The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves (22 page)

Lee nodded.

“
It's vacant,” continued Lanson. “I
want you to hole up there until you're business here is finished,
which brings me to the next question. What is it you need me to do?”

“
I need you to tell me when Millet arrives in
Baltria,” he answered. “And if I'm found out give me
warning.”

“
You didn't drag poor Millet into your adventures
again, did you?” he scolded. “But I already know the
answer, don't I? Even if you tried to leave him behind, he wouldn't
let you.”

Both men burst into laughter. Just then the server came
with Lee's meal. Lanson stood from the table. “I must leave you
to your meal. I'll make inquiries regarding Millet. But please, stay
out of sight. The Gods only know what will happen if you're
discovered.”

Lee smiled warmly. “I'll be careful, my friend.”

Lanson twisted his mouth and shook his head. “I
doubt that very much. But at least I can say I warned you.”

Lee watched as Lanson turned and walked away. Alone, he
felt even more exposed. He ate quickly and headed back to the inn.
His paranoia grew with each step. He knew he couldn't leave the city
until Millet and Jacob arrived, but should the servants of the Dark
One realize his presence he could get them all killed. He considered
sending Dina away but dismissed the idea. If they were aware of him,
they may be aware of her as well. She may need his protection.

When he arrived at the inn, Dina was still in her room
sleeping. Lee regretted waking her but considering what Lanson had
told him, he felt he had no choice. She came to the door, yawning and
wrapped in a blanket.

“
Get your things together and meet me in the
common room,” Lee ordered.

Before Dina could ask questions, Lee walked down the
hall to his own room and began to pack his gear. Twenty minutes
later, they were both standing in the common room. Lee had the horses
brought from the stables and walked with Dina to the door.

“
What's going on, Lee?” asked Dina.

Lee recounted his conversation with Lanson as they
secured their gear on their mounts. “At least your friend
didn't betray you,” said Dina.

Lee nodded. “He's a good man. But I still hate
that he goes along with what's happening here.”

Dina mounted her horse. “What would you have him
do? Besides, from what you said Angrääl isn't acting
aggressively. He has no reason to suspect their true intentions.”

“
That's just it,” Lee countered. “They're
not a bunch of uneducated fools. They know what's going on. Some even
welcome it. So long as they stay rich, they'll go along with
anything.”

“
But you thought that might be the case,”
said Dina. “Why are you so angry?”

“
I'm angry because we have been lazy,” said
Lee. “We've allowed The Dark One to spread his lies
unchallenged. Now, who knows if he can be dislodged? He'll conquer
the world one city at a time before one battle is even fought.”

“
What can we do?”

“
We can play his game better. The moment I've
secured Millet and my son, Valshara must be told what is happening
here. In fact, when you visit the temples tonight, I'll have you send
a message to Althetas.”

They wound their way through the streets to Lanson's
rental house. Lee remembered Lanson using it to rendezvous with his
mistresses in years past. The man had a bit of a wild side and a
reputation with the ladies. But, he reckoned that Lanson had settled
down, if he was renting it out. It was a modest, single story
dwelling, typical for the merchant class. Its solid brick walls and
tan tile roof were well built, and suited for the climate. The yard
was small but well kept, and a wrought iron fence surrounded it.

Lee led them to the rear of the house and put the horses
in a small stable at the back of the property. They entered through
the back door and Lee set about lighting lamps. The interior was well
decorated and deceptively spacious. The main living room was equipped
with a small fireplace, a plush suede couch, and two matching chairs.
The fireplace was more for decoration than anything else, as the hot
climate usually prevented the need for a fire. The three bedrooms
were big enough to accommodate a married couple comfortably, and the
beds had thick, goose down mattresses.

There was a bathing room that had running water, and a
tub heated by coals placed in a compartment under its base. Lee and
Dina each picked a room and washed and changed in turn. Once dressed,
they relaxed in the living room.

“
I'll go out later for food and drink,” said
Lee. “There's an eatery a few blocks from here that serves
wonderful mince pie.”

Dina smiled, trying to hide her apprehension. “I
should go with you,” she said. “I don't think that I like
the idea of either of us venturing out alone.”

Lee nodded. “I'll walk you to the temple and we'll
pick something up on the way back.”

There was a knock at the door. Lee drew his dagger and
peered out the window. Lanson stood uneasily outside. Lee opened and
let him in.

“
I see you're prepared,” said Lanson,
referring to the dagger. “Good.”

“
Has something happened?” asked Lee.

Lanson eyed Dina. “Such matters can wait until
after we've made proper introductions.” Dina smiled and got to
her feet.

“
Lanson,” said Lee. “This is my dear
friend Celandine....” he paused and looked at Dina,
embarrassed. “I'm afraid I don't know your last name.”

“
Such things have not come up,” Dina
replied. “Lord Lanson Brimm I presume.” She curtsied,
elegantly. “I am Celandine Selborne.”

Lanson took her hand and kissed it lightly. “My
dear, it is an honor.” He tilted his head. “Do I detect a
Baltrian accent?”

“
I lived here in my youth,” she said. “That
is to say, when I was a little girl.”

“
Indeed,” said Lanson. “Well, our city
has missed your beauty.”

Lee slapped him on the shoulder. “And here I
thought you'd settled down.”

“
Me?” Lanson, smile mischievously. “Never.”
He made his way to the couch and sat down while Lee and Dina took the
chairs. “I thought you might want to know that I was told to be
on the lookout for you, just after we parted company.”

“
By whom?” asked Lee, leaning forward.

“
One of those blasted
faithful
,”
he replied. “I think they must know you're in the city. And
it's no secret that we're friends.”

