CITY OF BRIDGES

17

White Cliffs

For the last few hours Evlin sensed her prey getting closer and quivered with anticipation of the kill. In company with a couple of her guild members, she had scoured the North Road between Delta and Qelay to no avail. She was furious at her leader for not listening to her when she realised the enemy had taken an alternative path.

Looking down at the main street from the tower of a Death Temple, Evlin couldn’t keep the smugness from her voice. “Finally, the enemy has arrived. As I’ve been saying.” She studied the half-rrell below to formulate the best method of attack.

Her companion nodded. “I’ll go and inform Gorrud. Stay here and keep watch. Inform us of any movements they make.” He stood up, stretching briefly before striding to the door. “And don’t remove the helmet, or all Gorrud’s plans will be lost.”

“You don’t give me orders. Unlike you and Gorrud, I’m not an imbecile.” Her breath misted the window slightly as she spoke. “Don’t presume to treat me as such. Gorrud’s plan is too complicated. If he’d listened to me, we’d be back in Delta by now, revelling in the master’s pleasure.”

“You forget to whom you speak!” Tunif spluttered.

“Your rank means as much to me as the lives of those down there. I don’t forget whom I address, I simply do not care. Go and lick the boots of Gorrud, it’s what you excel at.” She continued to watch the travellers as they headed towards the large building built into the nearby hill.

Tunif stopped at the threshold when she spoke. At her last words, he silently pulled his dagger from its sheath and turned to her, his face contorted with anger.

Evlin continued to watch the travellers as they headed towards the large building built into the nearby hill. “And put that pig-sticker away, cretin. You never managed to hold your temper. How did you ever make it this far in the guild? Do not forget, it was I who discovered the enemy. It is I who has our master’s backing in this.” She had not taken her gaze from the window, and the street beyond.

The enraged man stopped mid-stride, his mouth hanging open.

“Do you honestly think you’re a match for me?” Evlin continued snidely. “Even from behind?”

“There’s a fault in your helmet. You can read my thoughts.”

“You truly are an cretin.” Her chuckle was ominous. “Remember, we trained together; I know you for the snivelling coward you are. Runaway now before I get annoyed.”

“There’ll be a time when I’ll make you pay for those words.” The only reply he received was her soft whistling. Tunif whirled, slamming the door behind him.

Even with her recent success, Evlin was still a junior member. It didn’t take a genius to realise Gorrud’s plans were far too elaborate. Simple plans are best. She didn’t trust powershapers or illios. Unless they were dead. I only trust the dead.

Promotion wouldn’t be far off. Her first priority was the book, then the enemy and, Evlin allowed herself a brief smile, she would take care of Tunif once and for all. Out here, so far away from Delta, anything was possible in this line of work. No one would be the wiser, and promotion would be all the swifter.

*

Styx guided the pair through the wide streets of Qelay to White Cliffs. It was an unusual building, built largely into a hill. He explained to them the area was riddled with underground caverns.

“But why’s it so popular with rollos?” Leonie asked.

Consider it as a resort for us. There are powerful forces at work here. There are areas inside the cavern system, which to some degree, have been modified to resemble our own world environment. I would advise you not to enter those areas; you will more than likely be squashed flat. He reminded her gravity was much stronger on his world. There are also some sulphur springs, which give off a gas similar to home. This may also prove harmful.

“What a charming place.”

Styx led them to a strongroom on a lower level. This is where the Seer’s Codex will be safest. As you can see, the security is ample.

“I’ve not seen a place that couldn’t be broken into yet, given enough time or motive.” Leonie looked critically at the safe.

“You’ve done all you needed to do, Leonie,” Feiron said. “It’s time to let go of this burden.”

Reluctantly, Leonie left the book behind, but not before she witnessed it locked in the safe. They were soon taken to their adjoining suites in the west wing. The rooms were spacious and far better furnished than anything Leonie had seen before. Remarkably detailed tapestries adorned the walls. It was then that she noticed the lack of windows, realising they were completely within the hill. The maid, doing her best not to gag at the rank aroma, kept her distance and hastily ushered Leonie through her suite into the bathroom. The rooms were full of scented candles. It became clear they had anticipated this ‘urgent’ requirement. She looked accusingly at Styx, who chose that moment to roll out to the hallway. Did he scamper behind the door? She wondered.

Hroltahgs do not scamper. His parting thought made her chuckle.

“I still reckon they should set guards or something,” Leonie said to Feiron when he visited later. She was squirming in a new outfit of clothes after pampering herself for an hour, luxuriating in the steaming, scented water. Three times, she called the maids to replenish the hot water.

The illios chuckled. “You? Wanting guards? Unbelievable. Need I point out we are surrounded by over a dozen hroltahgs. Do you honestly think anyone with criminal intent on their mind would be able to get close enough to be a threat?”

“If you put it like that, I suppose not. I must be tired.”

“I confess all this has depleted my reserves also,” Feiron sighed. “I cannot hold a shape, feeble as they may be, for more than a few minutes before losing consistency. We should both have a good, long rest. The book is now safe and in the care of those who can deal with it. Oh, and on the subject of a dozen or so telepaths around the place, I’d keep those paws in your own pockets if I were you.”

