We reached Gresh in the late afternoon. During the final descent to the city, I could see it sprawled on both sides of the Banson River. The river gleamed golden from the setting sun, as it flowed through the city, with ships sailing down or tacking up it. Oxen teams pulled heavy-laden barges to the sky blue-roof-tiled warehouses on the docks. Small punts and scows wove through river traffic, mimicking the wide avenues and boulevards of the city, which bustled with the energy of three major trade routes converging. There were the yellow tiles of a theater district instead of the one playhouse Freston had, several market squares, and in the middle rose the silver and crystal church spires set afire by the setting sun.
We entered the city through the Flowergate, and for once a gate’s name matched its description. It opened into the perfumers’ district and we were bombarded with flower, spice, musk, citrus and herbal scents that arose from the now shutting stalls and closing shops. Last-minute shoppers lingered over trays of fragile petals in the open marketplace and they barely glanced at us coming through before they went back to their bargaining, only to give themselves neck strain when they whipped back around to stare at Laurel.
Whatever messages had flown from the way station to Gresh, no one seemed to have told the townsfolk about the Faena.
We reached the garrison as the last rays of the sun winked out over the city’s roofs. I kept expecting Governor Hoelt and Doyen Allwyn to peel off from our column and go to their respective offices, but they stayed and entered the garrison gates with us. We were met by the base commander and in the deepening dusk salutes were exchanged. After a moment, Captain Suiden turned and motioned for me to join them.
“This is Lieutenant Rabbit, Commander Freser,” Captain Suiden said as I rode up and dismounted. The commander’s eyes lingered on the feather on my cap as I saluted.
“Lieutenant Rabbit,” Freser said. “What’s this about a murder?”
I recognized one of the soldiers who had arrived at the way station with Major Verne standing behind the commander. At least one person had braved the hailstorm. I looked at Captain Suiden, but he remained silent, so I took a deep breath. “Ambassador Laurel could better answer that, sir!”
“But it was you, wasn’t it, who made the accusation?” Commander Freser asked.
The yard was full and I watched as triple the number of men necessary lit the lamps, their heads turned towards me. “I wasn’t accusing the doyen, sir. Not really. I just saw a—a body, and it took me by surprise.”
“And this corpse was in the possession of Doyen Allwyn?”
“Yes, sir, and Ambassador Laurel is going to talk to King Jusson about that very thing.”
“I see,” Freser said.
“As there’s no complaint lodged,” Doyen Allwyn said, “we’ll take our leave.”
A line formed between the commander’s brows but he couldn’t stop the doyen as I didn’t even hint that he had so much as disturbed the peace. The churchmen gathered themselves and began to turn their horses around to go back out the garrison gates.
“We will look,” Doyen Allwyn said to Laurel, “into this very distressing incident, Ambassador, and will let you know the results of our investigation.”
Laurel bowed. “Thank you, honored elder. If you will call on me in the morning, I will have removed the bells by then.”
Doyen Allwyn’s eyes drifted back to where the staff was. “Uhm, yes. Of course.” The wind picked up with the falling dusk and a gust blew under cloaks. He shivered. “Until tomorrow. Blessings.” Doyen Allwyn waggled his fingers, turned his horse and gave it a solid thump with his heels. In a few moments he and his clerks were out of sight, the echoes of their horses’ hooves fading.
“Well, that was a brief benediction,” Governor Hoelt said, her own eyes bright in the lamplight. “I too must be going. I’m sure the council will be waiting for my report.” She bowed. “But I will also call on you tomorrow.”
After the governor’s departure, Commander Freser turned to Captain Suiden and indicated a soldier standing by. “I am sure you want to get settled, Captain. My aide will show you to your quarters.”
We were taken to an empty barracks that had signs of a hasty evacuation. As we inspected it, the aide turned to the Faena. “The commander has set aside quarters for you, Ambassador Laurel.”
“No,” Captain Suiden said, overhearing. “By your leave, Ambassador, you should remain with us.”
Laurel nodded. “Yes, honored captain.”
Suiden looked around and found me, even though I was doing my best to act invisible. “Thank you,” he said to the aide, “but Lieutenant Rabbit will see to the ambassador’s needs.” There was nothing the aide could do but salute and depart, promising that someone would return to show us to the mess and baths. The captain waited until he was out the door, and then began to pat about his pockets. “Devil take it, I seem to have lost my purse. Perhaps I dropped it at the stables. Trooper Jeffen, please see if you can find it for me.”
We heard footsteps outside hurrying away.
“Oh, I’ve found it,” Suiden said, and Jeff started to come back. “But,” Suiden continued, “be so kind as to remain at the door.” Jeff moved to the side of the door and took up position looking out.
Captain Suiden looked at Laurel. “Where’s the staff?”
Laurel pointed to a corner where the staff stood propped.
“I’ll ask you again, how dangerous is it?”
“It is completely warded, honored captain.”
“That’s not what I asked.” The captain frowned. “You moved pretty fast to get it away from the doyen. You moved just as fast to wrap it up and make signs over it. And you wouldn’t let them take the bells.” He went over to the corner and stared at it. “So tell me. How dangerous is it?”
“It will not cause someone to burst into flames or give them the pox, if that’s what you are asking,” Laurel said, joining him. “But it is very dangerous.” He shook his head, sending his beads clacking and feathers fluttering. “Prudence Oak was powerful in the talent—” He caught Suiden’s look. “You call it magic, honored captain.” The Faena gently opened the shrouding cloak and gestured at the openmouthed scream of the sprite. “What do you think she did when she felt the first bite of the axe? Do you think she blessed her fellers? Spoke gently of those who would profit from her murder as she surrounded herself with goodness and light?” The cat shrugged. “If it weren’t warded, I wouldn’t want it anywhere near me.”
I stared at the death staff, wondering how she had been killed, if she were so powerful. Captain Suiden shot a look at me and, turning back to Laurel, opened his mouth.
“But if it’s so horrific, why carry it to the Royal City?” Captain Javes asked before Suiden could speak.
“I can’t leave it here, honored captain.”
“Take it back to the Border,” Javes said.
“If I return with honored Prudence’s body now, especially the way it is, we will have war.” Laurel sighed. “Well, it’ll at least make a good argument before the king.”
Captain Suiden gave me another look, then turned around and faced the rest of the troopers. “You all heard Ambassador Laurel. No one will so much as think about touching it unless directed by and under the ambassador’s supervision.” He looked at Ryson and Slevoic, standing side by side. “If I find you acting outside of my orders, you will curse the day your mother first smiled at your father.”
We spent the time waiting for the promised guide tidying away our gear. I was more interested in the baths than food (and sleep before either), but was willing to explore what the mess had to offer, so when the commander’s aide returned, I jumped up from the cot ready to journey forth—only to feel a hand on my arm.