Chapter 36
November 18th, 2021
People milled about, pressing close to the carriage but the Captain's guards had moved to surround the vehicle, and kept the crowds back. There seemed to be a rather large crowd of people, all seeking entrance to Uthar, but apparently the new martial law was slowing down commerce and travel significantly as everyone was being thoroughly interrogated and belonging searched.
"Everyone exit your vehicles and stand on the agin side of the bridge!" The soldiers shouted as they began pulling people from their seats. Soldiers approached Lelia's caravan and the Captain quickly exited the carriage, presenting papers held in one of many pouches on a bandoleer slung across his torso.
"Lady Lelia Sundman returning from Stormridge, with prisoner in toe." The Captain said stepping down and approaching the soldiers. One of which took the papers and examined them, handing them back.
"Stand with the rest." The soldier ordered.
The Captain nodded, and reached in to the carriage and grabbed Zechariah's arm roughly, and tugged him from the carriage with surprising strength. Zechariah went sprawling from the carriage and the Captain gave him a hard kick, sending him tumbling onto the bridge on the other side. "Don't try anything clever." The Captain growled at him as Zechariah struggled to pick himself up off the floor with being so securely bound. When he finally managed to stand again, he found he had to stand hunched over as the bonds between hands and feet was too short for him to stand straight. It left him either squatting, or leaning over and always a little off balance. It was horribly uncomfortable. The Captain helped organize their crowd as two servants carried Lelia from her carriage. She sat elegantly upon their hands and rested her arms upon their shoulders. Even crippled, she struck a stunning image.
One of the soldiers retched. "By the divine!" He cried out staggering back. "W-what is that stench?"
The lieutenant who led the soldiers looked from Lelia to the cart, and covering his nose he approached. He threw back the tarp covering the dead and stepped away.
"They attacked." Lelia said in a loud and confident voice. "They tried to take from my prize and when I refused to hand him over, they tried to claim him by force, so we defended ourselves. I believe his Excellency will agree that we upheld the law."
"You can't bring them in the city." The lieutenant said. "They're rotten and probably diseased. Burry them outside the city or dump them in the moat."
"I'm afraid I can do neither Lieutenant. I have reason to believe that these men were a part of something greater, and I must needs have them inspected by the Court Physician."
"You know, suddenly our job don't seem to bad." One of the soldiers said to another.
The Lieutenant covered the cart again and backed away breathing deeply of fresher air. "Fine, if we decide to let you in." He turned to his soldiers. "Search the caravan. You and you," He said pointing to two more, "Search the peasantry." Finally he turned back to Lelia and the Captain. "Returning home?"
Lelia nodded. "Yes, my research was mostly successful, and now I return home with an unexpected but pleasant surprise in tow." She said gesturing to Zechariah who shifted uncomfortably.
"His crime?" The Lieutenant said as he walked up and down inspecting the people closely.
"Desertion." Lelia said simply, and the Lieutenant scowled deeply.
"Desertion?" He asked standing in front of Zechariah. "Traitorous pig." He said as he spat on Zechariah's head.
"Indeed. He'll get his due, I'll make sure of that when I present him to his Excellency.
The Lieutenant walked from one to the next, studying their faces for a brief moment before moving on. Then, he came to stand in front of Gerb. Gerb looked away, grinding his teeth under the scrutinous eye. "Do I know you?" The Lieutenant asked quietly, tilting his head to the side.
"No sir." Gerb said simply.
"No...No I most certainly do know you. Where do I know you from?" The Lieutenant asked growing suspicious.
Lelia was about to speak up, but Gerb interrupted her saying, "I'd think it'd be pretty hard to forget a one legged man. Sir." He said gesturing to his missing leg.
The Lieutenant looked down, then back up at Gerb. "I swear you look familiar, but no, can't be. The man I'm thinking of wouldn't be caught dead crippled." He said and moved on, inspecting the other peasantry. Eventually the other soldiers returned.
"Nothing to report sir. Caravan seems clean. We did find these though." The soldier said holding forward eight of Zechariah's pendants and rings he had carved, each of which glowed with a faint light.
"What's this?" The Lieutenant said holding up a pendant.
