Author's Note: Hi back again! I am really trying to get this story updated faster! Thank you everyone for all the reviews and sticking with me. You guys are awesome!
Just a note, this chapter may be a bit confusing if you haven't read the intermission. I didn't call it a chapter because it was a short piece that pulled away from the main Sparhawk/Talen scenes. It precludes part 1 of this chapter.
I don't own anything from the Elenium/Tamuli books they belong to the late David and Leigh Eddings.
A Thief In Armor (Arc II)
Chapter 17: Transverse
Part I.
Kalten leaned forward on his elbows as he stood along the turrets overlooking the capital city of Cimmura. Bowing his head, he sighed despondently. The chronically intermittent drizzle of the city's overcast sky did nothing to improve the Knight's dour mood. The pale sky and voraciously grey clouds, however, did not even hold a candle to the Hades like landscape looming to Kalten's right.
The rain reminded Kalten of his only son, Eluen, lost beyond the border of the bizarre land. Being born in Cimmura, the young boy had always loved the rain. He would run outside, spinning around under the pouring water shrieking with glee. He would splash through puddles as if it was the most natural thing to do, his childish laughter filling the dreary afternoon as if it were the most beautiful day in the world.
Kalten never had the heart to scold his son for it, even though his good clothes inevitably would be soaked through. The battle-hardened Knight had even occasionally joined in his son's rain-drenched adventures, much to his wife's dismay. The thought brought a sad smile to Kalten's face.
""Sir Kalten?" A voice behind Kalten interrupted his melancholy reminisces. "Might I 'ave a word with ye, mate?"
The acting Earl of Lenda approached the hulking blonde knight, his fingers woven together and an enquiring expression coloring his features.
"Yes, Ensen, what do you want?" Worry had made Kalten short tempered with the other members of the counsel.
Ensen gave a short frustrated puff. "I apologize for bothering ye, but...before this…" he swept his hand outward and indicated the burning landscape to the west. "…before this I was investigating some shipment for Prince Sparhawk and…"
Kalten's nostrils flared and he turned suddenly from turrets favoring Ensen with a glare that could flay flesh from bone.
"I don't believe this is the time to discuss shipments, Ensen. These hell-on-earth abominations need all of our attention! I don't know if you have noticed with your head stuck in shipping reports, but this isn't the only one either. They are occurring all over Elenia! And my son…god my son..."
The urbane Earl had visibly paled under Kalten's tirade. He unwove his fingers and balled them into fists at his side. "Sir…" he said, staring at Kalten unflinchingly. "This is important…and I believe it has something to do with these strange lands appearing. Please mate, everyone is panicked and no one will listen to me."
With effort Kalten reined in his considerable temper. With calmness returning, he noticed the dark circles under Ensen's eyes and noticeable weight loss. The last few days hadn't been easy on the earl either. "Go ahead then, I'm listening." Kalen said grudgingly.
"Right! So I was investigating some suspect shipments to Sarsos which I pointed out to his Highness before he and the Queen left for Chyrellos. Neither of us could figure out why the districts were sending the shipments."
Kalten growled, urging Ensen to get to the point.
"I had pinpointed the exact locations from which each of these shipments to Sarsos came from, and I had thought to share them with Prince Sparhawk, but, alas, he had already left."
"What does this have to do with what's going on now? Possible smuggling may have been important before, but it's just not a priority now!" Kalten said, his anger returning.
"Please, mate!" Ensen held up his hands in a pleading gesture and continued on; braving Kalten's expression, which now rivaled the grey, overcast sky.
"When the first reports of the hell-split cities came in I thought it was only a coincidence…but after the sixth one yesterday, I am convinced there be a connection!"
"What coincidence?" Kalten asked, his heart starting to beat faster.
"All of the reported hell-rifts have occurred at the exact locations where the suspicious shipments were sent."
Kalten's eyes widened. "Show me!"
The sound of unrolling paper echoed in the brightly-lit counsel room. A large map of Elenia lay flat on the table. The multicolored map was scripted in thorough and accurate detail from its borders against Arcium, Deira, and the sweeping grasslands of Pelosia, to its coast off the Deiran Sea.
His arms folded, Kalten studied the map. Leaning on his cane beside him was Platime with a few of his thuggish underlings. Ensen leaned over the map studying it intently as he shuffled through the annual district report and his own copious notes. Otherwise the counsel room was empty.
"Here, mate." Ensen said leaning over the map. He circled Caliga, a small town at the edge of the District under the oversight of Lenda. "This was the first one I noticed," He explained. "It's practically in my backyard, so the wheat shipment was glaringly suspicious."
