Averan was pleased to see everything in order for them as they came down the wharf’s cobbled street. They had acquired five warehouses from the Amata, the one they headed to now was the smallest. It was used only as a ship repairs Hall to outside eyes. In actuality, it contained an underground bunker used by the Old Amata to hold any prisoners of value or stolen goods which had taken on too much heat. As they pulled up to its entrance Averan was glad to see groups of men chosen amongst the Clans disguised as groups of idle drinkers and smokers. Inside he knew was only their own men, some things did not need sharing.
The carriage only stopped long enough for them to dismount and pull the Commander out with them before it headed off again. Averan had left its burning up to the driver, he had shown his capability, and Averan trusted him to finish the job.
Walking in Averan was holding Grevus on one side and Fenadorn the other. The commander was bound and had a bag covering his head so there was little chance of him trying to escape now. But Averan wanted to make sure that what little chance there was he kept control over.
He was glad to see Lear already inside the warehouse waiting for them. He smiled at Averan but it was not a triumphant one. He didn’t stop or make any effort to come over to him but merely nodded toward the back of the room. Confused Averan raised a brow but said nothing. Sandorn must already be below, which must mean he had been successful. Why then the sadness?
The trapdoor leading down to the lower levels was neatly hidden within the hull of an old schooner.
It was dark down below but someone had already been down before them. Torches vaguely lit the underground tunnel as it led them down to the lower hall and holding areas.
It was slow going trying to manoeuvre Grevus down the steps and in the low light but finally, they emerged into the much brighter meeting chamber.
There Sandorn, Sarvth, and Grend were waiting. Averan’s face dropped as he saw the faces looking at him. They all wore the same sad smile as Lear.
Sandorn gestured towards Grevus and down the hall to the holding cells to the left. Understanding his meaning Averan headed away, eager to leave Grevus off so he could get his answers. He glanced at Fenadorn but he only looked straight ahead, focused only on getting the Commander inside. Once they were inside the cell Averan took the bag off Grevus’s head and removed the cloth forced inside his mouth. The Commander took deep breaths in and gave a quick look about the room. Smiling he shook his head but said nothing. Averan left the bounds on arms and legs but loosened them enough to give him breathing space. There was little he could do from his position in any case.
Letting Fenadorn finish locking up Averan hurried back up to the others.
“Well, then what is it? Hmm? And where’s Tharv?”
Averan had realised his friend's absence either from above or below as they’d put Grevus inside. Part of him already knew the reason for the sad smiles. Still he asked.
“What?” He sighed, “Just tell me Sandorn. Just tell me.”
“Tharv is dead Brother. Killed as we fled. I would not be here if not for him, he gave me the time to make good my escape. He gave himself for me, and for our cause.”
“Where is he?”
Sandorn looked away from him, “I had to leave his body there Brother. I was surrounded, I would not be here if I had stayed with him. I did not want his loss to be in vain.”
“He died alone then, surrounded by the men who killed him?”
Sandorn refocused his gaze back on him.
“He did. I wish it were not true but it is.”
Averan stared hard at his brother. “Your plan was a risky one. Did you get the others then?”
“We did, they are being kept in the guest chambers, they are comfortable and well looked after.”
“The whole city will be out for us now. They’ll not be longing deciding that we are the likely perpetrators. We don’t have much time.”
“No, we do not. Which is why we must question the Commander as soon as we can.”
“What about Tharv?”
“Tharv died a hero, and deserves a hero’s farewell.” Sandorn hung his head, “Body or not. We will honor him properly, not now in a rush. But as befits a man as worthy as him.”
Averan nodded smiling, “He would complain otherwise if we didn’t. Tharv was always first to volunteer. We must ensure his death is not for nothing.”
“We will ensure it,” Sandorn agreed, “All of us, together.”
A silence fell over them then, a natural silence. Averan thought back on Tharv and the many nights they had spent drinking, fighting, gambling, womanising. Tharv had always been a little wilder than the others, always ready for an adventure. Always ready to aid or suggest fun for them. Now he was gone and Averan felt it. So far they’d experienced joy and pain, but any pain had been tempered with the fact they’d lost few men. Tharv however had been part of the first four men Fenadorn had chosen from amongst old loyalist Families on the run to serve as protectors to the line of Kings. For the first time since the death of his Mother Averan felt the pain of loss acutely. He did not want to feel it again.
“We have the Commander,” Averan made sure his voice was firm, strong. “and the tools with which to break him. We need answers and we need them tonight. Come Brother, let us get to work.”
Sandorn nodded and turned back to Fenadorn.
“Have the others ready. Come on our signal.”
