Children of the Sun and Moon (30 page)

Within the
hour, Captain Moore’s patrols were searching the city. Across town,
a small group of travellers were entering the city gates. Moments
after their crossing the alert came through. None of the guards
thought it was worth hunting down all the small parties that had
crossed throughout the day. A fortunate move for the twins and
their companions. Only the goblins had remained outside the walls.
The edge of the forest was an hour away, and perfect place for them
to hide. Everyone felt they would be easily spotted and draw
unwanted attention. Coming in throughout the day in small groups
had been Maeve’s plan. She knew the city was going to be on alert
as soon as the patrol did not return. Small groups coming and going
were a common sight, and would most likely be overlooked when the
searching began.

The twins were
in awe of the city. On approach, they were stunned to see the
fortified wall surrounding it. The sheer size of it made them
realize just how much danger they were putting themselves in by
entering the city. Gillock had thought it would be wise to move
past the city and come back for the dwarves, but the ships in the
harbour had changed his mind.

They looked as
if they were preparing to leave, and with it not known where the
kidnapped dwarves were, they could not take the chance.

Maeve had
decided the groups would all rendezvous at an inn close to her
home. It was easily found, and she had friends there who may help
with their plan. Although most of the group were still on edge
about the young woman, Gillock no longer suspected her of working
for the enemy. In fact, he was quite happy when she agreed to
travel with them beyond the city. Eric was concerned by Gillock's
sudden change in opinion, but Dilmek spoke highly of the girl, so
he pushed his thoughts aside. Glavlin had also become at ease with
Maeve, but kept his distance from her. Maeve could feel his eyes on
her, but understood his trepidation. Most people reacted poorly
once they found out her gift. This group did not, so when Gillock
asked her to continue with them, she felt compelled to do so. The
only person still unsure of the young woman was Adora. Gillock
tried to calm her worries, but knew it would not work. Keenley was
going to put Adora on edge and she would most likely remain this
way until the twins were safely away.

Quickly and
carefully, they eased themselves through the streets. Maeve made
sure to take them on well-travelled roads, as to blend in. Someone
moving through the alleyways would be stopped by guards.

“Is that the
castle?” asked Eric, pointing to an object off in the distance.

“Yes,” replied
Maeve. “Our destination won’t take us anywhere near it, so don’t
worry.”

Eric just
nodded. He had not been worried about being caught; the sight of
the castle had just stunned him. This is where his family should
have lived, and although he had a strong connection to this place,
it felt cold.

“Father was
right in not staying here,” said Koral. “This does not feel like a
happy place.”

Gillock smiled.
He was glad the twins saw the truth of the city and not the
illusions. So many people they passed appeared to have everything.
On closer look, their clothes were faded and torn, their shoes on
the brink of falling off their feet. An order came down stating
that everyone was to look their best in the presence of the
Easterners, or be thrown into the dungeon until they left. Maeve
informed them all that new laws like this were a daily
occurrence.

They arrived at
the Star Dancer moments after a patrol had left. One of Maeve’s
friends, a young man who looked like a blind beggar, had informed
the group as they approached a patrol was inside. They had slowed
their pace, but not enough to look like they were avoiding
anything, and made it inside without incident. The clientele of the
Star Dancer were thieves and hired thugs, all of which were
suspicious of the group when they came through the door. Maeve
moved to the front of the group, announced they were all her
friends, and that more were coming, and the mood changed. Maeve
moved them over to a table near the hearth, and then went over to
the barkeep.

“Yur hangin
with odd folks these days,” stated Miles McLeowel, barkeep, and
owner of the Star Dancer, as Maeve approached.

“These are odd
times, Miles. Did anyone come in asking for me?”

“Aye, some
dwarves. Told em that yur about and would make an appearance
tonight more ‘n likely.”

Maeve smiled.
Miles always knew when she was near, most likely a spell he had
placed on her years ago when he had taken her in.

“Do you have
rooms to spare for tonight?”

