Unicorns' Opal (26 page)

“Tagaret is the one place that we know they will have to come to,” added Lattimer. “It is the weak point of any plan that they might develop. Once we know where they are, they will die.”

“Yes and in the meantime I want to form a group who will do nothing but track the Children,” ordered Sarac. “I do not want this group diverted from their task for any reason. Their sole mission is to track down the Children and kill them.”

“Hagik is the man you want,” suggested Lattimer. “He is not easily distracted and most people fear him so they will not bother him with requests for help. How many men are to be assigned to him?”

“Assign twenty Black Devils to him,” decided the Dark One. “Add another eighty Dark Riders too.”

“Twenty magicians?” questioned Lattimer.

“Yes,” declared Sarac. “Even Jenneva will be hard pressed to survive an encounter with this force. I want this force to be special, Lattimer. They will report to nobody except me, or you acting in my stead. Give them a name that makes them special and let everyone know that they are entitled to anything they want. They can kill anyone they want and take anything they want. Nobody is to argue with them. I will not have any bickering in my own ranks to cripple this force. Tell Hagik that he is to accomplish his goal or die. There will be no excuse for failure.”

“It shall be as you command,” nodded Lattimer. “We shall call them Sarac’s Ravens. I will see to it today and by tomorrow all of our forces will know that the Ravens can do whatever they wish.”

“Cidal,” announced Alex as they saw the city on the road ahead, “home of the Cidal Mercenaries.”

“Isn’t this where Fredrik was known as Lord Wason?” asked Tedi.

“It is,” confirmed Arik. “I wonder how Fredrik is doing?”

“I don’t know whether Fredrik is with us or against us,” frowned Tanya, “but I don’t like the idea of him being beholden to Duke Everich.”

“It does sound like Fredrik and Niki are being manipulated,” nodded Jenneva. “I also do not know where their hearts lie, but I think Duke Everich is controlled by Sarac’s forces. He will use the two of them like puppets.”

Alex halted Kaz and the rest of the party halted behind him.

“Is there something wrong?” Alan asked softly.

“No,” answered Alex. “It is just what everyone was talking about that gives me pause. We don’t really know why Niki and Fredrik have separated from us. It might have been a desire to quit because they don’t believe in what we are doing, or they may have been tricked into deserting us.”

“And we won’t find out until we go back to Tagaret and ask them,” interrupted Jenneva.

“True,” nodded Alex, “but I am thinking that we can still affect things in Tagaret in our absence. Right now they are both isolated without anyone they know they can trust. That makes them very susceptible to Duke Everich’s trickery.”

“Do you think one of us should return to Tagaret?” questioned Arik.

“No,” Alex continued. “If they do not trust us then that might drive them further into Duke Everich’s camp. Still, there is a way we can protect Fredrik from harm at least.”

“The mercenaries?” questioned Tanya.

“Yes,” nodded Alex. “If we can be sure that Captain Grecho’s men will be honorable and not bought out by Duke Everich.”

“Captain Grecho?” echoed Konic. “Alan and I served under a Captain Grecho during the war. If it is the same person, he was an honest man, but I do not think you should be the one to approach him, Alex. He wanted you dead rather badly.”

“Many people have wanted that,” frowned Jenneva. “Perhaps we should avoid Cidal.”

“It would waste too much time to go around Cidal,” stated Alex. “I do not want Dark Riders from Toresh to catch up to us if they ever figure out we went south. Let us stop at an inn for a meal and discuss it. Maybe sending Arik or Tedi to talk to Captain Grecho will work.”

Alex led the Rangers forward and they entered the city of Cidal. The city was better maintained than most other Sordoan cities and Alex noticed armed men painting houses as they entered the city. People walked casually along the streets and the sight of an armed group entering the city did not appear to cause any alarm. Alex did see a rider notice them. He turned and rode off and Alex knew they would not leave the city without a confrontation.

“Perhaps the extra time to bypass Cidal might have been wise,” Alan mentioned. “We are about to be reported.”

“I noticed,” nodded Alex. “As long as we mean no harm to the citizens, I do not think there will be trouble. Surely someone will talk to us, but I would be surprised if they attempted to stop us from leaving.”

The words were barely out of Alex’s mouth when a column of mercenaries appeared in the road ahead.

