***
Days passed. I heard nothing. The guards refused to talk to me. I fully expected to die here. It would probably come during the night. Alive, I was a problem, a lose end for the Emperor and the spy masters. Pavantu's words about accidents meant only one thing, and I was torn between resignation and rebellion. If my brother was doomed then I had nothing to live for. Perhaps Ajator was already dead. The Emperor wanted my father to honour his oaths, but the sons of Duke Ardalrion were now a threat. What of Veinara? I sighed as I sat against the wall. The table and chairs had been removed, and all I was left with was a pile of rotting straw for a bed and a bucket for my piss and shit. The small window was a luxury now and showed as night drew in. I scratched at a louse on my unshaven chin, a reminder that this room had been previously occupied, and I wondered if I would leave some for the next occupant.
As it got darker, I dosed off, head on knees. I do not know if I slept for minutes or hours, but by the light of the moon, I guessed it was late. Standing, I went to the bucket to relieve myself, the splash of piss hitting the floor around it and my boots, not that I cared. Damn it all. Perhaps I could quicken the wait. Perhaps I could cut my wrists or somehow hang myself. I half-heartedly looked round in the darkness for a way to accomplish this. What of Veinara? What happened to Ajator? He must have been betrayed. Did this Lord Balegrim hate my father perhaps?
I must have dozed off again for I was awoken by the sound of a key in the cell door. It was attempted in silence but the slightest clink was enough to arouse me. This was it. Here comes the assassin to finish the job. I did not move, half welcoming the cut that would end my pain, hoping it would not hurt much, and be quick. The door opened and three men dressed in black, with black soot on their faces rushed in like shadows in the moonlight. One stayed by the door as the other two jumped on me. I said nothing and just closed my eyes. There was no fight left in me, no will to continue. Self-pity, how I hated it, and yet here it had me in its grip. The men put a foul tasting rag into my mouth, and then tied a gag tight. This was followed by a musty smelling cloth bag over the head. All went pitch black. They tied my hands behind my back.
Instead of finishing me here on the spot, I was lifted roughly to my feet by the arms and dragged from the cell. They did not say a word. I complied and began to walk with them assuming I was to be taken to a more suitable place for the crime, or perhaps Pavantu wanted to torture me in a secret place. We must have passed guards, but nothing was said. Once I thought I heard a man snoring. Pushed up a flight of steps, we finally exited the building into the night via what I presumed was a back entrance. Still without a word passing between us, the men then bundled me onto the back of a cart and I felt a canvas dragged over me. It smelled of tar. I was alone, but heard a voice and the cart began to move. The splintered wood cut and chafed as the cart bounced along the coddled road, so I rolled onto my back and waited.
After some turns and bruising bumps, the cart went onto a wooden road. We must be in the harbour, I realised. Perhaps on a pier. The cart stopped and I could just make out a muffled voice. The canvas was pulled aside and I was then dragged to my feet. There was a sea breeze on my wrists. Was I going to be bled here and thrown to the fish? Someone pushed me and my foot found no solid ground. I began to fall, hearing the sucking water below me. I groaned, but did not fall. The man held my arm and steadied me. Then hands took my legs and I found that I was being guided down some wooden steps, and then placed in a boat. Of course, better to do it out to sea where my body could be weighed down and lost forever.
Soon we were rowing out into the silent night. I guessed there were two oarsmen. They did not say a word. I also suspected a third passenger but could not be sure. They rowed for no more than ten minutes before man handling me into another boat. It rocked and felt smaller and when it set off, I felt but a single rower. Was this my executioner? My heart raced. My short life held no interest which I found odd. Surely there must be something there that I would want to cling onto. The drinking, whores, gambling and fighting? The scorn and ignorance of those around me. Then Ajator and Veinara flashed before my eyes. Of course I had a reason to live. It was my duty to find Ajator if there was any chance that he was alive, and should he not be, then his wife, Veinara must be seen to. She would now be lost and alone without Ajator. It was my duty to aid and comfort her. Did I have a hope of winning her back? Selfish to the end, but it had sparked a flame. Suddenly I did not want to die. Now at the end I wanted to fight and felt frustrated and impotent, but at least I was angry and that was a living emotion, not the apathy I had been dwelling in.
