to their apartments, their
retinues sent elsewhere. I can provide you the
protection of my residence for only a short
time. There are more matters in the world that
require my attention, matters I have neglected or
instigated while under the influence of
Marzac. It is my desire to leave the matter of
seeing to the inquest to another not involved
with either side. That will not be easy to
accomplish. With at least two Bishops
implicated, and with possibly more, we can hardly
trust any on the Council to act impartially. And
the Questioners... I fear Mizraheks complicity,
and your actions make that order suspect too.
None were surprised when Kehthaek spoke.
If I might be permitted to offer a suggestion,
your Holiness. Geshter nodded. Impartiality is
not a virtue. Being able to recognize the truth
is a virtue, one that an impartial man should
possess. You are loath to trust us with this
inquest because you fear we may be too zealous in
handing out punishments to those only guilty by
inaction. But there are two levels of evil that
we seek; those whose hearts have turned against
Eli of their own will, and those under the
influence of an evil that turns them against
their will. For this second type we have a ready means of discovery.
The sword, Geshter said, eyeing the
golden blade with narrowed eyes. Will it show
you those who are under that darkness?
Aye, your Holiness, Kashin
replied. He set his fingers on the pommel. I
struggled to keep it from the darkness in you
yesterday; it wanted nothing more than to strike
from the moment I picked up the blade.
Thus, Kehthaek concluded, you have an
impartial witness to this second form of
darkness. It may be with Elis grace that no
more are so possessed. Either way, it seems
reasonable that the first action to take would be
to bring this sword before every Bishop, and
every member of the Questioner order, as well as
any others who might be involved.
Geshter drummed his fingers across his
knee. What you say is true, and can be
arranged. How much time would you need?
Kashin drew the sword slowly, and looked
at its golden surface. It gleamed quietly, but
gave no outward sign of its power. I felt the
pull as soon as I drew near you. Id need no more than a few seconds to know.
Then this test can be accomplished
quickly. But that still does not help us with
the greater problem of those who participated of their own accord.
Pursue it as you would any other
inquiry into heresy, with Questioners, Kehthaek
suggested. A new Grand Questioner must be
selected. Once this is done, three new
Questioners can be appointed who will lead the
inquest, beginning with those already implicated.
And if their sympathies lie with them?
Felsah gestured to the one-armed man.
Allow Kashin to oversee the Questioning. His
actions are above reproach in this matter, as he
did precisely what a Yeshuel is supposed to
do. He is your surety that nothing untoward will
occur. The mandate for the Questioning can
specify his presence, and the need for his
concurrence before a judgement can be rendered.
Geshter leaned back and stroked his
chin. Yes, I think you have the right of
it. Very well, that is how we shall
proceed. But none of you three may participate in the Questioning.
Akaleth tensed and asked, Why not?
Your opinions are revealed. You are too close to these events.
Which makes us ideal to conduct the
Questioning! Akaleth snapped, though he tempered
his voice when he realized who he spoke to.
The Patriarch gave the youngest
Questioner a firm stare, and then shook his head.
No, it does not. But you must remember that a
part of doing Elis work is submitting to the
authority of the Ecclesia. Your courage and
dedicated cannot be doubted, but now you must
demonstrate your willingness to let get and trust in Eli.
But what would you have us do? Felsah asked.
That I leave to the new Grand Questioner, whomever he may be.
Thank you, your Holiness, Kehthaek
replied, his voice simple and face
expressionless. I believe that this solution is
the best we can hope to achieve.
Indeed, Geshter replied. May Eli
grant us His grace and wisdom to see it through.
He turned to the two knights and frowned. I do
not see any role for either of you in these proceedings.
Nor does there need to be, Sir
Czestadt replied in the southern tongue. Your
Holiness, I ask permission to return with Sir
Petriz to Stuthgansk. The Order of the Driheli
needs our leadership to restore it to full
strength, and what good we can achieve here has already been achieved.
I agree, Geshter replied, smiling
fondly on them both. I also wish to grant the
Driheli more leeway in the manner in which they
practice obedience, lest some other rogue Bishop lead them astray.
