Beinn 7.8

As Massoud felt more assured about his current circumstances than he had in days, he decided to delay further action until he heard from his contact at the ascribed meeting place.  Knowing he needed to prepare as best he could for the rough days ahead, Massoud headed for his safe house among the merchant villas.  He was in no condition to leap along rooftops and chose one of the few open city culverts to mask part of his approach.  Soon he was in the familiar garden alley and then inside the Bishamon spice merchant’s home.

Opening his medicine chest in an upstairs room he produced a poultice, foul-smelling as of meat gone half-rancid and the color of loam.  Removing his bandage, he smeared it on as best he could both entrance and exit wound.  It actually looked better than he had hoped and the blackroot poultice would only accelerate the healing.  Next he restored his stash of purple lichen powder in the pouch at his side as well as packing a handful of tete leaves.  When chewed they provided a powerful stimulant that could keep a man going until he literally dropped dead from exhaustion.

Massoud made the rounds of his haven, checking all the traps and alarms before returning to his medicine chest to remove a green vial.  He went downstairs to a rug and lifted it to expose a trapdoor.  Opening it and climbing down into the pitch black chamber, he pulled the trapdoor closed, bolted it and pulled on the string that would slide the carpet back into place.  He checked the bolt on the grate in the floor leading to the sewer and then laid down on a rope bed, the only furnishing in the room.  Swallowing the vial whole he closed his eyes.

Six sands later, as the dosage had been prepared to work for, Massoud woke up.  He listened intently for several minutes before unbolting the sewer grate.  Then he unbolted and opened the trap door.  Once he saw nothing lurked for him in his house, Massoud came back down and rebolted the grate and then exited the secret chamber, placing all as it was.  He felt immeasurably better and the wounds were all but sealed with scar tissue when he checked on them.

He made himself a quick meal after scanning the food for signs of poisoning.  As he put on his cloak a rap sounded at the door.  Massoud chuckled to himself.  He wasn’t sure who had found him, but chances were it was someone on his list of enemies to kill.  Nice of them to help me out–Inanna be damned but it was about time something went my way.

Opening the door, Massoud had to admit he was a little surprised that it was Llyr who had found him.  He had her pegged for a government half-wit, not given to imaginative thinking.  Perhaps he was wrong, or perhaps someone had helped her.

“Don’t look so surprised, Asherah.”  Llyr gloated.  “I simply checked the tax records for Bishamon merchants who had purchased homes in the city and then sent agents out to match flesh and blood with our records.  This is the only one that didn’t have a face to go with the form.  And I deduced it was yours.”

From her tone and her sheer idiocy in telling her myraid of subordinates, agents who coveted her job and her successes, the supposed means of finding him, he was convinced another had helped her.  But who?

“Stay your hand and the powder that slays,” commanded Llyr.

“Of course,” Massoud smiled.  Knowing that everyone’s attention was on his right hand while they were all thinking of the guard’s fate earlier that day.  None saw his left hand trip the lever that shot two bolts from either side of the doorway into Llyr, while the heavy plank door crashed down like a portcullis between them.  There was the heavy thud of missles into the door, but Massoud was already down into his secret chamber and through the grate into the sewer before a single axe blow struck the door.

Chapter 7.7

Massoud slowed the horse to a trot and got off and began to walk. He needed time to consider what had just happened. He left the horse at a stable where one paid for and was ensured discretion. No one would know he left his horse here, or that he had been here. The first concern was to arrange contact with his man in the interior ministry and find out what the current situation was. Too much had happened in the last day or so that was unplanned. He didn’t think it was anything he couldn’t account for but information was the currency he needed most at this time and he was willing to trade a great deal to get it.

He walked into the Jade Griffon, a tavern that while seedier than he would have liked was also known for keeping secrets. He asked the barmaid for a room in the back and paid her well enough to make sure he would not be disturbed. She showed him the small room and left. By the time she came back with the ale he had sealed a note he had just penned.

“Do you have a boy who would be willing to earn a bit by doing an errand for me?” he asked.

“Of course, sir,” she replied, “My little brother will do whatever you like and you can be assured of his complete discretion.”

