Child Of A Guardian And Of The Free (Book 3) (8 page)

Kelian sat down on a low wall.
‘Do you think they’re here in Qinel?’

‘
No. I don’t. I think he removed them a bit more permanently.’

‘
What were you doing in his little fortress tonight?’

‘
I was looking for Khim. We’d been watching the place, trying to work out how many people he has working for him, who they are, what they’re doing. We’re not getting very far. Then Khim saw a covered cart destined to enter the grounds and she decided to find out what it was carrying. I have no idea what happened to her, but it doesn’t look good.’

‘
And why doesn’t the Empress just send in soldiers?’

‘
She tried. That’s why Rassut’s no longer in Orapba. It was like he had warning. He was gone from Orapba before we could blink. The people that the Empress put in charge of trying to remove him from Orapba are all dead.’

‘What about Khimerahd? How do you plan to find her?’

‘
I was going to sneak into the building and have a look around, but those damned dogs aren’t making it easy. They’re trained to not take bait, and they won’t obey any but their own masters. Even if we had a bunch of soldiers, we can’t just descend on the place indiscriminately. There are people inside who I’m sure are being kept as slaves. There are women and children.’

‘
I know you said your job was supposed to remain secret, but I think it’s time to get help.’ Kelian glanced towards the hut.

‘
I’d be grateful,’ admitted Evan. ‘You have arrived at the most opportune time and I see you’re surrounded by a fairly powerful entourage.’

‘
Captain Mercah said when we arrive in Tathra we would be met by someone we could trust. Would that have been you?’

‘
I don’t know. I was supposed to be back in Tathra by now.’

‘
So who in Alkira knows of your work other than your father?’

‘
Just King’s Marshall Danil and your father also knew of course.’

‘
That’s about to change,’ stated Kelian, standing up and walking back towards the hut. ‘It will have to change if we have any chance of finding your friend.’

‘
She’s not just my friend, she’s my cousin. Aunt Leana is her mother.’

‘
Have you hope that she might be alive?’

‘
I hope. Perhaps stupidly, but I do hope, which means I have to try to find her.’

‘
Yes.’ Kelian nodded seriously. ‘We do. Where’s your daughter?’

‘
She’s with Aunt Leana, back in Tathra. How I miss my baby girl, Kelian. Callum was right. It’s a hard life for the child of a soldier. It’s not easy for Norah.’

‘
Well, the sooner we find Khim, the sooner we can all go on to Tathra,’ said Kelian decidedly. ‘Let’s talk to Borgulnay and see if we can come up with a somewhat workable plan.’ They reentered the hut and Timbul, Araas and Milgorry looked expectantly at Kelian.

‘
Since I’m sure you’ve all been following my private thoughts-’ Kelian began.

‘
Surely you couldn’t think we’d just let you wander around Qinel without keeping an eye on you.’ Timbul raise an eyebrow as if this was obvious. Kelian ignored the remark and turned to Borgulnay.

‘
Did these rogues fill you in on our discussion?’

Borgulnay had the grace to turn red as he nodded.

‘Good. I want some kind of plan to get Khimerahd out of Russet’s Noose. Work with Evan and see what you can come up with.’

Callian
regarded Kelian worriedly. ‘Kelian, I don’t think you, Elena, Immy or Louisa should stay here in Qinel. I think you should set out for Numher.’

‘
I most wholeheartedly agree,’ said Administrator Tappy adamantly. ‘And Colonel Borgulnay and Captain Gilgarry should stay with you. The rest of us don’t matter, but you must get through to Tathra. Something’s been niggling at me about the Empress’ request. I can’t put my finger on it, but I know it is imperative you don’t let her down.’

Kelian considered Tappy
’s words. ‘I don’t like it,’ he said eventually. ‘I don’t like sending people into a dangerous situation whilst I waltz merrily up the road to Numher.’

‘
That’s something you might have to get used to, Majesty,’ said Tappy seriously. ‘There will be situations where it will be necessary for you to send men into danger. Just remember that the men you command have sworn to protect their Kingdom...and their King. They gave oath by choice. And the guardians, in actual fact you have no true authority over them, but by their nature they are duty bound to follow your command. I guess that’s one of the idiosyncrasies of being a guardian.’

