Knight's Dawn (17 page)

and do the chores. Spaggs face took on a crafty expression and his tone changed immediately to one of defiance. Go outside Zamerkand? I wont do it. The queen herself orders it. Spagg climbed to his feet and dusted himself off. His expression was miserable now. He seemed to be able to change character at a moments notice. The queen? Where are we going then? Not north? I couldnt go north. The beast-people would kill us before we got further than ten leagues. No, not north. Nor east, I hope, because thats where the Hannack tribes live. The Hannacks would have our skins in ten seconds if we showed up there. Please say its not east. Its not east. Oh! Oh! cried Spagg. Its south, isnt it? Were going to have to take a boat over the Cerulean Sea, to Gwandoland, arent we? I shall die. I get sea-sick near to death. Please say were not going on a boat. Were not going on a boat. The priests were enjoying this interchange and one or two of the braver vestal virgins were poking their heads around the pillars of the inner temple, enjoying the entertainment. Soldier said, Were going west. West? wailed Spagg. To the holy mountains? To the hallowed valleys? The Sacred Seven will have us on toast. Oh, please say were not going west. Were going west. The priests stood with folded arms and laughed. Spagg began to fall into a rage. I wont go, I tell you, even if the queen orders it. I refuse to go. Find somebody else. Ill just fall on the ground, here, in a fit. You cant drag away a sick man. Ill get the populace to rise up against you. Theyll lynch you from the eves of the nearest house. I have some standing in the community, you know, the market-traders guild will support me ... Soldier was growing weary. He drew his sword. The sound of it sliding from its sheath startled the priests and they backed away quickly. Be quiet, Spagg, ordered Soldier in a soft, menacing voice. If you say another word, Ill cut off your head. Just follow me through the streets. Spagg did as he was told, scuttling after Soldier, who strode out. Unknown to the queen, in Humbolds private employ was a magician by the name of Pugorchoff. In truth, Pugorchoff was more of a poisoner than a magician. He did indulge in a little magic, on odd occasions, but his real talents lay with virulent plants and their effects on the human nervous system. Pugorchoff could paralyse a man for two minutes, an hour, a day, forever. He could learn the truth from a reluctant mans lips within quarter of an hour, as that man lay dying. He could lock a man in his own body, make it appear as if that man were dead, and have him buried alive. Pugorchoff could kill a man stone dead within seconds by scratching his skin with a treated thorn. In short, his knowledge of poisonous plants and fungi meant that he could kill with ease, from near, or from far off, depending upon the wishes of his client. At the very time Soldier was visiting the Temple of Theg, Humbold was in Pugorchoffs chambers. They were sitting on a silk-cushioned couch which had been a gift to the magician. The chancellor told his magician, I need to ensure that a man never returns from a hunt. A hunt? Well, from his travels. The magician asked, Where is this man going? Perhaps beyond the mountains. Pugorchoffs figure followed the same contours as his nose: long, thin and arrogant. Then why worry, Chancellor? He wont come back anyway. Humbold nodded. Its true hes going into perilous country, but this particular person seems to have several lives. Can you find me a deadly poison and devise a way to administer it, which would kill him when hes many leagues from the city? I dont want him dying on our doorstep. Id rather he was in some dark, dank forest where his bones will sink into the mire and be lost and forgotten forever. Is he really as dangerous as all that? I dont know. Hes appeared out of nowhere and already has the ear of the queen. I have certain plans which I would prefer not to be disturbed. The magician nodded. He went to the wall behind the couch and lifted an agate lamp standing in a window niche. A stone door suddenly swung open in the wall. Pugorchoff stepped through this into the room beyond, which Humbold knew was full of bottles of poison, darts, knives, needles, and a multitude of devices for injecting the concoctions produced in that room. Some poisons, of course, simply needed to be breathed, their perfumes lethal gases. Others could be administered by smearing on the skin and would kill through the pores in ones body. One could sniff a rose, or take a bath, and be dead within the hour. Pugorchoff had murdered men with envelopes, the glue (when licked) releasing a fatal toxin which after several days peeled a persons skin