Chapter 14 The Secret of the Rings
The main hall was empty once more save for Weamar, Marinae, and Damon. Marius had just left to confer with the Seekers and Lynn was saying goodnight to Eliza. The remains of the gargoyle laid still upon the cold floor. Weamar and Marinae began to joke with each other again."Have you noticed how good the stonework is in this building?", Weamar said.
"Yes. Some of it was quite lively.", Marinae laughed. "But yes, the church would have enough money to afford good masonry."
Shortly they saw Lynn coming back down the hall. Lynn tried not to think about the broken gargoyle statue on the way back, but she did anyway. Then a strange thought occurred to her.
"Nikolai also carved the Ezra statue.", she said aloud.
Marinae looked suspiciously at the statue as Lynn walked up to it.
Lynn whispered just loud enough for the statue to hear, "Eliza. She's the one isn't she."
The statue, as beautiful and serene as ever watched over the scene, but remained silent and still. Lynn quietly left the main room and waited by the doors at the end of the hall. Weamar walked over to take a closer look at the gargoyle. He poked at the gargoyle with his foot, trying to get a closer look at the inside. The exterior of the thing was made of stone but the interior was a putrid mixture of soft, spongy material oozing the green fluid. Weamar held his nose and then took the hand of the corpse. He tried to manipulate the fingers but he found them oddly inflexible. He wondered how it could have moved at all. Marinae grew more and more uncomfortable as she watched Weamar, and before long she decided to hang around with Lynn instead.
Lynn watched at the window. Outside the rain still poured down over the city. Lightning illuminated the cloud cover every so often.
"Looks like we're staying a little longer.", Marinae said, catching up to Lynn.
Lynn nodded but her mind was elsewhere.
Weamar looked back at Damon who was resting comfortably on one of the pews. "I'll catch you up, I'm going to see if I can find Marius.", he said. Damon nodded and closed his eyes.
Weamar walked quietly down the corridor. Soon he could hear two men talking, though he couldn't make out the words. He crept to the edge of the doorway and listened in.
"She disobeyed your instructions Marius, she must be disciplined.", said the voice of the High Seeker.
"She's a child Vasile.”, Marius pleaded, “She wanted to see her friends. It was an innocent mistake on her part."
"You spoil her, you know.”, Vasile said sternly, “Some day it will come back to haunt you."
"Perhaps.”, Marius answered. Then he decided to change the subject. “Has there been any word of the team we dispatched with Petrov?"
"None as yet but we sent the best we had available.”, Vasile quickly covered any doubts with a confident remark, “They will not fail."
Weamar knocked on the door. He felt something brush up against his boot and looked down to see Rambis underfoot. Then the door opened, and Marius looked out.
"Ah, Weamar. What can I do for you?", Marius asked.
"Sorry to disturb you.”, Weamar said with little fanfare, “There's something I think you need to know, and it slipped my mind in the chapel in all the excitement. It concerns a potential danger to Eliza."
Marius gave Weamar a concerned look, then opened the door wider. "Come in."
"Thank you.", Weamar said walking through the door.
Inside was a Spartan office. The High Seeker sat at a plain oak desk with his hands folded beneath his chin. Rambis slipped in behind Weamar. He sat at Weamar’s feet unnoticed by the priests.
"What danger?", Vasile asked demandingly.
"I'm not sure where to start, but...", then Weamar stopped. Vasile’s tone had given him second thoughts.
Marius smiled, "The beginning is often the spot of choice."
Comforted by Marius presence, Weamar continued, "A few days ago I was being chased through the woods of Verbrek by a pack of wolves and, I think, at least one werewolf. That werewolf has followed me here, and threatened to kill Eliza. Specifically, it has threatened to kill her and my two companions one by one, then me. I'm concerned that she may not be safe if left alone overnight."
The Seeker and Marius shared a serious look. Marius replied, "Well, I would say that she was safer here than anywhere else, but after tonight I don't know."
"I will have guards posted outside her quarters.", the High Seeker said forcefully.
