Chapter 19: The Duke

    "I think this one is above my pay grade, Commander." Captain Frayg did not want to be the man to tell Lord Varyll Namadar, Duke of Borland, Master of Swords and Commander General of His Majesty's Army that his daughter had been murdered in a stable behind some run down tavern near the river.

     "I know, Ham," said Commander Brylle. "But as you were the man at the scene, you should be present."

     Frayg was pacing back and forth in front of Commander Brylle's desk. The office was small, so his pacing took on a frantic quality.

     "All right, I'll be present. But someone way over my head – by all the hells, Nef, someone over your head – should be handling this."

     "I've sent in a request to Chief Commander Lyons. I hope to hear back from him this afternoon."

     "That's good to hear. This is going to be a very delicate situation, and I don't want caught up in the middle of it."

     "I understand."

     "I'm sure you do. And what about the Temple? Now that they're involved – and not just any old Templar, mind you, but the Grand High Exalted Inquisitor, or whatever in all the hells she is – things are only going to get worse."

     "Calm down, man."

     "Calm down? Are you joking? You know what those people can be like. Once they start smelling witches or Dark Magicks they don't let go. They keep searching until everyone is seeing witches under every bed."

     "Careful, Ham. You never know who might be listening."

     Frayg paused and looked at Commander Brylle. He sat in one of the two chairs across from him.

     "You're right. I need to calm down. The Archpriestess is surely just interested because of the nature of the crimes, right?"

     "Exactly. I'm sure once you find the person responsible, the Temple will take them in for questioning and that will be the last we hear from them."

     "But you didn't see her, Nef. She wasn't just looking for witches, she was ... well, she planted that crystal, I'm sure of it!" He stood up and began pacing again.

     "You must be mistaken, Ham. Why would she want to place false evidence?"

     "That's what I'm asking myself: Why? Surely the Temple has enough witches without making some up. So she must have wanted in on this case to begin with, and just used the crystal to pull rank on us."

     "Listen to me, Ham! You can't go around saying things like that! Even if what you say is true, and the Temple has some hidden motive, you don't want to go putting yourself in a bad way with them. If they hear you making such accusations you'll end up ... well, you know where you'll end up."

     "Right, right." Frayg sat again. "So I guess I just go on as before, but make sure I send reports to Her Eminence. With any luck I can get to the bottom of this quickly – before she has a chance to make much more of it."

     "You do that. Just don't let anyone hear any more of that kind of talk from you, all right?"

     "Yes, sir."

     "Now, while we wait to hear from the Chief Commander, won't you tell me what you know so far. What about the woman? Have you come any closer to finding her?"

     "Heh. You would think so. I've run into two women that match the description in as many days."

     "And?"

     "And? And, nothing, that's what and. One was a student working in the library at the Wizards College and the other was the Arch bloody Priestess of Questioning Witches."

     "Oh. Wait. You mean the Archpriestess matched the description of the woman who was seen with both victims?"

     "Yes."

     "An amazing coincidence. What about this student?"

     "She's a bookworm. Knows a lot about history and Magicks, but I don't think she'd ever harm anyone. Besides, she was very helpful in my research."

     "It didn't occur to you that she might be laying a false trail?"

     "Of course it did. But how? By showing me ancient writings about this Teuthanurae?"

     "Well, yes. Precisely that."

     "But why? Why would she want me to suspect some legendary beast had returned to Palonias? To take suspicion off herself? There are better ways. That's just too odd – even for a bookworm of a student like her. Besides, she didn't bring me the information. I went to the library for help. She just happened to be there."

     "I suppose so, but it's far less likely that a High Ranking Priestess would be involved."

     "True. But I don't actually suspect either of them. I suspect the fact that they match the description is merely a coincidence."

     "Both of them?"

     "One of them must be. And if one, why not both?"

     There was a sharp knock on the door.

     "Enter!"

     One of the Watch House pages opened the door and entered the room. "I have a message here for you, sir. It's from Chef Commander Lyons." He handed the note to Commander Brylle, and left, closing the door behind him.

     Brylle read the note thoughtfully.

     "Well?" Frayg asked. "What does he have to say?"

     "He's bringing Mayor Astra in on this."

     Frayg let out a sigh of relief.

     "Don't relax just yet, Ham. They're going to want you to come along to answer any questions Lord Namadar might have. A man such as him is going to require special attention."

     "I knew it. They're going to use me as a shield."

     "I won't let that happen."

     "And you're going to stop them how?"

     "First of all, I'll be there with you, and so will the Chief Commander."

     "Four of us, eh? And one of us the mayor?"

     "So it would seem."

     "That's a lot of men just to deliver bad news. More targets, I suppose. The better to spread out the damage."

     "That may be just what they're thinking. In any case, we had best be on our way. Mayor Astra will be wanting to get this over with. We're to meet him at the South Market."

     "He's already on his way down there?"

     "Yes."

     They left the Watch House and grabbed a pair of liveried horses from the stable. They rode down the High Street through the Cathedral Square. 

     Frayg took a moment to examine the Cathedral of Invincible Light as they passed it. It was a most imposing building. Physically it was less dominating than Ayrst Castle or the Wizards College of Sol, or probably even the Mayor's Palace. But there was something about its design – and the unconscious knowledge of its purpose, perhaps – that weighed on the mind of the observer.

     The cathedral was constructed all in white marble. It was a round building with a square façade entryway which held the enormous bronze doors. Over the entryway was a gilded sunburst, a motif which was repeated all over the building: on the doors, capitals and the domed roof. From the back a tower shot into the sky, two hundred feet in height. The top of the tower held a golden ball which could be seen from nearly anywhere in the city. It was the tallest structure in Ayrst. It gave off a sense of might that was different from that of a castle – it spoke of wealth and of power over men's destinies. Only the nobility attended the New Day services here each week. And only the highest officials of the Temple were ever allowed into the tower.

     Once past the Cathedral Square, the main road became Mayrand Way. For most of its length it acted as the division between the Commons and the Royal District, past the great Arena until it met with Old Temple Street which held the main offices of the churches of the various Aspects of the One God. From there the Way led to the South Market square which stood before the Royal Gardens and Castle Ayrst itself.

     They waited near the gates until a carriage flying the Lion banners of House Lyons arrived. It stopped before the gates and they were motioned by one of the liverymen to follow. They passed through the large outer gates of the castle and into the courtyard. Their procession continued on through the inner gates and into the drive which led to the very steps of Castle Ayrst.

     Frayg had never been on the castle grounds. He had seen the outer walls many times, as well as some of the taller spires which rose up from behind them. The building was even more impressive close up. It was truly a defensive castle and not merely a palace. Here was a building which seemed to invoke a sense raw physical power – not like the Cathedral. This building was the place where great decisions were made: decisions of war and peace; decisions of policy for an entire kingdom. And it was built to withstand a siege by land or sea or both.

     They stopped in front of the main doors of the Royal Keep. This was the centerpiece of the whole fortification, and though it was built in much the same manner as the rest of it, the keep had a slightly more inviting look. Here were hung banners and the soldiers about it wore finer livery, and there was a wide blue carpet that led up the stairs to the door.

