Golden Threads - Thread Slivers Part 6

"Why? What is going on?"

"In time..." He understood something important was coming and it needed to be in the flow of things. The ent.i.ties were trying to not cause a catastrophe while trying to avoid a catastrophe. "You have it in you. Hold, you must hold."

He grabbed for the thread, the pain was almost too much. He held.

"Hold. Fight. Follow it back."

He screamed, although there was no sound. He screamed and he pulled. It took every ounce of energy and concentration he had. He pulled. As long as he held the thread he could feel everything. Someone was carrying him, bouncing along, the knife in his chest moved, causing even more pain. He screamed and pulled, screamed and pulled.

"Yes. Fight. Hold." Pride and love, guilt and anguish mixed in the ent.i.ty's communication.

The pride and love gave him energy and he used it to pull.

Someone was tending to him. Something moved the knife, pain too much pain.

I wish screaming did something, this is too much.

His mind focused on the task of pulling. Worldly things began to come to him.

Pull - Pain and he could smell the medicines and linen bandages.

Pull - Pain and he could feel the stiff cot under him.

Pull - Pain and he could feel that his left boot was tighter than his right.

Pull - Pain and his awareness of the presence faded slightly.

"Don't leave me."

"I will not, I will remain until conclusion. Hold... Fight... She comes."

Other presences. There were three new ent.i.ties. Two he knew to be in both realms at once. One was female, very powerful, and yet he was comforted by her closeness. The second was male, also very powerful, and he understood they were there to help. Last there was another powerful being, she existed only in the physical realm; she also was comforting. Lebuin tried to look at them but could not see them with the senses of the physical world, only feel their presences. In trying to see he found two other ent.i.ties, both female; one was in the worldly realm, the other was in this realm. Both of the women were powerful, but not at the level of the others, and they both were simply watching.

Warmth washed over his body, the pain eased, and without warning the knife was pulled out. The warmth in his chest blazed into a searing heat. He screamed and felt a disorienting lurch as he slipped out of the void and into the world he knew.

As he lost the sense of the other realm he heard the ent.i.ty's parting words, "Well done," and felt a tremendous flood of pride from the ent.i.ty.

He was back in the mundane world, more tired than he had ever been in his life, but he could breathe and there was no more pain. Exhausted, he simply fell asleep.

Voices floated into his dreams. The first, a melodic female voice, spoke softly. Groggy, he only caught the end. "...Unexpected."

A male voice answered, also melodic... a wonderful tenor with an odd accent. "Yes, but in this case the unexpected could be a sign we are finally on the right path."

"This was too close, and I had to ask."

"Me too... Time will tell."

"That is my worry. Shhh, he awakes." The female voice came closer, and he felt her warm breath on his ear. "Shhh, Lebuin rest now, all is well." She sang then, softly, in a language that reminded him of the songs his mother used to sing. He couldn't fight it; he fell back into sleep, feeling totally warm, safe, relaxed, and happy.

When he opened his eyes, he found himself in a large room, lying on a cot. Dust motes swirled in a light breeze as they fell through warm sunlight streaming through some high windows.

"Master Lebuin, how do you feel?"

Looking up he saw the upside down and worried face of Ditani. That is a very good question. I should be dead. I had a knife in my chest. He couldn't feel any magic flowing in him. "Good question, Ditani. I'm not in pain, but I cannot feel any magic. Help me up."

Ditani moved to his side, helped him sit up and turn, putting his feet on the floor. He felt slightly dizzy; an acolyte in smudged light green robes, which fit moderately well, came over with a look of concern. "Journeyman Lebuin, please don't move too fast. You need to recover. It is uncertain how much strain your body can handle. Also, I am instructed to warn you that you could become forever powerless should you try to use magic at this time."

Frowning at the news, he looked at the man, who was about the same age as he was. "How long before I can try to channel my power?"

