Michael Manning - The Archmage unbound

“What were your orders, in specific?” I asked.

Walter hesitated, “If the King discovers I’ve been taken prisoner, and talked to you… he’ll kill one of my children, or something worse.”

I leaned in to stare into his eyes, “My wife and unborn child have joined the ranks of the living dead thanks to your efforts. Eventually I’ll have to find her and render her corpse to ash to give her peace. I’m having some difficulty feeling much sympathy for you.”

His eyes widened, “The shiggreth?”

It hadn’t occurred to me that he wouldn’t have known what happened to his party after he was captured. “They were ambushed by them in the forest, just a few miles from Lancaster. None of them escaped alive.”

Walter’s face registered genuine shock, “I had no idea.”

For some reason his chagrin reminded me of the night that I had slain the night watchman guarding the royal warehouses. Of course I hadn’t been kidnapping anyone, but a number of people had died that night, starting with Jonathan Tucker and eventually culminating with my father. “That’s what happens when you roll the dice and take risks with other people’s lives Walter, some of them get hurt,” I said bitterly.

“You didn’t mention your mother,” he said suddenly. “What happened to Miriam?”

Hearing a complete stranger use her name like that was a bit of a surprise, until I remembered that he had been observing us closely for two months. Ask him who healed Miriam; his answer should help you understand, Penny’s words ran through my head. “You healed her didn’t you?”

He looked down for a moment, “Yes I did. Ruth… that’s the mercenary who was in charge of our group, Ruth stabbed her.”

“Why did you bother?”

“I never wanted to do any of this. Miriam was a gentle soul, I didn’t want to see her hurt, or anyone else in your family for that matter,” he said softly.

That was when I felt my first pang of empathy for the man. “What are your children’s names?” I asked on a sudden whim.

“Elaine, my daughter, is the oldest. She will be sixteen this year. My boy, George, just turned eleven last month.”

The name George rang a bell in my mind and I remembered my father’s letters. “George… is he named after your father?”

Walter looked up, “No, George was my older brother.”

That surprised me; I had assumed that the George Prathion my father had known was this man’s father. I made a mental note of the fact before continuing, “How long has it been since you saw your children Walter?”

“Four years.”

I stood up. “I still don’t know if I believe you Walter. But if you’re telling the truth I’ll do my damnedest to make sure they’re safe again.”

The older wizard’s eyes stared at me intently, and I could see both hope and fear written on his face. I turned away and opened the door. “I’ll check on you again in a few days. Rest up and heal, we can talk more then. If you try to escape, or if you aren’t here when I return… I’ll assume you were lying and kill you.” I snapped my fingers to illustrate my point. I could feel his eyes still watching me as I shut the door.

I stepped away from the teleportation circle and looked around, within seconds my senses told me the house was empty, both Rose and Marc had gone elsewhere. That’s rather inconvenient, I thought to myself. I had hoped to find both of them at the house. That would have simplified my task. They needed to know what had happened to Dorian and Penny. Deep down I was slightly relieved though, I was dreading the conversation. Still, they had to be told and I couldn’t leave the task to someone else.

A piece of paper caught my eye; it had been tacked to the doorframe leading into the hallway. It was ideally positioned so that I wouldn’t fail to notice it after arriving. I took it down and recognized Rose’s elegant handwriting immediately.

Dear Mordecai,

I’m sorry there’s no one here to meet you, but I decided to return to my own home. I have been away from it for quite a while now and there were a number of matters that needed my attention. If you need to see me quickly please seek me there. My house is located at 17 Hightower Street, not far from the traditional Hightower residence. I’m sure you remember it, since you broke in there once.

Marc hasn’t been back in several days either and he may not return for a week or more. He has contrived a plan to gain access to certain religious archives. I won’t say more regarding it here, but I will be glad to give you more information when I see you next. Assuming he hasn’t already returned by then. I’m rather worried for his sake, as usual his idea is bold and daring, not to mention risky.

I found a suitable blacksmith for you. His name is Gavin Traylor and he’s a rather accomplished journeyman. He trained under Brian Turbrook, the chief weaponsmith and armorer for King Edward himself. His skills are excellent and he should probably have been promoted to master already in his own right, which I believe is the reason he seeks to leave the capital. My guess is that his teacher has kept him back for fear of creating undue competition for himself.

In any case, his difficult circumstances have created a wonderful opportunity for you. He readily agreed to your terms and should be arriving in Washbrook within a week or two. He said he would make the trip as soon as he had finished arranging his affairs and packing his own tools and such.

If that were not good news enough, I have another surprise for you as well. Peter and Lily Tucker showed up on your doorstep just a few days after you left. They seem to have had a change of heart and were interested in seeking employment in your Excellency’s service. I wasn’t sure what you would have wanted but I felt fairly safe in offering them terms on your behalf. Even now they are making the journey to Washbrook. I told Peter that you had need of another messenger and I told Lily that you needed more help among the castle staff.

As for their motivations… you can be sure there is more to that story than I know.

Last, and certainly not least, you should be aware that I spoke with my father, regarding a certain friend of yours. He responded very positively and hopefully you can arrange for Dorian to make a trip to the capital soon. Given your talents I don’t think it would be too much of a hardship. When you see Penny be sure to tell her. I think she will be almost as excited as I am. She and I have much to plan for. Say nothing to Dorian however… I don’t want you to spoil my news.

Sincerely,

Lady Rose Hightower

The innocent hope in Rose’s letter tore at my heart and I found my eyes watering as I stood there in the dim hallway. I had to deliver the news to her, though it would destroy her dreams for the future. I wondered as well how Marc would handle the news. Two of our best and oldest friends were now gone. Would this wreck his recovery from what the goddess had done to him?

It was too much to figure out alone. We would have to help each other. I couldn’t shoulder my own burden and theirs as well. I took the stairs down to the main floor of the house and made my way to the door. Since I had no way of knowing where Marc was I would definitely be looking for Rose first.

I was on high alert as I left the house, with my mind stretched out to its fullest. I was curious as to whether anyone had been watching the house, but although I found several people in the buildings nearby none of them gave any indication that they were interested, or even aware of my appearance. I kept my pace casual as I walked through the city, but I didn’t bother to disguise my features. As far as the king knew I might not have even returned home yet.