Riddle in Stone (The Riddle in Stone Series - Book One) (34 page)

Edmund paused, scanning the dimly lit street down which he and Thorax had just crept. For the second time that night, he thought that he was being followed. Thorax seemed to sense it as well. She kept turning around, ears perked, body stiff. However, after waiting many still moments in a dark alley, he couldn’t detect anybody else out and about.

Come on! Get the book and get out of here.

Edmund shot up the stairs to the doors of the book lenders, Thorax in his arms. If somebody stopped him, he’d insist that he was merely out for a midnight stroll, him and his lame dog. Maybe he’d pretend that he was drunk. That wouldn’t be too hard. He still reeked of the knights’ beer.

Stepping up to the double doors, he gave one last fleeting glimpse around. There was nobody in sight, but he still wasn’t sure. After being in the mines so long, he learned to trust his instincts.

What are you so afraid of? You’re alone. Get the book and get out of here!

He touched one of the doors.

“
Forstørre nå!
”

The thick wooden door attempted to expand, but the masonry around it wouldn’t budge. The door cracked and buckled inward, splitting the yellow “Book Lenders” sign in two. Shoving the fractured door open, Edmund slipped inside.

Feeling his way through the darkness with outstretched hands, Edmund found the storage rooms and bumped into the ladder that Edith had used to reach the top shelf. Setting Thorax down, he pushed it to where he guessed the book was hidden, the ladder’s legs sending a muted screech through the darkness as they vibrated across the unseen floor.

You’re noisier than Pond!

I’m fine. There’s nobody around.

Climbing up, he swept his hands about the top shelf. They hit something, a square box made of flimsy wood.

A crate.

Yes, but is it the right one?

Fine dust caked the scrolls jutting out of its top.

Hopefully this is it.

He pushed the crate aside, sending another screech of vibrating wood slashing through the utter silence. Extending his hands further into the blackness, his fingertips felt the familiar sensation of worn leather. They latched onto the book’s binding and dragged it from its hiding spot. With his arms clutching the sizable tome to his chest, he carefully descended the ladder.

Now you’re a thief! You’re hardly turning into the heroes you always worshipped.

Better to put it to good use than to let it rot on some cobweb-infested shelf.

“Edmund,” a female voice said, matter-of-factly.

Edmund halted, his feet perched three rungs above the storage room floor somewhere in the darkness below.

Edith?

It sounded like the librarian’s voice. Yet it had an assertive quality to it, a sharpness that Edith had never shown.

“Thorax?” Edmund said, alarmed that his companion hadn’t warned him of the newcomer’s presence.

“She’s fine,” the female voice said. “She’s right here with me.”

“Who . . . who are you?”

“First answer this,” she said in a calm, yet firm, tone. “Do you know how to read the runes in that book?”

Edmund’s right boot found a lower rung. He stepped down, wondering if moving would place him or Thorax in greater peril.

“No. No, I can’t. But I’ve seen them before. In a tome I found in a troll’s la-la-lair up north. They’re quite exceptional.”

“Indeed, exceptional is an apt description.”

There was a silence. Edmund strained his ears, attempting to determine whether anybody else was nearby. But all he could hear was shallow breathing a few feet from his left leg and his heart pounding against the heavy book.

“Look,” he said, trying not to sound annoyed. “I’ve dealt with enough unseen voices to last a lifetime. So, if you don’t mind, can we discuss this in the light? I can explain everything. There’s n-no, no need to call for the authorities.”

There was blue flash and the subtle aroma of oily smoke. When Edmund’s vision adjusted to the light, he saw Edith standing beside his ladder, stroking Thorax’s stomach, a curved dagger in her hand.

How did she—?

“You’re a magic user!” he said, the tome nearly sliding out of his startled grasp.

“As are you,” Edith said, still petting Thorax’s stomach.

She’s holding that knife like she’s used it before.

If she wanted to kill you, she would have done it by now.

Don’t be too sure.

Edmund stepped off the ladder, clutching the book to his chest as if it were his last possession.

