Archives: Cian’s Quest
Chapter 6: The Slaver Jeriah
With his warrant to search internationally for Emir, Ciprian had completed his business at the castle. Now, he had to gather his companions and prepare to leave on his mission. He decided it was more important to find Kylia first. She was an apothecary and he realized just how useful she could be against Emir’s men. It seemed as if Falis had smiled down upon him, or perhaps it was a blessing for Cian. The boy who had his family torn from him and forced to do evil deeds under the threat of torture was granted a chance for redemption. Perhaps it was the mercy of the gods who led Cian into that Lesmoa inn the day before, that allowed Cian to become a squire, granted Ciprian his warrant and brought Kylia and Carianna to them. The knight smiled as he felt a wave of affirmation pass through him. Cian was blessed, and Ciprian was a facet of that blessing.
Knight and Squire traveled through Valis swiftly. Kylia’s inn was closer than the port, so they would stop there first, just to check if she were there. Ciprian stepped into the inn, standing proudly after all he had been considering on their walk. The innkeeper greeted Ciprian with a familiar nod, his eyes glancing to Cian and taking note of the boy’s new attire.
“You looking for Kylia?” the innkeeper asked.
Kylia made it to the main stronghold of the knighthood and learned they were not there, sighing she decided to head back to the Inn and get some food and drink. She now had enough to make it for a while on the road, and her supplies were starting to run low. Once she made her way back to the Inn she saw Ciprian and Cian, of course she would not be rude and sneak up on them. Walking over to them and clearing her throat she spoke, the news was important and she also had something to tell them that would explain a few things.
“Good day Ciprian, how are you Cian? I trust the day sees both of you well, I have some information for you that just came up. Though it’s a surprise to see you two again, you need my help or do you need to make a purchase?”
She cleared her throat as she then gave the information, she knew he was a slaver and that he was just a messenger for somebody. In fact she knew that he was staying in this very Inn, although he was never around.
“Seems somebodies looking for the both of you, they buy a rather large order from me and then leave town. I’ve dealt with this client for a couple years now, from the items that are bought I’d say their up to something which as a person I detest their kind. Though as a merchant their gold is good, keeps me going for while I restock for the next city.”
Ciprian smiled as the half-elf met them. “Good to see you again, Kylia,” he said, giving her one of his charming, warm smiles. “I have something to ask you, but what do you have to say first? Oh, let’s have a seat!”
Ciprian stepped over to a nearby table and politely pulled out a chair for Kylia.
Cian was full of smiles as he strode alongside Cip, the new clothes made him feel better, more than better. He felt responsibility and the entire process that went along with being a squire. When they once again met the dark elf Kylia, Cian was far more accepting of her than their first meeting. The young boy gave a slight bow and spoke in as a respectful and pleasant manner he could Kylia. And the smile from the lad was genuine, he felt better than he’d felt in years. “It’s good to see you again Kylia, I’m hoping you’ll excuse how I acted the first time we met. I’m sorry about that.” The boy sat down along with Cip and their companion and he listened intently to her story still reeling from the entire day.
“It is good to see you again, and my apologies if I seemed a bit rushed. For all I know I could have been followed, but if that was the case I would have noticed.” Kylia sat down and took in a few deep breaths, her business dealings and past could not be kept a secret any longer. If Ciprian wanted to ask something of her trust was important, and knowing who she really is would be important to that. Once they sat down she got herself a drink, she would need it if she was going to speak of the nightmare that was her past.
“Thank you, first off I have had business dealings with slavers I suspect are from Flaim. I have sold them over the past two years many items I have made, mild poisons, healing brews, and enhancement brews. Today was yet another order that nearly cleaned me out, the man asked about you two and told me where to find him if I saw you again. He knew that I was in contact with the two of you, he is my usual contact and has by now left the city. That’s the first bit of information, second is something I have a hard time speaking of.”
She took a big drink and breathed in and out again, now she seemed both scared and nervous about what would come next. Her voice now was spoken in a hush enough for them to hear her, but nobody else aside from those who knew her.
“I am not just a simple merchant, I also go by Nuij Velg’larn which means ‘Fiend Assassin’. Eight years ago my family was captured by demons, I was forced into slavery like my parents. I watched them die as torture, I tried to escape and for that I only became a pawn to them. I am a trained assassin, but before they could even use me I escaped three years ago. Since then I have killed demons for both a memory and their parts, if you have heard my other name mentioned anywhere the rumors are true. As for my past I still bear the scars, in my mind and one on my neck. I loathe dealing with any slaver, but money is money and I am only a merchant in name of guild membership. Now I have said what needs to be said, what is it you wish to ask of me?” Her eyes darted around as she finished her information, she seemed nervous now almost as if she was scared that her past might come back to harm her yet again.
