108 – Everyone meets everyone else

  Karen and Roxanne moved through the crowds. They had no trouble moving around the city, though Karen had taken them on a circuitous route from the southern district they had spent the night in, to a main road and then east to the market and trader’s district. Karen wore a puffy sleeved blouse, with a leather bodice, and a loose cloth skirt that went most of the way down to her feet. Under that, she had boots. She had a small coin purse at her belt, with a utility knife next to it. Earlier, Rox had seen that there was a wrist knife on Karen’s left arm, completely covered by the long sleeves.

  Rox was odd enough sized, compared to the locals, that she had to put her apprentice costume back on, and a cloak over it, keeping her staff underneath. She could have produced something from a pouch in her briefs, but decided not to. An elfin dress would attract too much attention here. The cloak was enough, for the most part.

  About lunch time they entered the market, and went to the tavern where Rox, Steven, and Caspian had arranged to meet. The women paused a moment in the doorway as their eyes adjusted to the dimmer light inside. Looking around, Rox spotted Steven sitting at a table, eating some food.

  “There he is.” Rox moved across the room, and sat down next to Steven.

  He looked up in mid-chew. A sigh of relief escaped him, as he finished his bite. He put his knife down, and took Rox’s hand in his.

  Rox was very slightly surprised as Karen sat on the third chair at the table. “Steven, this is Karen. I spent the night at her place. Karen, this is my husband Steven.”

  “Pleased to meet you.” Steven tilted his head in acknowledgement.

  “Thank you.” Karen looked at the plate of food. Steven was only a few bites in. “The food here is good. But I know where you can get better. And the atmosphere is more conducive to conversation.”

  Steven took another bite and looked at Rox.

  “I think we should at least hear her out, Steven. She has told me a bunch already, and may be able to help us.”

  Steven finished chewing, giving Rox a look of concern. He wanted to speak, but was being polite and finishing his food before doing so. Then the waiter came up.

  “How is everything, sir? Fine. Can I get you two ladies something?” He turned his attention to Rox and Karen sitting across from each other, on either side of Steven.

  Karen spoke first. “No. We could use his bill please. We need to be elsewhere quickly.”

  The waiter looked quickly around the table. “Very well. I will be right back.”

  Steven had two more bites in silence before the waiter returned. He presented a slip of paper with the total which Karen snapped up, and a sheet of waxed paper to wrap Steven’s food in. Karen produced some coins and gave them back with the ticket. Steven’s plate was scraped carefully onto the paper. The food was then quickly wrapped to travel.

  “Thank you. Come again.” The waiter took the money and dishes away as the Caplan’s got up and followed Karen out the door.

  “What about Caspian?” Steven asked Rox as he followed them.

  “He can find us as he needs to.” Karen answered.

  Rox and Steven shared a look at Karen's answer, but still followed her. They went to the street, where Karen flagged down a carriage, with the top folded down. The footman got the door for the three, as Karen spoke to the driver.

  “Through Pentalon Park, to the Garmad district, and the Bloody Daggers Tavern.”

  The driver nodded in response. Karen turned and sat down on the front seat facing Rox and Steven as they climbed in and sat down; Steven sat opposite Karen on the right side of the coach, with Rox at his left. As they sat Caspian climbed in, and the footman closed the door. Caspian sat down on the coach’s left, next to Karen, and put his staff between him and outside of the carriage, the other end between Rox and the side of the carriage.

  “The Bloody Daggers? That does not sound safe.” Caspian settled in as the carriage began moving. He looked Karen over, her brown hair that went down below her shoulders. Her brown eyes, and attractive features, her local costume over a fit figure. The way she held herself set Caspian’s nerves on edge.

  Karen thought to herself ‘that’s all of them. And he is the target. This may take a bit of work.’

  Rox began to explain what was going on.

  Karen thought to herself; she had quickly sized up Steven as a fighter, and on guard, as opposed to when she had trailed him around a few days prior. Rox was a mystery, as she vibrated from vulnerable to guarded. The wizard looked like a person used to danger nearby, and able to handle it.

  Caspian turned to the driver. “Can we close the roof? We would like a bit of privacy to talk.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Shortly the top was unfolded and secured without stopping, then the sides were rolled down.

  The carriage left the market and onto the thoroughfare, that would take them to Pentalon Park. They passed the warehousing that supported the market, and the residential area around that. Karen listened as the three talked. Roxanne told of her getting in the fight at the castle. Then hooking up with Karen and leaving. She asked a bit about her eyesight and seeing heat, and Caspian explained some finer points, so far as he knew. Rox then finished telling about the house, and the conversation she had with Karen there and as they walked. Steven then told Rox of their activities in the castle and Caspian guessing about her leaving in a hurry. Once out they looked for her a bit, but could not find her. Steven had wanted to look more, but Caspian felt they should wait to see if she would show up. So they went back to the inn. This morning Caspian went to wander around to see if he could find her. Steven went to wait at the prearranged place. And now they had all met up again. Steven then thanked Karen for her help to Roxanne.