"Jewelry." Lelia said simply.
"These are magical runes." The Lieutenant said.
"Is that illegal? I am a student of the Arcane after all. I am conducting research in to the origins of Runes."
The Lieutenant gave the pendant back. "We'll have to have these inspected." He turned to a soldier and ordered, "Fetch the Runesmith." before turning back to Lelia. "There's been some curious events occurring within these lands in the past few cycles. There's been some acts of arson and assassinations taking place. People have been acting strange, and High King Malik has ordered that any magical paraphernalia be inspected before entering Uthar."
"Assassinations?" The Captain asked stepping forward. "Who? How many and when?"
"Not your jurisdiction Captain." The Lieutenant said with a taunting half grin.
"I wasn't asking in authority, but as a fellow knight who seeks to defend his nation." The Captain retaliated diplomatically.
The Lieutenant frowned then nodded. "Aye, my apologies Captain. Now is not the time for professional conflicts. Twas two ports ago when the assassinations first started. At first, we thought it simply murder, but then they were more specific and frequent. Ship Captains, Merchants, Money lenders. It took us a while to notice, but one member of the court figured it out. Whoever is doing this killings, is sabotaging the trade of Umar. The courts think that this is an attack from the Draconians but we have seen no trace of one in the city. The court believes then that someone is using Soul magic to control civilians in Uthar. Hence..." He said gesturing to the magical items, "The requirement to search all magical paraphernalia."
"But if the assassinations and arson have already started, then surely the magic originates from within the city, and not out of it?" Lelia reasoned.
The Lieutenant scowled. "I don't know. Never really trusted magic myself. But I didn't give the orders. I just follow them."
"And what will you do if you don't find out what these runes are for?" The Captain asked.
"Then we'll confiscate them."
"And what if the Runesmith lies?" The Captain asked again.
The Lieutenant paused, and scowled unhappily. "If the Runesmith is found to be lying then he'll be tried as a traitor."
"But till then, what happens to the people he lied about?" The Captain pressed again.
"The Runesmith has no reason to lie. But to those who are guilty, they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law." The Lieutenant said vaguely.
"That's enough Captain." Lelia said gently. "We've nothing to hide. The Runesmith will see reason." She said.
They stood around silently and patiently as the Lieutenant continued his search of other travelers who were coming and goring through Uthar. Zechariah's back hurt and he shuffled from one bound foot the next. He almost began to wish that they had insisted on fighting. That way he'd have been at least freed from these awful bonds. Couldn't the Captain have made them just a little bit more loose? His neck ached also as it was difficult for him to keep his head up and looking about for such a long time. So he sat back on his heels and tried to rest as best he could standing in that awful position. Time always seems to move so much slowly when your in discomfort.
Eventually, upon a reclining a palanquin was one of the most elderly, wisened and wrinkly men Zechariah had ever seen, came out to them. His skin was wrinkly and leathery, an ashen hue growing upon his dark skin. A very long and very white beard blew in the wind along with his white hair. As he came to a stop, he slowly sat up, moving his feat to hang to the floor. He then scooted himself forward, and stood in such an agonizingly slow motion that Zechariah suddenly felt free as a feather in comparison. Hunched over further than Zechariah, the old man shuffled forward to stand before Lelia. Zechariah thought he saw the man bow, but wasn't sure if it was that or a muscle spasm.
In the wispiest raspiest voice Zechariah had ever witnessed, the Runemaster said, "Lady, Lelia Sundman of Norgraith. Welcome Home."
"Thank you for your kind reception Master Runesmith. It is good to see you again." Lelia replied sweetly.
"And, to you." The Runesmaith said. "If mine eyes could see, I'm sure I would see you in greater radiance then when you left." He turned blind eyes up to gaze unseeingly in Lelia's direction, and Zechariah shook his head in bewilderment. "Now, show me these items that I might inspect them." He said turning those white eyes away.
The soldier came forward and gently took one of the old man's outstretched arms, and placed his hand upon the magical items. His fingers clasp a ring, and he brought it back to him. Holding it in both hands, he turned this way and that, nodding his head sagely as he felt every groove and nick in the thing. Eventually he put it back and picked up another one, and began to do the same. "Very. Good." He said quietly. "Very good indeed. This is marvelous craftsmanship. I know your hand My Lady, and these were not carved by you. Whom is the master of these runes?"
