Death Weavers (32 page)

“We entered as five,” Harvan said. “They'll notice us leaving as six. Do we care?”

Winston pulled the final shroud from the sack and chucked it to Desmond, who immediately started to put it on.

“I'll go over the wall on my own,” Ferrin said.

“Can you make it?” Harvan asked.

Ferrin cracked his knuckles. “In my sleep. It's not very high. And the security isn't heavy. I'll meet you back in the woods by where we left the yarn.”

“If they try to freeze you, be strong,” Harvan said.

“Count on it.” Ferrin turned to Winston. “Nice job controlling Katka.”

Winston gave an embarrassed smile. “It wasn't the feat it might have seemed. They gave up much of their protection by inviting us inside. I have no doubt she is a talented mediator. But she's not much of a shapecrafter. Many mediators have very sensitive perceptions without powerful wills.”

“This is why people will never hear stories about Winston,” Harvan complained. “He just held a master shapecrafter in suspension on her home turf, and he made it sound boring.”

“What about the guy blocking the way upstairs?” Cole asked.

Harvan stroked his beard. “He will have counted that five entered. But there are no alternate routes past him.”

“I've got it,” Ferrin said, bounding up the stairs. They could hear his urgent voice after he passed out of view. “Ryger says to come quick! The prisoner is missing!”

The guard came thumping down the stairs. Waiting off to the side, Harvan greeted the guard with his walking stick. The man stumbled under the blows but got a hand up, temporarily freezing Harvan, who remained still for barely a second before breaking free.

Desmond and Drake grabbed the man and hauled him to the hall with the cells. Cole brought the keys over and started testing them one by one, trying to open the door to the hall.

Suddenly, he couldn't move. He exerted his will, but the grip was pretty secure. Drake slammed the guard against the wall and started punching him, and Cole was no longer immobilized.

He found the right key.

Behind him, Ferrin wrestled another guard down the stairs. Harvan helped drag the second guardsman into the hall of cells.

Cole went to the cell where they had left Ryger, Katka, and the other guard.

“Different cell,” Harvan said. “They could be ready for us.”

Cole moved one door over and found the correct key on the second try. They deposited the men in the cell and secured the door.

“Should be clear sailing now,” Harvan said, running down the hall of cells. Everyone else followed in a hurry. They pounded up the stairs, through the retired kitchen, and into the empty common room.

“Now we walk,” Drake said, slowing down at the door.

“Exactly,” Harvan agreed.

They exited to the cobblestone street. Harvan led them toward the gate where they had entered. Ferrin went in the opposite direction.

“Walk quickly,” Harvan whispered. “I have an excuse.”

Cole tried not to look around too much. Or too little. Many men and women moved about in the walled village. He waited for a scream from behind. Somebody would call out an accusation at any moment, and then they would be running.

How long before an echo went into the prison to find it unmanned? Would that person sound an alarm immediately or first go searching for Ryger, Katka, and company?

Cole tried to trust his disguise. And his comrades. He fought to slow his breathing and calm his racing heart.

They reached the closed gate.

“Back so soon?” the same guard asked.

“Like you said,” Harvan replied jovially, “one prisoner.”

“Did you find what you were looking for?” the guard asked.

“Not exactly, but he accidentally presented an interesting lead,” Harvan said.

“You seem in a hurry,” the guard observed.

“Exactly right,” Harvan said. “We're eager to act on this new knowledge. Our quarry is highly prized by Nazeem.”

“And Katka?” the guard checked.

“We left her with Ryger,” Harvan said.

The guard put his fists on his hips. “She's supposed to walk you out.”

“She and Ryger got into some kind of disagreement,” Harvan said.

With us,
Cole added in his mind.

The guard held up a hand. “Do you mind waiting while I send a runner?”

For the first time, Harvan sounded unpleasant. “Actually, yes. Katka had plenty of time to report to you while we spoke with the prisoner. Instead she got tied up with Ryger.” He went from unpleasant to angry. “We came here to verify vital intelligence, with favorable results, but the situation is extremely time sensitive. If that gate were open, we would be running.” Harvan moved beyond angry to furious, though he didn't shout. “You are obstructing our investigation. What is your name? Must I take off my hood and pull rank?”

