His Cure For Magic (Book 2) (7 page)

Wilem understood the need. "Of course, my Lord. As you command."
 

"One other thing, and I cannot stress this enough. Once we are inside the city walls, you will not use your power except under my direct order. Eryn will sense it, and she'll know you for what you are."

First the clothes, and then his power. Wilem began to feel very exposed. "How shall I defend myself, my Lord, if the need arises?"

Clau's hawkish eyes answered him before his lips. "You won't. Your life is less important than theirs. Do you understand?"

Wilem's face went from hot to cold. He bowed his head. "As you command, my Lord."

Clau moved alongside his destrier and climbed up into the saddle. Wilem followed his lead, hopping up onto Strider and maneuvering behind the General. They raced back to the others at a gallop, the stallion easily keeping pace with the larger warhorse.

"My Lord," Lawson said when Clau reined in at the front of the line.
 

"Are the stallions prepared?"

"Yes, my Lord. Avoy went ahead with them in the night, along with our change of provisions. He'll ride back to the group once we're away."

Wilem slowed alongside Talia, who glanced over at him and smirked. He wondered how long she had known of the General's true purpose for being here, and of his own assignment. How did she feel about being given such an important task simply because she was chosen to be his mentor?
 

"Lawson, you have the command. You know what to do."

"Yes, my Lord." Lawson bowed his head. "Good hunting, my Lord."

Clau nodded sharply, and snapped the reins. "Ho, Epilon."
 

The large white horse burst forward, leaving the rest of them to catch up.

###

Avoy was waiting for them at the side of the road, standing at the front of a small supply carriage. Two more of their Portnis stallions stood behind the wagon, chewing lazily on the grass. He saluted the General with a hand to his heart when they appeared over a hill, and then immediately began the task of preparing them for their infiltration.

"My Lord, everything is prepared as you ordered," he said.

"Thank you Commander." Clau hopped off his destrier and handed the reins to Avoy. "Talia, if you would?" he motioned to the carriage.

"Yes, my Lord," Talia said. She dismounted and climbed into the wagon, closing the door behind her. A few minutes later, she emerged without her blacks. Instead she wore a brightly colored yellow skirt and a red tunic, cinched at the waist with a length of golden rope. Her hair fell to her shoulders in waves, and left Wilem a little shocked. He'd never seen her so exposed.

 
"Wilem, you're next."
 

"Yes, my Lord." Wilem hopped off Strider and made his way into the carriage. Light filtered in through the space between the wooden planks and door frame, providing illumination while he found his change of clothes. It was already laid out for him; a simple brown shirt with a leather vest, a deep red pair of breeches and shiny black leather boots. He held them up to marvel at the richness, before quickly disrobing and slipping them on. He hated to lose his uniform, but he was in awe at the comfort and quality of the new clothes.

Kelkin went next, and finally the General himself. He seemed reluctant to enter the wagon and remove his black ircidium armor, doing so with a heaving sigh and a glowering look. He emerged in an outfit similar to Wilem's, but with a normal blade strapped to his waist. Nobody but
his
soldiers would carry the iridescent alloy.

"As of this moment, we are no longer soldiers in
his
army," Clau said. "We are merchants from Edgewater, come to Varrow to speculate on the cost of goods coming in from Elling, now that the uprising there has been put to rest. Mind yourself as though you were a common citizen, but remember our goal is to locate and contain Silas Morningstar and Eryn Albion by any means necessary."

He looked at Talia and Wilem, his expression stern, his eyes darkening. "Do not take either of them lightly. They're responsible for the deaths of many of your fellows, and one of mine. Make no moves against them unless I give the order. Is that understood?"

"Yes, my Lord."

"Commander Avoy, wait here for the rest of the retinue, and then take them around Varrow on the Seafarer Road. Have Lawson ride into the city through the soldier's gate in the early morning, and wait in the barracks for commands. We may need to rally the rest of the troops in a hurry."

Avoy put his hand to his heart. "Yes, my Lord."

"The rest of you, mount up. We need to be inside the city gates by nightfall."