With that Averan joined Sandorn and together they headed off to Grevus’s cell. It felt like lately the two of them had more and more to talk about but less and less time to talk about it. The thought worried him.
Sandorn was first in the cell door. When Averan followed behind he could see by the look on the Commander’s face he was surprised to have visitors so soon. Still, he recovered quickly and almost casually stepped back before sitting himself down on the cell’s stone bed.
“So soon?” He asked. “All of Gorias will no doubt be searching high and low for me so I can understand the need for haste. Still, you should have waited longer, to give the illusion of control at least.”
“You think we are not in control? Who then is? You?” Sandorn wiped his nose, the movement caught Averan’s eye.
Nooo, Sandorn never touches the stuff, no, it won’t be that.
“You know who we are?” Sandorn continued. “What we represent?”
Grevus snorted, “I know more about you than you do yourselves. I know all about your rise in the underground. Your history. Your bloodline. I know it all.”
“Good,” Averan announced, “That will make things easier. It seems you know a great deal. We would be forever indebted to you Commander if you would share such information with us.”
Grevus rolled his eyes, “I have been a city guard for almost 20 years boy. You think you are the first to threaten me? I’ll not be scared by anything you can do to me. My conscience is clear, as is my refusal to give you any kind of information which would lead Gorias into ruin.”
“Into ruin?” Sandorn rolled his eyes just as Grevus had, “Gorias is in decline, already the borders grow weak. My family at its height pushed our territories ever further. Now we can barely hold on to what we have. The Vampiri probe deeper into our affairs and the men from beyond the sea ignore our calls. Into ruin? No, we wish to bring it back to glory.”
Grievous tilted his head, “You believe that don’t you.” He turned and looked at Averan, “Both of you do. I admire such conviction. You are right about what you said. House Aureate led Gorias well for many years, without your Family it would not be half so great or powerful as it is now. But you said it yourself. Your family at its height did all those worthy things you mentioned. What about when it wasn’t at its height? What about the killings of Pentea? The destruction of Geraden city. The betrayal of the Human Accord. Who bears responsibilities for those? Your success, your failures. I understand that you might not have been taught so much about those matters. But your Family was removed not without cause, not without reason, the very Houses which you spawned rose to oust you. Now you think you can simply waltz back in? No. I tell you now. No. Fools are many, even amongst the city Guard. They look back fondly, why? Because people always do look back fondly. If they didn't then how could they complain about the present? Who could they blame for their own faults? Own mistakes? Oh yes, the past was always better, if only things stayed the same then they would have achieved their goals, ambitions. Whatever you might think, your House’s time as Gorias’ rulers is through.”
“See, I told you there was no point even asking.” Averan sighed, “Now look, he’s gone all philosophical on us. Should have just came right out with it.”
Sandorn puffed out his cheeks and shrugged, “Yeah but we had to ask, just in case. You know we did. Anyways might make the rest go easier now, more of a surprise I mean.”
“True,” Averan said. “You won’t give in to torture is that right Grevus? Tear off your nails, peel off your skin. Cut off your balls. None of those would do anything no? I’ll admit a part of me is curious to find out.”
“I won’t say a word.”
“The boys down the barracks were right about you,” Sandorn wagged a finger at the Commander. A tough nut they said. Rumor was you had been quite sorely tested by the Vampiri one time but didn’t crack. If they couldn’t get you then what hope had we. Which is why we opted for a different tact.”
“Tell me Grevus, what do you value most in this world?” Averan tapped himself on the head, “No, no, no, wait let me rephrase that. What three things do you value most in this world?”
Grevus stared at them stoney-eyed.
“Commander?” Sandorn got down low on his knees. “My Brother asked you a question? Now either you didn’t understand him. Or, you know exactly what he means. Which is it.”
“Impossible.” Grevus mumbled.
Sandorn shook his head, “Impossible no. Difficult yes.”
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Sandorn stopped smiling a moment and Averan knew what he was thinking.
But he only hesitated a moment before the smile returned to his face.
“Fenadorn. Our guests.”
The door opened almost immediately. Averan had a knife drawn and to the neck of Grevus before he had properly gotten to his feet. The action drew blood.
“Ah,” Averan motioned back to the bed, “Sit down Grevus, remember whatever you do will be reflected back on them. SIT.”
Sandorn gestured to the open door where the Commander’s wife, son and daughter all stood huddled together bound at the waist by chains with their mouths gagged. Fenadorn stood in front of them and Lear and Sarvth either side. The daughter sobbed softly and Averan had to push the bile building up inside of him back down. This was poor work for the line of Kings. But he knew it was needed. It was needed.