from their flesh, allowing them to die in terrible raw-nerved pain. He had killed a husband, yet kept the wife alive, by lacing the womans rouge, the poison only taking effect when the victim kissed her cheek and orally imbibed the venom. Wearing gloves he had shaken hands with men who had died of a fatal dose of ratsbane a short while afterwards. One of his favourites was a pillow which, once the head warmed it, killed a man in his sleep with the noxious fumes it released. Another was a seemingly harmless marsh mist which burned into a mans eyes, the toxicant raising the temperature of his blood to such a heat that he literally boiled from inside his own body. Will this do? asked the magician, returning to the chambers after quite a long time, during which the chancellor had become increasingly impatient. He held up a very handsome armoured tunic, the iron plates being sewn into the lining of a red velvet vest. How does it work? Pugorchoff explained that the brigandine was lined with thousands of needles, each as fine as a hair. Every needle has enough poison to kill a horse. The hairs will penetrate a shirt beneath like coarse wool. The wearer will be irritated by an itching, but by that time it will be too late. The tiny needles will have done the task. I made the whole thing myself, including the plates and the tunic. The chancellor admired the magicians handiwork. Its certainly a beautiful garment, one I wouldnt shun myself if I didnt know its deadly secret. That emblem, on the right breast? Princess Layanas wildflower, her personal crest a white rock-rose - Ive just sewn it on. Im sorry it took so long. No, no, I quite understand, replied the admiring chancellor. A brilliant touch. Brilliant. How can he refuse a gift bearing the crest of his wife? Personally, Ive always thought her flower should be the wild madder. The magician let out a raucous laugh. Famous! Absolutely famous. Now let me tell you the scheme Ive devised to ensure he only puts on the brigandine when hes out in hazardous country . . .

Chapter Sixteen

Soldier spent three days preparing for his expedition, helped in part by Velion. Now that he was a paid mercenary he had money in his pocket. The campaign against the beast-people had provided him with enough to purchase two horses, one for himself and one for Spagg. He also bought a pack-mule which would be led by Spagg, the non-combatant, so that Soldier had his hands free in case they were ambushed. Soldier bought supplies for the pair of them and the animals. He seemed to know instinctively how to plan for an expedition. Velion wanted to come with him, but Soldier wouldnt hear of it. You have your duties here, said Soldier, now wearing a thick fur cloak and hat to protect him against the vicious Guthrum winter. Theres no telling when Ill be back. Perhaps never. I dont want to be responsible for anyone but myself. And Spagg? Hes expendable. He betrayed me. Velion shook her head. Youre not of a very forgiving nature, are you, Soldier? No. On the third day, the raven appeared, bringing news of Uthellen. Shes in the dungeons, said the raven. Below the gardens which separate the Palace of Wildflowers from the Palace of Birds. Dungeons below a garden! What, do the prisoners gnaw on daffodil bulbs? They gnaw on stale crusts and drink the water that runs down the walls, replied the raven. Theyre starved. I barely escaped with my life. I would be roast raven now if I were a little slower on the wing. How did you find them? I heard something on the wind, in the rustling of the trees, and found a way in through the graveyard catacombs. I flew through the bars of a mausoleum, down through a crypt, and crawled through a rat hole in the wall between the vaults and the dungeons. It wasnt difficult. I can do it again, any time, if need be. Soldier left the horses and mule in Spaggs hands, first warning him that if he tried to abscond Soldier would hunt him down and kill him without a second thought. I have no interest in you except as a servant, said Soldier. It would cause me no grief to stab you through the heart and then to quarter the body. Spagg, sullen and moody, said he understood the situation perfectly. Soldier then went to the Lord of Thieftakers and obtained permission to visit the dungeons. His position as the husband of the queens sister was opening all doors now. The entrance was in a gatehouse between the two palaces. Soldier went down into the depths of the earth with the raven on his shoulder. A jailer, a young woman with shifty eyes, led him through a maze of dark tunnels and passageways to the cell where Uthellen was being kept. The witchboy was with her. Soldier spoke to her through the barred window in the door. Are you