Child Of A Guardian And Of The Free (Book 3) (18 page)

‘
She’s not a woman!’ Dale snarled, struggling pointlessly. ‘She’s some sort of witch!’

‘
I won’t let you murder her,’ said Eibhear firmly as the woman backed away with a look of utter terror on her face, obviously never having been threatened in such a way before. Dale lowered the knife as he watched her. Eibhear released his grip on Dale’s sleeve. He leapt forward and grabbed the woman before she could turn and run.

‘
I won’t kill you, but neither will you follow us - or send anyone after us,’ he said, leaning over to remove a wicked looking knife from the sheath worn at the waist of one of the unconscious men. He paused for a moment and stared into the woman’s eyes but Dale knew from her expression of fear that she didn’t understand what he intended to do. Eibhear reversed the knife and gave the woman a deceptively light looking tap to her skull behind her ear. He lowered her body to the ground and gazed at it for a moment then glanced towards Dale with a grim expression. ‘For a moment there I was caught between wanting to murder her and...never mind.’ Dale grunted in understanding and followed Eibhear as he climbed through an open window. They paused as four men ran across the courtyard. None of them noticed as Eibhear and Dale ducked back against the wall, and seconds later they disappeared into the building.

‘
Good,’ said Eibhear, sounding relieved.

‘
You didn’t want to face four?’ said Dale, with a touch of sarcasm in his voice.

‘
Didn’t want to kill four,’ Eibhear corrected him seriously, with absolutely no hint of arrogance. ‘They were just doing their job, but if all four had attacked at once I doubt I could have defended us without killing them all. Now!’ They straightened up and ran towards the wall which surrounded the grounds around the building. Eibhear boosted Dale to the top of the wall and moments later they were running through the forest.

Chapter 20

Treachery

Kelian counted forty one guards in the surrounding hallways and spaced around the room where Empress Cahndrech waited. He dipped his head politely as he entered the room and Cahndrech smiled back at him. Everyone else knelt in the presence of the Empress.

‘
You may be seated.’ Cahndrech waved her hand towards a round marble table. The table was laid with many small bowls containing a variety of fresh fruit, dried fruit and nuts and small wooden goblets filled with water. Cahndrech’s guards closed around her as she made her way to her own seat. Four remained within reach of her even when she was seated. She turned and spoke to the nearest guard and he in turn made a quick gesture to the others. All left the room immediately. Kelian hesitated as they approached the table, unsure if there was a protocol determining seating arrangements and surprised that he couldn’t remember if he’d ever been told if there was such an arrangement. Tappy recognized his hesitation immediately. He bowed politely gesturing to the chair directly opposite Cahndrech at the table. Kelian took the seat, watching as one by one Tappy sat each Alkiran guest in their expected place. Kelian noticed that as he was seated directly opposite Cahndrech, Callian sat across from Garran and Administrator Tappy faced Vocopulis Uslantlo. Araas and Timbul sat across from Sub-Commander Luhxdal and a man who Kelian didn’t recognize.

‘
Maza,’
Callian’s thoughts immediately came to Kelian.
‘He’s a liaison between administration and military, or that’s what he’s supposed to be. In actual fact the Empress has asked him to privately investigate the death of her parents. And as far as I can tell from the thoughts of everyone in this room, the Empress is the only one who knows what she’s asked him to do.’

‘
Where’s Princess Pevita?’
Kelian wondered.

‘
I’m not sure. She was with Elena earlier today, but she seemed tired. Perhaps she retired to her chamber.’

Kelian gave a tiny nod and waited for Cahndrech to speak. The girl twisted her hands together nervously. Vocopulis Uslantlo
’s eyes filled with sympathy. He rose to his feet and addressed the Empress.

‘
Empress Cahndrech. We are honored to serve you. Is your desire to adhere to strict procedures or would you prefer to allow an informal discussion?’

Cahndrech looked at the Vocopulis gratefully.
‘Informal. I’m going to ask some questions and everyone will answer them. And there will be no lying!’ Uslantlo smiled in appreciation of the girl’s childish bluntness.

‘
Excellent!’ he said clapping his hands together. ‘As Vocopulis it’s my duty to administer this discussion. However, we have no set agenda, so we will continue under the Empress’ guidance.’

Cahndrech bit her lip. She glanced towards
Callian, who gave the little girl an encouraging nod and smile. She raised her chin bravely and spoke. ‘There is something... There are...things...nasty things happening and I have to know why. Everyone is going to stay here until I say they can go.’ She paused and leaned towards Garran whispering a question into his ear. He frowned for a second than gave a quick nod.

