Stone Blade (30 page)

When Orris entered the room he nodded toward Micah. As they joined him he handed Delight a sheaf of currency.

“I help as I can,” he said.

Micah nodded. He dug in his pocket and handed her a few bills of his own.

“A question,” said Micah after they left the building, “Can you get us into the League building unseen?”

“Likely. No, certainly. Why?”

“There are matters to discuss. And, most likely, a pleasant revelation.”

After a short walk they boarded a hover for another part of town. Orris thought to remove his disguise but Micah dissuaded him. Not long afterward they all changed faces with Ferrel assisting Orris into his. A quick call from Orris arranged an official hover and one of his aides to meet them in it. The man within received them with some puzzlement.

“Georges alMarklin,” said Orris, “My closest aide and friend. I trust him with all I hold dear.”

As the hover drove across the legation grounds Orris chuckled.

“Here is irony,” said Orris, “My instructions are to be the chief voice of denial to your League.”

Inside the main building even Micah found a surprise. One Marine escorted them without ado but inside, at rigid attention and in full formal dress stood a double line of Marines. As one they drew swords and snapped to salute. At the other end stood Ian Ramsey, Karl Perry and Ted Ionoski, all garbed in their formal finest. Impressive, given the short time since Micah's call.

“Seigneur Orris,” said Ramsey, “On behalf of the Member Worlds of the New Stars Sovereign System States Trade League I am honored to welcome you. I am also quite pleased to see you again, Third. May our meeting bring both peace and prosperity.”

With the initial formalities satisfied Ionoski motioned Micah, Ferrel and Kidwell aside. Before long they sat at ease and a small, spy-proofed conference room with food, drink, 'sticks and instaskin remover.

“Now, Micah. Tell the tale as you see fit but do not, repeat NOT omit a single detail!”

***

After an intense debriefing Ionoski left them to rest a while. Micah took the opportunity for a decadently hot shower. By the time he finished Orris waited with Ionoski in the conference room. Orris' expression was somber but he offered Micah a firm and sincere handshake.

“I have seen your information. I did not know the corruption was so vile and rampant. I knew of some blackmail, but still... I shall assist you as I am able.

“Morr is a witless toady. He will follow one he deems powerful and strong in the Unity. He is quite persistent and tenacious once a path is shown him, though. He works closest with Urdon, Sixth to the Shroud but his duties would easily allow him to pursue another plan. The others he works with most frequently are Lochlie, Seventh to the Badge; Velvert, Fourth to the Badge; and Tollison.

“Lochlie has ambition but scarcely sufficient talent to carry him past where he is. He constantly seeks position with first one and then another, each as he perceives closest to the goal he desires. Though he is distasteful he has little vision past his next accomplishment.

“Urdon is the master of his domain. He has talent and vision. He roots himself firmly in the Unity and his vision of it. He takes great pains to ensure the strength, faith and loyalty of his underlings and that is where he spends the most effort. He sees most accomplishment others value as vanity and cares little for it.

“Velvert is a spider. Or an eel. He serves well in what he does but when a decision is made, even if it favors a scheme of his, he is not visible. Most above him use him for the information he can gather, either directly or through others such as Tollison or Morr. I doubt his complicity in anything more than a detail. Honestly, I doubt he has the spleen for a conflict. His path is the shadowy one to your back.”

“Tollison.” Orris grimaced. “Tollison has ambition and talent. More of the former than the latter but he is steeped in cunning. He glories in the misery and downfall of others and will happily do whatever petty and vengeful things toward this that cannot be traced back to him. He will follow only one he deems stronger or more dangerous than himself and that only when he cannot avoid it.”

Orris paused to take a drink.

“Ludurz and Norril. When I was, inveigled, their union surprised me. Ludurz sees a threat in every shadow and he walks streets where shadows abound. Did you tell him the sun rose in the morning he would gather his information on it, calculate his gain and check to see whom of his minions deceived him. I do not know what vile secrets he holds but most in the Orders fear him.

“Norril is brutal and unwavering. He deems death a suitable penance for minor sins, with torment and pain preceding it for major ones. Publicly he and Ludurz dance at knives' points toward each other; Norril preventing Ludurz from excess and Ludurz holding Norril in check. When they joined hands I do not know but did they wish it they could likely shatter the Circle.”

