The walls of the First City rose
high above the desert, gleaming of turquoise and opal stones among the tan,
weatherworn bricks that made the bulk of such fortifications. Had there been
any doubt of their direction, any concern that they had missed their mark, it
had vanished the moment the jewels of that wall shone upon the horizon.
Oddriser would have spit at such a sight, had they the water to spare; even without it, he still considered doing so. Some things were worth spitting for, after all. The City appeared just as it had when he and his Selector brethren had left; immaculate, unwavering, every bit as disgusting, each brick a testament to his loathing. It injured his pride, or would have, had he forgotten his purpose. For the most sacred of things, any price was reasonable, at worst- even the most pretentious settlement in existence.
He and his followers came to a halt some distance away from the gates. By now the sun had begun to set over the dunes, turning the sand a beautiful burnt orange, while hints of yellow and red played on the horizon. The turquoise of the wall had become an ugly green in the dimming light, and Oddriser found this apt- those jealous and coveting the knowledge of others ought to show their true colors, or show themselves not at all.
It was for this reason(admiring the view) that they kept their distance. That, and the disintelligence of approaching a fortification at sunset, when they might be mistaken for foes and attacked. Oddriser remembered his brother; it wouldn’t do to instigate a fight, and it would do even less to be cut down by arrows. Oddriser gave the signal to make camp, and his men began unloading their tarps and cots.
Oddriser would have spit at such a sight, had they the water to spare; even without it, he still considered doing so. Some things were worth spitting for, after all. The City appeared just as it had when he and his Selector brethren had left; immaculate, unwavering, every bit as disgusting, each brick a testament to his loathing. It injured his pride, or would have, had he forgotten his purpose. For the most sacred of things, any price was reasonable, at worst- even the most pretentious settlement in existence.
He and his followers came to a halt some distance away from the gates. By now the sun had begun to set over the dunes, turning the sand a beautiful burnt orange, while hints of yellow and red played on the horizon. The turquoise of the wall had become an ugly green in the dimming light, and Oddriser found this apt- those jealous and coveting the knowledge of others ought to show their true colors, or show themselves not at all.
It was for this reason(admiring the view) that they kept their distance. That, and the disintelligence of approaching a fortification at sunset, when they might be mistaken for foes and attacked. Oddriser remembered his brother; it wouldn’t do to instigate a fight, and it would do even less to be cut down by arrows. Oddriser gave the signal to make camp, and his men began unloading their tarps and cots.
“Lord Oddriser.” Apcin, his second.
“What is it?”
“A Collaborator approaches from the walls.”
“Just one?”
“One. Alone.”
“Does it carry arms?”
“None, my lord.”
“What is it?”
“A Collaborator approaches from the walls.”
“Just one?”
“One. Alone.”
“Does it carry arms?”
“None, my lord.”
Oddriser
lifted his hand, and his men paused in their preparations. Accompanied only by
Apcin, Oddriser strode out away from his group, and they watched him approach
the Collaborator, hand resting casually upon the hilt of his dagger. As the
Collaborator neared, Oddriser pulled on an amiable face.
“Why
Counsel! Is that you?” Oddriser split his face into a broad grin, sandy
eyebrows raised high, lifting his arms as if for an embrace.
Counsel offered a tight smile and a small dip of his head. “Greetings, Oddriser, to you and your companions.” He glanced past the Selector to examine his followers, who returned his gaze with the sort of dark muteness emulated by the desert at the end of a long day. “It has been far too long.”
“It has, it has!” Oddriser agreed. “How do you fare, cousin?”
Counsel lifted a brow in response. “Well enough. The days and nights are peaceful. Things are different now without our Selector brethren, but we do well. As for you?”
Oddriser laughed, bold, loud. “We are much the same. Much the same. Life goes on in the Second City.”
“I am pleased to hear such,” Counsel smiled. This gave way to confusion as he glanced past Oddriser again. “Oddriser…Why do your people make camp in the desert? As you can see, you are upon The City.”
Now, Oddriser turned and regarded his men. “Right you are, cousin. However, it is precisely because we are upon The City that we draw camp here.” He turned back to Counsel, eyes narrowed. “Were we to approach at this hour, we might be taken for thieves and filled with arrows or bathed in hot oil.”
Counsel nodded ruefully. “Perhaps given paranoia and past grievances. But lurking upon the edge will win you no favors either.” He smiled. “It matters not; tell your men to pack up their tarps and their blankets. Tonight, I welcome you into the First City.”
Oddriser remained suspicious, but he waved his hand in two small gestures, and his men began binding their trappings. “Will we not be harmed?”
Counsel shook his head. “You have my word. Your brother vouched for you, and we have made preparations. Did he not tell you this?”