Cahndrech looked solemnly at
Callian. ‘If someone is trying to keep bad secrets, would you know?’

‘
I can delve as deeply as you wish into a human’s thoughts, Empress. We just don’t normally do so unless the situation warrants such invasion, or we are asked to do so by someone who has the authority to ask - someone like you.’ Callian hesitated then continued. ‘Sometimes a person’s thoughts are so strong I cannot help overhearing them. Sometimes, for me, it’s like being shouted at. And...’ Callian sighed heavily. ‘Sometimes I don’t even realize I’m listening in. My people are so used to hearing each other’s thoughts we have to be conscious of not listening in when around humans as they find it rude and invasive.’

Cahndrech sat in silence for a few minutes considering the
guardian’s words. Eventually, when she spoke it was with surprising authority. ‘I’ve decided. No-one here should be hiding anything from
me
. Callian, if someone is hiding something bad you have to tell me please.’

Callian
inclined his head gravely.

What would you like to discuss first please Empress?
’ asked Uslantlo.

‘
I want to know where all the servants are going, and why we are getting new ones. I want to know what’s happening with the guards too. And why I was locked in my room the night mother and father...died. Who did that to me? I want to know why!’

Kelian felt confident that the young Empress had more than just some missing staff on her hands.
‘The circumstances surrounding your parents’ death point to murder. The fact that your servants and guards are disappearing and others have replaced them probably means someone wants to be in control of the Sanctuary and wants key people - people they control - to be a majority when they attempt to take control. Or perhaps they are making this change slowly...yes...I’ll bet someone wants to gradually move into a position where they are in ultimate control without anyone noticing. I mean, if they tried to suddenly take control your guards would...I don’t know. What would they do?’

‘
Kill the traitors,’ Uslantlo growled, ‘As they should! Unfortunately many of the old servants and guards have already disappeared. If someone attacked now there’s a possibility that loyal servants and guards would be a significant minority. I think it’s time we started interrogating people.’

‘
The strange smell you have noticed is very disturbing. Particularly if it is heat sap,’ Tappy commented. ‘If someone was planning to gradually seize the Sanctuary, I doubt they would also be planning to burn it down. I think Uslantlo is right. We need to make people tell us what they know.’

Kelian
frowned as he noticed Sub-Commander Luhxdal’s expression was both alarmed and calculating. ‘The changes happened at a time when the death of the Emperor meant changes were going to happen anyway, so most people might simply think the young Empress was making the changes. Empress Cahndrech, I don’t think for a moment you are imagining
any
of this.’

Cahndrech
’s face was filled with hope at Kelian’s words. ‘I tried to tell people what was happening, but even though they all pretend to believe me I know they didn’t and no-one tried to help. I think they’re as frightened as I am. No, that’s not true, some tried to help, but they are gone! And Leana and Nali try to help all the time. I fear for their safety.’

‘
Why didn’t you come to me?’ Uslantlo asked gently, raising his hands questioningly.

Cahndrech blushed. She
dropped her gaze as she spoke. ‘I’m scared of you since your family died. I thought you loved them!’ she added, her voice gaining strength in her indignation. ‘Your wife was nice and your children were nice too!’

‘
Empress, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. I wasn’t aware you cared for them so much. They’re in Alkira. Captain Mercah took them with him on his ship, and Prince Kelian agreed to keep them safe.’

The Empress
’ head snapped up and she glared at Uslantlo. ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ she cried angrily. She turned to Kelian. ‘Is it true?’

‘
Yes,’ Kelian confirmed. ‘There was so much happening in Alkira when I left that I’d forgotten about them until now. I have them in the care of a man and woman who I know will look after them well. I hadn’t made the connection between the Vocopulis and his family, but yes, they’re safe in Alkira.’ When the woman and her two children were taken ashore at Castle Kelian hadn’t thought a great deal about who they were with the myriad of problems he faced. He’d simply placed them in the care of Leonie and Alex and trusted them to see to their welfare and safety.

‘
I apologize for not telling you, Empress Cahndrech,’ said Uslantlo, looking extremely sad. ‘I felt if everyone thought they were dead they’d be safer. I’m sorry,’ he said once again.

Cahndrech sighed sadly.
‘Actually I’m glad you kept it a secret. I told Lorah about everything that was happening and I never saw her again after that. I want to know where she went. She was my painter. Why-’ Cahndrech stood up in fright as Callian leapt from his seat at the same instant that Sub-Commander Luhxdal fell sideways. Callian grabbed Kelian and dragged him away from the table, standing between the King and the shocked people who were rising from the table and all crying out at once. Amidst the commotion Guards burst into the room and surrounded the Empress. Several ran to where Luhxdal lay on the floor.

