The Second Coming
Chapter 10

The two men rideside by side alongside a lake that is miles across. To the north is a large mountain range, whichdwarfs even the lake.

It is theyounger man who breaks the silence. “Howfar is it to the meeting place? You saidit is on the far side of the mountains, but from here they appear to go on formiles.”

The older mangrunts. “They do go on for miles. It is at least another four day ride fromhere to our destination, William.”

William nods hishead. “I have been wondering something. Can I ask you a personal question?”

“Of course.”Kiran smiles briefly.

William pausesfor a few moments, as if summoning courage. “Do you have The Blood,Kiran? I have assumed you do, but I havenever seen you use the power.”

Kiran’s voiceremains level. “I do not, William.”

“How do you know so much about it? You seem to know what I am feeling, and whatI should be doing. I do not understand…”

Kiran waves ahand dismissively. “It is quite normal for one of The Blood to be given hisinstruction from someone who is not, William. That is how it has always been.” Kiran continues. “Not all of the Dragon Order have power. Some of us believe as strongly as those whoare gifted, and choose to serve as best we can. My role is to seek out those with The Blood who are not part of heOrder.”

William looksoutraged. “But I’ve known you for fiveyears! Why did you only choose to tellme three months ago?”

Kiran’sexpression remains impassive. “I foundyou faster than I thought I would, my friend. Your father never gave much away when his family were concerned. Even then, when I did replace you, the time wasnot right to reveal my true intentions.”

“You knew myfather?” William’s tone is accusatory.

“That Idid. He was a powerful man, but in theend he destroyed himself, making replaceing his ancestry more difficult.”

“What do youmean, destroyed himself?”

Kiran shakes hishead. “For the moment I have saidenough. You must make your own choices,William, and you shouldn’t be influenced by those that came before you andfailed.”

*

The NobleSenator was a good quality inn, although Carly didn’tthink that it was as reasonably priced as Manson had indicated; back home inCrossmoor it would have cost half as much and the food would undoubtedly havebeen better quality. They had had apleasant evening, despite Olbane’s constant paranoia, which put even Lia onedge. Her friends had all eaten as ifthey hadn’t tasted food for weeks, and Michael and Lia had gone to their roomsmore than a little merry.

Olbane, however, had remained sober: he didn’t want his wits or swordarm to be dulled when the ambush he was expecting happened.

As usual Carly had wakened early; her strict regime in the temple wasstill well and truly ingrained in her body. She prayed quietly, although after what she had consumed the nightbefore there was no waking Lia until she was ready. While she sat in quiet contemplation, Carlyconsidered the vision she had experienced in Frodsby: the flat, round structurewith runes on the doorway. The visionsshe had experienced to date had only came when she had least expected them, andshe wondered if she should attempt to take control a little. Carly sat on her bed and slowed herbreathing. After a few moments she feltthe usual light-headed sensation that accompanied The Peace.

It was when Lia dropped a shoe onto the floor that Carly was broughtback to reality. As was usual, Carly wasnot sure how long she had been at Peace,but she immediately realised there had been no vision that time. Lia looked at her friend with a strangeexpression on her face. “Are youalright, Carly? You look a littledistant.”

Carly blinked and smiled gently. “I am fine, Lia. Sometimes ittakes a few moments to gather your senses when leaving The Peace. How did you sleep?”

Lia rubbed her temple. “Well, Ithink; to be honest I probably could have slept anywhere, considering how muchwine I drank last night.”

Despite her disapproval of some of Lia’s social habits, Carly laughed.

Michael and Olbane were downstairs eating what looked to be a fairlyordinary breakfast when the two young women joined them. As usual, Olbane rose and allowed the ladiesto sit before he finished a plate of eggs. Carly settled for a glass of water and some bread and cheese, while Liatucked into a little of everything that was on the table. The young acolyte looked across at Olbane ashe ate. “What are your plans thismorning? Are you going to try and get anaudience with Senator Hiron?”

Olbane nodded, and took a sip of coffee. “I think so, although I am not confident Iwill be able to see him that easily.”

Lia paused between mouthfuls. “And even if you do, who is to say he’llstick his neck out and help?”

Carly felt slightly irked. “Hiron is the best option we have, Lia.” She wrinkled her brow.“Although I agree I would feel more comfortable if we had other avenues toexplore.”