     The Chief Commander of the Watch and Mayor Jeremy Astra exited the coach as Frayg and Brylle dismounted their horses. A guard in polished plate armor opened the doors for them, as the footman went ahead. They were told to wait a moment in the atrium. Frayg watched as various men and women passed through, most carrying books or scrolls and all dressed in finery. They shuffled about their business taking almost no heed whatsoever of the men who stood waiting. After a few moments, the liveryman returned.

     "His Lordship, Duke Namadar, will see you now."

     They were led up a wide staircase to the left and to a hallway with wood-paneled walls. Then they were escorted through a large room with several enormous tables covered in maps with miniatures of soldiers and ships surrounded by various scribes. There was a gallery above, but it was empty. They were taken through a door on the far side of this room to a comfortably appointed office which contained two desks: one to the immediate left and a large, impressive one which sat on a dais in the middle of the room. Behind the large desk sat Lord Varyll Namadar.

     He was a tall man with close-cropped blond hair that was turning white. He wore a somber black waistcoat and matching breeches. His eyes were light blue. He had a pair of long mustaches that reached to just below his chin. He wore an expression on his face that matched his dress. He whispered something to the servant that stood by his side. The servant marched stiffly out of the room and Lord Namadar stood.

     "I expect you have some terrible news regarding Aliquah."

     Frayg and the others stood silent, until the Mayor approached the dais, and with a low bow said, "I fear it is so, Your Lordship. I fear it is the worst news a man can hear."

     "Out with it then." The Duke stiffened his stance and raised his gaze toward the top of the doorway through which the four men had come. "And say it plain. I deal in death, and will have no words minced in my presence."

     The mayor faltered and turned to Commander Lyons. The commander sucked in a deep breath and blurted it out all at once: "Your daughter Aliquah is dead, my Lord."

     "Thank you," Lord Varyll replied. He turned and took his seat again. "You may all sit."

     Looking about them they saw there were only benches near the dais, and so they sat on them.

     "Why does it take four men to bring such news?"

     "Well," began Chief Commander Lyons, "we thought it fitting to bring the watchman in charge of the investigation, your Lordship, as well as his Commander. I came as a representative of all the Watch, and Mayor Ayrst came as the representative of the city government."

     "I see. So you suspect there was foul play."

     "Yes my Lord," the mayor added at this point. "Or so the Watch believes. I haven't yet been informed of the details, you see, so –"

     "You," the Lord pointed to Frayg, interrupting the mayor. "You are the only man here who has seen … my daughter's ... body. Is that correct?"

     "Yes, my Lord."

     "Please approach my desk. The rest of you may leave." He waved them away dismissively.

     This is just what I feared, thought Frayg. I am to bear the brunt of his grief and anger alone. He stood and climbed the dais, standing opposite where the Duke was seated. The others all stood, bowed and made their hasty exits.

     Once the others were gone, the Duke's face softened slightly. He motioned to the chair behind the other desk in the room.

     "Please bring that up here."

     Frayg went to the chair and carried it up the dais. He sat across from the Duke.

     "You know who I am," said Namadar. "Now, tell me ... who are you?"

     "I'm Captain Hambelton Frayg of the City Watch of Ayrst, Your Lordship."

     "Thank you, captain, for coming to me with this. Those others, they're good men in their own way, but they live apart from the world."

     "Pardon my asking, my Lord, but don't you live the same?"

     The Duke sighed. "Most times, yes. I live apart, here in this castle or in my town house or at my estates in Borland. But there are times that I live amongst the people. I try not to isolate myself from my men, for example. There are times when I must stand apart, when I must be seen as an unquestioned authority, but I try to live a real life as much as I can at other times. I like to see men for who they are. Those men see only a title or an office, or a seal."

     "As you say, my Lord."

     "I do say." He heaved a great sigh. "I have tried to teach my children to do the same."

     "And that is why your daughter was at a crowded inn last night?"

     "That may be. But more likely she was gadding about with some other young lordlings. It's the fashion these days for the young nobles to … slum it, is the term they use, I believe."

     "Isn't that much the same thing?"

     "No. Their purpose isn't to get to know life, theirs is to judge the lesser people, as they see them."

     "And you do not see them as lesser?"

     "I do not. I may command men in battle, but they are not less than me. Each man has only one life to give, the same as I do. It is my job to see that as few of them as possible are required to give it. But, unless one gets to know what life really is for most people, then the dearness of life is a lesson unlearned. I see you're surprised to hear this. I suppose very few noblemen hold such ideals, and even fewer citizens expect it of a nobleman."

     "That is very true, my Lord."

     "Now, tell me please, Captain Frayg – what are the particulars of Aliquah's Passing?"

     "I believe it was very quick, my Lord. She probably didn't even realize what happened before she Passed into The Dream."

     "I wish to know the truth, man – not the things you normally tell a grieving parent."

     "This is the truth Your Lordship. She had a wound to the back of her head - the kind that usually … kills instantly."

     "Very well. What else can you tell me? How close are you to finding the man responsible?"

     "Well, Lord … we're not entirely sure it was a man. In fact, our primary suspect is a woman."

     "A woman? Another woman … killed my Aliquah? But why?"

     "We don't know, sir. We only know that she was last seen with a woman, and that the two of them left the Seabreeze Tavern together. We found her … her remains ... in the stable, along with an empty mead bottle and two broken glasses. We suspect the two of them left the tavern due to the crowds and decided to find a quieter place to have a drink."

     "And you suspect the woman with whom she left of killing her?"

     "Well, sir, two days ago we found the body of a young man at the Carter's Rest Inn. He was last seen with a woman matching the same description. And their remains were in a similar state."

     "Both had the same wound to the back of the head?"

     "No, my Lord." Frayg hesitated. "There were other … details. Details we'd rather not make public."

     "So you refuse to tell me?"

     "No, sir. I'll tell you. But I'd ask that you'd not discuss them with anyone. And I must warn you – they are unpleasant to contemplate."

     "I've seen men disemboweled on the field of battle. I've seen men trampled by horses and run through with pikes. I doubt there is any description you can give me that I cannot top."

     "But this is your daughter, my Lord."

     "Nevertheless."

     "As you wish, my Lord. But please bear in mind that we have strong reason to believe that both victims were dead before their bodies were … mutilated."

     "Out with it!"

     "Both their eyes were missing. And their brains."

     The Duke's jaw slackened. He stood up and began pacing the floor behind his desk. "But, why?"

     "We simply do not know, your Lordship."

     "But you have some suspicions?"

     "Yes, Lord."

     "And what are they? I want them all – every possibility."

     "I'm not sure I know them all, my Lord. I suspect that the Temple may have some ideas that they won't share with a simple Watchman."

     "The Temple? How are they involved in this?"

     "A Temple representative arrived on the scene this morning, Lord. In fact it was the Prime Examiner herself."

     "Halissa MacMorgen? She examined my daughter's remains?"

     "Not as such, Sir. Her Eminence simply came to the scene and began ordering us around." Frayg hadn't thought of the potential advantages of letting a Duke in on the investigations. With any luck the Duke and the Archpriestess will be so busy watching each other I might be able to continue this investigation properly.