‘
Stop moving!’ Cahndrech cried and everyone was instantly still. ‘Oh Garran! What’s wrong with him? What happened?’

‘
May I go to him Empress?’ asked Garran.

‘
No! Stay with me!’

‘
Of course,’ Garran placed his hand on her shoulder. ‘Perhaps Callian-’

‘
No. Callian has to stay with his King. Timbul or Araas, can you see what’s wrong with him please? Everyone else get away from him!’ Everyone moved away from where Luhxdal lay on the floor.

Timbul knelt beside him.
‘He’d dead,’ he said bluntly. There was horrified silence.

‘
How did he die?’ Araas crouched beside his brother.

‘
I have absolutely no idea.’

Kelian moved to stand beside Timbul.
‘Maybe he choked on a nut or something. Open his mouth.’ Araas pried open the Sub-Commander’s mouth. On his tongue lay a small, dark-green leaf.

‘
What’s that?’ Araas muttered picking it from the open mouth and studying it.

‘
That’s ollneda,’ said Timbul. ‘Poisonous. But this little bit shouldn’t have killed him. And he didn’t even swallow it!’

‘
So was it in with the nuts?’ Araas stood up and picked up the nearest bowl. Among the nuts he could see more small dark green leaves. He picked one up and gingerly smelt it. ‘I can’t believe it!’ He waved the leaf at Kelian. ‘This has been soaked in chiniocelle! It’s not strong enough to carry through the air, but strong enough to kill someone if they put it in their mouth...obviously.’

Timbul studied the contents of each bowl. The only bowl contaminated with ollneda leaves was the one which had been closest to Luhxdal.

Callian inclined his head thoughtfully. ‘Empress, just before he fell from his chair, I sensed a strange feeling from him; an intense feeling of betrayal. I wonder who wanted him dead.’

‘
But anyone could have eaten from that bowl,’ Maza pointed out. ‘I was sitting next to him and the bowl was well within my reach, and within reach of the Vocopulis. We were all eating nuts!’

‘
So either of you could have eaten from the bowl...or dropped something into it,’ Tappy observed boldly.

‘
How dare you!’ Uslantlo raged as an irate Maza also swung around to face Tappy. ‘How could you even think I would do such a thing? Do you think I’ve spent my entire life helping to keep peace in this Sanctuary to do something so incredibly stupid! What kind of a person do you think I am? Do I look like a fool? I would never! Never! How dare you!’

Maza raised his hand and Uslantlo grimaced. Kelian could hear the air whistling between his gritted teeth. Maza
’s face was almost as outraged as that of Uslantlo, but he managed to keep his voice lower than the Vocopulis’ enraged shouts.

‘
I also am offended that such a thing be suggested of me, however Administrator Tappy has a valid point. Until a few minutes ago both Uslantlo and I had been eating from that very bowl. I like some nuts, but not others, so I had to look in the bowl each time I ate to ensure I took only those nuts I like. I saw nothing odd in the bowl, certainly no leaves.’

‘
I didn’t look,’ said Uslantlo angrily. ‘I just took a handful of nuts occasionally. But I’m still alive!’ He stared suspiciously at Maza and received a responding glare. Kelian looked between the two men and moved to stand beside the Empress. Garran gave him a quick nod and turned to where Maza and Uslantlo were now arguing. Even as everyone watched their voices rose and Maza raised his fist.

‘Neither of you will move until the Empress gives you permission to move,’ Garran interrupted coldly. ‘You will not speak a single word unless you want me to silence you. If either of you move in the direction of the Empress I will kill you instantly.’

‘
Don’t you-’ Maza’s angry response was cut short as Garran lifted him by the throat with one hand and pinned him to the wall. He managed an indignant squawk then found he was unable to draw breath. He reached out frantically as if begging Callian to help him, but no-one moved.

‘
If you agree to shut your mouth, I’ll put you down,’ said Garran casually, as though this was a minor inconvenience for him. Maza grasped Garran’s hands and tried unsuccessfully to drag them from his throat before a look of desperate resignation came over him. He looked pleadingly at Garran and was immediately dropped to the ground.

‘
Good,’ said Garran. He shook his head. ‘You weren’t paying attention Maza,’ he said raising his hands. ‘If you’ve done nothing wrong, you have nothing to worry about.’