Ensen continued to circle various places. Kalten noticed a growing pattern. The more heavily populated cities, Lenda, Demos, Vardenais, had been excluded, instead nearby towns had been used for the shipments and as sites for the strange splits.
The capital city was a notable exception. A thought occurred to Kalten. "Ensen was there a corresponding shipment here in Cimmura as well?
Ensen looked up and nodded. "Already ahead of ye, mate. There was a shipment from a place called Rowen's. It was a craft shop and a shipment of dolls was sent to Sarsos. The shop is on our side of the split."
"The proprietor?" Kalten asked urgently.
Ensen huffed in disgust. "Vanished! I had some of my men go out and request his presence, but he managed to give them the slip at the last minute. According to them he's a seedy-looking fellow called Narkese."
Platime, who had been listening, gave a short laugh. "Why don't you leave him to me? I'm sorta a professional when it comes to trapping rats."
Ensen frowned as skepticism crossed his face. "Ye welcome to try, mate. Buy my best men dinnea find a trace of the bastard."
Platime smiled grimly. "Sorry, Ensen but soldiers can be a bit conspicuous. Sometimes you need bait to catch a rat." He spun his ivory cane between his large, meaty hands and nodded to one of his underlings. "Let's see if we can locate our rat. Ensen, be so good as to tell my associate what he looks like."
True to his word, Platime's thugs produced the wanted man in record time. They carried the flailing man directly to Kalten.
Narkese was even more seedy-looking than Ensen described. Greasy dark hair was practically plastered to a florid face indicative of a hard drinker. His clothing, however were of an unusually good quality, though they were unable to disguise the generally poor hygiene of their wearer.
"Let me go right now! Please! Who ever is paying you ill pay double! Just let me go!" Narkese was screaming hysterically.
Platime sighed heavily and glanced quickly at one of the men holding the blubbering Narkese. "Make him be quiet will you?"
The ruffian calmly balled up his fist and smashed Narkese squarely in the jaw. Whimpering, the man immediate fell into a sullen silence.
"Was he that easy to find, mate?" Ensen asked, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
"In my experience, a man with a recent windfall often likes to celebrate…such a disreputable scoundrel would define 'celebrating' as drinking and wenching."
Ensen stared at him in perplexity.
"Ah…you might want to explain further, Platime," Kalten interrupted, "The earl's kind of new and doesn't really know that what you do in the palace is just a sideline for your real profession."
Platime laughed and brought one finger to his lips mockingly. "Quiet, sir Kalten!" The large man turned toward Ensen. "It's a state secret you understand; I actually know every tavern master and whore in the city on a first-name basis. It wasn't much trouble to call in a few favors."
Ensen's eyes widened and he looked over at Narkese. "What do you want to do with him, now?"
Platime had already issued instructions concerning the 'guest's' accommodations. Being an important part of the Queen's privy counsel, no one questioned the advisor's need for the dungeon. The city was on war footing, after all.
"Bring him to the cell adjoining the racks!" Platime announced.
Ensen blanched as he leaned in and whispered hoarsely. "Baron Platime, the racks and all forms of inhumane torture were outlawed when Queen Ehlana ascended to the throne!"
Platime grinned. "We know that, my good earl, but our friend doesn't seem to be up on the current events."
"Platime you're a very bad man." Kalten observed.
"Why thank you, sir Knight." The thief answered brushing a spec of dirt off of his doublet.
"I dinnae think that was meant as a compliment, mate." Ensen pointed out.
Narkese was unceremoniously dumped in the musty, dim cell and chained to the wall. There was a door to the side of the cell, but it offered no respite. Instead the edge of the gleaming rack could be seen waiting in silent anticipation.
"He's actually crying?" Kalten asked as he stared at the weeping prisoner.
"It seems so." Ensen said. He looked at Kalten in consternation. "He really isn't thinking of using that is he?"
"I think the threat is enough to get the information we want." He said as he walked with Ensen into the cell.
Kalten gave an imperceptible nod to Platime to begin. The Baron twirled his ivory cane around and approached the prisoner.
"Listen, you disgusting, sniveling piece of scum, because I'm only going to say this once. You will tell me everything about the shipment of dolls to Sarsos…or we are going to put you on the rack next door. Understand?"
Narkese promptly fainted. Platime shot his underling a long-suffering look. The thug sauntered over to the chained Narkese and slapped him hard across the face.
"Do try to stay away, Narkese, old boy. We wouldn't want to use more creative means to keep you interested."
"Look, your excell…exce…excellency…I didn't know the man…" Narkese blubbered. "He just showed up one day with an offer for my dolls… he brought them back the next day and told me to ship it directly to Sarsos…"
"What did this guy look like?" Kalten asked.
