Dwarven Ruby (23 page)

“I thought you were just going down to look around,” accused Natia. “Do you really think you can free Adan on your own?”

“I can only try,” replied Tedi. “Besides, I am no longer alone. I do wish you would reconsider and join Mandal before they are too far gone.”

“I can handle myself,” asserted Natia. “Do you think that the gypsies are weak and unable to accomplish great deeds without your help?”

“Those were not my thoughts,” defended Tedi. “You will be in danger in that city. My fear is that my love for you will cause me to pay more attention to what you are doing than what I should be doing. It may get us both killed.”

“I am sorry,” smiled Natia as she leaned over and kissed Tedi. “I will be fine in the city. Trust me.”

“I do trust you,” Tedi replied. “Let’s wait until nightfall before entering the city. Many of the soldiers will be asleep then.”

“Then we should get some sleep now,” decided Natia as she curled up next to Tedi.

Tedi nodded as he put his arm around Natia and stared down at the city. He was not sure when he had drifted off to sleep, but a dull thundering sound awakened him. Tedi gazed down at the city and saw a large column of soldiers riding out of the city. He gently tapped Natia and she sat up, rubbing her eyes.

“What is it?” she asked as she looked up at the sun dipping below the horizon.

“The army is moving out,” Tedi said softly. “And Caroom is leading them.”

“That swine,” Natia blurted out as she fell to the ground alongside Tedi and peered at the army. “I can’t believe that he is doing this.”

“It is time to start believing it,” scowled Tedi. “I should have killed him when I had the chance. I hope Mandal and Hortice managed to get your people to safety or I will never forgive myself.”

“It is not your fault,” replied Natia. “He fooled the gypsies as well. How can anyone expect a basta to see more than Caroom’s own people?”

“I am not sure that basta is a term of endearment,” Tedi said as he tried to lighten Natia’s mood. “Is that how you see me?”

“You are a basta,” frowned Natia. “I wish that you were not, but the gypsies do not easily accept outsiders.”

“So there is no hope for us then?” Tedi asked.

“There is more than hope,” smiled Natia. “I will go with you when you leave.”

“You are their princess,” objected Tedi. “You cannot abandon them.”

“That is why we are here to rescue their king,” grinned Natia. “Adan needs no help in leading the gypsies. We must secure his freedom.”

“So we shall,” Tedi promised as he wriggled back from the edge of the cliff. “It is time for us to visit Lori. It will be dark by the time we get there.”

“We have to be careful,” warned Natia as she rejoined Tedi by the horses. “The chances are that Caroom described us as well. They may be expecting us.”

“I am sure that they are,” nodded Tedi as he rummaged through his bag.

He tossed a tunic and pants to Natia.

“Put those on,” encouraged Tedi while he extracted the white robe that he had used in Ongchi.

“I will look like a boy in these,” Natia complained as she looked at the drab brown clothes that Tedi had tossed to her.

“Yes, you will,” grinned Tedi as he pulled the hooded robe on. “We will not look anything like what Caroom described. Here, wear my sword and bow.”

“I would prefer that you remain armed with weapons that you are familiar with,” argued Natia.

“I have my staff,” replied Tedi as he patted his pockets full of Lanoirian Stars. “I have all that I will need.”

Natia disappeared behind a tree and came out wearing Tedi’s old clothes. She handed her gaily colored skirt and blouse to Tedi and he shoved it into his bag. He looked at Natia and dug deep into his bag again. He pulled out a cloth cap and placed it on Natia’s head. He shoved strands of her hair up under the cap and stepped back for another look.

“Perfect,” grinned Tedi. “You look like a poor street urchin who is trying to pretend that he is a warrior. Do you know how to use a sword?”

“I am better with a bow than a sword,” answered Natia, “but I am best with knives.”

“Then we leave the sword with the horses,” Tedi decided as he started laughing.

“What is so funny?” Natia asked sharply.

“You look how I imagine I did before I left Lorgo,” chuckled Tedi. “You should be out hunting rabbits.”

“I am so glad that it pleases you that I look like a boy,” scowled Natia as she leaped onto her horse. “What are you supposed to be? A priest?”

“Are priests tolerated in Lanoir?” questioned Tedi as he mounted his horse.