Ciprian took in all she told him, which was a lot to just jump right into. He didn’t expect to hear the summary of her life story in one sitting, but it did answer some of his questions about her. The information on her customer raised a chill up Cip’s spine. It sounded like one of Emir’s men, or Emir himself.
“Well, what I wanted to ask was if you would join us in hunting Cian’s former master. I have a warrant to search and arrest him outside of Valis, and I think your skills as an apothecary could help us, especially after gaining this knowledge,” Ciprian explained.
When Cip asked her to join the boy nodded and spoke at the end of the statement. “I’d be honored if you would Kylia..”
Kylia listened and knew this would be a worthwhile journey, to help new friends and to do the right thing. So Cian had once been a slave too, she could truly understand where he came from on that. “I would be honored to join you, as much you are free Cian one is only truly free when the master has been brought to justice. Only then will such a burden be taken from you, when do we leave the city and start?” She smiled lightly as she spoke, she had enough supplies to facilitate a few more mixtures. Though on the way there she would need to get more supplies, but she knew where to gather them and what they looked like.
“I will need to gather more herbs along the way, as well as spring water from a few sources I know. This will help with making more of my remedies, I am almost out of supplies and I have few inventory left.” She would lose a customer but gain some peace, she was tortured by selling to them and hated doing it. Though she would miss the money, helping stop them was worth more in the long run.
Ciprian grinned as Kylia agreed to join them. She would be even more useful as a fighter. If she could slay demons, she could certainly handle a few human mercenaries.
“I’m grateful for your help,” Ciprian replied. To show how grateful he was, he took her hand and kissed it. “Thank you,” he added. “Now, we can leave tonight. We have someone else accompanying us, a priestess of Rada. First, I would like to find this customer of yours. Would he still be in Roid?”
“As I am for your trust, my partner and I will be ready for tonight. You’ll see what I mean soon enough, I’ve got a very unique bond with her.” Kylia thought about it and blushed a little when Ciprian kissed her hand, she always held knights in the highest regard. It was the fact that she was the daughter of one, and he was as great a man as Ciprian had proved to be thus far.
“I believe he was leaving tomorrow at sunrise like I planned to, I know the inn he is staying at. It is by the docks and a three blocks west from the market in the port district, it is called the Copper Keel Inn.” She finished her drink and set the goblet down, she had a penchant for high elven wine when she could get it. Afterwards she looked over to the Inn keeper. “Can you make sure Wildfyre is ready for tonight? I’ll pay some extra gold for getting her ready as expediently as possible.”
Ciprian was concerned about the addition of another person, but they could probably be helpful. He had no idea she was talking about a horse. However, once she told him where to find their stalker, Ciprian grinned. He could find the man and get information from him, and take care of a slaver.
“Well, we’re just going to have to pay this customer a visit,” Ciprian said with a smirk. “But first, we need to visit Carianna, our priestess.”
Kylia had no idea the mans name, but she knew what he looked like. She had dealt with him a few times before, but of course this guy had tried to hit on her before too and he was a creep. “I’m sure he won’t mind a visit from somebody like me, He has tried to make the move before and was pushed away. I’ll need to let the stables here know when to have her groomed and saddled up, so as soon as we know we’re heading out I’ll have to inform the stables.” A priestess always helped too, tracking this guy down was a priority. Though what when they found him, what if he resisted and forced their hand. She always knew that would be a possibility, and she had no aversion to killing slavers if they got too problematic.
Ciprian nodded. He was starting to consider that the partner she mentioned was a horse, which was good. They would need horses, and the less they had to find new horses, the better.
“Alright, glad to have your help,” Ciprian replied with a grin. “Let’s get Carianna and then we’ll find this customer of yours.”
Kylia knew that the guild would not ask questions, she had dealt with a couple of customers before, usually because they shortchanged her and were actually thieves who skipped town after they did it. “Sounds good, if we want this guy taken alive for questioning I can ensure he is just unconscious. A beautiful womans charm, a free drink of ale, and some poison in the drink can really work.”
She had not put her bag away and so she had her stock still on her, setting it on the table she rummaged through the sorted vials that remained and pulled out a light sleeping toxin. “This will keep any damage to a bare minimum, though he will be asleep for at least a good two hours with a half dose in his drink. A full dose might cause more damage than we want, I’m not taking any risks here.” She then slipped it into her belt, after speaking of the poison to them with a rather hushed tone. She knew many people frowned upon sale or use of any kind of poisons, though she had no qualms about selling or using it for the right purpose.