“Open the gate,” the guard said. He waved them through. “She should have reported back first thing,” the guard apologized. “We'll check it out.”

“Good choice,” Harvan said, breaking into a sprint.

Cole and the others followed. As he ran, Cole found himself holding back laughter. He managed to contain it with the thought that it could only be a minute or two before the guards found out what really happened and came in pursuit.

“Mask our conversation?” Harvan asked.

“Done,” Winston said.

“You came here with Honor?” Harvan asked Desmond as they dashed toward the trees.

“Yes,” Desmond answered.

“Where is she now?” Harvan asked.

“They took her to Gamat Rue,” Desmond said.

“Interesting,” Harvan said. “Not the Fallen Temple?”

“There was talk of that,” Desmond said. “But they settled on Gamat Rue in the end.”

“Did you guys find any leads on Destiny?” Cole asked.

“Nothing,” Desmond said. “I don't think she ever made it to Deepwell. If so, she went in and out without getting caught. This was a dead end for us.”

“Disappointing,” Harvan said. “What would you suggest we do?”

“If you're looking for Destiny, keep up the hunt,” Desmond said. “I can't recommend how. I'm going to find Honor. I should have never lost her.”

They reached the trees. Looking back, Cole saw nobody in pursuit yet.

“Going to Gamat Rue would lead us backward,” Harvan said. “But finding Honor is a priority for us as well.”

“Leave it to me,” Desmond assured him.

“Gamat Rue will be much more formidable than Deepwell,” Harvan said. “You'll need help.”

“Should we split up?” Drake asked. “I could join him.”

“Would you be willing?” Harvan asked.

“I'll do whatever would most benefit your cause,” Drake said.

“There is a powerful echomancer at Gamat Rue,” Harvan said. “Nandavi. You could get permanently trapped there.”

“I could get trapped with you as well,” Drake said. “I've accepted the risks.”

“I largely brought extra manpower in case we needed to divide our efforts,” Harvan said. “Cole, what do you think?”

“Destiny is my mission right now,” Cole said. “But some of my friends might be at Gamat Rue. Joe, Jace, and possibly Mira. I'd love to send help.”

They raced through the trees in silence for a time.

Harvan stopped at a tree and crouched to pick up a piece of yarn. He handed it to Cole, then started taking off his robe. “The echoes at Deepwell know us by these disguises. Now would be an opportune time to shed them.”

Cole pulled off the robe and pocketed the yarn. Winston took Cole's robe and Harvan's and stuffed them in the sack.

“Are you still shielding us from scrutiny?” Harvan asked Winston.

“The best I can,” the other man replied.

“I sense Ferrin,” Harvan said. He turned to peer out into the trees.

A moment later the displacer ran into view.

“How'd it go?” Harvan called.

“I didn't get away clean,” Ferrin said. “But clean enough. Sorry I was a little slow. I looped around wide to hopefully lead them off course. Are we abandoning the robes?”

“Take it off,” Harvan said. “But keep it.”

“Where are we heading?” Ferrin asked.

“Away from Deepwell for starters,” Harvan said. “We can't accomplish anything if we get captured. Desmond wants to visit Gamat Rue to help Honor and perhaps some of Cole's friends. Cole and I must stay after Destiny.”

“Do you know where to go next?” Ferrin asked.

Cole watched Harvan with great interest.

“I have an idea,” Harvan said. “But I only mean to share it with those who accompany me.”

“I offered to join Desmond,” Drake said.

“I could do that too,” Ferrin said. “Should I?”

“Let's move,” Harvan said. They all started running together. “It might be most effective to part ways. The princesses are our top priority. I can't pursue multiple princesses at once.”

“Drake and I would be happy to join Desmond,” Ferrin said.

“You may want to seek other help before invading Gamat Rue,” Harvan said. “It will be no small chore. The princess will be extremely well guarded.”

“Let us worry about that,” Drake said. “Others can direct us to Gamat Rue?”