The son just stared at Sandorn, his eyes filled with hate and fury. Averan knew those eyes, his had been much the same when the men had come to try and take him, Sandorn, Catalina and their Mother. The similarity was eerie.
The Mother held a hand on each of her children’s shoulders. Offering whatever little comfort she could to them. She stood tall all the same. An elegant lady. There was no distress in the look she gave Grevus, only one of hope and vigor.
“You wanted proof,” Sandorn spoke quietly now. “Well, here it is.” He waited a moment before he signalled for Fenadorn to take them away.
Grevus waited until they had left before he sat back down on the bed.
“Cowards. You could have done what you wished to me. I would not have judged nor hated you for it. I understand the position I am in. What it entails. Truly I do.”
He shook his head and stared at them with an intensity that Averan struggled to match.
“But my wife? My son? MY SIX-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER.”
Grevus breathed heavily, “This is actions from the lowest form of scum. If you think you will get any support from this then you do not comprehend what you’ve done.”
“We’ve done what is necessary,” Sandorn said. “And that is all we’ll do. We do not want to hurt your wife or kids. Or even you for that matter. You are the pawn, we want your Masters. Give us them and all will be well.”
The commander only stared at first Sandorn and then Averan. Averan gave nothing away but for a moment he thought Grevus would refuse, putting his duty above all else. He wasn’t sure he or Sandorn had it in them to actually hurt Grevus’ family. Then again, they had come too far to let anything stand in their way now. No matter how ruthless or unsavory, if it had to be done. Then he would do it.
Thankfully Grevus saw enough in them to heed the threat, as he slumped back Averan saw some of the fire leave his eyes.
“What do you want to know?”
“Before we begin,” Sandorn stated, “Know that while we do not know everything. We know enough. Lie and it will not go well for you. Or them.”
“What, do you want to know?” Grevus repeated.
Averan shared a look with Sandorn, time was short, their questions needed to be precise.
“You met with Lords of the Forty five days past. Who were they? And what did they order you to do?” Averan asked.
“They ordered me to kill and destroy the operations of the new Lords of the Underground. That is a Lord Sandorn and Averan Aureate.”
“They told you our names?” Averan was surprised.
“No, that part I gleamed myself, even a pawn has its moments.”
“Who are they?” Sandorn’s turn to question.
Grevus turned to glare at Sandorn.
“They who ended the line of Kings. The Forty.”
“Not all the Forty. Some.” Sandorn said.
“Enough.” Grevus replied.
“Who was it Commander? Names.”
Grevus pulled on his beard and shook his head .
“Though this means my death. Lords Atlantian, Larren, Parandin and Honed. They are Gorias’ new rulers in all but name. They call themselves the New Order. There are a host of Garnet and even some Wreaths which follow whatever they decide upon, more or less. At least enough for them to hold sway over all of Gorias' affairs.”
Averan nodded at the Commander’s words.
Sandorn had lectured him many times on the current political landscape. The Forty Houses had always been divided into levels, though it had only really become important in the latter years of his Family’s rule and formally adopted into High society with the end of it.
Of the Forty, 6 were considered amongst the most powerful. They were referred to as the Circlet Houses. Then came the Garnets, of which there were 12. And finally, the Wreaths, made up of the remaining 22 Houses. In theory, Houses could rise and fall, but such occurrences were so rare that it had been almost considered impossible by most.
That is until their Family had fallen, then the power had shifted, and with it came the rise of many and the fall of more.
“That leaves Lords Fortan and Dunedain out of the Circlets. They were not present.” Sandorn scratched at his chin, “Is that always the way?”
Grevus shrugged, “They were not present no. As to whether it is always that way I cannot say. All I can say is I met those four Lords. They gave me orders and I would have carried them out.”
“Why?” Averan examined the Commander, “Why would you, the man who heads over all of Gorias soldiers listen to orders given by Lords of the Forty. Not from the Council of all Forty Houses but by secret order.”
Grevus raised his brows at the question.
“Why? Because it is they who decide the Commander. I fail to do as instructed then I fail as a Commander. They keep the peace through me, I can temper them, make them see the reality of life outside the Inner Walls. They need me as I need them. Together we keep Gorias safe.”
Sandorn laughed, “Is that what they told you? I thought you a brighter man than that Commander Grevus. They use you, that is all. You are a tool.”
“Aren’t we all,” He laughed, “Your men, do they not follow you blindly. Are they tools then too? For anything to get done orders need to be followed. That is the way of things.”
“It is. For now. Me and my Brother will change the way of things to something new. Gorias will rise under us. Under House Aureate.”
