Author's Note: Whew, my last update was in January [author hangs head in shame.] Really, really sorry about that, but my computer access is limited…so anyway here's the latest installment, I haven't forgotten about it. Reviews encourage me to find new and inventive ways of getting my stories typed and posted so review, review, review! Even if you just want to tell me how much my story sucks!
Oh yeah, Elenium and Tamuli belong to Eddings…
Chapter 12: Evening Reconnaissance
Talen was in his element as he hugged the dark shadows of the dripping, damp back alleys of Chyrellos. Of course, he enjoyed combat just as much as the next one, but Talen had been raised on the streets. His classroom had been noisy taverns and dilapidated buildings; his teachers cutthroats and pickpockets. It was whole society composed of values fundamentally opposed to everything that was considered good and proper. Sure, it was dangerous and had its disadvantages, but it was outweighed by the thrill and intrigue. Not that a knight's life was without it's share of excitements, and the politics of Elenia brought intrigue to an entire new level. Still, there was something distinctly pleasurable and slightly addictive about slinking around a city at night.
"Is there anything in particular we're looking for or are you just getting me dirty for nothing?" Kyyis asked wiping his soot covered hands on his pants.
Talen made an impatient gesture for Kyyis to be quiet. "Just look for nervous looking characters will you?" Talen hissed.
Kyyis rolled his eyes as Talen went back to his observations. An intermittent drizzle had made the streets slick and slippery. Less people milled around as the night grew late and the sky grew darker. Something caught at Talen's peripheral vision, and tipping his head slightly he caught a ghost of a figure ahead. For some reason he had a spark of recognition. It couldn't be. His mind reeled at the possibility.
Still he was a knight. It was his duty to make sure. Turning, Talen tapped his brother on the shoulder and put his finger on his lips. Creeping forward he made his way toward a dark clad figure slinking against the walls ahead of him. As the Pandion thief drew silently closer he ground his teeth in tension as his hands balled into fists. He really hoped this wasn't who he thought it was. Finally at arms length Talen reached out and grabbed the shoulder of the figure in front of him.
A distinctly feminine shriek confirmed Talen's suspicions as the young woman's hood fell back from her face revealing a pair of dark, indignant eyes.
"Oh you big brute! Why in the world did you grab me like that?" the dark eyed woman demanded as she readjusted her cloak. Talen just looked at her hard, a hazy red fury keeping him silent. The woman, however, seemed to have no trouble expressing herself.
"I mean really, Talen, you nearly ruined my cover!" she said blatantly ignoring his speechless fuming. As if seeming to remember something, she continued, "What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were busy taking a nap in Demos?" she said stamping one foot and putting her hands on her hips.
Talen exploded, forgetting at once that he was on a reconnaissance mission. "What am I doing here?" Talen sputtered, "What in the name of god are you doing here, in alley way in the middle of the godforsaken night? Are you daft? This is no place for a princess, Danae! Where the hell are your guards?"
The newly revealed princess waved a hand dismissively and sighed. "As you can see perfectly well, Talen, I am just checking things out, I thought I might get some info while I'm here. I don't see why you have to get all huffy about it…"
"Huffy?" Talen interrupted, incensed. "Danae, these streets are dangerous! It's no place for a little girl."
"I am not a little girl!" Danae shouted, stamping her foot again.
Despite his anger, Talen found a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he stared down at the princess. Her head barely reached his chest, but she was glaring up at him as if she were ten feet tall.
"Little or not, you are going back, now." Talen said turning around and pulling her with him.
Danae balked. "I'll do no such thing. I'm not done here yet!" she said with a toss of her head.
"Yes you are, princess, and I'm taking you back to your mother."
"No you're not, Talen," she responded confidently. "The last time I checked I outrank you, so if you will kindly unhand me, I would like you to accompany me until I am quite finished."
Talen let go of the petite princess and folded his arms across his chest. "I see several holes in you logic, my lady. I'm not too attached to the rules anyway. Besides I'm sure Queen Ehlana will forgive my lapse in proper etiquette."
Danae frowned, but her expression changed to a smug smile. "I'll just get out again; there isn't a door or lock that can hold me."
Talen knew far too well, he had been the one to teach her to pick locks, though oddly, Danae was an amazingly adept student and ended up showing Talen some new methods. He let out a resigned sigh as he realized this battle had been lost before it started.
"Fine Danae, have it your way. Kyyis is with me. I want you to promise you'll stay close to one of us at all times…and for goodness sake don't get into any mischief!"
The Elenian princess gave him a blindingly beautiful smile, which Talen privately admitted was rather breathtaking. Not that he would ever tell Danae. The dark haired woman followed Talen back to where he left Kyyis.
The cloaked knight was giving the pair a strongly disapproving glare.
"You know…you both are rather loud. This is a reconnaissance mission, may I remind you?" Kyyis said acidly.
Talen put up his hands, "I didn't mean to shout, it's just that I found…"
"…Danae, I know. I head you, as did everyone in a three block radius." Turning away in irritation, Kyyis trudged down the alley. Groaning, Talen turned and gave Danae his best 'it's all you fault look'. She didn't acknowledge him; instead she studied her nails intently.
