The Fifth Star - Chapter 8 (2/2) - In Valteria's Service

“Bring him to me, along with Healer Silda. I wish to see what secrets lie in his head,” Tibori commanded.

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Sparrow's escape from the dungeon had been the talk of the castle's many gossips since the news first broke in the morning's early hours. The call for scouts had gone out soon after the first whispers spread – even before the identity of the target had been confirmed Rhin's gut had sunken with an anticipatory dread. He'd requested his presence on the assignment; rage burned in him for the lies she had told and he wanted dearly to confront her, ask her why she had insisted on hiding the existence of her lover. It was so obvious now, for Harlemont's right-hand man, the mage Darius, had been the one to secret her from her holding cell. Rhin had met the man a handful of times since his return to Lothan, and from what he could tell of him, he could not fathom one so level-headed acting with such rashness lest he were motivated by lust or love for her.

When the denial of his request came, Rhin was angered but not surprised. He had been one of Sparrow's visitors, a fact which would likely warrant a questioning; the prospect was not altogether enjoyable, but he had to comfort himself with the thought, They wouldn't publicly knight me only to torture me nary a week later… would they?

So when a firm and rapid knock rapped upon his chamber door, it was expected but not welcomed, and his heart began its pounding immediately following the first sound. “Come in,” he called from the window seat, inviting the knocker inside so they could see he was entirely at ease where he sat reading. Nothing to hide.

The door eased open with a quiet squeak and there stood in the threshold a castle servant, marked by his uniform before he said a word. A purple-cloaked guard hovered behind the servant's shoulder, peering in with no small amount of suspicion. Do they expect resistance? “Sir Rhinlead,” the servant addressed him with a bow, “Lord Harlemont requires your immediate attendance in his chambers.”

“But of course,” he replied cordially, setting his book down to rise from the seat. The guard eyed him as he did so but Rhin pretended not to notice as he stepped over to where they both stood waiting. After a quiet moment's pause during which he seemed to size Rhin up, the guard stood aside, indicating without words that Rhin should walk in front. That was fine by him; least he couldn't see the accusation in the guard's eyes if they bored harmlessly into his back instead. He stepped out into the hallway, turning to close and lock the door behind him.

In his spare time, which he still had an inordinate amount of due to his recent injury, he'd wandered the many corridors and passages the castle contained, familiarizing himself with the seemingly erratic layout. Only the barest concentration was required to get himself and his entourage to the uppermost floor where Harlemont's suites were located. When they arrived at the door with its permanent compliment of two guards he was admitted with none of the usual flair, but ushered in quickly, the door shut immediately in his wake, leaving the servant and the other guard behind him.

Harlemont stood from his favoured armchair by the fire, turning about to identify who had just entered. “Ah, Sir Rhinlead!” he greeted him with unexpected cheer as he stepped around the seat to approach him. “Do come in, sit down,” he guided his newest knight over to the wooden chair opposite. As he sat he noticed a still figure by the window, peering out through the glass over the lands that lay beyond; Rhin kept his eyes fixed on the unknown presence, waiting for his lord to introduce them.

“My thanks, my lord,” Rhin bowed his head respectfully as he accepted the proffered chair.

Harlemont turned to face the mystery in the window, the only part of whom which was visible was a great cloak of fur that cascaded down the figure's back to puddle on the floor. “Emperor Tibori, this is the knight I spoke of before, Sir Rhinlead.”

Rhin scrambled to remove himself from the seat only to drop into a kneel as the Emperor turned to face him. “Greetings, my lord Emperor,” he barely managed to spit out as his throat betrayed him and constricted. I hope he's here on other business and not just for my sake. I wouldn't think I could merit such a visit on my own! “I am not worthy of such an honour.”

“You may rise,” Tibori spoke, his voice a rumbling baritone. Rhin did so as Tibori looked him up and down, his hands folded behind his back. “I've heard of your recent exploits. You have the realm's gratitude for your heroism in Kierton.”

Rhin felt a flush crawl up his neck to his face. “'Twas naught but my duty, but I thank you all the same, Emperor.” While he spoke, Harlemont moved towards his bedchamber and opened it just far enough to give someone within a command, as if he were concealing something from Rhin's view.

“I can see the worry buried in your eyes,” Tibori noted with the barest hint of a smile upon his grim lips, “Fear not. I am not here to pass judgment this day. Have a seat.”

Rhin did as he was told, replacing himself onto the ungiving wooden chair as Tibori placed himself in the other. As soon as he did so he felt more relaxed in the Emperor's presence than he ever would have thought possible. Harlemont rejoined them then, leaning against the mantle of the fireplace with his arms crossed over his chest.

“So, Rhinlead,” Tibori's voice broke the momentary quiet, “tell me about Sparrow.” For his part the Emperor looked completely unperturbed; his head rested against the back of the armchair, his eyes closed to listen.