Massoud gave her a sidelong glance and nodded in the affirmative. Her language was more than a barmaid and this was unusual, and he wasn’t in the mood for unusual any more. It had seemed to cause far too many problems of late. There had been far too many such things that had got him to the point of having his arm in a sling and being a wanted man in the city.

He was on the verge of getting up and walking out when the boy walked in. He was no more than fourteen years old and had the look of one who was quick. Massoud decided to stay and test the boy first. The chances of someone looking for him here, waiting for him, were far too slim weren’t they? He laughed out loud at his paranoia. The boy of course took the laughter as a good sign.

“Tell me boy, what is your name?”

“Perceval, sir.”

“Excellent Perceval. Now tell me lad, If I were to offer you a piece of silver to deliver this note, and be quick about it but make sure no one saw you, could you do it?”

“Of course,” he said and threw his head back in a show of pride, as if what was asked was too easy for one of his skill.

“Excellent,” Massoud said. “And if I were to offer you another silver to make sure no one ever heard a word about this conversation and the mission you were sent on?”

“Then it would be as if it never happened,” Perceval said in reply quickly.

Massoud smiled. It was in fact one of the things he liked most about dealing with highlanders. Every last one of them had a sense of honor that ran deep. As long as you could align it with your own purposes things were fine. It was when things fell out of alignment that caused all the problems, like the last couple days. He banished that though from his mind and continued, “And one final question Perceval. What if someone offered you a gold to tell you about our agreement here?”

Massoud watched the lad. The two stared at each other for a moment. The boy reached and pulled out a knife and gently drew it across his open palm drawing a thin line of blood. He laid his hand in front of Massoud on the table and stood silently. This was a bit dramatic but then the boy was only fourteen. He was swearing a blood oath to be true to Massoud. Yes, he liked this boy very much. Massoud in turn drew a knife and sliced his palm gently and the two shook hands.

As this was completed Massoud gave instructions quickly and ended with, “Can you do this?” The boy nodded. “Excellent. You have just enough time to make this happen.” With that Massoud pulled a gold coin from his pouch and the boys eyes went wide as he handed it to him. Yes it was too much but Massoud considered it an investment. “Remember, tell no one. You have given me your blood oath.” The boy nodded and left.

Massoud sat back in his chair and took a sip of ale. This would set up a meeting with his contact in the interior ministry. It was but one thing of many he needed to do, but perhaps the most important. He took another sip of his beverage and called to the bar maid for some food. Deciding how to deal with Duilach and Roy demanded his immediate attention. Yes, the Left hand may be his best choice, if he could make it happen. Massoud smiled. He was still quite confident, even with all that had happened, that things were going well.

Chapter 7.6

Massoud slowed the horse to a walk once he was out of sight of the others.  Partly to give himself some additional time to think, but moreso because despite the two nights of rest, his body was shrouded in pain and his reserves were low.

First he needed to know the political scenario.  He had a well-placed man that would serve his needs but how to contact him without arousing curiosity would be mildly challenging.  Then he had to find the whereabouts of the Right Hand and his intentions.  If this man was as deadly as Ian had claimed then he would be alive and aas the only survivor of the ambush he had great potential to throw a burr in the loom.  Akane would have to be tracked down as well since she had a lesser potential to do the same and Llyr neutralized per his plan.

Ultimately though he had to seek the death of Duilach or Roy.  There was an ugly rift between him and Roy but he felt this was one he could contain if not repair.  Provided he could do this, Roy was both the one who could aid him the most and whom he could kill the easiest if necessary farther down the path.  But how does one dispatch the deadliest human of the Age?

Or was he the deadliest?  What if he could pit the Right Hand against Duilach?  Massoud mused on this and how he might bring it about as he finished his journey to Blathan.

He was still half lost in thought when one of the two guards stationed at the gate siezed his reins and signalled to the other guards above.

“What are you doing?” Demanded Massoud in a firm but low voice.

“Arresting you per orders from the Interior Minis–”

Massoud had heard enough and the man screamed noiselessly in agony as the purple lichen powder filled his lungs with blisters and blood poured from his mouth.  A few other travelers nearby cried out as the purple cloud coated any exposed skin.