     "Did she give any indication as to why, though?"

     "Only one thing, Lord. She seems to believe that there is some witchcraft involved."

     "Of course she does. The Witch Finders always believe there are Dark Magicks afoot. Did she have any evidence for this?"

     "Only the missing … parts, my Lord. She suspects they are being collected for some Dark Ritual. I suspect she may have other reasons to believe this, but she hasn't told me of them."

     "And what are your suspicions, Captain Frayg?"

     "To be honest, the thought of Dark Magicks had crossed my mind."

     "What else?"

     "Well, my Lord, this is going to sound strange, but have you ever heard of a creature called a Teuthanurae? Or an Eye Reaper?"

     "The Eye Reaper? What nonsense is that? Nursery tales from the north. My nursemaid told me such stories as a child. 'Behave yourself, or the Eye Reaper will come and blind you for life,' that sort of thing."

     "Yes, lord, as you say. Only … I did a little research."

     "On the Eye Reaper? Are you joking?"

     "I wish I were. I doubted myself for a moment, Lord. But the research was quite ... compelling."

     "All right , then. I'll humor you. What did you find?"

     Frayg described his trip to the library for the Duke. By the end of it, the Duke was astonished.

     "I've heard of strange things, Captain. I've even fought against some strange things. But I've never heard of this Teuthanurae - at least not by that name. And you say it was known to … eat the brain as well as the eyes?"

     "Yes, Lord."

     "And the witch crystal gave it its power?"

     "Not precisely, sir. It was said some of them could work Dark Magicks without the crystals, but that they used the crystals to enhance their power. And one other thing – the Archpriestess found a glowing crystal in the stall where your daughter's body was found."

     "You didn't discover such an important clue yourself?"

     Frayg took a deep breath. Time to put all my chips in.

     "I would have, your Lordship, but I don't believe it was there before she arrived."

     "Wait. You are accusing an Archpriestess of the Temple of the Invincible Sun of placing false evidence at the scene of a murder? You play a dangerous game, Captain."

     "As you say, my Lord. But I am certain of it, or I wouldn't have said this to you. I haven't told anyone else this, either, but you are a man who deals in reality, and so I feel I can trust in your confidence."

     "You may do so, Captain Frayg. I'll not breathe a word of your suspicion to anyone. Halissa MacMorgen bears watching, though. I've always believed she had designs above her place – in the Temple and in the Kingdom. If what you say is true, this may be the first time the woman has ever tipped her hand."

     Frayg did his best to cover his surprise. Considering all the deference given the temple, he was surprised to hear such talk. He supposed that people with enough power treated others with power as equals, no matter the varying sources of their power.

     The Duke reached across the table to Frayg and shook his hand.

     "Thank you, again, Captain Frayg, for your forthrightness. It is a refreshing change from all the scurrying and toadying I see on a daily basis."

     "Thank you, My Lord," replied Frayg. "I only wish we hadn't had to meet under such circumstances."

     "Agreed. When you leave, tell my secretary that I wish to be alone for half an hour. I've kept my composure for your company, Captain Frayg, but I need some time to be alone with my grief."

     "As you wish." Frayg bowed and replaced the chair behind the desk before leaving. Looking back, he saw the Duke sitting in his chair, back to his desk and facing the wall. He almost didn't believe it when he heard the sound of soft choking sobs coming from behind the chair.

     I will find the person responsible for this, he vowed once again.

Chapter 18: The Hunter

     Owerst Aerik Nandliss was a patient man. He had waited out countless enemies, both men and beasts. He could track the passage of anything that walked. He could go without sleep for long periods. Some said he was the finest hunter in all of Palonias, others said in all the world.

     So it was with some measure of frustration that he'd spent the night in a pear tree watching the cellar door. No one had come anywhere near the place. He suspected Rikard had known about the crystals, for his were the only prints that seemed to have gone into the copse multiple times. The tracks he suspected of belonging to Ms. Froske and Mr. Insel entered only once and left. He'd gone back to check this hypothesis after Rikard had accompanied him back to the house. Rikard must believe that his secret had already been uncovered, or he would not have brought attention the way he had when he'd invited Nandliss into the cellar. Rikard had also been far too quick to throw suspicion on the others. Nandliss had nearly been taken in, but after some reflection he'd decided to re-examine the scene on his own. He'd expected some sort of ruse, but his tracking skills had confirmed his suspicions.

     If Rikard was involved in hiding the crystals here, surely he would move them or arrange to have them removed quickly. It was on this belief that Nandliss had decided to watch the cellar. So he sat in the tree, two loaded crossbows at the ready, while nothing continued to happen. But he was a patient man. He would wait.

     Merrik Trammer spent the evening with Countess Amelia LaDuce. He'd asked her further about her dreams, but she either had no more details to share, or had decided to hold something back. He'd asked her to breathe on a mirror and had examined the pattern of her breath, but he saw nothing of any use, with or without the divining powder. He even told her of his own dream of the fool on the rock, but nothing in it had any meaning for her.

     After supper he suggested that he be allowed to sleep near her that evening. At first she was scandalized but when he explained to her that he would be on a couch or bedroll on the floor and not actually in the bed with her, and that she could have a small partition between them she accepted the arrangements. He explained that he may actually be able to share a dream with her and even revisit her earlier dreams – for dreams left an impression on the mind that lingered for a long time. The impressions of particularly important dreams might even last a lifetime. So he spent the night in her chambers, hoping for some clue, but all he'd received was a repeat of the vision he'd had earlier in the day.

     Elinge and Mr. Insel had excused themselves from the estates. They said they wanted to have a look at Lunelton. They returned late, having eaten at the Black Horse, and retired to their chambers. The next morning they awoke early and began to examine the interior of the house together. Most of the rooms of the house were now empty and hadn't even been dusted for months. It was an enormous house, and with only two permanent servants, proper upkeep was impossible. They took care to keep an eye on Rikard whenever possible, for it was his room they most wanted to examine.

     First, however, they spoke with the maid. Nansi was a kindly-faced woman who was devoted to her duty. She had dark hair with more than a few streaks of white beginning to show. Her hair was down this morning, though she normally wore it in a bun during the day.

     "We're sorry to disturb you so early, Nansi," began Elinge, "but we wanted to have a word with you before your daily duties took up all of your time."

     "That's quite all right, mistress. Do come in." She opened the door wide for their entrance. "You'll see my quarters are quite a bit larger than is typical for a servant, but there's the advantage in working in such a big empty place as this. The Countess allows us any rooms we wish, excepting for the guest chambers she keeps in her private wing. Them she likes to have empty. As if we ever had any guests here. Not for near on a decade, we haven't."

     "I see." Elinge & Mr. Insel entered and looked around the spacious room. "Yes, quite lovely and roomy."

     "Do sit down." Nansi motioned to a small couch against the wall between two large windows. "I expected one or the other of you lot would come calling before long."

     "You did?"

     "Of course. You're here about the countess's dream, I expect. And the note."

     "Yes, we are."

