Exile to the Stars (The Alarai Chronicles) (82 page)

“It
might not be possible, buddy, but we saw them. That’s what killed the guard. I
have no idea what the words meant, or what they might sound like if voiced.”
Jeff frowned in concentration. “One of the words was short. I think it was…”

“Stop!
Don’t try and pronounce that word!” Gaereth broke off a conversation with
Toltek and hurried to the table where Jeff, Rengeld and Carl were seated. “If
you even came close it would probably kill you. Do you understand me?”

This
was an aspect of Gaereth Jeff had never seen before. The command in his voice
demanded immediate compliance without question. Jeff choked back the word he
was about to spit out.

“Close
call?”

“Very
close, Jeff. I know what happened with Kalmit seems bizarre in the extreme to a
twenty-first century mind, but one of those words did in fact kill the guard.
Don’t ever forget it.”

“Lord
Gaereth is correct.” Toltek joined them at the table. “The words had substance
and should never be spoken by our kind.” He paused to examine Gaereth,
something he had been doing overtly and secretly for some time. Turning to
Jeff, he said, “May I examine your sword?”

Jeff
looked to Gaereth for guidance. “Grandfather?”

Toltek
looked back and forth between the two men in renewed amazement. There was no
more than five years difference in age. It didn’t seem possible. Questions flew
through Toltek’s mind at a furious rate.

“Yes.
It is permitted.”

Accepting
the saber from Jeff, the questions faded from Toltek’s mind. “This is truly a
blade of power. Never have I felt such strength of purpose.” He studied the
blade closely. The finish was mirror perfect. “To my knowledge, there is no
sword in Salchesia that would have come through such an encounter unscathed.”

The
effect of what had occurred in the dungeon, combined with the host of enigmas,
discoveries and apparent discrepancies that followed led Toltek to bow around
the room.

“We
of Salchesia have long thought that no Power resided in Arvalia. This day that
impression stands corrected.” Handing Berold to Jeff, Toltek once again tried
to penetrate Gaereth’s steady gaze; tried to fathom the display of Power he had
witnessed. “Few in our land could have banished the Yakul so quickly, for its
evil is potent.”

Gaereth
did not rise to the bait, but Jeff did. “That being the case, why did you so
casually provoke it?”

“I
did not know it was present, Captain Friedrick. Kalmit was a man of sound
reputation and demonstrated considerable military talent over the years. That
he was arrogant and supremely self-confident is also true, thus the Yakul found
entry. Now, I must ask myself, why did it come to Rugen? Kalmit’s reputation
was such that he could have chosen any number of assignments with much greater
prestige.”

“But
it wasn’t Kalmit that chose. Why do you think the Yakul came north?”

“Wait,
Jeffrey, just wait a minute!” Carl held his hands up as much in consternation
as to halt the conversation. “Do you realize what you’re doing? You’re sitting
here chatting about demons and spirits as if they were politicians. While I’ll
grant a certain family resemblance, how about we back up a bit and get some
background? I mean, after all! Demons?”

Jeff
smiled at Carl’s comparison but had to admit he had a point. “You’re right,
Carl. I’ve got a few steps on you thanks to Gaereth and Lingol Bollit. This is
going pretty fast. Hetlan, if your position permits, will you tell us of
Salchesia? I have yet to meet anyone in Arvalia that has traveled there.”

“It
would be indiscreet of me to discuss any matter that might illuminate military
policies, Captain Friedrick. However, I deem your interest lies in a different
realm. You are not familiar with the Dark Powers?”

“I
am familiar with power, but of a much different sort. Power that would lay
waste to Arvalia and Salchesia in a storm of fire such that no living thing
would take breath for countless years and leave this world in darkness. Yet this
power is of man’s devising while what I have witnessed this day springs from
another source altogether.”

Hetlan
Toltek studied Jeff, and to his left, Carl. Their grave expressions left no
doubt that what Jeff had said was absolute truth.

