Death and Honor: Book 1 of 2 (21 page)

“What happened to the leg breakers and what’s an aspect?”

Solan started toward his room leaning heavily on his staff. “An aspect is a fragment of a being of power that can be sent to work its will. As to those unpleasant men, when a mortal comes into contact with a divine aspect they tend to go to pieces, in this case many tiny pieces.”

Mooche looked back over his shoulder and on the chapel floor where the thugs had stood he could make out a fine gray dust.

“
T
he river pirates
have been wiped out, master.” Ick winced as he reported the bad news.

Slevas hissed. “The boy again?”

“Yes, master. He has claimed the pirates’ ship and is returning to the city as we speak.”

“This is intolerable,” Duke Cariden said. He had joined the demons in the great hall of his country estate twenty miles outside Lord’s Way. Amanda’s precious boyfriend was ruining everything. “He’s picking apart our sources of funding. Gabriel must be stopped, permanently.”

Just give the word
. Gorn’s mental voice grated on the duke’s mind.

“I can’t, not yet,” Slevas said. “The overlord commands us not to harm the boy so he may lead us to the key fragment. Without his approval I dare not move against him.”

“Who knows how much damage he may due before the overlord gives his permission,” Duke Cariden said. “I insist you kill him at once.”

Slevas eyes flashed crimson and the duke staggered to the floor, blood running from his eyes and ears. “You would do well to learn the value of silence, human. I will contact the overlord and he will decide.”

Duke Cariden said nothing as the golden serpent slithered away.

G
abriel stood in the front
, bow as Lorn told several times, of the pirate ship and looked out over the river. The sun was low in the sky. In the distance the docks jutted into the river, but he still couldn’t see the city proper. The planners had built it several hundred yards inland to protect it from spring flooding.

Two days ago Gabriel, the wounded rangers, the former slaves led by Lorn and the pirate captain in chains, all boarded the ship and started toward the city. Sergeant Orn and the rest of the rangers were riding back with the extra horses and equipment.

They reached the landing station an hour later. Six piers jutted out into the river, none of them occupied at the moment which was odd. “May as well take the first one, Lorn,” Gabriel said.

“Right you are, sir.” Lorn guided the ship up the pier and two former slaves leapt out and tied her up. Everything about the process was smooth, like the whole trip down the river. Lorn had a knack for managing the boat and Gabriel was glad to have him running things.

“Company coming, sir.” Lorn pointed to the company of Watchmen forming up, swords drawn and shields out.

They looked anxious, but Gabriel recognized the man in charge, a friend of Griff’s named Tan. Gabriel hopped down to the pier and waved. “Sergeant Tan, nice to see a familiar face.”

Tan sheathed his sword and motioned for the others to do the same. “Lieutenant Kane, Didn’t expect you here. The merchants were running around acting like the world was coming to an end saying a pirate ship was docking at the landing station.”

“The merchants were right, though the ship is under new management. You’ll find the former captain tied up in the bilge. The ship is now property of the crown, assuming Lord St. Jaques wants it. We’ve also got wounded rangers on board and I’d appreciate it if you would send a messenger to their barracks and tell them they’ll need a wagon when they come to get their men as two of them are in no shape to walk.”

Tan nodded to one of his men who jogged over to the horses. “What about these other folks, they look like they’ve seen better days.”

“Former slaves of the pirates. They’ve been a huge help getting the ship here in one piece.” Turning to the ship Gabriel said, “Thank you for all your help. If any of you wish to apply for crew positions when the ship is commissioned I’ll be happy to give you a recommendation. Until then go home to your families. Sergeant, if I might trouble you for the use of a horse, I should go check in.”

“Help yourself,” Tan said.

Gabriel walked down the dock, untied the first horse he came to, and rode for the city gates. It took him fifteen minutes to reach Watch headquarters. He left his horse at the stable and went inside. He found Griff at their desk doing paperwork. His partner looked up when he approached. “Made it back in one piece I see.”

Gabriel sat across from him. “I made out better than the pirates. Did I miss anything?”

“There was a little excitement at the church. Some thugs tracked Mooche down and three tried to take him. According to Mooche the old priest called down the wrath of his god on them. Said Solan blasted them to dust. Damnedest thing he ever saw.”