     "Well, I expect you have questions, and I'll be happy to answer any you might have."

     "Thank you, Nansi. That makes our job much easier." Elinge smiled at the maid. "That being said, then, I suppose I'll come right to it and save you some time."

     "As it please you, mistress."

     "Please, call me Elinge. Your mistress claims not to stand on ceremony here, and so neither shall we."

     "Thank you, Ellinge."

     "You came to work here when you were sixteen, yes?"

     "Yes. That was in 769. I've been here eighteen years as of this year."

     "So you worked with Livinia for what? Five years?"

     "Between four and five, yes."

     "What can you tell us about her."

     "You do get right to the point, don't you?"

     Elinge merely tilted her head to the right and arched an eyebrow.

     "I mean, it's clear you think there's something the countess didn't tell you, but we've all suspected. And yes, I believe Rikard is the bastard of Count Viktor."

     "But you're not sure?"

     "Can anyone ever be right sure? I know Livinia talked of a man she'd met in Lunelton – this was before she got with child – and how he was so wonderful and rich and handsome and how he was to some day take her away from all this." She made a sweeping gesture around her. "Wasn't long after that we noticed that her trips into town matched up, often as not, to the times when the count was out hunting, or away on estate business or some such. Tongues began to wag among the servants, as they are wont to do."

     "Then when she showed her bump, there was fighting between the count and countess. They tried to keep quiet, but we all suspected."

     "So, just guesses, then?"

     "Now you haven't let me finish, Elinge. No, it's more than guesses. One night in the time when Livinia was with child she got herself drunk in the cellar. At first we thought maybe she'd just run off, but I was the one that found her. The wine had loosened her tongue, and she told me all about how men are liars and how the count was the biggest liar of them all. She said she'd soon have his baby and how all his promises were empty. Her curses all ran together, and she changed the target of them quickly, as them that are deep in drink often do. She had more than a few choice words for the countess, as well."

     "Yet she stayed on here for years afterward, even after the count's Passing."

     "That was the countess's doing. I don't think she wanted anyone to see the resemblance between the count and the boy. She also feared what Livinia might do or say if she was turned away. She wanted her honor kept, or at least the guise of it. And since Livinia Passed into the Dream, she's built up stories around the count. To hear her tell it now, he was the perfect man: the most devoted husband and kindest of fathers."

     "But that's far from the truth?"

     "Oh, I don't suppose so – at least not after the fighting ended. No, I don't believe he ever strayed after that. Whether that was because of the leverage the countess's family had over him, or because of his own daughter being born the next year, or for some other reason, I don't know. He definitely loved his girl. And he never acknowledged Rikard."

     "So what does Rikard know of all this?"

     "I expect he knows a lot, though I've never discussed it with him."

     "Really? In all these years, you've never let on to Rikard that his father was the count?"

     "I value my job here. I only tell you all this now because I expect my time here is nearly over. This estate has seen better days, and the countess is in poor health. I don't know what will become of the place when she Passes, but I don't expect there will be much call for servants after that. Besides ... I expect you're the type to find answers. I've no doubt you'd have discovered all this one way or another without my help."

     Elinge smiled. "You're a very perceptive woman, Nansi."

     "It pays for a servant to be so."

     "I think you may be holding back a little something, anyway, but that's quite all right. You've been most helpful."

     "Oh, I've never been good at keeping secrets, Elinge." Nansi chuckled softly.

     "As you say, Nansi." Elinge and Mr. Insel rose from the sofa. "Thank you for your help. I won't keep you any longer." Nansi opened the door for them, and they exited. Just before the door was closed behind them, Elinge turned back to Nansi.

     "I have one final question, if you don't mind?"

     "Please."

     "Which room is Rikard's?"

     "Down the hall here and to the left." She pointed them in the right direction. "Last room on the right, just before the stairs."

     "And where is Rikard this morning?"

     "I expect he's out at the garden house. He goes there first thing, since the workmen came."

     "Thank you."

     Rikard approached the thicket and looked around. He failed to think of looking up, or would likely have spotted Nandliss in his perch. Seeing no one, however, he pulled out his key and entered the cellar. Once inside, he began moving crates until he got to the one containing the crystals. He lifted it with some difficulty, and  moved it closer to the door. There he sat and waited. Grigsby had better send someone soon, he thought. I'm through taking risks for those fools, no matter what they pay. He knew that extricating himself from Grigsby's bunch would be difficult at best. People like that didn't generally let you walk away once they had their hooks in you.

     A few minutes after Rikard entered the cellar, Nandliss spotted a Dvergar. He looked like one of the fellows that had been working at the logging camp. He, too, looked around before knocking sharply on the cellar door, and like Rikard, he failed to think of looking up at the trees. The door opened to reveal Rikard.

     "About time you got here," he said.

     "Keep yer britches on," replied the Dwarf. "Grigsby sends word you need a package moved."

     "Yes. It's these nosy guests of he countess's."

     "They spotted 'em yet?"

     "At least one that I know of for sure has. Two of the others seem likely. The fourth one I'd guess no."

     "Want we should take 'em out?"

     "What, you mean kill them? Are you mad? That would just draw more attention you fool!"

     "Not if we make it look like an accident."

     "An accident that kills three healthy adults, one of whom is well-known all around the kingdom?"

     "Or maybe they just disappears."

     "I don't think we're quite that desperate just yet."

     "Nay? I thought you said they seen 'em."

     "Yes, but I made it look like I was surprised to see them myself. I can play it off as though someone else put them here. I can also get the guests suspecting each other."

     "I dunno. I'm thinkin' –"

     "Just tell Grigsby," Rikard cut the Dvergar off, "I can handle this end, all right?"

     "Whatever you say."

     "Also, tell him it's best if we don't send anything through here for a while."

     "Oh, he's not gonna like that, nay – not one bit."

     "I don't care if he likes it. It's too dangerous right now. If we get caught, we'll all end up on an Examiner's Table, and then likely on a Witch's Pyre. You tell him that if we try to move anything else through here that's the likely outcome."

     "As you say." The Dvergar heaved the crate over his shoulder. "I'll get this on the cart. It'll be in Ayrst by tomorrow night."

     The Dvergar stepped out of the cellar and began to climb the stairway. Rikard followed and locked the door behind them.

     "That quickly?"

     "Yea. We got a man standin' by near Lunelton."

     "Good. The sooner they're away from here, the better."

     "Have no worries. We'll take care of everythin'."

     It was then that Nandliss heard some rustling sounds from below and behind him. He turned his head to look. There was a man with a horse and cart coming up next to the house. The Dvergar made his way over to the cart as Rikard  headed in the opposite direction, towards the garden terrace. As the Dwarf began loading the crate into the back of the cart, the man said something to him. Suddenly they were both looking straight up at Nandliss.

     The Dvergar dropped the crate and reached for a long dagger strapped to his thigh. The man in the cart pulled a bow from behind his seat and nocked an arrow.

     Nandliss reacted in a split second, He knew he couldn't let the cart driver get away, so he launched his crossbow at the driver. Even at this distance and from this angle Owerst Nandliss was as sure a shot as had ever raised a crossbow. His quarrel took the man right through the throat.