Very messy, Massoud thought, as the collateral damage drew greater attention to the scene.  Not how he would have chosen to enter the city, but he was through at a gallop and soon deep in the alleyways of the Trader’s Quarter.

Chapter 7.5

Massoud smiled as he watched the group walk away. Rather than hinder his designs this could actually help things along. True Duilach was a dangerous man, he was clearly the most capable assassin of this day. This could actually help them in the long run if they were working together. Being good in killing was one thing though. Massoud himself was more than adequately skilled in this area. This game was not going to be won though, and the prize be taken by one who simply walked in and threatened everyone. No, this required vision, and skill in manipulation, and above all a plan that took everything into account. In this Massoud thought himself a master, and had no doubt that he could keep the upper hand, even with Duilach, “In control.”

He glanced over at the party as he tightened the straps on his horse, hoping to catch Roy’s eye. He did, and flashed a hand signal in the silent language of the thief’s guild telling him that nothing had changed. Roy made sure that he was not being watched returned his own sign, “I understand,” and then, “We must talk.” Both knew to what this last message referred, the death of Elspeth. The two eyed each other evenly and nodded. To a casual observer the whole exchange would have gone unnoticed.

Massoud chose to take it as a good sign that no anger was shown. Indeed he knew Roy well enough to still have confidence that he could rectify the damage that had been done when the news of the traitor’s death had been untimely announced. Still, he did not discount that Roy may need to be dealt with, removed. This would put a significant strain on his plans, but still nothing that he had not considered. This together with Duilach though? No, things were getting complex, even to the mind of Massoud, who excelled at such things. He must be prepared to simplify one of these two problems as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

They mounted horses and rode toward the gates as a single group. Duilach looked over at Massoud who met his gaze with a smile. “Do not cross me. I will find out and I will not fail twice in the matter of dealing with you.” The words weren’t spoken with any trace of anger.

Massoud thought the remark typical of an assassin, one who dealt with threats and used force to rule. Massoud moved with him like a tree in a storm and replied, “Now, now my good man, this is no time for making enemies. You and I are together on this. I will serve you well, of that you can be sure.” With that he nodded his head in friendship, and respect, and spurred his horse on and galloped ahead.

Chapter 7.4

Massoud followed Roy out the door into the great hall.  It went against his instincts to walk through the narrow opening with two deadly men at his back but then he supposed this was unfortunately his place in the current hierarchy of their cabal.  Once in the Great Hall he did fan out to keep an eye on everyone and noticed the handful of men approaching them.  He briefly wondered if Ian would play his hand already but he dispatched two men to the room they had left and told the other four to come with him.

“Two,” commanded Duilach.

Ian waved and two men left them.

Outside, they mounted horses that servants brought to the front steps.  As they were about to ride they heard a piercing cry.  Looking skyward, a thorn hawk shot towards them, flaring at the last second and landing on Duilach’s arm.  He pulled the message from a canister attached to the hawk’s leg.  He frowned for a moment and then without looking up said, “Massoud, to Blathan.”

“With what purpose, Thorn?”

Duilach lifted his head and gazed coldly at the Thief.  “To ensure the next step of your plan, you fool.  You do my bidding, but that doesn’t mean you cease intelligent thought.”

Massoud smiled without a trace of coldness.  Disdain and ridicule were tools of the weak in human manipulation and in this element Massoud was still master.  “Of course, Thorn.  I would not insult the intelligence of either of us.  I will execute your bidding to the fullest of my capabilities, which will surpass those of most you know.  However, I did fail to phrase my question properly.  I was to ride with our band, and now from your message it seems I am to return to Blathan.  Is there news I should be aware of as I go forth to execute our plan?”

Duilach stared at Massoud for an uncomfortably long time.  Then he sighed.  “Unfortunately, you are like a good milking Caora, more useful to me alive than dead.  Ride to Blathan.  Do what is necessary.  Come to us in Adalstan within the week.”

With that the assassin turned his steed and rode out the gate, not looking to see if the others followed or if Massoud did as he was commanded.