There was a long silence as the four thought of otherpossibilities. Surprisingly, it wasMichael who spoke first. “What about aless official route? I recallmeeting a party on the trading road some months ago who were starting amovement pressing for reduced taxation. From what I know about Surian, it is the type of city that might haveindependent groups working within it to raise support through sheer weight ofnumbers, rather than political strength. I am sure there must be people here that despise slavery and arefrustrated with the lack of action.”

Carly had to stop herself from scoffing: a Priestess did not respond insuch a manner. “I have heard that theseso-called pressure groups often work outside the law, Michael, and cannot betrusted to employ the appropriate methods to get things done properly. I appreciate the senate is sometimes a lessthan ideal place when you are in a hurry, but at least there are provenprotocols.”

“But weren’t you the one who said most of the senators could not betrusted?” Michael’s voice rose, and several other patrons in the inn looked intheir direction.

Carly maintained her composure. “I didn’t say it would be easy, Michael. However, everything we work for could be irrevocably damaged if peoplestarted to take the law into their own hands.”

Michael looked as though he wanted to offer a suitable retort, butcould not replace the words.

“Spoken like a true Priestess, my friend; lots of doctrine, but no realanswers.” Lia’s face had cynicalexpression on it, but she saw that Carly looked hurt and put a hand over herfriend’s. “I am sorry, Carly, but youknow how I feel about Revan’s approach to certain things. Surely it is possible that if we can raisethe profile of Olbane’s problem, it might be forced into the open, and thisBlack will be forced to admit his dealings?”

“The end does not always justify the means, Lia. This method may work, but fundamentally it isflawed. These pressure-groups are veryclever, and if they were allowed to effectively make their own justice, societywould dissolve and everything we have worked for would be lost forever.” Everyone knew that Carly meant ‘we’ meant theChurch of Revan.

“Sometimes you have to listen to your heart, Carly.” Lia appearedsurprised she had said that.

Carly blinked at her, and Olbane broke the silence. “I agree with Carly; the senate is our bestchance. I will go to Hiron’s office assoon as it opens for the day.”

Michael nodded. “Fairenough. Do you think that Black’s men orassociates of theirs might have tracked us here?”

Olbane thought for a moment. “Isuppose it is possible; Black doesn’t have many dealings in Surian, but thatdoesn’t mean his men aren’t here. I’llbe careful though.”

“Do you want us to come with you?” Michael’s expression was concerned,while Lia scowled.

Olbane shook his head. “I willbe fine, Michael, but thanks for asking. I suspect today will involve a large amount of sitting around, and Iwouldn’t ask anyone who had anything better to do to join me. Why don’t you three take in the sights? The museum of ancient history has somewonderful pieces, and if you’d prefer something else I am sure you can amuseyourselves talking with the other merchants.”

Michael grinned and looked at Carly then Lia. “I’d prefer the merchants to rooms ofdecaying pots and swords, but I am happy to escort you wherever you wish togo.”

Lia laughed. “The merchants itis; remember though I have rather exotic tastes when it comes to shopping.”Lia’s eyes drifted off somewhere else and her expression grew sad. “I wonder if there’s something like TheExotic Emporium here.”

Carly decided she had other priorities. “I think I need a little time to myself, if it’s all the same with youtwo.” Her eyes moved in Olbane’s direction. “Where is the temple of Revan?”

The young man smiled. “On thesouth side of the city; not surprisingly it closely resembles the one inCrossmoor.”

Carly didn’t need further help; any member of the local populationwould be able to direct her there.

*

Carly left the others after breakfast and walked south through Surian,where she followed her nose to keep in the right direction. She was surprised at how strongly she hadbeen drawn to visit the temple, particularly considering how frightened she wasthat her flight from Crossmoor would be frowned upon, and she would either beexpelled from the church or forced to remain an acolyte. The more she thought about it, the more shefelt she had to approach the problem head-on and put her faith in Revan. She knew it was the right approach, but thatdidn’t stop her insides churning as she moved closer to her destination.