  “You are welcome.” Karen looked out the window as they passed into the park. They went from an urban setting into a near forest. Karen waited a moment and then turned to Caspian. “Wizard. Summon your familiar. I have a task for it.”

  Caspian looked at her a moment. “Ok.” Caspian took hold of his staff, and looked out the window for a moment. His look was focused far away.

  “What is the task?”

  “I need it to get a book, from my library.” Karen kept herself closed, not sensing any magic yet.

  “He will be here in a moment. You have been watching us, if you know I have a familiar.” Caspian did not yet want to try magic, in this close a space, without first feeling what kind of reaction it might get.

  Karen did not answer Caspian’s observation on her behavior and knowledge. “Do you all know why the children were kidnapped?”

  Steven answered this. “Because of a prophecy naming them as harbingers of some nasty person.”

  “The Chaos Bringer. Do you know of any other reason?”

  “Beyond that one specific prophecy, not much.”

  Cyrril fluttered through the window just then. He landed on Caspian’s knees, and looked around. He focused on Karen for a moment, sniffing and licking his nose a bit like a cat. Karen looked intently at Cyrril, and pointed her finger at him. Caspian’s head jerked a bit to look at Karen in some surprise. Cyrril gave her his whole attention.

  “I have a job for you. Go to my library, get the book with the brown leather cover, and bring it and all its contents to me undisturbed. Understand?” Karen concentrated fully on Cyrril.

  Cyrril looked at Caspian, turned to Karen, and then back to Caspian. He then leaped back out the window.

  “Until he comes back, there is no point in conversing further, on this subject. Let’s open this heat box back up.” Karen flipped the lever on the roof frame.

  The top was stowed as the carriage came to the central loop through the park. This loop circled a large pond that was fed by one of the tributaries of the Krogg River that ran through the city. The traffic all went in a counterclockwise direction and the carriage moved into the traffic. Suddenly a voice spoke at them from the carriage’s left, as another carriage pulled in beside them, on the inside track from theirs.

  “Karen Konsalva. How are you? Who are your guests?”

  They turned to look, and Karen sat forward to see across Caspian. The voice came from the lone occupant of the passenger seat in a well kept coach. The driver skillfully kept the coaches lined up, evidently having done this quite a bit.

  Karen recognized the passenger, and had to quickly scan her companions to answer, and also think over her conversation with Rox this morning. “Lady Hedarra. I am fine. These are travelers from elsewhere. The couple is from the Sierra Mountains. And the gentleman is from the Silvona lowlands. They are traveling to see the world.”

  Caspian wondered how Karen knew that. He had only briefly mentioned where he was from to Steven once or twice, and did not remember whether he had ever told Rox. He figured that Rox must have said something to Karen. Steven was also quietly looking at Rox, who kept a straight face.

  “From Silvona, and Sierra. That is quite a way away. I hope you find our city to your liking. Ms. Konsalva, did you hear about what happened at the palace last night?”

  “Bits and pieces. I was not in the room when it happened. So far I have heard four different versions.” Karen kept and even straighter face than Rox. As they had walked the city, Karen had deliberately not asked what had happened at the ball the night before. Of course people were too happy to gossip.

  “Well, I saw some if it. But then the crowd was moved away by the palace guards. It looked like there was a body on the ground. I heard that a guest of The King got into a fight with another magus over some magic nonsense, and ended up in a contest trying to prove each other wrong.”

  “Is that so? That is a new one.” Karen expressed some mild surprise.

  “Oh, and what have you heard?” Lady Hedarra responded like she was finding some new treasure.

  “Well, they all seem to include magic. The first is that something accidentally went off, and destroyed part of a buffet. The second is a magus trying to blow the palace up. The third is similar to your story, but it involves an assassin, not a contest. The last is that somebody’s heart gave out and he collapsed.”

  Roxanne listened to all of this with the best poker face that Steven had ever seen her wear. Caspian listened as though he was hearing this for the first time. Steven just kept looking around from one person to another.

  “Oh. I haven’t heard all that. I wonder what is really true?”

  “Well, because it happened at the Palace, I doubt we will ever get the full answer.” Karen’s answer implied that not knowing the full details was common.

  “That is true. Are you going to be at Lady Micour’s.”

  “I don’t know. My business may be taking me out of town.”

