Hi All! Sorry about the blank spots at the end. I need information from Zoe's story to fill them i, so I'll try to repost this with the m entered next time. I'm not sure how long tht will take we are going to the range this week. I can get in to read your comments, so please do leave them. I hope you enjoy the section!
CHAPTER 16 ~ RUMA
AIDEN
She certainly was a strange girl and she kept just as strange company. The pseudo-dragon had barely left her shoulder since joining us the other night. He kept steady watch on both Maglynar and I, his golden eyes daring us to come any closer so he could use that spiked tail of his. Neither Maglyanr nor I wanted to give him the satisfaction. He also provided a better protect for Kristalyn. If possible one more barrier had been placed between us. That was fine with me, of course. The farther away she stayed the better. Now I just had to figure out how to get rid of her.
We had left the forest very early this morning and were crossing the fields. There were varying sections of trees all around, but mini forests they were not. I hadn’t known what the layout of the land would be, so I had been storing up extra meat. Now, it seemed a good idea, but perhaps a little unnecessary. Ruma was about a day and a half away if I was guessing right, enough time to get more food. Of course, that also meant only a day and a half to plan a way to get rid of my tag along.
I also had to figure out where I was going to stay, the layout of the city, and where the Hunter was. The first two would be relatively easy. It was the third I was worried about. I still didn’t have a way to track the illusive menace.
“Screech! Screech!” The rather joyful noise came from above. I glanced up and watched Maglynar doing loops in the sky and enjoying the freedom.
What in the world was I going to do with a griffin in a city?
“Are you going to take Maglynar into the city?” Her voice questioned from behind me.
“Are you taking the dragon?” I retorted annoyed. Was she reading my mind?
“He won’t be a problem.”
I snorted.
“He’s small,” she continued, pointedly ignoring me.
“He’s loud and annoying,” I replied.
I didn’t move fast enough to avoid the dragon’s spiked tail. It flicked hard against my hurt arm leaving behind a torn sleeve. I swung around and quickly glared at the puffed out dragon.
“You little monster!”
“Egan!” Kristalyn cried. “That was uncalled for.”
The pseudo-dragon clacked crisply, putting his snout in the air.
“You have to stop being so sensitive. Ignore the stupid lout.”
I listened to the exchange with amusement as I inspected my arm. It was bleeding, but it wasn’t deep. By the time I would be able to fully use my shoulder the cut would be healed. I was more interested that Kristalyn as defending me again. I didn’t understand the girl.
It was a surprise to see a hand holding a strip of cloth enter my view. A second delicate hand joined the first and Kristalyn pulled the cloth against my arm. I moved my own hand out of the way so she could tie the bandage tight. I watched her hands work steadily and when she was done I moved my eyes up to hers. Her green eyes widen startled and her hands stilled. Slowly, she removed her hands and took a step back, but I kept her eyes locked on mine. Who was this girl?
She knew what I was going to do yet she persisted on helping me in unusual ways. Why? What made her do something so foolish? Anyone else would have killed me by now or at least let my injuries alone. She patched them with care. She was calm and cool about it too. I needed to get her off balance.
“You are going to have to temper your attraction to me or I’ll need to put you back in your place,” I said, deliberately lowering my voice.
Her eyes went from a hesitated and confused state to a snapping green. She clenched her jaw for a moment as if she was biting back whatever comment she wanted to make. I wanted to know what it was.
“You are an egotistical, self-centered, rogue,” she finally let me have it. “Women would kill not to be with you. And if you ever say anything so ridicules again, I’ll let Egan do a whole lot more than just scratch your stupid arm.” With that, she pushed past me and started walking at a really fast pace. On her shoulder, Egan sent me a death glare and flicked his tail in warning.
I was highly amused. That had almost been fun, but it still didn’t solve my problem with Maglynar. He couldn’t’ just go into the city with me, but he couldn’t stay outside by himself either. He needed both cover and the freedom to fly. He’d also never been left alone for so long before. Travon saw him everyday and on the trail I wasn’t away from him for much more than that. It had been a while since I had thought of Travon. For once, it would be helpful to have the kid around.
Still, there was enough vegetation around I could leave Maglynar outside the city. I just had to find the right spot and find him enough food to keep him occupied. The food I’d been storing would come in handy, but I’d still need more. It was only a short time solution, yet it would work for now.
I watched Kristalyn’s straight back as she walked purposefully in front of me, her dragon on her shoulder and her panther at her side. All I had to do was convince her to leave the jester and minstrel behind with Maglynar to keep him company. With Kristalyn’s current feelings towards me that shouldn’t be any problem.
***
Maglynar threw a griffin sized fit when I told him to stay. Even Kristalyn assuring him Kuroiden would stay behind did not help and the two had become friends over the traveling time. Eventually, I promised to be back that night and gave him the largest piece of meat I had. Kristylan gave her panther his own stash and I took the rest away. I wasn’t able to negotiate the dragon staying behind and after two hours I was sick of trying. He’d hide in Kristalyn’s pack, all three annoying feet of him.
I had a major headache when I finally got a better look at the castle. Egan had been hissing and clacking ever since he’d been put in the girl’s bag. She hadn’t bothered to attempt to quiet him yet, but I was pretty sure it was because she thought he was bugging me. I studied the city walls to better ignore them both. The gray city walls were at least two stories tall if not more. There looked like there were four towers in all, one at each corner. The south gate was by the tower, hopefully, each tower had a gate. That would be easy enough to figure out.
The gate was open and two guards were searching someone’s bag by poking. I shot glance at Kristalyn. She frowned and looked at her pack when Egan was shifting inside. If Egan was poked the whole country would know about it.
“What are you going to do?” I asked.
She shook her head and bit her bottom lip. “I’m not sure yet.” She cast ame a look. “re you going to be a pain about this?”
I lifted an eyebrow. “A pain?”
“You don’t want Egan going in.”
I shrugged slightly. “He should have stayed with the other two.”
Immediately, she shook her head. “Not an option.”
“Then you have a problem,” I said calmly, moving past her.
I heard her heave a sigh and follow. I wondered what she planned and could hear her talking quietly to Egan who clacked back. We reached the gate quickly, where the guards pulled us up short.
“Business?” the one questioned shortly.
“Carpenter. Just got a job inside,” I lied smoothly.
The guard looked at me suspiciously. Thankfully, I had pulled out a cheap worn cloak caller and carried it now on my back with my weapons stashed inside. By all appearances I was weaponless.
“Where are your tools?”
“On my back. Anything else indeed I’ll buy at the market.”
He glanced at Kristalyn, who stood behind me and closer to the second guard. “And her?”
I leaned closer and said in a lower voice, “Companion.”
His eyes widened slightly and nodded his head in understanding. The other guard got a goofy grin and looked at Kristalyn with new eyes. She glanced at me and her eyes widened slightly, then she turned and gave the guard a coy grin. I watched amazed and amused as the guard turned to putty. Was she really that pretty or was I missing something?
I turned back to the guard near me and gave a slight shrug. “I need a tighter leash.”
“I might be able to help with that,” the guard stated helpfully.
I could actually feel the heat from Kristalyn’s gaze now. I couldn’t resist one more jab. “I might take you up on that. Are we finished here?”
The guard grinned. “Yeah. I’ll be here.”
I nodded and turned to a quite furious Kristalyn. “Let’s go.”
She moved past me with impressive furious speed. That was not going to be fun to deal with, well not totally anyway. At least we had all gotten into the city. She should really be thanking me for getting Egan in. I’d have to remind her of that.
***
KRISTALYN
I’m going to kill him. My only problem was no death was good enough. I had heard boiling in a pot of oil was painful, but I was too furious to let it stay. Skinning alive and then oil would be a little better.
What was he thinking? He had no right to claim me as his anything, let alone that. And what was worse, was that he kept pushing! He had amply opportunity to back off, but he had enjoyed it. I could see it written all over his face, in his eyes. He thought it was amusing! The thought only made me even more furious. I could feel my whole body shaking with suppressed fury. I wanted to let him have it so badly.
We were all well into the poor section, when I swung around suddenly.
“What were you thinking? I spouted angrily.
He raised an eyebrow. “That we needed to get into the gate.”
“Not like that we didn’t and you know it! You had no right to claim any relationship with me! How dare you!”
“We got in, didn’t we?” he asked calmly.
“There are other ways to do it and you are well aware of that. You simply enjoyed trying to humiliate me.” My voice came out low, because I was trying to scream at him. He just would have thought that was funny.
“Would you have wanted me to let them catch Egan instead?” He asked with an amused smile.
“I would rather you showed a little respect,” I said smartly.
I stared at him in shock. “I should have killed you when I had the chance,” I responded through clenched teeth.
“Yeah, that’s what a smart person would have done. You didn’t. It’s your own fault you’re attracted to me. You need to grow up.”