Cian was overjoyed and followed along as he looked from the apothecary back to Cip. He remained silent watched the streets, a few people moving through here and there he spotted as amateurish but potential thieves. The young man shook his head and continued on as he listened to Cip and the dark elf speaking.
“So you’ll take care of him while we fetch Carianna?” Ciprian asked for conformation. Kylia had been rather vague. He worried about her safety, but he had to remind himself she was an assassin beyond an apothecary.
Kylia grinned, she had been trained to use these sorts of things. She did not want to ever use them, though now was the time. “I’ll handle him and have him neatly packaged up for you, personally I think we should all hear what he has to say. Just come to the inn as soon as you’ve found her, you’ll find me pretty easily.” She would not have her way with such a man though, to her one such as him would have his throat slit before anybody could stop her. Death was the only real punishment for their kind.
* * *
Morning came far too quickly for the priestess. The High Priest had agreed to allow her to take her leave earlier than expected. The night before, and now, the morning, was filled with business. Carianna had spearheaded many programs in the temple and she had to make preparations for her leave. Her friends would take the extra work of her classes. Two of the guards promised to watch out for a few people she was concerned for. Carianna even found herself in the temple of Marfa and Cha Za, asking some favors of acquaintances she met in the past.
Beyond that, she had little else to take care of. Her personal possessions were few and her needs were fewer. A small bag was all that was necessary. Two changes of clothing, a symbol of Rada, enough money to get by, and a travel kit, filled with things like knives, utensils, canteens, and the like.
Her last task was to take to the slums, as she did daily. She had to say good-bye to her friends, her students, and her charges. None of them were happy to see her go, but she reassured them with promises that she had friends watching over them, teaching their classes, and on call for emergencies. She gave names and addresses, along with her usual gifts from the coffers.
When Carianna returned to the temple, many of her faith waited for her. They stood waiting at the entrance, on the steps. Each one smiled for her. Behind the gracious priestess, Cian and Sir Tremas awaited her. Carianna dashed towards them, but leaned back and waved her final good-byes before joining her new-found companions and taking off...
Ciprian smiled as Carianna eagerly dashed to him. Cian stood beside him in his new squire’s garb. They would have to tell Carianna about Kylia along the way to the Copper Keel Inn, where they would hopefully find the half-elf with an unconscious associate of Emir.
“Good afternoon, priestess,” Ciprian greeted Carianna.
“Good afternoon to you as well, Sir Tremas!” she declared, flashing him a smile. “And look at those beautiful new outfit you have on, Cian! Would that, perchance, mean that you are a knight in training? I guess I should start calling you Sir Cian, huh?”
Carianna wore the same thing that she wore before. A simple garb made out of whatever she could find. A simple rope for a belt and a small bag of travel supplies was all she needed. Her teachers told her to always be prepared, but always travel light. Today was the day that she learned exactly how contradictory people could manage to be. Half of the things she wanted to bring were still sitting on shelves.
At the priestess’s statement Cian couldn’t resist as he stepped over almost too excited for words, but remembering he was trying to practice his manners he stood respectfully and gave her a bow. The young man smiled his brightest smile and spoke with a voice as proud and full of spirit as he could manage. “My lady Carianna, I am ...um..honored. Yep that’s it honored to receive such a compliment. Thank you. I have Cip to thank though..it’s all due to his good generosity.”
He was never one at making speeches and trying to think of the proper and respectful speech was taking some doing. At the mention of “Sir Cian” he blushed so badly his light brown skin looked almost light red brown.
Ciprian grinned proudly at Cian. He almost felt like a father. Returning his attention to Carianna, he begin to explain the new developments in their quest. “Carianna, we have another person joining us. We’re going to have to meet her at an inn here in the city, she may have someone who will be of use to us; a slaver who could be working with Emir.”
“A slaver? Well, if there is such a person with an eye for catching true criminals against our very humanity, then I think we would get along quite nicely.” She smiled brightly. “I admit that I felt very satisfied when we delivered those other men. I hope I can get to see this kind of justice continue. I suppose we shouldn’t be wasting time here, then. This new companion is probably waiting for us!”
* * *
Ciprian, Cian, and Carianna made their way across the port district to the Copper Keel Inn. Along the way, Ciprian explained how he met Kylia the night before, that she was half-dark elf, and that she was an apothecary and demon slayer. Her skills as an apothecary would be very useful, since Emir’s men were fond of poisons, and her skills as a fighter would be helpful too.