"I am afraid that I am not at liberty to say at this time. However, I can assure you, that there were no dragons involved." Lelia explained apologetically.
"I do not know what dragon runes feel like, but I presume these are not them. They feel, old. Are these runes Norgraithian?"
"I actually do not know Master Runesmith. The craftsman I believe is a mix of both nations." Lelia answered.
"Of both nations? Most peculiar." The Runesmith said picking up a third item. "That may explain some of the differences. But not all. Norgraith is old but not that old. These seem ancient. It Speaks of a time I do not know, and of a place I have never seen."
The Lieutenant piped in. "Could it be their planet?"
"N-no. I think not."
November 19th, 2021
November 19th, 2021
The old Runesmith replaced the item and picked up a fourth. "No, it speaks of this land, but not this land. A place with the Aether if anything." He quickly replaced the fourth, and picked up a fifth, cocking his head to one side as he did so. "They...they are bound to each other." He said quietly, with a tone of wonder in his voice. He quickly replaced the fifth and picked up the sixth, then the seventh and either. He returned the last and fumbled around. His brow furrowed, in confusion. "Where is the ninth?"
"I beg your pardon Runesmith?" Lelia asked confused and a little worried.
"The ninth... where is it?" He said turning to look at her once again with those searching dead eyes. "These are incomplete, there is another, one that completes the story. Where is it? A blue light shines in the darkness, but I can't quite place it."
"There is no ninth Master Runesmith." Lelia said simply. "These eight pieces are all that I managed to recover."
"You return, unsatisfied with your journey?" The Runesmith said reaching up to Lelia. "You're hand Lady Lelia. Your hand."
Lelia slowly gave the old man her hand, and his fingers deftly ran over her palm, her fingers, her wrist, and every part in between. "I see, your hands have seen much these last few cycles have they not?"
"Yes Master Runesmith. Much has occurred in my travels. But not in relation to a ninth piece." Lelia replied neutrally.
"Indeed not." He said quietly.
Stepping forward once again the Lieutenant interrupted the Runesmith's inspection of Lelia's hand asking, "What do they do? Are they safe? Or must I place these under arrest?"
"Safe?" The old man asked turning towards the sound of the Lieutenant. "Is a horse safe?"
The Lieutenant frowned. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"A tame horse, well trained is plenty safe. A wild horse, not well kempt, can trample any unsuspecting man." The Runesmith said turning back to the runes and wrapping them up in the cloth they were stored in. "These runes have nothing to do with the sabotage Uthar has been subject to. I will not say they are safe, but they are not our enemy."
"But what do they do?" The Lieutenant insisted.
"Young man." The Runesmith said with a weary sigh as he handed the runes over to Lelia. "I believe it was my task to investigate magical runes, and determine whether the owners were agents of our enemy or not. Lelia Sundman is no enemy to Uthar."
The Lieutenant looked as though he were about to protest, but the old man, whether ignoring him or not noticing him, turned away and begun to shuffle back to his palanquin. "Lady Lelia." He said as his servants helped him to climb on creaky bones to recline upon his cushions. "Welcome home."
"Thank you Master Runesmith. It is indeed good to be back." Lelia said, touched at the old man's warmth. He nodded and was deftly carried away.
Grumbling and dissatisfied with the Runesmith's declaration, the Lieutenant waved them forward. "You're free to enter Uthar. And for the sake of all the Gods above, get rid of those corpses as fast as you can."
"Of course Lieutenant." Lelia said nodding her head slowly towards him. The servants quickly made their way forward to also inspect their belongings, just to make sure that the soldiers hadn't 'confiscated anything'. Finding that their belongings were intact, Zechariah was roughly pushed back into the carriage along with Lelia who was more daintily deposited. Once everyone was ready, the caravan began moving again, and Zechariah shifted over to the window to look out in wonder, as they passed through the massive gatehouse that served as the entrance to Uthar.
