CH17
"I have a letter for you," Rhea said, passing an elegantly sealed envelope over to May.
"Thank you," she said
"Well, aren't you going to read it?" she smiled "It is not every day you get a letter from a wizard, even a murderous one."
She popped the seal and moved over so Reah could sit beside her. It was an invitation to the party. She had completely forgotten about it since she decided not to go, and the letter said it was for today.
"A party, You have become quite popular. Are you going to go? It is always nice to scout a place beforehand."
"No," her same desire to get the information now rose up in her. "I can't hide my own knowledge of casting for very long."
"Is it very obvious?"
"Yes, at a big party like before it could be hidden. At a smaller gathering like this there would be nowhere to hide. He was not subtle using dark magic. If he finds out I am a caster. There will be no denying I know what he has done." She hadn't wanted to agree with Bran but the fact she had been recognized on the street as a witch so often did help his argument.
"Then it is a good thing, he sent this invitation so late. It really is rude to send it the day of. He will have no suspicions of you turning it down even if you did agree to visit like the letter says."
"Yes, still I wish there was a way to get a closer look at the place. You know the heist is only a week out now."
"Maybe there is."
"It's not a strictly enforced protocol, but common for invitations of such a personal nature to be refused in person, and since your alias will no longer be needed, more expected if you are also saying you are leaving. Go during a time that Tiernan won't be home. The servant should let you in to write your farewells."
"Really."
"It only works if you catch him while he isn't home, But you and Bran watch the tower enough you know their schedule right?"
"That is a great idea."
"Borrow one of my dresses, it should be good enough for a day call. Oh, and don't forget to go by horse if you can."
That was a perfect idea. She would at least get to see the inside this way. Tiernan was at the tower all day during the week so as long as she didn't go too early or too late she should be fine. She hurried upstairs to get one of Reah's dresses. She was a little taller than May, but day dresses were meant to be short resting at the top of your boots not floor length like ball gowns so she would get by. When she left now properly dressed she felt ready to go but was a little apprehensive about going alone. She wished Reah could come but she already rushed off to a meeting.
"Bran," she called as he saw him eating in the main room.
He came over looking at her dress, "What is the ocasion?"
"How would you like to be my footman for the day?"
"I really see myself as more of the server type, but I can try."
"Good, let's saddle the horses."
"Where are we going?"
"Tiernan's."
"No way."
We arrived at the elaborate green stone building. She dismounted and handed Bran the reins. It was just after midday. Tiernan should be at the tower. Even if the butler didn't let her in, being that close to the wards while deactivating would be valuable. She needed to learn which ones would call attention, and which ones had more severe protections. With trepidation she stepped past the hous's outer boundaries towards the front door. She held the letter before her like a badge, as if to prove she had a reason for being here. She climbed the steps one foot at a time. She knocked at the door. She jumped as it was almost instantaneously answered by a surly butler that frowned at her. She suppressed a frightened squeak.
"What is your business here?"
"I am just here to deliver a letter." she held the letter further out and he snatched it from her hand.
"Lady Anwin?" called a voice muffled from behind the butler. Tiernan stepped in front of his servant and smiled. "Lady Anwin, what are you doing here? The party isn't for a few hours."
"Ambassador," she bowed her head, hiding her panic, "I was just here to deliver a letter." she motioned to the butler, "Unfortunately I won't be able to attend tonight."
"That is a shame," he joined her in the portico. "But you didn't have to deliver this in person."
"Oh, I was already coming this way so I figured I might as well."
"Well I am pleased I still got to see you, what brings you here?"
"I was taking a tour of the city and it wouldn't be complete without seeing the green towers."
"I was just on my way there. Would you like to see inside?"
"I couldn't impose."
"Nonsense, it is no imposition at all I insist." He led her out to the street with a firm grip on her arm.
"You really don't have to, you must be busy. I have my own appointments to keep as well." She looked hopefully at the horses waiting for her. Bran sat motionless, eyes trained on Tiernan.
"It would just be for a short while, have your man wait here."
She had little more option to refuse without making a scene and forcefully ripping her hand from his grasp, and as much as Tiernan repulsed her she did want to see inside the Tower. She gave a reassuring wave to Bran as he watched nervously from a top Thorne. He shook his head. He probably was right, this was a bad idea, but it was too late now.
She was to the Towers in no time with Tiernan's fast almost giddy steps. They strode past the gate she spent months peering over and across the familiar neat but plain lawn to the Tower itself. They entered through a set of iron doors. The floor was a checker of the same stone as the exterior and white marble polished to a shine. The smallish entryway they came through opened up to a massive two story room.
