SWNOVELS Chapter 11: Gency
Chapter 11: Gency
The Search for Vakaroth began with Tegus lying awake all night in his new chambers. He couldn’t sleep. He needed his next move. He needed to know where to head, and then he could relax. Once he had his heading he could feel more at ease. With all the current events that had happened, from Vakaroth turning on everyone, to Ilfirimain passing, to him becoming Grand Master, he hadn’t had chance to take a step back and look upon the world.
He knew he couldn’t do this alone. He knew Kalthion and Norsewind would have a lot to do here with the changes within the University. However, he knew he needed others to help. Then he remembered the nearby town that Ilfirimain had mentioned where his fiancée had died. It seemed a dangerous place, a good place to find someone with courage, or enough stupidity to help him.
Then he watched the dawn as it came up. No one saw it the way Tegus did; the sky glowed a burning yellow, and it gave Tegus hope. This was his sign that things would change.
He grabbed a satchel and in it placed some coins from the side table, a rather large number which he knew he should not flash about where he was going. He placed in some basic food, bread and such, and just before he left, the small lockbox caught his eye.
The lockbox almost drew him into a trance. It must have been a sign of some sort he thought, so he grabbed it and placed it in his pack.
No sooner had he got out the tower than Norsewind was jogging up behind him.
“Lad we need to discuss the Vakaroth situation.” he had caught up by now and in a lower, tone said, “and how you feeling after all that’s gone on?”
Tegus stopped and paused for a moment and replied, “honestly Sir I’m clear headed about this. I still need to get used to the idea of me being Grand Master, but I’m ready to find Vakaroth and bring him down. The right way!”
“Good, but stop calling me Sir. You’re above me now!” Norsewind insisted. “Call me Norse.”
“Will do Sir...Norse,” he corrected himself and Norsewind smiled.
“So where you off too?” Norsewind asked.
“Town,” was all Tegus said.
“Gency?” Norsewind replied shocked. “That’s full of thieves, beggars, and murderers!! Not to mention pirates in the docks and highwaymen near the exits. Few customary folks go there anymore.”
Tegus smiled and said, “I’m not usual folk.”
“True lad, but I’d still be happier if you let me come with you, I’ll be no bother.”
“Sorry Norse, you and I both know having you and Kalthion here serves me best.”
He was the one who placed his hand on Norsewind’s great shoulder this time, “I feel I need to go there, and we both know I can look after myself.”
“Even so, I object to it lad. You haven’t experienced a place like this before, it’s a different kind of evil, one driven by need and poverty rather than want and greed, and folks that take advantage.”
Tegus just smiled.
“See you before long Norse.” he said as he bowed and walked off.
Tegus arrived near Ocelot and the other carriage men shortly after.
“Good to see you Master Tegus. Nice to see you’re not too high and powerful to visit.” Ocelot joked.
“I’ll always visit, Ocelot.” Tegus replied smiling, “However, this isn’t much of a social visit. I need a lift.”
“No worries Sir, where too?”
“Gency.”
Even the immortal Ocelot looked on with a questionable glance.
“I’ve had a lecture from Norsewind, and I don’t need another please.” Tegus saw it in his shiny bronze gaze and stopped him.
“Sorry young Sir, just a shock that’s all.” Ocelot said, “Climb up.”
So Tegus jumped on and the carriage charged forward. As it reached the end of the platform Revolver dropped over the edge and was covered in clouds, and the carriage followed it.
They flew through the veil not seeing anything clearly but feeling the downward force and the speed of the ground below them. They cleared the clouds and levelled out.
“What business you got there?” Ocelot asked.
“I am just intrigued.” Tegus replied. “Looking for something.”
Ocelot laughed, “You always were the curious one Sir. Take care down there. I’ll drop you off at the gate. Just will me to come back if you need me, I’ll stay in the skies in case.”
Tegus had given up protesting with people and smiled.
“Sure Ocelot, thanks.” he said.