“Many know the location,” Harvan said.

Desmond came alongside Cole. “I have a message from Honor to Destiny. Would you mind bringing it to her?”

“Of course not,” Cole said.

Desmond produced a small, tightly rolled scroll.

“A written message?” Harvan asked. “They didn't confiscate it?”

“The message was disguised with weaving,” Desmond said. It seemed he was trying to say something else, but nothing came out.

“You tried to tell me something when we first found you,” Cole said.

Desmond attempted to speak again but failed.

“He's bound somehow,” Harvan said. “Is that right?”

“Yes,” Desmond said. “I know certain things about Honor that I can't express.”

“Do you know anything about Destiny's location?” Harvan checked. “A clue you can't reveal?”

“No,” Desmond said. “As far as I know, her whereabouts remain a complete mystery to everyone. I wish I could better explain why I can't speak.”

“Does your silence have to do with the message?” Harvan asked.

“It's related,” Desmond said. “The message was written by Honor and is meant for Destiny's eyes only. I vowed not to read it or share anything I know about what it might contain.”

“Should we read it?” Harvan asked. “We made no oaths.”

“I cannot entrust the scroll to another unless they vow not to read it,” Desmond said. “I don't think my binding will let me give it away unless the recipient promises sincerely.”

“Honor couldn't have bound you,” Harvan said.

“An agent of hers did it,” Desmond replied. He tried to say something else but failed. “It's hard to find words I can utter.”

“Happens to the best of us,” Harvan assured him. “Would it be dangerous for us to accept the message?”

“I don't think so. But bringing the message to Destiny could be very important for Honor.”

“Up to you, Cole,” Harvan said. “Sounds like you'll need to promise not to read the message and mean it.”

Cole hesitated. He hadn't thought carrying around the coin for Sando would be dangerous either. He knew too well that bindings could carry hidden threats. But just because he had been burned didn't mean it would happen every time. Desmond didn't seem to think it was too risky. And besides, this binding had been performed by an agent of Honor's! It was probably just a precaution to keep the message safe. Since Desmond was returning to Honor, if Cole refused, the letter would go undelivered. What if it had information vital to Destiny's protection? He had to accept whatever risk the binding might involve.

“I'll take it,” Cole said. “I promise not to read it.”

Desmond handed over the little scroll. Cole tucked it away.

They ran in silence for a time, enveloped by the music of the forest. Part of Cole wanted to go with Ferrin, Drake, and Desmond to help his friends at Gamat Rue. It would be nice to have a known destination, and such a relief to see Jace and Joe. If Nandavi and Sando were holding Honor there, was there a chance Mira remained there as well?

But what if Desmond had faulty info? What if both Honor and Mira were already at the Fallen Temple with Nazeem? What if postponing his search for Destiny let Nazeem claim her? Cole had promised Mira he would find her younger sister. If Harvan had a possible lead, they needed to pursue that first.

“If we're going to split up, sooner would be better than later,” Harvan said. “It will confuse those from Deepwell who are trying to follow us.”

“I have to go to Gamat Rue,” Desmond said. “My sworn duty is to rescue Honor. I'd welcome any help.”

“What do you say, Cole?” Harvan asked. “Should Drake and Ferrin join him?”

Cole appreciated Harvan asking his opinion but also felt a little intimidated. It was a big decision. Lives were at stake. “How much will we need Drake and Ferrin as we hunt for Tessa?” It was still a novelty to converse while sprinting without feeling winded.

“The next phase of our search for Destiny will rely more on stealth,” Harvan said. “I'm convinced that nobody has found Destiny, meaning we're trying to find her rather than steal her back. Going forward, I don't expect numbers to be as important as they were at Deepwell.”

That helped solidify Cole's opinion. “Then if Drake and Ferrin are willing, I'd feel better knowing they were helping Honor and maybe Mira.”

“Sounds like a decision,” Ferrin said. “We'll go to Gamat Rue with Desmond.”

“My other friends are a kid named Jace and a man named Joe,” Cole said. “They're bright echoes, held at Gamat Rue.”