"This is the great hall, These," he pointed to the portraits covering the walls "are all of the previous elders. The towers have existed since just after the collapse of the Ulster kingdom so there are quite a few as you can see."
"Wow"
"Yes this place has been around since long before Richosia and will last long after."
"No wonder it is famed even in my far corner of the world. Are you part of the collection?"
"Unfortunately not they stopped recording the elders about fifty years ago, truly as shame isn't it. A tradition that lasted so many years."
A wizard she recognized as Tiernan's fellow conspirator entered the hall and beelined for them.
"Tiernan, who is our honored guest?" he asked with a sickly smile.
"Mauritius, the it Lady Anwen, the one I told you about from Sudeland."
"Pleased to meet you," she said tightly.
"The pleasure is all mine." He took her hand unexpectedly and kissed it. She was too distracted by the imprint mark on his wrist to notice the faint spell wash over her.
"Have you taken the lady to see the library yet?"
"No should I."
"Of Course she simply must see it. It is the best collection of books you will find anywhere, magic or otherwise. I will show you a few books I am sure you will find interesting."
She followed the two murderers out of the hall to the library. It was a large room equaling in size to the great hall, but felt much smaller with bookcases dividing the space. All of them were packed with books. It was more books than she had ever seen, not just in one sitting but combined throughout her life. Books sat in neat rows from floor to ceiling. Ladders rolled on tracks to reach them all. A wall of windows brought in light to read by if the profusion of witch lights didn't suffice. The few open spaces had tables with quite a few occupants reading at the time.
"Impressive isn't it."
"Yes."
"Would you like to look at one of the books?"
"Very much."
Mauritius had already left and was returning with a large leather bound book. He set it on the table before them with a deep thud. The cover had gilt lettering on it. It was written in sibyl in a quiet and archaic script but she could still read the title, A book of Hidden promise. More writing around the edge was written in a lyrical fashion reminiscent of a spell. Even without fey sight she knew the book was enchanted, but she was already wrapped up in curiosity, unable to take the title as a warning. What hidden promise would it reveal? She didn't hesitate to open up its cover. She slowly reached for the book, having enough sense to hide her eagerness. The cover radiated a jarring warmth under her palm. She lifted the cove to the first page and before she had fully opened it the letters inside glowed bright white. She dropped the cover but it was too late. They had seen the radiant light come from the book. It told them all they needed. Only now did she realize her mistake, they wouldn't have brought her here if they didn't have a plan.
"Mauritius, Tiernan you didn't tell me we were having a guest." A woman in elder robes gilded towards them. Her dark hair curled around a severe face.
"Sorry high elder, forgive us," said Tiernan "This was a rather impromptu tour. This is lady Anwen visiting from Sudeland."
"Sudeland? … Well I know you have other duties to attend to so I will finish for you yes?"
"As you wish, high elder." Mauritius said and they both scurried off caught red handed. Was she saved? The stern look on the woman's face made her unsure.
"Pleased to meet you, High elder," she said in a somewhat convincing voice and extended her hand.
The elder shook it firmly and to May's relife she had no imprinting mark visible. "There is no need for such formality here. Call me Nerys."
"What was that book they showed me?"
"That book shows the magical potential of a person. It was improper for them to have you look at it. However what's done is done and you are of quite a singular ability. If you weren't from Sudeland … even though you are, I would like to offer you a place in the green tower."
"I am flattered but I do not deserve such an honor."
"As I suspected," but she watched May still taking in all of the books. "Come with me."
She followed the high elder to what looked like a study. Her stud, she guested as the woman comfortably sat behind a narrow desk with its surface completely empty but for an inkpot and quill. "Take a seat, you have some familiarity with magic don't you?"
"At home most nobles learn some magic, but I wouldn't call myself well versed."
She got up and took several slim volumes out of a filing cabinet and laid them on the desk before May. They were essentially primers, the baby's first magic books; Learning Sybil, Arcane hand shapes, and summoning magic and beginner spells.
"So you can read sybil."
"Yes."
"Can you cast a spell?"
"Would you like me to demonstrate?"
"Please," she watched expectantly.
She was torn between trying to deceive her and poorly doing a simple spell so she would let her go or showing her full strength and explaining everything that was going on in her tower. She decided against deception. Bran had already proven that she was going to be hard pressed to fool anyone that she didn't regularly use magic. And with how brazenly Tiernan and Mauritius were she might be having trouble holding her power, if she thought May could be a strong ally or if not strong a useful force she might be more open to listening. "What would you like to see?"
"Just something simple I merely was to assess the basis of your form."
She nodded and started an old faithful light spell, but instead of summoning one bright orb she made it four that floated in a row between them.