"Will you be able to arm them with silver or magical weapons?", Weamar asked skeptically.
The Seeker spoke slowly while looking out his window at the storm. "They will be appropriately equipped. We cannot spare too many to watch her, though. Two at the most."
Weamar frowned.
"Only two guards?!", Marinae cried out. She looked up at Lynn, then closed her eyes and went back to listening through Rambis’ ears.
"Our numbers are stretched thin at the moment.", Vasile conceded with an air of bitterness.
"I understand.”, Weamar said. Then he seized upon the opportunity, “Would it be appropriate for one of my female companions to stand guard in her room, perhaps?"
Vasile and Marius both considered the suggestion. The seeker seemed reticent. "That would be highly unusual.", he began.
Marius picked up the thought, "But these are highly unusual days. She's been through a great deal recently and she seems to have become fond of these people. Perhaps having a friend with her tonight would help."
"Very well.", Vasile reluctantly agreed. “One of your companions may stay.”
Marinae smiled broadly, "They'll let one of us stay, Lynn."
"Thank you.”, Weamar said nodding, “I'd hate anything bad to happen to her just because she knows me."
"We'll see what can be done about tracking down this animal that hunts you.", Marius added.
"Any information would be most helpful, thank you.", Weamar nodded again.
Marius went to the door. "Well, it’s growing late. We should all get some sleep. If there is nothing else?"
Weamar was more than happy to leave, "Indeed it is, I'll send one of my companions along in a moment."
Marius opened the door for him, "Very good. I'll will see you in the morning then."
"Yes, see you then, good night.", and Weamar quickly disappeared around the corner.
Rambis slipped out and scampered down the hall as Marius was shutting the office door. Marinae tugged at Lynn’s robe and pulled her back to the main room. The two arrived where Damon was sitting at the same time that Weamar did.
“Good news.”, started Weamar, “They’ll...”
“Let one of us stay with Eliza.”, Marinae interrupted. “We heard.”
Weamar frowned. Then he looked down at Rambis and pictured what a cat-skin hat would look like.
Damon looked at Lynn and absently and said, "You seem rather fond of the girl, and she of you."
Lynn shivered underneath her cold, damp robe. "She likes to hear me sing.", Lynn said softly. She was scared. She didn’t want anyone to find out anything about her and Eliza, especially not here in the cathedral.
A little smile slipped across Damon's face. "I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't."
"You play wonderfully.", Lynn replied.
"Thank you.”, Damon answered, “I've been at it for a very long time."
"So which one sleeps with Eliza?", Marinae asked with a sheepish grin.
Damon suppressed a laugh. Lynn was silent.
"I nominate Lynn.”, Marinae said, answering herself. And then added with a wink, “As long as she can keep her hands off the guards.”
"That was going to be my suggestion too.", Weamar replied.
"Okay.", Lynn whispered.
Lynn slowly rose to her feet and walked down the hall to Eliza’s room. The hallway outside Eliza's room was empty. The guards had not yet arrived. Lynn knocked on the door. There was no answer.
Damon stood and stretched, stifling a yawn. "So are we done here?"
"Yeah, I guess so.", Weamar replied.
Weamar called to Cujia who was lapping out of a fount of holy water. Cujia yelped and ran over to Weamar. Soon they were outside in the rain heading back to the Wilted Blossom.
The door creaked as Lynn entered Eliza’s room. Inside the only sound was Eliza's steady breathing. Lynn quietly entered the room and closed the door behind her. Then she made her way over to the window and made sure that it was tightly closed and locked. Eliza turned in her bed, letting out a fearful whimper. Her dream was troubling her.
Lynn secured the window. Then she got out of her wet robe and hung it up next to the door. She felt around for a chair and drew it up next to the bed. Then sat down and held the hilt her katana in her hands with the tip resting on the floor. Quietly she sat next to Eliza, listening carefully to every sound..
Eliza muttered in her sleep. "No. No. Don't hurt her, please."