“Lord
Gaereth and Captain Friedrick, the Yakul came because you are here. Lingol
Bollit came because you are here. Both to discover the origin and nature of the
Power. One springs from Darkness, the other, Light.” Toltek held his hands up
to mimic a beam scale.

“Evil
and Good, forever at war yet perpetually in balance over time. Thus it has been
for untold generations in my land. I do not know where Yakul spring from, only
that they and other spirits have always been with us. I am at a loss for words
to give further explanation to men who so obviously rely on reason to
understand the forces that guide and influence our lives. That was not meant as
a criticism, but I believe it to be fact.”

“You
are correct, and I do not take your statement as criticism. Since coming to this
world I have had ample cause to question my basis of understanding.”

Gaereth
threw a sharp look at Jeff, but the words were out. Toltek did not seem
surprised.

“Do
not be concerned, for I have divined as much if not to this degree. If
released, I can assure you such knowledge will remain in my keeping upon return
to Salchesia. To do otherwise would assure a quick and violent death. If I were
fortunate. There are forces afoot here that I have never experienced, forces
that even now contend for mastery over land and sea. The balance has been
destroyed.”

“Lingol
Bollit was of the White? Belonged to an order?”

 
“An order?” Toltek shrugged helplessly. “Yes,
after a fashion, but it was his destiny.”

“Enough.
I gather you have arrived at a decision?”

“Yes,
Commander. I will eschew Arvalia and return to the Homeland. It is also likely
I will resign from the military and seek understanding in our centers of
learning. When the officers held with us hear of events, I have no doubt they
will hurry to give their sincere word as well.”

“Very
good. You are free to leave at any time. Your weapons will be returned and food
will be provided. If there were horses to spare you would have one, but I am
afraid this is not the case.”

“Commander,
the promise of freedom is sufficient. Each stride toward the southern ocean
will be as the breath of life.”

The
festival was scheduled to begin the following day, Jeff recalled as he walked
along in a dark study. Thank heavens. Something enjoyable.

Hetlan
Toltek and subordinates were well on their way south in possession of Lingol
Bollit’s personal effects and those of other Salchek. The room in the dungeon
had been scrubbed clean and thoroughly disinfected under Carl’s direction.

They
had decided that only Imogo and Ethbar would be briefed. Certainly not the
populace. Whatever evil was to come, anticipation and superstition would only
make it worse. As Rengeld observed, how did one prepare for the advent of
demons?

Yet
Jeff had reservations and planned to speak with Gurthwin at earliest
opportunity. He needed to understand what they might well confront in the
future. Not only evil, but also good. Memories of Lingol’s presence and
caroling bells were not easily dismissed. He and Carl planned to hold nothing
back from Zimma and Helwin.

“Wake
up, Friedrick!”

Carl
grabbed Jeff by the arm and turned him back toward their favorite tavern.
Helwin, Zimma and Gaereth waited by the doorway.

“Let
it rest for awhile, my man,” Carl whispered. “We’re alive, we’ve lucked into
wonderful women, and this promises to be one stomping party.”

The
Golden Bung was a popular tavern and packed with excited town folk eager to get
an early start on the festivities. There were no free tables, but Zimma spied
Rogelf and Belstan. They were seated at a table with legs kicked out,
celebrating the end of another day with several mugs of ale as was their
custom.

Rogelf
waved them over and pulled up extra chairs. Assisted by the ale, it wasn’t long
before a wide-ranging bull session was circling the table. Inevitably, the
conversation drifted to matters of war and politics. It was a relief to talk
about such mundane things as massed cavalry attacks, siege towers, and
treasonous courtiers. Belstan leaned back with tankard in hand, legs crossed in
front of him.