Ciprian stepped into the inn and scanned the common room. Kylia wasn’t there. He crossed the floor to the bar where the bartender waited for patrons. “Good citizen, have you see a woman by the name of Kylia, a half-dark elf?”
The bartender was not about to question what a knight of Valis wanted with a customer, so he replied honestly. “I don’t know her name, but a half-dark elf woman did come here. She was not one to forget,” the bartender smiled to himself. “She wanted to see Jeriah, a customer of mine. They retreated to Jeriah’s room, number nine.”
“Thank you,” Ciprian replied, nodding his head graciously to the innkeeper. “Falis’ blessings upon you and your establishments.”
The knight led his small entourage upstairs and counted doors until he reached on with the number nine carved into it. His right hand found the hilt of his sword as he reached to knock with his left hand. “Kylia, it’s Ciprian,” he said as he knocked. He tensed as he waited for a response, worried that she hadn’t subdued this ‘Jeriah’ fellow.
Kylia answered the door and let them in, walking over to Jeriah she slapped him across the face and spoke sharply. “Wake up you have somebody who wants to talk to you, answer them honestly and I’ll let them turn you in without a scratch.”
Jeriah looked at her and then to the new people, he was angry that she had tricked him. He struggled a bit more and then spat in her face, which she wiped off with one of his shirts, he knew who they were right away.
“Sorry about the state of the room, I was going through his stuff to find out information. I’ll leave him in your hands, I’m sure he’ll talk,” Kylia explained.
The sound of a slap hurt the priestess of Rada’s ears. This was not what she was hoping for. Carianna knew that racism was foolery, but she knew of the ways of the dark elves. She hoped that this woman was more human than dark elf. “Perhaps I should wait outside...”
Kylia looked to the priestess, she wondered why she said that as she was not going to let this guy off easy. “If you like but do you want to hear what he has to say for yourself, I’ll be lying down while you guys deal with him. I don’t want to even look at him anymore, at least I got free drinks out of him.” She walked over to the bed and sat on the edge, watching the slaver with a wary eye as if he was going to lie through his teeth. At least he was waking up now, but she still wanted to kill him and it was evident in her demeanor.
Cian watched the scene silently, he was no stranger to such things and knew that if the fellow as a slaver he’d be a tough one most likely unwilling to talk or even cooperate. The thief part of his nature wanted to take a dagger to the fellow; a twist and he’d talk. But he was a squire now and squire’s didn’t do such things. The boy shifted slightly but stood quietly and remained still while he waited. If the fellow knew what was good for him, he’d talk...
Ciprian couldn’t say he was surprised to see what Kylia had done to the slaver, once he considered that she told him she was once a slave. She told him how much she hated people in the slave trade. The knight watched Kylia stoically as the half-elf stalked to her bed, radiating rage.
He took another chair that was in the room, set it in front of Jeriah, and sat down. Ciprian reached out to lift the man’s lolling head by the chin and was met with a pair glazed eyes. Hopefully he was coming off the drug Kylia used. “Your name is Jeriah, is it not?” he asked.
Jeriah looked at the knight and considered his words, he would not lie but he had to minimize the trail he left. “Yeah I’m Jeriah. what do you want with me?” He was awake and looking at Ciprian with a look of affirmation, this was the knight he had been looking for and the boy was indeed the boy who he’d been seeking.
“I’d rather not die tonight, that damn witch already has tried to kill me once with her poison. So she’s helping your side. What a damn shame that her talents are so wasted.” He then waited for the rest of the questions, though he would answer them as vaguely as possible. Already he would wind up dead at the hands of his boss, for this failure alone.
Ciprian smirked as he restrained the urge to punch Jeriah for his comments about Kylia. Without a response to Jeriah’s insults, Ciprian continued his interrogation, “Kylia tells me you were looking for my squire, Cian, and myself. Is that true?”
Jeriah knew this situation was not in his favor, but maybe he could get out of it alive still. “Yes I was, your squire is the property of the man I am employed by. I will tell you that much, but of what concern is it to you? Your going to kill me after we’re done, or are you going to hand me over to your compatriots for justice?” He mocked the knights with that line, he saw them as nothing more than a nuisance which he had bypassed many times. He wanted to get him angry, he wanted a reason to make Ciprian strike him and look bad.
Jeriah’s comments didn’t strike Ciprian as deeply as the remarks about Kylia, and the knight kept his composure. “So, you work for Emir then?” Ciprian continued his line of questioning, unphased. “Where is he?” he asked, as mildly as if it were a discussion about the weather.
