Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(17)

*

Vhrist

The drawings Tamblin held this time defied explanation. Along with the drawings came descriptions of loud noises accompanying the contraptions. Who knew what they could be, and this, so shortly after their conversation with Rath in the dungeons?

"We will have the execution tomorrow," Tamblin nodded to Yevil. "In public. Then we will send his head to Lironis—to my wife. If she's there, as Rath claims, then it's only right that they should see one another," Tamblin laughed.

"Tell the bitch to bow to you or she'll be next," Yevil's voice was sly.

"Sounds reasonable enough, only include Amlis in that charge. Place extra guards around Rath's cage, too."

"I'll see it done, my King."

*

Lironis

Quin

"If you tire, let me know. I'll have Ardis carry you," Justis said. "Regardless, before we reach Vhrist, I'll have him carry you anyway, to hide your white wings. Black is not easily seen, and we've drilled for this many times. All we need is your locating skills."

"I know," I nodded. "I worry that he may be moved, in case any of his men make a rescue attempt."

"They'd be better off fighting Tamblin's troops," Justis huffed.

"They're outnumbered, and the King's troops fear Yevil," I explained. "I fear that he may have more weapons like the one Amlis took to Avii Castle. Sadly, the thing exploded when their ship was attacked by Kondari airchoppers, which also caused the boat to explode. Beatris barely had time to leap from the deck before it was incinerated."

"He had a weapon that exploded?"

"You should ask Amlis about it—he carried it away from Vhrist," I shrugged. "I think it was the one used to kill Elabeth and Camryn."

That admission stopped Justis cold. "What did it look like?" His voice sounded deadly.

"Ask Amlis—he and Rodrik held it," I said.

"Come," he snapped. I followed him out of our suite.

*

"It looked something like this," Amlis hastily drew a sketch with pen and ink upon a scrap of parchment.

"That cannot be. Nothing like that should be in Fyris," Justis breathed.

"It made a hole in Brin's chest," Rodrik indicated the size of his fist. "Yevil killed him with the infernal device after Brin stabbed Timblor."

"You know what it is," I gazed at Justis, who looked grim.

"These are supposed to be hidden in Jurris' private treasury," Justis claimed, studying the sketch again.

"What is it, then?" Amlis, asked.

"An ancient weapon," Justis muttered. "A dangerous one. How did such as this come to Fyris?"

"I believe that may be determined by Yevil's parentage," I said. "I know Tamblin allows him sway in most things, and I wonder at that. I also wonder what Yevil's back looks like when he removes his shirt."

"What are you saying?" Rodrik asked.

"I've never seen Yevil without a shirt," Amlis admitted. "Even when sparring with swords."

"A half-blood?" Justis lifted an eyebrow.

"Perhaps. I feel too much of a connection between him and another that I know of."

"We are in deep trouble," Gurnil sighed.

*

Kondar

"Dorthil, this is useless. We need collaboration, not civil war," Edden said. He'd placed a vid-call to Dorthil, who was currently a guest of Sector Two's President and his advisors. Edden didn't point out that Sector Two was experiencing upheaval regarding heavy-handed legislation churned out by the current President and his staff; that would ensure Dorthil's continued fomentation of civil war.

"Fourth Sector is with us," Dorthil snapped. "You merely wish to save your skin. I should have disposed of you when I had the chance."

"You realize those words are treasonous?" Melis Norwal's face appeared behind Edden's shoulder. "Sector Two has not yet declared its secession from Kondar. From where do you expect to import grain? Sector Two holds a shoreline and its chief exports are fish, shellfish and vid components. Stop this foolishness now and help us find a cure for this poison. Sector Two's fish are already contaminated with it."

"Your policies have angered the gods," Dorthil thundered. "It will not take long before Sectors One and Three follow Two and Four. They will rally to my call and that will leave you on the island that is Sector Five."

"I spoke with both One and Three before calling you. They advised me to mobilize troops to Sector Two and haul you into custody. Shall I follow their advice?" Edden asked.

Dorthil cursed before offering a reply. "I will prevail. I have a powerful ally," he stated.

"What powerful ally? The Yokaru think you're a joke."

"He calls himself a wizard," Dorthil hissed. "He can kill you with a thought."

"What thought is that?" Melis asked calmly. "Who is this man—this wizard?"

"His name is Marid, and he is from Yokaru. You should fear that name." Dorthil terminated the communication.

*

"They have no wizards—and no Yokaru citizens have such a name," Edden discussed an earlier conversation with the Yokarun Emperor over dinner. "They have no dealings with Dorthil—there are no records of his leaving and no records of anyone arriving here to visit him. I have no idea if this is merely lies and posturing on Dorthil's part, or whether someone who identified himself as Marid from Yokaru actually approached him."