“I
have just this day spoken with a trader who bribed his way out of Khorgan and
journeyed north by way of Astholf. While this young man appears to be most
devious, he is also quite courageous to risk such a journey during wartime and
so early in the season.” Belstan paused long enough to let loose a satisfying
belch. “Now do not take this to heart, but I believe we may have a respite from
the war. It is Malchor’s opinion that the Salchek will be hard pressed to keep
control of what they already have.”

“That
was a big caravan. The Salchek must have stripped Khorgan of wagons and draft
horses.”

“According
to Malchor they did, Jeffrey. The loss of that caravan wreaked havoc in
Khorgan. It seems the Salchek promised payment in gold they did not possess or
would not release. Many businesses have failed, and others cannot afford to
replace the wagons and supplies that were lost. Gods know where they will even
be able to find much less purchase new horses! In short, Khorgan and Astholf
are near open rebellion. As I was saying, I believe we may be free of the
Salchek for a full year.

“This
Malchor. Think his information is reliable?”

Belstan
shrugged fatalistically. “As far as one can trust anything a trader says, Carl.
Something about this lad I like, though.” He pursed his lips and nodded. “Sharp
mind; knows how to figure the odds. I believe I will have another long talk
with him. Rogelf and I may choose to employ him if all goes well.”

Tankards
were empty and Rogelf called for another round. Instead of more ale the waiter
brought a tray of small cups. One sip and Carl coughed loudly.

“Holy
stomach lining! Now that is some fine stuff. Goes down like a single malt
scotch.”

“In
honor of this gathering, Carl,” Rogelf replied with a satisfied smile.

A
period of silence followed, broken by the occasional appreciative comment.
Cheeks were getting rosy when Gaereth reluctantly spoke.

“As
much as I hate the thought of leaving, I must head east and north as soon as
snow levels drop a bit more. I can tell you I have little enthusiasm for the
trip to Skene.”

“Any
choice in the matter?”

“None,
I’m afraid. The Alarai counsel is convening an important conference this
summer. In addition, there are vital issues I must discuss with them.”

“Amen
to that, brother,” Carl murmured, then said in a normal tone, “Maybe shake them
loose from Skene?”

“It’s
worth a try, but don’t hold your breath. I also plan to visit Earth.”

“Status
check?”

Gaereth
nodded toward Jeff. “Good way of putting it. Basically, I want to monitor the
situation in America. I’ve been hoping the National Guard succeeded in
restoring order. Even if they did, it’s anyone’s guess how long it will hold.
Whatever the case, I’ve got to see where things stand. Other countries will
have been hit hard by the climatic changes, but that earthquake brought America
to its knees. My greatest fear is that by the time we have things under control
on Aketti we’ll be facing total anarchy.”

“And
all the king’s horses, and all the king’s men…”

“…Couldn’t
put Humpty Dumpty back together again. Yes, it’s that critical, Carl. If
America ever splits up it would take fifty years of civil war to rejoin it, but
certain foreign powers would exert every effort to make sure that never
happened.”

“Like
the Salchek, they would seek its riches for themselves.”

“I’m
afraid so, Helwin. The memory of empire never diminishes, and often finds
expression in the name of assistance and compassion.”

The
day had been unseasonably warm, promoting high spirits. With Gaereth’s news a
gloomy pall settled over the table. Belstan shouted for the waiter, ordered
another round of scotch with ale for a chaser, and launched into some
improbable tale concerning Zomar.

Within
a short span Jeff lost himself in visions of soaring minarets and hanging
gardens, turbaned warriors and mermaids. The tale was so outrageous and
fascinating at the same time that even Gaereth was captivated. It was only when
Zimma reminded everyone that the festival was to begin the next day that they
called it quits and headed home.

The
festival was to extend over four days. During the first three, a celebration
would be held in a different section of the city each day. The fourth was to
culminate with a grand ball cum reception at the palace, and general gala
throughout the city. The warm spell held and city folk streamed into the craft
section for a day of food and entertainment. The Alemanni enjoyed a party more
than most and came to town in force.