     The Dvergar charged at the tree and screamed something in his guttural native tongue, while Nandliss dropped his crossbow and reached for the other. The Dwarf moved quickly for his short stature and was halfway to the pear tree before Nandliss had taken aim. Just as he loosed his second shot the tree shook with violent force, and the bolt went astray. Nandliss dropped from the tree in an attempt to tackle the Dwarf, when his leg was caught from behind and he fell forward to the ground. His vision was filled with the white light of pain as his face struck the turf. He rolled over quickly, just as the Dvergar landed a blow with his long dagger. He missed Nandliss and struck the point into the ground, instead.

     Something still held the hunter's leg. He looked up, but all he could see was a shadow. He felt himself being pulled away, and then the Dvergar was on top of him. Whoever held his leg let it drop to the ground.

     "Thought you'd spy on us, did you? " Nandliss felt the point of the dagger against his throat. His vision began to clear. He looked past the Dvergar's shoulder to see Rikard standing over them. He must have come back when he heard the Dwarf shout, thought Nandliss.

     "I was merely investigat-," began Nandliss, but he was cut off.

     "We know what yer doin'," replied the Dvergar. "What we wanna know is how much you heard."

     "That hardly matters." His mind raced. I have to think quickly.

     "You think not?" The point of the dagger pressed against his throat. He could also feel blood flowing from his nose.

     "No. You see my companions know all about your little operation here. I was just here to observe."

     The Dwarf turned to Rikard. "See? I told you we'd have to deal with 'em. No choice now."

     "Wait!" Rikard exclaimed. "We'll need to-"

     Those were the last words Nandliss heard as the Dvergar decided to ignore Rikard's pleas and drove his dagger into Nandliss's throat. His world went black, his hearing faded, and he drifted into The Dream.

Chapter 17: The Priestess

     Captain Frayg was examining the scene in the stables behind the Seabreeze tavern when she walked in. There was some considerable noise outside, as someone of her stature never traveled, even only so little distance as that between the Cathedral and the river, without an honor guard as escort.

     She was a short woman in flowing white robes and a white cloak with a wimple. She wore a belt of silver and gold and a silver chain diadem with a golden sunburst that dangled on her forehead. She also wore a white veil. She was preceded by two men in burnished bronze mail with white tabards also bearing the sign of Sol before she strode into the stables as if she owned them and the whole city around them.

     She had large dark eyes. and was dark of complexion, but the rest of her features were difficult to make out.

     "Who is the man who thinks he is in charge here?" She demanded almost as soon as she had entered.

     Frayg looked at her flatly. This was going to take some finesse, and he didn't feel particularly diplomatic this morning, considering he now had a second body – this one a woman's – missing its eyes and brain. Just keep your wits about you, and remember to act deferential. He approached the woman and bowed to her.

     "I'm Captain Hambelton Frayg of the City Watch of Ayrst, Your Eminence. I've been assigned to this location."

     "Very well." She looked at him appraisingly. "I am Archpriestess Halissa MacMorgen, Prime Examiner of the Temple of Invincible Light. I've been told there are signs of Witchcraft here."

     Not only a Witch Finder, but the highest ranked Witch Finder in the entire bloody Temple! Frayg grew concerned. Why would someone of such high office concern herself over this?

     "Pardon, Your Eminence, but I've seen no such evidence. As far as I can tell, we have a simple case of …" He hesitated, searching for the correct words.

     "Murder. You may speak the word freely without offense to my person."

     "If it please Your Eminence."

     "The event does not, but direct communication does."

     Frayg bowed, and the priestess continued. "So who is the victim in this case, Captain?"

     "We aren't sure yet. Your Eminence. That is to say, it's a young woman, but we don't know her name. We have men questioning the patrons of the Tavern, but we haven't much hope."

     "What about the stablehands?"

     "They've already been questioned. They claim not to have seen the victim enter the stable. In fact, they claim that no one entered this particular stable all evening. It's mostly used for storage and houses the proprietor's – that's Mistress Arya Seefer – it's where she keeps her two horses. Other horses, whether for sale or boarding are kept in the larger stables."

     "And what about the state of the corpse."

     "Well, it's rather shocking, Your Emi-"

     "Nothing shocks me, Captain. In the execution of my office I've seen things which would no doubt give you more than a few sleepless nights."

     "As you say, Your Eminence."

     She turned to her honor guard. "You two step outside and guard the doors. The good captain and I will have a look here. See to it that we're not disturbed." The two men saluted her, arms across their chest, and stepped into the stable yard.

     "Now, Captain Frayg, take me to the corpse."

     Frayg led the way to the end of the stalls where the last one to the left was open. There, in a pile of straw was the body of Aliquah. Her empty eye sockets stared blackly up at the ceiling. There was dried blood all over the straw.

     "You've seen something like this before, Captain?"

     "Your Eminence?"

     "Please, Captain, you may call me Halissa. Titles and honorifics can resume in public."

     "Thank you … Halissa. And please call me Frayg. Or Ham, if you'd prefer, though only a few friends call me by that."

     "Well, I wish for us to be friends, Ham, because I have a feeling we'll be seeing a bit of one another until we find out who is behind this abominable act."

     "As it pleases you."

     "Now answer the question. Have you seen this before?"

     "Yes. Just two days ago, in fact. There was another … murder. The last was a young man, and his eyes and brain were also missing."

     "And what are the differences besides the sex of the victim?"

     "Firstly, the man was found inside an inn – the Carter's Rest – in one of the upstairs rooms. His purse was missing, as well. As you can see, this victim still has hers, though it is empty."

     "And?"

     "Well, the other victim was tied to the bed. There was no sign of a struggle or of forced entry." He indicated the disheveled state of the stall. "As you can see here, there appears to have been a fight. The young man was nearly disemboweled, but this woman has only a wound to the back of her head – aside from the missing eyes and brain, that is to say."

     "Now, tell me Ham, why do you suppose anyone would take the eyes and brain of these two young people?"

     "I haven't the slightest idea ... er, Halissa. I expect that there may be some very evil purpose behind it. Some sort of Dark Rituals, perhaps? I have no knowledge of such things myself, but as you spend your days seeking out the sort of people who do, I suppose your presence here is just such an indication."

     "Very good, Ham. Now tell me what you know of the other victim. Who was he?"

     "His name was Nodge Prayner. He was the son of the Baker over on The High Street at Farm Street."

     "And he was at the Carter's Rest alone? Or was he with a group of friends? Wait. If he was that close to home, but let a room for the night, I think I can come to a conclusion. He was either preparing to leave home, and didn't know where he wanted to go, or, more likely, he'd found some companionship of the carnal variety, and likely didn't want to bring her home to meet his parents. Perhaps a whore?"

     "Several witnesses did see him dancing with a woman that night. Though they all agreed she was dressed too well for a ... Prostitute. The serving girl who saw the pair of them to the room said the woman was very pretty and very well dressed. But there was little sign of her in the morning."

