The Severaine

Chapter Six The Cursed Metal-2

“If there is one thing I know to be true, it is that Night has his reasons, even if he cares not to share them,” Elly answered. She placed her cup down. Marise did, however, have a valid concern. She had not expected this to occur. Since Night had obtained the final Grimoire, and his stolen powers had been returned, there had been an unmistakable shift. Something even she had not anticipated. Something within that tome had caused him to distance himself from them. She was not foolish enough to believe it was his reclaimed stature, after all, Night had saved Elly mere centuries following his ascension into immortality. Their relationship had never faltered to this day, a long time by anyone's standards. No, there was something more to this, and as she assessed every possible option, she had devised a number of concerning theories. None of which she cared to air just yet. “But Blackwood will be pleased to see you again.” Elly smiled, wrapping her arm around Marise's shoulder and giving her a tight squeeze.

“Is there any way we can delay just a little longer?” Marise questioned. This would be the first time, since his failed attempt at blackmailing Zo back into his service, that their paths would cross. The man made Marise's hackles rise. He lived thanks only to the courtesy extended to him by both Night and Elly, and even now she failed to understand his purpose. Worse still, he viewed her as an acquisition, a physical representation of power, the only thing he loved more than himself. His displays of affection repulsed her. Elly had advised her to view it as training, after all, through him she learnt great restraint.

“I suppose we could always pay a visit to our favourite innkeeper,” Elly mused. Marise's eyes sparkled, it had been many years since they had last spent a night together in that inn. It reminded her of their old adventures. But it also brought another recollection to mind, one of an unfulfilled vow.

The bell above the door tolled to mark their passing into his establishment. Rising to his feet the innkeeper smiled, his arms outstretched in a welcoming greeting. His vision fixed behind them, sweat tracing his spine when the two figures remained alone. It took every effort to retain his smile.

“Just the two of you today?” His voice seemed more strangled than normal, its merry tones a little more forced. As his gaze wandered to Marise he felt the collar of his bright shirt begin to tighten. The woman before him showed no trace of the fragile uncertain figure Elly had brought here last time. Given his recent actions he knew this could bode badly for him indeed. He cleared his throat, feeling the pressure of their stares as the few seconds which had passed felt like an age of silence.

“Thankfully. It has been this way for some time now.” Elly saw a flicker of concern flash across the innkeeper's features. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion as she saw his hand twitch.

“Warm weather today, huh?” He raised his hand, pulling his collar as if to emphasise the point, and the top button broke free, finding itself beneath Elly's boot as it attempted a dash to freedom. She picked it up, her eyes never leaving his as she placed it on the counter. “Normal room, is it?” He leaned on the desk attempting to seem casual, an act drawing more suspicion than relief.

“Yes.” Elly's vision traced down his arm to the messy paperwork on the desk. The air grew tense. “The key?” she prompted placing payment on the desk eager to have their business concluded.

“It's gone. I'm so sorry!” He dropped to his knees, his head making a resounding crack as it came into contact with the desk on the way down. To his credit he remained still, bowing before her as sweat dotted the floor below his head.

“What do you mean gone?” she questioned slowly. His answer seemed obstructed by his position. She stepped around the counter, helping herself to the room key from the small wooden cabinet. “Now get up, and tell me what you've done.”

“Oh, I must have overlooked…” He shook his head in time with Elly, realising his reaction had betrayed him. “They took it,” he admitted. “I tried to stop them, they were just too…” He trailed off again, better to leave the rest unsaid.

“Who?”

“Those people you were here with last time.” Elly studied him suspiciously, but as she turned to Marise she couldn't suppress the smile.

“What?” he questioned, curious about this reaction to his failing. She had left this item with him to safeguard.

“It appears our friends are further along with their quest than I expected. They must have had help.”

“Amelia,” Marise snarled bitterly. The reason that woman still drew breath was because Marise knew she would be powerless in her presence, with or without Zoella to hinder her.

“Amongst others, I know of only one reference—”

“You mean it's worthless?” the innkeeper questioned, mopping his glistening brow.

“Oh, quite the contrary. Its value is beyond measure.” She picked up the payment from the desk, his eyes followed it as she tucked it back within her pocket. “I think we have already paid for the night.” She stated firmly.

“But my giving it to them helped you.”

“Not as much as if you had kept it as we agreed. Be grateful, I could issue a heftier fine for your actions.”

“Lee?” Marise questioned with a smile.

“Yes, it seems we will have distractions other than just Blackwood's antics to be mindful of.” She cast her vision towards the innkeeper one last time. “Luckily for you, I kept a replica.”

