The Curse of Credesar, Part 1

  ***

  Murakan was a series of sprawling caverns in the mountains, some natural and some carved by human hands over decades and centuries. No sign of the city was visible from the outside, since any manmade markings would have attracted worms. A single main road ran from one end of town to the other. Cheap, run-down houses and businesses stood near the gates, and were more easily accessible to worm attacks, while rich dwellings stood deeper in the caverns where few worms ever managed to reach. The city had evolved over the centuries from a few dozen huts into a huge maze of towers, mansions, stables, and jails. It had a sewer system, banking system, and an endless supply of fresh water from a massive underground lake. In many ways it was a fine city--except that it was shut away oppressively beneath mountain stone. The suicide rate in Murakan was out of control, being the leading cause of death. Controversial laws had been created to punish the families of suicide victims in an effort to guilt people into refraining from killing themselves, with little success.

  As the wagon rolled along the city streets, that dreary oppressiveness bore down on Kelden and his companions. It felt like the mountain's weight was crushing them, and Kelden--who was already in despair--found himself thinking bleak and ugly thoughts. Everything seemed shrouded in a hopeless aura, like a constant reminder that the worms ruled Americk Dreeth and humans were merely intelligent mice forced to creep through tunnels to survive.

  Renstad seemed unaffected by the atmosphere, however, and he took to whistling a happy tune. "Good to be home again," he mumbled.

  Renstad spoke with Rudus, who didn't look happy with the conversation, and then sent him on his way. They left the wagon and bulls at a stable and walked on foot, passing angry and hollow-eyed people. Renstad walked with an aura of superiority and importance, staring people down. Everyone they passed nodded to the city guard captain with fear and respect in their eyes. Two of Renstad's men guided Thayan along between them. The streets were shadowy, containing many areas that Renstad warned they should stay clear of, for it was all too easy to get a knife in the back and lose one's gold pouch in Murakan. The city guard patrolled constantly, but violent crime was rampant, especially in the poor section of town where they were now.

  They came to a pair of stone towers linked by a thick wall, which Renstad proclaimed was Fort Argonduth. They passed through a guarded gate and entered a series of halls and small rooms, some stacked with weapons and armor, some containing bunk beds. Only a handful of soldiers wandered the fort, as the rest were on patrol or guard duty, scattered all over the city. These rugged men eyed the newcomers with grim and suspicious looks intended to intimidate.

  "Yes, I know," said Renstad. "This place is a dump." He was referring to crates and barrels tossed haphazardly in the corners, and other objects scattered about. "We're so busy these days, and so lacking in good soldiers, that we don't have time or resources to get organized. There's plenty of backstabbing thieves to keep us busy all day and night. In fact, this whole city is nothing but a hotbed of cutthroats and purse snatchers. As many as I imprison or hang, more just seem to pop up or move in."

  Renstad led them up a circular staircase into one of the towers and to a room with bunk beds. "You can sleep here tonight," he said. "I have other business to attend to. Tomorrow I'll take you to the oracle."

  "What of my chains?" said Thayan. "I don't care for them." He thrust out his arms for effect. "Get rid of them, would you?"

  Renstad looked into the lad's dark eyes--and quickly looked away. "You need to leave them on. Your own companions think you might be a danger. As a matter of fact, I'd like to put you in a cell for the night. But I'll give you some blankets to make it comfortable."

  Thayan grinned. "My own cozy prison cell. How kind."

  "We must get him to a healer," said Dameon. "We cannot wait. The Blue World sorcery could be poisoning him even as we speak."

  "I agree," said Theodus. "I can feel it growing stronger within him. We need to get him cleansed of it immediately."

  Renstad sighed. "I'm tired, and I have important things to do. But I suppose we can visit the oracle now. A healer can be found in her lair."