Chapter 7.3

Tension filled the air as no one moved. It was too much information too soon. Massoud and Roy were uncertain how the other would act in light of what had been divulged. Duilach looked at Roy and Massoud and spoke, “You two have proved hard to kill in that I have failed to dispatch you both once, but make no mistake about this. I will strike you both dead hear and now if you do not get up off your sorry arses and mount up.”

Roy studied the man as he talked. So this was the one who put the arrow in him. Interesting. Rather than feel animosity towards him he took stock of who he was looking at. If they were to work together, and it appeared they would at least for a bit, Roy wanted to have a very good understanding of the man. The confidence with which he talked, the way he carried himself, the skill with which he dispatched Angus marked him as one of elite skill. That narrowed things down a bit. Let’s see if we can’t get closer though Roy thought to himself. “Do you have a name?” Roy asked as he began to rise, “Or should I just make one up for you?” It was an insolent thing to say and could result in some excessive retribution, but then Roy was a rogue and therefore naturally insolent. Besides, the man had said he needed them both alive. It was a risk he was comfortable taking.

Duilach looked at him with measured disdain. “I know who you are Roy Alasdair. A rogue of no small skill, with ambitions that are perhaps beyond himself and a mouth that sometimes talks faster than the rest of him can keep up with. Do not cross me or I will finish what that arrow started. I am known as The Thorn.”

Roy whistled in spite of himself. Yes, he knew this one. His skill was legendary, clearly beyond himself, even at his best, and better than Massoud even. He nodded his head with heartfelt respect. “It is an honor. Lead the way.” When Duilach did not move Roy smiled, “No? Then allow me,” and started to walk out the door. He glanced over at Massoud as he did and smiled, “Come along Massoud. Where ever we’re going it’s sure to be an adventure.” The friendliness of his words did nothing to expose any emotion he held within regarding Massoud.

Massoud watched all this transpire, his mind racing. Duilach could easily deal with them both in their injured state, but it would require all his attention, and even the best had to sleep at some point. He discounted this as any type of an option though, except perhaps as a last resort. No, rather than to be feared Massoud sensed that opportunity was presenting itself to him here. Duilach did not kill them both on the spot. That meant that they could work together if he could find common ground. Massoud began to smile. This could even turn to his advantage.

Roy spoke to him as he began to walk out the door, doing nothing to betray any inner emotions. Damn those meddling MacDonalds for blurting out that which if he had been allowed to relate at the appropriate time and in the appropriate fashion would have been no more than a bump in the road. No matter, he thought to himself. Roy will come around and if he does not? Well there are ways to deal with him too.

Chapter 7.2

“That Ian would gladly welcome the Alasdair Clan to his home, provided his home remained at peace.”

Perhaps cryptic to an outsider but it was very clear to Roy that this meant the MacDonald clan would not tolerate anything that might destabilize the tenuous peace between the Beinn and the other Kaldone.  It was also a direct invitation to the home of Ian MacDonald, which he was in no state to deny.

There was an extra horse outside for Roy who mounted slowly with help from Angus.  He thought it was two nights since he was shot but he wasn’t entirely sure.  Either way, the slightest movement felt like someone was tearing his chest apart.  They rode slowly for several sands, twice the time it would have taken normally, until they reached the home of Ian MacDonald.

Dismounting with help from Angus, Roy walked of his own accord through the doors of the great hall, Angus leading at a gentle pace.  They passed through the great hall to a side chamber with a heavy oak table and eight chairs.  Two of those chairs were already occupied.

Roy nodded to Massoud and then extended his forearm to Ian in the customary greeting of the Beinn.

“I don’t know what you plot, Alasdair, but it must stop.”

“I plot nothing except perhaps how to steal a few Caora,” grinned Roy.

None of the three men smiled, Angus now seated as well.  Ian spoke again, “I know Gealach met with you both and I know most of the clans would follow him if he called them.”

Roy stood silently for a moment, quite sure that Massoud had betrayed him.  This did not truly surprise him as he was a rogue among men and he expected this from most, he was most surprised that he had clearly misjudged the Asherah.

“You have nothing to say, Roy?  What if I were to tell you that your companion here killed your darling Elspeth?”

Clearly Massoud, who had remained seated and expressionless, did not expect that comment as his eyes widened in alarm.

