Chapter 696: Something in the Air

Chapter 696: Something in the Air

Something in the Air

Upon his return to the palace, Martel made sure to eat plenty for once; he wanted to be at full strength. He sent Valerius to find Eleanor, exchanging one mageknight for another; she arrived in his chambers soon after. “It has been a while since I last saw you hungry.”

“I have a long night ahead of me. We both do, I suppose.” He pushed his plate toward her, and she sat down opposite him.

“How so?” she asked, picking up some bread and letting it soak up some of the stew.

“I received a message from the prince. He claims we have traitors among us and wants to exchange his freedom for information.”

“An odd story.” Her hand had been about to feed her the bread, but now she arrested her movement. “Why would he help us? If he is already hiding, why take the risk to contact us?”

“I’m meeting him tonight. If there’s any truth to his words, we’ll find out. If not, or regardless, I guess, we’ll have him back.”

“How do you know it is really him?” Eleanor asked sharply. “This could easily be someone luring you into a trap.”

“I trust the messenger. To some extent, anyway.” He looked up at her, swallowing his food. “If I smell anything that resembles a trap, I’ll leg it out there.”

“We will, you mean.”

“Well, the meeting itself I’ll have to attend alone. Come on, finish up. I’ll explain on the way – we need to get going.” He emptied his cup and got his feet. He already wore his armour, and he looked toward his staff, deciding against it. He would not need weapons tonight.

***

Although dark, the streetlamps illuminated the temple district, and Martel could clearly see the monastery. From the outside, it looked like any of its many counterparts that lay clustered around the Basilica. Martel knew little of the different orders and nothing of the Demetrians, but he expected the complex was much the same inside as others of its kind.

“Martel, are you sure about this? I hate the idea of you going in alone.” Eleanor looked at him with concerned eyes.

He could not blame her; if reversed, he would also dislike being left outside, unable to intervene. “It’s necessary this time. For once, I don’t want you near me if things go wrong.”

She gave him a quick hug. “You leave if need be.”

“I will.” He gave her what he hoped was an encouraging smile and crossed the street to enter the monastery.

***UppTodated from nô/v/e/lb(i)n.c(o)/m

Ascending from the crypt, Martel had not expected to see the Friar waiting for him in the entrance hall. “Why are you here?”

“I thought it best to know the outcome of your meeting, whether benign or not. I gather it was not.”

“No. The prince is dead, along with half a score of inquisitors. You may help yourself to their golden trinkets if you wish – I am grateful you had your man prepare the crypt as I requested.”

“I did what was best for the city,” the Friar shrugged. “Though I’ll be sure to never visit a bakery with you.”

Martel felt too worn to laugh or smile at the jest; the smell of burnt flesh lingered in his nostrils, and killing the prince would have complications. Though it reminded him that he should make the most of this opportunity. “Since you are here, you might provide additional aid to ensuring peace is kept. I should like to enlist the help of the Faith for my negotiations. I’m willing to overlook that inquisitors just tried to kill me in exchange for Sol’s clergy supporting my plans.”

“Practical of you. You make a better ruler than I expected. Very well. I shall pass on your request. Meet me tomorrow, same bell and place as yesterday, and we’ll see if something can be arranged.”

“Great.” Martel meant it, though in his current state, it probably sounded sarcastic. “Tomorrow.” He staggered past the Friar to leave the monastery.

Outside, Eleanor saw him immediately and crossed the street. “Are you hurt?” she asked with concern.

“A little. It burned hotter than I thought.” He gave a weary smile. “It’s been a while since fire hurt me.”

“Can you walk? I knew we should have taken horses.”

“It’s not far to the palace.” They began moving in that direction. “A little rest and I’ll be right again.”

“What happened inside?”

“A trap, as expected. Ten or so inquisitors are dead.”

“No great loss. Was the prince present?”

“He was. He won’t be leaving.”

“At least that tells us who was behind it all,” Eleanor considered. “Though having to explain his death will not reflect well on us. And the zealots seem more entrenched against us than ever.”

“Well, I may have found us an inroad to get their help. Not the inquisitors, but hopefully more calm-headed members of the clergy.” Martel let out all the breath in his body. “But tomorrow. That’s for tomorrow.”