The Severaine

Chapter Six The Cursed Metal-3

“I never expected a rescue,” Helen whispered. The noise of the city began to fade as they journeyed deeper. Yet she whispered, her voice still loud in her pounding head.

“My Lady, I saw your distress; how could I not offer you a reprieve?”

“And you are certain it will work?” Voicing the question seemed meaningless. She knew the answer as clearly as his unspoken promise to her. But still she wished to hear the words.

“Yes. Once the ritual is complete your troubles will be over, your burden lifted.”

“And who are these others?” she questioned, catching the hidden thought.

“Others like you. You shall meet them soon enough. For now, let's focus on clearing these walls. My thoughts are open to you, take from me what you will,” the figure offered, wondering if she would accept.

“I feel you're earnest, I need pry no further. You have my trust.” She shielded her eyes as the last lever drained water from the outside, opening to reveal a shallow lake. They waded through, the stone wall closing behind them as the stone walkway submerging behind them as they walked.

The figure threw back his hood, she studied him for a moment. Lord Blackwood had not been gifted with looks, he could meld into a crowd seamlessly, unnoticed and commonplace. This alone had been the reason he'd so easily retrieved one of the kingdom's greatest treasures. No one so much as looked at him twice.

* * *

Acha gave Eiji a solemn nod, helping the girl from the carriage. She would do what was needed. The child was safe, and more importantly alive thanks to their efforts. She could take some comfort in knowing that. Bringing her here had been the right choice, even had her family been lost in Weft she would find a new home here. They couldn't take a child with them on their journey, and Eiji was correct—they had done all they could, but time was against them. Taking the girl by the hand, she walked inside, leaving Eiji and Daniel to talk.

“How did it go?” Daniel questioned.

“We're gonna leave her with the bailiffs in hope they find her family. Y' find anythin' at the temple?”

“I did. The metal is an heirloom of the Kigenso nobles. There's only one remaining ancestor, her name's Chrissie.”

“Chrissie, you've word on her?” A large man stood behind Daniel, his voice startling him. “Don't tell me ya've returned my daughter and got news on the lass.” Daniel realised the figure was holding the child. She gripped his side, sitting on his hip as she pressed her head into his shoulder.

“He heard there was a group around town with a child from Weft. He's been waiting with the Bailiffs for our return most of the day.” Acha couldn't express the relief she felt when the small child had broken free of her grasp, running to embrace the figure who had been sitting uncomfortably in the office. He had risen to his feet taking her in his arms and had not since let her go.

“Yeah, I heard the whispers. I thought you were bound to come here sooner or later. I'm Ed by the way, Edward Stanton.”

“Nice t'meet y' Ed.” Eiji took the giant hand, feeling the force of his gratitude through the mighty shake. “How'd y' come t'be here?”

“Like I said, I was looking for Chrissie. I left Megan with my cousin so I could file a missing person report. When I heard what had happened, I feared the worst, then, when she didn't arrive with the others from Weft…” his voice trailed off as he instinctively hugged the girl tighter.

“Missin' person?”

“She was running an errand for me. There's witnesses who saw her taken, and I'll tell you something, there was more than one who said he bore Cardow's crest.”

“Is Chrissie your daughter then?” Acha questioned, having not heard Daniel's previous comment about being the last of her line.

“She may as well be, and there's many who'd feel the same.”

“Did you speak with Cardow?” Daniel questioned. Crests were an indisputable form of identification; they could not be forged. If someone was wearing the crest when the woman was abducted, assuming the witness was correct, then somehow he had to be involved. Or perhaps something else was occurring. “Cardow's on the council, it could be someone attempting to smear him.”

“That's what he said.” Edward scratched his neck for a moment, unable to recall the exact details of their conversation.

“Does that hurt?” Acha stepped forward, seeing the smear of blood left by his nails as he scratched. Examining the swollen puncture wound, she motioned for Daniel to approach. She was certain it was infected.

“Not really, but I'll tell you something, the bugs on that island, they could give assassins a run for their money.” He gave a shudder resisting the urge to scratch the bite once more.

“What island?” Daniel questioned. He examined the wound carefully, the colouring and tenderness warned of the infection trying to take hold. Rummaging through his satchel he found an ointment.

“The one just off Kalá Port.” He felt the heat rise to his cheeks as he spoke of its location. “That's where he lives, why?”

“Twice a day until it's healed.” Daniel passed him the phial, steadying himself as a wave of dizziness passed over him. “We really should get moving if we plan to visit him,” Daniel stated, appreciating the support Eiji's arm provided. He took a drink of water hoping to ease his headache.

“Maybe we can rest for an hour first, he's not going anywhere right?” Acha questioned. She still hoped to have Daniel see the physician. He was trying a little too hard now to prove to them he was fine.

“Actually, he is. The Keeper of Records spoke of an emergency summit scheduled for this week. Once he's there we'll never get an audience,” Daniel stated, given the peril the world faced there was no reason anyone would question his word, yet Acha and Eiji still exchanged a questioning glance.