Czestadt frowned. You should not make
us independent of the Ecclesia, your
Holiness. Without the divine protection that the
guidance of the Ecclesia offers us, the Order of
the Driheli would quickly be corrupted by fallen man.
That is not what I had in
mind. Rather, I wish the Driheli to answer only
to the Patriarch. Otherwise, you are to continue doing as you do now.
Czestadt and Petriz exchanged a quick
glance, before the elder knight nodded. I feel that is fair, your Holiness.
Geshter smiled and spread wide his
hands. I will have the alteration to your
knightly Rule crafted in a few days. He lowered
his eyes thoughtfully, then stood so quickly they
stumbled to rise to their feet. Remain here
another day more as my guests. I will set in
motion all that we have discussed. The Ecclesia
will need a great deal of time to fully heal. I
pray that Eli grants us the grace we need to see it through.
He shall, your Holiness, Kehthaek
replied with his characteristic confidence. He shall indeed.
----------
Good morning, Elvmere, a soft voice
called to him. The raccoon-man stirred, the tip
of his tail brushing across his nose. He blinked
and looked up at the woman draped in simple blue
robes. She gazed down at him with an amused
grin, noting the beastly pile in which hed
slept. She had given him blankets for the pallet
at the foot of her bed, and he had made a
veritable next out of them in his sleep.
Good morning, Priestess, he replied,
pulling the nearest sheet over his chest. The
only light came from a lampstand in the centre of
her bedroom, but it illuminated his bedraggled
state. Had his months of hiding in the Sondeckis
hold made him more beast than man? His
appearance should have embarrassed him, but it
did not. Only modesty moved his paws.
I thought you would prefer being woken
by me than by an acolyte, she said, a gentle
humour in her voice. You may take your things
through there to dress. I will ask that a second
portion of food be brought to break my fast. Can you eat fruit and bread?
He nodded. I prefer them. When will your acolyte come?
Soon. A distant look filled her eyes.
The Lothanas prefers my participation with the
daily rituals be confined to only the most
important of occasions. The acolytes see to my
needs and allow me to act as leisure permits.
Elvmere knew there lay more behind those
words, but he wouldnt ask now. He gathered his
cloths and the precious journals and fled behind
the door Priestess Nylene hinLofwine had
suggested. It proved no more than a prayer cell,
marked with symbols for each Lothanasi deity with
various coloured paints. As he straightened out
his garments he pondered them, knowing that each
was more than a few scribbled lines. They
pointed to tangible, communicable powers each
with independent spheres of influence. Were they
gods in the sense he understood Eli and
Yahshua? No. But they were still powers capable of bringing aid to mankind.
A few minutes later, the predicted
acolyte, a young woman whose satisfied voice
grated on the raccoons ears entered. Good
morning, Priestess. Shall I see your arrangements this day?
Thank you, Thelina, but I only require
an extra serving with my morning meal. I am very
hungry today. Where Nylene had been gracious and
gentle, now he heard a note of tightness in her voice.
You will take your meal in your
chambers of course? Thelina asked, though
Elvmere could tell is was not truly a question.
Of course. Thank you for your
consideration, Thelina. With that the acolyte
left. Elvmere continued to wait, knowing she
would return soon. He took that time to arrange
Akabaieths journals, making sure he had all of
them still and that none were damaged. Theyd
seen a hard road in the many months since hed
discovered them in the wreckage of a smashed
wagon at the bottom of a hill near Metamor. Hed
only just joined Malger and Murikeers company
then. What would they think if they saw him now?
More importantly, what had happened to
them? Had Murikeer found his fathers
grave? Had Malger returned to him homeland? He
missed the days of their journey together.
Thelinas return broke his reverie.
Your morning meal, Priestess. Something in her
voice struck him as wrong. No servant spoke in
so haughty a way to their superiors.
Thank you, Thelina. I have no further
need of you. See to your morning prayers.
Gentle, but still the matronly word of command filled her voice.
But will you not need assistance with your own prayers, Priestess?
No, I prefer solitude this day. You
should enjoy the company of your fellow acolytes today.
Elvmere wished he could see what
transpired between the two. He could well
imagine the look of frustration on a young
womans face that must even now reside with
Thelina. But the acolyte finally acceded to
Nylene, a sombre irritation in her voice, Of
course, Priestess. I shall return when you have
need of me. A moment later, the far door shut.