Jeriah laughed at the question, now this one was amusing. He would answer this one with lies if possible. “Yeah I do, and I was on a routine supply run. But as for location he’s out in the desert, but ya gotta go to Flaim to find him. I’m sure you can find him out there, just look near a rocky oasis.” He then laughed again, that was the best he would give and then he stopped talking and looked like he would not speak up anymore.
Kylia yawned and flipped a throwing dagger in her left hand, she was looking a little exhausted as well as angry now.
Ciprian shrugged, “That was easy.” He couldn’t have dragged the truth from him so easily. Glancing at Kylia tossing her dagger, he debated just what he could use to give the man a reason to tell the truth. “Far too easy,” Ciprian added. He didn’t want to resort to violence, especially since Carianna disapproved of it. “You see, I have a priestess with me. If I ask her, she could heal you. I will turn you in to the authorities, but if you cooperate and tell me where I can find Emir, when I return, you will be released. I can assure you that Emir will not be alive to punish you.”
Jeriah was surprised by the rather lenient sentencing this offered, but if he told them he would need to be kept secure. Unless they could do that he was as good as dead, but then they seemed to know what they were doing. “If you’ll make sure he can’t touch me then I’ll tell you, but it will take some time to reach the location. Do you give me your word you’ll ensure that my life is in no threat, I don’t want a hollow promise. Please if she could remove this poison, I’ll talk now and let you deal with everything else later.” He was going to take the offer, seeing as this had almost gotten him killed he did not need this. Even though the money was good it was now too risky, even if he made it back he would wind up killed or punished for getting caught.
It was then Cian spoke, the boy stepped forward slightly and eyed the mercenary, he hoped this would be one thing that would strike the man in fear, and nothing else seemed likely to do so. “I’m a squire now, so gutting you without good reason isn’t allowed. It’s against the law. Anyway, you were merely employed by Emir, yet you do not know the man. I do. I was raised—tortured and beaten by the man at times—and trained by him too. We won’t kill you, oh no, that would be too good. Rather, what if we release you to him. Take you back there to Emir where he can deal with you himself as he’s wrought to do with those that fail and betray him. He’s very good at slow and steady torture, very, very good. I know, and I also know he’ll keep you alive for days, maybe a week or two. Now do you want to cooperate?”
Jeriah looked at Cian like he would rather be gutted right then and there before he would return, so the kid had some sense of cruelty too but still he would not tempt fate. “I’ll tell you where he is, just don’t hand me back over to him. I’d rather rot in a cell and die than go back, your tongue is just as bad as that witch and her poison...” He then cleared his throat and looked around, her hand or Emir’s hand what was the easiest death. But then of course the idea of a cell was also good, kept him alive and safe.
“He’s currently located near the western border of Flaim by a small oasis that is being used as a water source, northwest of the capital with people out looking for new acquisitions. Somebody like her would fetch a high price, exotic and a valuable skill. I’m sure if you fail she’ll find a new place, even possibly a prized place in his service... You know where he is now, I have done my end of the deal just get me out of here and away from them.” He looked to Cian and knew that Emir would be furious that he lost him, and even more furious that he had now become a squire and thrown off his shackles almost completely.
Kylia stood up and grinned as she headed over, she had no more patience for his tongue. The blade was present in her hand for show, not for use as she held it so it could be flipped into a ready position. “Call me that once more and I’ll make you not even a man, do you understand me Jeriah? I’m not going to tolerate your words any longer, I could gut you right here and it would do nothing to my conscience but your lucky today...”
Jeriah nodded and fell silent, that was enough to get him to stop his words, in fact he kept silent and did not even speak at all.
Kylia then looked to Cian and chuckled at how he handled it, Jeriah was even more worried she would kill him or he would be returned to Emir and did not make eye contact with either. Her words to Cian were normal in tone, but still she was holding back from actually making good on her words. “Cian what can you tell us about Emir, it might help us to formulate a plan to capture him. We’ll have a long journey ahead of us so we have time, but your knowledge may make a huge difference in our strategy.”
Carianna said nothing. This situation made her uncomfortable. Sir Tremas made a good decision, as did this Jeriah. The deal was made and Carianna wasted no time about playing her part. Every second that she was aware of the poison, the worse she felt about not leaping up to help. Finally, though, he gave the information he needed to give.
The very simply garbed priestess hurried to the side of the slaver and knelt before him. She gave him a smile. “You made a wise decision today,” was all she said to him before placing her hands on his chest. “Rada, God of wisdom and pervayer of peace, do not allow the taint of toxins to harm this man...” Holy light draped from her arms, slowly moving across his chest and into his body. Only a moment later, the light was gone and the poison in his blood was dissolved and harmless. It would pass out of his body like water.