Kelian
stared around the faces of his friends. ‘So who is going into Russet’s Noose?’

‘
Just me, Tim, Araas and Mil,’ said Callian. ‘If Evan will allow us to take his thoughts we’ll have some knowledge of the place.’

‘
I can take you in there,’ said Evan.

‘
No,’ said Callian. ‘If something goes wrong, it might be difficult enough getting Khimerahd out safely.’

‘
And you don’t want me to slow you down.’ Evan tried not to look hurt and failed.

‘
I want you to get Kelian to Tathra if the rest of us are returned,’ said Callian seriously. ‘If there are only humans inside, and Khimerahd is alive, getting out is almost a joke. If they have a whole lot of the fallen cluttering up the place...well, it may not be quite so easy.’

‘
So we find each other in Numher?’ asked Gilgarry.

‘No. We’ll catch up to you long before you reach Numher.’ Timbul walked to the window of the hut. ‘The night is passing. This changes our plans, so perhaps you should get some sleep.’

Chapter 7

Manipulation

Edrah was sitting on Sub-Commander Luhxdal’s lap when Vocopulis Uslantlo Licranzer Tespoppoloc entered the room. The Vocopulis raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Edrah smiled at Uslantlo but did not move.

‘
Vocopulis?’ she prompted.

‘
Uh, Empress Cahndrech wishes to speak with you,’ he stated warily, trying to ignore the annoyed expression on Luhxdal’s face. Luhxdal twisted around to face Uslantlo so that Edrah couldn’t see his glare.

‘
At once,’ he said, in a normal voice which was a stark contrast to his visible anger. ‘Almost at once,’ he contradicted himself, turning back to Edrah. He reached out and pulled her towards himself, in an openly deliberate attempt to embarrass Uslantlo. Luhxdal ignored the disgusted look on Vocopulis Uslantlo’s face.

‘
Will you be here when I come back?’ she asked.

‘
Of course,’ he confirmed, smiling at her lustfully.

‘
Good. I shouldn’t be long.’ She rose and fixed her dress before dashing out of the room, leaving the seemingly flustered Vocopulis alone in the room with Luhxdal.

‘
Would you mind moving your lascivious personal life to somewhere a little more personal,’ Uslantlo grumbled.

‘
No-one says you need to stick around,’ shrugged Luhxdal. ‘Why are you here anyway?’

‘
There are too many changes. Servants are gone, new ones have come. Guards have gone, new ones have come.’

‘
Well, that’s your business Vocopulis,’ Luhxdal said seriously.

‘
You know I’ve had little say in these things! It
should
be my business, but I rarely know what’s going on around here any longer.’

‘
Perhaps you’re still affected by the death of your wife and children?’

‘
Of course I’m affected, you blithering idiot!’

‘
I suspect it must be difficult knowing most people blame you for their disappearance.’

‘
You know I had nothing to do with what happened! How could I know the sea would be so dangerous that day?’

‘
Some say you should not have let them swim. Others even say you
told
them to swim.’

‘
Argh! How dare you! I had no idea! They loved to swim. They loved the ocean, the beach, the sand! They were there so often!’

‘
It’s strange that their bodies were never found. Sharks, I suppose. There are sometimes hundreds hanging around the harbor.’

Uslantlo gave a grievous gasp.
‘Enough!’

‘
You might like to calm yourself Vocopulis and keep your voice down. It seems I personally recall you telling them to spend the day at the beach, even though there had been warnings of sharks. I even remember you suggesting they swim on such a lovely warm day. It wouldn’t do for that sort of information to be revealed now, would it?’

Uslantlo glared at Luhxdal.
‘What do you want Luhxdal?’

‘
I want nothing more. You’re doing just fine. Keep on doing exactly what I say and you may have no fear for your little secrets.’

‘
Aren’t you supposed to be courting the Empress’ cousin?’ Uslantlo’s words were a tortured snarl.

‘
Oh I am! I won’t neglect her. Edrah just likes to warm me up a little.’

‘
I should tell Pevita. Though as far as I can see, she has no feelings towards you at all. Perhaps I will tell her.’