I tugged at the tight ropes holding my hands. Could the boatman see this? The rope was well tied but there was an end I could reach with my fingers. I pulled and twisted. The rope loosened a little, but not enough to get my hands free. I continued working it. Where would Ajator go? Ardalrion was the obvious answer, but there the agents of the Empire would be seeking him. Still, there are places both Ajator and I know of that are hidden. Father would not help him though. The old duke spoke often of loyalty and oaths. His oaths to the Emperor would bind him even to the end of his own son if required. Why did he not take Veinara with him? Perhaps there was no time. Perhaps he thought father would be better able to protect her. Where would Ajator go? The ropes were loosening. It cut and hurt but perhaps I could get a hand free.
All of a sudden there was a bump as the small boat hit what I guessed was a larger boat. A hand reached out and to my surprise turned me and cut the rope. My hands were free. Cautiously I removed the hood. It was still very dark. I untied the gag.
"Where am I?" I said to the hooded figure sitting in the little rowing boat.
The man whose face I could not see simply pointed up and I now realised that we were alongside a vast curved wall of wood and iron. Looking up and along, I saw that we were hidden in the shadows of the War Tempest. The boatman was holding a rope ladder and again pointed his finger. I tentatively took hold of the ladder and began to climb. It was hard work, but soon I came to an open hatch where a naval officer was waiting with a ready hand to help me aboard.
"Welcome aboard the War Tempest, Lord Ardalrion."
I nodded, too confused to question anything.
"Please follow me, my lord."
Both the officer and I had to duck as we went into the bowels of the ship. The only light was from a small lantern the officer held. Soon we came to a ladder which led to another tunnel like corridor which led to what seemed like a dead end, but the officer pushed through what I now saw was a close fitting door into a well lit room. A secret door. I straightened up as best I could and looked around. It was not just any room but a bedroom, and there before me stood High Admiral Lord Villor who bowed as I blinked in the light of the lanterns.
"Barron Villor?"
"Please forgive the secrecy, my lord," said Villor. "We had to make certain there was no question of your being seen taken here."
I now dared to hope that I was not going to die after all. Had I been saved, but why? "You have rescued me?"
"Of course."
"Why?"
Villor seemed a little confused by this question, but finally said, "The Ardalrion fleet is sworn to the House of Ardalrion. You are the son of our duke and lord admiral. There seems to be an assumption that your servants would stand by while our own are put in prison. This is not so."
The relief nearly made my knees buckle. Of course. I was not just any captain, nor lord. I was an Ardalrion. Perhaps the least of them, but still an Ardalrion. Once, long ago, we were kings. Then more questions arose. "What of my father's wishes and the Emperor's"
"Your father has said nothing in regards to yourself. His orders were to continue the war. As for the Emperor, I serve Ardalrion first. Without clear orders in your regards I must fall back on the oaths given to your family. It is my duty to fight for you unless your father tells me otherwise. I think your father knows this. He is in a position of conflicting loyalties."
"So you acted
on what you presume my father wants. This way his loyalty cannot be questioned should the Emperor's spies intercept any communications. I see now why he often spoke so highly of you, High Admiral."
The High Admiral nodded. "I have for days now been trying to secure your release, but my hand was forced when I received word that your life was in imminent danger. It would not have done to use force so a plan was devised to release you in secret. I think your father would have approved as long as there is no proof that it was I and allies who authored your escape."
"Allies?"
"It is complicated, my lord, but you must go now before you are missed. The boatman will tell you more. Return via the escape tunnel and he will take you to your ship and explain along the way."
"My ship? My crew?"
"Yes. They have been reminded of their oaths and are clear on the fact that they are now on a mission for the duchy. They seem very loyal to you."
"What of Ajator now? Will you seek him out?"
"I have commanded the Ardalrion fleet to watch for him. We will do him no harm unless your father orders otherwise, even be it the wish of the Emperor himself. We are loyal to the duchy first."
"That is good to know."
"Your father however has made it clear that should Ajator not present himself to give account of his actions, he will be cast out."
