The Whisperer (19 page)

What am I doing here
?

Is this the first time you’ve found this place
?

Yes.

Then you must remember how it feels. Lock all of your senses into it so you can always find it again with ease.

Why do I need to
?

Because, Griff, this is a magical place. This is no ordinary part of your mind. It is a place where you can be touched by
gods, where the extraordinary can happen and I think your gift of hearing people’s thoughts gives you a special entry to the Silvering. It is silent in here. You let in only the people you want. Perhaps you haven’t realised it yet but you let me in. Your mind reached out and found us. You are using the Silvering without realising it.

You say ‘us’. Are the others here, too
?

Elph, Helys, even Rix are all present and listening but they are remaining quiet. They do not want to startle or crowd you.

Was that Helys I sensed glowing just now
?

Yes.

Tell her I’m pleased she is feeling brighter and turning pink.

She hears you.

It
is
you, then. It is because of you creatures that I can hear him.

Griff, you are welcome to whatever magic you can draw from us.

Thank you.

But Griff, I think you will find that the magic is all yours. Perhaps our ‘otherness’ has simply helped you to navigate your way to the Silvering.

How long have I been here
?

I cannot measure time in the way of people. Long enough, shall we say.

Is Tess alright
?

She’s fine, worried at first when you wouldn’t respond, but I’ve assured her you’re not unwell and that she must be patient. She knows I’m speaking to you and that you are safe. Are you trying to reach this person that Tess has told me about
?

Yes. I am near enough now that I feel as though I can touch him.

You can, with your voice. Are you going to try
?

I’m scared.

Don’t be. Speak to him now.

In the cavern three people stared at Lute, their mouths slightly open, their expressions ones of disbelief.

‘Are you saying that Duke Janko is taking the crown by force?’ Bitter Olof demanded.

Lute nodded. ‘As I explained, he tried to have me killed and I watched his men advance on Pilo. I know for a fact that everything Bran says about the army is true and that if my father is no longer alive then, natural or not, his death was helped along by my treacherous uncle. And that this same betrayal stretched to attempting to murder me. What’s more, he must have sent riders ahead long before he attacked me, for people at Tarrow’s Landing to have heard of my father’s heart quake and my supposed death before I arrived. I’ve been travelling all day. They couldn’t have gotten here first unless they left before I did.’

The dwarf began to pace, his activity making the inks on his arms appear to be moving and telling their stories. ‘Janko is dangerous. I have no respect for him.’

Bran nodded. ‘Not that he cares what you think, Olof, for you are an outlaw of the realm with a very high price on your head, but I agree that Janko is all bad news for Drestonia. He may be a good general but his methods do not suit kingship. And your father’s death aside, if he’s tried to kill you, majesty, then he’s already a criminal.’

‘The problem is,’ Lute said, ‘right now he’s very popular. The people don’t know the ruthless side of him. They see him only as a hero.’

Bitter Olof banged his fist on the table. ‘But he plans to tell the realm that their Crown Prince died in a riding accident, am I right, Bran?’

The man nodded. ‘I believe that’s what is occurring. Liam will be here soon with the news.’

The dwarf continued pacing. ‘Assuming he does, then we know for sure that his heart is black. I’ve always liked our King and Queen, even though some would argue I work against them. I prefer to think I simply work on the other side of their law. It’s nothing personal.’

Little Thom grinned, then glanced at Lute. And Lute felt his spirits soar. Suddenly the men who had been his captors felt like his friends. For it seemed they alone knew the secret of his survival and he could rely on their support to reclaim his throne.

‘What can be done?’ he asked into the quiet that had suddenly surrounded them and then deliberately added, ‘For although my parents were relatively patient with the realm’s bandits, I doubt very much that Janko will be. I suspect he will hunt down known offenders.’

The dwarf stopped his pacing and swung around to face Lute. In that moment they seemed to share an understanding. Lute knew that if the dwarf helped him, then a debt was owed. ‘We have no choice. We must show the people the real Janko,’ Bitter Olof said. ‘We alone know the secret of his deeds because we have you alive and well. We must protect your identity until such time as it is helpful to reveal it.’

Lute nodded. ‘That’s precisely how Pilo saw it and likely why he sent me to find you. He knew you’d hide me.’

‘What are you cooking up now?’ Bran asked his leader.

The dwarf tapped his big nose. ‘Just hatching a plan to bring down our murdering Duke.’

‘It will make my father’s and Pilo’s deaths count for something if we expose him for the evil man he is.’

‘And what’s in this for us, Prince Lute, should we be able to help you restore your throne?’ Bitter Olof asked directly now. ‘Or should I address you as King Lute?’

A fresh, tense silence descended around the cave as all of them, including Lute, accepted for the first time that he was no longer the heir, but the monarch.

He’d only known the dwarf a short while but it was the story of Pilo’s connection that assured Lute that, although he was dealing with a known bandit of the realm, this was someone he could trust. And suddenly Lute realised he had very few people he could count on.

