The Fourteenth Key (The Chronicles of Terah Book 3) (25 page)

“She is not content. Something bothers her, but she has not spoken to any of us about it.”

“I think she’s having second thoughts about becoming a sorcerer,” Kevin said.

“That could be. She does not seem to find much joy in anything. Rhianna seems worried about her too, although she has said nothing about it to either of us,” Blalick said, with a quick look at his wife.

Ashni nodded. “I agree something is not right. Several times I have asked Landis if she is all right, and she always says yes. She is not telling the truth though.”

“That’s one of the reasons I’m taking them home this weekend,” Kevin said. “Landis needs to figure out whether or not she wants to be a sorcerer. She’d heard that it took me less than a year, so she figured that since she’s not part elf, it might take her two, and she was willing to do that. Now that she’s found out it’s going to take a lot longer than that, she’s not sure it’s worth it.”

“For her, it may not be,” Blalick said.

“Landis talked to you then?” Ashni asked.

Kevin shook his head. “The only reason I know anything at all is that Rhianna talked to Chris, and from what Chris said, Rhianna’s guessing. Landis isn’t talking to her either.”

Ashni nodded, but didn’t say anything.

The front door opened and closed again, but this time, the voices that drifted in were female. Ashni wiped her hands and headed towards the living room to greet Landis and Rhianna. “Myron is in the kitchen. He will be ready to go whenever you are, but I am sure he would wait for you to have some refreshments. I have some cookies that just came out of the oven.”

Landis shook her head. “No, thank you. We need to get our bags.”

“Mother will have a big dinner tonight,” Rhianna said, “but thanks just the same.”

Ashni nodded. “I will tell Myron that you are here.”

When Ashni walked back into the kitchen, Kevin said, “I heard. I’ll wait for them in the living room. And thanks for the cookies, Ashni. They don’t know what they’re missing.”

As soon as Landis and Rhianna joined him, Kevin took out his key, gave it a quick turn, and they were gone from Wildcat Mountain.

Chapter 22

The Glenarbour Slave Auction

Kevin woke up to overcast skies and drizzle Saturday morning, the kind of morning that was made for sleeping in. Unfortunately, that was not an option, so he dragged himself out of bed and got dressed. Today was auction day, the day when they would either find the captives from Syrando or have to give up the search.

Last night, after dinner, Kevin had asked Gen. Crandal if he’d heard anything from the soldiers on the Kivee. Gen. Crandal said he’d gotten an update that afternoon. Things had been quiet along that stretch of the river and the only boats they’d seen were local. Lt. Martyn had sent a couple of men ashore for a few days to hang around the tavern and listen, but they didn’t hear one word about slavers, captives, or large boats.

Kevin picked up his cloak and headed outside for his morning exercises. His routine took a little longer than usual because he had so much other stuff on his mind. For once he was going to have to sit back and wait, and he didn’t like it. He’d never thought about how the ones left at home felt before because ever since they’d arrived on Terah, he’d been in the middle of it all. But today he had to hand the reins over to Karl and trust that if things fell apart, he could handle it. There was a part of him that knew Karl could, but there was another part that felt responsible for Karl’s safety, and that part was frustrated.

While he was working out, he realized he’d become accustomed to being in charge. He’d never been in charge of anything before coming to Terah. He’d barely been in charge of his own life. Now he was the one out in front, the one making the decisions, the one with the final say. The realization of how much he liked being in control hit him so hard he just stopped, right in the middle of his routine, and let the magic go. How had this happened? Was he just doing his job, or was he becoming a control freak? Where was the line between doing what needs to be done and running over everyone else? Had he been doing that?

Kevin shook his head. He needed to table that thought and concentrate on today. He’d talk to Chris about it later. For now, it was time to get moving.

When Kevin returned to his room, Chris was waiting with coffee and pastries. “What happened out there? Run out of magic?”

Kevin laughed. “No, nothing like that. Just thought of something I want to talk to you about, but not now. Later.”

Chris nodded. “I’ll remind you.”

A knock on the door interrupted them.

“Come in,” Kevin called out.

Alek opened the door. “Marcus is ready to go get Sgt. Nance. He’s waiting in the reception area.”