Being a seaside city, Uthar only had a semi circular wall surrounding the capital mass. Though much of the city had grown to extend outside the main city walls, the vast majority still resided within these defensible walls. At least three paces thick, solid stone walls rose up from the ground and the only way in or out of the city was either by the ports, which stationed a strong and formidable naval presence, or the main gates through which Zechariah now rode. The gate house itself was a small fortress boasting two gates and portcullises between which was a daunting array of murder holes creating a chilling image in Zechariah's mind as he looked up and saw the armed soldiers milling about above him. How easy it would be for them to pour boiling oil down upon him.
Moving further into the city, they quickly came upon a market area. There were two, Zechariah later found out, the Port Market, and the Gate's Market. Though there was the shops district more central to the city, the Gate's Market largely sold and traded food, and common items, such as horse shoes, wagon axles, farming equipment, pottery, bolts of linen and the like. The people of the surrounding lands who could afford to come and trade in Uthar, came to the Gate's Market. The Port's Market on the other hand, was unfortunately lacking during these times. Usually, it was the center of trade for exotic items. Clothes and fashions from far away lands, and spices. Unique tools and weapons and odds and ends that most knew not the use for, but paid a steep price for. This was where the wealthy shopped and strutted about showing off their finery. However, since the fall of seven nations and their armies, the Port Market was woefully lacking, primarily selling only fish, and what they could trade with the Norgrathians by port, which wasn't much. The Edgeward Barbarians, were not known for their trade save in furs and strange animals. However, as Zechariah crested a rise and was able to look down upon the Port District, he could see that may of the docks were occupied by Norgrathian navy vessels, busy being resupplied and readied for war.
Indeed, as he rode through the city, soaking in the grandeur of Uthar, he slowly came to see the subtle things that suggested life was not very grand anymore in Uthar. Though people still milled about and shopped and shouted out their wares for all to hear, there was a sense that everyone was looking over their shoulder. There were people spending unusual amounts, and shortages of food could be seen, foods that specifically would last a long time. Dried meats and hard tacks or breads were almost sold out. Additionally, soldiers patrolled everywhere. At every junction was a small trio of soldiers, all standing about wearily, like they expected trouble or an attack at any moment. It was common to see town watch patrolling streets at all times of the day and night, but not this level of military presence. The civilians set about their business, trying to ignore the ever present declaration of national security but were unable to properly quench the rising paranoia that the presence of the soldiers distilled in their hearts. Zechariah felt it to, and his wonder of the city slowly turned to fear as he pulled away from the window, fearing to be seen.
"Never seen it quite like this before." The Captain said with a grumble, causing Lelia to nod her head in affirmation.
"Indeed," She said quietly, "I've never seen the people so on edge before. One would have hoped that as the war is still so far away, that there would still be peace for the civilians, but it seems the Empresses' has dug her claws into the very heart of Umar, and quite beyond our comprehension."
Zechariah spoke up quietly asking, "Is this how the other nations felt before they fell? The very heart of their nation disturbed, and turning an eye upon their very own?"
"Likely." The Captain said in a low grumble. "It might explain how she's been so successful in the past. It is beyond understanding how she managed to conquer so many nations in so short a time. Perhaps this is part of her magic, to make people betray their own. A kingdom cannot stand if it cannot have faith in it's own people."
"Perhaps so. I will have to convene with the Court Arcanist and see what his understanding of the situation may be. If this is indeed a magical attack, then perhaps I can lend my aid in defending against it."
"I don't understand." Zechariah piped up. "Sure, this is unsettling but, how does this make a nation fall?"
The Captain leaned back looking back out his window. "Simple really. War is not won by numbers on the field of battle. War is more often a game of the mind. Demoralize your enemy, make them miserable and fearful, and though trained, the soldiers on the field will fail far sooner then your own. You can destroy an entire nation, without raising an army, if you know how to cripple it's people. The Empress clearly knows her way around warfare."
"And without even setting a foot in our nation, as far as we are aware, she has already dug a dagger deep into the heart of our nation. How is she doing this? Spies? But who would serve the Draconians?"
"It can't be spies." The Captain said. "It's impossible. Anyone who is able to think, would see that aiding the Draconians is only aiding in your own demise."