“I guess we found a good place for him anyway. Anything else?”

“Knight Commander comes in here once a day to bitch about you taking off and leaving him shorthanded. Mind you he only bitches at me, hasn’t worked up the nerve to say anything to his lordship.”

“He won’t either; Uncle Duncan told him if keeps making a nuisance of himself he’ll need a new job. Guess I should report in.”

“You’re in luck, Knight Commander’s out on business. You only have to talk to Commander Lincoln.”

“That’s a relief. After I check in I’m heading home. Duncan’s probably worried. We’ll go visit Mooche and Solan tomorrow. Now that the blood ruby problem is taken care of we need a new project to sink our teeth into.”

Griff shook his head. “Don’t you ever get tired?”

“Sure, but I try not to let it bother me. See you in the morning.”

Gabriel left their office and went to Commander Lincoln’s. He knocked and poked his head in. “Commander.”

“Back from your secret mission?” Commander Lincoln said. “Ready to get back to your real job?”

“I thought stopping the flow of blood rubies into the city was part of my real job.”

“Your job is inside the city, far as I’m concerned. Outside the city is someone else's job.”

“We’ll have to agree to disagree on that one, sir. Do you need a report or anything?”

“No.”

Gabriel heard the dismissal in his tone and left, shutting the door behind him. He left Watch headquarters and headed for home. He took his time walking through the twilight city, enjoying the familiar sights. When he got home the front door was unlocked so he went in and shrugged out of his cloak. Gabriel got it hung up along with his sword when Domino arrived.

“Master Gabriel, his lordship has been most worried about you. I’m sure he’ll want to talk to you at once.”

“Give me a few minutes to clean up won’t you, Domino?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Perhaps that would be best.”

“Is he in the study?”

Domino nodded.

“Tell him I’ll be there shortly.”

“Yes, sir.” She looked around then stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. “I’m glad you made it back safe.”

When he’d washed and made himself presentable Gabriel went to join Duncan in his study. Duncan sat behind his desk sipping one of his myriad liquors he’d collected over the years. As soon as Gabriel entered Duncan leapt to his feet and hugged him.

“I’m glad you’re safe. Tell me everything.”

They sat in the overstuffed chairs and Gabriel told him about the mission, everything save for Kiera’s visit. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Duncan; he just didn’t want to drag him any deeper into his mess.

When he finished Duncan said, “That’s quite a report. I hope you didn’t hurt any of the rangers too bad.”

“No, I took care not to. I hate being judged on nothing more than the fact that I’m nineteen.” Gabriel shook his head. “Anyway, with your permission I’d like to refit the pirate ship to do river patrols, Keep anyone from picking up where this lot left off.”

“Good idea. I’ll write the college of admirals and arrange for a proper crew.”

“I thought, if the masters were agreeable, some students from the academy could serve on the ship. If any of them wanted to join the navy it would give them some experience.”

Duncan nodded. “I see no reason that wouldn’t work.”

“I’ll speak to the masters in the morning.”

“
S
o that’s it
,” Gabriel finished explaining his plan about the ship to master Benson.

The older man ran a hand through his hair. “Sounds good. If the admiralty agrees it would be an excellent way for our students to learn basic seamanship. I’ve heard about some of your adventures since you graduated. You’ve done well and I’m proud of you; it’s been too long since I could say that about one of my students. Your father would be proud too.”

Gabriel smiled and got up out of his chair. “Thank you, sir, that means a lot.”

Benson got up from behind his desk and they shook hands. “Good to see you again, Gabriel.”

“You too, sir.”

Gabriel left Benson’s office and found Arthur waiting for him in the hall. He looked different, his shoulders and chest had filled in and he’d grown a thick blond beard.

“Arthur, you’re looking well. Keeping busy?”

They shook hands. “I got a promotion. I handle all first year sword training now, not just one class. Quite a step up from when we first met.”

“I’ll say. You hardly knew which end of the sword to hold back then. Walk with me out front, my partner’s waiting.”

They walked together down the plain gray halls. Gabriel remembered the first time he’d walked these halls, how nervous and excited he’d felt. He sighed. It seemed a long time ago.

“I hear you’re still seeing Amanda Cariden.” Arthur grinned. “None of the noble brats tried to run you through yet?”