Kevin nodded. “I’ll be down as soon as I change out of these damp clothes. Has Isak set up refreshments yet?”

Alek shook his head. “He wasn’t sure when you wanted them.”

“Tell him to go ahead and get things set up. Is Karl there yet?”

Again Alek shook his head. “But he’s in the castle.”

“Probably in the dining room,” Chris said. “I’ll go find him while you change clothes. Meet you downstairs.”

~ ~ ~ ~

When Kevin got to the main office, he motioned for Marcus to follow him into his office. Once they were in there, Kevin shut the door and took off his key.

“What’s your cover story?” Kevin asked.

“I wrote Sgt. Nance last week and asked if he’d like to go fishing with me.”

“And what are you going to do about the lack of fish?”

“I thought I’d make a quick stop on the way back and scoop up a few for him to take home with him.”

Kevin nodded and handed Marcus the key. “Bring him back here, to my office.”

After Marcus left, Kevin sat down at his desk. Before he’d read more than a couple of the morning messages, Marcus was back, with a very disoriented Sgt. Nance.

“Take it easy. Deep breaths. Don’t try to talk, don’t try to walk, just wait it out,” Kevin said gently while Marcus propped the man up. After Sgt. Nance’s color improved, Kevin pointed to the closest chair. “Have a seat for a minute. It’ll help.”

Sgt. Nance looked at Marcus and gasped, “You weren’t kidding. It’s horrible. How do you do that day in and day out?”

Kevin smiled. “He wouldn’t if it was always like that. None of us would, but the first time’s the worst. Each time you go through the energy field it gets easier, until after a while you don’t notice it.”

Sgt. Nance slowly nodded, still cradling his stomach. After another couple of minutes he leaned back in the chair and breathed deeply.

“Before we join the others, you do understand you’re not to talk about anything that happens today, right?” Kevin asked.

“Yes, sir,” Sgt. Nance replied. “I haven’t told anyone anything. If anyone notices I’m not around today, I’ll tell them I went fishing, but I’m not expecting any questions. It’s not unusual for me to go off by myself for a day or two every once in a while.”

“Good.” Kevin stood up. “Now, let’s go see if everyone’s here.”

When Kevin opened the door, he saw Laryn and Karl talking to a middle-aged man dressed in the light purple tunic that was the official tunic for Wyndsor. Kevin walked over and waited for a break in the conversation. Then he stepped up and held out his hand. “Gov. Shardin, I’m happy to meet you. Thank you so much for agreeing to help us out today.”

Gov. Shardin nodded as he shook Kevin’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Myron.” Then, as they dropped hands, Gov. Shardin continued. “I understand you have someone who can identify the people who were captured. Is that right?”

Kevin nodded and motioned towards Sgt. Nance, who was standing off to the side talking to Marcus and Alek.

“I brought one of our tunics for him to wear. I’d like for him to go with me as an army aide looking for recruits,” Gov. Shardin explained as he held up a light purple tunic. “If you would introduce us, he and I will go on to Glenarbour as soon as he’s changed. I want him to have plenty of time to look over the slaves being offered at the auction today.”

Kevin motioned for Sgt. Nance to join them and then introduced him to Gov. Shardin. After Gov. Shardin explained his plan, Sgt. Nance exchanged his dark green tunic for the purple one.

“Remember, don’t react to anyone, just make a note of the numbers of any of the people you’re looking for,” Gov. Shardin said. “Then give me the list and I’ll bid on them.”

Sgt. Nance nodded.

“If any of the people from Syrando are there, they’ll recognize you.” Kevin said. “We should have come up with a disguise.”

Sgt. Nance frowned. “I think the purple tunic will be what they see, not me. And I used to have a beard. I shaved it off a few days ago.”

“It’s a chance we take every time we do this,” Gov. Shardin said. “If you know them, they know you. Can’t be helped, but I can say we’ve never had a problem because of it. The tunic does help. And shaving off your beard was a smart move.”

Kevin nodded.

“Now,” Gov. Shardin said, looking at Sgt. Nance, “if you’re ready …”

Sgt. Nance put his hand on Gov. Shardin’s arm and the two of them left for Glenarbour.

After they were gone, Kevin poured himself a cup of coffee. Before he could take the first sip, Chris, Karl, and Alek walked over.