Something white hot raged through me as my breath come in short heavers. He had just… had he just… Oh!
“No wonder I couldn’t kill you before,” I finally managed. “You don’t have a heart to kill at all. It’s stone.”
He looked at me with his burning shale blue eyes. “You just now understanding that? You pathetic girl. My heart was buried long ago.” He paused fro a moment, though those burning eyes never left mine. “Don’t attempt to reach it. That foolish mistake will only make you more furious…” his voice lowered and became dark, “and cause you pain.”
He took a tep closer to me so that he was only an inch away. In a low voice he commanded, “Now, move.”
Numbly, I obeyed and he walked past me. I watched in wonder. What had happened? My fury was gone, dissipated completely in the wake of his pain. How could one man hold so much pain? I had been through so much in my life, more than anyone had the right too, yet it was nothing compared to what I heard in his voice and saw in his eyes.
“Oh, Deus, how stupid I have been. I get it now. I’m so sorry.” I looked to Aiden and felt Deus’ familiar peace settled around my shoulders. “I’m so sorry.”
Quickly, I picked up my pace and settled in to walk behind Aiden again. This was exactly where I was supposed to be. Deus was far from through with Aiden.
***
I followed behind him through the poorer section of the city and into the more middle class. I watched the city with as much interest as I did Aiden. Tray had a good reason for banning me from this city. Our father had been killed here. It also meant this was where he had spent his final days alive. Had he walked this same street?
It was narrower in the poor section. The whole place stank from rotten meat, trash, and unwashed bodies. There were kids and teens everywhere and each one was obviously a street rat. The adults were all older and most looked crippled or worse. What an awful way to grow up and live. Did the king not care at all about his people? The question almost made me laugh, except that I could seethe result of his neglect. I had heard the stories, even seen some of the results, but this was heart wrenching and I had a feeling this was the least of it.
The difference between the poor section and the middle of class was enough to pull even Aiden up short. He cast a glance behind him and then looked in front again. The dark dinginess of the alleyways and houses contrasted horribly against the whiter tan houses with their open windows and flower beds. It was truly two different worlds. Even the narrow streets widened as soon as the white tan houses started. Not to mention that the air was actually breathable. Aiden shook his head in disgust and then walked on. So, even the impassive warrior could be moved a little. I wondered if he’d even noticed.
His armor had definitely slipped earlier when he warned me away from his heart. He would have done better to keep it firmly in place. I was convinced it would have stayed in place had Deus not needed to show me the truth. Aiden was in pain and Deus wanted to reach him, why I didn’t know, but it was my task to get some truth into him. I wanted to laugh, but I didn’t. If Aiden thought I was trouble before, he wouldn’t know what hit him now.
I stiffened a giggle when he glanced behind him again. He was checking on me. It wasn’t’ the first time I had caught him doing it. I hadn’t said a word since our argument and that was more than a little bit ago. He probably thought I was back here plotting my revenge. How amused would he be to know I was plotting to win him over to Deus? The thought was definitely amusing.
I pulled out of my thoughts to see Aiden talking to a well dressed fat woman. She reminded me of a very red tomato. She had a terrified or disgusted look on her face. I wasn’t sure which it was. The woman sniffed and put a handkerchief to her nose in a dignified manor. Aiden’s look was one of quickly losing patience, as if he had any to lose.
“Look, Lady, I’m not gonna mess up your dress. I just want a room.”
“I believe there is such an establishment a block back where you came from and to your right,” she managed.
Aiden nodded and walked away quickly. I saw his right finger twitching and wondered how close the woman had come to a premature death. Lucky for her Aiden’s weapons were currently storied on his back, though I wasn’t sure about all the hidden daggers.
We walked where she had directed and found the tavern right where she had directed. Aiden laughed when he saw the name Red Thornbush. Maybe he was thinking of the red tomato woman again. He pushed open the door and walked in. The smells of old ale, cooked meat and veggies, and stale perfume wafted out to me. Basically, it was a typical tavern. I was about to follow Aiden in when I realized I had totally forgotten about Egan. Quickly I lifted the flap on my pack to see the dragon curled up and sound asleep.
I shook my head amused. For all the fuss he had put up before, he certainly looked comfortable. I ran my finger down his nose in an affectionate pat and closed the flap.
I entered the tavern to see Aiden sitting at a table and talking to a woman Mother never would have approved of. I frowned and walked to the table.
“…so one room and a hot meal,” Aiden was saying.
I crossed my arms and cleared my throat rather loudly.
Aiden looked up at me with a totally innocent face. He must have thought we had never met. “One room?” I questioned.
“Oh, did you want one too?” He asked with a cocky amused smile.
I ignored him and turned to the woman. “We need a second adjoining room and another hot meal. Be quick about it please,” I commanded.
She gave me a once over, sniffed her nose, smiled coyly at Aiden, and walked away. Her hips never stopped swaying. I rolled my yes at the spectacle and yanked out a chair.
“Just how do you think this is going to work?” I asked Aiden.
He shrugged. “I’m not the one interested in keeping tabs on myself. You can do whatever you feel like. You lose me and it’s your fault. Figure it out yourself,” he replied with no concern.
“You’re not going after him,” I whispered fiercely. He was right about one thing, I was going to have to figure out a reliable way of keeping eyes on him.
Aiden’s eyes light with a mischievous light. “I can’t wait for you to try and stop me.”
I leaned back in my chair and crossed my arms as I smiled slowly. He was challenging me and he had no idea what he was walking into, though I could tell when he cocked an inquiring eyebrow at me, he might be getting the idea. This was totally business, but it was going to be fun. After all, Deus was on my side and He didn’t lose. Aiden was going down.
***
CHAPTER 17 ~ NEW INFORMATION
AIDEN
Ruma was not what I had imagined. I had been in plenty of cities on my travels, but this one was just odd. The wall surrounding it cut it off from the outside and inside each section was just was cut off from the other as if the same wall was inside. Immediately inside the gate and all around the inside wall was poorest section, which lasted for seven or so blocks. The middle class was double or triple that size. Of course, in the northwest corner it also contained the market where I currently stood. As far as I could tell the wealthy section was separated as well and centered in it was the castle with its courtyard. I would have to check it out later. Right now, I was concerned with how the market was laid out.
The streets were overcrowded and slightly narrow, but only because of the stalls that lined it. It was loud and highly overrated. Every single vender had the finest product in all of Elangsia and those that didn’t had the finest in all the world. Kristalyn looked at everything with a suspicious and regal eye. Vendors consistently pushed between us in order to offer her some pathetic trinket to buy or me some disgusting looking flower or something to buy for her. After that, I commanded her to walk far behind me and pulled a dagger on the next approaching merchant. Unfortunately for me, he took the hint. It would have made the day more interesting to run him through.
I did however find a few places that would be ideal for an ambush, provided I could get the Hunter into those spots. I twirled the dagger idling in my fingers as I walked. The tactic worked very well for keeping the venders out of my hair.
I was already becoming familiar with the city and beginning to feel comfortable. That meant my second objective was pretty much complete. My biggest problem with the city layout was that there was defiantly no place to hide a griffin, even a young one. That meant Maglynar was going to have to stay in his spot outside the city. He was going to hate that. I’d have to take him a peace offering or he might destroy his hideout in a temper tantrum.
Most of the shops around me sold fabric, trinkets, and other useless articles. I needed a butcher. A bonus would be all the blood in the shop. It had been a long time since I had smelled the red life draining substances. That meat I had killed a few days ago was a poor substitute. After the army, I was more used to it being all around me. It was a sickening smell and yet brought comfort as well.
The last thought struck me as strange, but I didn’t have the time to think about it as I finally reached a butcher’s shop. I sheathed the dagger and stepping in took a deep breath. The smell of blood surrounded and filled me. The butcher looked at me oddly, but nodded in greeting.
“I need meat,” I said briskly.
The butcher looked like he wanted to roll his eyes at me, but only said, “Aye, how much and what kind?”
Maglynar would eat anything, but I needed a peace offering. “What’s your choicest?”
“Hmm, that’d be the horse meat,” the butcher responed.
Perfect. “I’ll take twelve pounds. You have that much?”
The butcher nodded slowly.
“What about scraps? Any your tossing?”
“Aye. I have a whole bag full. Was going to send Aker out to get rid of it.”
“I’ll take what you have of that too.” That should keep Maglynar busy.
The butcher nodded and headed into the back of his shop. Suddenly something felt off. Quickly, I turned and frowned. Kristalyn had been a shadow I couldn’t escape, now she was gone. I had ordered her back, but she had always been behind me. What could possibly have taken her from my side?
I waited impatiently for the butcher and as soon as I had the meat and he had his money I left. Outside, the sun was just starting to set. I looked around and finally spotted Kristalyn’s now familiar back. But something was off. She was usually stiff, now she seemed slumped. I glanced behind her to see that she stood in front of an executioner’s block.