After another hour and a rather grim walk through one of the more unsavourydistricts of the city, Carly turned a corner and saw the temple in front ofher. Olbane had been correct: the templewas almost exactly the same as the one in Crossmoor, except it was probably twothirds of the size. As she walkedcloser, Carly wondered why the temple in Surian was smaller than that ofCrossmoor; Surian had not always been Suria’s capital city, so perhaps it wasfor historical reasons. Carly alsoconsidered the possibility that underneath it all the church had a rather lowopinion of politics, which sounded a more plausible explanation; dealing withsenators and their minions was necessary but wasn’t something the church wouldwish to devote too many resources to. Carly sighed; dealing with politicians was something she almost certainlywould never experience; how could she be accepted after what she had done? She had decided to choose her friend over thechurch, at the most critical part of her life. She looked down at her dirty and torn robe and fought back tears; shelooked like an acolyte who spent all her time scrubbing floors and cleaningwindows, and a very unkempt one at that. It was inevitable; by crossing the threshold she stood before, she wascondemning herself to a life of misery and chores, with the only solace comingwhen she finally met Him.

It was only the familiar voice she heard from within the temple thathelped her to fight back despair, and she stopped just as she was about to turnaway and walk back north. Carly held herbreath and walked into the temple, and her eyes searched out the source of thevoice. It took her a few moments tolocate her mentor and friend: Thereza was standing in the foyer of the church,and was talking to another Priestess.

Carly wanted to rush over to hug her friend, but instead waited aspatiently as she could. Theconversation, however, did not stop quickly, and Carly found herself feelingmore and more uncomfortable until she caught the eye of one of the acolytes whowas sitting behind the desk at the end of the foyer. The acolyte rose from her seat and movedtowards Carly, before she stopped and bowed her head in respect. “Can I help you, Priestess? If you don’t mind me saying, you look likeyou’ve had a long journey.”

Carly was unable to respond for a few moments. How could the acolyte make that mistake? From time to time outsiders did not alwaysnotice the difference, as Carly herself had found out, but a member of thechurch?

The acolyte looked concerned. “Are you alright, Priestess? CanI get you a glass of water or a seat?”

It was at that moment that Thereza and the other Priestess turned inher direction. After a moment theexpression on Thereza’s face changed to one of recognition, and she moved overand also bowed her head in respect. “Priestess Carly, I was not informed you were travelling to Surian.”

Carly forced herself to speak. “It… it was not an expected journey, Priestess Thereza. If you will permit it, I would like to speakto you in private.”

The other Priestess looked Carly up and down and raised an eyebrow, butThereza nodded. “As you wish, Priestess;I was just returning to the temple in any case to take tea.”

A few minutes later Carly and Thereza were sat in a small room that wasreserved for Priestesses to discuss matters in small groups or to meditate. Carly gulped down her first cup of tea andalmost scalded her mouth in the process, while Thereza sat back, watched herand sipped from her cup slowly. “I mustadmit it’s a surprise to see you down this far south at such short notice,Carly, and what are you doing in that acolyte’s robe?”

Carly put down her cup and sobbed. “I… didn’t take my Test! My friend Lia was in danger and I went with others to try and rescueher!”

Thereza’s expression remained calm, and she said nothing. Carly calmed down a little and continued. “Wefound her, and I feared I could not return to Crossmoor, so I came here withthe others. It was only when I arrivedhere I felt the need to come to the temple.”

Thereza smiled and Carly looked confused. “Why are you smiling? I failed, Thereza. Lia would have been safe anyway, and I havelost everything!”

Thereza leant forward and placed a hand on Carly’s arm. “My dear friend, do you not know what hashappened?”

Carly nodded. “Yes; I amcondemned to a life of misery.”

Thereza’s smile broadened, much to Carly’s irritation. “What did the acolyte call you in the foyer?”

Carly thought for a moment. “Priestess, but she was mistaken; perhaps she is new to the temple.”

Thereza smiled further. “Whatdid I call you?”

“Priestess; but I assumed you only did that out of kindness.”

Thereza frowned and her voice took on a matronly tone. “It is a well known rule, as you well know,one does not refer to another as a Priestess for recreation.”

Carly’s face turned white. “Areyou saying I am a Priestess?”

Thereza’s face had a serious look upon it. “You have the look of a Priestess,Carly; your aura says you are at one with Revan, even if you do notbelieve it. You of all people, being inthe church for a number of years, must know that a Priestess can be recognisedby those that know by more than the clothing she wears.”

Carly shook her head vigorously. “But I did not take the Test! There was no ceremony, no confirmation!”

“Not all Priestesses go through a traditional Test, myfriend. Your Test was clearly toleave the temple and live through whatever it was you experienced during thedays that followed. I am sure if you hadreturned to the temple in Crossmoor you would have been aware of this by now.”Thereza pulled at Carly’s robe. “And you would be wearing something moreappropriate for your station.”