Looking sternly at him like any good physician, he spoke in what was probably his most professional voice. "It is suggested that you do not try to channel for at least a cycle. The Great Lady also recommends that when you begin to practice, you start slowly, first with air, then water, and then earth, moving on to each when the previous ones are re-mastered with ease. Only when all three of the other elements are effortless, is it her recommendation, should you attempt fire."

He put his head in his hands and looked down. Well, I am alive, and that was the strangest experience I have ever even heard of. Thinking back over his memories, he wondered if it had all been real. Wiping his eyes, he saw that his wonderful doublet and s.h.i.+rt had been cut open down the middle of his chest. Sputtering, he managed to get out, "My clothes! What did you do to my clothes?!"

Ditani just looked at him, wide-eyed.

"Seriously, what happened to my clothes? Ruined! My two best outfits, in two days, totally gone!" Looking down again, the anger faded into nothing as his fingers came upon and traced the vertical scar on his exposed skin. Looking down at the cot, he saw where the blood had soaked through the canvas to pool on the floor; it was hastily cleaned, but the signs were still there. Sighing, Lebuin looked back at Ditani. "Sorry, I guess this really did happen," he said, his fingers resting on his first real scar. "I don't understand what is happening. Is every Journeyman's life so dangerous?" I was dying. If not for swift action by beings who shouldn't have cared, I'd be dead now. My skills meant nothing - a single knife in my chest and it was almost over.

"I have heard that some are, others are not." Ditani gently placed his hand on Lebuin's shoulder. "I don't understand why someone would attack you like that."

"I think it might be Magus Cune trying to exact revenge."

Ditani looked at him, shocked. "Master, that cannot be! Magus Cune has always loved and protected the Guild. He would not attack a Journeyman unless that Journeyman was a traitor."

I bet he is involved in this. "What can I do? I cannot use magic for at least four weeks, which means I might as well just walk naked through the city."

"Master, I hired a Dagger to get you here. By sheer luck, I believe she is one of the best in the city. I may have overstepped my place acting on your behalf. It was just that I didn't know what else to do to save you."

Lebuin's hopes jumped. "No, no that is perfect! You really are a G.o.dsend, Ditani. I wanted to hire a Dagger guide to both guard and help me with my Journeyman quest."

"In that case I am pleased. Except, well..." Ditani looked a little worried and embarra.s.sed.

"Yes?"

"Well, the Dagger took your money and left to try to find Magus Vestul. She ordered me to not let you leave here until she gets back."

Astonished, he looked at Ditani. "Did you say 'she'? This Dagger is a woman?"

Ditani nodded. "I thought you'd be upset about her helping herself to your purse."

Lebuin instinctively pulled the purse out. It didn't feel empty. "How much did she take?"

Looking at the floor, Ditani said, "two crosses."

Lebuin laughed for a moment. "That's it? Two crosses? You made it sound like she took my whole purse!"

Ditani looked up, surprised. "You're not angry? Master, two crosses is a lot of money!"

"Is it? I thought I would be spending dozens of crowns to hire a Dagger for any length of time."

"Master..." Ditani stopped and looked at the doorway. Lebuin, following his eyes, could not believe what he saw. I must be dreaming, that is the lady from the alley and market. But Lord, look at her. She wore boots that were a dull grey, with a hinted pattern done in forest green. Above the boots she wore leather pants which were tailored perfectly to fit her. They were not new, but the pants were well-maintained and would likely last a very long time. The leather had been treated so that it was a dusky grey, smooth but not polished. I bet it repels water, he thought. Over her pants she wore a thigh-length s.h.i.+rt, also expertly tailored. The s.h.i.+rt had s.h.i.+fting patterns of grey and was made of a tight woven cloth that absorbed the light to excellent effect. Over the s.h.i.+rt was a leather belt, in nearly a charcoal gray; on the belt were a short sword, four knives, and a medium-sized pouch that blended in to her clothes. The focal point of this entire outfit, he noticed, was an ornate dagger. Her grey, patterned cloak flowed behind her, like the wind itself was personally escorting her. Every inch of her outfit spoke volumes of the wearer. How can she pull off that kind of perfection with such simple materials?

