Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(19)
You could attempt to speak to me, mind to mind, I added. He hadn't tried before, but the Orb had spoken to him—not Jurris.
What? Immediately inserted itself into my brain.
You have mindspeech, I said. I heard you easily.
Several curse words lodged inside my head, few of them aimed at me. I was grateful.
When Justis took the lead after I explained how to get to the sailor's lockup in a mental conversation, we wheeled far to the west and came in low over the water, instead of risking flight past the palace guards. Justis and his Black Wings flew silently as we made our way into Vhrist.
*
Three of the five weapons Yevil still possessed wouldn't fire.
Two, though—he smiled at the deep holes he'd made in the castle's outside walls. These two operated more silently than the other he'd used. Who knew where it was now? Yevil didn't care, as long as he had weapons that would work.
"My Lord, we suspect an escape attempt—a guard reported a shadow between him and the moonlight overhead," one of Yevil's guards reported breathlessly. He'd run all the way from the docks to deliver his message.
"Get horses," Yevil snapped. "I look forward to killing another winged devil."
*
Quin
I was terrified. Yevil was on the way and we had just gotten past the guards at the entrance. All four lay unconscious after Justis and his Black Wings delivered head blows. More guards stood along corridors barring the way, waiting to attack anyone who might attempt a rescue.
I learned that night how ineffective Tamblin's guards were against the Avii. Justis, Ardis and the others were faster and better trained than any in Fyris. I also discovered that each Black Wing carried two knives that proved deadly to those who chose to come against them.
Still, Yevil was on the way and the weapon he carried didn't require hand-to-hand combat. My breaths trembling in my chest when we reached Rath's cell, I informed Justis of what was coming.
*
Lironis
"Is it time?" Kaldill drained a cup of wine. It was Fyrian and substandard, but he disregarded the taste.
"If you like," Daragar shrugged. "What is your intention?"
"Benign, for the moment," Kaldill replied. "That could change if Quin is attacked."
"Then I will allow you to handle this," Daragar inclined his head. "Your reaction is likely to be less destructive than mine, should that happen."
"I applaud the restraint you have shown thus far," Kaldill agreed. "Yes, I will handle this."
*
Vhrist
Quin
After fighting our way through the last six guards, I took the lead and the others followed. Water was halfway to my knees and sloshing noisily against stone walls as I waded through it, terrified that Rath would drown before we reached him.
Rats squeaked and swam or skittered about us, making me grateful that Justis and the others wore tall, black boots to prevent bites. The rats, like every living creature in Fyris, were starving. Me they wouldn't touch—I'd already warned them away from my feet and legs, but Justis and the others had no such talent.
Rath's head bobbed upon swirling waters when we reached his cell. I wanted to cry out—metal bars stood between us and a dying man. Years of saltwater had taken a toll on the metal, however, and when six Black Wings placed their hands upon the bars and pulled, they bounced backward as the metal gave way with a sickening screech.
Ardis almost dropped into the water, but was pulled back by a hand from Justis. Rushing around Justis' bulk, I ran inside the cell and knelt beside Rath, pulling his head up so he wouldn't breathe putrid, salty water.
I had to deliver a warning before I could offer Rath any healing, however. Yevil arrived at the outer gate and was making his way through the sailor's dungeon, a weapon capable of killing any living thing held in his hand. We still had to get out again; Yevil and the weapon he carried would be blocking our path.
*
Wyyld II
Father, I could handle this for you, Lendill sent mindspeech.
I know you still handle special projects for the ASD, but I am not without resources, Kaldill pointed out. See? He sent the mental image. The buffoon has no idea we're following him.
Pap, that's a ranos pistol he has in his hand, Lendill pointed out.
I have shields, Kaldill replied. Quin, on the other hand, does not.
Quin?
I'll bring her soon for introductions.
Not if that weapon hits her. Unless I miss my guess, that one is ancient and has no safety measures.
Then I hope it blows up in this miscreant's face, Kaldill said.
You can't count on that.
I count on few things. Besides, Daragar is with me, and he is eyeing this device with skepticism.
You have the Larentii with you? Pap, what do you have up your sleeve?
My arm—on both sides.
Should I send for Kooper? He can bite the bastard and be done with it.
Tell him to save his venom for a more worthy adversary. This one is mentally unstable; I can feel the warped vibrations from here.
Pap, please be careful, Lendill begged.
I will.
*
Quin
How well can you see in the dark? I asked Justis.
Well enough—better than those from Fyris, he replied.
Then put out the torches, I said. Ardis knelt next to me, holding Rath's head up while I attempted to heal his head wound. Hoping that Yevil couldn't see as well as Justis in the dark, I prayed any shots he fired would fail to find a target.