“What is it you wish to know?” he asked, glad of his ruler's informal bearing for this meeting; he was certain he would have had a most difficult time meeting the steely gray eyes of their infamous leader so close to his own for the entirety of a conversation.

“You were one of the last to visit with her,” he stated, “aside from Lord Harlemont and the mage who helped her to escape, of course. Tell me, why did you go calling?”

Rhin hesitated for a moment to organize his thoughts before speaking. “We grew up together, my lord, and much history lies between us. There was a time, many moons past, when I would have said I loved her, and she may have said the same of me; but lovers we never were, for duty conflicted with our desires… I heard of her arrest and wished to see the truth of it for mine own eyes.”

“I see,” Tibori affirmed as a servant emerged from the lord's bedchamber. Rhin glanced over at the movement and noted an errant feather adorning the top of the woman's head. He wondered to himself as to the source of it but the emperor's next query came and demanded his attention instead. “And before you went to see her in the dungeon – when was the last time you spoke?”

“Seven years ago, my lord, when I left the brothel where we lived to join your army.”

“So you were unaware of any relation between herself and the mage Darius?”

“I was. But it seems likely now, given what has transpired, doesn't it?” A pulse of bitterness came over him, filling his mouth with the flavour of acrid bile. She needed to answer for her betrayal. What else could he say that would help her be found? A memory burst forward its silent assistance, and the next came from his mouth before he even fully realized he spoke; “Our old caretaker and proprietor of the Raven's Nest, however…” He stopped when Harlemont's servant shuffled quietly between their seats, relieved of her temporary decoration but weighted instead with drinks for the three of them.

“Yes?” Tibori prompted, one stormy eye peering out at him from under his dark brows. Without averting his gaze he reached out for the goblet and the servant placed it in his waiting hand.

“I paid her a visit upon my recovery,” Rhin explained, “hoping to meet with Sparrow then. On that day she told me that another man held Sparrow's heart. It may be she knows more.”

This time the smile that graced Tibori's lips was unmistakable, and it lightened Rhin's mood to be of assistance to the legendary man in front of him. “Harlemont, make note of this. It seems the Mistress is in need of a visit from our associates,” Tibori stated. Guilt for naming Raven so easily tried to worm its way into his conscience but he forced it aside with little difficulty. She could do no more for him, whereas the emperor had resources beyond his imagining. If he made himself of use, he may not want for anything again when this sordid business was complete. He sipped the wine the serving girl offered him, and the dry red went down with ease.

“As you say, my lord,” Harlemont affirmed before barking a sharp order to the servant for a quill and parchment, causing her to vanish with all haste.

The sound of yet another door opening caught his attention. The healer, Silda, who had seen to his injuries in the past weeks, stood just inside the entryway. She strode confidently over to where the trio of them conversed, stopping directly in front of the emperor to curtsy before him. “At your service, Emperor Tibori,” she spoke, then she nodded a brisk acknowledgment to both Harlemont and Rhin. It was plain that Harlemont fairly bristled at being leveled the same greeting as Rhin, but he wisely held his tongue.

Tibori tipped his head in acceptance of her curtsy and she straightened forthright. “Hold on but a moment,” he told her, prompting her to step to the side as she awaited further instructions.

The emperor looked to Rhin once more. “I know I ask much of you, but there is much yet to be done. I believe you are familiar with Healer Silda; what you don't know is she possesses the ability to read your past, to see into your memories. Will you consent to her ministrations?”

Rhin's gut twisted, but how could he say no? Still, against his better judgment, he questioned the motive behind it. “Of course, I shall consent, but be it truly necessary? I've told you all I know.”

“Of that I have no doubt. You are proving yourself a most loyal soldier,” Tibori agreed, but the slant of his brow hinted at concealed irritation, “However, if I am to send you after these traitors, I must be able to assure both the men and my advisors that your intentions are pure and your history clean.”

Do I truly want to apprehend her? he thought to himself as his heart fluttered. Am I capable of that? Will I be, if I am faced with her again? But as the quiet seconds passed, he grew more sure in his desire. Yes… I do. I should be the one to confront her about her lies… and him, for stealing her love from me. Before he could convince himself otherwise, he looked directly at Silda, her countenance stony and unrevealing, then back to the emperor, before nodding once. He was knighted now, and must act the part; the past was the past, and he had given his vow to serve his empire.

“Good,” Tibori stood from his seat and indicated that Rhin should take the same in his stead. Rhin did so, grateful the space between the chairs was not longer, for his legs shook nervously as he changed seats.

Silda dragged the wooden chair in front of him and placed herself in it. Her hands reached for his – her skin was chilly as it made contact. It was the last thing he noted before blackness overcame him. There came a peculiar sensation immediately after, like probing fingers in his brain, seeking out his very soul. Then he felt nothing at all.