Child Of A Guardian And Of The Free (Book 3) (14 page)

‘
How many windows and doors?’

‘
One door, one high window, too small for a person to fit through.’

‘
And the surrounds?’

‘
Cleared within about a hundred paces of the building. Outside that, fairly thick forest.’

‘
Number of guards?’

‘
A lot of people, some guarding, some doing other things. Rudi seems to think it might be some kind of gathering place.’

‘
Good. We have information. Now we can come up with a plan,’ said Dale in satisfaction. ‘Can you still hear him?’

‘
No he’s gone again,’ said Eibhear sadly. ‘They must have done something to him.’

‘
One other thing, Eibhear. The woman on the boat had absolutely black eyes. I know you saw it and so did Rudi. And I know of only one race with eyes as dark as hers.’

Eibhear stared back at Dale with a
speculative look, but didn’t answer.

Chapter
15

Luhxdal and Penn

Luhxdal eyed his brother suspiciously.
‘What aren’t you telling me?’

‘
The less I tell you, the less you can accidently reveal if someone questions you,’ said Penn. ‘It’s easy to keep a secret that you don’t know.’ He walked agitatedly across the room and looked out the window, folding his arms. ‘And speaking of keeping secrets, how much does Graedy know?’

‘
Graedy? Only what I tell him. He does what I tell him to do.’

‘
And you trust him to not crack under pressure if he’s questioned?’ Penn turned and frowned at Luhxdal.

‘
No. I don’t trust him. And I don’t trust his sneaky little assassin, Guli either. But not for the same reasons.’ Luhxdal leaned back in the chair and folded his arms behind his head.

‘
Explain.’

‘
Graedy has the backbone of a slug. I’ve been keeping a close eye on him because he’s useful, but I can’t help but think it might be time to allow him to move on.’

‘
You want to send him down to Qinel?’ Penn stopped pacing and sat in the chair opposite his brother.

‘
That wasn’t the kind of ‘move on’ I meant.’

‘
Ah. I see, and what about Guli? What of him?’

‘
I don’t trust Guli because he has a little too much backbone. He’s the best assassin I know of, but I wouldn’t put it past him to follow his own agenda if he didn’t agree with what Graedy asks him to do, or if someone paid him more than we’re paying him. Trouble is Graedy hasn’t been able to find him for far too long.’ Luhxdal frowned.

‘
Wonderful,’ Penn said sarcastically. ‘We can’t trust either.’

‘
So who can we trust?’

Penn smiled pleasantly at his brother.
‘Me, brother, you can trust me.’

Luhxdal smiled and clapped his brother on the back
, wishing he really did trust his brother. ‘Always,’ he lied. ‘Now, tell me about this Marlea. Why would one of the fallen want to help you?’

‘
Because he wants the Empress dead.’

‘
Don’t we all? But why would he want her dead?’

‘
Because apart from himself, she is the one remaining child of Alem.’

L
uhxdal’s mouth dropped open in surprise. ‘Well isn’t that interesting,’ he murmured. ‘Do you think he has any other motive to help you with your plans?’

‘
No,’ Penn said confidently. ‘He’s fallen. Revenge is everything.’

‘
Now what do you intend to do about Graedy and Guli?’

‘
Me? Nothing of course!’ said Penn, looking horrified. ‘If something terrible were to happen to them, I just don’t know how I’d cope,’ he added innocently, whilst smiling wolfishly at his brother.

Luhxdal watched apprehensively as his brother left the room. Even with his brother
’s reassurances, Luhxdal couldn’t quite bring himself to trust him. He never really had. Not entirely.

Chapter
16

Guide

Callian
rolled silently from the bed and landed on the floor. He crouched in position without moving, straining his ears for the sound that had caught his attention. He could sense quite clearly that Milgorry was awake, as was Borgulnay, but everyone else was asleep, and he wondered for a moment if Timbul and Araas had returned. They had chosen to spend the night studying the area between the Silahfohr and the Sanctuary but were planning to return before daylight. Callian considered what had woken him and a discomfiting thought struck. It had been a sensation more than a sound, and the sensation reminded him of almost every encounter he had ever had with the fallen, yet something strange about the feeling nagged at his heart. He took a deep breath and stood up. Borgulnay was standing frozen near the door which led to the hallway. He had his head tilted to the side as if listening intently.

‘
There’s someone here,’
Callian thought, moving like a stalking cat towards the doorway of Kelian’s and Elena’s room. Milgorry had been sitting in the doorway, but was crouched and leaning forward, staring into the room as though ready to spring forward.

‘
Who?’
Borgulnay wondered.

‘
Fallen? Or not?’
Callian wore an uncharacteristically confused expression.

‘
Now!’ Milgorry shouted and he and Callian leapt into Kelian and Elena’s room.