"Come on," Talen muttered and went to catch up to his brother. The three hooded figures moved gingerly down the slick streets, stopping every few minutes to observe the comings and goings of different people. Fortunately for Talen, he had a sixth sense on such things; the way people moved, the inflections in their voices, the furtive glances – these were all a gold mine for the prospecting thief. Unfortunately, Talen was unable to pick up any additional information about the army coming. He only hoped that Bevier and the others had been more successful in researching Listrange's annals. He idly wondered how he would explain to Queen Ehlana what the approaching army had to do with a long dead Archprelate.
Perhaps he could distract her with tales of her daughter's nightly escapades. He checked over his shoulder. She was competently following and making very little noise. It was a little disconcerting for Talen. She was supposed to be royalty; yet here she was, navigating the streets and picking up information as if it was second nature.
A faint light ahead caused Talen to pause and he signaled to Kyyis and Danae. The three companions flattened themselves against the wall as the light drew closer. Gesturing and muttering quietly Talen cast an area spell of concealment to keep out of sight. Talen could now make out the shapes of the approaching figures; three men and two of them heavily armed. The third figure was talking and the voice sounded oddly familiar.
Unable to make out the words of the speaker, Talen edged forward, one hand against the wall the other cupped around his ear.
"Listen to me you ugly brute of a man; you will do nothing, I mean nothing until I tell you to do so!" the first voice commanded.
"And pass up an opportunity like this? She's just a sitting duck! Her champion will not be arriving for at least another day! All that stands between us and the objective is some fat churchmen and lazy church soldiers."
"Don't be ridiculous, the city is crawling with Church knights. You can cross swords with them if you like, I'll be happy to send the pieces back to Anon."
One of the armed men huffed and gave a dismissive gesture.
"If we wait there will be more Church knights not less, and Anon doesn't tolerate failure."
"Very true, my vile friend, but by this time tomorrow, it will not matter how many Church knights are in Chyrellos."
Talen stilled…what would be happening tomorrow? A tap on his shoulder made the Pandion thief start. Danae leaned over his shoulder.
"The one in the middle looks familiar," she commented.
Talen looked closely and frowned. Was that Kreiger?
_._
"That drunken sot is still alive?" Sir Tynian asked, shocked. "I would have thought he was going the same way Worgun was…"
"Not only is he alive, he actually looks healthy," Talen answered disgustedly.
Sir Tynian, Archprelate Dolmant, Kyyis and Talen were seated in chambers set aside for the comfort of visiting dignitaries. Set with the colors of the holy city, black and red, illuminated sconces lit the room while intricate tapestries of idyllic gardens broke it's harsh décor.
After seeing Kreiger, Talen had decided to return to the Basilica to inform Queen Ehlana immediately. Danae had slipped off as soon as they arrived. Talen decided to keep her presence on the outing to himself, at least, for the time being.
"I wonder what he meant by the Church knights not mattering tomorrow." Ehlana mused.
"Something supernatural is set to happen."
Talen looked to the doorway and a smile spread across his face. "Sephrenia!"
"Hello, dear one," Sephrenia returned the smile indulgently.
The former Pandion tutor was as luminous as ever, her normally loose blue-black hair arranged in a jewel studded coronet around her head. Despite being in the center of the holy city and in front of the Archprelate, Talen crossed the room and bent to receive her blessing.
"What do you mean supernatural?" Sir Tynian asked.
Sephrenia looked up and her smile faded. "The Three are loose again. Sparhawk has already been attacked. It's only a matter of time before Chyrellos is attacked as well."
Several voices arose at once; Ehlana concerned for Sparhawk, Tynian asking when the attack happened, and Kyyis asking what she meant by the 'Three.' The high priestess held up her hands to halt the cacophony. "I see I need to explain further," she said. "Sparhawk is fine and on his way here, Ehlana. He was attacked by a monstrosity in the sky, but my goddess took care of it. However, there was also an army to be dealt with."
"Was this sky monster one of the Three?" Tynian asked Sephrenia.
"No," It was Vanion who answered as he entered behind his wife. "The monstrosity was one of Echelessa's pets."
"Pets?" Kyyis asked, "What had a pet like that?"
"An elder god." Sephrenia answered. "A very powerful and deranged elder god."
"But wait," Talen interrupted. "I thought the younger gods imprisoned all the elder gods."
Sephrenia lifted her fingers and rubbed her temples. Throwing a concerned look toward his wife Vanion picked up the narrative.
"That was true, Talen, but lately there's been an increasing amount of dissent in the counsel of the Thousand. Especially since the nominations for over-priest were announced. The division, consequently, has weakened the power that keeps the elder gods bound."
"Can't Aphrael take care of the arguing?" Talen asked. "She's usual able to get everyone to do what she wishes."
Sephrenia and Vanion exchanged a speaking look that was completely incomprehensible to Talen.
"Unfortunately it just isn't that simple. That's part of the reason we are here in Chyrellos, Talen." Sephrenia answered. "There's always been a great deal of enmity between Styric and Elenes and lately, due to Sparhawk's efforts, we no longer have a common enemy."
