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 that 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 its 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 in the resent past had 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 safety, 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. 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 blue 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 had 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 brief 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. You 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 basis 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 seven 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. These 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 girls’ 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 a week 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. It happened over a week ago.”

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? Where have you been?” The man questioned shocked.

“I just arrived back in the city, Kaltra. And if I knew would I ask?” The third responded testily.

“Yes, you would, Hitra. Regardless, he executed Lord Ihcalam right in the throne room just over a week ago now. In front of Princess Brysa from what I heard,” Kaltra shared freely.

“Lord Ihcalam? Why?” Hitra asked aghast.

“Weren’t you listening?” Oltrid’s voice barely hid his disgust. “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 frowned.

“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 took a swig of his drink.

“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.

***