“If that is what you believe then so be it. But it is too late for all that I think. The Houses who disposed of you too strong, too powerful. Even those who might not have wished the Line of Kings to be destroyed are ill-suited to offer you help. History and prestige are not easily forgotten but they will fall. Sooner rather than later and Houses more willing to fall in will take their places at the top of the table.”
“They have plans for this?” Sandorn asked.
“Yes, though I am not part of them. It’s happening slowly, but it is happening. Any of the old traditionalist Houses will be demoted if not destroyed.”
Averan whistled, “He speaks well, doesn’t he? I can see why they made you a leader. Stout of character and a good orator. No wonder they put you there.”
Sandorn continued to stare at Grevus. After a long while he nodded at Averan and they headed back out.
“Well?”
“Doesn’t seem like lies. Seems like a man to put family above all else. Even his life. I don’t think he’s lying. Everything he said fits in with what we would have guessed.”
“Agreed.” Averan scratched the back of his head, “So what now? We can’t let him go. But we can’t keep him down here either. Already there’ll be search raids out and we’ll be amongst the first suspected of this. Sure he’s got enemies within the army but this is way beyond any of that. We only have one choice.”
Sandorn frowned, “Only one?”
“Yes only one, why are you looking at me like that? You know we can’t let him go. The real question is what to do with the family.”
Averan clicked his teeth, “We could just kill the wife. Let the children go free. But then again even that’s risky. What if the son grows up to be an assassin or something? Probably he needs to go too. The girl, well come on now we can’t kill her. I say we let her off with a nice aunt or something and just check in to make sure she isn’t training some crazy killing routine in the meantime.”
“What?” Sandorn dragged Averan back from the main chamber where the others waited.
“Who said anything about killing the wife or kids? That was a last, last resort. Really last. It was more to show that we had the power and allies even amongst his own men to get to this Family than anything else. And we certainly don’t have to kill them now. Not now we have the names of those key Figures and Houses which stand against us. We have got to get those not within the new order on our side and work from there. That’s our path now.”
Averan looked at his brother in confusion.
“So what you want to just let them go? I think if we murder their father, and also the fact that they’ve seen our face might just be enough to warrant us killing them. Or am I going crazy?”
Sandorn patted him on the shoulder excitedly, “That’s just it, we don’t kill Grevus. We use him. We use him Averan.”
More ideas.
“So you want to try and use the man who we just kidnapped, kidnapped while killing some of his best men in the process? And, not only that but then went and kidnapped his wife and two kids and threatened to kill them also. Sandorn, Brother I love you but this is way past crazy. You will get us all killed.”
“I’m not saying that we release him without protecting ourselves. But you are right about what you said. Now we have no time to play things safe, now we have to make our moves and fast. Just as we did today. That starts with how we release Grevus.”
“Release him?” Averan asked in disbelief.
Sandorn always had an idea no matter how absurd or crazy it might seem. But this went above them all.
“Grevus is worth more alive to us than dead. We are the good guys so long as he lives. Think about it. The Twins Aureate returned again, capture the Commander, the one who is currently fighting a popularity battle, use him to gather information, and then throw him back out. What does it say about a man who is supposed to protect the city but cannot protect himself or his wife and children.”
Sandorn’s eyes were wide. Averan frowned at him but didn’t interrupt.
“We give him to those Captains and men of the City Guard who feel much as Wendon feels. A show of faith. Giving them the man who demoted them and sent them out on patrol duty. Let them do as they wish with the Commander, it will be out of our hands. A gift in name. But once they accept they are bound to us. As much Grevus’ captors to the New Way as we are. When we give the order to seize the Towers and Barracks in the name of House Aureate and the Twins Sandorn and Averan they will be compelled to answer.”
Averan shook his head and sighed. He looked at his brother in disbelief for a moment before breaking into a grin.
“The order to seize the Towers and Barracks? I think you have gone mad. But, mad or not you are my Twin, and I yours. So if that is your plan then it is mine. A fine one now I hear it, if a crazy one. Though often they are the ones I like best.”
Sandorn smiled back at him and clapped him on the back before putting his arm around him as they headed back to the others once more.
“Come, we will need the others to hear what I’ll say. It is finally time to be Kings Brother. Our reign starts now. The army will be our thrust. The beheading we shall decide on later.”
Averan laughed, sharing in his Brother’s excitement. The New Order had made their plans and failed. Now it was time for them to show their own plans. For Father, for Mom, for all their Family and its line. And for Tharv too, he believed in their ambitions, enough to give his life. Averan would make sure his sacrifice was not in vain. He would avenge him.