“Yup. Yur in
luck, most of the rooms er empty tonight. Lotta folks in the
dungeons fur not followin the law.”

The news
saddened Maeve. Many of those folks were likely friends and fellow
thieves. If they were discovered to be thieves, most wouldn’t be
making it out of the dungeon. “Do you think a patrol will be back
tonight?”

“Yur friends 'r
who they’re lookin fur?” he stated more than asked.

“Yes, they are.
They’ll only be staying tonight. We hope to be out of the city by
nightfall tomorrow, if all goes according to plan.”

Miles put down
the glass he was filling. “Then we best be makin sure yur plan goes
right.” He finished his sentence with a wink, and Maeve moved off
to her new friends.

“He will get us
the help we need,” she told them, pulling up a chair.

“You told him
our plan?” Eric remarked, anger in his voice.

“No, I didn’t.
He doesn’t need to know the details to help. Now, did you all order
yet. I’m famished.”

Glavlin
laughed, a musical and unusual sound, and it made a few people stop
and stare. Then the rest of them joined in. So much tension in
their lives, they had all needed this break.

Maeve waved
over the barmaid and ordered for everyone, including the dwarves
who had just come in. Grund spotted them, and moved over to the
group. Moments later, Darly, Adora and Mekken entered. The group,
which had commanded so much attention upon entering, were ignored.
The others in the inn just went on about their business. The mood
in the inn grew loud and boisterous. Laughter was heard from all
corners. The members of the little band joined in. Talking about
their homes and lives and the good times they had. Everyone careful
as to not let out who they were or where they were from, not that
anyone in the place would have cared. Although they all knew the
mood would not last, they couldn’t help but enjoy themselves.

A minstrel, who
Maeve informed them was also a thief, moved into the centre of the
room and began to play. All were stunned for as he played images
appeared above the room. Magic was quite apparent in his
playing.

“All the Maget
have been recalled to the tower, not that it would’ve stopped
Jervin. His magic for some reason isn’t easily detected,” stated
Maeve quietly to the group. Everyone sat back and stared at the
minstrel. He was most definitely not who he appeared to be. The
merriment went on until late into the night, with Miles having to
order some people to leave. The group was shown their rooms, and
they split up and said goodnight. Maeve told them that just after
dawn they would be meeting back in the inn’s common room with some
friends. Everyone grunted their acknowledgement, and immediately
fell asleep.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Brin was in a
foul mood. For weeks, she had been training in the lower levels,
living like a common pupil in the bowels of the compound. Lakin had
rarely even visited, and with her affection for him growing
stronger each day, this was quite frustrating. She felt her room
pathetic, and voiced this quite often to her teacher. Lakin was
amazed at how accustomed to luxury she had become in her brief time
at the Tower. Brin also hated that time moved differently. The fact
she felt she had been down here for weeks, when in fact she had
not, annoyed her even further.

Hiding in her
room, she complained loudly to the walls, not aware they were
listening. Lakin had to keep a close eye on the development of his
queen to be. It amused him to hear her complain. Of course, this
was all going as Lakin had planned. He felt he needed to change her
routine, get her away from the rumours of her family. Maybe that
would finally break her, and he was right. She was more loyal to
him than he ever could have imagined. It brought a smile to his
face. Her teacher was Vernia, who was an unwilling teacher at best.
Brin was not very receptive to the idea either, but soon realized
Vernia was a very powerful witch, and learned all she could from
the woman. It took Brin three days to master what had taken Vernia
almost six months. Vernia had always been able to sense the magic
within Brin, and how powerful she was, but wasn’t aware of her
strength until she began teaching her. This was a side effect Lakin
didn’t anticipate, and Vernia didn’t reveal any information to him,
other than what she felt he expected to hear.

She found it
amusing he was so easy to figure out lately. His guard was down
more often, especially when Brin was involved. He obviously had
great plans for this girl. Vernia approached Brin’s room and heard
the usual complaints coming from inside. She knocked loudly, to be
heard over the constant yelling. Brin pulled open the door so hard
that Vernia was shocked it didn’t come off its hinges.