Gabriel smiled. “Not yet. Amanda’s amazing let me tell you. What about you? Anybody special?”

Arthur shrugged. “Nah, I’ve seen half a dozen girls in as many weeks. I’m too young to be content with just one.”

“Wouldn’t matter if it was the right one.” They stopped at the front doors. “I need to get back to work. It was good seeing you.”

“You too, listen the rest of the class are coming in sometime next month for a get together. It wouldn’t be the same if you didn’t come.”

“Sure, sounds fun. Send me a note or something a couple days before.”

“Will do, later.” Arthur walked back deeper into the academy, throwing a wave over his shoulder.

Gabriel found Griff lounging in the sun on the steps. He opened his eyes at Gabriel’s approach. “How’d it go?”

“Fine, looks like they’ll put the ship to good use. Let’s go visit Solan and Mooche, I’m itching to get back to work.”

Griff yawned and got to his feet. “You would be.”

They’d taken two steps down when something heavy landed on his shoulder. Pain stabbed into his neck and it felt like molten lead poured into his veins. The world spun and he staggered into Griff. His partner drew his sword and swung over his head. Gabriel fell to his knees, his vision gray and fuzzy.

“Easy, kid, I’ll get you to the infirmary.”

“No.” Gabriel knew that was wrong. “Church. Take me. Please.”

G
riff had
no idea what sort of creature stung his partner. In the brief instant it had been visible it looked like humanoid figure with bat wings about two feet tall with a tail sporting a stinger. Griff hit it solid but his sword bounced off. He’d didn’t even scratch the damn thing. As it flew away he’d swear to his dying day it laughed.

He helped Gabriel down the steps, seriously considering ignoring his request to avoid the infirmary. The only reason he didn’t was Gabriel’s warning that they couldn’t trust everyone at headquarters. If he was right then bring him there would be a death sentence. Griff half carried half dragged his partner toward the church. If Mooche was telling the truth perhaps Solan had the power to heal as well as destroy. Maybe Gabriel knew something about it he didn’t. Griff sure hoped so.

Two Watchmen staggering through the streets garnered more than a few stares, but Griff didn’t stop or even slow down. Every second Gabriel seemed to get weaker. The church door was as always unlocked and Griff kicked it open and went in.

“Solan!”

The old priest appeared form the living area, took one look, and said, “Gods above! Bring him in. Lay him on my bed.”

Griff dragged Gabriel to the priest’s bed and lowered him to the mattress. Gabriel collapsed like a rag doll when Griff let go. Griff shook his head; He’d never seen the kid so weak.

“Tell me everything,” Solan said. When he got to the part about the creature that attacked Gabriel, Solan stopped him. “It made no move to attack you?”

“No, it flew off, never even gave me a second look. I struck it a blow that would have taken a strong man’s arm off and that thing flew off like it was nothing.”

“As I feared, they sent the imp for him. I did not think they would lose patience so soon.” The old man talked to himself as much as Griff. “No matter. I will do what I can for him. Out now, I will join you later.”

“Wait, what’s an imp and who sent it?”

“Later, if there’s any chance of saving him I can waste no more time.”

Solan pushed him out of the room and shut the door. Griff paced in the chapel for he knew not how long before Solan emerged from the bedroom looking for all the world like a man who’d climbed a mountain. He was smiling and Griff took that as a good sign.

“Well?” Griff asked.

“I’ve done what I can.” Solan sounded worse than he looked. “He’s still alive thanks to you getting him here as fast as you did.”

“What are his chances of living and what was that thing that attacked him? You blew me off before, but now I want answers.”

Solan slumped down in one of the back benches. He waved at one of the others and Griff sat down across from him. “That creature was an imp, a creature spawned in hell, a demon if you like. It is one of several operating in this kingdom. Another, larger beast led the attack that killed Gabriel’s parents and brother.”

“He never said anything. I’m his partner, he should have told me.”

Solan offered a weak smile. “What if he had? What would you have thought before today, before seeing your sword bounce off that thing when you knew you should have killed it with one blow? Now you can believe, but a month ago, even a week…”

Griff shook his head. The old man had a point. If Gabriel had told him demons were real and they’d killed his family he’d have thought the kid lost his mind. “I take your point. I find it hard to believe even after seeing the thing with my own eyes. What about Gabriel?”