Chapter 10

There were no dungeons in the Council House but Darios led them deep underground into its cellars. The air grew cold as they descended and, in the torchlight, Arios observed strange white crystals forming on the walls around him. There was a soft scratching behind the stones, barely perceptible, none of the others made any comment. Perhaps his mind was playing tricks on him.

“Not much further,” called Darios. He led the way, torchlight dancing on his bronze plate. “Sorry to go so deep but we wanted her to be out of the way so no one would stumble upon her by mistake.”

They reached the end of the stairs and came out in to a room holding barrels stacked to the ceiling. Was this one of Lord Argyros’s famous wine stores? The room was dark, barely lit by the torches each man held. At the end of the room was a small wooden door.

“She’s just in there.” Darios pulled a brass key from around his neck and ushered them through across the threshold. It was a small room and the light from their torches adequately illuminated it. The woman, Devora, sat in a wooden chair, head in her hands. She had no chains or ties. She looked to be Father’s age. Her face was broad and weathered from years in the sun. A tangle of umber curls and thin dark eyes.

“Arios?” Lord Kalydor inquired.

“It was not her.” He replied.

Devora looked up at him gratefully then spoke, “Its like I said before, Marcen was a fool who stepped out on me too many times, but I loved him all the same. I would never have done anything to harm him.” Her voice was composed but Arios could see the tears that stained her face.

“Just because you are not your husband’s assassin does not mean you are not complicit in his death.” Lord Pyragos stepped forward torchlight revealing gritted teeth and a furrowed brow.

“Now, now, Pyragos look at the lady. She is clearly in great pain.” Kalydor knelt beside the chair and took Devora’s hands in his own. “I am so sorry Devora. It is an unimaginable agony to lose a loved one, and for those yet to feel it’s sting impossible to understand. If it would ease your mind know this, it was no jilted lover but the work of Kyrithon agents inside the city who took the life of your dear Marcen.” Devora choked back a sob gripping the stewards’ hands tightly. “You can help us, Devora. Tell us everything you know about your late husband’s activity these past weeks. Leave nothing out, any detail no matter how small may be the one that leads us to these criminals. Can you do this?”

Devora nodded and Kalydor pulled a second chair over to her gesturing to Pyragos. “Be gentle with her.”

The young General took the seat then began, “Tell me woman, was your husband much changed since the start of the siege? Were there any changes to his routine? Did he begin frequenting anywhere new or with new acquaintances?”

The torchlight flickered across her face and the flames shown in her eyes as she thought. Then, voice broken, in a whisper, she spoke, “Marcen always loved his drink but since the siege he began drinking in the Middle Ward more and more.”

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

“Do you know the name of the establishment?”

“It is called the Saffron Veil.”

“Are you familiar?” asked Kalydor.

“It’s a brothel” —Devora shuddered at this but stayed silent — “and a costly one at that. Only my officers can afford its services.” Pyragos looked to Darios, “Have you been?”

Darios stood in the corner eyes far away. “I am not one for brothels Sir.”

“Well regardless” — He turned his attention back towards Devora — “I was not aware your husband had the coin for such fineries?”

She wrung her hands, “That’s what I told him. I told him no good would come of this and he went and got himself killed over it.”

“You have been of great help to us Devora.” Said Kalydor kindly. “Tell us is there anything more we might make use of? Anything at all?”

“I believe he borrowed a large sum of money. From who I know not but they would know at the…at the brothel. I wish there was more I could do Sirs but at the time I thought nothing of his actions. He was always a fool…” She wrapped her head in her arms and was silent save for the quiet splashing of tears on the stone floor.

“That is enough for now.”

“Kalydor, I believe we should—”

“I said enough Pyragos.” The Steward waved his hand towards Darios. “Captain, would you escort Devora back to her home?”

Darios looked first to Lord Pyragos and they starred at each other silently. Finally, he spoke, “Of course milord, right away.” Darios helped the woman to her feet. As they passed Arios she looked up into his eyes. The torchlight cast a molten glow across her dark pupils. The burning light spilled out from their center and dripped a glowing ember from its edges. He began to hear singing.

“Do you hear it?” He pulled on his father’s sleeves anxiously.

“Hear what? Arios?”

“They have started singing. It must be sundown.”

“I hear nothing Arios we are too far underground.” But he looked concerned. “Your sister will be worried; we have left her alone for too long.”

“We should all leave.” Replied Kalydor. “But remember Pyragos do not bring your men to the Middle Ward.”

“As you wish Kalydor.” But his eyes betrayed the lie.

As they climbed the stairs to the main hall the singing grew louder and Arios could see his father grow more and more upset. He gripped Arios by the hand and led him through the dark. As they reached the top, he could feel the relief wash over his father as his entire body relaxed.

“Arios come here boy; I would speak to you for a moment, in private.”

It was Lord Pyragos. What could he want with me? Arios felt a sudden rush. He had been singled out, personally requested by a great lord. He looked to Father eyes beseechingly.

He saw fear in his face but also resignation. “Go on Arios. But do not be foolhardy.”

They walked away together and stepped into a private chamber. Up close Arios could see that Lord Pyragos was even younger than he imagined. He could only be a year or two older than Arios himself and yet he was a General.”

The lord starred at him thoughtfully. “You are the only one who saw the assassin?”

“My sister was there as well.”

“Well, she would not be out of place in a brothel but I imagine that would not sit well with your father.”

“No Sir?” He could not be suggesting what Arios thought he was.

“As you have heard too many times this day, my men are no longer allowed in the Middle Ward.” He spat the words out bitterly. “And yet someone must visit the Saffron Veil. I refuse to let that fool Lord Theron ruin this investigation. I will go myself but I will need you to identify the assassin. We will go tonight, do you understand?”

Arios could not believe his ears. A secret mission? With the cousin of the King? If successful there would be a place for him in the ranks of Pyragos’s army. “Of course, Sir!” He nearly shouted it and for moment, he thought he saw a smile flash across the face of the General.

“Very good. Let us return to the others. Do not speak a word of this.”

Arios nodded. As they returned to the main hall, they heard the shouts of Lord Kalydor.

“What do you mean he’s gone!?”

They turned the last corner to see Lord Kalydor, face red with anger.

As they approached Kalydor looked to Pyragos, “The body!” he cried. “It has vanished!”