Frowning, I walked up to her. On her face was a look I had never seen before, at least, not on her. I had seen it on my sister’s however. Duard often inspired such looks. I glanced at the executioner’s block. Had she lost someone on it? It would explain the look of pain, loss, and deep sadness.
It took her another minute or so before she looked at me and realized I had been standing next to her.
“Are you all right?” I asked the question without forethought.
She looked at me in surprise for a moment, and then looked back at the blood covered structure. “You have your pain, Aiden, and I have mine.”
Her eyes were filled with the familiar emotion. It was the first I had seen it in her. Anger and fear sure, but I hadn’t seen pain yet. As I stepped back and watched her, my mind wandered to my sisters. I had caused them pain when I had betrayed them and let us all leave. Where they still in pain? I could only wonder….
***
KRISTALYN
I tried again to steady my breathing. It hadn’t really happened here. It was in the palace courtyard. I repeated the methodically over and over, but it didn’t help. It didn’t ease the pain. Even Aiden standing so close couldn’t cause me to blanket my face.
I’m not sure at what precise moment I saw this death trap, but it had held me in it’s grip ever since. I had been walked behind Aiden and enjoying coming up with ways to force him to face Deus. It had been quite entertaining until this had come into view.
It was a simple wooden platform that stood above the ground about waist high. It was stained everywhere with a dark substance. I knew what that was. It was blood and there was a lot of it. Someone had recently used their hand to wipe away the dirt and grim from the simple carved sign that was fastened to its base. It read Execution Square.
I should have expected it, should have known. I would see something like this. Tray had been trying to protect me. I thought it was because of my safty, but there had been more. He knew if I came to Ruma I would be faced with the place that our father had been murdered.
My precious, courageous, loving father. He hadn’t been perfect, but he was as close as they came. As I stared at the death trap, I could hear his voice…
“Hold here, Kris. That’s right. You and the horse are one… He didn’t mean it, Kris. Your big brother has a lot on his mind. He still loves you…Bulls-eye! Nice shot, Kris. You’re becoming an expert!... I’m proud of you, Kris… I love you Kristalyn. Never forget or doubt that. Not ever.”
Papa… I could feel the tears at the back of my eyes and my throat closed. Oh, Papa. Did you know I loved you? Did I tell you before you left? Father, did it hurt? Did you bleed like this? Is your blood here?
The question raced through my numb mind and almost unconsciously I reached out a hand to touch the blood stained wood. A step away, I jerked in surprise when a strong hand gripped my wrist.
“Kristalyn, no.”
It was Aiden’s voice. Where had he come from? And why did he stop me? I looked at him numbly.
“Come on. I have to get this meat to Maglynar and you should feed that cat of yours,” his voice was firm.
I blinked and looked back to the death trap. His grip tightened and he yanked me so hard I almost fell into his chest. I put a hand on it to stop myself. It felt firm beneath my fingers.
“We are leaving. Now,” his voice brooked no argument. Neither, for that matter, did his face, when I looked into it. His gray eyes held mine for a moment. “Move.” He whipped me around and gave a push. I stumbled, but managed not to fall on my face. Obediently, I walked forward. I didn’t even look back. Father hadn’t died there. He had died in the palace courtyard. But did that matter? He had died here in this city and he wasn’t coming back.
“Abba! I want him back!” I moaned softly.
And since Aiden was behind me, I let the tears fall.
***
AIDEN
She had lost somebody, somebody close to her. I wondered who as we made our way out of the city. The guard, a different one than last time, warned us to hurry or the gate would shut before we could get back in. I nodded. I wanted to sleep in bed for change, but first I had to calm a griffin.
When we got to where we had stashed the animals, I got a surprise. Maglynar and Kuroiden had been busy. They had somehow managed to make a large nest for Maglynar and a bed of leaves for Kuroiden.
I stared at Maglynar, who had a pleased look on his face. “Planning on staying a while?”
He patted his nest with a paw and screeched back. Kuroiden spotted Kristalyn then and hurried past me to get to her. The girl dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around the large black cat. I turned back to Maglynar.
“So, you already know you have to stay out here?” I questioned again, just to be sure.
The griffin snorted and nodded.
“Good, than you don’t need this peace offering.” I shifted the meat on my back.
That comment earned me a loud howling screech.
“Okay, okay. You can still have it.”
I dropped it in front of him and immediately he started pawing through it.
“Hey! You need to save some of that.”
Maglynar paused to give me a long look. Apparently, one night out here was fine, more than that was not. I sighed and sat down on the grass in front of him. He continued to watch me and wait for his explanation.
“Look, there is no place for you to stay in there. You’d be miserable… Yes, I looked! It’s too crowded. You have enough food now to last you for a while. I need to concentrate on locating the Hunter and killing him. You’d only be a distraction… No, you would not help. Maglynar, stop screeching at me. I’m sure you can help me after I find him… No, I will not promise.”
At that point, Maglynar gave a long and extremely loud screech, flew up, and started tearing at trees with his claws. I sighed. Things had been going so well.
“All right. All right! Maglynar, cut that out and get down here! Someone will see or hear you!”
He came down, but into a pouncing position. Then he screeched questioningly.
“Yeah, okay. I promise. But you have to give me a few days. Got it? If you stay out here and out of trouble, I’ll let you help me. Deal?” I watched him carefully.
He looked at me and then slowly nodded.
“Good. I have to get back or they’ll sloes the gate.” I pointed to the food. “Don’t eat it all right away or you’ll be sorry.”
Maglynar gave a low mournful screech and padded over to me. He dipped his head and pushed it against my lower chest. This was a new one. I looked at him, and he glanced up at me, then pushed harder. I had to take a step back to keep from falling.
“Hey! Okay, knock it off, Maglynar. You’re fine.” I put my hand on his head to move it and he moved quickly against my hand. He wanted to be petted?
I obliged for a second since that was the only way I was going to get out of here. Finally, I pushed him away. He grinned at me, as well as a griffin can, and gave me a happy screech before settling down to his supper.
I turned quickly and caught Kristalyn grinning at me. She ducked her head and hugged Kuroiden again before standing. When she did, she was smiling.
“Ready?”
I nodded. Whatever had hurt her so deeply, her cat and helped ease the pain. She and the animal were very close.
“What?” She asked, as if daring me to say the wrong thing.
The odd part was nothing smart came to mind. It had to be a first.
“Nothing. Let’s go.”
I walked past her quietly, but I could feel her suspicious gaze the whole way. Maybe there was something to this saying nothing. It was food for thought, only later. Right now, I wanted that bed.
***
The main palace with its courtyard was housed in the wealthy class section of the city at the opposite side of the market and that is exactly where Kristalyn and I found ourselves the next morning. My task was to find information on the Hunter and hers was to stop me. Again, the distinction between middle and upper class was laughable. The pure white houses all had pillars, porches, balconies, servant’s quarters, and brightly colored shudders and doors. The people were no better. I had never seen such expensive clothing. With all the layers, everyone looked rather uncomfortable to me. It would be far too easy to kill any of them. There was absolutely no challenge. A few of the suspicious seemed to employ body guards, but even they seemed lax. If the Hunter was trying to blend in as one of these people, this would be easier than I thought. He wouldn’t be able to put up a proper fight in any of these costumes, but from what little I did know of the Hunter he wouldn’t be that pathetic.
However, he’d have to have contacts at the palace and these would be in this class. What I needed was a way in. Where did high class people go to relax?
An easy smile crossed my face as I walked up on the answer a few minutes later. The tavern was called the White Swan. Rich or poor, everyone liked to drink. It was a weakness I was getting used too. I had never gone so far as to get completely drunk off my rear, but I had helped others to do so. Information and money flowed so much easier then.
The inside of the tavern was much cleaner than the Red Thornbush, smelled better too. Hopefully, the food was better. I’d be eating a lot of meals here. I scanned the room and quickly picked out a table in the back corner. I’d have a good vantage point from there and the room was small enough I’d be able to hear most conversations as well.
“Why here?” My ever present shadow asked.
I was so used to her hanging behind me that I tended to forget she was there. It worked very well until she reminded me of her persistent presence. What stupid question had she asked this time?
“You work for the Hunter, even impersonate him, and you can’t figure out why I picked this table?” I asked suspiciously when I finally processed her question.
She took the seat next to me and grinned. “I know why I would have, I was just wondering if you were that smart.”
I looked at her for a moment. “You’ll find out how smart I am when I kill your Hunter.”
That shut her up, but only for a moment. “You’re never going to be able to do that.”
“Oh? I’ll have to disappoint you then,” I replied confidently, as I turned to scan the tavern.
“I doubt that, Aiden. There are more surprises in store for you than you’re prepared to handle.”