all right? Yes, replied Uthellen. What crime did you commit? Why are you here? Uthellen shook her head. I had myself arrested on a minor charge. We no longer felt safe in the woods. Here at least we are protected by strong, windowless walls and an iron door. On purpose? He felt despair enter his heart for this young woman. How long will you stay here? Until its safe to leave. My son is growing stronger every day. He needs to be able to protect himself. The raven said, What if theyre forgotten and are left to rot here forever? It happens all the time. Unless there are people on the outside to constantly petition the Lord of Thieftakers, no one will even bother to release them. Soldier repeated this to Uthellen and the boy. The boy said, You know were here. But something may happen to me. I might never return from my quest. You cant rely on someone like me. Look, Soldier glanced about him, this raven can pick locks with its beak. I can send it to let you out if you wish. He gets in through the crypt which lies alongside these cells. No, answered the boy. We need to stay hidden. Then the strange young man stared around him at the walls and the floor. I wondered where that stinking fluid was coming from. I thought we were next to a sewer, but its obviously bodily juices, seeping through the ceiling and walls from the dead in their graves. Mother, youll get some foul dread disease down here, in these conditions. The kind of filthy sludge oozing corpses leak carries all sorts of plagues. Ill be all right on my own, I promise you. Uthellen shook her head. Ive been in worse places. Im staying with you, my son. Theres no more to be said. Soldier shrugged. There was nothing more he could do for them. Goodbye to you both. Ill have some decent food sent down to you, before I leave. Thank you, Soldier, said Uthellen. Youre a good man. I dont think so. Turning to go Soldier saw that his jailer had left him to find his own way back to the upper world of the castle. With the raven on his shoulder he walked back in the direction he thought was the right one, along slippery-flagged passageways dimly lit by sputtering brands. Once or twice he accidentally touched the walls to find them running with slimy water. He recalled what the boy had said and shuddered, trying to remember not to put his fingers anywhere near his mouth. Are we going the right way? he murmured. Youre asking me? Im a bird. Ask me the way around the treetops and Ill tell you at which bough to turn right and at which branch to turn left. What you want down here is a talking mole. You came down here earlier, on your own. Yes, but I made sure I kept strict note of the turns I made. I left that up to you, this time. Soldier grumbled, I thought the jailer would stay with us. When did she sneak away? I didnt notice her go. Thats because you were too busy making eyes at the woman. Thats not true. I have no interest in Uthellen. Not that kind of interest, anyway. Soldier wandered down tunnels which seemed to have no end, suddenly coming up against a stone wall, or a locked door, and having to go back, take yet another turning, until somehow they found themselves in a part of the dungeons which seemed older than the rest. Here the ancient brickwork was crumbling. There was rotting masonry at the base of the walls. Everything smelled dank and musty, as if the air had not been changed in half a century. The brands on the walls had gone. Soldier had to light some emergency tapers that he kept in his pocket in case he was ever caught in a dark street or room and needed light. They burned poorly in the bad air. Finally, he came up against a huge stone pillar. He walked all the way around this pillar, some sixty paces, thinking it might be a circular room, but there were no doors or windows. What is this place? Soldier questioned. We seem to be in the heart of the dungeons. A circular cell, answered the raven. A hollow stone. Soldier shook his head. How do you know? Look closely. Cant you see the keyhole in the stone? There. There. In front of your nose. And if you look even closer youll see a crack that goes off at right angles just above the height of your head. Id say that was a door, wouldnt you? Under the light of his taper Soldier studied the rockface of the pillar and found the bird was right. There was a fine fissure which went too vertically straight, and then sharply off at too neat an angle, to be a natural crack in the rock. Also there was, as the raven had said, a strange hole cut into the pillar just waist high from the floor. It certainly looked as if it might be a round room with an entrance. There was something about this circular cell which worried Soldier. He sensed a presence behind the door. In