“You’ll be fine,” Cari said, slowly standing up.
Cian thought about the question and scratched his chin, the young boy looked over to Cip then stepped over to a chair where he sat down and began to speak, “It’s not an easy thing to talk about... Emir is a slaver, as that fellow said. He’s also a crafty merchant. He knows that his activities are not warranted by most of Lodoss as slavery is against kingdom law, but he follows no law and owes fealty to no king or ruler. He’ll soon as slit your throat as bed you. Sorry, not to be crude, Kylia, but he’s slime...pure and simple. He has as he’s put it, ‘a business’, he had me trained to be the best thief and spy or as it is ears for him, to report things back to him as he sees fit.”
The former thief sighed and then continued as he reached back to pull up his tunic and shirt to show her the myriad scars that littered his back. “He rewards those who please him with food...and what few things he deems they should have. He likes young slaves the best as they’re easier to train, he sometimes keeps a network of thieves on the outer areas small unnamed settlements along the dessert.. of Flam. He likes to keep a good bit of mercenaries on employ, mostly criminals, deserters and those that couldn’t cut it in the Free army or other places... he’s a dangerous man.” He paused and waited for her or Cip to pose more questions.
Ciprian listened to what Cian had to say. “We’ll put a stop to this soon enough,” Ciprian assured Cian. With all the people fighting for Emir, it was starting to look like a tough road ahead. Ciprian considered asking more knights to accompany them, but that would only draw more attention, and they needed a variety of skills.
“We need to hear what Jeriah has to say before we leave him in the safety of the guard,” Ciprian said in a way that would comfort the slaver enough to make him tell more. The knight turned back to his prisoner. “Jeriah, we can we find Emir?”
Kylia responded to Cian’s response with a smile, she was calming down but still drunk. She sat against the wall on the floor in a ball, her eyes closing every so often and she was fighting back a few tears. “Thanks Cian, I know it is hard to talk about. It takes strength to even recall these things, but you’ve shown me already your ready. If I have more questions then I’ll ask, if you want I’ll tell you more about my past one day.”
Jeriah was sure of the location unless he had moved again, Cian was right and he might not be near the area anymore. “He may have moved on, the boy is right and if he has moved then he would be headed southwest for a bit. I can’t give an exact location but look southwest of blade, if anything Cian can figure it out better once in the area. Look near water sources, I don’t know anything else.” He looked to everybody and relaxed, now he just wanted to get out of this spot. He did not care now though, jail or death he would die eventually at another’s hands. Emir was smart and would figure it out, he knew that much.
Kylia looked at him and shook her head, she should end it here but she could not. She felt he deserved more than that, after all she had taken more lives than he probably did and sparing one was a truly great act. “Thank you Jeriah just scum in his employ but you’ve provided us with a lot of information. Perhaps I could make it look like your dead, so you have no reason to worry about anything. Your not worth it but it gets something out of my system, and your still alive.”
“If he will be committed to changing his life for the better, the priests at my temple might be willing to take him in and keep him well hidden. My order understands the danger and would be prepared to keep him out of harm’s way... At the very least, they could think of a very clever way to get him out of the city and to somewhere out of Emir’s reach. After all, we aren’t priests of wisdom for nothing...” Carianna said, almost like thinking to herself.
Kylia nodded, that was also an idea too. Though it would be up to Jeriah, he would make the final decision on his own. “I’d rather trust the priests after this, I’m not a threat anymore and I’d rather live in peace. I wish I could help you more, whatever you do now you are on your own.”
Jeriah shifted a little as Kylia started to untie his bonds to the chair, he stood up and then found his hands were still bound. He had to be tied up still, though he would not run.
“You screw us over once however I will hunt you down, no matter where you may go or hide.” She laughed a little and shook her head, he seemed nervous for a second and then laughed himself at the crude humor. She was not serious there, and obviously needed sleep.
“Good. I can have you see the High Priest of my temple by the end of the day. You can stay, like I did, or they will find a place for you. Either way, only better times can be ahead for you,” Carianna said, shaking his hand.
Ciprian stood and turned the chair back to the table. “We’ll get you to the temple then, Jeriah. I thank you for your honesty,” the knight said and laid a comforting hand on the slaver’s shoulder. While he didn’t like the man’s line of work, he was a kind man, and he wanted to reward Jeriah by showing his appreciation. “Do you have a hooded cloak? It could be wise to hide your identity. Or perhaps...Kylia, do you know how to cast the invisibility spell dark elves use?”
