Child Of A Guardian And Of The Free (Book 3) (19 page)

‘
Empress,’ said Kelian, ‘why don’t we find out? Surely this is a serious enough situation to allow one of the guardians to take their thoughts?’

Cahndrech glanced at Garran who gave her a small nod of agreement. Uslantlo and Maza both
looked suspiciously at Garran. Callian smirked. ‘Both of them would like
your
thoughts to be examined first, Garran. What do you say?’

‘
Good plan!’ said Garran, to Callian’s surprise. ‘Araas, perhaps you would like to take my thoughts and share them.’ Without a word Araas placed his hand on Garran’s shoulder. The room was entirely silent as the guardian stared into Garran’s eyes. He smiled as he lifted his hand.

‘
What did you hear?’ Empress Cahndrech demanded. Araas placed his hand on the girl’s shoulder and let Garran’s thoughts flow into her mind. She gave a start but recovered quickly, enthralled by the flow of thoughts and emotions. When Araas took his hand from her shoulder she turned to Garran.  Her eyes were wet with tears. ‘Thank you,’ she whispered.

Garran turned back to Maza and Uslantlo.
‘So, who’s going first?’ he asked, leaving absolutely no doubt that they had no choice but to endure examination. Their reaction surprised him as both men stepped forward indicating they wanted to be tested first, seemingly reassured by watching Araas examine Garran’s thoughts. Araas was a little startled, but said nothing.

‘
Fine,’ Maza allowed. ‘You go first then, pushy bastard.’ He sat back in a chair and folded his arms, looking cross.

‘
Kelian, Araas could show you their thoughts, if you didn’t mind helping?’ Cahndrech asked Kelian hopefully. ‘I don’t want to...I feel a bit...’

Kelian nodded understandingly.
‘Of course,’ he said. Ten minutes later Kelian was even more confused. He had seen the mind of both men and in both cases their thoughts, emotions, memories and actions defined them as indisputably innocent. Both men were now standing together, obviously feeling guilty for their previous suspicion of each other.

‘
So how did the poison get into the bowl of nuts?’ Maza looked curiously at Araas and Kelian. ‘You saw both our minds. You know we had nothing to do with this atrocity. What do you think?

Araas just shook his head. Kelian sat on one of the chairs and rested his head on his hands. He was silent as he gazed ahead. He looked up
and shrugged. ‘Someone will have to question the servants, the kitchen servants, the guards, anyone who could have done this. Callian?’

‘
If you can assemble everyone we can help. We need to make sure no-one leaves the Sanctuary.’

‘
I will take care of it,’ said an old soldier, appearing in the doorway.

‘
Asdul!’ said Garran, relief pouring from his emotions. ‘Are you well?’

‘
I am improving, and my Empress needs me!’ he said proudly lifting his head and straightening his back. ‘Why is Luhxdal…is he dead?’

Callian placed his hand on the old soldier’s shoulder and allowed him to see the events as they had unfolded.

Asdul turned and addressed the guards. ‘Someone needs to deal with Luhxdal.’ Contempt in the old man’s voice revealed his feelings about his Sub-Commander.

‘
What do you want me to do with him?’ asked Timbul, picking up his body easily.

‘
Place him on his bed for now,’ Asdul commanded. ‘I will make arrangements for his burial when Empress Cahndrech so commands.’

Garran
stared thoughtfully towards the door through which Timbul had left. ‘What happened to him? I thought Nandul returned him.’

‘
He did,’ Araas confirmed.

‘
But he was sent back?’

‘
Twice.’

Garran
’s jaw dropped. ‘Twice?’

‘
For a purpose,’ Araas explained. He spoke for a long time, of how the fallen had attacked cities in Alkira and how Timbul had led a huge number of them into the camp of invading Nailmarni, the strange and dangerous race who had not been seen since ancient times. ‘And now he’s faster, stronger and more dangerous than any guardian I’ve ever known, including Tiernan and Callian,’ Araas finished.

‘
For what purpose was he returned to us?’

‘
We will speak of this later,’ said Callian.

Empress Cahndrech sat back in her chair, which Kelian noticed had been raised in height to ensure the little girl was not sitting too low at the table. Her face was as white as chalk and her lips trembled as she waited for Timbul to return.
Callian rose from his seat and moved to stand next to Garran. He whispered something in his brother’s ear, and Garran in turn leaned down and whispered to Cahndrech. The girl leaned around Garran and gazed anxiously at Kelian.

Garran spoke on the Empress
’ behalf. ‘Empress Cahndrech would like to know if you are willing to allow Callian to remain with her for her protection until we have a resolution to our current problems.’

‘
Of course,’ answered Kelian. ‘Callian, are you willing to help Empress Cahndrech? This has been a very difficult and frightening occurrence.’