The thud of bodies crashing together seemed unnatur
ally loud in the dark room, and there was a grunt of pain from a voice Borgulnay didn’t recognize and a scream from Elena. Kelian leapt up and dragged Elena from the bed, propelling her towards Borgulnay. The Colonel flung her through the doorway. Evan and Gilgarry awoke and rushed towards the doorway and they quickly led the Queen to the far end of the room. Borgulnay reached for Kelian. Without permission he took hold of the King’s arm and sent him through the doorway after Elena. He stepped back into the room with his knife held ready. An unfamiliar dark-skinned figure lay on the floor, with Callian struggling to hold him down. With the help of Milgorry, Callian eventually managed to restrain the captive somewhat.

‘
Turn him over,’ gasped Milgorry, clutching his ribs where he had taken a sharp blow. Borgulnay joined them and they turned the struggling figure onto his back. Callian gave a cry of shock and fell forward onto his knees, his hands reaching forward and grasping the man’s face. Tears rushed to his eyes and he leaned forward resting his own forehead on the forehead of the captive. Milgorry couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Callian sat up with his eyes fastened on the man as though he feared he would disappear.

‘
Who is he? Kelian asked, re-entering the room. ‘And how did he get into our rooms?’

‘
I came in the window. It was high, but not impossible.’ Kelian wondered why the voice had a strange familiarity.

‘
Why?’ asked Borgulnay. ‘What do you want?’

‘
I wanted to know whether you were who I hoped you were before I made myself known to you. I am to lead you to the Sanctuary. At least, I am to lead you to where you can enter the Sanctuary unseen. I am your guide.’

‘
I guess we are who you hope we are.’ Kelian sat back on his bed and squinted at the man in the darkness.

‘
Garran?’ Evan didn’t sound surprised to see the guide.

‘
Evan. You were followed when you last left the Sanctuary.’

‘
Do you know who it was?’

‘
Guard Kaduk.’

‘
Kaduk? I wonder why.’

‘
He won’t be troubling you any longer.’

‘
What did you do to him?’

‘
He accidently found himself on the wrong side of the border. I imagine by now he’s working very hard down in Tarl.’

‘
I really hope I never get on the wrong side of you. But now, I will introduce you to his Majesty, Kelian. Lamp!’ he ordered and Gilgarry appeared seconds later, holding a lamp.

Garran carefully considered Kelian
’s face. ‘Yes. You are who I hoped you are. And who I hoped would bring you here.’ The guide reached up and grasped Callian’s hand and allowed the guardian to drag him to his feet. The two embraced and as Evan raised the lamp Kelian gave a start as he was struck by the similarity between the two.

Callian
turned and smiled at Kelian. ‘Majesty,’ he said formally. ‘This is my brother, Garran.’

Milgorry stared hard. His face turned white, then red, then white once again. Eventually
he bowed slightly not taking his eyes from Garran. ‘Prince, what are you doing here?’

‘
I am here to guide you.’

‘
No. I mean what are you doing here in Tatharlia?’

Garran turned and walked towards the high window through which he had entered.
‘I’m protecting the Empress. As I swore I would when her parents died.’

‘
But you are
our
Prince!’ Milgorry said accusingly as he stood. ‘And with you gone, our people are running all over Alkira, whilst the Alkirans are trying to deal with invasion of Nailmarni and Nandul is sneaking around because he’s determined to either find or create a child of the guardians and the free!’ His voice rose in anger. ‘Nyinaku is disintegrating into civil war - does this mean anything to you anymore?’

‘
It does,’ said Garran gravely, ignoring Milgorry’s rage. ‘Which is another reason I am here looking for you. No!’ he said firmly as Milgorry opened his mouth to speak. ‘I was given a task here in Tatharlia, and though it is no longer my duty, I chose to fulfil it. Of each problematic situation you have spoken I will hear more - but not now, when we are within the Sanctuary.’ He looked sadly at Milgorry. ‘You look like your father, but considering your present company I’m guessing your nature is more like your mother’s.’

‘
You knew my mother?’ said Milgorry wonderingly.

‘
You may not have been able to find me, Milgorry of Tarl, but I’m not always absent from Nyinaku. I suspected that a time would come when I’d be needed, so leaving my home land permanently would not have been prudent. In time, I will tell you more of your mother. She was.... some other time. There are people looking for you even as I speak. Word has spread of strange happenings in Qinel. Nothing remains secret for long in Tatharlia.’ He turned to Prince Kelian. ‘I will guide you to the Sanctuary.’

Kelian nodded.
‘Evan, gather our gear. Don’t wake the child until it’s time to go.’

‘
I’ll carry the child,’ said Gilgarry.

‘
No you won’t. I can walk,’ Kalinya’s indignant voice sounded from beneath his coverlet.

‘
How long have you been awake?’ Gilgarry raised an eyebrow as he walked to stand beside Kalinya’s bed. ‘I hope you got a reasonable amount of sleep.’

‘
I only just woke up.’

‘
Good. You can walk then,’ Gilgarry agreed.

Immosey, Louisa and Tappy appeared, looking sleepy and disheveled. They dressed as quickly as possible but
still looked half asleep. Everyone pushed their belongings into their packs and grouped near the door.

‘
Why aren’t Tim and Araas back?’ Immosey asked anxiously.