I nodded. My father would be a broken man by now, but he will never be an oath breaker. He, like Ajator, has always been and always will be loyal to the Empire even at the expense of his heir.
Lord Villor then turned to a side desk and took up a small chest which he handed to me. "Gold, my lord. Your father cannot support you now, nor can the Navy openly help your cause."
"I understand," I said taking the chest. "Where do you think Ajator can be found?"
"I do not know. Talk to the boatman. He may be able to shed more light on the matter."
"Thank you, Lord Villor. Your loyalty will not be forgotten."
"Lord Ardalrion," said Villor "I have no doubt that the Young Lord is loyal to the Emperor and that his name will be cleansed in due course, but you I have had the honour of fighting alongside. I admit that when I first saw you, I did not think much of you. Then you warned us of the rebel fleet, you secured a trap for them, and you probably saved this very ship from destruction. My loyalty is not only oath sworn, but earned."
I did not know what to say. To hear such a man as Lord Villor say these words was somehow unreal. It was something I would imagine Ajator hearing, but these words were for me. I felt honoured and yet somehow dishonest. How could Villor say this about a coward, a cripple, a failure? I simply nodded, then turned back to the officer who accompanied me back to the secret hatch. Down below waited the small boat and its hooded boatman. I was keen to find out more about him after Villor's words. This boatman was probably one of the allies he had referred to. As I took my place at the back of the boat, the boatman shoved off and began to pull again.
"Who are you?" I said.
The boatman paused in his duty to pull his hood back.
"Pavantu!" I was shocked to see the very man who had arrested me.
Pavantu smiled and began to pull the oars again. "My lord."
"One minute you place me under arrest and threaten my life, the next you aid me in my escape."
He chuckled, and then said, “Forgive me. I had to place you under arrest. As for the threat, it was only the heat of the moment. You hit hard and I lost my temper. You see? We have more in common than you would like to admit."
I nodded. I had attacked the man after all, and knew well that my temper sometimes prevailed.
After a short silence, Pavantu said, "A pity about Mister Sudlas."
"You knew him?" I was surprised but sudden realisation dawned on me. "He was your man!"
Pavantu smiled ruefully. "He was. He was meant to watch you - not go and be a hero and sacrifice himself. Pity. He was a friend from an old life."
"I'm sorry to hear that. He was a good man"
The spy nodded.
"I’ve mentioned before that I see a big puzzle with many missing pieces, Malspire. They are coming together bit by bit. Have you ever put a puzzle together?” said Pavantu, dismissing his moment of melancholy.
“Of course I have.”
“Then you understand that it is impossible to tell what the final picture will be, but with a little imagination you can dream up all sorts of images, and I have a very good imagination, Malspire. In fact I would say that I have rather run away with this puzzle and dreamt up a bit of a nightmare.”
“Go on.”
“I think your brother may have found himself in the eye of a storm."
"Tell me what you know, Pavantu. Tell me why my brother is accused of treason and I'm locked away. Why?"
"I locked you away because I was ordered to lock you away. Believe it or not, I did not want to, but I had no choice, although I had a good mind to let you rot in there after the beating you gave me." He paused then said, "Let me tell you of the puzzle. I have been watching the rebels for years now. They have grown in power as the Western Fleet has been stripped. I thought it odd that the Empire should commit so many resources to the ragtag beastman invasion and not the threat of rebellion and so I had people look into it. Not Secret Servant people but others from my old life."
"What did you find out?"
"Not much, but the fact that I had taken an interest was like shaking a hornet's nest. There have been agents in Umuron. Not my people but Secret Servants all the same. This was followed by my loyalty being questioned as yours has. I am careful in such things however and never could any man find a way to prove or even find evidence of such. There is none. When this failed, the assassins came. They came to clean me away. I have become a danger to someone."
I suddenly thought of the encounter I had had with the strange man who had put a double-barrelled pistol to my forehead, the first time Sudlas had saved my life.
Pavantu seemed to guess my thoughts and said: "I believe you met one of them. The man you picked a fight with some time ago."
"I remember." I remembered the dead body of the man, crushed and tortured to death. So Pavantu was his target and Pavantu had killed him.
