Unicorns' Opal (37 page)

“What about the other weddings?” pushed Niki. “He is not the only one that I am supposed to marry.”

“Just call them all off,” snicker Dalgar.

“But then they will know that I duped them,” protested Niki.

“Yes they will,” agreed Dalgar. “And what are they going to do about it? Do you think they will tell a soul that they were so foolish? They will understand that they were used and they will learn to fear you. That is how you want the other Council members to view you. They will be afraid to mess with you again.”

Niki smiled and nodded, “I think I am beginning to understand this game. This will be a lot of fun.”

Prince Midge darted in the window and shot towards the ceiling. He paused as he assessed whether he had been seen or not. The six soldiers in the room continued their discussion and Midge flew towards the door to the hallway. Seeing nothing in the hallway, Midge flew through the door. Keeping close to the ceiling, Midge made his way along the hallway checking each of the rooms as he passed them. At the end of the hallway was a large room and Midge heard voices coming from within it. He could not see anyone from his vantage point so he flew through the door and back towards the ceiling.

The room was large and elaborate with a large fireplace and a long table and chairs. Only two people occupied the room and Midge recognized one of them from the picture Princess Callie had created. General Gregor sat talking softly at the long table next to an elderly woman. Midge kept to the corner where the ceiling met the wall and tried to listen to the conversation, but the couple was talking too softly. Finally, Midge managed to pick up the title General Gregor used in talking with the woman and he realized that he was looking at Queen Marta. Rather than wait for the meeting to end, or the possibility that others might come in before it did, Midge decided to make his presence known. He maneuvered directly over the head of the General.

“General Gregor,” chirped Prince Midge, “may I speak with you? It is very important.”

General Gregor leaped to his feet, almost colliding with Prince Midge, and looked frantically around the room. His hand went to the hilt of his sword as he continued to search the room.

“Above you,” announced Queen Marta. “Do not hurt it.”

General Gregor looked up and saw Midge. His mouth hung open and furrows creased his brow.

“I am not here to cause harm,” promised Midge. “I carry a message of great importance. May I speak?”

“Who are you and who sends you?” questioned General Gregor, his hand never leaving the hilt of his sword.

“I am Prince Midge of the fairies,” Midge said with a small acrobatic bow. “Alexander Tork sends me with a message.”

“Alight upon the table,” ordered General Gregor as he pointed to the table. “I do not fancy craning my neck much longer.”

Midge darted to the tabletop between Queen Marta and General Gregor. He turned towards Queen Marta and bowed deeply. “I am honored to be in your presence, Queen Marta.”

“As I am honored to receive a prince of the fairies,” smiled Queen Marta. “What word do you bring from Alex? Has he truly located my grandson?”

“Oh, he has indeed, Highness,” grinned Midge. “Your grandson is the Bringer to my people. The fairies are sworn to serve him.”

“Is that so,” smiled the Queen. “I do so want to see him. Is he well? What does he look like? When will he arrive?”

Prince Midge grinned broadly and backed away a few paces. He bowed again and then the air shimmered where he had once stood. In seconds, a vision appeared above the surface of the table. The vision was one of mist and fog that swirled around until it slowed and developed into the likeness of Arik.

“This is Arik,” chirped Prince Midge. “He is well and is currently working to restore the Sword of Heavens."

General Gregor swiftly moved to the doorway and shut the door leading to the hallway. He returned and sat down in his chair. “That is Arik,” agreed General Gregor. “I met him when Alex passed through Tagaret some time ago. He was one of the lads with Alex. So this is to be our king?”

“He is a handsome lad,” smiled Marta. “He has a bit of that devilish look Oscar used to have. You must tell me all about him.”

“So I shall,” bowed Midge as the vision blinked out. “First I must deliver the message that I was sent to say. Alex bids you not to enter the city at this time. The way can be made safer before you arrive.”

“Is Arik planning on entering the city soon then?” questioned General Gregor.

“Not as King,” Midge said. “It is not yet safe enough for him to do so. Nor is it safe for Queen Marta. They have devised a plan which may make it somewhat safer, but there will still be great danger.”

“Who is they?” questioned the Queen.