"You are quite practiced."
"Yes, but I know I am nothing compared to you elders. Why do you want me to join the tower?"
"You are not as far off as you think, you should stay here and train seriously. You won't find a more concentrated place of magic than here. I know the ambassador must have not left a good impression, despite that being his job," she muttered "but you should consider it. Sudeland does not have the magic to teach you properly. Since the death of the Lewellyn wizard I doubt there is anyone in the country strong enough to teach you. If you progress in a few years time I might even train you personally."
Her father must have been powerful for the word of his death to have reached even up here, but it felt strange for it to be talked about so distantly, she was there when it happened. "How active are you in the tower?"
"Oh, I oversee everything."
"Everything?"
"Yes, if there is something you are curious about I can tell you."
"How often are you visited by casters from the outside?"
"Not often, and you certainly would be the first in a while to join the towers, but don't worry it would not be without precedent. Before this was the capital of Richosia people came from all over to join."
"Have you never seen a man with a blue sash visit here?"
"Blue sash? No I can't say I have. Are they a friend? If they are as promising as you, they are welcome too."
"No, they aren't a friend. How familiar are you with dark magic?"
"We do not teach that here."
"Are you sure?"
"What are you asking, I will not teach you that."
"I don't ever want to touch something so vile, I have had the displeasure of seeing its effects in Sudeland. I would take a closer look at your subordinates. There is a familiar taint here."
"If you don't wish to study here just say it, but don't disrespect my towers."
"No disrespect was meant, but you should heed my warning. Are you sure these towers are free from corruption?"
"How dare you come here and accuse me. I offered you a place even as a foreigner."
"I do not mean to condemn you but to help you before it is too late."
"I think you should leave." she stood and began escorting May out.
"I am saying this to stop history from repeating itself. You mentioned the Lewellyn wizard, what do you think brought him down? It was dark magic. Dark magic brought by a man with a blue sash that has also come here, please look around before it is too late."
"Now I see you are nothing but a plant sent to turn us on ourselves. Goodbye Lady Anwen, I hope I never see you again."
"All is not right here, you must see that." but the Iron door slammed in her face. She had no choice but to return to Bran. Lingering would only put her at risk of Tiernan. How had she messed up so badly? Now even if they didn't know her true identity they knew what she was and they obviously wanted her for something, the blue sash man said certain people were better for imprints they must want her for that. Not only were that aware of her now, but she had ruined any chance of appealing to the rest of the tower. Dark magic was not an easy subject to broach, she was too hasty.
As she turned the corner out of the tower's sight she nearly sprinted back to Bran. He was still where she left him pacing in front of Tiernan's house. "I thought I was going to have to break into the towers to get you back, why the hell did you go with him?"
"I was stupid."
"Are you ok?"
"Yes, but let's just say lady Anwen can never return." She took Rihannon's reins and started walking, wanting to be as far from that place as possible. "Can you still show me the high court?" she didn't want to be left alone in the dungeon with her thoughts.
"Sure, nobody's going to be chasing after us."
"Probably not."
"Probably? What happened?"
"I'm sorry?"
"It's not your fault."
"It is though, I got … tempted by the library and now they know."
"They know what?"
"That I am magic."
"Well shit."
"I know it was stupid of me."
"What are we going to do? Are they going to go after you, do we need to get you out of the city?"
"They don't know who I actually am, and fortunately the leader of the tower found me before they could do anything."
"How much happened while you were gone?"
"Well I was offered a position in the tower and then kicked out all in a span of a few minutes."
"Normally I would say I'm proud."
"I tried to warn her but she didn't want to hear it. I don't know what we should do. Will they be stopped even if we get proof, and I let them know I exist. I should have just stayed away." She covered her face feeling the shame bear down on her. She had put everything and everyone in jeopardy now. Bran wrapped his arms around her.
"I told you so."
"Thanks, I feel so much better."
"We all screw up sometimes."
"Yeah but how many put you on the path of a murderous wizard," she leaned into him.
"More than you think, how do you think I became a dog," he sighed "But it will be ok."
"He saw you too before we left." She had been blinded by greed, now Bran was at risk too.
"Eh, didn't I just say we've known about each other for a long time," he stroked her cheek "this is just a setback, we will both be fine."
She was lucky even if Tiernan had found out she was a caster he hadn't learned her identity was fake. An uncomfortable situation understandably had her persona running back to Sudeland. It scared her but she still watched the tower in the mornings. She never ventured closer than the alley. She hoped the high elder had taken something from her warning, but nothing changed in the towers' routines. Tiernan's movements did. Reah said He came to every party he was invited to and some he wasn't. At every one he asked about lady Anwen. He didn't restrict his social outings. She and Bran both saw him leave at all times in the morning. Bran followed him once. He went to the high district and asked at every inn for her. She could see his frustration that he had slipped through his fingers. Even so the next time she saw Tiernan talking with the blue man he was excited.