‘
You keep my little secrets and I’ll keep yours Vocopulis. Otherwise you might find you are no longer our Vocopulis. Or worse,’ he added threateningly.

‘
Who is Edrah anyway? Why is she here in the Sanctuary?’

‘
She’s entirely loyal to me,’ Luhxdal said bluntly. ‘She keeps an eye on everyone - like yourself - to make sure they are doing exactly what I expect them to be doing.’

‘
Well she’s certainly doing what you want,’ muttered Uslantlo. He turned as Edrah reentered the room. She ignored Uslantlo and ran to Luhxdal.

‘
Hmmm,’ he said. ‘Are you leaving now Uslantlo?’

Uslantlo
exhaled sharply and turned on his heel. He walked the length of the long room then paused at the doorway and looked back. Edrah was now sitting on Luhxdal’s lap once again with a ravenous look on her face. Uslantlo turned and walked quickly down the hall. The grief and embarrassment on his face disappeared instantly, to be replaced by a serious, calculating frown.

Chapter
8

Homeless

Kalinya
woke. He sat up and peered around. The pain in his shoulder was excruciating, but he was so thirsty and hungry he knew he had to move. He stood up. On either side of him were the walls of buildings. Behind him was a high pile of refuse; food scraps, rotted fabric from old clothing, broken shoes, pieces of smashed pottery, broken wooden bowls and pieces of silk so dirty it was impossible to read their message. The refuse stank and he wondered how he had managed to sleep through the stench and the pain in his shoulder. He was sure he hadn’t slept long. He stepped cautiously from his sleeping place. The street seemed almost as dirty as where he had slept. Further along the street he could see what appeared to be a street market. He wondered if there was some way he might be able to steal something to eat. His ankle was still very sore as he made his way towards the activity. As he came closer he could smell bread. His stomach groaned. He could see the stall where a fat woman was selling bread. She was dressed in the most outlandish manner he could imagine. Her huge striped red dress billowed over her body like an enormous tent, falling right to the ground. Over the dress she wore a purple vest, several sizes too small, and on her head she wore a purple scarf, which did not entirely hide her bright red hair. She was removing loaves of bread from a large basket and placing them on a table where hundreds of flies immediately greeted the treats with enthusiasm. The loaves were small and round, some flavored with cheese and garlic and others with honey and cinnamon. Kalinya walked up to the stall and the woman glared at him crossly. Her gaze was like a sharp slap and he almost backed away. The woman bent over the table and pretended to be arranging the loaves.

‘
Do you want one?’ she whispered, glancing nervously towards a large, mean looking man who was busily counting money at an adjoining table. His back was towards Kalinya. He turned and stared at Kalinya suspiciously.

‘
Get away!’ the woman said sharply flapping her hand at Kalinya. Kalinya took a step backwards, feeling confused. The man turned away. The woman grabbed a loaf of bread and thrust it into Kalinya’s hands. She flapped her hand at him again, as if to shoo him away and cast another frightened glance toward the large man.

Kalinya
took the hint. He smiled at her frowning face gratefully, but left as quickly as he could, disappearing into the crowd. The markets reminded him of Tathra, and as he gobbled half of the small loaf he was lost in thoughts of his mother. It was a strange feeling to know he was now homeless and an orphan. He remembered the homeless children in Tathra, who survived by begging and theft and for the first time in his life he could empathize with their despair. When he came out of his reverie he found himself standing outside an inn. Several people were entering so he walked close behind them, hoping people might think he was their son. No-one objected and once he was inside he could see why. The room was crowded. Kalinya sat himself unobtrusively at a table which had recently been vacated and picked up a mug. There was a tiny amount of ale in the bottom of the mug, so he dribbled it into his dry mouth. He ate the remainder of the bread and moved to another table. The mugs on this table were all completely empty so he moved on. For over an hour, Kalinya moved inconspicuously from table to table, until finally he felt his thirst was quenched. He was feeling quite light headed and a little sleepy, so he slipped under a table and lay down on the floor. A boot in his ribs woke him.

‘
Get out!’ said a gravelly voice. Kalinya gave a cry of pain as he rolled from under the table. ‘If you sleep here you pay!’

