Chapter 9

They were in the Council House. In a side room reserved for scribes. It housed quill, ink and more parchment than Arios had ever seen in oaken shelves twice his height. In the center was a stately desk which had been cleared to make way for the dead man. He lay there cold, pale, his robes stained dark. But on his face, there was little blood. In place of eyes a black void like a gaping maw swallowed all light.

“An unusual method of murder to be sure,” offered Lord Demarcus turning the man’s head. “The Kyrithon do have an unnatural obsession with sight.

“There is no doubt it is their work,” replied Lord Pyragos. “The work is rushed but skilled. See how the tendons are still intact. It is the first procedure all Kyrithon Surgeons must master. I have seen it too many times to mistake it.”

“The boy said he had a woman companion.”

Arios stood in the back with Father watching. Lord Argyros’s face was red and he reeked of wine. He had both hands on the desk and it creaked and groaned under the task of supporting his enormous weight. He seemed utterly perplexed by the idea. Arios thought him to be the least lordly man in the room.

“Yes, all their surgeons are women.” Pyragos’s reply was short and cold but in the drunken lord’s stupor it went unnoticed.

“Forgive our ignorance Lord Pyragos, we had been so removed from the war and received little news of its ongoings,” muttered Lord Theron sullenly. Having been so summarily displanted he had so far been unable to hide his disdain for the general. “But what is to be done now? I have sent my men to gather information at the Market Hall.”

“That will not be necessary,” dismissed Pyragos. “I have already ascertained the identity of this man and have sent my men to his home for the wife.”

“You are always three steps ahead aren’t you,” sniffed Theron and he sank into silence glaring at Pyragos from the shadows.

Finally, Lord Kalydor spoke. “We must inform the city of these events.” His words were slow, measured and his face was grave. “The Kyrithon promised no violence and yet in less than a fortnight they have already broken this vow.”

“Are you sure that would be wise,” rushed Theron. “The entire market saw the man escorted away by the men of Lord Pyragos. Soon after he was found dead and mutilated.” He feigned concern but could not hide the delight in his eyes. “We wouldn’t want our citizens to think he had anything to do with this!”

“Just what exactly are you insinuating?” shouted Pyragos. Arios had never seen Pyragos even raise his voice. It was unsettling and unbecoming of his kingly visage.

“I am simply expressing my concern,” continued Theron cooly. He smiled at Pyragos. “You are new to the city and soon after arriving Kenosia was besieged. Our people are unused to the hardships of war and to them it may appear, erroneous though it would be, as if you have brought it to their doorstep.”

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“The people know who I am!” Pyragos was shaking with rage. “I am cousin to the King! The people would never believe such gossip about his own blood. Kalydor?” He turned to face the steward.

But Kalydor was shaking his head. “Perhaps it would be best to wait until we have more information before informing the city.” He was muttering to himself. “Yes, once we have captured the assassin. Give them someone else to blame.” He looked up. “Lord Theron, for the time being I want your soldiers in the Middle Ward. See to it at once.”

“But of course, Lord Steward.” There was no effort at all to disguise his glee now and he swept past Pyragos arrogantly and left the chamber.

When he was gone Kalydor turned to Pyragos, “You mustn’t let him goad you so.”

Pyragos starred daggers at Kalydor but then paused and quickly composed himself, “Did you really need to give him the Middle Ward?”

“Let him have this one thing Pyragos,” replied Kalydor. “You have been far too hard on him and you being so young wounds his pride.”

“Nothing a few drinks wouldn’t solve,” grumbled Argyros as he teetered back and forth and finally sank to the floor defeated.

“That seems to be all from our favorite lord,” snickered Demarcus. “Let me call his servants”

As Lord Demarcus opened the door to exit, Darios marched in to the room.

“Ah, Captain! Have you retrieved the wife?” Pyragos had perked up upon his entry and was now eagerly calling him over.

“Yes sir! A woman named Doreva. They lived in the Lower Ward. Plain looking woman. Brown curls, wide face, not at all like the woman Arios here described.” He nodded to Arios and his father then continued, “She did not seem particularly upset about her husband’s death though. Said something along the lines of him getting what he deserved.”

“That is no good,” cried Pyragos. “Darios, I need this criminal found and soon.”

“Of course, milord, we shall double our efforts.”

“Do not forget, your men are not to enter the Middle Ward,” interjected Kalydor.

Pyragos threw up his hands, disgusted, “Then we must leave this matter to the whims of a fool!”

“Mind yourself Pyragos. You are dear to me but this is still my city and I must be obeyed.” He placed a hand on the young general’s shoulder. “Lord Theron knows the city. Let him handle this. It is likely all he will be able to contribute.”

“If you believe that to be best, Lord Steward.” Pyragos turned away as Kalydor sighed. “Captain, bring me to the woman. Even if she is not the assassin, she may know more than she is letting on.” He then looked at Arios speaking to him for the first time, “Boy, would you be able to identify the woman you saw this morning?”

“Y-y-yes sir,” stammered Arios. It was difficult to get the word out. He had never to spoken to a man of such import like Lord Pyragos. One so close to the King. He could not pass up this chance to prove himself.

“Good. Come with us. You too Daidal.”

Father stepped forward, “Before we leave, I must inform Lord Kalydor of another troubling matter Arios and his sister witnessed this morning.”

“Go on,” instructed the Lord Steward.

“It appears the merchants of the Middle Ward have increased the cost of many basic goods. They blame the war but we all know that Kenosia has vast stores. The burden of this increase will devastate our community, even more so if these costs have spread to the Lower Ward.”

“Just good business…” mumbled Argyros, who was now flat on his back.

“This is a serious matter indeed. Thank you Daidal. When Lord Argyros has recovered, I will make sure as Master of Commerce that he disciplines the Merchant Guild and prohibits the raising of cost on all necessary goods.”

Arios felt a wave of relief wash over him. Many of these men were petty and small but Lord Kalydor was a great man. He cared for Kenosia. The Kyrithon would be unable to break the city as long as he was its steward.

Kalydor began to make his way out of the chamber, “Now. Let us see about this woman.”