“So, what’s next?” Kevin asked, looking at Karl.

“I guess I go to Glenarbour.”

“Why?” Kevin asked. “I mean, if Sgt. Nance is going to point out any captives to Gov. Shardin, where do you fit in?”

“I don’t, at least not in that part,” Karl answered. “But I’ve never been to one of these auctions and Gov. Shardin said I should go to this one to see how they’re done. Apparently this is the most civilized auction and the easiest to follow. He said things go slower here than at the other auctions, and I’ll be able to figure out what I need to do when and if I have to go to one for real.”

“Why would you have to?” Chris asked. “It’s not like we buy slaves.”

“No, but one day I may need to repay Wyndsor for what they’re doing for us today.”

“You’re taking Alek with you, aren’t you?” Kevin asked.

Karl nodded.

Kevin looked at Alek. “And you’ll bring him back in one piece, right?”

Alek laughed. “I’ll guard him like I do you.”

Kevin frowned and looked at Karl. “Good luck.”

After a quick chuckle, Karl held out his hand for Kevin’s key.

Kevin shook his head. “You don’t know where you’re going.” He handed his key to Alek and said, “Stay safe. See you soon.”

~ ~ ~ ~

When Karl and Alek arrived in Glenarbour, Karl asked, “Have you ever been to a slave auction?”

Alek nodded.

“Here?”

Again, Alek nodded. “I came with Gov. Wrenn a few times.”

“So tell me what to expect, in general terms.”

“When we get to the slave house, the slaves in the first group of cells will be family groups. The doors will be open to let you go in and examine them, but there will be guards at every door to make sure the slaves stay inside.” Alek paused and Karl nodded for him to go on. “The next room has smaller cells for slaves that will be sold individually. There will be a lot of teenagers in there, some as young as twelve or thirteen. One of the worst parts about these auctions is the way they’re treated. Some men come to the auction just so they can run their hands over the young girls, and the boys don’t fare much better. It can be hard to take.”

“Can’t someone do something about it?”

“The slavers could, but they don’t want to risk offending a potential customer. They’ll come down hard on any slave who tries to resist though. The slaves are considered property, and until they’re bought, they’re the property of the slavers.”

Karl nodded.

“Seriously, you can’t do anything. If it’s going to be a problem, we need to stay out of there. You do not want to cause a scene.”

“No, I don’t,” Karl said, frowning.

“Do we need to just stay out of that area?”

“No, I’ll deal with it.”

Alek studied Karl’s face for a moment. “All right. But if you start getting upset, if you look like you’re even thinking about doing anything, I’m getting both of us out of there.”

“How? Are you going to drag me out of there? In front of all the slavers and the other governors?”

“No, I’m going to touch your arm, turn the key, and we’ll be back in Myron’s office before you can blink. And then you can register your complaints with him.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“Very.”

“All right,” Karl said, nodding. “Don’t worry. I’m not bad about losing my temper.”

“Good. Now, are you ready to go inside?” Alek asked, nodding towards the door to what looked like a big warehouse.

“This is it?”

Alek nodded. “The auction won’t start for another hour. We need to take our time going through here, and if you don’t want to make anyone wonder why you’re here, you need to appear interested in a few of the slaves. Then, after we get all the way through, we’ll go to the main auction room.”

When they walked through the door, the first thing that struck Karl was the stench of sweat and body odor. It smelled a hundred times worse than any locker room he’d ever been in. As they walked, he looked in the cells. Men hovered over their wives in an effort to protect them. Children huddled close to their mothers, often clinging to her clothes, as they stared wide-eyed at the strangers walking through, pointing, talking. Every once in a while, Karl watched as someone, usually a man, entered a cell and had the man strip off his tunic or felt the woman’s stomach. Small children were generally spared the indignity of prying hands, but not always. Some of the buyers checked mouths, ears, hands, and feet of the children after they finished examining the adults.

Karl had to continuously remind himself that he was a stranger in a strange land and the worst thing he could do for these people would be to interfere in any way. He nearly told Alek to skip the cells with the teenagers, but he knew he’d have to face a room like that someday. Better to do it today with Alek beside him, ready to whisk him away if things got too tough.