The Awakened Book Two (26 page)

By mid-afternoon, the group had checked in with the city officials and been given a place to stay, as they had been expected. Kael settled in quickly to his new temporary residence, enjoying the comforts that the city had to offer. For most of the men, a bath was the first priority. The group met up together again in the evening for a hot meal and discussed their forthcoming responsibilities.

“Tomorrow, at midday, I will go before the Emperor and the High Council, to explain our struggles against the Syvak and share our experiences with the Generals of the other regions. None of you are permitted to attend, and it’s just as well; it’s going to be an uncomfortable process that will take the remainder of the day.”

“What are you going to say to them?” asked one of the soldiers.

Dacien thought for a moment. “I’ve never done this sort of thing before. I’ll start by listening, then I’ll tell them of the Syvak’s attempt at invasion. I’ll ask for support to rebuild the cities and increased aid to scout and protect the southern territory. The Emperor has traditionally focused most of his efforts on the constant struggles on the northeastern border, neglecting the southern territory. But with these recent developments,
Orud
is at greater risk from an attack based out of our territory. The cities are sparse and there are more areas to hide an invading force.”

Another man, who had been looking more and more uncomfortable with himself, finally said what was on his mind. “I mean no disrespect, my lord, but isn’t it foolish to gather all the Generals in one place at a time like this.”

Dacien nodded gravely. “Indeed, but it is not my decision. I must obey the summons despite my reservations.” After a few moments of silence, Dacien rose and announced that he would retire for the evening. “Make sure that you are all reachable tomorrow in case you are called into the council.”

And with that, the group dispersed.

* * * *

Maeryn answered the knock at the door and opened it to find the head servant.

“My lady, your presence is required in the master’s chambers.”

“Oh?” Maeryn questioned, not liking the sound of his statement.

“Please come with me.”

Maeryn followed, nervous about what would take place. She and her benefactor had been spending increasing amounts of time together. And it was clear that there were mutual romantic feelings between them. But they hadn’t acted on those feelings, apart from holding each other’s hand. She wasn’t sure about the depth of her own feelings just yet, but a sickening feeling in her stomach told her that her precious world was about to come to an end.

This is it, Maeryn. Now he wants to collect on all that you are indebted to him for. I should have known better!

The servant opened the door to the master’s chambers. And there in the middle of the room, stood the man who had treated her so kindly. His clothing had been removed so that he was bare down to the waist. But something was out of place. Another servant was there, as well; scarlet clothing draped over his arm.

Maeryn walked into the room and jumped slightly as the door was shut behind her.

“Thank you for coming.”

Maeryn nodded, still trying to make sense of the situation.

The servant unfurled a scarlet tunic and draped it over his master’s shoulders.

As he fastened it at the waist with a braided, gold belt, Maeryn couldn’t help but ask. “What is this? What is going on here?”

“I am answering a summons. The Southern General arrived yesterday and the High Council convenes in a few hours,” the master replied calmly.

“I don’t understand,” Maeryn replied.

The tall man waived his servant away and turned to look Maeryn in the eyes. His own were a piercing blue, which contrasted with his dark hair. He was quite handsome, with an authoritative look about him. Then, the corners of his eyes relaxed.

“That is why I asked for you. My name is Magnus Calidon. I am General of the Northern Territory of the Orudan Empire. I am leaving to the city to answer a summons by the Emperor, who has called the High Council and all of the Generals to discuss matters of grave importance to the safety of the Empire.”

The General spoke in short, concise statements. Even so, Maeryn was speechless. Her mind raced to understand and comprehend what he had just said. After a moment of silence, she spoke.

“…but…you’re the Resistance Leader.”

He smiled. “Yes I am.”

Maeryn paused again looking at the floor. “But how is that possible?”

“Maeryn, please sit down.” He took her by the arm and led her to a chair near an open balcony. Once she was comfortable, he continued. “I hope you appreciate the weight of what I am confessing to you. Only a select few know about the double life that I lead. I could be executed for what I am doing, and yet I am telling you, not out of necessity, but out of choice. And I hope that it conveys the depth of what I feel for you.”

“But what are you doing?” she asked, trying to look past the admission of his feelings to his true intentions.

He thought carefully. “I have watched the Empire build itself through detestable means. You are well aware that abolition of the slave trade is the focus of the Resistance efforts. Yet the Empire’s crimes go even farther than this. They tax their own citizens to death just to maintain their extravagant lifestyle here at the capital.”

Maeryn glanced around the room and started to speak.

“I know that statement seems hypocritical,” he interrupted. “But this mansion is the fruit of my own labors, not the taxation of the working class. I am a wealthy land owner, and have done well for myself through my vineyards and other holdings. And because of this, I am keenly aware of the burden that the Empire places on its citizens.”

“Oh,” Maeryn muttered, her argument disappearing quickly.

“There are many things I could criticize about the Empire, but I have chosen to implement change from within. In the Northern Territory, I have forbidden the purchase of any additional slaves. Those that are within my borders are the property of citizens, and I can’t do anything about that. But I have been successful in stopping the continuance of this evil, and it has had a significant impact on the slave trade industry.”

“How do you hope to accomplish such an enormous task?”

Magnus smiled. “I know it seems enormous, but it isn’t impossible. Look at what you accomplished in
Bastul
. What you have done, what we have done together, it has made a powerful statement. One that the Emperor can’t ignore for much longer.”

Maeryn breathed heavily. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I need your help. I want you by my side.”