Saying this cost Orris a great deal. Neither Micah nor Ionoski pressed the issue. After a moment he spoke again, hesitantly.

“You are also interested in the Firsts. Of Loglain I shall speak no ill words. I honor the man he was and shall overlook the man he became.

“Juch is no great leader though he desires it. He is competent but emotion rules him when aroused. Do not doubt his cleverness, though. He is as aware of his shortcomings as others and will use them himself if he can throttle his anger.

“Darby follows the consensus. He should not have been ordained First but fortune or folly favored him. Until the majority speaks he is friend to all yet when the wind blows sure he rides its crest.

“Maas comes from a merchant's family. Though he forswore material gain when he took his Oaths, I believe they still haunt him. If you wish to know him, look to a profit. He has done well by the Circle but also unto himself and his family. He is quick to assist another's cause but there is always benefit for him as well.

“Frond knows only the Unity. Any action he takes will further the Unity. If a course does not do so he will not follow it. More, he will oppose any such with all the breath in him. Reason holds no value for him when he perceives it as detrimental to the Unity. He is dangerous! Yet... Many folk share his vision and he speaks with their voices as well as his own.

“Litho is an admirable and honorable man. But for Frond the Circle would speak with his voice. He is slow and deliberate and does not voice a decision until he has all the facts he can gather. Do not deem him stupid though. Many have made that mistake. If convinced, he is an implacable ally.

“Brellin is reckless. It is said he once tweaked a slashray's tongue just to see its teeth flash. He is strong and able but most view him as capricious and impulsive. At times he stands counter to Frond for nothing more than his amusement. Still, on important issues he and Litho often speak with the same voice.”

Orris looked at them, burden evident upon him.

“Is there aught else you would know?”

“No, sirra,” replied Ionoski, “Third Orris, you have been of great assistance to us. Do not fear that we shall betray your trust. You are a man of honor and integrity and, despite what you may wish to believe, we of the League treasure these qualities.”

“So Ramsey has said.” Orris offered a wry smile. “Do not fear to betray me, friends. I have done that unaided.”

“I do have a question,” said Kidwell, “One you need not answer, but I am curious. Your bio doesn't mention brothers or sisters.”

Orris nodded. “My father was weak-willed, sin-filled and indiscreet. Though I call Jilli my sister it is only his blood we share. I have a brother and another sister. She is happily married and strong in the Unity in Rapture of Servitude. He works in a business in Salvation by the Sea. We often corresponded until Tollison...” He fell silent.

“Thank you, sirra.” Kidwell gave Orris her most sincere smile.

“One other, if you don't mind,” said Micah.

Orris nodded.

“How will a new First be appointed?”

Orris considered a moment. “There will be seven Firsts. By tradition the Firsts will begin fasting and contemplating the Unity. In fact they will discuss amongst themselves, take measure of the Orders and the congregations and likely maneuver toward their own ends.” Orris made a sour face at this. “Once they have consensus of the minor they will announce the candidate. Again, by tradition the candidate should enter a time of meditation and prayer. In truth the candidate will bow to the will of the people. None of this will occur, though, until there is solid peace and no threat of conflict.” He tried to keep the acid out of this and mostly succeeded.

“And must the candidate be Second to the Circle?”

“No. By Writ and Decree any member of any congregation of the Unity may be ordained. To do otherwise would smother the Circle in inflexibility.”

“Any ideas who the candidate might be,” asked Ionoski.

“There are many possibilities. The decision, though, rests with the Circle and only with the Circle. When they have decided, they will make their decision known. Not before.” Orris thought a moment more. “Given what I have learned, the decision may already be made.”

After a moment the door beeped and one of Ramsey's aides entered the room.

“Sirra Orris. Mister Ramsey asked me to invite you to an informal visit before you leave.”

“A pleasant memory before leaving?” Orris smiled as he said this. “Certainly.”

***

“So how should we play this,” asked Ionoski, after the others left.