“Alex and Oscar,” answered Midge.

“Oscar is alive too,” sighed the Queen. “Oh tell me, no show him to me.”

Midge frowned and created the vision of Oscar Dalek. “You must not mention to anyone that he is alive,” declared Prince Midge. “His life will be forfeit if Sarac finds out.”

“Prince Midge,” beamed Queen Marta, “you have made me a very happy woman today. I had given up hope of ever seeing either of them again. I thought them both dead. Ask what you will and I will see to it that it happens.”

“Alex has a task for the Rangers of old,” nodded Midge as the vision blinked out. “A new company is to be created. It is to be named the Grakus Mercenary Company. David Jaynes is to run this business. They will advertise for only the most able of warriors to be guards to the wealthy in Tagaret. Targan Rangers will enter the city in twos and threes and join the company.”

“That is an excellent way of getting our men inside the city,” nodded General Gregor. “We will need funds to provide for a hiring hall and places to house the men though.”

“Funds will be provided,” assured Midge. “Mitar Vidson will open a similar company. Name it what you will, but it will be in competition to the Grakus Mercenary Company. Too many armed men under one banner will arouse suspicions, but two companies competing against each other will not.”

“Mitar was born in Sordoa,” pondered General Gregor. “I suppose Koman Mercenary Company would appear authentic. It is the name of the great oasis in the Great Sordoan Desert.”

“Koman it is then,” nodded Midge. “The purpose is not only to get the Rangers inside Tagaret, but to get the men assigned to the personal protection of the players in the Contest of Power.”

“Very clever,” nodded Queen Marta. “If we can get our men to be personal bodyguards to the players then we will know what they are up to.”

“Yes,” acknowledged Prince Midge. “We will continue to increase the numbers of the men in these two companies until we have a sufficient number inside the city to ensure your safety. At that point, you will enter with the rest of your men. It will still not be safe for you. You must understand that you will be taking a great risk to your own life.”

“It is a risk I am prepared to take,” Marta smiled grimly.

“There is more,” continued Midge. “A personal request from me if I might, General. Should your men encounter any fairies along the way, bid them to do no harm nor expose them. The fairy people have all pledged fealty to Arik, the Bringer. Your men may, from time to time, encounter my people. I wish this were not so, but sometimes these things happen. Remember that we are your allies.”

“Instructions will be given,” promised General Gregor.

“There is one more part to the message I was bid to bring to you,” continued Midge. “There was a Ranger named Zackary Nolan at one time. Is he among those who have returned to the Queen’s service?”

“He is,” nodded General Gregor. “He is a fine man if a bit unorthodox.”

“Unorthodox is what is required for this task,” grinned Midge. “He is to report to Larc as soon as possible.”

***

The ship from Grakus eased alongside the dock in Tagaret. Alex eyed the wharf anxiously as the crewmen set the gangplank in place. The gloom of night was just taking hold of Tagaret as Alex and Jenneva walked their mounts ashore. The first available inn was a rundown shack that spoke of vermin. Alex led the way around to the stables of the Empty Keg and deposited Kaz and Yorra. He led Jenneva into the inn in search of the innkeeper. The common room was full and the sailors and locals were boisterous. Alex held Jenneva’s hand and helped her over the patches of spilled ale that decorated the unclean floor. Alex spied the innkeeper and asked for a room.

“You want a private room do ya?” asked the innkeeper. “How long do you want it for?”

“Just one night,” Alex answered.

“The whole night, eh?” sneered the innkeeper. “Twelve gold then. Last room on the left as you go up.”

“Twelve gold?” Jenneva started to argue before Alex squeezed her hand to quiet her.

Alex paid the innkeeper and swiftly led Jenneva to the stairs. The stairs and upper hallway were sticky with the residue of evaporated ale and Alex shook his head as he approached his room. He opened the door to the room and tried to make out the placement of the furniture in the darkness. Jenneva raised her hand and a light glow emanated from her fingertips. Alex frowned as dozens of things skittered across the floor to the safety of darkness. He marched over to a small table and lit the candle on it. Jenneva closed the door and locked it.

“Can you do something to eliminate these creatures?” Alex asked.