     "Hmm. That's interesting. Assuming the same murderer in both cases – and considering the situation, I think it's safe to do so – he certainly has no compunction against killing women. So, did he take the woman to another location? Do you have any idea who she might be?"

     "Unfortunately, no. We have a good description of her, and a few witnesses who claim they would know her if they saw her again, but that is all."

     "What is the description, then, if you would indulge me, please?"

     "Well we know she is shorter than average and has very dark brown hair and eyes – one witness described them as the color of chocolate. She's young, but not as young as the victims. Apparently she dances well and likes to drink red wine. That, unfortunately, is all we have to go on."

     "Do you think that's enough? In a city the size of Ayrst there are bound to be a large number of women who could fit the description."

     "Unfortunately, yes. In fact I've already met one, but I don't expect it was her."

     "Make that two." Halissa pulled the wimple from her head, revealing her long dark hair. "I suspect I'm even about the right height."

     Frayg frowned at her. "Hmph. I see your point."

     "In any case, I suspect we'll find her in a condition similar to this one."

     "Unless she committed the act herself."

     "Wait. You suspect the woman of having murdered the young man?"

     "Not necessarily. I wouldn't cross her off a list of suspects yet, though. As far as we know, she was the only one with him, and then she went out the window."

     "The window?"

     "Yes. She wore a green corset that night. The window to the boy's room was open and, as I said, there was no sign of forced entry. However, when I examined the exterior of the building from the alley I found fibers matching the corset's description on the drain pipe. I believe she climbed out that way."

     "That's very interesting." She frowned. I'll have to destroy that corset when I get back. "So, if she is your suspect, I suppose we're looking for the same woman in this case, yes?"

     "Most likely, though I wouldn't stake my life on it."

     "How do you mean?"

     "If your suspicions are correct, and the eyes and brains are needed for some sort of Dark Magicks, then isn't it likely we're dealing with some sort of band of … witches, or whatever they are?"

     "A coven of witches. I would expect them to be a very small coven, though. We Inquisitors are very good at finding them, and when we do we are also very good at getting them to tell us how to find their brethren."

     "I see." Frayg hesitated before adding, "That's comforting to know."

     "As it should be, Ham. We are the bastion which protects Palonias from the worst kind of enemy: the Darkness Within."

     Frayg bowed. "As you say, Halissa."

     "Now, take me through this scene here. Like you I'm an investigator, but my investigations are not usually of the physical variety. I get my clues from the mind of the perpetrator and from The One."

     "As you wish. First, as I pointed out, the victim suffered a blow to the head, though there appears to have been a struggle first." He walked over to one of the bales of hay and pointed behind it. "There is a broken bottle and a broken glass here. They were drinking mead."

     "They?"

     "It appears as though the victim was lured here by the someone. The Seabreeze was crowded last night, so they must have come out here for a little private party. This is similar to the story at the Carter's Rest. If the woman is involved, she must try to get her victims off their guard and to an isolated location."

     "You believe the same woman may have lured this girl out here for a drink?"

     "It's possible. Or perhaps it was a young man operating in the same method."

     "That is really all we'll know until we're finished questioning the other patrons."

     Halissa bent over and reached behind another of the bales. From behind it she pulled out a small crystal. It glowed with an amber light. She held it up for Frayg's inspection.

     "And what do you suppose this is, Ham?"

     He blinked, startled. That wasn't here a moment ago. I would have seen that.

     "I … is that a Witch Crystal?"

     "Yes. What do you know of them?"

     "Very little, I'm afraid. Isn't that your area of expertise?"

     "Yes it is, and its presence here confirms my suspicions. There is some manner of witchcraft involved here."

     "And that is proof?"

     "Yes. These crystals do not form naturally. Oh, they come from natural sources, but a crystal such as this one is shaped and treated using the Darkest of Dark Magicks. I will need your help." She began pulling her wimple over her head and refitting her veil.

     "I''m at your service."

     "You're not going to like this, Captain Frayg, but I am taking charge of your investigation. I would still like you to lead it as usual, but I need to be informed of all progress, and I may need to make decisions you will not like. Is that understood?"

     "Yes." Frayg stiffened. Back to titles, I see. "Yes, Your Eminence."

     One of the Archpriestess's Honor Guard entered and bowed.

     "What is it?" She asked impatiently.

     "Your Eminence. One of the watchmen has asked permission to enter."

     "I suppose we're done here. Let him in."

     The guard bowed again and left them.

     Halissa turned back to Frayg. "Do you suppose they have some information for us?"

     "Let us hope."

     The guard entered somewhat nervously. On seeing the Archpriestess, he bowed low, before he began.

     "Pardon me, sir, I didn't like to interrupt, but we have an identity on the … the body, sir."

     "Please tell us then," Halissa said sweetly. Frayg merely nodded.

     "Her name was Aliquah Namadar."

     Frayg closed his eyes. Just great, he thought. A nobleman's daughter. He sighed heavily before opening his eyes again. "Anything else?"

     "Yes, sir. Some of the other patrons knew her. They said they saw her go off with a woman. And one of the serving girls described the woman as being very generous – said she'd paid two gold marks for a bottle of mead ..."

     The Archpriestess interrupted, "Thank You, Watchman."

     Both men looked at her in some surprise, before she continued, "I must be going, as many duties call. However, I expect to be kept up to date on the investigation, Captain Frayg."

     "Yes, Your Eminence. How should I go about that?"

     "You may send reports to the Cathedral. If I have anything of interest to tell you in return I shall send you a note or a page."

     "As you wish, Your Eminence."

     With that, she swept from the stable. The guard let out a sigh of relief.

     "It's OK, Alpert." Frayg smiled. "She made me nervous, too. Woman like that ... makes everyone nervous."

Chapter 16: The Dreamer

Chapter 16: The Dreamer

     Merrik Trammer stood in a green field, before an enormous rock. On top of the rock there stood a fool who was juggling three balls. One ball was yellow and shone with a bright, clear light – it was almost blinding if he looked directly at it. One ball was a deep purple and had a golden crown painted on it. The Final ball was a swirl of black and white.

     Suddenly he was surrounded by many people who were pushing the great boulder from all sides. Nevertheless, the boulder stood where it was. Then two of the people on opposing sides of the rock stood apart from the crowd and began to plead to the fool for help. One was a woman with her face painted black and the other was a man with a crown in his hand.

     "Lean this way," cried the woman.

     "No!" Said the man. "Lean this way."

     The fool began to lean back and forth in turn, and the rock began to move.

     Each of the two speakers began frantically pointing behind the other, The woman pointed towards a small dip in the ground behind the man where wraith like forms could be seen swirling chaotically. The man pointed to a group of mounted knights on a small hill behind the woman.

     The Dreamer suddenly realized that all all the other people weren't trying to move the rock, but to hold it in its place. He felt the overwhelming urge to help the people, but he wasn't sure which way to push.

     The fool began fishing pebbles out of his pouch and pelting the people with them. All the while he managed to keep the three balls in the air with one hand and still rock the great boulder back and forth. Every time the man or the woman spoke, the fool would nod to the speaker reassuringly.