"He was nothing out of the ordinary…but I think he drank quite a bit…"
Kalten folded his arms. "Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black?"
"No-no, sire, even as much as I drink this one made me feel tipsy just from his smell!"
Kalten's brow furrowed. "It almost seems…"
Platime continued the interrogation. "What happened after he paid you?
"I packaged up the dolls. They had some strange thread wrapped around them, all glowing like…" Narkese added.
"Is there anything else you remember? A little thread won't be enough to spare you from the rack…" Playtime said ominously.
"Th..there was a woman with him. I think she was the one who put the thread on…she was really strange she was speaking to him in Styric…I think…and she had the oddest…"
Suddenly, Narkese began to gasp and his hands went to his throat as he began hyperventilating. His lips turned blue and within seconds he went rigid and slumped forward.
"Damn!" shouted Kalten.
It was happening all over again.
Part II.
The sunlight was blinding after the endless trek across the barren, inferno-skied world behind them. Sparhawk blinked rapidly as his eyes painfully adjusted to the burning sun.
The Pandion's heart constricted as he gazed once again on the cerulean blue expanse overhead and open grasslands that extended in the distance. As sure as he knew his heart was beating, he was certain he stood on Elenian soil.
"God am I glad to see the sky again!" He said with an explosive breath. His companion, the pale-eyed man he met in the inferno-skied wasteland, had not stopped to admire the scenery. His midnight cloak billowing, he moved westward at his unhurried, ground eating pace.
Sparhawk trotted to catch up with him. He immediately felt the exertion begin to make his muscles burn. With a start, he realized for the first time since waking up in the wasteland he felt substantial. Hunger gnawed at his stomach along with an almost overpowering thirst. Strangely, hunger, thirst, and a need to rest had not bothered him as he wandered the wastelands.
Though it had seemed as if he had been traveling for weeks, Sparhawk did not remember even once having slept. Another sharp pang in his stomach scattered the Pandion's thoughts. He needed food and water. Soon.
"Friend, do you know where your heading?" Sparhawk called ahead to his pale-eyed companion.
The man turned and looked at Sparhawk gravely. The Pandion was struck by how out of place his companion looked here in the expansive grasslands. His dark cloak continued to wave despite the lack of wind. In addition, his entire figure seemed to be a striking contrast to his surroundings, more vibrant and magnetic.
"Look for thyself, Anakha." The cloaked man pointed in the direction he was walking.
Sparhawk squinted against the sun, shading his brow with his hand. In the distance he could see a large host of men milling around. It was too distant to tell for sure, but Sparhawk was fairly certain that at least some of the men were other Pandion Knights. The black armor was fairly distinctive to the order.
Grinning, the Pandion champion broke into a sprint, ignoring the burning in his muscles. Evidently someone had spotted him. A lone rider detached from the host and flew toward them. Winded, Sparhawk slowed to a walk as he waited for the rider to approach. He gripped the hilt of his sword hopeful that he would have no use for it.
The sun's glare burned in his eyes making the approaching figure hazy and indistinct. The longtime Knight however still recognized the bearing of Kurik's fastest son.
"Ho Rhamik!" Sparhawk called waving.
Though it seemed impossible, the rider accelerated, seeming to barely touch the ground in his haste. Sparhawk jogged to meet him but a sudden stitch in his side made him stop and bend over double.
"Sir Sparhawk!" Rhamik called as he drew closer. "My Prince, are you alright?" he finally made it to the wheezing Champion and dismounted from his horse. The movement was as smooth and fluid as pouring water.
Sparhawk held up a hand to Rhamik. "Just give me a moment to catch my breath, Rhamik."
"Where in the world have you been, my Lord? We sent scouting parties everywhere to look for you!"
Sparhawk straightened with effort. "I was…I can't really explain where I was."
"Old age seems to be getting to you, Sparhawk." Rhamik observed.
The Pandion Champion gave Rhamik an unfriendly stare.
"Do you need any help getting to the encampment my Prince?" Rhamik asked, solicitously taking Spahawk's elbow.
"Don't be ridiculous!" Sparhawk said shaking free.
"I was just trying to help!" Rhamik explained with mock innocence. Sparhawk's mouth thinned.
"You know, Prince Sparhawk they say people become bad-tempered when they get old…along with stubborn and mulish." Rhamik pointed out.
"I think that's about enough, Rhamik."
"…sure thing gramps." Rhamik muttered under his breath.
"I heard that, Rhamik."
"They also say hearing things is a sign of approaching senility."
Sparhawk sighed. "Why me?"
Rhamik suddenly seemed to notice Sparhawk's pale-eyed companion. "Who's your friend Prince Sparhawk?"