Jenneva nodded silently and worked on a low level spell to eradicate the insects. Alex leaned out the window and saw Arik, Tedi, and Tanya at the stables.

“I am going to go alone to meet with Larc,” Alex decided. “I should not be long. I will tell Alan and Konic to secure a different inn. The Falcon’s Inn should be acceptable for them.”

Jenneva merely nodded as Alex unlocked the door and headed downstairs. He caught the Children coming in the door before they registered with the innkeeper and told them to all bunk together for the night. He did not think that the Empty Keg was an inn that Tanya should sleep alone in. Alex lingered at the stables long enough to meet with Alan and Konic and he gave them directions to the Falcon’s Hood. He left Kaz in the stables and walked the streets of Tagaret to the Sword and Shield. He followed the normal procedure for securing a room and waited in the dark for Larc to arrive.

“You visit more frequently these days,” greeted Larc as he entered the room and closed the door.

“Just passing through,” Alex commented dryly. “Things are going to start to get interesting fairly soon. There is too much information to exchange for me to do it verbally this time so I have left notes in the pack I brought with me. Digest the information and destroy the notes.”

“Writing things down is risky,” frowned Larc. “It must be important for you to do so.”

“It is,” assured Alex. “Important and complex. There is also a fine assortment of jewels in the pack. Convert them into gold for me. Do it quietly and without notice. I also want you to stop investing Oscar’s proceeds that come to you. You do not have to touch his current investments, but invest no more. Much gold will be needed in the coming days.”

“I mentioned to you last time that I will not touch his money without his authorization,” responded Larc.

“Cauldron was the name of the horse,” retorted Alex. “There will be no note with the amount because I will not be asking for any of his invested sums.”

“So he is still alive,” remarked Larc. “I was not sure.”

“You still aren’t,” warned Alex. “Not even his friends are to know that he still lives. There is too much to risk and too little time to prepare. You have devoted your life in his employ and for the benefit of our kingdom. Do not take yourself so seriously that you forget what it is we fight for. Secrecy will be more important now than ever, but do not endanger the crowning of our new king.”

After a long silent pause, Larc asked, “So he has confirmed the lad then?”

“He has,” declared Alex. “It is too early for me to divulge the name, but you will be among the first to know when it is permissible.”

“It shall be as you request then,” agreed Larc. “I guess over the years that secrecy has become my way of life. You shall have whatever it is you require, Alex. Forgive me for even my sliver of doubt and thank you for reminding me why I am who I am. It will take me a day or two to convert the gems. I can supply gold to you in the meantime. How much do you require?”

“I require none,” answered Alex. “You will be visited in the coming days by several men. Jaynes and Vidson will need a considerable amount of gold. Two other men will come to see you as well. Konic Clava and Alan Markel. Give them what they need. Lastly, Zackary Nolan may visit you. Meet his demands also if he comes.”

“It sounds like you are not sure about Nolan,” noted Larc.

“I am not sure if he still lives,” confirmed Alex. “If he does not, then I will choose another to take his place. I must catch the first ship out to Tice so it will be a while if I have to seek a replacement for him.”

“He still lives,” responded Larc. “He has joined up with the General. I will expect to see him. As for your ship to Tice, I am afraid that you will be waiting for a long time. The Council had banned all traffic between Tice and Tagaret. There will be no ship coming for you.”

“Kripp was planning on a shipment of arms and building supplies,” frowned Alex. “Why did the Council do this?”

“Duke Everich demanded it,” answered Larc. “I think he got wind of the garrison up there readying for war. He is determined that they will not get any supplies from Tagaret.”

“We must have a spy in our ranks,” scowled Alex. “This does not bode well for our men up there. If Duke Everich is aligned with Sarac, which I think he is, that means that Tice can expect an attack and soon.”

“I agree,” replied Larc. “What can we do about it?”

“Do you know if the supplies Kripp wanted were ever readied for transport?” asked Alex.

“They were,” nodded Larc. “They sit in a warehouse off the wharf. What are you thinking?”

“We just came in on a Continental ship from Grakus,” schemed Alex. “Have that ship loaded with Kripp’s goods. We will sail it to Tice.”