The Dagger stopped in front of Lebuin and put both hands on her hips, her feet shoulder-width apart, back straight, and looked him full in the eye. He felt like he had just been caught doing something naughty. I have never seen a woman with so much authority, or presence. She could probably stand toe-to-toe with anyone. Looking down at her boots, he realized they must be the boots she took from her a.s.sailant. Now that he could see them up close he could see why she had taken them. I would have taken them myself, even if they do look a bit small for me.

Her voice was pleasant but every bit as authoritative as her stance. "There are Knives are on your tail already. Of course, it wasn't really all that hard with the commotion you made. Our next trick will be to get you out of here without them seeing it."

Lebuin s.h.i.+fted focus from her boots to the dagger that was only about a foot from his nose. It was beautiful; the hilt was diamond-shaped, with a bone hilt polished to a glossy s.h.i.+ne. The cross guard had a hunting motif with hounds that appeared almost alive. The dogs faced in both directions and could have been running down their quarry or attacking an enemy. It is very suggestive of a guard or hunter. But that is the point, isn't it? The dagger describes the Dagger. Impressions, first impressions are the key. The tables by the walls, means they have their backs covered and are in a stronger position, hence are more experienced or capable. It is so simple a code.

Ditani asked, "Did you find any news of Magus Vestul?"

"We can talk about that when we are someplace safe. I took out one of the two observers. The Knife is likely waiting to ambush you on the way back to the Guild; instead I am going to take you by a longer, more circular route to the Dolphin. We can plan your next move there." She s.h.i.+fted stance slightly. "Journeyman Lebuin, your man authorized any price to get you here, and then to help with your search. I don't expect that offer to extend beyond this moment. I took two crosses, one for my services today and the second to cover needed bribes. If you desire me to remain your Dagger, I expect six crosses a week, in advance. Agreed?"

Lord, she took out more people already? She is killing things hunting me. Whatever payment she wants she can have; I can spare it, and it is far less than I was already planning on paying. It's a bargain either way. Looking into her eyes, he nodded agreement.

Her reaction was hard to read, but something in her eyes came alive with speculation. "Do you think you can run?"

She is actually excited by the danger. Guess that would be a reason to become a Dagger, but how could a woman get the kind of training she must have had?

"I can barely sit up, so I doubt I can move very fast."

Her eyebrows tightened with concern, but looking at something behind him, she smiled slightly. Turning, he saw a doorway, presumably to the Temple. "Get up. We'll get you a change and go that way." She reached down and grabbed his arm with a strong hand.

He stood and felt a little dizzy but managed to stay in place. "Um, what do I call you?" She started to turn away and then looked at him in surprise; something pa.s.sed through her mind, and she smiled. Her smile was like lightning. Oh Lord she is beautiful. That someone so beautiful can be so dangerous is a wonder in itself.

Face to face she was slightly taller than he was. She held out her arm. "I'm Ticca of Rhini Wood, Dagger in your service."

Taking her arm, he locked it with his. "Journeyman Lebuin of the House Caerni; I am pleased to accept your service." Her eyes widened only a hair's width at the name of his house. Well, she knows us. She is really good at hiding her emotions; I bet she would do well at the tables. "Ticca, please call me Lebuin; and I a.s.sume you already know Ditani." He gestured to the other man.

Nodding, she pointed to the inner door. "Now that we are all formally introduced, can we please proceed with getting to someplace safe?"

They made their way to the Temple's inner door. Lebuin had to lean on Ditani a little to stay steady, and they were soon intercepted by an acolyte. "That way is not proper."

Ticca looked at the acolyte sternly and said nothing, and after a moment the young man, looking more than a little nervous, decided it might be best to let a higher authority take care of the matter. "Please wait a moment, I'll get a Healer." He went through the door and closed it behind him.

Looking around near the door Ticca picked an empty cot and pointed at it. "Rest there while I make some arrangements." She then boldly stepped to the door and opened it, stepping through. Lebuin sat down with Ditani's help and they waited.