his minds eye a dark shape stood waiting for the door to open. It seemed to Soldier this shape, this being, had been waiting a long time for someone to come and release it. An unspoken command was in Soldiers head, urging him to take some action. Soldier was confused. He looked down at his hands and then searched his pockets, looking for what he thought might be a key. The urging grew stronger, firmer, with an underlying threat of menace. Then Soldier remembered what the raven had told him. He was just about to ask the bird to pick the lock with its beak, when he heard scuffling and murmurs behind him. Out of the gloom of one of the tunnels came two jailers. What are you doing here? grumbled the woman who had led them down into the catacombs. Leave you for a minute and you disappear. You should have waited. Its taken ages to find you again. Wasting our valuable time like this. Sorry, Soldier said. Whos in this cell, by the way? The male jailer held up his flaming brand and inspected the pillar. Cell? Who said it was a cell? Dont look like one to me. Looks just like a crosspaths. Then whats it here for, this great thick pillar at the centre of it all? Holding the roof up? suggested the man in a sarcastic tone. Im no engineer, but somethins got to be there at the junction of a crossways. I suppose youre right, answered Soldier. Were not supposed to be in this part of the dungeons, said the woman. She shivered, it seemed involuntarily. I dont like it here. I get queer things happenin in me head when I come too close to these parts. Best to stay out, I say. She was reaching for her keys as she was talking and trying them in the keyhole, one by one. Whatre you doing? asked the male jailer. The woman stopped and blinked several times. I dunno. Now, thats what I mean. Its a queer place. Lets get away from here. Come on, Soldier. Youve no right to be here in the first place. Lets be gettin you outside. Soldier went meekly enough, though there was a strong voice inside him, telling him to stay. The male jailer was becoming affected too, at this point, because he kept looking over his shoulder as they walked down the tunnels, away from the circular cell. The raven said nothing in the presence of these two jailers, but once he and Soldier were outside, he too confessed to a strong, silent call from within the stone pillar. Somethings in there, he said to Soldier, as they trudged a through the snow. Something wants to get out. Maybe were just imagining things, replied Soldier, unsure of the validity of his former concern now that they were out of the dungeons. I mean, nothing could live inside a sealed room, could it? Thered be no air to breathe, and how would they eat and drink? The raven said, Theres such things as oubliettes, places where the Forgotten Ones are put - and forgotten. Yes, but oubliettes are usually in the floors of feasting rooms, with grille covers, so that scraps of food can fall down to the prisoners below. It seemed to me that place was completely walled in. No one could live in a cell without light, air and succour. I think were the victims of some sort of trick of the mind. They were passing under a gibbet at the time Soldier said this an iron cage with the rotting remains of some criminal or unfortunate innocent hanging from a high arch above the cobbled street and this had immediately attracted the attention of the fickle bird. The ravens empty stomach was more important than a puzzle. He could smell the delicious aroma of decomposing flesh and instead of answering he flew off, upwards, to enjoy a meal. Soldier walked off in disgust as the raven pulled at the rags covered the skeleton to uncover more of the meat on the bones. Soldier first arranged with Ofao to have food and drink sent down to Uthellen and the witchboy. Make sure some goes down every few days, he ordered the man-servant. Theyre friends of mine. I dont want them to starve while Im away. Ofao assured Soldier he would do as he was asked. Soldier then went looking for Spagg. He found him in a tavern. Spagg was half-drunk. I thought youd gone an lost yourself, said the hand-seller. I hoped you had. Im sure you did. Sorry to disappoint you. Well, that still might happen. Im going to try to see my wife for the last time, and if she doesnt manage to kill me then were leaving the city at dawn. Youd better get a good nights sleep in a bed. You wont be seeing another one for a very long time. Bastard, muttered Spagg. Who knows? replied Soldier, reflectively. Perhaps I am. Soldier went to the Palace of Wildflowers and was delighted to be told that his wife was out of her madness. It usually goes away within two or three days, Drissila told him. Shes waiting in the yellow room. Soldier