“
Isn't it dangerous for you to come here?”
asked Dina.

Lanson smiled. “It will be after today. I had only
walked a few blocks before they stopped me. I'm afraid I can't risk
returning here until you've left Baltria.”

“
Did anyone see us together?” asked Lee.

“
I don't think so,” said Lanson. “I
followed them after they spoke to me, and they gave me no indication
that they knew anything. They spoke to three other nobles, then went
to the governor’s mansion.” He held up his hand. “And
before you ask, I wasn't followed.”

“
We should leave,” said Dina. “I
wouldn't want to put you in danger.”

“
My dear,” Lanson replied. “I may not
be the hero that Lee is. But, I do not abandon a friend. Especially
one that has saved my life. Besides, no one will think to look here,
even if they suspect me of helping you. As far as anyone knows, it's
occupied. The last tenants only moved a week ago.” His face was
grim with resolve. “I'm having food and supplies brought for
you within the hour.”

“
We had planned to visit the temples,” said
Dina.

“
Don't,” Lanson objected. “All the
temples are being watched by the
faithful
.
They like to know who comes and goes. There's no way for you to enter
unnoticed.”

Dina crossed her arms in disappointment.

“
How will you communicate with us?” asked
Lee.

“
Do you remember my servant Jansi?”

Lee nodded.

“
He'll bring you any word of Millet,” Lanson
stood up. “I wish I could say I'll see you soon...”

Lee and Dina got to their feet. Lee embraced Lanson
tightly. “Thank you,” he said, smiling. “I think
we're even now.”

Lanson laughed and turned to Dina. “My dear, I
only wish I could behold your loveliness once more... but alas.”

Dina kissed Lanson's cheek. “Thank you for your
kindness.”

Lanson put his hand over his heart and walked to the
door. He turned just before he crossed the thresh-hold. “I know
you were upset by my attitude regarding Angrääl. But, I
think that attitude is changing.” He bowed and left.

Soon after, a young boy showed up with a wagon load of
food, wine, and other essentials. Dina and Lee busied themselves
putting things away, then prepared the evening meal. Dina tried to
convince Lee that they should attempt to get into the temples,
despite Lanson's warning, but Lee wouldn't allow it.

That night Lee slept in one of the chairs in the living
room, his sword across his lap.

Chapter Seventeen

Millet and Jacob disembarked from the river craft. The
heat in Baltria was causing no small amount of discomfort for the
two, and both were sweating profusely.

“
I'll never understand how people live in this
wretched heat,” said Jacob.

Millet had never been around someone so contrary and
ill-tempered in his life. Though he tried to be understanding that
the boy's mother was in captivity and his entire life had been
stripped away, he couldn't help but become irritated. On more than
one occasion, he marveled that this ill-mannered youth could be the
son of Lee Nal’Thain.

“
You had better be grateful that they do,”
remarked Millet. “Most trade goods in Hazrah come through here.
Without Baltria and its port, most of the world would starve.”

“
Hazrah
is
starving,” snapped Jacob.

For once Millet felt as Jacob did. The thought of the
people of Hazrah suffering caused anger to swell inside him. “You
said you have friends here?”

“
Yes,” Jacob replied. “But I'll need
to visit them alone. They do not enjoy meeting new people.”

“
I assure you that I can fit in,” said
Millet. He didn't like the idea of Jacob venturing into Baltria
alone. “I know this city very well. I think you'd be better
off—”

“
I said I'm going alone,” he growled.
“Besides, don't you need to find my... father?” The word
“father” dripped with hatred.

“
Your father will find us,” said Millet.
“You can count on that.”

“
If you say so.” Jacob shrugged, trying to
appear indifferent. “I don't care. You wait for him, and I'll
do what I have to do.”

Millet led them through the city, into the tavern
district, to the Green Barnacle Inn. Lee had stayed there for a month
when they had first come to Baltria many years ago. He would often
return to see the jugglers or musicians and relax. Lee had always
enjoyed less sophisticated company. Millet had considered the Malt
and Mane, another of Lee's old haunts, but Millet had never cared for
the place. If Lee were there, he would look for them at the Green
Barnacle, too.

Millet still had a considerable amount of money on him.
He had plenty left from the trip and more still from the sale of
their horses. He decided to spring for some new attire after they
checked in. His clothes were dirty and worn from travel. He smiled,
thinking of the many trips and hardships he had endured in his
travels with Lee, and despite the boy’s ill temper, he was
pleased to have had the experience with his son.

Millet and Jacob stowed their belongings in their rooms,
and took time to eat a modest meal of roast pork and wine. As they
ate, Millet began to regret filling his stomach the moment he
remembered the seafood stew at the Plank Walker's Cafe. If Lee were
already here, he would have made it one of his first stops.

Once he was finished, Jacob stood from the table and
moved toward the door. “When should I expect you to return?”
asked Millet.

“
When my business is done,” he shot back,
without turning around. With that, he left. Millet spent the next few
hours wandering the city, buying odds and ends, including a new set
of clothes. Once finished, he had a messenger deliver his goods to
the inn and headed off to the Malt and Mane.

As he sat listening to a bard spin a tale to the music
of a lute, he scanned the common room for signs of Lee but to his
disappointment there were none. He knew that there was the
possibility he had arrived ahead of him. The river was swift and the
vessel had only made two stops before arriving in Baltria, and those
were only to offload a small portion of their cargo and take on fresh
water.

Just as he was about to give up and head back, the
barmaid handed him a folded slip of parchment. He glanced around but
couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. Slowly he opened the
paper.
Meet me for the best seafood stew
you've ever tasted
. There was no signature.