* * *

Acha took a seat on one of the benches, resting her legs. They had walked without reprieve and still there had been no sign of the girl's family. As much as she hated to admit it, things were looking grim. Acha, seeing the child looking to her in concern, found a smile. They had decided against breakfast, and instead had taken a horse and cart to the eastern side of the castle where those skilled in agriculture and livestock could be found. It had been Eiji's idea. He had reasoned that given the location the girl was recovered her parents would be amongst the few farmers who remained, thus they would be assigned accordingly. The expanse of fields and crops were unbelievable. The scale alone defied expectation, orchards, vineyards, vegetables, and animals, each segregated in miles of land. They had spoken with the supervisor of this area, but he knew nothing of those who worked there except for their end of day tally. They had walked as much as possible, seeing their strife a young man had suggested instead of trying to find them they should head to a communal hall. It was almost dinner time, and the labourers each had an hour break staggered over the course of three. So should they wait at the eatery, eventually all, except for nobles and royalty who dined elsewhere, would come to pass.

Finding the correct eatery, however, would be another matter. Each trade had their own, and they were but guessing at the work the young girl's family would have been assigned. The castle was enormous, and so many rooms and halls were held in just the walls joining the drum towers and keeps, that their scope was immeasurable.

Eiji moved to sit, freeing the roads for the passage of carts needed to travel between each ward. The horse he had moved to avoid drew to a stop alongside them. The small girl, seeing the fully armoured knight turning to look at her, gave out a shriek, hiding behind the bench Acha had just stood from. Seeing her rise, the girl's hand reached out, grabbing Acha moving to conceal herself from the intimidating figure.

A snort of laughter rang through his helmet, he raised the face guard to look down on them.

“We don't get many of your kind here,” he stated, looking towards Eiji, his eyes narrowed in contempt. “I hear you're looking for the Weft-ugees.” He gave a forced laugh at his own joke, unsure why he was alone in his laughter. “Are you here to take some off our hands, the Gods know we've got them to spare. We've got a two for one offer at the moment. You never got that deal there I bet.”

“Do you know where to find them?” Acha questioned, forcing him to release Eiji from his stare.

“Well it's lunch time isn't it. Where'd you think you'd find them. Filling their belly and trying to drum up business from my boys.”

“They weren't all slaves and whores,” Eiji snapped; Acha covered the child's ears as he spoke.

“Well, I bet you'd not have to pay for it. Some of us have to earn the privilege of power.” Acha saw Eiji tense.

“We've taken enough of your time,” she stated curtly. “I am sure you have more important things to do than chat with lowly travellers like us. Perhaps if you can direct us to them, we can be on our way and leave you to your more important duties.”

“There's eight, what you going to do, roll a dice? Your best bet would be the Bailiff main office. If you make it worth their time, they'd send a runner for you to all the 'fugees.”

“And where's that?”

“You registered at the main gate right, where'd you think the paperwork goes? They're based in the small drum tower near the entrance.” He shook his head, his eyes once more falling on Eiji. “Well, I ought be off, some of us have to earn our food.” He gave a click, spurring his horse into motion.

“Back t'the entrance I guess.” Eiji flagged a carriage, helping the girl inside. “Look, I hate t'say it, but if we've not found the girl's folks by the time Daniel's finished…” he trailed off.

“I know. But until then we should do everything we can.” Acha hated the thought of handing the child over to strangers, but they were tasked with far greater things. Daniel's research here could unveil the next fragment of the key, and they both knew they should not have left him to such a task alone.

Acha's stomach dropped as the carriage drew to a halt and she saw Daniel waiting at the agreed location.

* * *

The cloaked figures hurried through the darkness, their steps echoing as their reflections cast upon the surface of the underground reservoir. The figure in front almost dragged the figure behind whose other hand was raised to her head trying to force away the discomfort. She couldn't believe she was doing this.

When the figure had knocked on the door to her rooms, she thought it was another request for audience. The King had known of her ill health, yet his demand on her didn't slacken. If anything, with the refugees from Albeth and the news the king of Castlefort's death being confirmed as Regicide, he was more cautious than ever. But her skills came with a price. She was often glad to pay it, but the burden had become too much. The noise of the city had become too great. It had taken some time to see his intentions, and without a word she had simply left, donning the cloak he had brought to shield her identity from all. Now this final part of the journey was up to her.

No one could hope to enter Albeth castle undetected, leaving, however, was another matter. The King had discovered escape tunnels predating his father's reign. Inaccessible from the outside due to their nature, yet the ancient mechanisms and routes provided a sure means of escape should one be needed. Helen knew the King's thoughts, and thus of these routes.