Kalinya mumbled an apology and
backed towards the door. Once he was outside he walked as quickly as his ankle would allow. After a while the crowed thinned and he found himself between broken down houses. Most were empty so he ducked inside one and sat down on the floor with his back to the wall. He tried to lift his arm but almost passed out from the pain, which made him certain the wound was dangerous, possibly deadly. Tears of frustration came. After a while he forced himself to think rationally. He thought back to the night his mother had died. He wondered if the two men who had chased him, wanting him dead, had sent the archer after him. If this was the case, he knew they probably thought him dead and it might be safe to return to Tathra, and to his home. He knew he had a far better chance of survival in Tathra than he did if he stayed in Orapba. The sun sank as he rested in the hut, and eventually he made his decision. He stood up and walked back towards the inn. The market place was now almost devoid of people. This time he walked boldly through the door and stood waiting for the innkeeper. The innkeeper frowned when he saw Kalinya, but waited for him to speak.

‘
I need to get to Tathra,’ Kalinya began. ‘I was wondering if there are any carts from Orapba to Tathra. I can work. I can work to pay my way. I didn’t know who I should ask.’

‘
Are you going to Orapba?’ asked the innkeeper, looking confused.

‘
No. I want to go to Tathra.’

‘
Do you want to go to Orapba first?’

Realiz
ation dawned. ‘Is this not Orapba?’ asked Kalinya, as hopelessness spread through his heart.

‘
This is Qinel boy. And if you can get work here, you’ll be the luckiest lad I’ve ever known.’

‘
Qinel,’ said Kalinya, his heart sinking into ever deepening depression.

‘
If you want to get to Tathra you need to go from here to Numher and then on to Tathra, but around here people won’t want to pay you. They want slaves.’

‘Thank you.’ Kalinya turned and left the inn once again. He wandered back towards the place where he had rested. He had almost reached the hut when a half loaded cart caught his eye. He moved closer to the cart and strained his ears to listen to the conversation of the men who were fastening a thick cloth cover over the goods. His heart leapt. He was certain he heard one of them say Numher. He crept towards the cart, keeping out of the sight of the two men. With utmost care, he lifted a corner of the cloth and pulled himself into the cart, sliding his thin body into a small gap between items which he supposed were goods being taken by a merchant to be sold in Numher. Seconds later the cloth was raised and an angry face glared down at him. The man shouted at him and dragged him over the side of the cart. Kalinya fought as hard as he could and managed to slip from the man’s grasp.

‘
Get him!’ shouted a second man, as Kalinya ran down the street. ‘Don’t let him get away!’ Kalinya’s heart pounded from exertion and terror as he ran. He was certain these men would make him a slave if they caught him, but he didn’t know this town and he had no idea where he could run. He ran back towards the tavern, hoping if he reached it he could hide amongst the crowd.

He was not quick enough. As he neared the tavern he saw one of the men run across the street in front of him, blocking his path. He changed direction and ran up a side street, hoping he could somehow lose the men in the jumble of broken down huts. For a few seconds he considered hiding in one of them, but reason told him he would be safer among people. Ahead of him he saw a light
from a fire burning inside one of the huts. He sprang forward and rushed towards the light, with the two men now closing in behind. He raced up to the door, threw it open and dived inside, slamming the door behind himself. There was a moment of silence as the people inside stared at him, and then he collapsed to the floor. His eyes rolled up in his head and he became still.

Kelian climbed down from the high stone bench where he had been resting.
‘He’s injured!’ he said, looking at the angry wound on the boy’s shoulder.

Borgulnay knelt beside him.
‘By all rights he should be dead. Callian?’

Callian
crouched and looked at the child. ‘There’s an arrow head in this wound. We need to remove it before we can do anything.’ He brushed his hand over the boy’s forehead. ‘Just so he stays asleep,’ he murmured. He drew a small, sharp knife and handed it to Araas. ‘You look after the child and I’ll look after the people who are chasing him.’

‘
What were they chasing him for?’ asked Kelian.

‘
I can hear their thoughts quite clearly. If the child hadn’t run into this hut he’d be a slave by now.’

‘
Go and find them Araas. Do what you think is necessary.’ Kelian shook his head in disgust. Slavery appalled him.