It was Vanion who picked up. "That has changed the dynamics of the counsel in a significant way…many sects have returned to embrace the old hatred of Elenes. We felt it was our duty to inform Sarathi of the developments."
Talen nodded, understanding dawning.
"Is there anything we can do?" Ehlana asked.
"It's best if you stay out of it, dear one," Sephrenia said giving Ehlana a pointed look, "Shendar has a very long arm and can make her presence felt even as far as here."
"Who's Shendar?" asked Tynian.
Vanion frowned. "She's frontrunner for over-priestess of the counsel of the Thousand and it looks like she'll win the election."
The former preceptor was interrupted by the entrance of Sir Bevier. The Cyrinic knight was carrying a dusty, cracking scroll and he crossed the room to Talen.
"Talen," he said excitedly, "I've found out the location of the first cipher!"
Talen jumped up. "Where?"
Bevier beamed his handsome smile. "We're standing over it!"
_._
The Great Basilica of Chyrellos: with its dome of marble inlaid with gold and layer after layer of swirling colonnaded halls it was a structure of beauty that stood as a testament of the strength and grace of the mother Church. It had been so for over a millennia, and would continue to be for ages to come.
Far beneath the lovely outside, however, was a den of shadows and secrets; the haunting corridors of darkness that made up the undercroft.
Talen held his torch aloft as he peered down the passage he was navigating. Behind him, Kyyis sneezed for the third time. Sniffling he rubbed his sleeve across his running nose.
"Please remind me again, Talen. Why am I here?"
Talen was now kneeling by an open shaft looking up the dark opening. "You volunteered remember? Back at the Chapterhouse? Despite strenuous protests on my part if I recall correctly."
"Huh," Kyyis said, his voice groggy and congested, "The way I recall it, there was supposed to be adventure...you know daring swordfights and lots of bad guys to beat up. Instead I'm stuck in yet another smelly, stinky, moldy cellar with only you for company."
"Don't forget me," a lilting voice said from the passage Talen was peering up. A moment later Danae dropped down from above covered in grime and muck from the shaft. Despite being dressed as a page and completely covered in dirt, she still possessed an air of regal confidence. However, as she turned toward Talen he caught a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Who could forget your highness?" Kyyis answered dryly, "A princess who fancies herself a cat-burglar...I'm sure it must be all the craze with the nobility."
"Be nice," Talen murmured.
Danae looked at Kyyis and gave him a toothy grin. "Remember what we said about leaving our class prejudices at home, Sir Kyyis. Besides, if you wanted a fight you should have went with father, he seemed up to his ears with bad guys to beat up."
Kyyis gave Danae a dirty look and sneezed again.
Talen was still peering up the shaft. "Danae, did you see anything up there that would lead to the hall Bevier was talking about?"
Danae sighed. "Yes, but there is no way you and Kyyis are going to be able to get up there, you're too big."
Talen growled in frustration, this was the third dead end they had come to since they started the search earlier. Three hours had passed and they were still no closer to finding the hidden ciphers.
"Talen, why don't you just wave you hands and yell some of that gibberish so that you and Kyyis could fit through?"
Talen glared at the princess. "Would you please stop calling it gibberish, Danae? They are complicated spells that have taken years to master..."
"So you can't make yourself smaller?" Danae interrupted cocking an eyebrow.
"The Secrets I have learned specialize in changing perception," Talen explained exasperated, "Not reality."
Danae sighed again, feeling a headache coming on. "Can you at least try it? Your friends with Flute right? She's very forgiving; I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you didn't get the spell perfect."
Talen rolled his eyes. "Fine I'll try it, but if I accidentally turn myself into a toad, you can explain why to Flute."
Looking nervous, Kyyis backed away. "How about you go ahead and shrink yourself and I'll stay here?"
"Coward." Danae said under her breath.
Talen shook his head to clear it. He thought for awhile and decided he really didn't want to risk turning himself into a frog, so he summoned Aphrael instead.
"How is the search coming?" her voice asked in his mind.
"We hit a snag," Talen started. "Listen, I need a favor,"
"Do you?" said Aphrael, "Well a favor can be granted...for a price."
"Later." Talen interrupted, he was in no mood for the convoluted games of the Styric goddess.
He could feel Aphrael's irritation at being thwarted.
"Go ahead, Talen." she said ominously.
"I need to become smaller temporarily to fit through a tight space. I really don't know a relevant spell to change your size."
Aphrael was silent for a moment then spoke up, "Try this," she said, carefully sounding out a Styric phrase for Talen to copy.
"Will this make me smaller?" Talen asked.
"In a manner," Aphrael answered him. "Just use a standard nullification incantation to reverse it." she finished, her consciousness disappearing.
Talen quickly incanted the new spell and opened his eyes.
Kyyis burst out laughing as Danae scrutinized him closely.
"Well...it did make you smaller." she observed.
Talen looked down at himself. His snug fitting tunic and hose now hung off his small frame. Incanting a spell in order to see his reflection he gasped when his face came into view.
He was ten years old again.