Jeriah had no such clothing, he knew it and he always wondered about that spell. He had heard of it, he replied. “Not that I can say, but if she could make me go invisible then it would be helpful. I’ll stay out of trouble and perhaps make a new life to repay the harm I’ve done, perhaps this is all for the best.”
Kylia looked up and smiled, this was one of her tricks that she used when she had to kill. It was an essential to her craft, but demons were more wary. “Yes, I could use it here if we needed it. Hang on let me remember, it’s been a while since I’ve used it.” She then focused a little on Jeriah and then spoke, calling upon the appropriate spirits. “Spirits of the invisible and those unseen, grant this man protection from sight by those who would do him harm. Allow him to pass to safety, so he may yet live.”
After she finished speaking Jeriah went invisible, Kylia looked up and smiled a little. She looked even more tired now, and was hoping that she could sleep soon.
Ciprian’s arm quickly struck out as Jeriah’s image began to fade. He grasped the slaver’s arm firmly, as he had to know that the man was there. He didn’t fully trust Jeriah. The spirits lost their hold on area Ciprian held, but they slowly filled in the area. To appear less conspicuous, Ciprian moved his hand down Jeriah’s invisible arm to take a hold of the ropes that still bound his hands.
“Well, let’s go to the temple then,” Ciprian said, curiously eying the empty space that Jeriah occupied. “Keep pace with me so we don’t draw attention,” the knight ordered. “Carianna, if you would take the lead?” he nodded his head toward the door, suggesting that Carianna open it. “Cian, flank Jeriah on the opposite side. Kylia, please follow behind.” It was apparent that Ciprian was arranging his allies to box Jeriah in the center of the group.
Cian nodded and flanked the mercenary’s other side as they headed to the temple. The boy was wary as they walked expecting the slaver to try something, anything. Being a squire meant he’d have to trust people far more than he was used to, and curb his customary nature of being suspicious. He trusted Cip with his life though, and the priestess had already proved herself to him when she’d healed him. He was beginning to like the dark elf woman. She had a snap and spice to her he found a lot like some of his fellow thieves, the ones who’d actually been his friends.
Carianna left the inn with a secret amount of gratification. Not only did dealing with slavers make her uncomfortable, but sneaking a man around with an invisibility spell? Despite her acting ability, she was having a hard time keeping relaxed. Carianna wasn’t a mind reader; she didn’t know how sincere he was about all of this. If he wasn’t, though, she hoped nothing too bad would happen to him because of his lie.
* * *
The group hurried down the streets. Carianna took back lanes and less populated streets. She knew that people could still touch Jeriah, so she couldn’t have anyone bumping into things that weren’t supposed to be there. The less-crowded causeways allowed them to keep a certain amount of distance between the others and the group. Besides, Carianna knew the area. Some of it was slums, a place she worked extensively.
Arriving at the temple didn’t take long and seemed rather uneventful. The steps up to the ivory-colored temple had people moving across it, as usual. Among them were only a few priests. The rest were students from universities or students of the temple alone. Carianna gave polite waves as she passed those she knew from class, muttering something about being in a hurry.
As Cari entered the building, a friendly priest was at her side. “Aren’t you supposed to be gone? And why do you have an armed knight walking through our temple?” he asked patiently, hurrying along with her.
“I am and because I don’t have time to put his weapon in the proper place. He is a good man.”
“I must object to his weapon, Priestess...”
“Duly noted, but this isn’t the time for that. Trust me on this.”
“Very well, but the high priest shall know of this.”
“Yes, he will. That’s who I’m going to see...” she said, getting slightly annoyed.
The other priest walked off, not exactly pleased with Carianna’s disrespect. Cari paid it no mind. Mere minutes later, she was waiting for someone else to leave his office. He wouldn’t answer the door. “I guess we get to wait a moment,” she said. “I think it would be wise to drop the invisibility here. No need to make my boss uncomfortable, after all. I’m fairly certain that your secret is safe with anyone who gets this far into the temple...”
Kylia kept the rear flank as they traveled, she was going to the temple too and they had no reason to not let her in. She had done business with them often, they knew her there. Once inside and it was mentioned she dropped the invisibility, Jeriah was visible again and looking tired from the interrogation.
“That’s a lot better, it felt pretty weird being invisible. Yeah, looks like it will be safe here too,” Jeriah stated plainly, stretching his back he waited for them to be seen. He did not want to get any of these people killed, so maybe it was time to go under an alias as well.
Ciprian stood aside silently as they waited for the priest. He didn’t have much to say to Jeriah, but he had instructions for the high priest.
The door opened and a nobleman hurried off, not giving anyone a second glance. Something seemed to be troubling him, even after his visit with the high priest. It was odd, but not something she concerned herself with.