There was something secretive in her voice and I didn’t like it. What did she know? She couldn’t have alerted the Hunter I was here, she hadn’t left my side. My mind brought up a picture of Egan, but the dragon had been confined to his room by Kristalyn. So, if it wasn’t that, than what?
She laughed softly. “You’re curious, aren’t you? You want to know what I could possibly know that you don’t.”
“You’re baiting me,” I said causally.
“And it’s working,” she replied calmly back.
I gave her a steady look. “Do you think so?”
She hesitated for a briefly second, and then nodded firmly. “I know it is.”
“You know very little compared to me and what you do know has been clouded with emotion.”
A confused look crossed her eyes. “What is that suppose to mean?”
“Who did you lose here? Whoever it was, he or she was very important to you. You haven’t been thinking clearly since we entered the city.”
She snorted and looked away. “How would you know?”
“I watch. Who was it?”
“It doesn’t concern you, Aiden.”
“Was it someone close to the Hunter as well?” She used my name. Good. I had to keep pushing. She was right about one thing, she had information I needed and if I could keep her off balance I might be able to get it from her.
“What does it matter? It happened long ago,” she finally replied carefully.
“Not long enough for the emotion to settle. Your lover, perhaps? A good friend? Parent?” I pushed harder and hit a nerve.
She swung back around to look at me, eyes blazing. “Look, whoever I lost is none of your concern.”
I shrugged. Whoever it was, it was a touchy subject and I had the feeling Kristalyn’s life revolved more around the Hunter than she had admitted. If so, I wanted to know who had died on the execution block. The Hunter was still operating, so it couldn’t have been him, but perhaps someone close to him. It might give me a better clue to his identity.
“Why do you care?” She asked when I stayed silent.
I paused to look at her then turned to look over the tavern again. It was filling with more people for the lunch hour.
“You’re closely involved with the Hunter.”
“And all information about me leads to him, right?” She sounded totally disgusted.
I glanced at her. “Yes.” What was she suddenly mad about?
She nodded her head slowly and firmly. “Fine. You’re in trouble, Aiden. Yo don’t have any idea what you’re messing with.”
“Oh?” I leaned back and folded my arms, as I scanned the room. “Why don’t you explain it then.”
“The Hunter’s people are all very loyal. They will give their lives for him. You’ll never even be able to get close to him and you’re not positive he is in the city. You don’t even know what he looks like, or where he might be. You’re working on hunches that you have no base for. Face it, you can’t win this one.” Her voice was both convincing and smug.
Her list was impressive. I really didn’t have a lot going for me, but I did have a better idea than what she was giving me credit for and I did know he was in the city. I was also pretty sure Kristalyn was related to the Hunter in some way.
“Not only that,” she continued, “but we have Deus on our side. He has never failed us and I doubt he will start now.”
I could feel the familiar anger and hatred burning in my chest at the mention of the supposed god. “If you’re depending on Deus, than I’ve already won,” I replied through clenched teeth.
She leaned on the table, “Really? Why do you hate him so much? With that attitude I know we will win.”
“Hate to burst your little fantasy, but Deus doesn’t exist and he certainly doesn’t care.”
“Well, He can’t care if He doesn’t exist, now can He? So I guess it’s a good thing, He exists and loves us.”
“Stop repeating lies, girl.”
She raised her eyebrows on that one. “Lies? What caused you so much pain that you would believe that, Aiden?”
“Life,” I answered shortly. I didn’t like this conversation anymore. Why was it that no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t escape from those who believed in the false god?
“Life is hard, but Deus is bigger.”
“That is a lie and a bad one at that.”
“No, it’s not. Deus made this world, of course He is bigger than it. We are blessed that He loves us enough to stay involved with us.”
That was it! Who did this ignorant girl think she was to preach at me? Deus had abandoned my family long ago. He had no love. His existence had stopped then for me and I didn’t want him back, not now or ever.
“Shut your mouth now, Kristalyn, or I will not be held responsible for what I do next.” I kept my voice very low and dangerous.
She nodded and was silent for a moment. “I’m sorry, Aiden. I shouldn’t have pushed you like that. But you should know, there are many surprises in store for you.”
Surprises? Was that what she had meant earlier? Her comment had been about Deus?
***
We spent the next ___ days at the White Swan listening and watching. Kristalyn filled in the time by talking about whatever hit her fancy, and I ignored as best I could. I learned quickly how to tell her most subtle moods by the tone of her voice. It wasn’t on purpose, but it was hard not to do. She grew accustomed to me not listening to her, so she started to give herself my answers. Some of thing things she discussed were amusing, and I allowed myself to listen for at least key words or something that might slip, though nothing ever did.
At first I figured she was talking so that I would be distracted and not hear something about the Hunter, however, she usually kept her voice low enough so that I could hear those around me. Though, I still didn’t hear anything of major importance. Instead, her voice became a constant noise in the back of my mind and in my sleep. During the times she did fall silent, I started to find myself wondering where the strange humming I had been listening to had gone.
The last thought pulled me up short. I never thought of such things. What was this girl doing to me? Over the last few days, I had found myself thinking in ways I wasn’t use to anymore. They were ways I had thought in back in Braedoch Forest and that was a life I had left far behind. I didn’t need it distracting me now. I didn’t need her distracting me either, for that matter. When had I started to let that happen? Somewhere I had started to let her gain control and it was crucial I get it back.
I turned from my inner thoughts to focus on the room around me. Thoughts were getting me in trouble. The room was half full, which was about normal for this time. Girls waited on tables with a wink and the smell of food and brew flowed freely. I caught one of the girl’s attention and motioned to my mug. She nodded smiling and brought over the pitcher.
“Here you go, handsome. Enjoy!” She smiled and swished away.
Kristalyn snorted from beside me.
I let a grin tug at my mouth. “If you wanted something, you should have said.”
“She didn’t know I was at the table. We’ve only been sitting here for ___ days and have been served by the same girl every time,” she pointed out.
“Jealous?” I asked, amused.
She shot me an innocent and confused look, “Of what?”
“It’s the truth! Happened just like that! Never saw anything like it. Well, not for a while anyway.”
“Man, lower your voice!”
“What’s it matter? The whole palace knows anyway.”
Whatever comment I was going to give Kristalyn flew from my mind as I focused on the conversation two tables away.
“Yeah, and if there are guards around, they’ll know you were spreading it farther. Or do you want to end up like Ihcalam?” The second man asked.
“Calm down, Oltrid, I think the king wants it spread around that he killed a spy. He likes that type of control,” the man with the news stated, though he did lower his voice.
Apparently, he didn’t lower it enough, because a guy from the next table leaned over. “Executed a spy? What scumbag did King Brastus catch this time?”
“You don’t know?” The man asked.
“Kaltra, if I knew would I ask?” The third asked testily.
“Yes, you would, Hitra. Regardless, he executed Lord Ihcalam right in the throne room. In front of Princess Brysa from what I heard,” Kaltra shared freely.
“Lord Ihcalam? Why?” Hitra asked aghast.
“Weren’t you listening?” Oltrid asked, disgusted. “He was caught spying.”
“For Aerilya? Why would he do such a thing? And even if he did, who would turn in a noble man?” Hitra responded.
“Montel would,” Kaltra responded.
“Montel,” Hitra’s lip curled revolted. “The scumbag is worthless except as a lapdog.”
“The whole castle is going insane, first the Wild Men dancing all around, then the betrothal announcement, and now this. Accusations for spying are everywhere, even to those fully loyal to the crown.” Hitra shook his head.
“And those truly spying. I would never have guessed it of Ihcalam. Why, he was here just a few days ago with the merchant.” Kaltra shook his head.
“Who?” Hitra asked.
“You mean Cormac Alstiar, correct? He has really nice pieces. He can get you almost any bargain you want,” Oltrid explained.
“Yeah, I think I saw him. Black hair, nice clothing, slightly darker skin?” Hitra verified.
“Sounds like him. He has sold pieces to Ricald as well. In fact, everyone of importance knows him well. You should seriously consider checking out his stock,” Oltrid advised.
“Yes, I got a magnificent sword from _(one of the other Romany siblings countries)_ only last year…”
I tuned back out. That had been very interesting. So, they had recently executed a nobleman spy. The more interesting link, however, was Cormac Alstair. He was linked to Ihcalam and had connections with Ricald and most of the higher noble men. If he knew Ricald he was probably connected to Montel. He was in a perfect position to gain any information he wanted with a very handy cover. It was a plot the Hunter would use and one I was going to exploit.
I turned to look at Kristalyn, who had blanketed her face. “Do you know Cormac Alstair?”
“No,” she replied calmly.
“You’re lying,” I said confidently.
“How would you know?” She asked, quietly.
“You shouldn’t have talked so much over the last few days,” I replied, standing up.