Lynn wanted to wake her but she let her sleep. Inside she longed to kiss her, but somehow she fought back the desire.
"In the morning.", Lynn told herself. "Tonight I must protect her."
Eliza's nightmare ended and she slipped into a deep slumber. Lynn slept lightly as she kept watch. She had a lot on her mind, but she allowed herself to drift off now and again.
The walk back to the Wilted Blossom was surprisingly uneventful. Inside, the place was empty. Not even the dreary innkeeper was still awake.
Damon smiled at Marinae, "I'm going to get some sleep. We'll talk more in the morning, yes?"
Marinae smiled, "Yes, we will, assuming I don't sleep all day and into the night."
The night passed slowly for everyone. Just before dawn the storm abated, providing some relief to the nearly drowned city. Marinae awoke wearing a cat fur hat. Rambis had decided that the top of her head was an excellent place to sleep. Marinae reached up and found a pair of pointy ears. She scratched behind them and Rambis awoke with a purr. In time he rose and stretched and allowed Marinae to get up as well.
A beam of sunlight fell through the window across Weamar’s face, rousing him from his sleep. Weamar stretched, yawned, and dragged himself from bed. Then he got dressed and armed and headed downstairs. The Inn's morning rush was on. The scent of greasy food and greasier patrons filled the air. Weamar spotted Marinae and sat down next to her. They both wisely refused any service that was offered them and waited patiently for Damon to arrive. A half an hour went by with no sign of him while Rambis entertained himself by snagging a sausage off of someone’s plate when they weren’t looking. Marinae decided that she’d had enough of waiting. She went up to Damon’s room and knocked on the door.
"Damon?", Marinae called out.
Marinae heard a bed creak and someone shuffling around inside. Soon the door opened a crack and Damon peeked out. He looked as if he’d just woke up. "What?", he said sluggishly.
"Just checking.”, Marinae said apologetically, “After last night, we're a little paranoid."
"Oh. Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired.", Damon answered.
"I'll let you go back to sleep. Sorry.", Marinae apologized again.
Damon smiled weakly. "No trouble.", then he closed the door and flopped back onto the bed.
On her way down the stairs Marinae couldn’t figure out if she was angry with her father or not for being so distant. There were so many things about her life that she wanted to tell him about, but he didn’t seem to be equally excited about her. Slowly she walked back down the stairs with her head down. She wondered why he didn’t care so much about her. Then she wondered if it was because he had more than one daughter.
Lynn was awakened by the soft touch of a hand on hers.
"Eliza?", Lynn asked.
Eliza lay on her side in the bed with one hand reaching out and touching Lynn’s. A sleepy smile was on her lips. "Lynn. How long have you been here?"
"All night.", Lynn said from behind her blindfold.
Eliza sat up on the edge of the bed, still holding Lynn's hand. "You must be exhausted. You didn't have to stay with me."
"The wolf. We were afraid.”, Lynn said barely moving her lips, “Someone had to stay with you."
Eliza kissed the back of Lynn’s hand. "Thank you.", she said warmly. Then she reached up and grazed the back of her other hand across Lynn’s cheek. "What's wrong?", she asked.
Lynn put her katana aside. She stood up briefly, then lay down on the bed next to Eliza. "Stay with me.", she said.
Eliza lay back down and wrapped her arms around Lynn, "Always.", she replied.
Lynn reached up and touched Eliza's face gently with her fingertips. Eliza closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.
Lynn lightly touched Eliza's lips, nose, cheeks and neck. "I love you.", she confessed.
Eliza moved closer, brushing her lips against Lynn's. Lynn ran her fingers through Eliza's hair, letting it fall over her face as well.
"Wildflowers.", she said, breathing in deeply through her nose.
Eliza whispered, "There is a field near Sturben where the most beautiful flowers grow. Maybe we can go there together."
Lynn imagined Eliza standing in a field of flowers under a clear blue sky and a warm sun. "Yes.", she said, gently tracing Eliza's features.
"I have something I want to give you.", Eliza said.