Elvmere, come join me. Nylene stood
next to a small knee-high table upon which rested
a platter of fresh rye bread, a green apple, a
stick of honey, and a ewer of milk. She knelt
down on one side, knees together, blue gown
collecting around her feet. Will it bother you
to drink from the same cup as I?
The raccoon-man cautiously left the
cell, glancing furtively to either side, and
knelt opposite the priestess. His tail curled
atop his toes as he settled into an almost
prayerful crouch. If I am to learn your ways,
will I not be drinking of the same cup as
you? Why should we begin any different?
Her smile brightened her face, banishing
the darkness that Thelinas intrusion had
brought. Then we shall begin your instruction
with a prayer of thanks and blessing for our
foot. Elvmere watched as she held out her hands,
palms upraised, before the platter. He did
likewise, revealing his sensitive black skin and
short claws. Great Kammaloth, king of the
heavens, we thank you for this our morning meal.
Elvmere repeated her words, wondering
how great this Kammaloths influence extended in
the world. Did he act in each and every event,
or did his power manifest only for special
favours? This he would learn. When Nylene
finished, she did not make any symbol with her
fingers, and Elvmere had to keep his paws from
tracing the Yew. That was denied him now. He
had to do his best where Akabaieth had sent him.
Nylene tore the bread and handed him the
heel. He dipped it in the honey and ate the
sweet morsel as slowly as he could. His stomach
complained ravenously, but he would not show
himself to be a beast anymore than he already
had. I confess, Nylene said, her grey-blue eyes
meeting his visage without fear, that I had not
expected to see you again, and certainly not under these circumstances.
Neither had I, Elvmere replied. A
dollop of honey glistened on one claw and he
licked it clean. But I believed I would be
vindicated not excommunicated, when I journeyed to Yesulam.
She tore more bread, turning it over in
her fingers. You do not sound bitter.
Bitterness... only the proud, the self-exalted feel bitterness.
Nylene held the bread to her lips,
eyeing him curiously. You have no pride then?
Enough to drown this city, he replied,
this time with a bit of anger. But what is done is done. Now I am here.
She sipped at the milk and dabbed her
lip with the bread. Every motion was so precise,
as if each were its own ritual, its own prayer.
But why are you here? Excommunication is not
enough to drive a Bishop of the Ecclesia into the
hands of the Lothanasi, a faith that teaches many
things that Followers find repugnant. Why not
instead join one of the various Follower factions?
Excommunication means that I am cut off
from the community of Followers. This community
is the Body of Yahshua, so it is inappropriate to
even pretend to fellowship with even rebellious
Followers. Nor would I grant them any
legitimacy. But, he admitted with a sigh, you
are right. It is not enough. And believe me,
Nylene, I came to this decision only after much
agony. But I know the Pantheon is real, all of
them, and I believe this without a shred of proof. How can I not be here?
The priestess brushed back her silvered
hair and smiled thoughtfully. She dipped the tip
of an apple slice in the honey and chewed
slowly. After washing it down with a sip of
milk, she asked in kindly tones,So what would
you have of me, Elvmere? Last night you asked
for instruction. Though I did teach Malger many
years past, he had not your appearance. I cannot
conceal you for more than a few days at best.
She frowned and added, What became of your disguise?
He touched the pouch dangling from his
waist. Not only did the Patriarch excommunicate
me, but he crushed my yew as well. I have no
more illusion, and no idea where Murikeer has
gone. At best I can masquerade as a normal
raccoon, or I can wear a heavy cloak and hope.
That will not do. You know you cannot stay here.
No. Forgive me, but I must ask a
second favour. Can you see my safely to Metamor
Valley? It is the only place in the world I may walk openly.
Nylene finished the last of the bread
and let out a sigh. As you have no doubt
guessed, I am a prisoner in all but name. The
Lothanas tolerates me because he does not wish to
incur the wrath of the people of Silvassa. He is
involved in matters dark, but I cannot prove
it. Thelina is but one of his minions who keep
watch over me. I will do all I can to prevent
them from you are here. But as to this other...
