Hope (29 page)

"I should get going now Drewton. I don’t want to worry Jenna." Mikael was just rising from his chair when a knock sounded upon the door.

"Enter," Drewton responded, piling the mugs and pitcher onto a tray. "Ah, Pevet, you have news?"

"Yes, Drewton, I have some most interesting news. I went to that tavern on Jint Street, the one with the five trees on the black sign. At first, I thought I had found your guy; he was talking quietly to another about his new contract. He mentioned the word knight, so I immediately used an eavesdropping spell to listen in. It appears there’s more than one contract out there."

"More than one contract? For the same hit?"

"No sir, multiple hits in the Knighthood. I didn’t recognize one of the names, Lady Kathryn, but, sir, they mentioned certain names, names I couldn’t believe were uttered when talking about a hit. There are contracts out there for the deaths of Lord Alextor and Sir Lanclor."

Drewton shook his head and snorted in disgust. "Who would want to kill off the only people who are protecting us from annihilation?"
Av’lor’s going insane
.

"They didn’t know who their employer was, sir, but they did mention Vikten’s name. I think his squad is acting as the middlemen between the employer and those they hired. You know how he is, no honor whatsoever. He’d kill his own mother if someone paid him a few silvers." Pevet spit over his shoulder to emphasize his distaste.

"We need to do something. Allowing them to kill any knights is irresponsible. Allowing them to kill two Soulbearers is unthinkable. We have to warn the targets. We can’t guarantee we’ll be able to stop the hit in time, so perhaps if they know it’s coming they can protect themselves."

"What do you suggest? We just walk up to the castle, ask to speak to the leader of the Knighthood and the Knight-Commander, and tell them that we were offered the job but declined, but assassins have been hired to kill them?"

Drewton smiled. "That’s an interesting suggestion, Pevet. I think that’s exactly what I’ll do."

Mikael shook his head at Drewton. "Drewton, you know Sir Lanclor hates mercenaries. Maybe I should go in your place?"

"I’m not going to miss the fun, Mikael. You’re welcome to come along, but I fight my own battles."

"I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Just don’t expect me to protect you when the feathers start flying."

Drewton stood in front of the arsenal of weapons he kept in his private chambers. Mikael leaned against the doorway, tapping his foot while he waited for him to make a decision.

Drewton sighed and grabbed a sword. "Well, if I’m going to speak to Soulbearers, I need to look like a respectable warrior or they won’t take me seriously." He strapped his long sword to his side. The sword was made of fine blue steel and had been a gift from his father before he died several cycles ago. His father had spent his life savings on it and Drewton held it close to his heart. It was worth a small fortune now that smith Banwer had passed.

A short while later, they rode to the gates of the castle. "I wish to see Sir Lanclor, the Knight-Commander."

"Sir Lanclor? What business do you have with him?" The knight at the gate wasn’t as young as expected.

"My business is not to be discussed with anyone but him, Sir Knight. I hope you understand," Drewton said as they dismounted.

"Aye, you’re right. I don’t have the right to question anyone, especially anyone bold enough to demand an audience with Sir Lanclor. I must ask you both to leave all of your arms here at the gate. Not even knights are allowed an audience fully armed. You’re welcome to pick them up on your way out."

"Of course, I expected as much," Drewton said as he unbuckled his sword. "I do ask that you not let them out of your sight. This sword was a death-gift from my father and I treasure it highly."

"I assure you, sir, we’re honorable. No harm will come to your weapons and they’ll be returned to you upon my word." He nodded as they handed over their weapons. "It’s a truly fine piece of work, if I may say so. It looks like Smith Banwer’s work, is it not?"

Drewton smiled. "You have a good eye, knight. My father knew him well and appreciated his work, even though he himself wasn’t trained in its use."

The knight nodded with a sigh. "It was a sad day when Banwer passed to the Goddess. It’ll be ready upon your return. Sir Lanclor’s workroom is within the maze of the High Barracks. I’ll arrange for another knight to escort you."

"An escort would be most welcome. We don’t intend to stay long and finding our own way would waste time."

A few minutes later they were walking the halls of the High Barracks on their way to see the Knight-Commander. The height of the ceilings was impressive and served to intimidate anyone not of the Knighthood who entered. Drewton had heard many things about Sir Lanclor. The Knight-Commander was supposed to be the most gifted with a sword, including the Royal Guard. His temper was notorious as was his anger at his curse. He was the Soulbearer of the Destructor and while most of the people of Av’lor had chosen to forget the deeds of the man he Bore, the Knight-Commander never forgot and pushed himself relentlessly as if for redemption. Sir Lanclor also hated Mercenaries.

Drewton would have to do everything he could to convince Sir Lanclor he was honorable and that his news was genuine. The knight escorting them stopped by a plain looking door and gestured for them to announce themselves through the partially open door.

A knock sounded upon the door. Lanclor glanced up from his work and rose from his seat appraising the large man in armor looking at him from the doorway.

"Are you looking for someone, warrior?"

"Yes, Sir Lanclor. I’m looking for you. I have some news you may be interested in, if I may enter?"

Lanclor rested his hand upon the pommel of his sword. "You may enter. You seem to know who I am, so would you mind introducing yourself so I may know you?"

"Yes, sir. My name is Drewton and I’m a mercenary. This is Royal Guardsman Mikael." Mikael slipped through the door behind him, giving Lanclor a sheepish look. A knight stood just outside the door.