Lynn didn't want to let Eliza go, but she did anyway, feeling the emptiness outside and inside as Eliza got up and reached over to a nearby dresser. From a drawer she pulled a small knife and a silvery gray silk ribbon. Taking the knife, she cut off a lock of her raven hair, a little more than a hand's length worth, and tied it with the ribbon. She set aside the knife then sat close to Lynn.
"Last night set me thinking.”, Eliza said, “If we were ever separated. That is, if something happened to me. I want you to have something to remember me by."
Eliza looked down at the bundle of hair and then placed it in Lynn's hand.
Lynn closed her hand around it, brought it up to her face, and smelled it.
"I'll never forget you.", Lynn whispered. Then she added, "Take a lock of mine.”
Eliza pulled another silver ribbon from the drawer and, with the knife, cut an equal tress from Lynn. She tied it and touched it to her lips. Then Eliza tickled Lynn's nose playfully with the freshly cut hair causing her to giggle.
Eliza grinned, "I don't suppose you're ticklish, are you?"
Eliza brushed the hair across Lynn's shoulder and neck. Lynn giggled as Eliza tickled her. Then she reached for Eliza's other hand and placed it over one of the clasps for her armor. As Eliza started to unlock the clasps there was a knock at the door.
Eliza jumped at the sound of the knock. Then she sighed and called out. "Yes?"
"Marius requests your presence in his office.", the voice on the other side said.
Eliza brushed the lock of hair under Lynn's chin. "Very well, I'll be along shortly.", she spoke towards the door. Then she turned to Lynn and whispered, "It seems the world just won't leave us alone."
Deep inside Lynn a voice cried out, but she kept silent. She agonizingly crawled out of bed and over to her robe. The awful feelings were starting to grow inside. Today they felt as strong as ever. Eliza put on a fresh robe and brushed her hair, watching Lynn in the small mirror. Once dressed, Eliza moved close to Lynn and wrapped her arms around her neck. She kissed her briefly but with surprising passion and Lynn relished the embrace that ended all too soon. Lynn knew that she couldn't let Eliza leave her now. So she pulled on her robe and followed Eliza out the door.
Rambis was unaffected by the poor quality of the Inn’s food and he began stalking another sausage.
“Tsk.”, Marinae said pulling him away. Soon he was at it again and Marinae decided not to fight it. She order a pair for him.
A barmaid brought over a small plate of sausages which Rambis immediately attacked. They never stood a chance. After licking the plate clean, Rambis rolled onto his back and stretched contentedly.
"I pay my spies well.", Marinae said to Weamar, smiling. "The cat seems to think so, at any rate. I wonder what was in the sausages?"
She didn’t really want to know.
"I suppose we'd better get on our way back to the Cathedral.", Weamar said.
"Let's go via the market and get a bite to eat on our way.”, Marinae added, “We should be able to find something more appetizing than the Inn's fare."
"A privy would be more appetizing.”, Weamar commented, “But not by much."
Weamar and Marinae bought some good food at the market and headed over to the cathedral, eating along the way. Once again the Cathedral's spires glinted in the sunlight, the previous night's menace having gone. The bell in the tower rang, sending its call across the city. The cathedral's twin doors stood open, allowing parishioners free access to the main hall.
"I guess we just wander in, and ask to see Marius.", Weamar thought aloud.
"This is only my second time in a human place of worship.”, Marinae confessed. “I'll have to follow your lead."
"I don't spend much time around them either.”, Weamar admitted.
As they wandered around the main hall a shorthaired young woman, perhaps a little younger than Eliza, approached them. "Weamar? Marinae?", she said hesitantly.
"Yes?", Weamar replied.
The young woman smiled, "You are expected. This way please."
Eliza walked slowly through the winding hallways. Soon she stopped at a door and put her hand on the knob. "Ready?", she asked.
Lynn nodded her head underneath the hood of her robe. Eliza opened the door and entered.
Marius greeted them both, "Did you sleep well?", he asked warmly.