Carly started to smile, but then emotion overtook her, and she brokedown and wept once more.

Two hours later, Carly bathed and chose a new white robe, one withornate embroidery along the edges that told those outside of the church she wasa Priestess. Receiving nods of commonrespect from the other Priestesses and nods of reverence from the acolytes wasa strange experience, and not one she felt comfortable with. After she had joined Thereza in the templedining room, Carly continued their previous conversation. “What I do not understand, Thereza, is why Ihave not had to take the academic side of the Test.”

Thereza thought for a moment. “I must admit it is most unusual for anacolyte not to have taken the written portion of her Test. I do not recall anything in my studies orwork since that time that helps answer the question either. I suggest you defer that question to some ofthe more experienced Priestesses when you are back in Crossmoor.”

Carly started to have doubts that she was a bona fide Priestess again,but Thereza must have sensed such thoughts. “You are a Priestess, Carly. These thoughts that you are not must end now.” Her friend’s gaze wasdeadly serious. “If you have doubts,they will only undermine you, and therefore Revan.”

Carly decided to talk about Crossmoor instead. “I am not sure I am ready to return home justyet. My friends may need my help here inSurian.”

Thereza shook her head. “APriestesses’ first duty is to the church, and you must return to Crossmoor assoon as possible to let them know you are safe and have progressed. It is not normal practice for a Priestess tomove to another temple without gaining approval.”

Carly looked flustered. “I knowthat, but what if Olbane’s problem is Revan’s work? What if I am still going through my Test?”

Thereza smiled and put her hand over Carly’s. “Your Test is finished, my friend, andyou look tired. Why don’t you rest herefor the afternoon, and then replace your friends later. They will understand that you cannot remainhere.”

Carly sighed and smiled back weakly. “I know they will understand, Thereza. That is why it will be so difficult to say goodbye.”

*

Olbane had little trouble replaceing senator Hiron’s public office; it wasonly a short walk from The Noble Senator. He did, however, replace he was more nervous than he had anticipatedand wondered if he should have accepted Michael’s offer of company. What if Black’s men were in Surian or hisdescription had been circulated to the more undesirable members of the localpopulation? Olbane patted his breastpocket once more and walked through the ornate double doors and towards thedesk where a middle aged man was sitting. Olbane waited patiently for a few moments and then cleared his throat.

The man looked up from a parchment he was scribbling on. “Yes?”

Olbane cleared his throat once more. “I am here to speak to Senator Hiron. Is he available today?”

The man nodded. “That he is, but I have been told there is an emergencySenate meeting today, so he will be available for only part of the morningbefore leaving. He will probably be backlater today, however.”

Olbane smiled; perhaps Francisca was smiling on him. “I would like to see him this morning, if Imay.”

The older man chuckled. “Is thisyour first visit to the Senator’s offices, young man? I am afraid you will have to wait your turnalong with the others. There are alwayscitizens of Surian that want an audience with their Senator.” He pointed towardsa door to Olbane’s left. “Go throughthere and take a seat.”

Olbane nodded his thanks and then opened the door. Inside was a large room filled with seats,with a door on the opposite corner, where those lucky enough to be at the frontof the queue would pass through. Unfortunately for Olbane there were at least twenty people ahead of him,something he found hard to comprehend given how early it was in the day; itappeared that if you wanted to see the Senator with a matter of urgency you hadto be up with the birds. While he wishedhe had not thought of Francisca a few moments ago, Olbane took a seat and beganwhat he expected would be an extremely long wait.