“I have a thought,” said Micah, “Assuming his intel checks, First Orris would be a much stronger ally than Third. You'll verify the information he gave us, Ted?”

“Even as we speak,” nodded Ionoski, “Now. How to accomplish?”

Kidwell began doodling fact charts and Ferrel fired up a terminal and began queries. Micah closed his eyes and thought hard about his classes.

“He'll need a power base,” said Micah. Obvious but still true.

“He has a good one now,” said Kidwell, “But it needs to be stronger.”

“I can see two ways to accomplish that,” said Ionoski, “He's quite capable of the high road.”

“And we can help with the other,” said Ferrel, not looking up, “He'll have clean hands and full deniability. If we can trust him.”

“We can,” said Kidwell, “He may be convinced he's dealing with hell's own solicitors but he is a man of honor.”

“I concur,” said Micah.

“Agreed,” said Ionoski, “and he is also a man of skill, talent, drive and humility.” He checked his chrono. “Ian didn't think he could give us too long for this, so anything you might need you'd best grab now. We have a very iffy potential delivery system via your bangers, Micah, but trust is a major factor.”

***

Content with silence now, Orris directed alMarklin to drop Micah and the others close to lowtown. After a quick face-change Micah directed Kidwell and Ferrel through several meet points. After he felt comfortable that no one followed them they headed to their house.

Early the next morning Micah and Kidwell ran a rat path to lowtown. Delight's brothel hadn't opened for the day but picking the lock posed Kidwell no problems at all. Several ladies puttered about fixing a meal or finishing one. At Micah's appearance they fetched a sleepy Delight quickly.

“We have business to discuss,” said Micah.

“My office.”

Delight motioned them to chairs and eyed them cautiously.

“A question,” said Micah, “How do you feel about the gentleman we met here?”

“I know who he is,” said Delight, “and I think a great deal of him. Apart from and because of his sister and his situation. He is a treasure and if you've harmed him...”

“Far from it,” interrupted Micah, “We might even be able to help him. With help from his other friends, of course.”

“Oh spare me your word games. Speak your desires. I shall decide then whether or not to help you. None of my ladies know aught but that he and Jilli are close and that he is trying to protect her. For that all of them would gladly wed him or bed him and consider it an honor to do so. For that alone I would help him.”

“About the men usually with him,” said Kidwell.

“I know them as well,” said Delight with ice in her voice.

Kidwell leaned forward with a hard expression. “Sated men often hold their tongues on long leashes or not at all. They also listen to words spoken across a pillow.”

Delight's eyes hardened.

“Truth. And if they suspect their words travel the kindest men betrayed would shame a rabid sandwolf. These men are not kind.”

“You'll have warning,” said Micah, “well before any suspect you.” He reached into his pocket and brought out two rolls of currency: one from the Unity and one from the League. “And you will have the means to escape.”

If the quality or quantity of money surprised Delight she didn't show it.

“Jilli cannot be moved and I will not leave her.”

Kidwell placed a small case on the desk. “This will ease her pain. She should not have more than two doses in a single day unless you do move her. There are no side effects for short-term use.”

Delight considered this a moment before making the money and the medicine disappear.

“How is this information to be gathered? If any of these men suspect, or if they find monitors...”

Kidwell placed an assortment of makeup cases, lighters, styluses and bracelets on the desk.

“Give each of your ladies one or two of these. Tell them what you will. No monitors will be found and the men will suspect nothing. After three days package them and send them with Shari to the refectory at the corner of Dawn's Contemplation in Repose Park. Seven o'clock. I'll send back an identical batch with her. Make sure she dresses in plain robes.”

Delight considered for a long time before nodding.

“Until I deem danger too near.”

“Agreed.”

***

Micah turned his eyes downward and pushed the cleaning unit before him. Ferrel shuffled behind and hummed some nameless hymn. Suspicious men walked all around them but Micah and Ferrel escaped notice from all.

Gaining entry into the local Order of the Brethren of Walkers in Light was an exercise in simplicity. Two days after Micah and Ferrel applied to the cleaning service most of the other people working there contracted a severe illness. It passed quickly and with no lasting effects but for two to four days its sufferers could do little more than shuffle between the bed and the fresher.