Wilem climbed back onto Strider, his heart racing with excitement. He could only imagine how proud his father would be if he were the one to help kill Silas and silence his lies once and for all.
 

"Thank you, Amman," he whispered as the General led them away from Avoy and the carriage. "I will make you proud."

CHAPTER EIGHT

Silas

Silas was sitting on the steps outside of the Golden Thread when Andreaus returned. While he had waited, he had changed from Eagan's oversized rags into a maroon tunic, soft doeskin breeches, a deep green wool cloak and dark brown boots. They were the clothes of a merchant of middling wealth, and were perfect to fit in both the Heart and the surrounding areas without drawing attention. He also held another bundle of clothes under his arms - fresh undergarments and a knee length blue dress with half sleeves, paired with calf-high black leather boots for Eryn. It was modest, but open enough that she could fight in it if she had to.

Silas hoped she'd never have to.

There was no doubt in his mind that she had the energy, enthusiasm, strength, and aptitude for the sword. There was nothing to make him believe she wouldn't be able to cut or stab someone to death if it meant saving his life or her own, or helping them to end
his
reign. In fact, she had already killed with a blade.

That was what worried him.

She was young. Too young to have killed a man. Too young to have witnessed so much death and pain. He wasn't a fool. He knew that was the consequence to the war they had declared. Even so, he dreamed of a day when they could both put down their instruments and take up a plow, or a pen. Silas wanted to write down his memories, to ensure that he would never lose them again.

Where are you, my love? Only in my dreams, and in my heart.
 

He already knew that if they defeated
him
, if they survived, he would arrange for passage to the unknown lands. He would learn the fate of his wife. If she was alive, he would apologize. If she were dead, he would settle near her grave and eke out whatever kind of life he could in that place where no one ever returned. He would scribe everything he could remember, and then he would die.

Only once Eryn is wed.

No one would marry a Cursed in
his
Empire. If they discovered the cure, if they saved her from an early death, her future could be as peaceful as he wished his past had been. That was a dream worth fighting for.

"Silas?" Ames put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed, bringing him out of his thoughts.

"
What is it?"

The big man pointed. "Andreaus is back. He has a girl with him."

Silas had hoped Eryn would have stayed behind, but he wasn't surprised. The time had given her an opportunity to bathe, but the dress she wore was obviously not cut for her size.
 

"Let's hope he has your boss' coin," he replied. He stood to greet them, as did the two members of the Bleeding Hearts. "Andreaus, do you have the coin? Ah, and I have some clothes for you, my dear. You smell a world better. This is Ames and his brother Lance. Shall we go inside? We're libel to draw soldiers standing out in the street."

Ames led them back into the Golden Thread, with Lance bringing up the rear and taking position on the steps, a lookout for the Overlord's soldiers or spies.

"Thank you," Eryn said, taking the boots and dress from Silas' arms. There was a smaller changing room in the back of the store, and she disappeared into it.

"Wait a minute," Ames said. He looked at Silas, and then back at the changing room. "Tall, white hair, blue eyes. Young girl..."

Silas had the knife on him before he could blink. "There is only one thing I care about, my friend. I know the Overlord is no friend of yours because of the circles you swim in. Even so, we cannot be too careful."

Ames put his hands up and smiled. "I understand, my Lord. I'm sorry I didn't recognize you earlier. You don't need to worry about Lance and me. Or the King. He talks about you all of the time."

Silas made the knife disappear and turned to Andreaus. "Where is the coin?"

Andreaus frowned and knelt down, pulling a bit of paper from the rear of his boot. "This is a note from Patmos, the owner of Waverly's. He's agreed to loan me the coin that I owe to the King." He handed it to Ames, who looked it over.

"You told him you had the coin," Silas said.

Andreaus shrugged. "I lied, but I knew Patmos would help me if it meant helping you, and I still owe him, either in coin or in spirits."

"Everything looks good," Ames said, folding the paper and tucking it away. "The King is going to be excited to meet you, my Lord."

"Please, Ames. Call me Silas."

"No, my Lord. I respect you too much."
 

The door to the changing room opened, and Eryn stepped out. The dress was an excellent fit, and now that she was clean and fresh, Silas could tell she would grow into a true beauty.