“Priestess... If my memory does not fail me, you hurried just to be away from this place. Is the world worse than you thought, that you had to dash back in just as quickly?”
“Not quite. I have a favor to ask of you.”
“And what can I do for you?”
“I have here a man named Jeriah,” she said, pointing to their company. “He was a slaver, but he wishes to turn his life around. The only problem is that his employer is a dangerous man and may seek to harm him. I was hoping you could house him, perhaps teach him a skill, as you did me. Keep him safe from his enemies and help him return to the side of humanity.”
The old man was critical of such men, but he remembered the day he cared for the bruised and beaten young girl that grew into the aspiring priestess before him. If anyone knew things like this, he decided, it would be an experienced eye. Carianna had been in a similar situation when she was hidden.
“Very well,” he said, petting his beard thoughtfully. “I will house him and offer him education. We will keep him hidden until the threat is lessened. From there, he can choose to stay on or take the education he has gained into the world, as you have done before him.” The old priest moved over to the slaver and looked him over. “All men deserve a second chance. Take my hand, Jeriah, and the world can open up for you.”
Jeriah steeped forward after his bonds were cut, looking to the high priest he turned to the others. “I’ll be fine now, just ask around the taverns in blade. You’ll find that for the right amount of coin you can get what you want, perhaps even Emir’s current location to that point.”
“Come along, then,” said the priest, taking the man’s hand. Before he left, he turned back. “Will I expect you back again in the next few hours?” he asked in jest to Carianna.
“No offense, but I hope not,” she said, winking. He nodded back and led Jeriah down the hall and out of the hands of the small group. “And no offense to you all, but for every minute I let you all walk around with weapons in here, the more I risk being despised by everyone here. So, if you all don’t mind, I would love to leave... now...”
“As you request of us, your help has been appreciated in this matter,” Kylia replied with as she realized she was walking around carrying concealed weapons, that was even worse than open ones.
When they had a moment Cian set his thoughts on Emir, wondering just what the slaver was doing then a thought came to him as he looked at their captive and then turned to their newest companion, the half-dark elf and spoke softly. “I’m worried. Emir knows that I’ll come back eventually, he’s the only one that has more information on my sister. So it’s undoubtedly certain that he’s going to have provisions made in case of such a circumstance. What I can’t figure is this; he knows that it’s just a matter of time before one of the Knights of Valis or the like find out about him, which a Knight has,” he spoke as he looked over at Cip and smiled, the boy continued. “Why is he not taking the task of getting out of Flaim or to a more remote location? With his network he could set up shop anywhere, I’ve always wondered just why he stayed in that one particular area... Maybe it’s because I’m young and don’t understand, but I rather expected him to be...smarter.” The boy had a lot to think about right now, so much had happened and he was still getting used to it all. Speaking his mind in such matters helped to make things just a bit easier.
As they were heading out and Cian spoke, Kylia thought about what he said. Maybe things were not as they seemed or she was just getting ahead of herself. “If he somehow learns his location was given away he might be elsewhere, does he often have his messengers tailed to ensure nothing happens or to remove any loose ends?” she asked Cian, perhaps the information might not be valid by the time they reached Flaim. Hopefully she was wrong, though in her line of work being wrong could be a very bad thing.
“We can discuss it in a place more comfortable,” Ciprian said. The knight and his companions hurried out of the the temple at Carianna’s request. He received some sharp glares for his sword, so he pulled his cloak around his body to hide it.
* * *
As they left the temple, Ciprian stopped in the street. “Well, we should get out of the city as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we didn’t bring our horses on this little adventure, so we’re going to have to split up to retrieve them. I will be waiting at the west gate,” the knight explained. “Carianna, can you procure a mount from the temple?”
“We don’t stable horses because they are unnecessary to us,” Carianna said quietly. “We don’t travel much. I have a few friends in the knighthood that may lend me one of their horses, though. I would have to go half way across town to see them.”
“Don’t worry about going across town then, Cari,” Ciprian replied to the priestess. “We can just get you one out of the knight’s stable. They always have a number of unclaimed youngsters for new squires and other needs.” The knight turned to Kylia. “I’ll see you soon then,” he bid the half-elf farewell for now.
Kylia had to go back to the inn to get her horse, but that would not take long as she already had her stuff packed for the trip. This was going to be both business and personal, she would make them some extra coin along the way.
“I’ll be there as soon as I get Wildfyre and my gear from the inn, I’ll be at the western gate as soon as I am done,” she replied as she realized she had to get changed too, this was a special occasion dress and now the occasion had moved on and she needed to get into her traveling gear.