was shown the way and he entered a large room with a great fireplace in which logs were burning. Layana stood with her good side to the door. A stranger walking in on her would not know that her other profile was ghastly to see. When the princess saw that it was Soldier, she turned full-face, and Soldier winced, then cursed himself for doing so. You find me repulsive, she said. I saw it in your expression. He saw no good in denying it. Forgive me. It was involuntary and unintentional. I hurt for you, my darling, thats all. I dont find you repulsive in any sense. How can I, when I love you so much? Layana was wearing a beautiful scarlet dress, which revealed her ivory shoulders and the swell of her breasts. There was a gold locket on a chain around her neck, which she fingered, as if enjoying its smooth feel. Her small white feet were bare on the cold stone floor. The princess, his wife, then gave him a strange wave of her free hand, as if dismissing what he said as so much fickle flattery. As to that, she said, turning back to look in the fire, why, weve been through it all without any advantage. Soldier frowned and went forward, to try to take her in his arms, but she avoided him, deftly. What? Whats that you said just a moment ago? he asked. What did it all mean? She turned to face him again with pinched lips and hollow cheeks. Her eyes were surprising cold. It means we had our night of passion. Now its over. Ah, I can see that troubles you? Well, dont let it. I dont love you in the least. Its over now. You may leave the city and go on your expedition in the knowledge that I dont care whether you live or die. He reeled on receiving these words. He felt sick to the very pit of his stomach. You cant mean that. Youre still in the afterthroes of your madness. There is some foul residue of lunacy still clinging to your mind, making you say these things. She stared at him with clear eyes. I am perfectly sane. But . . . You must understand, she said, giving him a grimace made to look even more sinister by her scarred features, I fall in and out of love all the time. I drop my heart at mens feet more times than my hunting hawk stoops after prey. Thats the way it is with me. Youre yesterdays meal cold and very unappetising. I suggest you go on your quest and forget you ever knew me. If he were wearing armour with steel barbs inside the suit he could not have been more hurt. But - but the quest is for you - and your sister. Then do it for my sister, but not for me. I couldnt care less. I probably wont be here when you return. Im thinking of leaving myself. I dont know where to. Now, go. You cant be so hard. I can be as hard as I am, which is like stone, when Im not interested in a man. Soldier was about to protest some more when the door opened and someone came in. You sent for me . . . the
person began to say, then stopped dead, halfway through his sentence. Soldier turned to see Captain Kaff standing there. The man was clothed in outdoor furs, but Soldier could see that the stump of his right wrist was bound in bandages. The captain made a step forward, his face grim with hatred. Soldiers hand automatically went to his sword hilt, and then he remembered he had tied it back. Both men then stood, glaring at one another, until finally Soldier was the first to speak. Whats he doing here? I I sent for him, faltered Layana. Then she seemed to gather herself together. I dont have to answer to you, even if you are still my husband. If I feel like doing something, I do it. This man is my enemy. She shrugged. Thats nothing to me. Soldier was rigid with anger and hurt. He stared at her for a few moments more, then walked stiffly from the room, brushing past Kaff, who had a thin smile on his lips. What Soldier did not see, as he strode out, was that Layana took a step towards him, her hand half-raised to stop him. Her eyes were full of hot, stinging tears and her mouth was open as if she was about to call to him. Then she changed her mind and let her hand fall to her side, her mouth closing. She walked back to the fireplace, and kicked at a red, flaming log in the grate with her bare foot, wincing as she was burnt. Her petulant action sent out a shower of sparks onto her dress. They smouldered there, smoke rising, making tiny black holes in the scarlet fabric, until Kaff came to his senses and stepped forward quickly. He knelt before her to brush away the burning slivers of wood with his good left hand, which patted at her thighs and lower legs. She allowed him to do this service for her, though his touch was not welcome. By the time he looked up, into her face, she was composed again, ready to issue orders to the captain. Soldier and Spagg set off on their horses