Callian
smiled at Cahndrech and as he did, a feeling of comfort and confidence filled her heart. Her mouth dropped open in surprise as she felt herself relax. Timbul reentered the room. The guards were still eyeing everyone suspiciously. Several whispered to each other. Kelian raised his hand and waited until he had everyone’s attention.

‘
This is a terrible thing that has happened, and under normal circumstances we should adjourn this meeting, but I don’t think we can leave quite yet. There have been far too many strange occurrences and they need to be dealt with now. We can’t wait. Even in light of what has just happened we need to discuss every strange incident from the death of the Empress parents to the murder of Luhxdal. I’m sure if we all work together we can make sense of this madness.’

Cahndrech gave a sad but relieved sigh.
‘I’m so tired! Kelian, I want to go to sleep, and I don’t want to stay here now, after what happened to Sub-Commander Luhxdal, but I still don’t know what happened to Lorah.’

‘
I might be able to help you there,’ said Kelian, remembering the words of the child Kalinya regarding his mother’s work at the Sanctuary. As he described what had happened he noticed that Cahndrech was getting more and more tired. The events of the evening had been far too exhausting for the girl. She was emotionally drained. When Kelian finished speaking she gave a huge yawn.

Uslantlo addressed Kelian.
‘So we know what happened to her, but we don’t know why. Did Kalinya know who the two men were who first approached the body of Lorah?’

‘
I think he said Guli and Graedy,’ said Kelian.

‘
Graedy? One of the Overseers?’ Asdul wondered aloud. Cahndrech’s head drooped forward. She gazed down at the table for a moment then blushed and looked up at Callian, this time pleadingly. Callian glanced at Kelian and relayed the Empress’ unspoken request, as Cahndrech laid her head on the table.

Kelian watched her for a moment, thinking of his own sister and admiring the Empress
’ courage. ‘Empress Cahndrech?’

Cahndrech gave no response. Everyone stood as Garran leaned forward and scooped the sleeping girl into his arms. He frowned, his face whipping around to face
Callian.

‘
Can you feel that? For a moment I thought I sensed one of the free... What do you sense?’ 

Callian
’s face whitened and he turned, his head inclined as though he was listening hard. ‘Battle!’ he breathed. He leapt towards the door and flung it open. ‘There’s no doubt! This place is under attack. We have to get Kelian and Cahndrech out of here right now!’

Chapter
21

Marlea

Elena, Louisa, Immosey, Borgulnay, Gilgarry and Milgorry
spent the afternoon walking around the Sanctuary, enjoying the simple but beautiful buildings and the uniquely designed, well-tended gardens. The walls around the Sanctuary were impossibly high and at least ten paces thick, but most of the buildings were wooden, with only a few places made of stone. For a while they were accompanied by a quiet guard, but he left them midafternoon. They took refreshments on a low patio which was covered in flowering vines and plants growing in pots which had been decorated with tiny ceramic tiles, and then they resumed their exploration. Evening was approaching but they decided to see some of the Sanctuary’s paintings, as these were well renowned, before returning to their appointed rooms. The paintings were kept in a room in the south-western corner of the Sanctuary. It seemed every Emperor and Empress like to be painted, as hundreds of paintings lined the walls. There were not just paintings of the Emperors and Empresses themselves. Paintings of their families, friends and pets were as abundant. Louisa stopped in front of a painting of a very large bodied Empress who had apparently thought enough of her own appearance to be painted nude. Louisa laughed.

‘
Immy, there’s a painting here that looks a bit like you,’ she joked.

Immosey turned to look at the painting
of the huge woman and gave a squeal of indignity. ‘It looks nothing like me!’ she said, pretending to turn up her nose. ‘My hair is longer!’

‘
So, are you planning to have your own painting done in this fashion?’ Louisa teased.

‘
I doubt it! That would be horrible!’ said Immosey, blushing as she caught the look on Borgulnay’s face.

‘
What about this one then,’ Gilgarry asked, pointing to a painting of a severe looking man wearing robes indicating the rank of Vocopulis. He was holding a scroll of parchment and pointing dramatically towards a set of gallows where a soldier in full uniform was being hung.

‘
I wonder what the story behind that painting was!’ Borgulnay mused.

‘
He was probably the soldier who suggested the Empress pose nude,’ said Milgorry and everyone laughed. ‘That’s strange,’ he said, his face turning serious. ‘I can’t normally sense the thoughts of the Tatharlians, but just for a moment there...’

‘
I can feel it too,’ said Louisa, staring around nervously. ‘And it’s getting worse…closer!’

‘
What? What’s getting worse?’ Borgulnay reached out with both arms and pulled Elena and Immosey closer to himself.