Maeryn turned away, feeling uncomfortable about her own indecision in the face of this man’s open declaration of his feelings. “I’m flattered,” she said finally. “I appreciate all of the kindness that you have shown to us.”

“But?” he prodded, waiting for a few seconds. “I have been dangerously honest with you. I would expect the same courtesy.”

“Alright,” Maeryn exhaled. “Since I was a child, the quality of my life has been dictated by the man who takes care of me. With my first husband, my life was a joy because he was a good man. Then I was forced to marry Lemus and my life became a living hell.”

Tears flowed freely now from Maeryn’s face as she laid out her feelings.

“He was a cruel man and took everything of value away from me. Then I escaped, and somewhere in the process, I settled into this new life where I was in charge. And now I meet you, and you show me kindness that I haven’t seen in many years.”

Maeryn stopped to wipe the tears from her eyes.

“I am grateful to you, but I am not going to give up my freedom and have my life dictated by another man just because he is rich and kind.”

Magnus turned away and looked at the ground.

Maeryn felt a twinge of regret at her words, but after a moment’s consideration, she decided that it was exactly how she felt. “You asked for honesty.”

“You’re right, I did,” he replied. “That’s what I like about you. You are a strong woman who gives straight answers. It is something that is becoming rare in my experience. Everyone is interested is saying just the right thing to keep me happy.”

After a few seconds of silence, Magnus continued, his voice much quieter.

“Maeryn, I don’t want to force anything on you. I just want to have you with me. I will accept whatever terms you offer.”

Maeryn nodded blankly, unsure of how to respond.

“Just think about it. I’ll be gone until tomorrow, but I don’t need an answer right away. Take all the time you need.”

Chapter 19

Kael left word with the servants at the guest quarters of the Emperor’s palace. Dacien had given him the whereabouts of the bladesmith that operated in the blacksmith district. Opting to walk instead of taking a carriage, he was better able to experience the feel of the city. The Palace sat at the center of the city with roads extending outward like spokes from a wheel. Each pie-shaped segment of the city contained a different set of related industries, beginning with the more superficial at the center and ending with the more practical at the city walls.

Kael moved at a leisurely pace down one of the main avenues between the blacksmith and masonry districts. There was a great deal of traffic, both pedestrian and horse-drawn carts. Most were of the working class wearing functional clothing stained from their labor. At one point, a contingent of soldiers marched through in formation toward the capital. Kael stepped aside and let them pass, observing the unity of their movements. They were a tightly organized and disciplined group of soldiers, and presented a formidable appearance.

About a mile from the barrier wall that ran around the perimeter of the city, Kael turned right down a narrow alley. Counting eight storefronts, he stopped in front of a stone building with a small wooden door and an engraved metal sign indicating that he had found what he sought. Immediately to his left was a larger set of double doors, large enough to fit two carts sided by side. Kael guessed that this was a shipping and receiving point and briefly wondered if his sword was too small a task for this operation.

He knocked and waited, but no answer came. Then, he lifted the latch and entered the door, which opened to a small waiting room with chairs. At the back wall, a window looked through to the shop where bright flashes of fire cast orange light in all directions, reflecting off numerous metal surfaces. Kael walked to the window and peered into the shop just as a door to his left opened. He leaned back from the window and turned to see a short man covered in black soot and wearing an apron.

“Can I help you?”

Kael gave him the name of the man Dacien had suggested.

“Wait here,” he replied.

Kael waited, but grew impatient after a few minutes. He had just turned back to the window when the door opened again.

“Yeah, what can I do for you?”

This man was tall and thin, with several days of stubble on his face. Like the other man, he was wearing a leather apron and was covered in soot.

“My name is Caleb. I was sent by Dacien Gallus of
Bastul
; he says you are a talented bladesmith.”

“Oh, he does, does he?”

Kael started to reply, but the man kept on talking.

“I haven’t seen him in years. Last I knew he was hoping to make Captain. So how’s he doing?”

Kael waited for a few seconds, until he was sure he wouldn’t be interrupted. “He’s doing very well. In fact, he’s now General of the Southern Territory.”

“Oh?” the man questioned. “How’d that happen?”

“Well, we’ve had some trouble in the south. A good man can move quickly through the ranks in times of war.”

“Yeah, I heard about that. I didn’t realize that was Dacien.”

Kael nodded, wondering how word had spread so quickly when they had just arrived in
Orud
.

“So that means you must be the one who killed the barbarian leader?”

Kael lifted his eyebrows. “You heard about that, too?”

“I hear lots of things,” he said. “But then again, everyone’s heard that.”

“Everyone, huh?” Kael mumbled.

“Everyone,” the man repeated. “So what can I do for you? Any friend of Dacien’s is a friend of mine.”

Kael took the bundle from under his arm and laid it on a nearby table. Untying the silk threads, he opened the wooden case and pulled out a long object that was wrapped in cloth.

The man stepped forward with a smile on his face.

Kael pulled the cloth away to reveal the ceremonial sword from the fortress city. Holding it gingerly, he handed it to the man who accepted it carefully.

“Dacien knows what a sucker I am for this type of thing. …started out making swords and spearheads by myself, but then I found that other things were more needed. …like fasteners for boats, and door hinges. I had to hire a crew to keep up. But this…this is my passion.”

The man’s words warmed Kael’s heart, for he spoke as one who loved what he did. And in Kael’s experience, that quality was usually reserved for only the best. He instantly knew that this precious heirloom was in good hands.