“Not in the big cities,” Natia shook her head, “but out here near the Sordoa border they are accepted.”

“What about papers?” quizzed Tedi. “I have only merchant papers and diplomatic papers.”

“Diplomatic papers?” echoed Natia. “You must explain that to me some time. Papers are seldom asked for here. Most of the people in these parts do not even have papers. The army is starting to give everyone around Porang papers, but it will be some time before that happens up here.”

“Then a priest I am,” grinned Tedi.

“Do you know anything about religion?” queried Natia.

“A little,” nodded Tedi. “Certainly not a great deal, but I think I can portray a follower of Abuud fairly well. I listened to their prophet talk a while ago.”

“I am not familiar with Abuud,” admitted Natia as the rode down the trail towards Lori. “Perhaps the city of Lori is not either. What do we do when we get into the city?”

“I want you to just browse around,” explained Tedi. “Determine if there are any patrols around the big stone building. Note the locations of any sentries. Most importantly, avoid drawing attention to yourself. We will enter the city separately. You will go first so I can rescue you if something goes wrong.”

“We will get separated,” frowned Natia as the sky began to turn black.

“Lori must have inns,” mused Tedi. “Find the inn closest to the big stone building on the side nearest the gate we enter. Hang out at the stables as if you are waiting for your father. I will find you there.”

“That is all that you want me to do?” asked Natia. “Hang around the stables?”

“Can you think of a better way to pick out a horse for Adan to ride on?” chuckled Tedi. “Gypsies do steal horses, don’t they?”

“Of course,” laughed Natia. “Do you think we raise them on our farms? Where are you going to go?”

“Into the big stone building,” Tedi answered nervously. “I have to find Adan.”

“You may never come out again,” Natia inhaled sharply.

“I will come out,” promised Tedi as the gate to Lori appeared in the distance. “If you hear any commotion, gather the horses and head for the big stone building. We may have to leave quickly. Go on ahead of me now.”

Natia nodded as her horse started trotting for the gate. Tedi watched nervously as the distance widened between them. He watched Natia slow down as she approached the gate. The soldiers did not appear to pay any attention to her as she rode through. As Tedi neared the gate he saw two of the soldiers laughing and pointing towards him. One of the soldiers moved and stood in the middle of the gate as Tedi approached. Tedi halted his horse in front of the man.

“What business do you have in Lori?” demanded the soldier.

“I have come to spread the message of peace and harmony,” declared the priest.

“There is little need for peace here,” laughed the soldier. “You should return to Sordoa where you will be safe for a while.”

“Sordoa?” echoed Tedi. “I am heading for Ongchi. The Emperor must be informed of the blessing that Abuud has bestowed upon him.”

“Blessing?” repeated the soldier. “What blessing?”

“Look up, child of Lanoir,” Tedi stated solemnly. “The god Abuud has placed his blessing upon Emperor Hanchi. It is a sign from the heavens that the Emperor is to be granted his desire for peace and harmony, not only over Lanoir, but over all lands.”

“All lands?” echoed the second soldier. “That is news that the Emperor would be pleased to receive. Will you speak of this miracle during your stay in Lori?”

“Lori is a stop to rest my weary body,” replied the priest. “The miracle should be spread to Ongchi, and the Emperor, before all others know. There is something that I might do for your fair city though.”

“What is that?” asked the first soldier.

“I have some talents of my own,” smiled Tedi. “Gifts from Abuud to be sure, but gifts that are unique to myself. If you have rogues that have been condemned to death, I have the ability to channel their energies to the Emperor when I meet him. I can capture the energies of their souls and carry it to Ongchi. When the rogues are finally executed, the Emperor will gain their strength and wisdom. Are there any such rogues in Lori?”

“The cells are full of such beasts,” the first soldier nodded seriously. “Will you carry each of their souls?”

“I will do what I can,” promised Tedi, “but only if it is requested. It is a task that greatly tires me, and I have learned long ago that my skills are met with suspicion. Therefore, I do not try to enter the cells and offer my services any more. If your leader wishes it to be done to glorify the Emperor, have him tell me so before I retire for the night. I will be leaving before first light.”

“Where are you staying?” asked the first soldier as he stepped out of the way.

“I am unfamiliar with Lori,” admitted the priest. “I will stay at the inn closest to the big stone building. Are the accommodations there acceptable for a traveler of sparse coin?”