“I need this. I’m, I’m sorry . . . but I have to take it.”

“Why?”

“It’s a matter of life and death.”

“Whose life?” she asked, softly. “Whose death?”

You don’t have time for this. Hit her with the book and run like hell out of here.

Hit a woman? Shall I burn her eye out as well?

“There’s, there’s this . . . this woman,” Edmund said. “Molly. She’s being held captive by goblins up north. I know that sounds crazy. But they still exist up in the mountains. Thousands of them!”

Edith’s expression grew grave. “And you plan on giving them the book in exchange for her freedom?”

“What? No. No, I need the maps . . . the layout of the tower where she’s being held so I can rescue her.”

“Tower?”

“It’s a long story. Please . . . I need this book.”

The knife lowered slightly. “You’re risking your life to rescue a woman?”

“I have to,” Edmund said. “I love her.”

“You’re probably going to die in the attempt,” she said. “You know that, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Edmund found himself saying, his voice cracking in his desperation. “But I have to try. Please . . . ”

Edith patted Thorax’s belly and stood. Rolling over, Thorax shuffled to Edmund, smiling.

Traitor.

“Don’t think too harshly of your friend,” Edith said, as if reading Edmund’s thoughts. “She a noble breed and there’s more to her than you realize.”

Thorax peered up at Edmund, pink tongue hanging out of her mouth. She pawed at his leg. Begrudgingly, Edmund scratched her ears.

“Had I listened to you,” he said, “I’d still have my eye . . . and Molly would be safe.”

Edith sheathed her dagger.

“Edmund,” she said, “copy the pages that you need and go save your love. If you survive, we’ll meet again. There are other, more pressing, matters I’d like us to discuss with you.”

“Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you.”

“And we’ll take care of the enforcer looking for you,” Edith said.

We?

“But stop using your abilities so frivolously. Your trick on the shopkeeper drew far more attention than you can imagine, and not just from the authorities. As will what you did to the front door.” Her brown eyes grew cold. “There are far more dangerous entities in this world than Kar-Nazar, Edmund of Rood.”

Edmund faltered. “You . . . you know, you know about Kar-Nazar?”

“Anybody who truly understands the old tales knows what is happening in the north,” she said. “But you and I don’t have time to discuss them. You need to leave Eryn Mas immediately, or you may not live long enough to save your beloved Molly.”

Edmund leaned against the trunk of a weeping willow along the rocky banks of the River Celerin, studying the notes and sketches he had frantically copied from the book lender’s tome. Thorax was by his side, picking apart the remains of a trout that they had caught earlier that afternoon. Above them, the budding branches of the willow swayed and rustled in the warm spring breeze, producing a sound like rain. Had circumstances been different, he would have been utterly content.

The book lender’s tome described every room in the tower, but it didn’t indicate what they were used for or where guards might be stationed. Still, with a thorough understanding of where the central stairs were located and how to get to the upper floors, Edmund was much better off than before. Now he just needed to figure out how to get into the tower and divert the attention of twenty thousand goblins.

The knights will know what to do.

They’re late.

Only by a day. They’re probably equipping everybody. Half the town will want to come. It’s probably a big production. They might not be able to find enough horses, so half of them will have to walk here.

Even if half of the able-bodied men of Rood come, we should have enough to create a substantial diversion, allowing me and the knights to sneak into the tower.

At least that many will show. Everybody loves Molly.

Edmund smiled, picturing Molly as a teenager, waving to the cheering crowd in Rood’s town square, tears of joy streaming down her pink cheeks as she was crowned Queen of the Spring Faire. She looked so beautiful with her hair done up. He always regretted not asking her to dance that night.

So many regrets . . .

You’ll take care of all of them once you rescue her.

Rescue . . .

His thoughts returned to how they’d get into the tower.

Don’t forget the men from the surrounding farms and ranches. A good many of them will be coming as well.

Edmund did a quick calculation in his head.

That should be at least fifty, maybe seventy-five.

An army of peasants, just like Iliandor led. It’s curious how history will be repeating itself.

I just hope they get here soon. I hate all of this waiting.