  “Oh, you and your business. You are always about it. You need to get a man to run the business. Aren’t there any that you are interested in?” Lady Hedarra was testy in her comments to Karen over this subject.

  The Caplan’s both remembered the couple in the carriage from the night before, and who spoke about what, as well as the further extension of this in the division of people at the ball, who went where and what was talked about.

  “Not in this city, Lady Hedarra.” Karen replied, flatly.

  Caspian could sympathize with this, but held it aside.

  “If you say so. Oh, look, there is the Vantgun’s. I must talk with her. If you will excuse me. Give my greetings to Jasper and his wife. And tell them that you simply must host another ball before the harvest festival.”

  “Yes, Lady Hedarra. I will tell them. But I will not guarantee any balls. My work is keeping me busy.”

  “Well, get married, and get unbusy. Talk to you more later.” Lady Hedarra’s coach pulled away, and up to another one.

  The four looked at each other in good humor.

  Steven turned to Rox. “She reminds me of Mrs. Winchel.”

  “Steven, don’t be mean,” Rox chided.

  “I’m not. I appreciate all she does. But sometimes she just does not seem to be able to end a conversation.”

  They all chuckled at this.

109 - Information sharing and vetting

  The traffic turned the head of the pond, and another carriage pulled up, this time on the right side. Karen grimaced as it approached, and sat up straighter, pulling the bottom of her vest and blouse straighter.

  “Lady Dannakarena Konsalva.” A diminutive woman, with an imposingly proper air sat in the coach, facing Karen. Her lined face a soft mask of regal elegance. Her silver hair flowed around her head and shoulders. She wore a fine, though simple gown.

  The rest turned as Karen spoke.

  “Lady BarDona. How does the day find you?” Karen’s tone was completely subservient.

  “Quite well, thank you. And yourself?” Lady BarDona was exceedingly proper in tone.

  “I am fine. What may I do for you this day?”

  “You are no doubt aware of the general happenings during the ball at the palace last evening?” Though asked as a question, all heard this for the statement it really was.

  “I am, to an extent.”

  The look on the old lady’s face hardened slightly. “Yes. I am sure you are.” Her look mellowed. “What with Lady Hedarra and those like her doing the turns of this park, and others. And who are your guests?”

  “This is Roxanne and Steven, from the Sierra Mountains. And this is Caspian, from the Silvona lowlands. They have been here a few days as my guests. Today I am showing them around the parks.” Karen motioned to each as she named them.

  “Yes. Showing them the local sports, and games. Tell me, what do you really know of the happenings last night?” Lady BarDona was droll in her tones.

  “Not much. There was a squabble of some kind. All the stories say someone got hurt. And that the second person got away.”

  Lady BarDona gave Karen a long look. “Why do I always get the feeling, whenever I talk to you, that you know more than you appear to?”

  Karen shrugged, and smiled. “Perhaps it is because I do. That comes from working all the time.”

  “I see. You have always been just as good at conversation as your parents were.”

  “I should hope so. As you know, we were trained by the same people.” Karen though she was overtly referring to Jasper and his wife.

  “I have always figured as much.” Lady BarDona was not taken in by the subterfuge; not that she ever had been.

  “So you have always said. But that still has never gotten you much to gossip about.” Karen always felt like she was sparring with this older woman, when they spoke.

  “Gossip has never been my intention.”

  “Yes. Information was. You leave the gossip to those like Lady Hedarra.”

  “You should speak more kindly of your elders. Even if what you say is the truth. I do have one question for you, and I ask that you answer it truthfully. Do you know specifically what happened to Lord Gakavo?” Now the old woman was down to her real business.

  “Yes. He died.” Karen dead paned this answer.

  “That is hardly the news or answer I was looking for. Of course he died. My concern is who did it.”

  “That seems to be the real mystery, doesn’t it, Lady BarDona? If you find the answer, and think it worth my knowing, do please let me know.” Karen’s tone lightened.

  “It does, indeed. And if I do find anything out, that I think interests you, I will let you know.” The old woman’s face had hardened, slightly.

  “I will much appreciate it. Thank you, my lady. If you will excuse me.” Karen turned to the driver. “Take this exit, please.”

  They slowed, and moved around the other carriage, and turned right out of the parkway. They traveled this tree lined road in silence for a time. Then Caspian and Karen both looked around. Karen turned around again.

  “Driver, we need to close up again.”

  “Yes ma’am. Shall I take Chryuso Road, or would you prefer Tavern Row, into the Garmad district?”

  “Which ever suits your fancy.”