*

Lia was sat in the room she shared with Carly, and was doing her bestto make her hair presentable before joining Michael downstairs. They had agreed to explore Surian and enjoythemselves for the day while Olbane and Carly took care of the more seriousbusiness. Despite the fact Lia wanted tohelp Olbane, she had no intention of sitting around in a stuffy office all dayand then attempting to convince a politician that their cause was just. Lia admitted to herself she was concernedabout Carly though; her friend had gone to the temple of Revan,something that had surprised her. SurelyCarly would be punished and be forced to live the life of an acolyte? Why would Carly choose that possibilityfreely? What had changed to make herthink any different, or was she resigned to that fate? Lia sighed; if it wasn’t for her, Carly wouldhave been a Priestess of Revan. When shecast her mind back to that fateful day Lia felt an overwhelming grief, andtears rolled down her face. Inparticular Lia grieved for the loss of her father; if her father had beendifferent, she would either be married with a large brood at her feet or afailed acolyte. Francis Essmoor had beena great man; a man whose ideals she would pass on to her own children, assumingshe had any. She wished she could talkto him now, because above all she needed direction, the direction he haddeliberately not given her before he died. It is up to you to decide what path you take, Lia, and only you. Lia could see herself running her ownversion of The Piebald Lamb, but would need to gather a lot of goldbefore that was possible. Should shestay in Surian, work for a merchant and start accruing coin that way? Should she take a more adventurous route andattempt to make her way in the same manner as Warnock Spicer? Suddenly, she heard Rastlin’s voice in herhead. Remember, follow your heart... Not for the first time Lia wondered what thestrange foreigner had meant when he said that to her. What was in her heart? Why had those four words stayed with hersince they parted? Once again, Liawished he was there so she could talk to him further, and to replace out moreabout her ancestry. She could notforgive him for what happened to Francis and Natalya, but still craved to knowmore. Lia was also convinced Rastlinwould know what had happened to her the evening she met the slavers, which wasthe most disturbing part of all her recent experiences. Somehow she single-handedly killed three ofthem and frightened the rest enough to flee, and although she was not sorry fordoing so, Lia did not understand why or how it happened.

A knock on the door roused her from her thoughts. “Lia? Is everything alright?” She heard Michael’s muffled voice.

“I am fine, Michael. I’ll bedown in a moment.”

Lia imagined Michael rolling his eyes as she heard his footsteps awayfrom the door. Her thoughts nearly wentback to the slavers and Rastlin, but she forced herself to rise from her seatand go downstairs. Perhaps a day ofbrowsing merchants’ wares would be the tonic she needed.

For the most part, Surian was a much larger version of Crossmoor: thesame types of merchants existed, only there were more and some of them hadconsiderably more real estate to sell their goods from. From time to time Lia and Michael came acrossfare that was more exotic, such as jewellery for feet and ankles and some outrageousfemale attire that made Michael blush furiously and Lia laugh. It was at a large stall selling somewonderfully ornate and colourful garments that Michael’s stomach rumbled.

Lia smiled slyly. “I take itthat’s our call for lunch.” She glanced through the bustling market. “I suspect there is nowhere in Suria that hasmore choice when it comes to food than this market, Michael. What do you fancy?”

Michael grunted. “Anywhere thatis cheap; I don’t have a great deal of coin left, and you don’t have any atall.”

Lia nodded and wondered if Carly had returned and would like to jointhem. However, her thoughts wereinterrupted when her own stomach complained, so she quickly discarded thatthought. “We might need to slum it alittle in that case. Let’s have a lookaround some of the backstreets.”

Ten minutes later they were sat in a rather dingy looking tavern, TheBoar, which made The Piebald Lamb look like a palace. Within minutes of them ordering some stew, anale for Michael and some wine for Lia, a middle aged serving womanunceremoniously put a tray down on the table, took their coin and left. Michael started eating immediately, while Liaprodded around in her stew with her spoon, and looked for something remotelyedible. She was very hungry, but wasmore selective when it came to which parts of the hard bread and which of theunidentifiable lumps in the stew she ate. It was not long before both of them had finished, and drained the end oftheir drinks. Michael then sat andwatched Lia for a long moment. She soonbecame uncomfortable, and broke the silence. “What is on your mind?”

“You, as usual.” Michael paused,as if fighting some kind of internal struggle. “Despite the fact I have tried to change my feelings, I cannot. And the woman you have become since we leftCrossmoor is even more difficult to ignore than the one before.” She opened her mouth to stop him, but he heldup a large hand. “Let me finish, please. I know back in Crossmoor you said I’d settledown and replace someone more suitable, but I don’t think there is anyoneelse and ever will be.”

Lia was completely taken aback. Michael’s behaviour towards her since they were reunited was morefriendly than romantic, and she had hoped he had understood what she had saidand moved on. “You know I care for you,but it is as a friend, not anything else. My heart tells me that you are not the right path for me.” She wasn’tsure why she phrased it like that. Michael looked dumbstruck and anger suddenly bubbled within Lia. Why didn’t he understand her? She had already told him once. Did he think she was going to change hermind? “You are right, I am not the womanI was back in Crossmoor. What hashappened to me has changed me forever, and I am not sure I am fit to beanyone’s friend, let alone wife.” Liapaused; she hadn’t intended that to come out either.