"Then why can't we find the perpetrators?" Zechariah asked, and both Lelia and the Captain fell silent.
Eventually the Captain spoke up. "Could be some form of mind control?" He asked Lelia.
She shook her head slowly. "It is a possibility but...it would be far more powerful a spell than all the Arcanists in Uthar could conjure together. I do not believe that the Empress would be able to conjure this magic herself."
"Perhaps their magic is just that different?" Zechariah asked.
Lelia looked troubled. "Perhaps. We know very little about the Draconian's magic, it could be that psychic magic is easier for them than it is for us. But still, to cast a spell over that great a distance and with this level of efficacy? It seems far too impossible."
"I suppose the Court Arcanist will know more about it?" Zechariah asked.
Lelia nodded her head. "Yes. I don't know if he'll know whether or not it is a magical attack, but he at least will have some idea of what is going on and what we should do about it. At the very least, he'll be able to catch us up to speed on what is happening in the city."
"If we have time." The Captain grumbled again, nodding his head at Zechariah. "We still have to sort him and his friend out first...otherwise we might be having our own assassins coming after us."
Zechariah hung his head. "I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused."
"Nonsense." Lelia said lightly. "You are not responsible for these events. We must take care of many things is all. These are after all, times of war. One cannot expect them to be easy."
November 20th, 2021
November 20th, 2021
Zechariah scratched his head with some difficulty, before sitting back. "Thank you Mistress."
"We should still be prepared. Others may yet want Zechariah or, any of us, dead." The Captain stated. "I can recruit some more men to replace those we lost but, that may not be to wise now."
Lelia nodded in quiet contemplation. "Indeed. I give you free reign to recruit whom you desire for your team but I suggest it be from only your most trusted friends. Perhaps though, wait until we have Zechariah cleared. It may be advantageous to have him participate in the recruitment."
Zechariah looked up concerned. "How so Mistress? Wouldn't my presence, even as a slave, aggravate many?"
"Yes, indeed. That is what I hope for. If they do desire your demise, then perhaps having you present at their recruitment will help the Captain discern their true intentions while we are still able to rigorously observe them."
"I agree." The Captain pitched in. "I've got a pretty good eye for hostility or ill intent. Having you there may aggravate them, and make it easier to recruit trustworthy men."
"If you insist, then I will do so." Zechariah said. "Though, at the time may I request to not be restrained and perhaps armed? Just in case?"
The Captain snorted a short laugh. "I'd wish those ropes to be on if I were you. Soon as they come off I'm sure Lady Lelia will work you to the bone."
"Captain." Lelia said with surprise. "I would never work my servants or slaves so hard." She then turned towards the window dismissively saying, "I only work you that hard cause you get whiny otherwise."
"Whiny?" The Captain exclaimed. "I do not get whiny." He protested.
"If you say so." Lelia said mockingly, and smirked as she saw the Captain's mouth flap as he tried to find a retort but failed. Zechariah tried to suppress a smile as he watched the playful mockery of one another, and relaxed further into his seat. "Regardless of your unprofessional attitude," She continued, "We need to find a safe place to keep Zechariah as a prisoner until the time we can be seen by his Excellency. Have you any suggestions?"
Scowling still at his own inability to find a repartee, he scratched at his beard in thought. "Can't use the Palace Dungeons. Too many people have access to those. If someone in Uthar really wants him dead, he won't make it through a single night."
"I have no dungeons though we may be able to turn a servants quarters into a dungeon of sorts." Lelia offered.
The Captain shook his head slowly. "Might work but it might also be suspicious. I don't think it'd be too hard to break out of a simply locked room and people might suspect you for fraud."
"That is true but can we trust anyone else to keep him?" Lelia asked.
After some time of contemplation the Captain frowned and shook his head defeated. "No My Lady. We cannot. As soon as we arrive I'll set the men to finding a small room, with either no window or one too small for a man to fit through, and we'll turn it into a cell."
"Good." Lelia said nodding. "Who knows? Perhaps it will be a boon to my name that I am able to keep a prisoner securely in my own home."
"I fear those will not be the rumors that spread. Especially when he is made a slave and then also lives with you."