"How long ago did she leave?" asked the blue man.
"Not but days ago. You can catch up right. It is perfect isn't it. Accidents happen on the road all the time. I would go myself but," said Tiernan.
"This will put you back on schedule?"
"Yes, you will have what you want soon."
"Very well I shall leave at once," the blue man left.
At least he would be out of town for a while. It frightened her that once again one with a blue sash was hunting her, but she wouldn't be caught this time. She was lucky. Lucky in so many ways. Lucky, the high elder found her. Lucky, Bran stopped her from going to the party. Lucky that Reah's false identity was immaculate. She hoped he would spend a long time on his wild goose chase hunting down a nonexistent noble. Maybe he would even be hurt while searching. Accidents really did happen out on the road. She doubted anything would harm the blue man. Tiernan revered him as someone much stronger than him and he was already strong. All she could hope was that it would keep the blue man away for a while. It would be good that he would be gone for the break in. That date was rapidly approaching. She left her steakout spot not long after those she watched left. There were still that needed to be done before that night.
She didn't know how to ask him, but she knew she needed Rhys's help. She knew it would not be the most quiet heist. There were too many variables for nothing to go wrong and the vast majority of her solutions would not be subtle. Even with Tiernan for sure out of the way other attention might be drawn, but a captain of the guard could keep them out of trouble. She waited running over her pitch in her mind while she helped Albin. She hopped up as Rhys walked in.
"Thank goodness you are here," he said, "I looked into the people missing and the reason we haven't heard about them before is they are all part of some sort of criminal organization. I wouldn't think it had anything to do with the towers if it weren't for you. However I am still at a dead end."
"We should be able to get more information. I found out the main wizard is Ambassador Tiernan, a high ranking elder."
"Do you have proof we can charge him with?"
"No, for someone that high up we need irrefutable proof. I tried to talk to the high elder about this but was brushed off. Without hard proof no one will accept the charges."
"How can we get something like that? I have been trying for a long time but he covers his tracks well. I have appealed to my superiors with the proof I have, but nothing has been approved. I don't know what more I can do with what resources I have."
"I do know where he lives … and Some friends and I are planning to break in to find information."
"Break in?"
"Do you have another solution? We can't wait until more people die."
"It would not be easy to break into a house like that. Do you expect it to work?"
"Let's just say my friends already have the right skill set."
"Would these friends happen to be the one that Tiernan imprinted?"
"Yes, that is why they want to help."
"So they were one of those criminals taken that escaped."
She froze.
"Just what kind of friends do you keep?"
"Friends willing to help you stop this injustice."
"I should have known you weren't what you seemed."
"This isn't the time to get high and mighty. We need to stop this and the normal avenues are being exhausted. No one will be hurt by this."
"It sounds like this is going to happen whether I agree or not, so why bother telling me?"
"I need your help captain."
"How can I help? I'm sure your thieves are much better suited to this than me."
"Not as a look out."
"You want me to keep other guards from catching you."
"Yes."
"May I butt in?" said Albin, "Sorry you were being quite loud."
"This is ridiculous isn't it?" said Rhys.
"I don't think it is," said Albin.
"How can you say that; breaking in, stealing?"
"I am not saying this is a normal solution, but he is being protected by powers beyond you knowingly or not. He is not operating by the rules everyone else follows. You have to go bring him back to a place where justice can reach him." said Albin
"The ends don't justify the means." said Rhys
"I agree," said May "That is why dark magic is so bad."
"Who will be hurt by this?" asked Albin.
"Only Tiernan." sais May
"What if something goes wrong? What about the servants, a random passerby?"
"Magic isn't all evil. I have a spell that puts people to sleep and can keep them sleeping for a few hours. Tiernan will know we broke in even if we touch nothing, our only goal is to keep our faces hidden."
"Fine I will keep the night watch away, but that is all. I can't believe I am affiliating with criminals," said Rhys.
"Criminals maybe, but definitely people risking themselves for the good of others," said Albin.
"Thank you," she said, but neglected to say most of those coming were in it for the money. There were those that were there to stop Tiernan too. She was just glad he had agreed to help.
"Only talk to me about this here," said Rhys, "Never speak of this at the garrison."
"Obviously."
"Yes you do know how to keep things hidden."
"Whatever, when I have the details finalized I will leave them with Albin."