Like Alyssa had been.

"Shall we go and speak to the King?" Silas asked.
 

"Who's the King?" Eryn said.

"I am." A middle-aged man appeared in the doorway to the changing room, right behind Eryn. She didn't hesitate, reacting to his sudden appearance by stepping backwards, bringing her boot down on his foot, and then spinning and throwing a fist at his jaw. He caught it and smiled, looking at Silas. "My apologies for sneaking in, but I was looking for my two thugs. It's been a long time, General." He shifted his gaze to Eryn. "Forgive my intrusion, and have no concern, I only listened."

Silas' eyes fell on the man, and his mind fought to catch up.

"Davin?" He put his hand to his head and closed his eyes. "Davin Embolt." He opened them again, staring at the man. "You're a long way from home."

"You know him?" Eryn asked. She pulled her hand away.

"Knew him," Silas said. "Yes, I guess I did."

"Davin Capaldi, the King of Hearts, at your service." Davin bowed slightly, causing the dozens of gold and silver chains he was wearing to clang together. He was dressed in soft leather and rich velvet, and a sword hung from his hip. He brushed a lock of black hair from his eyes as he stood. "I changed my name when I came to Varrow. In any case, the General and I have worked together before, many, many years ago. What was his name again, Talon? Oh, but it's Silas now, isn't it. The Hero of Elling. Ironic that we should both be here, now." He paused and stared at Silas. "You don't look like you've aged a single day."

"Ilon," Silas whispered, his eyes shifting back and forth beneath the memory. He licked his lips and swallowed. "He was Cursed. The son of the Constable of Eveline. He refused to turn the boy over, and the soldiers there were very loyal to him."

"I was working as a mercenary at the time, in Pesboro City. Silas hired me to help him get to the boy, and kill him."

"I didn't want my men to find out their brothers had betrayed us," Silas said.
 

"You showed up with a purse full of silver, and at the time I was happy to accept. The two of us killed twelve soldiers, the Constable, the Constable's wife and all four of their children."

Silas closed his eyes again. He could see that night in the back of his mind. He remembered the boy sitting up in his bed, screaming for his mother with nothing but fear in his eyes.
 

"I've regretted taking that job every day for the last twenty years," Davin said. "On quiet nights, I can still hear the children crying." He paused and wiped a tear from his eye. A moment later, Silas did the same. "I couldn't stand being anywhere near Eveline after that, so I moved here and used the silver you paid me to start matching mercenaries with merchants. I refused to work with the army ever again. The business was a success, and over time I started buying buildings, opening more businesses and running all of the underground operations here. I'd heard the Hero of Elling had white hair and blue eyes, but I never suspected it was you. I never forgot your face, Silas."

"I forgot yours, but I remember it now. I wish I didn't."
 

Davin smiled. "I think we've both learned the true meaning of regret since then. You're the Hero of Elling now, and you're here in Varrow City. I'm sure you wouldn't be unless you had a good reason."

"What do you know about the Dark?" Eryn asked.
 

Silas heard Ames gasp behind him. Davin only stared.
 

"I know that no one who speaks of it as if it is a real thing stays out of the path of
his
soldiers for long. What do
you
know about the Dark?"

"We've seen two different maps that say it
is
a real thing. I think there's a reason
he
doesn't want anyone to know of it," Silas said, "and I want to find out what that reason is."

"Amman must be with you, to deliver you to my care. Come with me."

Davin motioned for them to follow. He walked back into the changing room. It was a small and simple room, barren except for a full-length mirror hanging against the wall. He pushed the mirror to the side, sliding it along hidden tracks and revealing a small space with a ladder leading underground.

"As I said, listening only," Davin said, turning towards Eryn.
 

"Having someone look upon my naked flesh is the least of my concerns," she replied.

Davin laughed at that. "I should have expected as much from anyone who can match with the General." He entered the space and started climbing down the ladder. "I have heard that most of the cities in the Empire have tunnels like these. They're very convenient for the business that the Overlords want to deny exists but allow to continue, though I've always doubted that was their original purpose."