Tethered to a birch tree growing along the river’s bank, Blake thrashed his head, blowing air out of his nostrils and stomping.

“Somebody’s coming,” Edmund told Thorax.

Finally!

Grabbing Thorax, Edmund scrambled up the hill from which he could see the old East-West Road. Shielding his eye from the bright afternoon sun, he peered westward. Far below, two, maybe three, figures were moving toward him along the dirt track winding its way through the trees.

What? Where . . . where is everybody?

Maybe they’re only merchants or travelers that have nothing to do with us.

Edmund watched as the figures plodded closer.

It’s Pond and Norb!

Maybe they’re leading the way. Maybe the others are coming and they’re a little behind, out of view.

He scanned the distant green plains.

Maybe . . .

Leading a heavily-laden donkey up the slope, Pond waved up at him.

Edmund’s heart sank.

I’m sure there’s an explanation. Maybe the knights picked a different place to assemble, somewhere that’s more secure and secretive. That’s probably it. Stupid me. They couldn’t have ridden a hundred horses through these woods.

Edmund stared down at Norb and Pond.

Pond waved again.

“Where’s everybody?” Edmund called to them when they got closer. “Where, where are the knights? Wh-where . . . where are all the others?”

But Norb’s expression told him what his heart had already guessed.

This can’t be it . . .

From the river below, Blake whinnied.

“Where is everybody else?” Edmund called again.

“Nobody’s coming,” Norb said, reaching the hilltop. “Curse the miserable cowards!” He spit on the ground and glanced about the hills. “Where’s the army from Eryn Mas?”

Edmund stared westward in disbelief.

Nobody is coming? Nobody?

“But we have everything that you wanted, including some splendid weapons!” Pond said, patting the large bundles piled on top of the complaining donkey.

“I don’t believe this,” Edmund said, throwing up his hands. “Didn’t you tell them everything I told you? Did you tell them we know where Molly is?”

They nodded.

“A lot of people said they wanted to help,” Pond said. “But none of them are warriors, and they’re afraid.”

Norb threw a rock at a tree. It ricocheted against its trunk and tumbled down the hill. “They’re damn cowards. The whole lot of them! No luck with the King?”

Nobody . . .

Edmund couldn’t speak. He looked at them, his mouth moving, but no sound coming out.

“Figures,” Norb said, shaking his head. “Nobility isn’t worth a damn. The whole lot of them should be put to the sword. They’ll take your money and call it taxes, but they’re never around when you need them.”

“The knights don’t know what to believe,” Pond said in a calmer tone. “They didn’t exactly trust me. Besides, their primary concern now is protecting the town, with people disappearing and all.”

Clenching his teeth, Edmund glared off into the distance, veins forming bulging rivers just below his throbbing temples.

I can’t believe this!

They have an obligation to the town . . .

He stared back toward Rood, his face and neck turning a dark shade of purple.

How could they just forsake her?

They have to think of everybody else’s safety. They can’t jeopardize hundreds for just one person.

“They’re knights!” Edmund shouted to the hills. “Rescuing damsels in distress is what they’re trained to do. What . . . what about their honor? What about their oaths? Wh-what . . . what about—?” Edmund felt like he about to explode.

They have to think about what’s good for the entire town.

“They’re worthless,” Norb said, throwing another rock into a tree. “A waste of skin, all of them. Big Borst looked scared out of his wits when I told him about the goblins. So was Haverton. For all their talk and bluster, they’re both cowards. Same with those so-called knights. Highmen.” He scoffed. “I’m glad I stole their damn horse. I should have taken two.”

Frowning westward, Edmund shook his head in disgust, wondering what he was going to do now.

Molly . . .

Looking northeastward toward the grey mountain peaks, he imagined her crying helplessly in some dark and rank pit, begging to go home.

It’s up to me to save her.

Me . . .

Edmund exhaled. For once, everything seemed clear to him. The doubt in his head faded like cooling embers. He knew exactly what he had to do.

I’ll exchange my life for Molly’s.

He nodded to himself.