Eliza smiled at Marius, "Yes, thanks to my body guard here."
"Excellent.”, Marius replied, “I trust it wasn't too taxing on you, miss?"
He looked at Lynn who shook her head. Down the hallway Weamar and Marinae were being escorted towards them.
When they arrived Marius greeted the newcomers with a smile. "Ah, finally we're all here. I'm sure you all have some questions about what happened last night."
Weamar nodded and Marius continued.
"For the last few weeks we have been finding the remains of young women on the grounds.", Marius said grimly, "There has been one commonality between them. They have all borne some resemblance to the statue of Ezra you saw in the main hall. That statue and the gargoyle, which, until recently, sat at the Cathedral's summit, were the final works of Nikolai Pyotrovich. Near the end, he went without food or sleep for many days. Given what the creature said, it appears that Nikolai's fanatical devotion and passion invested some measure of life into his creation. It would also seem that Nikolai's sudden demise set a seed of madness. Well, nonetheless, the danger it posed has passed and souls of those poor girls may rest."
Marius looked to Eliza "That, my dear, is why I told you not to go out. The creature had an obsession with the image of Our Lady. Your resemblance put you at great risk. Luckily, these brave souls were here to put a stop to it"
"I, I asked her to come hear me sing.", Lynn confessed.
"There was no way you could have known what would come of it, dear.", Marius assured her, "Now, I understand there are dreams that need interpreting?", Marius said smiling broadly.
Lynn was silent for a short while, then she said, "My dream came true."
Marius leaned forward and gently said, "What dream?"
"I dreamed of the cathedral, and of the statue of Ezra. But I'd never been here before.", Lynn said softly.
Marius was about to speak when there was a knock at the door. The girl who led Weamar and Marinae entered.
"My apologies Sentire but this just arrived for you by courier.”, the girl said, “He said it was urgent."
The messenger handed a sealed letter to Marius. His eyes opened wide upon seeing the wax seal. He quickly broke it and read the message. With an incredulous chuckle, Marius slid the letter across the desk to the assembled group.
"That man never ceases to amaze me.", Marius said with a chuckle.
Marinae glanced at Lynn and her ring while reading the letter aloud.
“Greetings Marius. I apologize that I cannot be with you in person but, as you are no doubt aware, these are strange and ill fated times. When this message reaches you, you should have in your company three very special individuals. Please let them read this letter, for I have much to tell them.
“Our world is on the verge of war. A force of great power waits just across the planar barrier, ready to seize this land from its current masters. If this force succeeds, our peoples will be damned to all the torments of hell.
“Long ago there was a wizard named Rastinon. Despite his already impressive abilities, Rastinon desired even greater power. In his fanatical quest he eventually resorted to dealing with demons. Their vile promises and subtle seductions easily swayed Rastinon. He agreed to open a permanent gate between their world and our own. Fortunately, Rastinon's attempt to establish the gate failed when he was betrayed by his most favored concubine. In the ensuing magical backlash, Rastinon's keep was pulled into the earth while the wizard himself was trapped with his demonic masters. This would have been then end of the story had it not been for the Fatebound rings. One worn by Rastinon and one by the concubine that had betrayed him. The concubine escaped the destruction of the keep but due to her grievous injuries, did not long survive. Thus did the ring pass in the obscure mists of history. The link between the rings was strong enough to bridge even the vastness of the space between worlds. It was this link that provided Rastinon with an anchor to our reality. Through this anchor he has learned to reassert his influence in this realm. He still intends to make good on the bargain he struck with the demons.
“Events are rapidly approaching a critical point. A nexus of possibilities on which the nature future reality turns. I believe, my friends, that you are vital to stopping this calamity. I have a plan which may end the threat in one swift motion but I need your help. I will not lie to you. There is every chance that we will fail and that any or all of us could die. It is, however, my sincere conviction that this is our best chance. I must warn you to be watchful. Through his own empty promises Rastinon has convinced others in this world to act as his agents. If you have the courage, please ride for Port-a-Lucine with all swiftness. I will be waiting.