Roy could tell instantly by Massoud’s expression that there was some truth behind this statement.  He lunged towards the table only to feel his collar grabbed, his head banged on the table, and by the thinnest thread of consciousness that he had been dumped in a chair.

“Who the hell are you?” Demanded Angus, now on his feet, sword drawn.

“You should leave now before we bury you here,” commented Ian, looking at the newly arrived man cooly.

“You should hold your tongue before you gauge the depth of the threat against you,” countered the stranger.

“No one speaks to Lord–” Angus began.  His sentenced ended in a bloody gurgle from a motion so quick that it only really registered with Massoud and even then he knew he could never match a strike like that.  Angus fell to the ground dead.

Roy had come fully back to the present and recoiled from the man who lay at his feet.  “Who are you?”  Cried Roy.

“He knows who I am,” said Duilach, pointing at Massoud.  “But that is irrelevant.  I need you two both alive, so for now you will leave each other in peace.”

“And what of me?” asked Ian without inflection.

Massoud glanced at the archer, wondering if the idiot had perhaps blinked and missed the fate of his recently living kinsman at the hands of the assassin.

“I have no use for you.”

“But I would aid you.”

Duilach laughed.  “I am no stranger to the Beinn.  The MacDonald Clan seeks no intrigue such as ours.  Go about your way and do not think me for a fool as your cousin did.”

“He was my blood as you say.  I am bound by that blood to avenge him or die in the attempt.  Only if I am near you can I ever hope for that chance.  Until that moment comes I can assist you, as will the Clan I lead.”

Massoud clearly thought the archer mad and that Duilach would cut him down where he sat, but instead he replied, “May one of us die with courage and honor on that day then.”  He looked at them all, “Come you three, we ride.”

Chapter 7.1

Roy rolled over at the sound of someone coming into his room and winced in pain. The wound he had received was serious, but clearly he would live. It was not enough to keep him down for much longer and already he was eager to get up and find out where Massoud was. Enough time had passed for him to take care of the business they had discussed and return so where was he?   That he had not been here to see him was curious though not unusual.

The person darkening the door was not the maid he expected and so the slight smile faded from his face. “Angus MacDonald. I confess this is a bit of a surprise though it is good to see you. Our clans go back a long way and while you and I have had little association you are still a brother.”

Angus looked at the man laying in bed and took in his formal speech. It was spoken to let him know that their was no animosity between them. This in itself was obvious but when ever one was about to do business with one from another clan it was the prudent thing to do to restate the obvious. Blood feud’s had been started for such an oversight. Still with all this it made Angus smile. He had nothing against Roy. He knew him by reputation of course, and even would have said he admired him for his skill, but then here he was in bed with what looked like a nasty wound. Perhaps his skill was waning?

“As are you Roy,” he began. “I have not come to visit and console you in what looks like a bit of a scratch you have taken in a scuffle. I trust the other did not fare as well?”

Roy considered how much he should speak to Angus and decided the more people who knew an assassin was after him the better it would be. “It was an arrow at the tenth hour. I never saw who shot it but it would appear their aim was a wee bit off.”

“Lucky for you then,” Angus said. It was all that would be spoken on the subject. The rest did not need to be said, it was obvious. “I’ve come to give you a message,” he continued. Roy sat up a bit more doing his best not to wince at the pain that shot through his shoulder. “We have Massoud. It would appear he is in as bad shape as you, perhaps worse. We’re keeping him at Ian’s place outside of town. No one knows he’s there except you and I and Ian himself and his woman.”

Then coming close and kneeling so that he could whisper the next part he looked Roy in the eye and spoke softly, “Tis a dangerous game you’re playing. The MacDonalds will not stand in your way but I was sent here to deliver a message to you.”

Roy’s mind was racing. How did they link Roy with Massoud? How much did they know? Had Massoud said anything, perhaps when he was unconscious? The MacDonalds were a strong clan, conservative and not much given to intrigue. Typically they avoided and kind of minor revolt. For them to even have an inkling of what was transpiring was clearly a risk. Roy decided to address it head on, “And what might I ask is your message Angus?”

Chapter 6.7

“The One?” Katashi repeated.

“He who holds Cuauhtemoc’s pin,” came the gravelly reply.