‘
Timbul and Araas?’ Garran raised an eyebrow.

‘
They should be back by now,’ said Callian. He’d had no contact from either guardian since they left the Silahfohr.

‘
Should we wait?’ Elena hated the thought of the guardians returning and finding the Silahfohr rooms empty.

‘
I doubt they’d have any difficulty finding us,’ Louisa said reassuringly. Garran stared at her curiously, and then turned to Milgorry. A mixed expression of wonder and horror passed over his face and his mouth slowly opened. Neither Louisa nor Milgorry spoke.

‘
Louisa,’ said Garran eventually, and his voice was raspy with shock. ‘I have no jurisdiction over you, or over anyone anymore, but if I did, I would have you hidden inside the Dwellings even if I had to lock you there myself. And when your baby is born...’ He shook his head. ‘This just gets more complicated and more dangerous. Let’s go.’

He led them from the Silahfohr down a dark, narrow, stone paved street.
The buildings became shabbier and the ground dirtier as they moved through the city. The street narrowed until in some cases they were forced to walk no more than two abreast and it became necessary to pick their way through piles of refuse which had been cast thoughtlessly through windows and doors. The foul smell of urine mingled with the stench of dead animals helped to hurry everyone along, and soon they came to fairer surroundings. It seemed one moment they were surrounded by poverty and seconds later by opulence. As they neared the bay of Tathra the air cleared and streets widened. Most were swept clean and buildings were freshly painted, primarily in white and blue, with wide patios and large gardens. There were small patches of trees and shrubbery around nicely tended wells, with low backed stone benches under the denser trees.

Nobody spoke. Garran led them along a laneway beside the wall of one of the more extravagant
residences. He stopped part way along the wall where a huge tree overhung the wall and they were hidden from sight by surrounding windowless buildings. Garran leapt up lightly and caught the top of the wall. He dragged himself up and then reached out his hand. One by one, Callian lifted Elena, Immosey, Kelian and Tappy. Garran caught their hands and dragged them up onto the wall. Immosey stifled a cry of surprise at the thickness of the wall on which they stood. It was more than two foot thick. Tappy immediately sat, feeling uneasy even on so wide a perch, but he didn’t complain, preferring to endure the discomfit with his usual taciturnity. Borgulnay boosted Evan and Gilgarry up onto the wall then they dragged him up beside them. Callian, Louisa and Milgorry leapt up beside them and waited expectantly.

‘
I’ll never get used to it,’ Elena declared in a whisper, staring at her agile sister. ‘Where are we?’

‘
This is the home of the Vocopulis. Uslantlo Licranzer Tespoppoloc,’ said Garran.

Gilgarry
gave a quiet whistle of surprise then laughed lightly. ‘You’re joking! That’s crazy!’

‘
Not so crazy. He knows we are using his home as a highway.’

‘
No, I meant his name!’ Gilgarry shook his head in disbelief.

‘
Let’s keep moving before someone comes by and asks what we’re up to.’

‘
We look like a bunch of kookaburras perched on the castle wall,’ Elena commented.

Garran knelt on the wall. He slipped his hand into a crack between two large stones and
pressed down hard. A section of the stonework sank away, leaving a gaping hole in the top of the wall. ‘Unfortunately the only way to get in here is to lie down and slide in. It’s very tight. You have to go headfirst until you move forward about ten paces, then you can crawl. I’ll go first. Callian, you come through last and you can push the stones back into place.

‘
I’m way back here behind everyone,’ Borgulnay argued. ‘It would be easier if you all moved through first and I will push the stone back up.’

‘
No, you won’t be able to lift it. And you’d have to go in backwards and go backwards down the tunnel.’ Garran shook his head.

‘
He’ll be fine,’ Callian contradicted. ‘Trust me.’

Garran
nodded. He leaned forward and slipped headfirst into the hole, and disappeared from sight.

The stones were mounted on a thick board, which was hinged to allow it to be raised into place. Once Borgulnay had the stones level, he slid a
cleverly designed locking mechanism into place and began to slide backwards through the tunnel. It was now entirely dark and it was further than ten paces before there was room for him to turn and face forward. When he did, he found his face inches from Immosey’s bottom. He chuckled. Immosey stopped moving. She was small enough to turn easily in the now widening tunnel so she twisted around and wrapped her arms around Borgulnay. She kissed his lips then turned back and continued to crawl through the ever descending tunnel. Gradually the tunnel floor leveled. Borgulnay was just wondering how much longer it would go on, when his head bumped into Immosey’s bottom.

‘
Sorry!’ he whispered and Immosey reached back and grabbed his hand.

‘
Where are we?’ she asked.

‘
I’d estimate we’re right smack in the middle of Uslan... Uslanaloc... Oh whatever his name was! We’re right under his home,’ said Gilgarry.

‘
Uslantlo Licranzer Tespoppoloc.’ Garran pointed upwards. ‘We’re under his bed.’

‘
What if he’s in bed?’ Tappy sounded appalled at the thought of sneaking through the bedroom of a sleeping man.