Elvmere lapped up the rest of the milk
and brushed his snout clean with the back of one
paw. You cannot leave the temple?
Not without the permission of the
Lothanas. I do have some friends left in the
temple. I will ask his permission to go on a
pilgrimage to Metamor. It is the ancient centre
of the Lothanasi faith, and he may see some
advantage in having me gone from Silvassa for a
time. She pursed her lips for a moment, then
smiled warmly to him. He licked a bit of honey
from his claws and smiled back. I will ponder
what I can do, but somehow, I will see you safely to Metamor, Elvmere.
Thank you, Nylene. I knew I could trust you.
You may always trust me, Elvmere. Always.
Her smile warmed him, and even his tail
flicked across his toes in delight.
----------
He dreamed of stone.
The first time he had truly slept since
the Summers Solstice, and still his mind fixed
upon granite. He saw himself returning to Glen
Avery, to his home beneath the roots of the great
redwood, where his wife, his children, and their
wetnurse Baerle lived. They greeted him with
joy, and he hugged them tight. For little
Charles he gave a kiss upon the nose, to sweet
Bernadette he stroked behind her ears, for noble
Erick he patted him on the shoulder, for delicate
Baerle he pinched her cheeks, and for strong
Ladero he touched their Sondecks together.
And then he turned to his wife, the Lady
Kimberly, who wrapped her arms over his shoulder,
their tails entwining, whiskers brushing and
feeling the familiar touch of each others
snouts, and their chests pressing firmly
together. He lifted her aloft and spun her in the air, laughing heartily.
But suddenly they were no longer in the
wooden confines of their home, but upon the crags
of the mountains, reclining naked against one
another and staring at the sky. He ran his
fingers through her fur, and she smiled back at
him, eyes sparkling like jade. And then they
were jade, and her flesh hard granite. He did
not tremble, but felt the stone overtake his
flesh. Together they leaned into one another,
faces slowly sliding through each other, until
they sank within the mountain together, forever rock.
Charles! the world echoed, trembling
and shaking with the power of the worlds
foundations. Rubble cascaded down their slopes,
and the trees buried in the soil shook so hard their leaves rained down.
Charles! Suddenly, the mountain
cracked in two, and the rat found himself flesh
again. Warmth surrounded him, and he blinked his
eyes open. A donkeys snout loomed above
him. Dark eyes met his. Finally, youre
awake! We were beginning to wonder if you intended to sleep all day.
The rat blinked and saw that he lay in
his blanket with his head on one of his many
knapsacks. A few of his friends were busy
straightening theirs in the small chambers off
the Ducal suite. Charles ran his paws over his
face, and felt the sensitive whiskers, soft fur,
and tender ears all where he expected them. What he didnt feel was stone.
Im still me, he said aloud, smiling in sudden delight.
Its so odd seeing you as you, Charles,
and not as stone, James admitted as he leaned
back on his hooves and gave the rat some space.
You looked so peaceful to be sleeping, but dawn
is already an hour behind, and Qan-af-årael says we must make ready to depart.
The rat nodded, and slipped from his
blankets. He reached into his knapsack for a set
of clothes. I havent slept in months, let alone
dress myself or eat! I hope our guide will allow
us to break our fast before we leave?
I hope so, the donkey shrugged and
attended to his gear. I think the Duke wants to see us though.
How is he? Charles asked. When theyd
returned from the Tower of Theodoric last night,
Duke Schanalein had thanked them and given them a
room in which to sleep. His grace had succumbed
to weariness before he could apologize for the
lack of suitable beds. After months on the road,
sleeping on the posh carpets was a luxury for
them. For Charles, it still amazed him that he could sleep again.
I dont know, James admitted. The
donkey tightened the straps on his travelling
pack and set it against one wall. Apart from a
collection of stuffed heads, an ornate table
pressed against the wall, a pair of tall
cabinets, and a few chairs, the room had been
emptied apart from them and their gear. Doors
stood in two walls, both of them closed.