Lelia looked at him confused. "What do you mean?" And Zechariah blushed deeply, turning to look out the window. Lelia noticed the blush and became even more confused.
The Captain awkwardly fidgeted. "Well, My Lady, some might say that you have fallen for him, and keep him for your pleasure."
"Insufferable socialites." Lelia said with a scoff. "People will always spread slander of any kind they can put their minds to. I care not for what they say."
"It is true that the courts will always slander one another but, should you not be more concerned about their opinion My Lady?" The Captain said gently.
"No." She said firmly. "We've been over this Captain. The benefit I may receive from being in the courts good favor does not outweigh the burdens they would try to place on me. I am better off on my own."
Zechariah ventured to ask, "What burdens Mistress? Why is it that you stand on such poor terms with the courts to begin with?"
Lelia looked to the Captain, and he glanced away. Sighing she smoothed out her dress saying, "I will not get into the details of it with you here and now. Perhaps one day, if I deem it necessary, I will share with you what has transpired in the courts. Till then, it does not concern you."
"Of course Mistress. My apologies." Zechariah said demurely.
"No need for apology Zechariah." She said evenly. "It is a fair question."
"Regardless of the story," The Captain said changing the subject deftly, "We should be prepared for some backlash. Do you believe there will be any opposition to Zechariah and Gerb becoming your slaves?"
Lelia nodded lightly. "Yes, there may be. Gerb is responsible for the death of one of the nobles, though I know not who. I will have to investigate and find out who for, if their family is still present in the courts, then Gerb's enslavement will surely be contested. As for Zechariah, unless we have a repeat of the scouting party, I do not think any should greatly oppose his enslavement. The required punishments may be harsh though."
Zechariah took a steading breath, the anxiety of the situation beginning to settle deep in his stomach. The Captain nodded. "Perhaps you should like me to interrogate Gerb about his past? It appears that he has little love of the nobility."
Lelia shook her head gently. "No. I will question him on it when the time is right. I trust he will be honest considering the severity of the situation and, besides, he already told me some of his story. I believe I'm making good progress with him."
Zechariah grunted in affirmation. "Yes Mistress, I believe you are. He is a solitary sort of man, and doesn't trust easily. But seeing how you engaged with him, and joked with him, I believe you may be changing is mind on his views of nobility."
Lelia smiled softly at that, sitting up a bit straighter. "I'm glad to hear you think so Zechariah."
"Any other potential conflicts?" The Captain asked once more, ever driving things onwards.
"Now that I think about it, there may be some conflict with the Court Arcanist, and other magically inclined individuals in the court, concerning Zechariah." She turned to hold his gaze. "In order to properly asses what punishments you are healthy enough to endure, you will be examined by the Court Physicians in public. It will consequently, be impossible to hide the scaring of your hand, or the glowing that seems to have settled within. This will undoubtedly cause some unease in the court and you may be subject to certain interrogations. I will speak with the Court Arcanist ahead of time, on the subject of runic research, and prime him so that he will hopefully be more receptive to my proposition that some of your punishment should include being the subject of magical research."
Zechariah blanched at this news but held a steady voice as he replied, "You said before that the magical studies wouldn't be painful. How could it be considered a punishment if it is not painful? Or, will I be subject to different studies?"
Lelia frowned slightly. "I believe that, should things go well, the Court Arcanist should permit the 'study' as a punishment painless though it may be. However, the rest of the court is less likely to know that magical study can be non-invasive. At the same time however, the Court Arcanist may want to...study you more invasively. I will certainly insist upon being present to monitor and approve all studies upon you, as you are my slave and property, but I may not be able to entirely protect you from magically inflicted...discomfort."
"My life has been haunted by magically inflicted discomfort Mistress." Zechariah said bravely and somewhat dryly. "I trust you to find the best outcome you can for me. At this point, I don't really have a choice in the matter either."
Lelia furrowed her brow in concern. "No, I suppose you don't really. Though I dislike that greatly. You may not have much choice in these matters Zechariah, but I will ensure to treat you as though you do. I know it may not mean much, but at least you will be as fully informed of events and decisions concerning your future, as you can be as a slave."
"A small comfort Mistress, but I thank you for it none the less."
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