She feigned shock. “I’m surprised you’d think I’d do such a thing.”

“I’m merely suggesting you curb your excessive curiosity.” He turned to the door, but stopped halfway. “Something I’ve been meaning to ask though, what’s it like, Styx talking I mean?”

“It’s weird; a sound right inside my head.” She grasped for words. “I see images, as if I was there. It’s amazing, though I suppose it’s normal for those with psionic abilities.”

“As much as being able to see in the dark is for you, or shapechanging for me I’d imagine.” He still sounded disappointed in not being able to communicate directly. “We all have our own talents and use them to do whatever needs doing.”

“Look at it this way,” Leonie offered. “He detects your voice, but not your thoughts. All your secrets will be safe from prying minds. If a rollo can’t read it, then who? A benefit, to my way of thinking.”

“I hadn’t thought of it like that.” Feiron cheered up. “I’m pleased you have such a suspicious way of thinking.”

“Thanks… I think.”

*

After a healer checked her for physical wounds, Leonie and Feiron were ushered to an expansive dining room for breakfast. Several human guests were chatting amiably at another table on the other side of the room. They didn’t bat an eye at either of them.

“What happens with the codex now?” Leonie asked.

I have gone through the tome in its entirety. A number of the elders are also interested in its contents. They will no doubt have a forum on the matter in Reenat.

“Can you tell us any more about it?” Once again, Leonie kept Feiron updated on the conversation.

I would prefer to seek confirmation before I reveal anything. There appears to be information that may correlate with other tomes in our possession. I do not want you to be misinformed, besides, I am sure you can work some things out for yourself, if you think about it deeply enough.

“We understand.” Leonie tried to hide her disappointment. “Don’t forget, though.”

We do not forget, but you have my word. I will let you know any new developments. He assured her before he left.

*

Feiron decided to attend the city library, having heard it contained a very good selection of contemporary works. The library in Delta was subjected to rigorous censorship; he was keen to find any information on wyverns.

Leonie considered how to occupy herself, when another rollo appeared at her door.

I am here at the request of Styx. I understand you have had some trauma. The brain, or mind, is very much like a muscle in its peculiar way. If not exercised, it can become weak, vulnerable and liable to attrition.

“And what will this training do for me?”

Make you more aware of telepathic contact. Enable you to protect yourself to some extent, but it will take some time.

The next few days became routine; after breakfast, Feiron headed off to the library and Leonie underwent her mind-training. It took a toll, requiring her to take regular afternoon naps. Afterwards, the few remaining hours before dinner, Leonie explored much of the fascinating building. And, being Styx’s guest, refrained from ‘picking up’ anything in her travels. Apart from the cave system, every corner of White Cliffs had soon been investigated.

Something was wrong.

Leonie looked around the dark room from her bed, moving as little as possible. Experience taught her to rely on instinct, and with the powerful enemies she managed to accumulate, she wasn’t about to ignore it now.

Certain nothing was amiss here, she eased out from under the covers and crossed the floor. Padding silently along the deserted passage, she checked on Feiron sleeping in a large, ornate bowl in the room next to hers. Vague patterns of pastel blue and green shades swirled beneath his translucent grey skin.

The feeling of unease remained. Leonie’s next thought was the codex. Trying to console herself with Feiron’s words about how safe everything would be with the hroltahgs presence, she still succumbed to her nagging doubts. She had to act on her instincts before she’d be able to consider going back to sleep.

She tapped his bowl to wake him. “Feiron.” The bowl gave off a musical ringing sound.

“Leonie?” he responded sluggishly. “What’s up?”

“Something doesn’t feel right. I’m going to check on the book. Want to come along?”

“Why are we still talking?” He flowed out of the bowl and coalesced beside her on the floor.

Within moments, they were in the corridor and moving swiftly to the lower level. Access to the manager’s office was easy enough. She always had her belt-pouch with her containing the everyday items no decent thief would be caught without.

Or preferably not caught at all.

“Damn it.”

“What is it?” Feiron asked from behind her.

“Styx’s talking to me.” Selecting the appropriate implement, she set to work.

I sensed your unease, but perceive no threat or intruder. I am curious as to what distresses you so.

“Just a bad feeling,” she muttered, continuing her work. “A gut feeling. Nothing to do with the mind.” The lock mechanism made a faint click. Satisfied, Leonie moved silently through the now unlocked office door, Feiron on her heels. Sparsely furnished, they went straight to a tapestry behind the large solitary desk covering the vault’s entrance.

She pulled the tapestry aside to study the vault closely. “The door isn’t guarded magically.”

“Would there be any point, with all these telepaths about?”

“You keep saying that, yet I’m here. And I’m still uneasy.” The main feature of the vault was an elaborate key and dial lock. She’d encountered one a few months ago and, though difficult, it hadn’t stopped her then. This one should prove no hindrance either.

“At last,” she whispered, cracking her knuckles. “I can finally do something.”