Charles snuggled into a loose-fitting
tunic and breeches and then rolled his blanket
up. The others spoke quietly, weariness writ in
their faces. The rat glanced at Jessica and
blinked at what he saw. Where once her feathers
had been brown banded with red tips, they had
darkened almost to charcoal. Her beak, fingers
and feet still shone bright yellow, and her eyes
a lustrous gold, but all else was stained black.
Jessica, he gasped, catching the
hawks gaze. What happened to you?
The hawk held out her wings and curled
her short fingers. Did you not see this last
night? The rat shook his head. Too absorbed
with your own change? He blushed and after a
few moments reflection nodded. He had marvelled
at his flesh ever since the tower. Not that
theyd been awake for very long after Agathe had
been defeated. Theyd seen to Tugal and returned
to the Dukes chambers, then retired for sleep in
this one. It had taken perhaps twenty minutes at best.
Lindsey set filled knapsacks into the
same corner where the soldiers had brought them
last night. Its a bad sign, he muttered. Here
we go to fight darkness, and you are touched by it, Jessica. I dont like it.
It is not a sign, Jessica protested,
standing up taller. And if it is, I fought
something... something I... I dont understand
yet. Evil... so evil. She shook her head and
held her wings over her face. Please dont ask me about it.
You did not say much, Habakkuk said
softly where he stood near the two Åelf. They
sat with eyes closed, either meditating or
praying, Charles couldnt tell which. Those were
the Pillars of Ahdyojiak werent they?
Jessica nodded. I killed Agathe there,
and then I woke up in a strange place. There
were others there, the three whose deaths powered
the Pillars back in January. And another, a man named Pelain.
Habakkuks ears lifted and his eyes
widened in genuine surprise. Pelain? Pelain of Cheskych? You saw him?
He spoke to me, and gave me gifts. She
bent down and rustled in her pack. I did not
speak of them last night. She paused, and then
resealed her pack. I forgot, he sealed the spell in my mind.
What spell? Abafouq asked. The Binoq
ran a comb through Guernefs leonine flank, while
the Nauh-kaee studied the hawk with an intense gaze.
A spell to protect us as we travel
through Marzac. I will teach it to you when I
can. The black hawk closed her eyes and then
sighed. The other gift was a warning. We cannot
ride the Rheh through western Pyralis. The
Marquis has stationed troops there, knowing of
our escape. They have magic to thwart the
Rheh. If we are captured again, I dont think we will escape.
Charles grunted. Then how are we to reach Marzac in time?
Maybe we can ask the Duke for aid? Kayla suggested.
Speaking of which, Habakkuk added,
glancing towards one of the doors. A moment
later, somebody began to knock. Lindsey opened
it, and revealed the Dukes son, Kurt. Good
morning, Kurt. Is your father well?
Aye, he is just sitting down to break
his fast. He asked me to invite you to join
him. A quartet of soldiers stood behind the
ducal heir, who still dressed in the livery of a
common soldier. But where his face had been
marred by a look of desperation, now it revelled in triumph.
How fares Tugal? Kayla asked as she
ran her paws over the hilts of the katana and
wakizashi at her sides. Will she live?
Kurt frowned, eyes lowering. I looked
in on her before coming here. Her wound is deep,
but my fathers physician says she will live. He
says it may be a long time before she has fully recovered, if she ever does.
Kayla lowered her eyes and tail. Tell
her she has our gratitude. If there is any
healing we can offer her, we will be glad to do so.
Thank you. Kurt gestured for them to
follow him. Come now. My father will wonder
what has happened if we do not hurry.
The Duke ate in a small dining hall with
sufficient space for them to join him at the
table. Kurt took his place at the Dukes right,
while Qan-af-årael was granted the seat at his
left. Guernef deliberately took a place at the
far end, where he pushed all of the chairs
aside. Abafouq sat next to him, his chin barely
cresting the tables edge. The rest took places
between, with Lindsey, the only human among them, at Kurts right.
Haggard lines marred Duke Friedrich
Schanaleins face, though the tepidness in his
cheeks had grown flush with sleep and food. His
stern eyes softened as he studied them. Welcome,
my friends. I, and all of Breckaris owe you a
debt of gratitude. You have saved us from the
ravages and intrigues of the treacherous du
Tournemire, and rid us of one vile mage. For
that I salute you. He stood and raised a goblet in toast.