Lanclor’s hand remained on the pommel of his sword as he responded. "You’re a brave man indeed if you seek an audience with me and you’re a mercenary, Drewton. It’s no secret that I have no respect for the men of your Order. I'll deal with you later, Mikael."

Drewton’s shoulders stiffened. "I’m well aware of your feelings for my Order, Sir Lanclor. I come to you with a warning, from one man to another. I’m an honorable man and—"

"Enough. Honorable men don’t fight for money; they fight for a cause. You have no cause but your own greed and I’ll not be a part of it. If you don’t mind, I ask that you leave my workroom and the castle, and do not return. You and your kind are not welcome here. Knight?" Their escort entered the room. "Please escort our guests out of the castle."

"Yes, Sir Lanclor." He placed his hand upon the pommel of his sword as well and gestured for them to move along. Mikael didn't seem surprised at Lanclor’s response.

"You’re an arrogant man, Sir Lanclor. You think only knights have anything worth saying and it will be your downfall." Lanclor frowned at Drewton's glare and the bitterness and anger lacing his words. Mikael made no move to stop his friend’s temper.

"I don’t do well with threats, Mercenary." Lanclor had come around his desk and now faced them, his wings erect letting Drewton know that he disapproved, but he wouldn’t tarnish his honor by drawing his sword upon an unarmed man.

"Drewton, is that you? What’s going on here?" Lady Kathryn pushed through the doorway and walked into the room to see Drewton and him glaring at each other. Mikael moved closer to get a better look. The hostility floating about the room was significant, but Lanclor wasn't surprised when Kathryn walked between them.

"You guys look like a bunch of gang members ready to start a war." She crossed her arms and glanced from Drewton to Lanclor, awaiting an explanation.

Lanclor gave in first. "Do you know this man, Lady Kathryn?"

"Yes, Sir Lanclor, I do know this man. He warned me about a poisonous paint used upon a figurine a woman sold to me at the market. I owe him my life. Now, what’s going on here?"

Lanclor had let his pride and temper get the best of him, again. He removed his hand from his sword and his wings returned to a relaxed position. "Drewton, I apologize. I let my prejudice guide me and I’ve acted dishonorably." He offered Drewton his hand as a sign of truce.

Drewton extended his hand and accepted Sir Lanclor's apology. "There was no dishonor, Sir Lanclor. There has long been a rift between the Mercenaries and the other Orders. I’m working to bridge that gap, but it’s a long and difficult process." He turned to Kathryn. "Lady Kathryn, you have my thanks for your timely entrance."

Sir Lanclor moved slightly in front of Lady Kathryn in an attempt to shield her from his words. "What news is so important you brave the High Barracks?"

"Yes, the news. There are hit contracts out for some members of the Knighthood. We’re sure of at least three—one for you, one for Lady Kathryn, and one for Lord Alextor."

"Hit contracts?" Sir Lanclor shook his head. "Why would anyone want to get rid of us? We’re the only defense against the Daemons." Sir Lanclor couldn't hide his surprise.

Kathryn looked thoughtful, but said nothing.

"I asked the same question." Drewton shrugged and shook his head. "I must admit, I was approached about one of these contracts myself, but turned it down. A rich merchant acted as the middleman. He offered me a significant amount of gold crowns if my squad would take care of Lady Kathryn. Naturally, I chose to investigate why anyone would want to harm a knight, much less a female one not even of this world. No offense, Lady Kathryn, but you don’t look like much of a threat to me."

"None taken. Looks can be deceiving, Drewton. Never forget that." Lady Kathryn gave him a grim smile and looked at Lanclor, awaiting his response.

Lanclor smiled beneath his helmet. Looks can definitely be deceiving. "I need to think about this. You may not know, Drewton, but there have already been attempts made on both of our lives. Until this point, we had only thought them directed at Lady Kathryn and me, but if there’s also a contract for Lord Alextor, I need to take extra precautions."

Lanclor turned to Lady Kathryn. "In the future, Lady Kathryn, I’d appreciate it if you would let me know about any attempts upon your life. I’m responsible for the safety of all knights and you’re much too important to the Knighthood at this time to lose. I’m tempted to provide you with an escort."

Lady Kathryn sighed. "I’m sorry, Sir Lanclor, I hadn’t thought to notify you about the attempt. If you’ll excuse me, I have other things I have to do. I came up here to let you know, Sir Lanclor, that Sir Garrent requires your presence in the armory."

"Of course, Lady Kathryn, thank you." She saluted and left the workroom. The other knight, the escort, simply stood there, not knowing what he was supposed to do. Sir Lanclor solved his dilemma.

"Gensten, please show Drewton and Mikael to the gate to collect their weapons. Notify the gate guards that Drewton and Mikael are welcome to seek me out whenever they please." Sir Lanclor nodded to them. "I thank you for the warning, Drewton. I’ll take the necessary precautions to prevent the contracts from reaching completion. Gensten, nothing mentioned in this room is to be shared with anyone, understood?"

"Yes, Sir Lanclor." Knight Gensten saluted and he guided them away from his workroom.

Lanclor stepped out of his workroom, closed the door behind him and waited for his visitors to round the far corner, out of earshot.

"If anyone hurts her, I'll kill him."

"Sir Lanclor, I’m glad you could take the time out of your busy day to see me," Sir Garrent said in a sarcastic voice as Lanclor strode into the Armory.