They landed by a huge oak tree 100 yards up from the main gate, “I’ll not be too far lad.” Ocelot reminded.
“Thanks Ocelot.” Tegus smiled as he climbed down from next to Ocelot. He still preferred to sit up front.
Tegus walked along the road from behind the tree towards the city gate. The first things Tegus saw were two big brawlers of men both wielding hatchets, which were dyed a bloodied crimson. They wore black leather harnesses, which crossed over their chest and huge belts, which held up their worn trousers. As he approached they both grabbed the hilt of their axes.
“Who are you?” one questioned.
Tegus knew best not to let them know who he was or his stature within the University. “But a humble traveller looking for a drink.” he replied.
The two did not seem very bright.
“Erm ok then I think. You small man, so watch your back” he laughed at the end, and the gate creaked open as the wood twisted.
The streets were paved with cobblestones and the buildings where old and haggard, they leaned as if about to fold in on themselves. There were people all around, all looking dirty or wearing cowls to cover their faces. Their clothes were tattered and torn; pointless to have nice things when you could be killed for it. Tegus stood out a little in his brightly-coloured robes. He knew he must blend in so walked off quickly. As he walked past people, all their heads turned to look at him, each wearing a similar expression of jealousy, hate, and envy. They knew he had money or something of value and Tegus knew they knew. He had to, somehow, blend in, but needed to get out of sight to do something about his clothes.
He walked down another street and on the corner stood just one man with long curly scraggly hair. He was drinking from an unmarked bottle and instantly spotted Tegus. The man walked straight up to him and grabbed his robe.
“I know the truth… hic” the man began mockingly, “I know about them wizards. They use them there pigeons to spy on me, Christoff Jugary!”
Tegus couldn’t help but say, “Why do they want to spy on you?”
“Cos they want me blackberries! Even so, they are mine. I squish them into this bottle and drink them!” The man told Tegus.
“So that’s not alcohol, and you’re not drunk?” Tegus questioned more.
“This isn’t alcohol, but I sure am drunk!” the man laughed at himself and fell down into the gutter.
Tegus saw his opportunity and darted away. He managed to walk round a corner to a side alley only wide enough for one person. He checked behind, and no one had followed.
He closed his eyes and said, “Khae Zar Raikav.”
He opened his eyes and his robes had turned brown. They were still, however, neat and clean. He rubbed his robes and body against the walls to scuff them and make them dirty. He knew his face was too clean still, so walked down the alley a short way. He found a roof leaking into a muddy puddle, dipping his hands in made him feel queasy. He rubbed them on his robes to get the excess off then rubbed his face. He now looked like he belonged here, or had just been thrown into the pig swill.
Little did Tegus know Norsewind had followed him against his will. He knew what kind of place this was so had come prepared already. Norsewind watched from as close as he could get without raising Tegus’ suspicion.
Tegus left the other end of the alley and came out onto a market of sorts. People were selling anything they had. Rats as food. Weapons. Jewellery, probably stolen. He even saw a guy selling his own shoes.
Tegus walked along without the looks and stares. His disguise was working.
He walked across the market and towards another alley. As he got to it he could see that it was dark even though it was daylight. He carried on down driven by curiosity. He didn’t know what he was looking for but felt this alley was where he had to go, it almost drew him in.
He trod carefully not knowing his footing. He walked on getting further into the darkness then suddenly heard a voice yell out.
“Get off me, you, bleeding swine, or I’ll turn you into a stinking...” and after that, his voice was muffled by a hand, and another voice spoke.
“Excuse my intrusion young wizard but this wretched dwarf has been following you.”
There was a black figure stood behind Norsewind holding him and blocking his cries of protest with his arm. Tegus could also clearly see a well sharpened dagger at Norsewind’s throat.
Tegus realised this black figure must have actually been watching over him.
“Why have you been watching me stranger?” Tegus questioned.
“Few people from the University above come here, and almost all are hated down in the city too. However, myself, I’m not one for judging where people are from, plus I had a friend from there.” The figure answered.