And now, I hope the food I have had
brought suits your needs. If you require
something else, simply speak and it will be
done. Before them hed arrayed fruits, melons
and breads, a meal that would satisfy even the
mostly carnivorous hawk. They ate heartily and gratefully.
They said little during the meal, and
nervous servants came in to refill plates that
had been emptied. The Duke watched them
carefully; Charles and a few of the others
returned the appraising stares, but never for
more than a moment. They were allies now, even
if only because of the trying circumstances.
When they had their fill, the Duke
leaned back and smiled, goblet of juice in one
hand. I do not understand how such a strange
group as yours has come to be. And I am sure you
could regale me with the tale of your adventures
at length. If time allows, I should very much
like to hear it. But first, we must decide what
is to be done now. Agathe is destroyed you tell
me, and I now am free of du Tournemires control. Bishop Hockmann too.
Where is his grace? Qan-af-årael asked in a quiet voice.
He is spending this day in
prayer. There is much he must do to repair the
evil du Tournemire has made him commit.
Schanalein rubbed his chin with one hand. I fear
I will be a long time in Confession when this is
done. But your needs come first. Though I will
not ask you now for your story, you must at least
tell me why you came to Breckaris, and where you will go.
It was not our intent to set foot in
Breckaris, the ancient Åelf replied. He spoke
in a slow measured tone almost lyrical to their
ears. Only the intervention of our enemies
brought us here, intervention that has proven
fortuitous for you and Bishop Hockmann. Our
intent is to follow the man who once enslaved you
both; follow him back to the very hole towards
which even now he flees. We must journey to the
Chateau Marzac and put an end to the evil that lurks there.
Schanalein grimaced, but nodded. I
think you are foolish to do so. All who have
journeyed to Marzac have become its slaves. This
much I learned from du Tournemire. How will you protect yourselves?
Jessica lifted her beak and said in a
quiet voice, I have a spell that offers us some
protection. Only by destroying the evil there will we be saved.
So you risk yourselves to destroy
something that cannot be defeated? Schanalein
shook his head, incredulous. I think you make a
grave mistake. Surely there is some other way to fight them.
Qan-af-årael leaned his head back and
steepled his fingers. Do you know of the starfish?
Yes, my ancestors used to use them for
money. The sailors still use them for decoration
and food if they are desperate enough.
Then you know that you cannot kill a
starfish by severing one of its arms.
Schanalein nodded, brow furrowing. That
is true. The arm will grow back in time. He
leaned forward, fingers closing tightly around
his goblet. Are you suggesting that Marzac is like a starfish?
I am. Only by striking the centre can
a starfish die. So too it is with Marzac. Only
by killing the source of the evil will it
die. If we only fought its emanations, it would
in the end destroy us all. And that end draws
near. You know something of this, do you not?
Only what du Tournemire told me. He
liked to boast, but he did not speak vainly. It
is more from what his associates told him that I
have learned what I know. He glanced at his son,
who watched and listened with keen interest. I
know that they succeeded with their mission in
Yesulam, at least in all that mattered. They
lost their chief ally in the process, but
whatever they intended was successful.
The tying of the sword to Yesulam,
Jessica said. And last night they lassoed Ahdyojiak. Or so I was told.
Charles and the others glanced at
Jessica in surprise. Clearly there was more
about her split second encounter with the
Imbervand that she yet to declaim. Schanalein
frowned at the black hawk before nodding. Yes, I
remember hearing something about that. Ive
never heard of this Ahdyojiak before I can
barely pronounce it! Nor do I understand what
you or he mean when you say tying the sword or lassoing that place.
You arent the only one, Lindsey said under his breath.
It means that Yajakali now can turn all
of the magic contained in those places to his own
ends, Jessica replied. Yajakali now has access
to all the magical power in Metamor, Yesulam,
Ahdyojiak, and everywhere else the artifacts have
appeared. And there is nothing we can do to
untie them. Only defeat him where he lives Marzac.
Very well. You will go to
Marzac. Will you be riding your strange horses
there? They have been giving my ostlers fits since they arrived.
The Rheh are well? Kayla asked, eyes alight with hope.