"Ditani what is a Knife, in the context that Ticca was using?"

Ditani looked at him, his eyes going a little wide. Yes, I am totally ignorant, please don't belabor the point. Ditani seemed to read his mind. "Milord, a Knife is a professional a.s.sa.s.sin, just like a Blade is a professional soldier, and a Dagger is a warrior-specialist."

Lord, she is killing professional a.s.sa.s.sins for me?! I might pay her a bit more just to keep her happy.

Ticca was back in about a half-mark, her arms loaded with the light green robes worn by initiates in the Temple. Ticca had already gotten rid of the fine cloak she had been wearing, and was followed by an older woman wearing the dark green robes of a priestess of Dalpha. Coming over to the cot, she tossed the robes on the end. "Here, get into these."

Ditani stood and started picking through them quickly and efficiently, selecting one for him and another for his master. Lebuin looked at the robes he was handed in disdain. "You want me to wear this in public?"

Ticca stopped in the middle of stepping into a robe herself and gave him a look of disbelief. "Are you serious? Would you rather walk out on the street with that target spot already nicely laid open for the next Knife?"

Lebuin felt a little ashamed at his reaction. What in the world am I thinking? d.a.m.n it! Something dangerous is going on and I am complaining about the clothes. I must look the total fool. "Sorry, I am not thinking clearly; of course I'll follow your lead." He put on the new robes and found a way to fasten his pin on the inside so it didn't show. No reason I can't at least stay clean and comfortable.

When they were dressed the Priestess checked them over. She made some minor corrections to their belt knots and then standing back, she nodded. "This will be just fine. You must wear the hoods up at all times; and you should not look around. Keep your hands loose at your sides. Stay in formation behind me. I will take you to Gold Street, about half a mile from here, where we have a small hospice. From there it would not make sense for us to travel this way."

The priestess looked at Lebuin, concerned. "I want you to follow behind me. Should you find that you cannot continue, pull on the back of my robes. I will find an excuse to stop. Please don't try to push through, let me know as soon as you begin to feel a little tired."

Lebuin nodded. "I understand."

"Good. Now you stand here, and you two walk side by side behind him; keep two steps distance between us and try to stay in step. I will go slowly, so this will take quite some time. No one will be able to tell that you do not belong here. Some priests think deeply while traveling from place to place." The priestess opened the door. "Now, while in the Temple, it is practice. When we exit by the main door your lives will depend on looking the part."

Gravely, they put their hoods up and fell into the measured step set by the priestess. From time to time she would glance at them as they walked and corrected them on various small points. By the time they approached the main doors, Lebuin felt like they might have a good chance at surviving this. In the main hall the priestess stopped. "Lebuin, are you well? Can you do this for a full mark more?"

This is no time to be boastful; our lives depend on me not falling on my face. He looked within himself and considered what he had done since waking up in the Temple. "Yes, I can do this; I know our lives are on the line. Thank you, Lady, for your aid."

"Service in the Lady's name is my reward. The time for practice is done; Come." And turning, she led them out of the main doors.

Lebuin's heart raced as they stepped over the threshold. No s.h.i.+elds, only thin cloth between me and the world, and then another thought occurred to him, and this is how most people live every day. He concentrated on staying in step and at the correct distance from the others. He found that while looking straight down, he could just see the front edges of Ditani's and Ticca's robes. Lebuin was surprised to see that Ticca had found time to exchange her boots for a different pair; they were made of supple leather, dyed a soft green that matched the robes very well. That is an amazing lady. She must have spotted the boots when she found the robes. I can't believe she would just leave those other boots. He pondered the day's events as they walked. He found that although he was tired, he could push himself further. I have never had so much strain or trouble. This whole day makes all the troubles at the Guild silly in comparison. For the first time he felt vulnerable and mortal. As they walked, he tried to find any time in the Guild that had threatened and frightened him so much, but no problem or slight - even by Magus Cune - compared.