“By my hand, Aselid”
Eliza sat in stunned silence.
Marinae spoke up, "I smell another adventure and some riding."
"Yeah, it seems I'll never get home.", Weamar said frowning, He was beginning to feel like a puppet.
"How did he know about us?", Lynn asked.
Marius scratched his cheek. "Aselid has always known things that he probably shouldn't. He never revealed how he came across his information."
"How much of our journey from Sturben did Petrov relate?", Weamar asked.
"Petrov's report was quite detailed.", Marius replied.
Weamar nodded and wondered just how detailed it was.
"If Aselid is right and this Rastinon has made a pact with the Legions, then he must be stopped.”, Marius tapped his fist on the table. Then he added, “Aselid seems to believe that you are integral to that end."
Marius’ voice became very serious. "What say you then? Will you go?", he asked.
"Yes.", Lynn whispered.
Marinae looked at her, then agreed. "We need to get away from the ‘Bad Food Inn’, I suppose."
Weamar shrugged, "If he's right then we're in as much or more trouble if we don't help."
Eliza spoke up. "I'm coming with you."
Marius looked at her. "Eliza, this will be extremely dangerous. Are you certain you can handle yourself out in the world? I don't feel comfortable sending you out on your own but we don't have anyone else available to go with you. You may accompany them but when Petrov returns from his current assignment I will be sending him after you."
"Given the threat by the werewolf, it's questionable that she is safer here.", Weamar added. "It means to pick us off one by one, and it means business. In the bustle last night I forgot the message it first left me."
Weamar rummaged through his clothes and pulled out the wrapped ear. "I found this under my pillow, and the rest of him dead in an alley", he said pushing the package across the desk.
Marius unfolded the cloth, looked, and closed it again. A wave of great concern crossed over his face. "The High Seeker has dispatched one of our experienced trackers.”, he said proudly, then added, “Still, watch your back."
Lynn spoke up again, "There was a man at Serena's grave. Do you know him?"
"Serena?”, Marius asked. “Ah yes, Serena Raye. Terrible tragedy. The only people that I know of that knew her were William Markson, Ethan Reid and Aselid. Aside from the latter, I haven't seen any of them for quite some time."
Then Marius remembered his line of thought before the letter came. "Oh, the dream. Perhaps you were brought here so that you might participate in this undertaking?"
"In my dream Ezra spoke to me.", Lynn said.
"What did she say?", Marius asked with a slightly hushed tone.
“’The man in between is waiting for you. Time is against him’.", Lynn said. "and ‘Do not heed the demon, mortal or immortal, who would turn you from your course'."
"The man in between.”, Marius mused, “Rastinon, perhaps? Aselid said that the wizard had consorted with demons and that he has mortal agents in this world."
Lynn wondered how much she should say. In the end silence prevailed.
"Did Ezra ever get married?", Lynn asked out of the blue.
Marius seemed taken off guard by the question. For a long moment there was silence, then he answered, "No. The Lady's only love was killed by the Legions when they were both in their youth. She dedicated her life to protecting others after that."
"That's so sad.", Lynn said. Her mood was sinking fast. She wanted to be alone with Eliza.
Marius picked up Aselid's letter and stood up. "If that is all, I should be going. I have Pressing business." He smiles "I suppose you do as well. Oh, one more thing.”
From beneath his desk Marius pulled a soft leather parcel. He unwrapped it an inside there were three daggers of bright silver, each bearing the emblem of the sword and shield. There was also a set of 6 silver tipped bolts and 6 silver tipped arrows.
"Consider this my parting gift to you.”, Marius said graciously. “Good luck and may the Lady watch over you."
"Thank you.", Marinae said, breathless with surprise.
Weamar took the arrows and thanked Marius. Marinae took a dagger and the bolts. Lynn took the other two daggers. Feeling the silver in their hands made them feel a little better, but the prospect of the trip ahead hung heavy on their minds. They said goodbye and left Marius’ office full of both promise and dread.