From what they tell me, Schanalein
replied. He leaned back, a half-smile gracing
his lips. Despite their contumacy, my ostlers
have already fallen in love with your steeds. Why do you call them Rheh?
It is the name that we call them,
Qan-af-årael replied in his softly melodic voice.
But it is not their true name. That only they
know and will not reveal. They are not mere
horses for your men to dominate. I hope that
none of them has been so foolish as to employ a whip or crop to their backs?
Schanalein shook his head. Only one
dared threaten them, and he swears he will not
return to the stables until they have left. He
didnt say just what they did to him.
We cannot ride them to Marzac. The
Marquis has set a trap for us in western
Pyralis, Jessica announced. We have to find another way to the swamp.
Could you lend us a ship? Kayla asked,
her long tail twitching, eyes alight with
schemes. We could sail down the coast, and
disembark once past the Marquiss armies.
You want a ship? Schanalein stared
incredulously at the skunk, and then at the rest
of the Keepers, all of whose eyes returned to
him. Charles felt a residual fear of the water,
but that passed when he remembered that he
wouldnt immediately sink if he fell in. Though
the current would be against them, sailing down
the coast was still a clever idea. And a crew too I suppose?
None of us here are sailors, Kayla
replied, leaning forward, confidence writ in her
eyes. Nor do we know the waters off the coast,
let alone the harbors! Think of it, your
grace. Wed be past the Marquiss troops, and
they would still be looking for us! If we are
ever to gain an advantage against them, this is the way.
Schanalein nodded, pondering her
suggestion. And you could bring those horses
with you. I certainly have ships in harbor that
would suffice. I do not think they would take
well to carrying such a motley assortment as yourselves.
You can vouch for our manners,
Habakkuk reminded him, even as one of his ears
flopped to the side. The kangaroo scratched at
his cheek. Im sure the sailors would be
delighted to receive extra wages for their sacrifice.
Now you mean to rob me as well as steal a ship!
Father! Kurt objected, face flush with
indignation. They saved your life!
And they will be rewarded for it. But
I will not throw away one of my ships on a fruitless gesture!
Qan-af-årael waved one hand and met the
Duke with his golden eyes. The price of failure
in our journey is not merely the loss of our
lives, though it will surely entail that. All of
the world will suffer for our failure; the
Underworld will grant you no reprieve, and will
torture you for all time. Your screams will give
birth to beasts that will devour worlds we have
never heard of, nor can we ever see.
Schanalein glared at the Åelf and
slammed his goblet into the table. Enough! Very
well, I will find you a ship and a crew. But
know this, your venture will fail most assuredly,
and not because of Marzac. That entire area is
being blockaded by the Whalish Navy. Any ship
attempting to slip past will be destroyed by the
Fire. I grant you a vessel only because you have
saved my life. I count it as a sacrifice, and do not expect to see it return.
Kayla smiled a bit, exposing the tips of
her fangs. We will do what we can to protect
it. We can journey at night, with all lights
dimmed, something the Whalish Navy cannot do. I
know I would lend my eyes to the sailors to aid them.
Perhaps that would work, but I remain doubtful.
Doubt then, Charles said. The rat
stretched his tail and arms. I have seen the
Whalish Navy in action, and I have seen their
boats. Im confidant we can slip past any
blockade. But will you have room enough for us
and the Rheh? I do not wish to leave them behind.
Of course. Schanalein let out a deep
breath, gazing at his son. Finally, he sighed
and shook his head. Forgive my obstinate
heart. You have saved my life, and restored my
son. You deserve my cooperation, not my
pessimism. But after so long under du
Tournemires control, I have a hard time
believing he can be defeated. He tapped the
table with one finger and then smiled. I will
see about a vessel for you. With luck you will
have it this afternoon, though it may not be
ready to sail until tomorrow. And there is a bit
of news I am sure you will be glad to hear.
What is that? Kayla asked.
Schanalein bore the smile of a gracious
host ready to give his guests a splendid gift.
An announcement that I received from your
homeland in the days prior to your arrival. It
seems that your liege, Duke Thomas Hassan, is set to be married.
----------
May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love,
Charles Matthias
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