He swallowed, the weight of responsibility and title so very heavy on his young shoulders. ‘Help me restore the throne to its correct blood line and I will restore your good name and declare a pardon for you, Bitter Olof, and for all of those in your clan who assist me.’

Bitter Olof’s mouth widened into a beaming, gap-toothed smile. ‘Gentlemen, pay homage to our new King.’

And in his shock at watching the dwarf, Little Thom and Bran all bowing low to him, Lute hardly noticed the curious sensation as though someone was slicing into his thoughts. But the voice certainly snapped him from his shock into fresh alarm.

Hello
? it said hesitantly into his mind.
This is Griff. Are you there?

Then chaos descended. The door to the cave burst open and Mungo charged in, clearly stunned to see the three men bowing to the boy. He stood there, momentarily speechless, until Little Thom growled at him.

‘Mungo! What’s the meaning of this?’

‘Riders. Lots of them. All soldiers. They’ve brought dogs.’

Suddenly everyone’s attention was riveted on the huge man blocking the doorway.

‘How long have we got?’ Little Thom asked.

Mungo shook his head. ‘Minutes at best.’

‘Go!’ Bitter Olof said, taking charge. ‘Bran, get out of here.
Mungo, round up everyone. I presume they’re already on the move?’

Mungo nodded. ‘Fleeing as we speak, sir.’

‘Good. Cover your tracks as best you can and we’ll regroup at The Devil’s Smile. Got that?’

‘Devil’s Smile, got it,’ Mungo said. ‘I’ll spread the word.’

‘Everyone be careful,’ the dwarf warned. ‘These are Janko’s men.’

Mungo ran back out. Bran squeezed Bitter Olof’s fist.

‘You be safe, Olof.’

‘I have Little Thom. I couldn’t be safer,’ the dwarf said, grinning.

‘What about the boy?’ Bran asked, jutting his chin towards where Lute stood, swaying slightly.

‘His majesty stays with me. The Devil’s Smile, remember. Make no move until I get there.’

Bran left the cave.

‘Ready?’ Little Thom asked, pulling on a strange sling.

‘I’ll be sad to leave this place,’ Bitter Olof admitted, a hint of genuine regret in his voice. ‘It’s really rather comfortable.’

‘We always move on,’ the huge man said in reply. He glanced at Lute, nudged the dwarf. ‘Is something wrong?’

‘Majesty?’

‘What’s going on?’ Lute stammered, his words slurring slightly. He felt confused, as though his mind had just been twisted upside down.

‘What’s wrong with you?’ Little Thom queried.

Lute shook his head. ‘Something just happened that I don’t understand.’

‘Are you alright to move?’

‘I think so. It’s just—’

‘Listen!’ Bitter Olof cautioned. The three of them froze. ‘Too late. Hide him, Thom; you know where,’ he growled.

Before Lute could make another move he had been scooped up roughly in the big man’s arms and instantly felt himself hauled backwards, once again, into the shadows of the cave.

‘There’s a secret entrance that I had tunnelled for this very purpose,’ Bitter Olof explained over his shoulder as he ran to the door to peek out. ‘So glad now that we took the precaution, eh, Little Thom?’

‘Mind your head,’ the big man growled at Lute as he pushed him up into an inky, cold blackness. ‘Hush now. Absolute silence. If anything untoward happens, or we’re carted off, you head upwards but not yet, alright? Wait until you know what’s going on. There’s a peephole, can you see it?’

‘Yes, I—’

‘Good. Now stay very still.’

‘But what if—’

‘Too late, they’re here! Silence, majesty—your life depends upon it.’ And then Little Thom had left him and gone to stand by the dwarf’s side. He held his breath as the door burst open again.

‘Gentlemen.’ Bitter Olof said in calm welcome as several burly men—none as large as Little Thom though—piled in through the doorway to the cavern.

And then from his hiding spot and despite the muffled level of sound, Lute felt a knife of fear as a familiar voice spoke. ‘Ah, Bitter Olof, at last we meet.’

‘Duke Janko, I presume?’

‘Well, actually,’ Janko said, smiling that mirthless smile of his, as he slowly removed his riding gloves, ‘it’s King Janko now.’

‘King? So the rumours are true?’

‘News obviously travels fast,’ Janko replied. ‘And what have you heard, dwarf?’

‘I’ve heard that King Rodin died of his fragile heart complaint and that our young heir might have been killed during a freak riding accident.’

‘Excellent. You must pay your spies extremely well.’

‘My spies are loyal, not rich.’

‘Well, they inform you truly.’

‘And the Queen?’

‘She is, as you can appreciate, indisposed through grief.’

‘Of course. And you, sir, loyal brother and indeed brother-in-law, on top of taking the burden of kingship and consoling the grief-stricken wife of the former monarch and mother of the true heir, still find time to come after a minor outlaw…in person. I’m impressed.’

‘Indeed. Rodin spoke to me about you. I’m sure he’d be pleased that I have finally hunted down the infamous Bitter Olof and his gang.’