Michael looked like he had just been run over by his father’s cart, butafter a long pause he spoke. “You havebeen through more than I can possibly imagine, but you are strong, and in timeyou will change your views, I am sure of that.”

Lia’s eyes flashed and her voice became a hiss, almost feral. “I will never be able to go back! You do not and will never understand!”

Michael’s eyes grew wide at the outburst, and he lowered his head. After what felt like an eternity he lookedher in the eye once more. “I am sorry,Lia. I am sorry it took you to growangry for me to realise you are not interested. I give you my word we will not discuss this again.” Michael rose fromhis seat. “I think I need some time alone; I will meet you back at the innlater.” Without giving her a secondglance he left, and she was alone again.

*

The sun was slowly descending when Olbane was asked to leave SenatorHiron’s offices. The queue had movedfairly quickly in the morning then stopped for nearly five hours after thesenator left to attend the Senate. Hironhad returned an hour ago, but at that time there were still five people infront of Olbane. More frustratingly,when Olbane made it to front of the queue the man at the front desk was adamantHiron would see no-one else that day. “Iam sorry, young man, but the senator is very strict about the hours he keeps.”

Olbane’s face reddened. “But thematter I need to discuss with him is really important!”

The man’s expression remained impassive. “That may be so, but surely it can wait a fewdays?”

Olbane nearly shouted. “A few days?”

“Yes; I am afraid the senator will not be here tomorrow and the nextday.”

Olbane tried a different approach. “Sir, my life is in danger because of what I know. I must see the senator as soon as possible; Ihave waited patiently in line today, but I fear if I have to wait another twodays I may not make it back here at all.”

The man remained un-moved. “Young man, I can tell from your accent youare not native to these parts. Have youthought about seeing your local senator or his representatives here in Surian?”

Olbane had to admire the man’s stubbornness, despite his ownpredicament. “I fear only Senator Hiron hasthe conviction to help me, that is why I am here.”

A flicker of interest appeared in the man’s eyes. “What is the matter regarding? Perhaps I can pass on a message?”

Olbane shook his head. “Pleasedo not take offence, but I would rather only the senator saw what I havebrought with me.”

The man looked disappointed; Olbane wondered how tedious his job was ifhe wanted to pass on messages from a man from the north. “As you wish, young man; I advise you shouldreturn in three day’s time and are here at sunrise to ensure you are at thehead of the queue.”

Olbane sighed and turned to leave. The large queue that had formed behind him had mostly dissipated,although an attractive dark-haired young lady caught his eye and smiledsympathetically at him. Olbane bowed hishead in respect, smiled rather limply, then left. On another day in different circumstances hewould have taken the opportunity to start conversation and attempt to get toknow her, but that day his mind was on the task in hand. Despite that his stomach was almost orderinghim to return to The Noble Senator and eat, Olbane decided that he wouldtry and catch the senator outside as he left. Surely he would have to take the time to listen if Olbane showed him theletters? He was sure that if he weresenator he would not leave by the front entrance so he decided to briskly walkaround the perimeter of the building, where he looked for other ways thesenator could leave for his evening engagements. Around the first corner of the building Olbanecame across another, less ornate door. Suddenly it opened, and within stood the man Olbane had just bidfarewell to. The man smiled. “I am afraid the senator has already left,young man. It gets very cold at thistime of year in Surian, so I strongly suggest you go back to wherever you arestaying and come back in three day’s time.”

Despite the situation Olbane chuckled. “So be it. I will see you then.”

As he walked into The Noble Senator, Olbane wondered if thesenator really had left for the day, but decided waiting outside the buildingin case he hadn’t was not a good idea. Waiting another two days, however, was not something he planned to doeither; perhaps Carly had been accepted back into the church, and a Priestesswould be willing to help. He woulddiscuss options with her, Lia and Michael over dinner that night; he also hopedone of them had arrived at an alternative plan during the day. Olbane almost immediately saw Michael, whowas leaning up against the bar, and drinking from a tankard. When put a hand on his friend’s shoulder ingreeting, Michael spun around and swung a large fist in his direction. He only stopped when he realised who it wasbefore him.

Michael made brief eye contact and then turned back to the bar. “Get me another ale over here!” His voice was slurred. The serving girl looked mildly affronted atthe young man’s tone, but refilled his tankard nonetheless. Michael tossed two coins onto the bar andtook a long draught.