It was time to head out. I was going to find Cormac Alstair and when I did I would find the Hunter.
***
CHAPTER 16 ~ RUMA
AIDEN
She certainly was a strange girl and she kept just as strange company. The pseudo-dragon had barely left her shoulder since joining us the other night. He kept steady watch on both Maglynar and I, his golden eyes daring us to come any closer so he could use that spiked tail of his. Neither Maglyanr nor I wanted to give him the satisfaction. He also provided a better protect for Kristalyn. If possible one more barrier had been placed between us. That was fine with me, of course. The farther away she stayed the better. Now I just had to figure out how to get rid of her.
We had left the forest very early this morning and were crossing the fields. There were varying sections of trees all around, but mini forests they were not. I hadn’t known what the layout of the land would be, so I had been storing up extra meat. Now, it seemed a good idea, but perhaps a little unnecessary. Ruma was about a day and a half away if I was guessing right, enough time to get more food. Of course, that also meant only a day and a half to plan a way to get rid of my tag along.
I also had to figure out where I was going to stay, the layout of the city, and where the Hunter was. The first two would be relatively easy. It was the third I was worried about. I still didn’t have a way to track the illusive menace.
“Screech! Screech!” The rather joyful noise came from above. I glanced up and watched Maglynar doing loops in the sky and enjoying the freedom.
What in the world was I going to do with a griffin in a city?
“Are you going to take Maglynar into the city?” Her voice questioned from behind me.
“Are you taking the dragon?” I retorted annoyed. Was she reading my mind?
“He won’t be a problem.”
I snorted.
“He’s small,” she continued, pointedly ignoring me.
“He’s loud and annoying,” I replied.
I didn’t move fast enough to avoid the dragon’s spiked tail. It flicked hard against my hurt arm leaving behind a torn sleeve. I swung around and quickly glared at the puffed out dragon.
“You little monster!”
“Egan!” Kristalyn cried. “That was uncalled for.”
The pseudo-dragon clacked crisply, putting his snout in the air.
“You have to stop being so sensitive. Ignore the stupid lout.”
I listened to the exchange with amusement as I inspected my arm. It was bleeding, but it wasn’t deep. By the time I would be able to fully use my shoulder the cut would be healed. I was more interested that Kristalyn as defending me again. I didn’t understand the girl.
It was a surprise to see a hand holding a strip of cloth enter my view. A second delicate hand joined the first and Kristalyn pulled the cloth against my arm. I moved my own hand out of the way so she could tie the bandage tight. I watched her hands work steadily and when she was done I moved my eyes up to hers. Her green eyes widen startled and her hands stilled. Slowly, she removed her hands and took a step back, but I kept her eyes locked on mine. Who was this girl?
She knew what I was going to do yet she persisted on helping me in unusual ways. Why? What made her do something so foolish? Anyone else would have killed me by now or at least let my injuries alone. She patched them with care. She was calm and cool about it too. I needed to get her off balance.
“You are going to have to temper your attraction to me or I’ll need to put you back in your place,” I said, deliberately lowering my voice.
Her eyes went from a hesitated and confused state to a snapping green. She clenched her jaw for a moment as if she was biting back whatever comment she wanted to make. I wanted to know what it was.
“You are an egotistical, self-centered, rogue,” she finally let me have it. “Women would kill not to be with you. And if you ever say anything so ridicules again, I’ll let Egan do a whole lot more than just scratch your stupid arm.” With that, she pushed past me and started walking at a really fast pace. On her shoulder, Egan sent me a death glare and flicked his tail in warning.
I was highly amused. That had almost been fun, but it still didn’t solve my problem with Maglynar. He couldn’t’ just go into the city with me, but he couldn’t stay outside by himself either. He needed both cover and the freedom to fly. He’d also never been left alone for so long before. Travon saw him everyday and on the trail I wasn’t away from him for much more than that. It had been a while since I had thought of Travon. For once, it would be helpful to have the kid around.
Still, there was enough vegetation around I could leave Maglynar outside the city. I just had to find the right spot and find him enough food to keep him occupied. The food I’d been storing would come in handy, but I’d still need more. It was only a short time solution, yet it would work for now.
I watched Kristalyn’s straight back as she walked purposefully in front of me, her dragon on her shoulder and her panther at her side. All I had to do was convince her to leave the jester and minstrel behind with Maglynar to keep him company. With Kristalyn’s current feelings towards me that shouldn’t be any problem.
***
Maglynar threw a griffin sized fit when I told him to stay. Even Kristalyn assuring him Kuroiden would stay behind did not help and the two had become friends over the traveling time. Eventually, I promised to be back that night and gave him the largest piece of meat I had. Kristylan gave her panther his own stash and I took the rest away. I wasn’t able to negotiate the dragon staying behind and after two hours I was sick of trying. He’d hide in Kristalyn’s pack, all three annoying feet of him.
I had a major headache when I finally got a better look at the castle. Egan had been hissing and clacking ever since he’d been put in the girl’s bag. She hadn’t bothered to attempt to quiet him yet, but I was pretty sure it was because she thought he was bugging me. I studied the city walls to better ignore them both. The gray city walls were at least two stories tall if not more. There looked like there were four towers in all, one at each corner. The south gate was by the tower, hopefully, each tower had a gate. That would be easy enough to figure out.
The gate was open and two guards were searching someone’s bag by poking. I shot glance at Kristalyn. She frowned and looked at her pack when Egan was shifting inside. If Egan was poked the whole country would know about it.
“What are you going to do?” I asked.
She shook her head and bit her bottom lip. “I’m not sure yet.” She cast ame a look. “re you going to be a pain about this?”
I lifted an eyebrow. “A pain?”
“You don’t want Egan going in.”
I shrugged slightly. “He should have stayed with the other two.”
Immediately, she shook her head. “Not an option.”
“Then you have a problem,” I said calmly, moving past her.
I heard her heave a sigh and follow. I wondered what she planned and could hear her talking quietly to Egan who clacked back. We reached the gate quickly, where the guards pulled us up short.
“Business?” the one questioned shortly.
“Carpenter. Just got a job inside,” I lied smoothly.
The guard looked at me suspiciously. Thankfully, I had pulled out a cheap worn cloak caller and carried it now on my back with my weapons stashed inside. By all appearances I was weaponless.
“Where are your tools?”
“On my back. Anything else indeed I’ll buy at the market.”
He glanced at Kristalyn, who stood behind me and closer to the second guard. “And her?”
I leaned closer and said in a lower voice, “Companion.”
His eyes widened slightly and nodded his head in understanding. The other guard got a goofy grin and looked at Kristalyn with new eyes. She glanced at me and her eyes widened slightly, then she turned and gave the guard a coy grin. I watched amazed and amused as the guard turned to putty. Was she really that pretty or was I missing something?
I turned back to the guard near me and gave a slight shrug. “I need a tighter leash.”
“I might be able to help with that,” the guard stated helpfully.
I could actually feel the heat from Kristalyn’s gaze now. I couldn’t resist one more jab. “I might take you up on that. Are we finished here?”
The guard grinned. “Yeah. I’ll be here.”
I nodded and turned to a quite furious Kristalyn. “Let’s go.”
She moved past me with impressive furious speed. That was not going to be fun to deal with, well not totally anyway. At least we had all gotten into the city. She should really be thanking me for getting Egan in. I’d have to remind her of that.
***
KRISTALYN
I’m going to kill him. My only problem was no death was good enough. I had heard boiling in a pot of oil was painful, but I was too furious to let it stay. Skinning alive and then oil would be a little better.
What was he thinking? He had no right to claim me as his anything, let alone that. And what was worse, was that he kept pushing! He had amply opportunity to back off, but he had enjoyed it. I could see it written all over his face, in his eyes. He thought it was amusing! The thought only made me even more furious. I could feel my whole body shaking with suppressed fury. I wanted to let him have it so badly.
We were all well into the poor section, when I swung around suddenly.
“What were you thinking? I spouted angrily.
He raised an eyebrow. “That we needed to get into the gate.”
“Not like that we didn’t and you know it! You had no right to claim any relationship with me! How dare you!”
“We got in, didn’t we?” he asked calmly.
“There are other ways to do it and you are well aware of that. You simply enjoyed trying to humiliate me.” My voice came out low, because I was trying to scream at him. He just would have thought that was funny.
“Would you have wanted me to let them catch Egan instead?” He asked with an amused smile.
“I would rather you showed a little respect,” I said smartly.
I stared at him in shock. “I should have killed you when I had the chance,” I responded through clenched teeth.
“Yeah, that’s what a smart person would have done. You didn’t. It’s your own fault you’re attracted to me. You need to grow up.”
Something white hot raged through me as my breath come in short heavers. He had just… had he just… Oh!