“A room will be made available for you,” promised the second guard as he leaped onto his horse. “I will carry word of your arrival to the officer in charge.”

Tedi nodded his head at the departing soldier and waved his hand mysteriously in the air as he rode through the gate. He rode slowly towards the big stone building as he felt the nervous sweat beginning to dampen his body under the hooded robe. He hoped the officer in charge had the same enthusiasm for miracles that the soldiers did. By the time he reached the inn across the street from the big stone building, half a dozen soldiers were waiting for him. Tedi felt a tremor of fear race up his spine. He kept his face hidden in the hood of his robe as he dismounted.

“You are the priest of Abuud?” the officer asked sternly.

“I am,” nodded Tedi. “Is this inn acceptable for a traveling priest?”

“You told my man that you are responsible for the clearing of the Darkness,” accused the officer. “It is a serious crime to spread lies in Lanoir. Have you proof of such a bold statement?”

“The clearing of the Darkness is not my doing,” declared Tedi as he gazed up at the brightening stars overhead. “I would never be so bold as to take credit for it.”

“So you deny what you told the men posted at the gate?” scowled the officer.

“I do not deny it,” the priest retorted sternly. “As I said to the soldier, Abuud has created this hole in the Darkness as a tribute to the Emperor. I have been sent to Ongchi to explain the significance of this miracle to Emperor Hanchi.”

“And what is the significance of the clear skies?” questioned the officer.

“I said that I was sent to explain the significance to the Emperor,” scowled Tedi, “not to every soldier who is curious. Is this the way a priest with a message from the god Abuud is treated in Lanoir? Are you daring the god Abuud to retract his blessing from the Emperor? Will you stand up and proclaim your responsibility when that happens?”

The officer was taken aback by the priest’s stern lecture. His fingers began to fiddle with the sheath at his side, and Tedi nervously smiled inwardly.

“I mean no disrespect to Abuud or his messenger,” retreated the officer. “It is my task to maintain the law in this sector. Surely you can understand that my questioning is necessary to stop the spreading of false rumors.”

“As it should be,” Tedi nodded. “But why would a priest of Abuud want to falsely spread rumors of praise for the Emperor? I have been sent to praise Emperor Hanchi, not criticize him.”

“That is true,” agreed the officer. “I was sure that you were telling the truth right away, but it is my habit to explore all statements. I apologize for any misunderstanding.”

“Abuud is a forgiving god,” nodded Tedi. “I am sure that he took no offense from a soldier performing his duty to the great Emperor Hanchi. If you will excuse me, I have had a long journey today and my body pleads for rest. I shall be gone in the morning and will not be cause for any more misunderstandings.”

The officer touched Tedi lightly on the arm. Tedi turned to look at the officer, making sure his young face remained within the folds of the hood.

“My man at the gate also said you had a power within you,” the officer said softly. “He said it was a power that would enrich the Emperor. Is this true?”

“It is,” sighed the priest. “Abuud has granted me the power to carry the energies of dying souls. It is not something that I can use to benefit myself, you understand. I am but a vessel to carry the energies to the one Abuud chooses to receive the gift. It is a demanding task. Already I am burdened with the weight of forty such souls. Perhaps that is why I tire so easily these days.”

“I thought your tiredness was unusual for one so young,” commented the officer. “Now I understand. Still, you are sacrificing for a greater cause. I am sure that your god will bless you for the pain you endure to fulfill his will.”

“Yes he will at that,” agreed the priest. “In fact, he long ago blessed me for my devotion. You mention my youthful looks. My appearance has not changed in many years. It is Abuud’s way of blessing me for my untiring devotion. Now I must truly rest.”

“As long as you are staying the night in Lori,” the officer said quickly before Tedi had a chance to leave, “there is here an opportunity to please your god even more. Our cells are packed with men who will be executed. Surely you will want to carry their energies to our Emperor?”

“That is a request I cannot refuse,” sighed the priest. “Whenever offered, I must accept the souls for Abuud’s chosen one. Where are these unfortunates?”

“The big stone building behind me is where they are kept,” grinned the officer. “I will make sure that the inn provides you with the finest room and a meal that will take your tiredness away. When can you begin?”