Olbane pulled up a stool and sat next to Michael. “Is everything alright? Where’s Lia and Carly?”

Michael snorted. “Lia isup in her room, no doubt making herself look beautiful to charm the next idiotthat comes along. I’ve not seen Carlysince this morning.”

Olbane caught the serving girl’s attention and ordered an ale of hisown. “What has happened today? Did you have words?”

Michael looked across at Olbane; his eyes were bloodshot, and his facepuffy. Olbane suspected he had drunk agreat deal. “Let’s just say she made itperfectly clear that she will never feel anything for me.” Michael’s voice dripped with malice.

Olbane was about to try and rationalise with his friend, but decided inhis current state Michael would not be receptive to that. On receiving a tankard, Olbane smiled at theserving girl and threw an extra coin her way, which she acceptedgratefully. Olbane drank deeply, hisfirst drink since breakfast. “Well, ifit makes you feel any better I had no luck either today. I waited all day and still didn’t see thesenator. To make matters worse, I nowneed to wait another two days before the next opportunity.”

Michael seemed disinterested. “It appears Francisca has frowned on us both this day.” He drained the contents of his tankard andslammed it down on the counter, then gestured wildly to the serving girl oncemore.

Olbane decided that conversation with Michael was pointless and let hiseyes roam the inn, where he looked for an interesting distraction. Surprisingly, he found one in the form of theattractive young lady who had smiled at him in the senator’s office. She caught his glance and smiled at him oncemore, her eyes beckoning him to join her at a table in a corner of theinn. Olbane he picked up his tankard andmoved to where she was sitting. “Mylady, would you consider allowing me to join you and perhaps to buy you a cupof wine?”

The girl smiled softly and her dark eyes gleamed. “It would be a pleasure, sir. My name is Francine.”

Olbane caught the eye of a wandering serving girl and then took aseat. “My name is Olbane Jonson; it is a pleasure to meet you, LadyFrancine. It appears when your parentsnamed you, they knew you would bring good luck to others, including me. To be able to cast my eyes upon your beautytwice within one evening must mean Francisca is truly smiling on me.”

Francine almost melted there and then. “Sir, you are too kind, but I know you exaggerate.” The serving girl interrupted the pleasantriesand took an order of watered wine from Francine.

Olbane took a sip from his tankard. “Tell me, are you native to these parts? From your accent I would surmise as much.”

She nodded, and her long dark hair moved gracefully. “My father has a business here in thisdistrict, and my uncle is involved in politics. It’s fair to say I have a large extended family here in Surian. You, however, are not from these parts. If my experience of dialects is accurate, Iwould say you come from north of here. Crossmoor, perhaps?”

Olbane laughed. “Veryclose. Actually I hail from Susanon; myfather is based there, although he too has interests here in Surian.”

She studied him intently, and the normally confident Olbane foundhimself slightly embarrassed by her scrutiny. “Hmm, there are not many trades that require a presence across Suria, soI would guess that he is a merchant of some kind.”

Olbane laughed again. “Verygood! Do wits run in the family? If so I suspect your father is verysuccessful and your uncle is very powerful.”

It was Francine’s turn to laugh. “Well father does do well, and my uncle likes to think he ispowerful.” The serving girl returned totheir table, and Francine accepted the watered wine with a smile. She took a sip and continued theconversation; for a moment her confident demeanour reminded him of the day hespent with Lia in Crossmoor. “You hadbad luck today with Senator Hiron, and that man of his clearly didn’tappreciate the urgency of your need.”

Olbane nodded. “That is true,but I am sure he gets people like me talking to him every day, demanding to seethe senator.”

“Correct, but the good ones can tell the difference between the genuineneeds and those that are merely for personal gain. From what I heard in the senator’s office, itis clear to me that your conviction is true and so is your heart.” Her darkeyes once again bored into his.

Olbane began to feel slightly uncomfortable. “Does your uncle work for Senator Hiron?”

“Yes and no. My uncle advisesthe senator from time to time, but in an informal manner. He prefers not to ally himself to any onefaction or politician.” As if anticipating his unsaid question, shecontinued. “I was there today deliveringsome papers to Hiron’s offices.”

Olbane smiled. “A wise strategy I would think, and one that will enablea long career in politics.”