“No wonder I couldn’t kill you before,” I finally managed. “You don’t have a heart to kill at all. It’s stone.”
He looked at me with his burning shale blue eyes. “You just now understanding that? You pathetic girl. My heart was buried long ago.” He paused fro a moment, though those burning eyes never left mine. “Don’t attempt to reach it. That foolish mistake will only make you more furious…” his voice lowered and became dark, “and cause you pain.”
He took a tep closer to me so that he was only an inch away. In a low voice he commanded, “Now, move.”
Numbly, I obeyed and he walked past me. I watched in wonder. What had happened? My fury was gone, dissipated completely in the wake of his pain. How could one man hold so much pain? I had been through so much in my life, more than anyone had the right too, yet it was nothing compared to what I heard in his voice and saw in his eyes.
“Oh, Deus, how stupid I have been. I get it now. I’m so sorry.” I looked to Aiden and felt Deus’ familiar peace settled around my shoulders. “I’m so sorry.”
Quickly, I picked up my pace and settled in to walk behind Aiden again. This was exactly where I was supposed to be. Deus was far from through with Aiden.
***
I followed behind him through the poorer section of the city and into the more middle class. I watched the city with as much interest as I did Aiden. Tray had a good reason for banning me from this city. Our father had been killed here. It also meant this was where he had spent his final days alive. Had he walked this same street?
It was narrower in the poor section. The whole place stank from rotten meat, trash, and unwashed bodies. There were kids and teens everywhere and each one was obviously a street rat. The adults were all older and most looked crippled or worse. What an awful way to grow up and live. Did the king not care at all about his people? The question almost made me laugh, except that I could seethe result of his neglect. I had heard the stories, even seen some of the results, but this was heart wrenching and I had a feeling this was the least of it.
The difference between the poor section and the middle of class was enough to pull even Aiden up short. He cast a glance behind him and then looked in front again. The dark dinginess of the alleyways and houses contrasted horribly against the whiter tan houses with their open windows and flower beds. It was truly two different worlds. Even the narrow streets widened as soon as the white tan houses started. Not to mention that the air was actually breathable. Aiden shook his head in disgust and then walked on. So, even the impassive warrior could be moved a little. I wondered if he’d even noticed.
His armor had definitely slipped earlier when he warned me away from his heart. He would have done better to keep it firmly in place. I was convinced it would have stayed in place had Deus not needed to show me the truth. Aiden was in pain and Deus wanted to reach him, why I didn’t know, but it was my task to get some truth into him. I wanted to laugh, but I didn’t. If Aiden thought I was trouble before, he wouldn’t know what hit him now.
I stiffened a giggle when he glanced behind him again. He was checking on me. It wasn’t’ the first time I had caught him doing it. I hadn’t said a word since our argument and that was more than a little bit ago. He probably thought I was back here plotting my revenge. How amused would he be to know I was plotting to win him over to Deus? The thought was definitely amusing.
I pulled out of my thoughts to see Aiden talking to a well dressed fat woman. She reminded me of a very red tomato. She had a terrified or disgusted look on her face. I wasn’t sure which it was. The woman sniffed and put a handkerchief to her nose in a dignified manor. Aiden’s look was one of quickly losing patience, as if he had any to lose.
“Look, Lady, I’m not gonna mess up your dress. I just want a room.”
“I believe there is such an establishment a block back where you came from and to your right,” she managed.
Aiden nodded and walked away quickly. I saw his right finger twitching and wondered how close the woman had come to a premature death. Lucky for her Aiden’s weapons were currently storied on his back, though I wasn’t sure about all the hidden daggers.
We walked where she had directed and found the tavern right where she had directed. Aiden laughed when he saw the name Red Thornbush. Maybe he was thinking of the red tomato woman again. He pushed open the door and walked in. The smells of old ale, cooked meat and veggies, and stale perfume wafted out to me. Basically, it was a typical tavern. I was about to follow Aiden in when I realized I had totally forgotten about Egan. Quickly I lifted the flap on my pack to see the dragon curled up and sound asleep.
I shook my head amused. For all the fuss he had put up before, he certainly looked comfortable. I ran my finger down his nose in an affectionate pat and closed the flap.
I entered the tavern to see Aiden sitting at a table and talking to a woman Mother never would have approved of. I frowned and walked to the table.
“…so one room and a hot meal,” Aiden was saying.
I crossed my arms and cleared my throat rather loudly.
Aiden looked up at me with a totally innocent face. He must have thought we had never met. “One room?” I questioned.
“Oh, did you want one too?” He asked with a cocky amused smile.
I ignored him and turned to the woman. “We need a second adjoining room and another hot meal. Be quick about it please,” I commanded.
She gave me a once over, sniffed her nose, smiled coyly at Aiden, and walked away. Her hips never stopped swaying. I rolled my yes at the spectacle and yanked out a chair.
“Just how do you think this is going to work?” I asked Aiden.
He shrugged. “I’m not the one interested in keeping tabs on myself. You can do whatever you feel like. You lose me and it’s your fault. Figure it out yourself,” he replied with no concern.
“You’re not going after him,” I whispered fiercely. He was right about one thing, I was going to have to figure out a reliable way of keeping eyes on him.
Aiden’s eyes light with a mischievous light. “I can’t wait for you to try and stop me.”
I leaned back in my chair and crossed my arms as I smiled slowly. He was challenging me and he had no idea what he was walking into, though I could tell when he cocked an inquiring eyebrow at me, he might be getting the idea. This was totally business, but it was going to be fun. After all, Deus was on my side and He didn’t lose. Aiden was going down.
***
CHAPTER 17 ~ NEW INFORMATION
AIDEN
Ruma was not what I had imagined. I had been in plenty of cities on my travels, but this one was just odd. The wall surrounding it cut it off from the outside and inside each section was just was cut off from the other as if the same wall was inside. Immediately inside the gate and all around the inside wall was poorest section, which lasted for seven or so blocks. The middle class was double or triple that size. Of course, in the northwest corner it also contained the market where I currently stood. As far as I could tell the wealthy section was separated as well and centered in it was the castle with its courtyard. I would have to check it out later. Right now, I was concerned with how the market was laid out.
The streets were overcrowded and slightly narrow, but only because of the stalls that lined it. It was loud and highly overrated. Every single vender had the finest product in all of Elangsia and those that didn’t had the finest in all the world. Kristalyn looked at everything with a suspicious and regal eye. Vendors consistently pushed between us in order to offer her some pathetic trinket to buy or me some disgusting looking flower or something to buy for her. After that, I commanded her to walk far behind me and pulled a dagger on the next approaching merchant. Unfortunately for me, he took the hint. It would have made the day more interesting to run him through.
I did however find a few places that would be ideal for an ambush, provided I could get the Hunter into those spots. I twirled the dagger idling in my fingers as I walked. The tactic worked very well for keeping the venders out of my hair.
I was already becoming familiar with the city and beginning to feel comfortable. That meant my second objective was pretty much complete. My biggest problem with the city layout was that there was defiantly no place to hide a griffin, even a young one. That meant Maglynar was going to have to stay in his spot outside the city. He was going to hate that. I’d have to take him a peace offering or he might destroy his hideout in a temper tantrum.
Most of the shops around me sold fabric, trinkets, and other useless articles. I needed a butcher. A bonus would be all the blood in the shop. It had been a long time since I had smelled the red life draining substances. That meat I had killed a few days ago was a poor substitute. After the army, I was more used to it being all around me. It was a sickening smell and yet brought comfort as well.
The last thought struck me as strange, but I didn’t have the time to think about it as I finally reached a butcher’s shop. I sheathed the dagger and stepping in took a deep breath. The smell of blood surrounded and filled me. The butcher looked at me oddly, but nodded in greeting.
“I need meat,” I said briskly.
The butcher looked like he wanted to roll his eyes at me, but only said, “Aye, how much and what kind?”
Maglynar would eat anything, but I needed a peace offering. “What’s your choicest?”
“Hmm, that’d be the horse meat,” the butcher responed.
Perfect. “I’ll take twelve pounds. You have that much?”
The butcher nodded slowly.
“What about scraps? Any your tossing?”
“Aye. I have a whole bag full. Was going to send Aker out to get rid of it.”
“I’ll take what you have of that too.” That should keep Maglynar busy.
The butcher nodded and headed into the back of his shop. Suddenly something felt off. Quickly, I turned and frowned. Kristalyn had been a shadow I couldn’t escape, now she was gone. I had ordered her back, but she had always been behind me. What could possibly have taken her from my side?
I waited impatiently for the butcher and as soon as I had the meat and he had his money I left. Outside, the sun was just starting to set. I looked around and finally spotted Kristalyn’s now familiar back. But something was off. She was usually stiff, now she seemed slumped. I glanced behind her to see that she stood in front of an executioner’s block.