“Why are you
here?” Brin snapped. “I have no lessons today.”

“No, actually
your training is complete, for now. Lakin has asked me to escort
you to his study.”

Brin instantly
broke into a grin, and skipped across her room to gather her
things. “Thank the gods I do not have to stay in this horrible hole
any longer.”

Vernia tried to
hide her smile. Brin’s training had been finished for a few days
now, but Lakin had made her sit down here, with nothing to do, for
the entire time. Strict orders were given to not associate with
Brin in any way. Another of Lakin’s plans which worked quite well.
With no one to talk to, or give her any information of life outside
the Tower, she became withdrawn, and only associated with Vernia
and Lakin.

Lakin sat in
his study, watching what was going on in Keenley in his mirror. The
fools had relied too heavily on the Easterners help, and it was now
quite apparent there would be no war. Not for some time, and time
was something Lakin did not have enough of. He needed Jeremy and
his soldiers, as well as Dubar and his men, to be occupied for his
plan to work. If either one realized they were just pawns, and were
going to be destroyed no matter the outcome of their war, they may
join forces and come against him. Vernia had also reported the
twins were indeed in Keenley. He had hoped they would bypass the
city, and was disappointed when they went in. If Duke Dubar and his
men were to capture the twins, they may ruin all of his plans. He
had at first thought to send word to hold them. Perhaps to delay
the twins long enough for the war to start. Lakin chuckled to
himself. Dubar was too intent on becoming king. He would most
likely use them to get Jeremy to give up the throne, therefore
moving the war back even more. Lakin could not delay. War or not,
his plans needed to move forward.

He had to be
ready for when the void came down. Brin followed Vernia up to
Lakin’s study, without saying a word. When they arrived, he was
seated in his chair, and appeared to be in deep thought.

“I am glad you
feel my training is finished, for now. What is next for us?”

Lakin turned
his head and focused on Brin. It was a bold question, and he had to
make sure he answered properly. “There still is much to be done.
Queen Malena appears to be testing the Void. We must make sure she
can’t break through. If she can contact anyone on the outside, she
may send them after us.”

Brin frowned.
“I do not see how she is any threat. She lives in the Void and even
if she can talk to someone we are well fortified. It would be quite
difficult for her to get in and find us.”

Vernia nearly
gasped, but caught herself. Was it possible Lakin had figured out
she and Malena were working against him?

Lakin smiled.
“And what if she was able to enter the mind of someone in this
facility? There are strong magical wards in place, but they will
need to be maintained. So far, only Vernia and I have the power to
check them. I am now placing the responsibility onto you. Bind
yourself to the wards which are in place, and you will be in
contact with everyone’s magical energy. Should you feel Malena is
trying to contact someone, inform me immediately. There are special
wards around my study. Do not worry about what you sense in them. I
am constantly using my powers, and it may interfere.”

Brin smiled.
Being in touch with everyone’s powers would take a strong and
disciplined mind. It was a great honour being given to her, and she
didn’t want to disappoint Lakin.

“You may move
all your things back into our quarters. I have missed you,” he said
with a leer. “Oh and I have news of your family. Your mother is
still missing, and your brother and sister appear to be moving
closer to their goal. We must ensure our goals are met. It’s the
only way to save everyone.”

Brin smiled,
and moved towards Lakin’s desk, sitting on the edge of it she
leaned towards him. “Then we must make sure it is done.”

Malena stared
up at the walls of the school. She remembered back to her youth,
when she was positive it existed. It had become her obsession, and
ultimately was one of the things which lead to her banishment. Had
she not become so enthralled with finding it, she never would have
summoned help from evil sources. “Mordekai, may I speak with you?”
she said to the walls. Shouting was not necessary. The walls were
spelled, and Mordekai knew what was going on near them. He had
known for quite some time she had been standing there.