There is no need. I have summoned the manager. It is protocol.

Leonie clamped her mouth shut, cutting off a snarl. She turned quickly at the sound of sandals scuffing on carpet coming from the passageway.

“All right, miss. I’ll open it, if you don’t mind.” The manager’s gruff-voice came from the doorway. In his night-robe, the manager entered holding a flickering candle in his chubby hand. He didn’t seem surprised at their presence; more annoyed.

Leonie put on a smile to hide her disappointment and moved aside; but not too far.

The manager stomped to the vault. He manipulated the dial, blocking their view with his bulk. With a swift turn of the key and a jerk, the heavy door swung open. A search among the pile of papers, scrolls and other registration books proved fruitless.

“Damn.” Leonie spat.

The book is gone.

He looked at her accusingly, then checked to see if anything else was missing.

“How did this happen without you rollos knowing?” Leonie asked Styx, ignoring the manager’s look.

That truly is a puzzle. We are discussing it presently.

“We?”

Yes, I summoned others the moment things were amiss. The city authorities have also been alerted, but they are busy. There appears to be a fire in town.

Coincidence? Leonie stalked out of the office, looking for anything out of place. The feeling of unease remained, telling her whoever was responsible was still about. She updated Feiron with the conversation.

We have surveyed the minds of some horses and people in the area. Nothing has— Wait. There is movement. Two humans are crossing an alley a block away, moving swiftly. Interesting. Their thoughts are… shielded!

Leonie raced towards the lobby, Feiron at her heels. The front door was closed and locked. “Which side’s this alley?” she asked.

On the south side. He sent her images.

On the first floor landing she spied an open window. She bounded up the stairs two at a time. “This will be faster.”

The protectors are closing in on the culprits as we speak.

Leonie glanced outside the window. Several uniformed men ran down a lane below. There was a smoky glow above the rooftops in the distance to the west. Fire raged a few blocks away; billowing grey clouds masked the starlight. The wind was blowing the smoke towards them.

She slumped against the sill as unbidden memories surfaced, of smoke and embers—

“Are you okay, Leonie?” Concern tinged Feiron’s voice.

She looked at him briefly before her eyes focused. “Yeah. I’m fine.” Before he said anything else, she turned, dropped to the road and ran off.

The two men are fighting the protectors, Styx informed her.

Feiron stretched out of the window until he touched the ground, sliding down the wall and followed. He changed form into Hectr immediately and followed Leonie.

They heard the ringing of metal on metal. Leonie dropped to all four paws to increase her pace. Soon she came upon three protectors surrounding the two thieves. As she approached, a protector watched her warily. Hectr joined them a moment later.

“Who would you two be?” a protector asked.

“Friends of the rollos.” Leonie’s manner was abrupt. She wasn’t comfortable with guards, good or bad.

“Ah,” he nodded. “It said you’d be here.”

“That ‘It’ has a name.” She pointed to the two prisoners. “Have you searched them yet?”

“Just about to, miss,” the protector replied. He turned back to the thieves. “Okay, you two. The fun’s over.”

More protectors appeared at the other end of the alley and made their way towards the group. With a curse, two swords clattered to the flagstones. Three protectors moved in quickly, restraining the thieves while another kicked the swords away.

“Where’s the book?” Leonie asked harshly. They ignored her.

“If it’s alright with you, we’ll manage this,” one of the protectors said brusquely.

Leonie stepped back with a growl, clenching and unclenching her claws. She had dragged the damn book all this way; she wasn’t going to lose it now.

At sword point, the pair of thieves removed their cowls, revealing their faces and shaved heads. A quick but efficient search was made of the thieves. “They got nothin’,” a protector called out.

“You’re sure they took something?” The first protector questioned Leonie and Hectr?

“The rollos seem to think so. You reckon they’re lying,” she snapped.

The protector’s head tilted slightly to the side, as if trying to hear a distant sound. The faint smile forming on his lips faded. “I guess not, miss. Maybe these two dropped it along the way.” He looked back down the lane.

Leonie knew she’d have seen it. Compared to Delta’s, these streets were clean. A reminiscent odour tweaked her nostrils as Hectr stepped closer to her.

“Do your people normally shave their eyebrows?” he asked softly. “If you recall, I too have difficulty with hair.”

“Illios? That’d explain why the rollos couldn’t read their thoughts.” She raised her voice. “These two are shapeshifters.”

A number of protectors moved back, wary. “What d’you mean?” one asked.

“How do you know?” the first protector asked.

“They have no body hair,” Feiron answered.

Suddenly the two thieves shrank. A protector stepped in and wrapped his arms tightly around one of them, to no avail. Both thieves liquefied. Too late it was realised they were standing near a grill leading to the city drains. Three swords pierced their bodies with little effect. Within moments the two illios had gone.

“We’ve been tricked,” Leonie realised.

“How so?” the lead protector asked.

“If they took the book, it’d be lying on top of that grill.”

“I’ll follow them,” Feiron stated.

“You’ll do no such thing.” She looked at Hectr. “They were only decoys. Let’s get back. Something isn’t right here.”

* * *