the next morning. Spagg had slept like the dead in his bed until Soldier had come noisily in and had begun flinging his armour and clothes about the room as he took them off. Even once Soldier was abed he had tossed and turned all night long, keeping the hand-seller awake as well. They clopped through the snow, Spagg leading the pack-mule towards the main gates. The breakfast of dried fish and corn meal had not been to Spaggs liking. His preferred fare in the morning was six rashers of grilled bacon and five fried eggs. The dried fish had caught in his throat and the corn meal porridge had been weak and watery. What was the matter with you last night? grumbled Spagg. Banging and crashing in that bed of yours. You keep a civil tongue in your head. Grouchy, eh? Whats all that about? Soldier said nothing for a few minutes, then he asked a question. Whats the hardest rock in the world? Spagg shrugged. I dont know. Gneiss? A womans heart, said Soldier, bitterly. Oh, so thats it? Wife trouble. Soldier reined in his mount and put his hand on his sword hilt. I swear your head will part with your shoulders before we go another mile. Keep your hair on, keep your hair on, cried Spagg. Excuse me for breathin. But the hand-seller said no more and they continued on their way through the gates. Here the churned snow was a virulent yellow with animal dung and piss. Beyond lay the red pavilions like hot beacons on the white ground. Past the red pavilions were the slopes leading to the western mountains, covered in a crisp, white, untouched snow. The only things on these downs were wild animal and bird tracks which marked the snow like ciphers. Lieutenant! Soldier halted his mount and turned to see a man scurrying towards him from the direction of the two palaces. Hope leapt like a deer within him for a moment. Perhaps his wife, the Princess Layana, had had a change of heart? Perhaps she had been appalled by her treatment of him? Lieutenant, the man said breathlessly, catching up with the two horsemen. I have a parcel for you! Indeed, to Soldiers disappointment, the man held out a bundle wrapped in calico and tied with ribbon. What is it? Who sent it? The Princess Layana, gasped the runner, gulping down more air. I am to give you the message that everyone, including the queen, wishes you to return safely. Under this calico wrapping is a brigandine of the finest red velvet with strong iron plates between the layers. Its an enchanted brigandine, which will protect you from all harm and will render you invulnerable when you wear it. However, there are specific instructions. The spell on this brigandine does not last forever, nor is it unlimited. Whenever you wear the armoured garment you will be using up the magic. Think of it as a candle burning down! Its best to wear it only in an emergency, when trouble is immediately at hand, that way the magic will last longer. Soldier untied the ribbon and let the calico fall away. Indeed, inside was the handsomest claret brigandine he had ever beheld, with his wifes flower sewn on the breast. The princess sent this? Yes, Lieutenant. Soldier frowned. Was there no other message? The carrier stared for a moment as if lost. She is still of the same mind? Soldier asked. The errand-man nodded slowly. Yes, he said. Then I dont want her damned present, snapped Soldier, flinging the brigandine down in the snow. The nervous messenger was horrified by this action. But but it was a gift. A parting gift, snarled Soldier. Soldier realised how churlish he looked, flinging his wifes gifts onto the ground. He dismounted, picked it up and wrapped it once again. Then he tied the bundle to the pack-mule. Thank my wife very much, said Soldier through clenched teeth, and tell her not to worry about me. Oh, I dont think shell worry, said the ingenuous messenger, thinking to reassure the lieutenant, so that he would not go back and thank his wife personally, thus exploding the whole plot. Im sure shes not worried about you at all. Im sure she isnt, said Soldier, evenly. With that, he remounted and spurred his charger, out through the gates of Guthrum castle. Once they were outside, the raven came to bid Soldier goodbye. Ill bring you news, if you like, said the bird. News of whats going on in the castle. Can you cover the distances? Can you fly that far? I could fly into the maw of nowhere and back again, if I fell like it. Dont expect me, though. Ill come when Im able, but I cant promise to be dependable. Birds arent like that. We obey a whim, an impulse, but not a command. Im seasonable, but not timely. Some day, when the air feels right and the scent of the mountain pine is light enough to be carried on the back of the wind, Ill land on your shoulder.