     As the people began to falter under the assault of the fool's stones, the ground beneath the man and the woman grew black and the grass withered. The troop of knights charged towards the stone, as did the wraiths. But when they met in the middle, they vanished.

     But the great stone had begun to crack, and the man and the woman were slowly sinking into the ground. The fool laughed as the assembled people began fighting over pieces of the boulder as they fell away.

     Then the fool looked at Merrik, acknowledging him for the first time. He spoke two words: "Chaos Reigns!"

     Merrik Trammer sat up. He looked around the library from the sofa on which he'd lain. That was a rather odd one, he thought. What could it mean? The library had grown dark. The lamps were out and the light coming in through the windows was the slanted red light of the setting sun. He wondered how long he'd been out – he didn't actually remember at which point he'd fallen asleep, or any other dreams. He would have to meditate on that one. He somehow doubted it had anything to do with the countess or her present circumstances, but he couldn't be sure. Morpheus shows you what you need to see, whether you know it or not, was what Master Jaycen used to tell him.

     Trammer hadn't always been his name. He had been born Broderick Kildaar, youngest son of Baron Aaryn Kildaar. His ancestors had fought many battles against threats to the Kingdom of Palonias. They were all good Universalists, attending services each Newday, as befitting a family of such stature. His family had a reputation of honesty and forthrightness. They were also, in the eyes of the youngest son, a bunch of hypocrites.

     Merrik's eldest brother, Anselm, had been sent to the Royal Court in Ayrst to train with King Jak's Paladins. There he'd learned honor and duty and how to fight. He'd also learned to judge others. The next in line had been Kawyn, who had chosen to enter the Temple, where he learned to minister to the sick and poor. He'd also learned to judge others – if anything he was even worse than Anselm.

     And then there was his father, the biggest hypocrite of the lot. He'd had an affair with that strumpet of an Aelf, Loretta. (His mother's housekeeper, no less!) She had given birth to twins: a boy and a girl. He'd even hinted at adopting them into the family, but the Baroness Mishella wouldn't hear of it. When confronted by his wife, the Baron caved in like a house of playing cards and had the whole lot of them bundled off to some settlement in the Unclaimed Wilds to the north – out beyond the mountains and the Tarsis Desert. They were barely gone when he got right back up on his Solar high horse and started judging others – as though he'd never fallen short of perfection himself.

     The last Merrik had heard the caravan with Loretta and the children had been attacked by an Orgish raiding party before they'd even made it out of Palonias. That was some time around twenty-three years ago.  And now here were these twins at the LaDuce Manor, who'd been found in the aftermath of just such a raid. They had to be his half-siblings. He'd hoped to dream of them: he wanted to know for sure. The Lord of Sleep gives you what you need, but not always what you want. That was another of Master Jaycen's favorite sayings.

     After news of the Orgish raiders had reached the city of Kildaar, his mother had had him and his younger sister, Lilaah sent to Fals for safekeeping. That was literally about as far away from the Grey Mountains as one could get and still be in Palonias. He was seven years old at the time, and Lilaah was only six. Nine years later he returned to Kildaar to do his proper duty by his father. (Lily had gone to the Wizards College at Mercer.)

     The Baron gave young Broderick three choices: Paldinhood, Priesthood, or Wizards College. He felt those were the best roads of development for the son of a man of his stature. Broderick had always had a keen interest in magicks, but from what he'd heard from his sister the Wizards Colleges were as full of hypocrisy as his family. Paladinhood was completely out of the question: he hadn't the stamina for it – nor the stomach. Just watching his brother Anselm at his exercises had made him want to retch. The poor, dumb, devoted bastard. 

     So, it was the priesthood he chose. That's when the real trouble started. He'd begun to learn to practice the Way of Sol, but then the visions had started. He hadn't had the talent for channeling the Divine Energies, in any case, and most times when he tried the visions grew worse and the headaches soon followed.

     Finally he couldn't take it any more. He left the temple and ran off to the big city – Ayrst. Sure, the headquarters of the temple – the Cathedral of Light – was there, but he no longer wanted anything to do with the Priesthood. he'd quickly learned that Templars were every bit as hypocritical as anyone else.

     He'd decided he could make a living telling fortunes for superstitious – and rich – old ladies. There was always some segment of the nobility that was fascinated by the metaphysical, and they loved having priests or wizards or performers of some sort to their gatherings to tell fortunes or speak with ones who had Passed into the Dream. (Though this was frowned upon by the Temple, of course.) He'd  told himself it wouldn't be unethical, as most of his visions somehow seemed to come true, after all.

     Once he'd arrived in the city, however, he mostly spent his time getting drunk. He also thought about suicide – a lot.

     Then one morning, after a particularly heavy drinking binge, he woke up in an alley. There was a man in robes of the deepest purple standing before him.

     "What a waste," he had said. "If you have the stomach for it, I can help you."

     The man was Master Jaycen Dreamwalker. He led Broderick to a monastery  and introduced him to his god. From that point on, when he had his visions there were no more headaches.

     So, he learned from the Monks of the Order of the Dreamers. They taught him to read his visions properly, and how to use small mirrors and Dream Dust and even the Tarokki as divinitory aids. He lived with them for a little over a year, but realized the monastic life was not for him. He had already chosen his profession, but had made the mistake of choosing a god, rather than letting his god choose him.

     He entered the priesthood again, but this time it was the right one: the Priesthood of Morpheus. And this time he had no trouble channeling the Divine Energies.

     Needless to say, the whole thing was a real scandal to his family. After a number of fights, he had simply disowned them all. He left the name Kildaar for good – just walked away from it. That's when he became Merrik Trammer. Since then, Ayrst had been his permanent home. Though most people in the city worship the One God, or Sol, there is room for other gods (or Aspects, as the Universalists would have him teach). There is a small church there devoted to Morpheus, and there is the monastery with which he still worked from time to time, receiving occasional lessons from Master Jaycen and helping to teach the novices.

     He'd been in some small amount of trouble with the Temple for his teachings. He eventually learned, though, that he could teach whatever he wished, so long as he was careful to couch his lessons in the kind of terminology that the Temple would find acceptable. There is hypocrisy everywhere, he thought. Even within myself.

     And now he found himself here. He had no idea how the Countess LaDuce had settled on him as a person who could help her, but he'd had a vision that he would be needed here, and her letter arrived the very next day. It was clear to him that Morpheus had some purpose for him here. Was it merely to uncover the identity of the twins? Or was there some larger purpose? Were the twins in some sort of danger? Surely Morpheus wouldn't send him all this way only to give him random visions of fools throwing rocks. There must be some connection. But what?

Chapter 15: The Servant

     Rikard could tell something was amiss. Someone had trampled through the shrubbery and been to the cellar door. He was uncertain as to whether they'd been inside, but knowing the nosy crowd that the old lady had invited to the estate, he wouldn't be surprised. That stupid hunter with his pointless questions – he'd be just the sort to go about putting his nose where it didn't belong.

     He wasn't worried about the Dreamer: most likely he'd just be moping about in the library all day. The big fellow was more brawn that brains: if he'd been inside, there probably wouldn't even be a door here any longer. Now, that redhead that the bruiser followed around - she was a bit of a mystery. Rikard wouldn't have minded a chance to talk with her alone. I could probably make her talk, he laughed to himself. I doubt I could get her away from that big ape, though.