Katashi nodded to himself.  Interesting.  This creature recognizes the significance of the emblem not the man.  “We seek counsel with the Haizea.”

“The Haizea are not to be bothered by the Aether-blind.”

Jaala stepped forward.  “Earth-lord, we bring tribute to the Haizea.”  He held before him an object wrapped in seal skin.  He unfolded the flaps to reveal an iridescent orb.  For a moment their was no sound to be heard except a light wind running through the valley and past the three beings at its edge.

Katashi’s first reaction was to avoid what sounded like an avalanche, before he realized that the earth elemental was laughing.  “You bring an orb of Kaneonuskatew, stolen from our lands originally, and think it will gain you reprieve from the Test of Four?”

Katashi laughed.  Jaala looked askance at his companion.  “I am sorry, my friend.  You must admit it is amusing that your bargaining chip, while of interest, serves us not.”

In testimony to their advanced skills, the crudely aimed blow led to only a loud crash of earth against earth.  Both men had leapt back, Katashi blades drawn and Jaala with orb wrapped and sequestered, when the earth-being melted into the ground.

Katashi looked to Jaala, who shrugged, when suddenly two gigantic hands rose from the ground, gripping the two sons of men.

Beinn 6.6

The journey into the Windy Territories of the North was as uneventful as it was boring, at least to Katashi. This is to say nothing of interest happened on the journey save he and Jaala began to move into a much less confrontational relationship. Jaala was more forthcoming with information and Katashi was content to follow the path that they were both now traveling.

One morning, a good two weeks later, after they had broke camp and had been walking for no more than an hour the trail came up to the ridge line. below them was a long narrow valley that stretched out for miles and miles. The valley floor was littered with wide open fields surrounded by tall growths of fir and pine. It was far enough down not to be able to make out any detail. Steep walls stretched up from the valley floor on each side of the long narrow valley. Katashi wasn’t sure but the walls looked porous, and his first thought was that there were hundreds of caves. He held his arm out stopping Jaala as he came up along side him. This in itself was not so unusual lately. Indeed, Katashi seemed to know where they were going better than Jaala did.

“Wait, friend.”

“This is beautiful isn’t it,” Jaala replied. “You are right, let us enjoy the view for a moment while we catch our breath.”

“Truth,” Katashi answered. “But that is not what I meant.”

Jaala looked at Katashi. Ever since the boy had put on Cuauhtemoc’s pin his abilities had begun to increase dramatically. It was all Jaala could do to keep the boy from running loose and causing more damage than even he could imagine. Still, with all this, Jaala was more than a little surprised when Katashi next spoke.

“This is the gate to Kaneonuskatew’s Empire. To cross without being invited will set us at odds with them, and likely result in our deaths. We must wait here until we are met. I strongly suggest you ready that which you think will persuade them.”

Jaala shook his head. The effect of the pin on the boy was stronger than he would have guessed. It clearly had led him here and the closer it came to this valley the stronger it’s influence had become. Only this boy, the one, could wear it and here on the edge of the empire that once had ruled the known world and not be taken over.

“I am ready my friend,” he replied.

That either one of them was ready was clearly questionable though because what happened next caused them both to stumble back in fright and fall to the ground.

The ground opened up in front of them and dark earth began to flow upward into the air. It rose ten feet and more into the air and began to fill into the shape of a very large man, nay not a man, even though the form was clearly humanoid. It took only seconds for the form to solidify and it was massive, truly frightening. Katashi’s thought was that neither one of them would stand a chance against such a fearsome creature.

“What in the name of the four Gods is that,” Katashi cried.

Not able to conceal his wonderment, for though he had experienced much in his life Jaala had never seen anything like this. “This is an elemental, an earth elemental to be exact. It is one of the lesser forms we will encounter in this valley.”

“Lesser forms? You mean there are more powerful creatures than this?”

Jaala was about to answer him and tell him about the air and the water elementals but their brief conversation came to an end when sound came from the elemental, though no mouth, indeed no face, was even present. Katashi thought it sounded more like rocks grinding together than speech but even so he had no trouble understanding what was said.   

“What business does The One, and his companion have in the Empire of Kaneonuskatew.”