Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(20)

Justis lifted the first torch from the wall and dropped it into the water at his feet. It died with a hiss, leaving us in dimmer light. Nodding to two more Black Wings to do the same, torches came down and went out in a sizzle of smoke and fumes.

That left only one light in Rath's cell—mine. It shone golden as I continued my healing efforts. Move away—stand by Justis, I instructed Ardis mentally. Take the evil when he arrives and aims his weapon at me.

Water swished about Ardis' feet as he stood and went to find Justis. I knew Yevil would arrive very soon.

In a few moments, Rath would be healed. My light would dissipate then, but would it be swift enough? Shoving my fears aside, I continued my efforts.

*

Le-Ath Veronis

"An elf and a Larentii stalking a killer? I don't believe this," Lissa dropped her face in her hands. "Why didn't they ask me? I could take care of this in seconds. Neither one has experience in these matters—what do you suppose they intend to do?" Lissa lifted her gaze to Kooper, who'd just gotten word from Lendill Schaff.

"I can't help but think this is going to be the case of the rabbit stalking a wolf. Not that they don't have power—we know better. They've never handled anything like this in their lives. Kaldill has an army of trained elves to fight his battles."

"You could go," Lissa suggested.

"Lendill offered my services. Kaldill refused."

"And it just gets better," Lissa muttered. "Keep me posted. I want to know how this turns out."

*

Vhrist

Light reflected off rising water and flickered against stone walls—the fools still had torches burning. Yevil grinned at the thought. They'd be easy targets for his weapon. Motioning for the guards who strode ahead of him to step back, he took the lead, his weapon poised to fire.

*

Only Quin's light remains inside the cell, brother, Daragar sent to Kaldill.

Agreed, Kaldill responded. I have a plan, since this filth will aim at the one he sees first.

Ah, Daragar smiled as the mental image came to him. An elf should never be underestimated, or so Nefrigar says, he added.

The Chief Archivist is well known and highly respected by my people, Kaldill said. Now—it is time.

*

Quin

Rath moaned—the first sign that he still lived. I worried that he and I would both die, however—Yevil was poised to walk into view and Rath still needed help. Strange, that it took only moments for Yevil to make his way through the maze to find us.

Of course, Justis and his Black Wings had to fight their way to Rath's cell, rather than striding swiftly in that direction. Healing, in my experience, could not be rushed if I wanted the patient to survive.

Yevil's voice sounded and I jerked my head up to see the weapon pointed at me. He laughed, too, while he aimed it at my head. "The mute girl grew wings. That's too bad. You're dead."

The weapon fired.





Chapter 5

Vhrist

Quin

I may never see again what I witnessed that night, while Rath woke after his wound was healed.

Yevil, as if he'd been surrounded by the glass of Avii Castle, screamed as the blast of light emitted by his weapon bounced like lightning inside the sphere about him, before striking his right leg below the knee and severing it.

His screams erupted louder and higher past that point as three guards dared to rush Justis, Ardis and four black-winged guards.

Yevil's men died quickly while Yevil dropped to the bottom of his sphere, weeping from the pain and loss of a limb.

"I must admit, I didn't see that coming," Kaldill muttered as he appeared and stepped around Yevil's transparent prison. Daragar lifted an interested eyebrow at Yevil's plight before moving around him and following Kaldill.

"I think we should take that filth with us," I jerked my head toward Yevil, whose howls could still be heard.

"If you wish it," Kaldill shrugged. "I believe your theory could be tested if we carried him back. Is this what you wish, Cheah-mul?"

"Yes," I shrugged, although the unusual language he employed at the end evaded my interpretation skills.

"Then it shall be thus."

"I will take him," Daragar offered. "I'll leave the others to you." He nodded to Kaldill.

"Very good. Remember to add air in his sphere—with the way he's howling, he'll run out quickly."

"The weapon managed to cauterize the wound, so he needs little care," Daragar leaned down and examined Yevil in a clinical fashion.

"Guards are coming," Justis pointed out.

"Then we should leave," Kaldill replied. In a burst of brightness, we were inside Amlis' suite in Lironis. Amlis, shocked beyond comprehension, shouted when we arrived. Rodrik slipped on the stone floor, rushing to defend the Prince. He landed on his knees, finding himself face-to-face with Yevil's sphere, his nose pressed against the solid transparency.

It was then I noticed that Daragar had left Yevil's severed leg behind in Vhrist—as food for the rats.

*

Le-Ath Veronis

"Kaldill said he was only attempting to protect all involved. It merely happened that the weapon fired and severed the murderer's leg while he was shielded."

"Where's the leg now?" Lissa asked Kooper.