“That is Grecho,” warned Konic. “It is the same man. I said he was honest. I should warn you that he will not tolerate dishonesty from others either.”

Captain Grecho and two-dozen riders approached the Rangers and stopped, blocking the street.

“Welcome to Cidal,” greeted Captain Grecho as the Rangers halted. “What brings you to our fair city?”

“Little more than the road passing through it,” replied Alex. “Although we have talked about having a meal at one of your fine inns. If that causes problems, we can forego the meal.”

Captain Grecho left the ring of his men and rode forward until he was directly in front of Alex. He scanned the faces of the other Rangers briefly, but his eyes returned to Alex.

“And who might you be?” queried Captain Grecho.

“We are travelers who mean no harm to your citizens,” answered Alex. “If our presence here disturbs you, we shall ride straight through.”

“Travelers I can see,” stated Captain Grecho. “I am more curious than that though. Do you not have a name?”

“I have many,” Alex answered after some pause. “There are times that I wish to travel anonymously. This is one of them. If you will kindly allow us passage, I think we will forego the meal.”

“On the contrary,” smiled Captain Grecho, “I invite you to dine at our finest inn. In fact, I will join you. Cidal is known for its hospitality to peaceful travelers.”

“I don’t think we can afford a fancy inn,” Konic interjected. “Perhaps we are better to just continue our journey.”

Captain Grecho gazed at Konic for a long time before responding, “Konic Clava and Alan Markel. What a surprise. The years have been good to both of you. Do you know who it is you travel with?”

“I do,” answered Konic as he realized that the Captain already knew who Alex was. “Grecho, we really mean no harm here. The war has been over for many years. Let it go.”

“I would be remiss to let two of my fine soldiers pass without a proper meeting,” smiled Captain Grecho. “The meal will be on me. You do not have to worry over its cost.”

“Alan and I would be pleased to dine with you,” Konic responded. “The others should continue on.”

Arik, Tanya, and Tedi had slowly and quietly spread out in the street in case fighting erupted. Captain Grecho now looked directly at each of them and shook his head.

“They are young,” mentioned Captain Grecho, “but so were we during the war. You have taught them well, Colonel. Shall we dine.”

“As you wish,” Alex responded softly. “I have no desire for bloodshed here.”

“The Pelican Inn,” Captain Grecho smiled as he pointed to an inn up the street. “It offers a fine meal and comfortable quarters.”

Alex nodded and led the Rangers to the inn. The mercenaries parted to allow them to pass through, but they watched warily for any sign of trouble or flight. Alex dismounted at the front of the inn and proceeded inside. The Rangers followed, as did Captain Grecho. The rest of the mercenaries remained outside.

“I have waited a long time to meet you, Alexander Tork,” Captain Grecho said as they sat at a long table.

“The war was a long time ago, Captain,” sighed Alex. “Neither of our countries won. Why dredge up such ancient history?”

“I spent many years of my youth hearing your name,” responded Captain Grecho. “Forever there were tales of the great Alexander Tork. You were a legend that every Sordoan soldier desired to kill in single combat. Your penetration of the Sordoan Palace and the death of the Sultan was just one of the grand stories told in every company.”

“I did not kill the Sultan,” corrected Alex. “Ali Kasim had that honor.”

“Oh right you are,” smiled Captain Grecho. “Your men already had defeated the Palace Guard though. That you allowed another the honor means little around the campfires. And you had the gall to return the day the Empress died. You spent more time in Trekum than most Sordoan soldiers.”

“I was trying to save Aurora’s child,” frowned Alex.

“So I heard,” nodded Captain Grecho. “I guess in a way you succeeded, although nobody knows where the child went. Many suspected you and Jenneva of stealing the child at first, but others swore that you were searching for the child after the Empress died. Why did you risk your life to save the enemy’s heir?”

“The Sordoan people have never been my enemy,” answered Alex. “You have had the misfortune of leaders who sought to use the Sordoan people for their reasons. Aurora was one of Sarac’s Black Devils. Her child will be the one to end Sarac’s reign.”

“So the stories are true then,” surmised Captain Grecho. “I have never believed them before, but you have avoided every chance to lie to me so far. I think I believe you.”