     Rikard examined the door closely. There were no signs of forced entry. That could be a good sign, or it could be an even worse one than finding something. If someone found what he was hiding, and then tried to hide the fact ... well, that would spell real trouble. Why did I ever let Grigsby talk me into this, anyway? He needed the coin, sure, but what good was money if you ended on a Witch's Pyre? He'd have to get rid of these people, and soon. Maybe I overplayed my hand, sending her that note? It was too late to do anything about that now.

     He used the key to open the cellar door and went inside, closing it behind him. He reached into his pouch for his tinderbox, and lit the lamp that hung on a peg nearby. Carrying the lamp, he examined the floor. There was very little dust. Someone must have swept the area clean. Whoever it was could have been anywhere – and gotten into anything. There was no reason for anyone to hide that they had been here except to hide what they found. Rikard went straight to the stack of crates near the back wall. He picked up several of the lighter crates that were stacked on top of the one that concerned him. He examined that one closely by the light of his lamp. It was obvious someone had opened it and then tried to close it back again in the hopes that he wouldn't discover the fact. Now, which of them would have done it? And how long ago had it been? he knew he had to get a message to Grigsby right away. These damned crystals had to be moved as soon as was possible.

     Owerst Nandliss had wandered the wood, watching the workmen about their business, and noting the tracks left by the various fauna that were native to the area. It made him sad to see this ancient forest destroyed, but he knew there was nothing to be done about it. As much as he enjoyed wandering about outdoors, he knew he'd eventually have to get back to the manor grounds and do what he could to assuage the countess's fears.

     Nandliss was unsure of whether the countess's dream was merely that, or whether it may have truly been a vision, as she believed. He'd encountered many strange things in his travels, but he was loath to trust in the hopes and fears of an old woman, no matter how highly born. Still, she was paying him to find what he could, and he would do his duty. Besides, the possibility of discovering some strange new thing made the whole enterprise worthwhile.

     He left the edge of the wood from a point somewhat east of the manor house, and advanced toward it. There were still a few trees scattered here and there on the grounds, and the gardens to the west were still quite lovely at this distance, considering the time of year. The foliage was just beginning to change color, and a few errant leaves had already fallen to the ground.

     Nandliss spied a large white willow near a thicket at the back of the house. Odd, he thought. I should think, considering the nature of her dream, that the countess would have had that tree removed first. Perhaps she hadn't been out on the grounds in so long that she'd simply forgotten it was there. He approached the tree and examined the thicket. It was really more of a large shrubbery that grew right up against the house. He spied a pair of tracks that led out of the shrubbery and headed east, around the corner of the house. Curious, he followed them back to see whence they had come. It appeared that there had been a large, heavy person and a much lighter and smaller one traveling together. Probably the young Ms. Froske and her large friend, Mr. Insel. He came through to the little clearing and saw the coppiced ash and the cellar door. The tracks here were much more difficult to follow: the ground here was hard, willow roots reached thirstily about, and the ground covering was springier. Nandliss, however, with his expert eye could form a story of what had happened here. The two sets of tracks he had first encountered must have belonged to a pair who was following a third set. They appeared to have followed them to the door and then out and left the way he had come. The set they had been following led in and out, and now a fresher set led in. Whoever the last person to come through here was, he was still in the cellar. He decided to wait to see who it was.

     Rikard opened the cellar door and stopped halfway through. There was the Owerst, examining the ground. After a brief moment of thought, he opened the door loudly and called out, "Master Nandliss, sir! I think I may have discovered something. You should come in and have a look."

     Nandliss turned and approached the servant. "Of course, good man. Is something wrong?"

     "I'm not sure, sir. I've discovered something ... unusual ... in the cellar here. I put everything back as it was, for fear that whoever hid these things would do me some harm if they found out I'd discovered them."

     "Discovered what, Rikard?"

     "Come, have a look for yourself." He motioned the Owerst inside.

     Nandliss walked past Rikard, who held the door open for him. The servant pointed towards the back of the cellar.

     "Back there, some of those crates seem to be empty, but the one on the bottom is the one that concerns us." He followed behind Nandliss and began moving crates aside. He grabbed the crowbar and pried open the crate. "There are these strange sort of crystals …" he trailed off.

     Nandliss reached into the crate and, pushing aside the straw, he pulled out one of the wrapped bundles. Unwrapping it, he revealed a glowing blue crystal.

     "I'm not sure what those are, but I'm sure it's nothing the Countess knows about. They have a look of wrongness about them, sir, wouldn't you agree?"

     Nandliss looked aghast. "These … these are very dangerous things to have about. How did you come to find them?"

     "Well, sir, I was out walking the grounds and I noticed that it looked like someone had come through the hedge up there, so I just sort of started looking around, you know. I knew of this cellar, of course – in fact I have the key – but it hasn't been used for anything in years. So when I saw that it looked like someone had been inside, I decided to have a look around myself."

     "Have you any idea who had been in here before?"

     "No sir, except …" He hesitated, perhaps too dramatically.

     "Go on, man!"

     "Well, I assumed it was one of you guests, sir – on the countess's orders, of course. But I didn't know who it would be."

     "Well, it certainly wasn't me: I've only just come from out in the wood. Where are the other guests?"

     "Hm? Oh, I believe the Dreamer is with the countess, though I think he's spent most of the day in the library."

     "And Ms. Froske and Mr. Insel?"

     "Haven't seen them all day, sir," replied Rikard. "Have you?"

     "The last I saw of them was at breakfast. They did say they were going to have a look about the house. Perhaps they found the same thing you did?"

     "Could be. But … no. Never mind."

     "Come now, Rikard. If we're to get to the bottom of this, you'll have to share everything you know."

     "Well, it's not something I know, sir, it's just that a thought occurred to me: what if it was Insel or Ms. Froske who put these here?"

     "Highly unlikely."

     "Oh, well, if you say so, sir. I suppose you know them much better than I do."

     The Owerst paused for a moment. Come to think of it, he'd never met either of them before. Surely Ms. Froske would be incapable of involvement in something like this. The big man, though: he had a look of untrustworthiness about him. Nandliss wasn't sure why the two of them seemed so odd together. Was it possible that Insel was using some sort of Dark Magicks to control the young woman?

     "Listen to me, Rikard. I think we'd best pack these crystals back up the way you found them. Say nothing of them to anyone, understand?"

     "As you say, sir." Rikard nodded and set about re-packing the crystals.

     "If one of the countess's guests is involved in this, it's best that we don't let on that we know anything about it. They'll be on their guard and we'll likely never discover them. However, if we keep a close eye on this place and the goings on about the manor, we may yet find out who put these here."

     "Yes, sir." Rikard knew noblemen well enough to know that when one of them said we in the context of some chore, it was likely what they really meant was you servants. So all he had to do was make sure he was the one on watch when Grigsby's men came. In the meantime, he'd just have to make sure they came soon – tonight, if possible.