"My man, Mister Crurt had his way with the poor fellow. Crurt is thorough in his work."
So Crurt had vented his anger. In a cruel world, the cruellest rules and Crurt was a cruel man. What did this make his master, Pavantu, and what of Balegrim? Of course High Admiral Villor was not cruel as far as I could tell. My father was not a cruel man and he was a duke, yet what did this mean for the future? Would such men eventually be wiped out?
There was a silence as the Secret Servant looked round to make sure of his heading through the harbour. He then continued, "Ajator came to me to ask about a man called Obein Klarans."
"Yes, I remember Ajator mentioning him, the one spotted in Sulenfir."
"I looked into the man and it seems that he truly is an agent of the enemy. Or he is at best a double agent."
"And at worst?"
"At worst, the puzzle gets ugly. I am not sure, and I do not have proof, but I think your brother uncovered a plot to overthrow the Emperor or at least hurt the Empire."
"I knew it! Ajator is loyal."
"I think there is an enemy in power close to the Emperor who is orchestrating many of the Empire's current difficulties in order to weaken the Emperor. I think your brother knows who this is and confronted the man."
"Who is it?"
"Can you not guess? Who did Ajator attack?"
"Balegrim?" I hissed. The Master of the Secret Servants.
"Yes. Lord Luthis Balegrim. My employer, but also the man whom I suspect has been trying to have me removed for being far too inquisitive. I may be wrong, but if this is the case then your brother has bitten off more than he can chew, Malspire. Balegrim is always by the Emperor's ear. He runs the show in that he is the Emperor's eyes and ears in the world."
"The Emperor must be warned!"
r />
"Of course, but will he listen? Balegrim is one of the thirteen advisors. We need proof before this can be brought before the Emperor."
"Then I must find Ajator. Together we can speak to my father. He will listen to Ajator, and the Emperor will listen to my father."
"Yes, but as you say, you must first find Ajator, and in that regards I can but help you to your ship and turn a blind eye as you sail away. I do not know where he can be found nor even if he is still alive. You however are his twin. If anyone can find him, it is you. You must find him."
I did not like Pavantu, yet here he was helping me to escape. Was this some cunning trick played in order to find Ajator by the Secret Servants? If so, Villor would probably have to have been involved in the planning, yet Villor seemed sincere. It did not matter however. I was now set on a path to hunt for my brother whether or not Pavantu was using me as bait.
"Then I shall seek him out."
"Good," said the Secret Servant, just as we came alongside the Dragonfly. "The agents of Balegrim will not know how you escaped, but should you remain here come sun up, you will be boarded so make haste, Malspire. One more thing..."
"Yes?"
"A fast messenger arrived today carrying a special cargo. You will find it in your cabin."
"Very well," I said, reaching for the climbing net that was waiting for me. Above in the darkness I could just make out Harl and Olvan.
"Good luck, Lord Ardalrion. Remember that you are now outcast from the Imperial and Ardalrion Navy. I will work with Lord Villor to make sure that any record of the taking of the Dragonfly is destroyed, making you a free agent. Villor will speak to his admirals and I will speak to those I trust. You will have allies but be secret in your moves and contact. Be cautious in your actions. Ride the shadows until you have what you seek. Balegrim is a dangerous man and he has the trust of the Emperor."
I nodded and began the climb. After a few steps, I stopped and turned to Pavantu who again was hidden by his hood. "Thank you," I said even though I did not trust the man, but if he was true then he deserved it, for he was risking as much as any in this plan. Pavantu did not answer but instead began the long haul back to land. On reaching the deck level I was helped over the gunwale by Harl after handing over the chest to Mister Olvan. Olvan stood with a grin on his face. I then saw Doctor Eebel, Jodlin, Willan and the rest of my crew, all smiling and seemingly happy to have their captain back. I supressed a smile as I nodded to Mister Olvan who saluted.
"I presume Mister Perti is below."
"As always, sir."
"Welcome back, Captain," said Harl. The others mumbled welcomes in the darkness. I was touched and again had to supress my joy at the sight of them all and the hope it instilled.
"Thank you all," I said. Should I say something else? "What are you all standing about for? We have a course and I want this ship turned about and at sea within the half hour."