  The top was closed again, and Cyrril promptly fluttered through the window clutching a leather bound book as big and heavy as him. He dropped it in Karen’s lap, and then moved to Caspian’s shoulders.

  Karen opened the book and paged through it to the open section. She put the loose pages in the back of the volume and then looked over her writing.

  Caspian looked at it over her shoulder, briefly. “I would have to look at it longer to be sure, but the pattern looks like Lacadian Shorthand. The script is not familiar.”

  “It’s customary, Wizard, not to read someone else’s journal without permission.” Karen turned in her seat to face him more, and mask the writing. She also started her psionics going, to muffle the sound, so as to prevent it from going beyond the carriage. “Here we go. At the formal wedding of the current monarchs of this kingdom, they were given a prophecy by a prophet. The prophet said that the Harbingers of the Chaos Bringer would kill this king and queen. Male for male, female for female. And this would happen before the Chaos Bringer came into mortality. Therefore, the monarchs seek to insure that these two harbingers would be grown to a ripe age before killing them, and thus allow the monarchs long lives.”

  Karen put the pages back in place and closed her book, refastening the leather thong that wrapped around it. “And that is why they sent after your kids. They think that by sending them to allies of this kingdom, they can keep your son and daughter under control until they are well and mature. Don’t say anything more, until we are inside the tavern.”

  After rolling the sides back up, They all sat quietly, thinking about this. A light sprinkle drifted past, enough to cool things down. Karen watched as the familiar district rolled by outside, and after turning down a lesser street the carriage stopped, and the footman opened the door.

  They all got out. Here on the corner of the building sat a tavern facing both directions. A sign with crossed bloody knives hung from the corner of the building. People went back and forth on the walks, crossing the streets, and dodging the larger traffic. Karen paid the driver, and sent him on his way. She then led Caspian and the Caplan’s into her tavern, and through into her back office.

  The office was a bit larger than a closet with space for maybe two more people. The door opened to the left as they entered and a desk with a hutch stood against the right wall, a short stool tucked under the desk. As the three gathered beside the desk, Karen put her journal into a drawer, turned to face them, and leaned against the desk. She motioned that the door be closed. Once it was, she spoke.

  “Time to level with you, some. I have been watching you for the last few days.” Karen could sense the concern in them. She turned to her left and started talking.

  She pointed at Rox. “You went dress shopping, but were also interested in the leather and metal crafters. You were not interested in jewelry.”

  She motioned to Steven, who stood in the middle, closest to her. “You wandered the city, after getting fitted for a borrowed suit, which I presume got returned this morning. You were interested in the larger fabric mongers, and weapons dealers.”

  Karen turned to Caspian. Cyrril was upright, with his wings fanned a bit. “You have been the hardest to follow, thanks to him. So all I was able to tell was that you don’t like suits. But I also know you have traveled off planet, as he is not native. That gives me a general sense of your training level.”

  Steven chuckled, remembering Caspian’s grousing at the tailors, and how eager he was to get rid of them this morning.

  Karen continued. “We have established that you are the parents of the kids ordered kidnapped by these monarchs. They left this city about eighteen days ago, and you don’t know where to find them.”

  She looked pointedly at Caspian. He did not say anything. So Karen continued.

  “I presume that you were equipped with trackers of some kind. The problem with those is that they do not read through thick rock very well. I can lead you to the paths to the villages where your kids are.” Karen’s senses were on full.

  Caspian, was upset and suspicious, and not wanting to give any information away. Steven was less upset and verging on excited. Rox already had been told this basic speech on the way this morning.

  Karen felt she needed to give them time to talk. “I now invite you to consider whether to take me up, or not. If you want to know more, and have my help, take me up and we can be on our way by dinner. Otherwise, you are free to leave now. Here are a few coins, go get some drinks. I advise the back wall as those booths have curtains.”

  Karen moved past Roxanne and out, where she then went behind the bar to tend. She also ordered some fresh bread and meat for their lunch from the cook, and set it out on the bar as they filed past.

  Caspian was about to walk out, when Steven caught his arm and steered him to a curtained booth. Rox picked up the tray with the bread, soft cheese, a chunk of meat, and some cutlery and small plates. Caspian sat in the booth, facing the bar, and Steven crowded in after him on the same side. Rox sat opposite Steven. Shortly Caspian was having a once in a while ale, as the Caplan’s drank water with their lunch’s.

  Karen was not surprised at the ale, as inebriation made psi-scans more difficult. Evidently the half-elf and her mate did not imbibe. Karen did not imbibe herself, having never had any tolerance: the one time she drank, she was under the table before she had finished the first drink. She was sick all the next morning, until her psi-instructor took the opportunity to teach her how to purge her system by temporary increase of metabolism.