Frowning, I walked up to her. On her face was a look I had never seen before, at least, not on her. I had seen it on my sister’s however. Duard often inspired such looks. I glanced at the executioner’s block. Had she lost someone on it? It would explain the look of pain, loss, and deep sadness.
It took her another minute or so before she looked at me and realized I had been standing next to her.
“Are you all right?” I asked the question without forethought.
She looked at me in surprise for a moment, and then looked back at the blood covered structure. “You have your pain, Aiden, and I have mine.”
Her eyes were filled with the familiar emotion. It was the first I had seen it in her. Anger and fear sure, but I hadn’t seen pain yet. As I stepped back and watched her, my mind wandered to my sisters. I had caused them pain when I had betrayed them and let us all leave. Where they still in pain? I could only wonder….
***
KRISTALYN
I tried again to steady my breathing. It hadn’t really happened here. It was in the palace courtyard. I repeated the methodically over and over, but it didn’t help. It didn’t ease the pain. Even Aiden standing so close couldn’t cause me to blanket my face.
I’m not sure at what precise moment I saw this death trap, but it had held me in it’s grip ever since. I had been walked behind Aiden and enjoying coming up with ways to force him to face Deus. It had been quite entertaining until this had come into view.
It was a simple wooden platform that stood above the ground about waist high. It was stained everywhere with a dark substance. I knew what that was. It was blood and there was a lot of it. Someone had recently used their hand to wipe away the dirt and grim from the simple carved sign that was fastened to its base. It read Execution Square.
I should have expected it, should have known. I would see something like this. Tray had been trying to protect me. I thought it was because of my safty, but there had been more. He knew if I came to Ruma I would be faced with the place that our father had been murdered.
My precious, courageous, loving father. He hadn’t been perfect, but he was as close as they came. As I stared at the death trap, I could hear his voice…
“Hold here, Kris. That’s right. You and the horse are one… He didn’t mean it, Kris. Your big brother has a lot on his mind. He still loves you…Bulls-eye! Nice shot, Kris. You’re becoming an expert!... I’m proud of you, Kris… I love you Kristalyn. Never forget or doubt that. Not ever.”
Papa… I could feel the tears at the back of my eyes and my throat closed. Oh, Papa. Did you know I loved you? Did I tell you before you left? Father, did it hurt? Did you bleed like this? Is your blood here?
The question raced through my numb mind and almost unconsciously I reached out a hand to touch the blood stained wood. A step away, I jerked in surprise when a strong hand gripped my wrist.
“Kristalyn, no.”
It was Aiden’s voice. Where had he come from? And why did he stop me? I looked at him numbly.
“Come on. I have to get this meat to Maglynar and you should feed that cat of yours,” his voice was firm.
I blinked and looked back to the death trap. His grip tightened and he yanked me so hard I almost fell into his chest. I put a hand on it to stop myself. It felt firm beneath my fingers.
“We are leaving. Now,” his voice brooked no argument. Neither, for that matter, did his face, when I looked into it. His gray eyes held mine for a moment. “Move.” He whipped me around and gave a push. I stumbled, but managed not to fall on my face. Obediently, I walked forward. I didn’t even look back. Father hadn’t died there. He had died in the palace courtyard. But did that matter? He had died here in this city and he wasn’t coming back.
“Abba! I want him back!” I moaned softly.
And since Aiden was behind me, I let the tears fall.
***
AIDEN
She had lost somebody, somebody close to her. I wondered who as we made our way out of the city. The guard, a different one than last time, warned us to hurry or the gate would shut before we could get back in. I nodded. I wanted to sleep in bed for change, but first I had to calm a griffin.
When we got to where we had stashed the animals, I got a surprise. Maglynar and Kuroiden had been busy. They had somehow managed to make a large nest for Maglynar and a bed of leaves for Kuroiden.
I stared at Maglynar, who had a pleased look on his face. “Planning on staying a while?”
He patted his nest with a paw and screeched back. Kuroiden spotted Kristalyn then and hurried past me to get to her. The girl dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around the large black cat. I turned back to Maglynar.
“So, you already know you have to stay out here?” I questioned again, just to be sure.
The griffin snorted and nodded.
“Good, than you don’t need this peace offering.” I shifted the meat on my back.
That comment earned me a loud howling screech.
“Okay, okay. You can still have it.”
I dropped it in front of him and immediately he started pawing through it.
“Hey! You need to save some of that.”
Maglynar paused to give me a long look. Apparently, one night out here was fine, more than that was not. I sighed and sat down on the grass in front of him. He continued to watch me and wait for his explanation.
“Look, there is no place for you to stay in there. You’d be miserable… Yes, I looked! It’s too crowded. You have enough food now to last you for a while. I need to concentrate on locating the Hunter and killing him. You’d only be a distraction… No, you would not help. Maglynar, stop screeching at me. I’m sure you can help me after I find him… No, I will not promise.”
At that point, Maglynar gave a long and extremely loud screech, flew up, and started tearing at trees with his claws. I sighed. Things had been going so well.
“All right. All right! Maglynar, cut that out and get down here! Someone will see or hear you!”
He came down, but into a pouncing position. Then he screeched questioningly.
“Yeah, okay. I promise. But you have to give me a few days. Got it? If you stay out here and out of trouble, I’ll let you help me. Deal?” I watched him carefully.
He looked at me and then slowly nodded.
“Good. I have to get back or they’ll sloes the gate.” I pointed to the food. “Don’t eat it all right away or you’ll be sorry.”
Maglynar gave a low mournful screech and padded over to me. He dipped his head and pushed it against my lower chest. This was a new one. I looked at him, and he glanced up at me, then pushed harder. I had to take a step back to keep from falling.
“Hey! Okay, knock it off, Maglynar. You’re fine.” I put my hand on his head to move it and he moved quickly against my hand. He wanted to be petted?
I obliged for a second since that was the only way I was going to get out of here. Finally, I pushed him away. He grinned at me, as well as a griffin can, and gave me a happy screech before settling down to his supper.
I turned quickly and caught Kristalyn grinning at me. She ducked her head and hugged Kuroiden again before standing. When she did, she was smiling.
“Ready?”
I nodded. Whatever had hurt her so deeply, her cat and helped ease the pain. She and the animal were very close.
“What?” She asked, as if daring me to say the wrong thing.
The odd part was nothing smart came to mind. It had to be a first.
“Nothing. Let’s go.”
I walked past her quietly, but I could feel her suspicious gaze the whole way. Maybe there was something to this saying nothing. It was food for thought, only later. Right now, I wanted that bed.
***
The main palace with its courtyard was housed in the wealthy class section of the city at the opposite side of the market and that is exactly where Kristalyn and I found ourselves the next morning. My task was to find information on the Hunter and hers was to stop me. Again, the distinction between middle and upper class was laughable. The pure white houses all had pillars, porches, balconies, servant’s quarters, and brightly colored shudders and doors. The people were no better. I had never seen such expensive clothing. With all the layers, everyone looked rather uncomfortable to me. It would be far too easy to kill any of them. There was absolutely no challenge. A few of the suspicious seemed to employ body guards, but even they seemed lax. If the Hunter was trying to blend in as one of these people, this would be easier than I thought. He wouldn’t be able to put up a proper fight in any of these costumes, but from what little I did know of the Hunter he wouldn’t be that pathetic.
However, he’d have to have contacts at the palace and these would be in this class. What I needed was a way in. Where did high class people go to relax?
An easy smile crossed my face as I walked up on the answer a few minutes later. The tavern was called the White Swan. Rich or poor, everyone liked to drink. It was a weakness I was getting used too. I had never gone so far as to get completely drunk off my rear, but I had helped others to do so. Information and money flowed so much easier then.
The inside of the tavern was much cleaner than the Red Thornbush, smelled better too. Hopefully, the food was better. I’d be eating a lot of meals here. I scanned the room and quickly picked out a table in the back corner. I’d have a good vantage point from there and the room was small enough I’d be able to hear most conversations as well.
“Why here?” My ever present shadow asked.
I was so used to her hanging behind me that I tended to forget she was there. It worked very well until she reminded me of her persistent presence. What stupid question had she asked this time?
“You work for the Hunter, even impersonate him, and you can’t figure out why I picked this table?” I asked suspiciously when I finally processed her question.
She took the seat next to me and grinned. “I know why I would have, I was just wondering if you were that smart.”
I looked at her for a moment. “You’ll find out how smart I am when I kill your Hunter.”
That shut her up, but only for a moment. “You’re never going to be able to do that.”
“Oh? I’ll have to disappoint you then,” I replied confidently, as I turned to scan the tavern.
“I doubt that, Aiden. There are more surprises in store for you than you’re prepared to handle.”
There was something secretive in her voice and I didn’t like it. What did she know? She couldn’t have alerted the Hunter I was here, she hadn’t left my side. My mind brought up a picture of Egan, but the dragon had been confined to his room by Kristalyn. So, if it wasn’t that, than what?