There’s no other way.

“Pond,” he said with an effort. “I want you to go with Norb. He can help you find work and a place to live in Rood.”

Norb and Pond both began shouting at the same time.

“No,” Norb said, guessing Edmund’s intentions. “I’m going with you.”

“Ed, think about what you’re doing.”

“I have to rescue her,” Edmund said, tightening his sword belt. “Go with Norb to Rood. Or maybe head south to Hillode or Rockdale. There should be some work for you there. Maybe you can start a new family.”

“I’m going with you,” Norb said again.

“As am I,” Pond said, stepping forward.

“Thanks,” Edmund told them. “But—”

“But nothing,” Norb said. “If there is any chance that I . . . if there is any chance that we can save her—I’m going!”

Edmund considered the stable hand.

He’ll just get himself killed.

Everybody has the right to decide how they’re going to die. Besides, he might be able to cause a diversion in the mines while I sneak into the tower. If that doesn’t work . . . I’ll give myself up.

“Ed,” Norb insisted. “I’m not the drunk shoveler of shit that everybody thinks I am. I can help. Please!”

Edmund rubbed his face. He felt as if the life was draining out him, making him an empty shell that would crumple in on itself and blow away in the breeze. He took a deep breath.

“Okay.”

“I’m going as well!” Pond said.

Edmund beheld Pond. He appeared different now that his hair was clean and trimmed, and he was wearing actual clothes that fit. He seemed every bit like the successful textile merchant that Edmund imagined him to be prior to being captured, wealthy and respectable, a prosperous future in front of him.

He’s been a good friend despite how often I yell at him.

Without him, you’d never have survived your first day in the mines.

“Look, Pond,” Edmund said. “You’re v-v-very, very kind. But you don’t even know Molly.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“There’s a good chance that we aren’t going to make it,” Edmund went on. “And you know what the pits are like, what the goblins will do if they capture you again. Remember Vomit? They’ll slice your leg open just like they did to him. You’ll never be free again.” He put his hand on Pond’s shoulder. “Take Blake and ride home . . . and have a good life, okay?”

“Home?” Pond repeated, his voice going shrill. “Home? Ed, I don’t have a home! My home is a thousand miles away and ten years in the past. My family has moved on. They might even be dead, for all I know.” He gazed up at the blue sky, tears teetering on his eyelids. “Ed, I don’t know anybody in this world except you!”

He knows what he’s getting into, far more than Norb does.

Yes, but I don’t want him to get killed.

“Pond,” Edmund began, not knowing what else to say.

“Look,” Pond said, brushing the tears away. “You saved me. You risked your life coming back for me in the wet cells.”

“And you saved me in the pits,” Edmund replied. “Pond, you’re the only friend I have. I don’t want you to come because you think you owe me. You don’t owe me a damn thing.”

Pond threw up his hands, angry and despondent. “Then consider it revenge. The goblins took ten years of my life. And I want them to pay!”

There’s not a vengeful bone in his body.

“Please, Ed.”

Fighting off his own tears, Edmund patted Pond on the shoulder. “Take Blake and the donkey to Rood. Open a textile shop. If I return, you and I can go into business together, just like we said. We’ll call it ‘Pond and Ed’s.
’
”

“No,” Pond said, firmly. “I’m going or I’ll follow you. You’ll need me. Trust me.”

He knows what he’s getting into. Plus, he has experience hiding in the mines. Besides, three is better than two. Somebody can keep watch while the others sleep.

Maybe. I just don’t want to see him get dragged back to the pits or the wet cells. I couldn’t bear it.

Maybe with three of you, you won’t have to turn yourself in. Maybe you could sneak into the tower while Norb and Pond cause a distraction. Maybe the three of you can free some slaves and cause an uprising. They brought extra weapons.

Maybe . . .

“I’m going,” Pond said.

Defeated, Edmund stared at Thorax.

“I don’t suppose you’d go back to Rood if I told you to,” he said to her.

She sat down next to him.

You’re wasting time.

Sighing again, Edmund nodded. “Let’s go.”