‘Are my people dead?’ the dwarf asked. It was the first time Lute had heard Bitter Olof’s voice lose its composure.

‘You obviously post good lookouts. Most got away. You, however, are the prize, not them.’

Lute saw the dwarf nod. ‘I’m flattered that I feature so highly on your list of important things to do after killing a king, murdering his heir and taking their Crown.’

Janko laughed and looked to one of his henchmen. ‘Put an arrow in that big sidekick of his, would you? Don’t kill him, though. I’m sure he’ll make for good sport in the torture chamber.’

Lute felt as though his heart had stopped when he saw the soldier raise a crossbow. He saw Little Thom take a step back in alarm but he didn’t beg for mercy.

‘Wait!’ Bitter Olof urged. ‘You came here for a reason and we both know it wasn’t because you’d lose sleep just yet over an outlaw. What is it you want?’

Janko raised a hand to stay the bow. ‘I want my nephew,’ Janko replied, as calmly as if they were all good friends.

‘Nephew? How should I know where he is? By all reports he’s dead, isn’t he?’

‘By all reports, yes. But we both know he’s not.’

‘Do we?’

‘I have spies too, Bitter Olof. And I happen to know he made his way to Tarrow’s Landing. I know he was ambushed and that his horse was stolen. The offenders—a couple of opportunists and well-known bandits—very helpfully explained that they left him at the side of the road. They were even kind enough, despite
their er…injuries, to show us precisely where. Tracking dogs did the rest—I’m sure you heard them.’ He held up a red scarf. ‘This is Lute’s. The dogs found it helpful and his scent led us right here to your hideout.’

‘How can you kill him, having already killed his father? Your men can aid you to take the throne. He doesn’t need to die.’ Bitter Olof sounded genuinely aghast.

‘Oh, but he does. Boys grow into men and he will always be a threat. Just for the record, I didn’t kill Rodin. He genuinely died of his weak heart, but I’ll admit my actions likely brought his heart quake on. I’ll make you a promise. I’ll make it swift. The boy will feel nothing.’

‘You’re incredible, Janko,’ Bitter Olof responded.

‘Thank you, I know,’ the false king replied, ignoring what was meant as an insult. ‘Now where is the boy? I can even make it worth your while, dwarf. No-one of your rabble has to die here. How does five thousand gold shards sound to you, and perhaps a ship of your own so you can go anywhere you like and I will not send a single soldier after you? You can become a pirate, an outlaw on the high seas rather than in my realm. Sound good?’

‘Sounds very good,’ Bitter Olof replied. Lute felt his stomach clench at the dwarf’s new tone. ‘How do I know you’re not lying?’

‘Bring it in,’ Janko said over his shoulder to one of the men.

Moments later a small chest was carried in. When Janko opened it Lute saw through his peephole the unmistakable glint of gold.

‘It’s all there. I knew we could find something in common, Bitter Olof. It’s all yours.’

‘And the ship?’

‘She’s called
Sea Star.
Her papers are already signed over to you and she’s fully crewed, awaiting your private instructions as to where they should sail her and meet you. I don’t give a damn. All I want is the boy.’

‘And you plan to kill him?’

‘What I plan is none of your concern, Bitter Olof. Do we have
a fair exchange? You have no reason to protect him, especially when you already have my favour.’

‘Better we die proud. His word is worth nothing, Olof,’ Little Thom finally growled from the back.

Janko ignored him. ‘Do we have a deal, dwarf?’

Bitter Olof licked his lips. Lute saw him nod his head and his heart sank. Traitor! He heard the dwarf agree. ‘We have a deal. Get your men out of here.’

Janko signalled and all but one filed out. ‘Where is he?’

‘Don’t,’ Little Thom warned.

‘Shut up!’ Janko pointed at the big man. ‘You are nothing.’

‘Neither are you, usurper!’ Little Thom spat back.

Janko regained his calm. ‘Hurry up, dwarf, I tire of you and your sidekick.’

‘There’s a huge oak as you approach our hideout.’

‘I saw it,’ Janko replied, evenly.

‘Look high into its branches. There’s a tiny tree house built cunningly out of its own wood. He’s hiding in there.’

‘I curse you, Bitter Olof,’ Little Thom said, stepping right away from the dwarf. ‘You’ll die rich, but lonely.’

Janko laughed. ‘What did Lute promise you?’

Bitter Olof shrugged. ‘A knighthood.’

Their enemy exploded into genuine mirth. ‘You fool. I’m far more generous. But, you should have listened to your friend here. My word is only worth something when I want it to count. Shoot the giant in the shoulder, that should quieten down his insults.’

An arrow was loosed, zipping hideously across the cavern and landing with a sickening thud into Little Thom, who went down with a groan. Bitter Olof shouted in shock and Lute nearly lost his footing but held on grimly, terrified to see what would happen next.

What happened
? Davren asked into the silence.

Whatever link we had was suddenly broken
, Griff replied.