The innkeeper brought mugs of ale and plates of fish and the conversation died until he left.

“So I take it you are down here searching for this child?” questioned Captain Grecho.

“No,” responded Alex. “We are on another quest that I will not talk about. There are far too many people that would like to know where we are going.”

“An acceptable answer,” frowned Captain Grecho. “How do you feel about a match after the meal?”

“I would prefer to continue the journey,” answered Alex.

“Lack of confidence?” queried Captain Grecho. “I thought Alexander Tork could kill any mortal man.”

“Nobody lives forever,” responded Alex. “You would do better to treat such tales the way I do. When a man allows his head to swell from such tales, he creates a bigger target for the next man’s blade. I fight because I have a task to complete, not because I need to prove myself.”

“You are quite different from what I imagined,” conceded Captain Grecho. “Most men would swagger into town and challenge all comers. You do not even dwell upon the chance of being called a coward.”

“I have been called many things during my lifetime,” frowned Alex. “What people say matters little to me. Why do you seek to confront me? Do still need to fight the last war?”

“Not at all,” smiled Captain Grecho. “It is merely for a measure of our skills. Oh there were many times I wished to gut you with my sword, but you were an enemy of my country then. I have since come to admire your ability. If you still possess the ability that is.”

“He still has it,” Tanya interrupted.

Alex shot Tanya a dark glare and shook his head.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Lord Wason in Tagaret,” Alex changed the subject. “I understand he is the Lord of the Manor here in Cidal.”

“That the young lad is,” affirmed Captain Grecho. “His uncle passed away suddenly. I had expected Lord Wason to return by now. Is he well?”

“Last I saw him,” nodded Alex. “I suspect he will be staying there for some time. How loyal are the Cidal Mercenaries to Lord Wason?”

“We are mercenaries,” replied Captain Grecho. “We are not the army of Cidal. While he is here, we will protect him from everyone, but in Tagaret he is on his own. Why do you ask?”

“Because I think he could use some protection,” answered Alex. “Tagaret is a dangerous city. If your men were hired to protect him, would they be loyal or are their services negotiable to the highest bidder?”

“My men are always loyal to their charge,” Captain Grecho responded with obvious offense. “When we take a job it is to the death or the end of the contract. We will never switch sides. Our reputation is the finest of any mercenary company.”

“Then I would like to purchase some protection for him,” declared Alex. “Will you accept a contract in Tagaret?”

“Is he in danger?” inquired Captain Grecho.

“I believe he may be,” answered Alex. “I do not know of any direct threat, but he might get involved in the Contest of Power up there. It is a deadly game.”

“I have heard of it,” frowned Captain Grecho. “How many men are required?”

“Four to six right now,” Alex answered. “Possibly the entire company if things heat up.”

“What does Lord Wason have to do with you?” asked Captain Grecho.

Alex finished up his fish and stared at his plate for a while before answering.

“I don’t know if he has anything to do with me,” Alex finally replied. “He was traveling with us for a while and then he left when we came through Tagaret. I do not know if he left voluntarily or not. Regardless, I fear for his safety and would not like him to come to harm. There are many in Tagaret that will try to use him for their own ends.”

“While you do not lie,” chuckled Captain Grecho, “there is still much you withhold from me. Our services do not come cheaply and we do not accept just any contract. How much do you desire this?”

“I will pay your price,” assured Alex, “whatever it is.”

“Then we shall accept the contract,” grinned Captain Grecho. “I like a man who is willing to pay for the services I provide.”

“How much do you require?” asked Alex.

“I require the match you refused earlier,” smiled Captain Grecho.

Alex’s eyes narrowed and his jaw drew taut. “I hope you display such cunning in protecting Fredrik,” Alex scowled.

“What good is the contract if the Captain is dead?” protested Tanya. “At least use wooden swords.”

“You sound very sure of the outcome,” chuckled Captain Grecho. “One would think that you were the one who was fighting.”

“Give me a wooden sword and I will beat some sense into you,” growled Tanya.

Captain Grecho roared with laughter. “If nothing else, Colonel,” he laughed, “you inspire great confidence in your people. I will make you an offer, lad. I will select one of my men to battle you with wooden swords. If you beat him then the Colonel and I will duel with wooden swords also. You cannot say that I am not fair.”