"He didn't give me his name, but he got me out of a tight situation." Sparhawk replied.
The man in the billowing cloak folded his hands inside his cloak and addressed Rhamik. "My son, make haste. Thy comrades seek folly. Any who entreat the Burning Wastes will surely perish."
Rhamik looked to Sparhawk. "I'm assuming you can translate that?"
"What are you planning to do?" asked Sparhawk.
"Well, we were planning on riding into that hell burning over there. We need to get to Chyrellos, remember?" Rhamik replied.
Sparhawk had been wandering in the wasteland so long he didn't notice that it was also burning at the edge of the horizon. "Is that true? Will they die if the go in there?" Sparhawk asked turning to his pale-eyed companion.
"It is of a certainty. Thy realm is not for mortals. Only death awaiteth." The strange man answered quietly.
"Who's leading?" Sparhawk asked Rhamik urgently.
"Preceptor Komier, sir."
Sparhawk reached out and gripped the young man's shoulder hard enough to make him wince. "Listen to me Rhamik! You must get to Komier and tell him to fall back. Anyone who goes into that place will not come out!"
"Sire, I don't understand!"
"Just do as you're told! Go! Quickly!" Sparhawk warned.
Rhamik turned and mounted his horse as smoothly as he had dismounted. Immediately he was off, faster than the wind as he flew back down the plan. The urgency of his companion's warning had fired Sparhawk enough to keep him walking as he followed in Rhamik's wake to meet the host of Pandions and Genidians.
Part III.
Talen stared at the clearing sky in total shock.
Gone…Danae was gone…
…and he let her get captured! He was a Knight, sworn to Church and Crown and he failed to protect the sole heir to the Elenian throne.
Talen unleashed every curse, complaint, and vile epithet he knew and then started back at the beginning. He waded through the overflowing stream to the nearby aqueduct and leaned against it as the water gradually receded to its previous depths.
To his abject despair, the clouds were dispersing, thinning to wisps giving the brilliant sun free reign to shine on the rising aqueducts. The sky was a gorgeous cacophony of indigo and violet, but Talen didn't notice as he continued to stand, shell-shocked.
A splash and sharp jerk on his shoulder final caused Talen to inhale. Kyyis was shaking him hard. "What the hell happened? That archway door thing isn't really stable I couldn't get back here and…"
Kyyis stopped his explanation abruptly as he looked Talen full on in the face. "Talen…" he said slowly. "…what's wrong with you?" he let go of his brother and backed away.
"Where…where is princess Danae?" He said looking around.
"The Tower of Bones…" Talen breathed.
"What?" Kyyis asked.
"It took her to Anon's tower!" Talen explained, his voice shaking.
"Where is that? And who's Anon?"
"Never mind." Talen said, his jaw clenching. "What's beyond the archway?" he asked.
"Somewhere near the Basilica, best I can tell," Kyyis answered. "But that door goes in and out. If you can see the other side though, I think you can get through."
"Come on then!" Talen said as he trudged out of the water.
"Where are we going?" Kyyis called out. "The Basilica is that way!"
"We're not going to Chyrellos." Talen answered.
"Where are we going then? And how are we going to get there?" Kyyis said huffing to keep up as Talen broke into a sprint along the shores of the river.
"We have to get to Sarsos! I need to speak with the Thousand!" Talen said; his plan clarifying as he continued to run.
"God! Talen, slow down!" Kyyis caught up with his racing brother and grabbed him. "Please can you stop for a moment? What's going on? Why Sarsos? Why are we running?"
Talen clenched his fists. "I don't have time for long explanations, Kyyis! Some mad elder god has princess Danae. I need to find out where Anon's tower is before she gets hurt. I know what I'm doing Kyyis, this place...it's…it's…mine. I don't know how to explain it. You just have to trust me! We have to hurry!"
Kyyis looked at his brother hard and nodded subtly. Talen turned back and continued to sprint. Once he figured out that the first aqueduct was a portal, he realized that they were all portals. For some reason what his father said in the dream finally clicked with him. This strange land was tied to Talen somehow. He could feel the pull of the right aqueduct and headed toward it.
After running past half a dozen of the aqueducts Talen finally slowed. "Here!" he said gesturing to Kyyis. Similar to the other one, the entrance flickered at once showing the calm river and then changing to the marble covered city of Sarsos.
Talen studied the flickering and attempted to focus his will, but his concern for Danae kept scrambling his concentration. Sighing he tried the Secrets; instead of requesting divine assistance his poured his will into his gesture to open.
To Talen's relief the image inside the aqueduct settled and Talen and Kyyis rushed to step through.