She grinned. “And before you ask, yes I did follow you here.” Olbanestarted to object, but she did not let him interrupt. “Suria’s archaic practices and formality canoften distract people from what really matters; I know the burden you carry isheavy, and I might be able to help you.” She grinned once more: it was a grinof a predator stalking its next meal. “And I also replace you very attractive, Olbane Jonson;so, why not kill two birds with one stone?”

*

Franklin felt a chill go down his spine as he looked at thewizened old hag who was talking to Rastlin. Somehow his companion had found a small opening in the clump of trees,and shortly afterwards they were inside what could only be described as astinking, rotting hut. Franklin wondered how on Eureza anyone couldlive in a place that was so isolated from civilisation, but when he took in thewoman’s appearance, he understood. Herage was indeterminable as she was filthy, and by the smell it wasn’t justordinary dirt that had found its way onto her crooked and broken body. However, what really disturbed Franklin was her eyes,which were completely white, almost the colour of milk. He wasn’t sure if she was blind, but didn’t want to take anychances. He huddled close to the holeleading out into the forest, and listened.

“I need to replace someone; someone of great importance to me.” Rastlin’svoice was calm as usual; if the situation was affecting him, he wasn’t showingit.

The hag didn’t seem too friendly. “And what do you want Tabitha to do about it!”

Rastlin’s face was almost unreadable. “I know you have second sight, my dear. You can replace the girl for me.”

The hag suddenly lunged forward at Rastlin. It was a movement so quick that had Franklin been in hisplace, he would have been fighting to remove the woman. Rastlin, however, grasped her wrists and heldthem firm. “There is no need forviolence, Tabitha. We mean you no harm.”

Tabitha screamed, which was a piercing and shrill sound that made thehair on Franklin’sneck stand up. “Let Tabitha go!”

Rastlin nodded and released her hands. The hag scampered back a few yards to the edge of the hut, and mutteredsomething under her breath. There wassilence for minutes, and every fibre of Franklin’sbeing told him to get up and run away. He was seriously considering doing so until Rastlin turned around andgave him a look that made it clear they were going nowhere.

The hag finally broke the silence. “What do you give Tabitha in returnfor sight?”

Rastlin turned to Franklinand smiled. “Gold.”

Franklin raised an eyebrow. “What would she want with gold? It’s not as if she can spend it anywhere.”

“Gold is a reagent for certain arts, my dear Franklin. I am almost certain our host can replace a use for it, and I very muchdoubt she has it in abundance.”

Franklin forced down a curse, pulled out a pouch and tossedit to Rastlin, who deftly caught it. Itonly contained a handful of coins but Franklinwinced when Rastlin emptied it. The hagclearly wasn’t blind, as she immediately moved forward and attempted to takethe gold. Rastlin was quicker again,however, and moved his hand away. “Ifyou replace the girl for me, the gold is yours.”

Tabitha hissed, but did not attempt to take the gold again. “Tabitha cannot use gold to replace her. Tabitha needs something personal to her.”

Rastlin nodded, reached inside his robe, and produced an amulet in theshape of a dragon, which had rubies for eyes. Franklinhadn’t seen that on the girl, so assumed Rastlin must have taken it from herhome when they abducted her. He handedit to the hag. “I must have this back.”She took it and closed her eyes for a few moments.

“Tabitha can sense her from this.” She opened her eyes. “To replace her Tabitha needs something to drawpower from, something strong.”

Rastlin nodded and turned towards Franklin. “I had suspected this was the case. She needs someone strong to channelher power through.”

Franklin’s stomach jumped, and his arm went to hisblade. Rastlin smiled. “My dear Franklin, by doing this you will be servingthe greater cause. When I replace Lia andguide her to her rightful place, your sacrifice will be forever remembered.”

Franklin drew his blade. “I was only ever in this for the riches, Rastlin! I am not interested in your mad ideals!”

Rastlin shrugged his shoulders. “I understand. I had hoped youwould prefer to be remembered as a hero who made a great sacrifice, rather thanforgotten as yet another man who died for greed.” Rastlin’s left hand movedsuddenly and Franklinfelt a small pang as something tiny pierced his chest. Instinctively he tried to raise his swordarm, but found he could not. Momentslater the sword dropped to the ground, thudding into the earth below. Franklinstood there, rigid but fully conscious.

Rastlin bowed his head in sorrow. “I thought you were a better man than this, Franklin. You have been a worthy and skilful companion, and it is a pity you willnot be remembered as such.” He turnedback to Tabitha. “You have your powersource. Now, replace the girl.”

Franklin wanted to scream, but could not.