"Yes, sir," said Olvan and began delivering orders to get the ship under way.
I then noticed Doctor Eebel nodding his head in the direction of the captain's cabin. Of course, Pavantu had mentioned something about a delivery.
"All senior crew to my cabin in twenty minutes."
With that I went to inspect my new cabin. Willan opened the door for me without a word, and I stepped into the lantern lit room where I came face to face with Veinara.
I was speechless. She stood before me in a blue dress and black coat. She was beautiful in the half shadows of the room, standing there, hands held together, a look of mixed joy and anxiety written on her face.
"Malspire." she said and smiled.
"Veinara… How...?"
"They came for me, Malspire. As soon as the trouble began. Your father was so upset about the news. He stalled them long enough for me to escape. Tell me you know what is going on. Tell me you know where Ajator is."
"I don’t know what is going on, nor where Ajator is. I am sorry. Why did you come here?" I was having trouble believing my own eyes. Less than an hour ago, I was sure I was going to die and would never set eyes upon this woman again, and now here she was standing before me.
She looked crestfallen but continued: "Why? Dear Malspire, don't you remember? You are my knight and I need you again. Ajator was not there. You were the first one I thought of when I could not find him. Now that I have found you, I know we can find him. Will you search?"
"Of course," I said. "We leave within the half hour. We will find Ajator and put things to right again."
She smiled again. I put her in the captain's chair and looked about myself. Someone had managed to find my hat, cutlass and knife which were placed on a side table. The engine juddered and men began to raise the anchor.
"I am sorry, Malspire."
I turned back to her. She looked fragile and vulnerable. "What for? This was not your doing."
"That's not what I meant. I am sorry for being so cruel to you."
I felt the old pain again, but said nothing. I did not want to admit to any of it, but found it hard to speak. Eventually I just nodded and said, "What do you know, Veinara? What did Ajator say?"
"Nothing. They say he attacked Lord Balegrim and then vanished. Before this there was no indication of trouble. Nothing. I had never even heard of this lord before."
"There must be something. Did he mention a man named Klarans? Did he speak of the rebellion at all?"
"No. We spoke of it sometimes but never more than what was written in the papers. I have never heard the name, Klarans. There is one thing however, probably unrelated but it is important all the same."
"Go on."
"I have told no one, but you should know," said Veinara, then hesitated. "The day he vanished, I had been to see a doctor."
"Are you unwell?"
"I am in good health, Malspire," she said with a brave smile and an odd glint in her eye.
She was beautiful now, the strength of character returning to her. I longed to hold her, to stoke her hair and kiss her, but it was a dream. She was now my sister in the eyes of the gods and the wife of my best friend and brother.
"I am pregnant."
***
As the sun rose into a crisp, clear morning sky, the Dragonfly was making good speed through the Quarvor Sea. I stood alone on the castle, the others having the good sense to know when to leave me to my thoughts. I was pleased to have my men about me again. There was Mister Olvan, young but growing by the day. Willan, naive yet cunning, joking yet took his duties seriously. Jodlin, huge, frightening and yet all the while a comfort. Doctor Eebel, a man I was finally growing to respect. Grandon Harl, wise, silent and understanding. All reliable men, men I could trust. Men I had fought beside. Men I was proud to command. Below the pregnant wife of my lost brother slept. I wondered what the future held for us – all of us. I knew one thing for sure and that was that I had to find Ajator. I had to reunite the Ardalrions, and then, together we would bring Balegrim to account.
If only I knew then what I know now. Then, only the gods knew what fate had in store for us, and if I could see them, I would have despaired, for the gods cowered. The distant horizon of time crept inexorably closer, unstoppable, unforgiving, and it was, if mortal eyes could behold it, a black abyss.
###
About the Author
Nikolai Bird is a lead designer for a global web application company. When he is not designing, he is writing. When he is not writing, he is illustrating and has to date illustrated four children’s books. He also spent many years as an artist selling paintings worldwide, but his passion has always been reading and writing. This is his first novel and he hopes very much that you enjoyed it. To find out more about Nikolai and Malspire go to www.malspire.com
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