She laughed softly. “You’re curious, aren’t you? You want to know what I could possibly know that you don’t.”
“You’re baiting me,” I said causally.
“And it’s working,” she replied calmly back.
I gave her a steady look. “Do you think so?”
She hesitated for a briefly second, and then nodded firmly. “I know it is.”
“You know very little compared to me and what you do know has been clouded with emotion.”
A confused look crossed her eyes. “What is that suppose to mean?”
“Who did you lose here? Whoever it was, he or she was very important to you. You haven’t been thinking clearly since we entered the city.”
She snorted and looked away. “How would you know?”
“I watch. Who was it?”
“It doesn’t concern you, Aiden.”
“Was it someone close to the Hunter as well?” She used my name. Good. I had to keep pushing. She was right about one thing, she had information I needed and if I could keep her off balance I might be able to get it from her.
“What does it matter? It happened long ago,” she finally replied carefully.
“Not long enough for the emotion to settle. Your lover, perhaps? A good friend? Parent?” I pushed harder and hit a nerve.
She swung back around to look at me, eyes blazing. “Look, whoever I lost is none of your concern.”
I shrugged. Whoever it was, it was a touchy subject and I had the feeling Kristalyn’s life revolved more around the Hunter than she had admitted. If so, I wanted to know who had died on the execution block. The Hunter was still operating, so it couldn’t have been him, but perhaps someone close to him. It might give me a better clue to his identity.
“Why do you care?” She asked when I stayed silent.
I paused to look at her then turned to look over the tavern again. It was filling with more people for the lunch hour.
“You’re closely involved with the Hunter.”
“And all information about me leads to him, right?” She sounded totally disgusted.
I glanced at her. “Yes.” What was she suddenly mad about?
She nodded her head slowly and firmly. “Fine. You’re in trouble, Aiden. Yo don’t have any idea what you’re messing with.”
“Oh?” I leaned back and folded my arms, as I scanned the room. “Why don’t you explain it then.”
“The Hunter’s people are all very loyal. They will give their lives for him. You’ll never even be able to get close to him and you’re not positive he is in the city. You don’t even know what he looks like, or where he might be. You’re working on hunches that you have no base for. Face it, you can’t win this one.” Her voice was both convincing and smug.
Her list was impressive. I really didn’t have a lot going for me, but I did have a better idea than what she was giving me credit for and I did know he was in the city. I was also pretty sure Kristalyn was related to the Hunter in some way.
“Not only that,” she continued, “but we have Deus on our side. He has never failed us and I doubt he will start now.”
I could feel the familiar anger and hatred burning in my chest at the mention of the supposed god. “If you’re depending on Deus, than I’ve already won,” I replied through clenched teeth.
She leaned on the table, “Really? Why do you hate him so much? With that attitude I know we will win.”
“Hate to burst your little fantasy, but Deus doesn’t exist and he certainly doesn’t care.”
“Well, He can’t care if He doesn’t exist, now can He? So I guess it’s a good thing, He exists and loves us.”
“Stop repeating lies, girl.”
She raised her eyebrows on that one. “Lies? What caused you so much pain that you would believe that, Aiden?”
“Life,” I answered shortly. I didn’t like this conversation anymore. Why was it that no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t escape from those who believed in the false god?
“Life is hard, but Deus is bigger.”
“That is a lie and a bad one at that.”
“No, it’s not. Deus made this world, of course He is bigger than it. We are blessed that He loves us enough to stay involved with us.”
That was it! Who did this ignorant girl think she was to preach at me? Deus had abandoned my family long ago. He had no love. His existence had stopped then for me and I didn’t want him back, not now or ever.
“Shut your mouth now, Kristalyn, or I will not be held responsible for what I do next.” I kept my voice very low and dangerous.
She nodded and was silent for a moment. “I’m sorry, Aiden. I shouldn’t have pushed you like that. But you should know, there are many surprises in store for you.”
Surprises? Was that what she had meant earlier? Her comment had been about Deus?
***
We spent the next ___ days at the White Swan listening and watching. Kristalyn filled in the time by talking about whatever hit her fancy, and I ignored as best I could. I learned quickly how to tell her most subtle moods by the tone of her voice. It wasn’t on purpose, but it was hard not to do. She grew accustomed to me not listening to her, so she started to give herself my answers. Some of thing things she discussed were amusing, and I allowed myself to listen for at least key words or something that might slip, though nothing ever did.
At first I figured she was talking so that I would be distracted and not hear something about the Hunter, however, she usually kept her voice low enough so that I could hear those around me. Though, I still didn’t hear anything of major importance. Instead, her voice became a constant noise in the back of my mind and in my sleep. During the times she did fall silent, I started to find myself wondering where the strange humming I had been listening to had gone.
The last thought pulled me up short. I never thought of such things. What was this girl doing to me? Over the last few days, I had found myself thinking in ways I wasn’t use to anymore. They were ways I had thought in back in Braedoch Forest and that was a life I had left far behind. I didn’t need it distracting me now. I didn’t need her distracting me either, for that matter. When had I started to let that happen? Somewhere I had started to let her gain control and it was crucial I get it back.
I turned from my inner thoughts to focus on the room around me. Thoughts were getting me in trouble. The room was half full, which was about normal for this time. Girls waited on tables with a wink and the smell of food and brew flowed freely. I caught one of the girl’s attention and motioned to my mug. She nodded smiling and brought over the pitcher.
“Here you go, handsome. Enjoy!” She smiled and swished away.
Kristalyn snorted from beside me.
I let a grin tug at my mouth. “If you wanted something, you should have said.”
“She didn’t know I was at the table. We’ve only been sitting here for ___ days and have been served by the same girl every time,” she pointed out.
“Jealous?” I asked, amused.
She shot me an innocent and confused look, “Of what?”
“It’s the truth! Happened just like that! Never saw anything like it. Well, not for a while anyway.”
“Man, lower your voice!”
“What’s it matter? The whole palace knows anyway.”
Whatever comment I was going to give Kristalyn flew from my mind as I focused on the conversation two tables away.
“Yeah, and if there are guards around, they’ll know you were spreading it farther. Or do you want to end up like Ihcalam?” The second man asked.
“Calm down, Oltrid, I think the king wants it spread around that he killed a spy. He likes that type of control,” the man with the news stated, though he did lower his voice.
Apparently, he didn’t lower it enough, because a guy from the next table leaned over. “Executed a spy? What scumbag did King Brastus catch this time?”
“You don’t know?” The man asked.
“Kaltra, if I knew would I ask?” The third asked testily.
“Yes, you would, Hitra. Regardless, he executed Lord Ihcalam right in the throne room. In front of Princess Brysa from what I heard,” Kaltra shared freely.
“Lord Ihcalam? Why?” Hitra asked aghast.
“Weren’t you listening?” Oltrid asked, disgusted. “He was caught spying.”
“For Aerilya? Why would he do such a thing? And even if he did, who would turn in a noble man?” Hitra responded.
“Montel would,” Kaltra responded.
“Montel,” Hitra’s lip curled revolted. “The scumbag is worthless except as a lapdog.”
“The whole castle is going insane, first the Wild Men dancing all around, then the betrothal announcement, and now this. Accusations for spying are everywhere, even to those fully loyal to the crown.” Hitra shook his head.
“And those truly spying. I would never have guessed it of Ihcalam. Why, he was here just a few days ago with the merchant.” Kaltra shook his head.
“Who?” Hitra asked.
“You mean Cormac Alstiar, correct? He has really nice pieces. He can get you almost any bargain you want,” Oltrid explained.
“Yeah, I think I saw him. Black hair, nice clothing, slightly darker skin?” Hitra verified.
“Sounds like him. He has sold pieces to Ricald as well. In fact, everyone of importance knows him well. You should seriously consider checking out his stock,” Oltrid advised.
“Yes, I got a magnificent sword from _(one of the other Romany siblings countries)_ only last year…”
I tuned back out. That had been very interesting. So, they had recently executed a nobleman spy. The more interesting link, however, was Cormac Alstair. He was linked to Ihcalam and had connections with Ricald and most of the higher noble men. If he knew Ricald he was probably connected to Montel. He was in a perfect position to gain any information he wanted with a very handy cover. It was a plot the Hunter would use and one I was going to exploit.
I turned to look at Kristalyn, who had blanketed her face. “Do you know Cormac Alstair?”
“No,” she replied calmly.
“You’re lying,” I said confidently.
“How would you know?” She asked, quietly.
“You shouldn’t have talked so much over the last few days,” I replied, standing up.
It was time to head out. I was going to find Cormac Alstair and when I did I would find the Hunter.
***
posted by Charissa Taylor Lees at 7:45 PM
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