Tegus was, even so, undecided.
“Well stranger,” Tegus began as Norsewind struggled with the knife against his neck, “I do believe it implausible that one from, here is, as you say, a friend of one from the University. In addition, the fact you were watching over me seems improbable also. So all I ask is this...what is the friend from the University called?”
Norsewind stopped struggling.
Tegus listened intently as did Norsewind.
“Ilfirimain.” the shadow stated confidently.
Norsewind struggled to be free.
“Nonsense…” he started saying, just as Tegus cast a spell.
“Zoolea!”, he said and Norsewind fell asleep stood up.
The figure now with no hostage stayed in the shadows.
“If that is true, then it would pain you to know of his passing?”
The shadow almost choked on his breath and let his guard down, and half came out of the shadow. Tegus saw he had a hood covering his face but could make out part of the man’s face, and a pointed ear.
The man corrected himself and pulled back into the shadows. Tegus watched intently.
“Then you are Tegus.” the man spoke.
Tegus a little taken back now dropped his guard, “Yes. How do you know that?”
“Grand Master Ilfirimain told me that in his passing, he planned for you to take over the University.” the man spoke clearly. “He also told me you would have a lockbox for me?”
Tegus now believing the stranger said, “I have a lockbox. I have no key, but if you can open it, the contents are yours to choose what to do with.”
Tegus reached inside his bag.
“Not here!” the man insisted, “Let us return to your University and in private. I do not trust the shadows in this city. You already met Christoff. He seems to see everything”
Tegus laughed at that.
“You are the shadow over the city.” Tegus smiled, “At least let me know your name before we make our way to the University.”
The man stepped forward and raised his head and removed his hood for Tegus to see his face. He was slightly older than Tegus, maybe in his mid-twenties, but looked the same age as Tegus due to Tegus’ white beard and hair making Tegus look older.
“I am Razahir, a half-elf, and a shadow over the city. I have been alive the better part of a century in human years, which makes me about 20 in elf years.”
He smiled and winked.
“You’re a half elf? I never met one before.” Tegus was a little amazed by Razahir. “Forgive my reaction. I don’t mean to offend, so you’re a good rogue?” Tegus changed the subject.
Razahir laughed, “No offense taken and being half elf, I have the cunning of a human and the grace of an elf. You will not find a better rogue. As for me being good?” he paused, “I wouldn’t say good, but I’m not exactly evil.” He winked at Tegus.
“Well Razahir pleased to meet you. I am Grandmaster Tegus Bulock.” Tegus smiled back at him and put his hand out to shake Razahir’s.
Razahir looked at him with caution.
“If you trusted Ilfirimain, extend to me the same confidence.” Tegus said reassuringly.
Razahir against his better instincts shook his hand.
“I see this being a long friendship Razahir” he said smiling.
Razahir nodded in agreement.
“Let’s be off Tegus, don’t forget your dwarf.” Razahir laughed.
Tegus cast the floating spell under Norsewind, and they headed off out of the other end of the alley so as not to be seen. There was no one in the next street that was paying attention. They all had their backs facing the other way.
“Ocelot come get us!” Tegus thought out loud.
Ocelot high above heard the call of Tegus and suddenly appeared among the trees and swooped down and landed in-front of them.
“Time to be off Sir, that was a quick visit. I’m glad,”
Tegus smiled as Norsewind floated into the back.
“Be off with you, damned thief!” Ocelot cried in a geared grind as Razahir went to climb into the back.
“Ocelot no! He’s with me” Tegus assured him.
“Oh, my apologies Sir, and welcome aboard erm...” he paused for the man to give his name.
“My name is not important to someone I have no intention of knowing.” Razahir stated.
“It’s Razahir” Tegus said bluntly, “and he’s my guest.”
Razahir sighed.
“I like to be kept in the shadows Tegus, I have many an enemy.” Razahir explained.
“Sorry Razahir.” Tegus said, “Ocelot is one person you can trust along with me.”