‘
Something’s wrong! Badly wrong! There are people close by and I think they mean to attack this place - the Sanctuary I mean! We have to warn the Empress!’ Louisa sprinted for the doorway. As she turned the corner into the hall, a huge fist slammed into her face and she fell to the floor.

‘
Louisa!’ Milgorry shouted leaping after her.

‘
No!’ Borgulnay roared, but it was too late. As the warrior went through the doorway where Louisa lay unconscious, a thick staff smashed against the back of his head and he fell forward landing heavily on Louisa’s body.

Borgulnay and Gilgarry
pushed Elena and Immosey backwards. Both drew knives from beneath their clothing and held them ready.

‘
You will toss out your knives or these two die,’ a voice said from the hallway.

‘
How does he know we have knives?’ Gilgarry whispered.

‘
Because you are human and I am not,’ the voice answered contemptuously.

Gilgarry looked urgently at Borgulnay whos
e face had taken on a dangerous look.

‘
And the knives you have under your clothing,’ the voice added, ‘now.’

Borgulnay
gave an angry huff and flung his knife. If flew across the hallway and embedded itself the wall. Gilgarry tossed his knife more carefully and it landed on the floor just inside the room.

‘
And the other weapons.’

With a sigh,
Borgulnay and Gilgarry drew their remaining weapons from under their clothing and tossed them out into the hallway.

Immediately Sanctuary Guards rushed into the room and tied both men, hand and foot. Then without warning, both soldiers were struck on the head with a
wooden staff and they lost consciousness. Elena and Immosey crouched in the corner of the room, feeling terrified. The guards dragged the unconscious bodies of Louisa and Milgorry into the room, tied their hands and feet with tough hide strips and left them lying beside Borgulnay and Gilgarry. They stood back as a man entered the room. Elena and Immosey knew at once that he was a warrior of the fallen. He stared unemotionally at the two terrified women with eyes so dark it was impossible to see his pupils. He walked to the opposite corner of the room and removed a huge painting from the wall. Behind the painting was a yawning hole.

‘
Penn!’ the warrior shouted. A man wearing the uniform of the Sanctuary Guards appeared. ‘Personally I would prefer to kill them all,’ said the warrior coldly. ‘But I imagine the repercussions might be a bit severe.’

‘
I imagine they might,’ Penn agreed folding his arms. ‘Let’s see, we murder the Queen of Alkira, her two sisters, a King’s Colonel and a King’s Captain. No. I don’t think so. We’d have every guardian between here and the Dwellings after our hides. And Marlea, you’d better watch out when you kill Cahndrech. I wouldn’t accidently kill Kelian at the same time if I were you. He has a couple of guardians with him and I don’t imagine they’d react well.’

Marlea froze.
‘What guardians?’

‘
How would I know? You’re not scared of a couple of guardians are you?’

‘
What guardians?’ Marlea repeated, ignoring the insult.

‘
One called Callian and two brothers, Araas and Timbul or something like that.’

‘
Are you joking?’ Marlea growled, gripping Penn by the shoulder.

‘
Ow! No. I’m not joking. Look, all you have to do is kill the Empress. That’s all you want isn’t it?’

‘
Callian, Timbul and Araas,’ Marlea repeated, his voice now filled with soft irony. ‘If we survive this it will be a miracle.’

‘
You’re backing out?’

‘
No. But I’m changing our plans. I want you to set fire to this place before I leave here. And let all your guards loose at once. I’m going to need a lot more confusion if this is going to work. In fact, get them going now. Send in your soldiers and burn this place to the ground. And get these people out of here if you don’t want Callian to find them and rip your brains out through your nostrils.’

‘
Ew! Who is this Callian? Why do you look like you’re going to piss yourself?’

‘
Callian is General of the guardian forces, you stupid little man. Timbul and Araas are sons of Lord Tiernan. Supreme Majesty, they don’t need to send the Alkiran Army. Those three alone...let’s just get this done and get out of here.’

Milgorry gave a groan and opened his eyes.
‘Marlea,’ he said, and contempt filled his voice. ‘What in the name of his Supreme Majesty are
you
doing here?’

‘
That’s really none of your business Milgorry,’ said Marlea, smirking at the warrior’s tied hands. The smile slid from his face and he addressed Guard Penn. ‘Keep them well guarded. Don’t underestimate this one. It’s probably better to keep him unconscious.’

‘
So does Luhxdal know you’re planning to murder him?’ Milgorry asked Penn, with a cunning edge to his voice, as he delved into the guard’s thoughts. ‘And that you’re planning to gallantly save Pevita from the fire you’re about to set, so she feels forever indebted to you. You want to be in control of the future Empress. I wonder why?’

Penn
snorted scornfully. ‘My idiot brother doesn’t know everything, but that will be of little consequence soon. Right now he thinks he’s set to become Emperor. Stupid fool.’

‘
So you do mean to kill him,’ Milgorry stated.