After what felt like forever, they climbed the steps to another building. The smells of the herbs and incense found in a hospice were a welcome relief from the fear of attack. Lebuin was about to pull back his hood when the priestess quietly commanded, "Follow me, I must present the three of you." Her tone clearly worried about something.

They stayed in step as they moved through the hospice room; they did not get very far before the priestess cried out, "You would dare attack inside the house of Dalpha?! Lebuin, get behind me!" and spinning, she lifted her staff high. As Lebuin pulled his hood back to find the source of the priestess' alarm, the light in the room took on a greenish tint.

A simple workman dressed in smudged brown and worn clothes with a soft gray wool cloak was diving to the side as knife rebounded off a s.h.i.+eld created by the priestess.

Ticca spun, pulling her robe open down the front. She pulled her dagger and another knife as she jumped between Lebuin and the man before his knife had a chance to hit the floor. "Lebuin, run! Follow the priestess!"

The man rolled to his feet, facing Ticca, and smiled. "You think you can best me, girl?"

The priestess repeated Ticca's command. "Lebuin, come, now." She grabbed Lebuin's collar and tugged him away from the fight. I can't help, I'm powerless! Lord, help her! Turning, Lebuin grabbed Ditani's robe and pulled him along too. The priestess kept the s.h.i.+eld up and backed them towards a doorway.

Ticca and the man approached each other cautiously at first. They said something to each other in low tones, which he couldn't make out.

Lebuin didn't see who moved first but their knives flew, filling the room with the ringing sounds of metal hitting metal. As he went through the doorway he saw the man entangle Ticca's robe with one hand and yank her off balance. He heard Ticca yelp in pain before the priestess slammed the door closed. Turning, she pointed down a hall. "This way." And she ran faster than Lebuin thought was possible in all those robes.

Although tired, he had no problem finding the energy to run after her. Ditani remained right behind them. At the far end of the hallway the priestess threw open another door and motioned them inside while she watched down the hall. Once inside she closed the door and locked it, leaving them bathed in a soft green light of her staff. Her staff s.h.i.+fted to glow with a brighter white light, and Lebuin saw they were in an alcove with a flight of stone stairs leading down. The priestess hurried down the stairs, and with no other instructions, Lebuin and Ditani followed.

The stairs led to a large cellar filled with shelves; the priestess strode over to one of these. "Ditani, help me with this, please." She pointed at a shelf and then lifted one end; a soft click could be heard. Ditani moved where she indicated and helped lift and pull out the shelves. The shelves moved slowly to reveal a hidden door, and Lebuin heard the sound of water coming from beyond the door. They followed the priestess into the unknown.

In the soft light Lebuin was surprised to see that he was on a narrow ledge and there were boats attached to rusted rings sunk in the walls. Taking some sacks from a pile by the door, the priestess pulled a knife out of her robes and cut the sacks while talking. "Take one of the small boats. Go where the current will take you. You'll come out near the merchant docks. Do not wait. Leave the boat tied if there is time." She handed Lebuin and Ditani a pair of very rough s.h.i.+rts made from the old sacks. "Leave those robes here; they'll just mark you now. Take these, they will make you look more like poor workers - and put some dirt in your hair and get some grime on your hands and face."

Lebuin just looked at the sack in disbelief. Poor-fitting robes, dirty sack s.h.i.+rts, grime! This is like the worst nightmare imaginable, hired a.s.sa.s.sins trying to kill me, people dying to protect me. There must be more than Magus Cune's revenge here. Lord, what is this all about? Ditani had already tossed his robes aside and was pulling the s.h.i.+rt over his head. Lebuin slowly took the robes off, remembering to take his clasp.

The priestess saw the clasp and asked, "What is that?"

"Nothing, just an artifact I made. It keeps my clothes clean."

The priestess stared at it and then him in disbelief. "Keeps you clean? Why would you waste your time making something like that? Lady, forgive me, but that is completely useless!"

Lebuin puffed up. "It's my choice to make what I like."