‘
Of course not! He’ll kill himself. Accidentally of course. I’ve given him what he needs. Or Marlea has.’ Penn felt a huge surge of guilt as he thought of his brother. He had not found the ability to actually pass the pouch of poisoned Ollneda to Luhxdal, and when Marlea had taken the pouch himself to pass on, Penn had found himself riddled with confusion and remorse.

‘
Oh I see.’ Milgorry took the man’s thoughts easily.

‘
I thought you said you could hide my thoughts,’ said Penn angrily to Marlea.

‘
Too late,’ said Milgorry sarcastically. ‘Nice brother you are. You know, that’s about the closest I’ve ever known for one of our people to come to betraying their brother.’ Milgorry twisted around so he could see Marlea. ‘So this is about power?’ he persisted, feeling confused as to why Marlea was involved.

Marlea frowned.
‘Like I said, it’s not your business.’ He turned to Penn. ‘Listen to me very carefully. Milgorry is Nandul’s son.’ He paused as Penn’s teeth slammed together in what could only be fright. ‘I said it before and I’ll say it again. Don’t underestimate him. Unless you want him to break free, I’d wind a lot more cord around his wrists or knock him out altogether. And I doubt Milgorry would be anywhere near these soldiers unless they were also extremely dangerous men. If they were in any way incompetent, take my word that he’d have killed them by now. I’m going to find the Empress. You will give the order to set fire to this place. Don’t wait for me. Give the order, and then send these people through the tunnel to the well room. Once I’m out of Tatharlia I don’t care what you do with them.’

‘
I’m keeping them alive for now. They could be extremely useful to me. I’ll kill them when I’ve finished with them.’

‘
I couldn’t possibly care any less,’ said Marlea. He gave Milgorry one last insecure look and left the room.

‘
Marlea’s an evil bastard,’ said Milgorry angrily, as Penn gave him a kick and fastened a second leather cord around his wrists. ‘You know if they set fire to this place very few people will escape. You don’t seem overly concerned that most of your soldiers are going to die.’

‘
How sad,’ Penn said, sounding bored.

Milgorry gave a contemptuous snort.
‘How convenient, you mean. Fewer survivors, means no-one will be able to point the finger at you.’

Penn spoke to the soldier nearest to him and
he slammed his staff into Milgorry’s head once again, leaving him unconscious. Elena and Immosey gave cries of horror but Penn ignored them. The guards split into two groups. Half entered the tunnel and moved ahead. The remaining guards herded Elena and Immosey into the tunnel, then picked up the unconscious bodies of Louisa, Milgorry, Gilgarry and Borgulnay, and followed.

They had only gone
a hundred paces when everyone stopped. The tunnel opened into an underground room with a curved section of brick wall in the corner. Penn shut a door behind them as he came through into the room. He paused and took a moment to light a torch. The flames gave enough light for everyone to see quite well. There were stone stairs in the corner of the room with a trap door at the top but there was nothing in the room other than an ominous buzzing of mosquitoes. The stone walls were damp and partly covered with grey-green mold and the floor was uneven. In one corner the floor was noticeably lower and a puddle of water had formed.

‘
A well,’ Immosey whispered gesturing to the curved wall. ‘Not the one we came past on our way into the Sanctuary. Ow!’ She swatted the mosquito that had settled on her ankle.     

‘
Do you still have a knife under your dress?’ Elena spoke under cover of the sudden noise of everyone grumbling as they slapped at the persistent mosquitoes.

‘
Naturally.’ Immosey hit a mosquito on her sister’s arm and grimaced when she squashed it leaving a tiny bloodied splash on Elena’s skin.

‘
Can you get it to Mil, or to Borg or Gil?’ Elena tried to keep her lips still as she whispered.

‘
They’re unconscious. If-’ they stopped whispering as Penn spoke.

‘
Remove your clothing,’ Penn commanded and Immosey flushed red with anger and fright. If she removed her clothing the knife would certainly be found. Neither woman moved. ‘Remove your clothing or I will cut it from you. I want every weapon you are carrying, and I have no doubt you are carrying weapons. Marlea might be too stupid to believe human women would carry weapons, but I’m not. Once I see you have no more weapons, you may dress again. The girls undressed and Immosey’s knife was taken. They quickly redressed under the watchful leer of the guards. They made no move towards the women.

‘
Excellent,’ said Penn. ‘Now, you will follow me. And I will warn you once again. If I even think you are going to do something stupid I will kill you. It makes no difference to me if we are in a public place at the time. As far as the people of Tatharlia are concerned, I am a Sanctuary Guard and you are outsiders.’ He turned abruptly and went up the stairs. They emerged on the outside of the Sanctuary wall, within sight of the sea and followed Penn along a wide straight street until they were standing on the docks.