Oddriser pulled a thoughtful frown. “No, Counsel. He did not.”
Counsel nodded. “Strange. It must have slipped his mind. Whatever the case, you and your companions are welcome inside; we have prepared meals and lodging for the night, and after you have recovered from your journey, we may discuss the business you came to settle.”
Oddriser glanced past Counsel toward The City. “Your hospitality shan’t go unappreciated.” He turned to his men. “My brethren, our plans have changed. Tonight we have a host. It would be most unbecoming of us to squat in the desert and squander that which has been set for us.” He smiled.
Oddriser’s men offered fierce grins and bellowing laughter.
“Come then,” Counsel lifted his voice. “Join us inside!”
Oddriser shot Counsel a brief glance, then addressed his comrades again. “You heard him! Let us go inside!”
Counsel offered a tight smile and a small dip of his head. “Greetings, Oddriser, to you and your companions.” He glanced past the Selector to examine his followers, who returned his gaze with the sort of dark muteness emulated by the desert at the end of a long day. “It has been far too long.”
“It has, it has!” Oddriser agreed. “How do you fare, cousin?”
Counsel lifted a brow in response. “Well enough. The days and nights are peaceful. Things are different now without our Selector brethren, but we do well. As for you?”
Oddriser laughed, bold, loud. “We are much the same. Much the same. Life goes on in the Second City.”
“I am pleased to hear such,” Counsel smiled. This gave way to confusion as he glanced past Oddriser again. “Oddriser…Why do your people make camp in the desert? As you can see, you are upon The City.”
Now, Oddriser turned and regarded his men. “Right you are, cousin. However, it is precisely because we are upon The City that we draw camp here.” He turned back to Counsel, eyes narrowed. “Were we to approach at this hour, we might be taken for thieves and filled with arrows or bathed in hot oil.”
Counsel nodded ruefully. “Perhaps given paranoia and past grievances. But lurking upon the edge will win you no favors either.” He smiled. “It matters not; tell your men to pack up their tarps and their blankets. Tonight, I welcome you into the First City.”
Oddriser remained suspicious, but he waved his hand in two small gestures, and his men began binding their trappings. “Will we not be harmed?”
Counsel shook his head. “You have my word. Your brother vouched for you, and we have made preparations. Did he not tell you this?”
Oddriser pulled a thoughtful frown. “No, Counsel. He did not.”
Counsel nodded. “Strange. It must have slipped his mind. Whatever the case, you and your companions are welcome inside; we have prepared meals and lodging for the night, and after you have recovered from your journey, we may discuss the business you came to settle.”
Oddriser glanced past Counsel toward The City. “Your hospitality shan’t go unappreciated.” He turned to his men. “My brethren, our plans have changed. Tonight we have a host. It would be most unbecoming of us to squat in the desert and squander that which has been set for us.” He smiled.
Oddriser’s men offered fierce grins and bellowing laughter.
“Come then,” Counsel lifted his voice. “Join us inside!”
Oddriser shot Counsel a brief glance, then addressed his comrades again. “You heard him! Let us go inside!”
Oddriser
maintained his smile as he followed Counsel into the stronghold of the
Collaborators, though his eyes roamed over every wall, each doorway, and any
passerby who they ventured across. True to Counsel’s word, the Selectors had
not been cut down as they near the gates, nor when they entered the First City,
but Oddriser noticed that apparently the peace did not stem to the looks
varying between fear and paranoia to clear, unadulterated outrage at their
presence. He made sure to sneer in response to everyone he passed.
The City, of course, was every bit as gaudy on the inside as it had been from the outside. It seemed the Collaborators had not been content to pave the rode with mere bricks, but instead used cut stones of gold, ruby, and sapphire, in spite of the dust that swept through the streets. Unlike the tiers and terraces of the Second City, everything here was flat; each street perfectly level, the walls and rooftops rising to near even height, not accounting for the various(and to Oddriser, disturbing) decorations festooned over the buildings. Still, there remained some anomalies. Beyond the lavish fountains erected on every corner, centered in one of the vast open courtyards, stood one smooth, unadorned building. One structure that towered over the others such that they could see it even from a distance. Their goal, their birthright. Finally, Oddriser smiled.
“How many years, Oddriser?” Counsel asked. At his query, Oddriser’s men leaned in, circled about their leader, their eyes on the lone Collaborator who accompanied them.
“I’m afraid I missed the question,” Oddriser replied. The moment had soured.
“I speak of our time apart, of course. How many years have passed since you and your brethren have laid eyes upon the First Library?”
“It has been… quite some time.”
The City, of course, was every bit as gaudy on the inside as it had been from the outside. It seemed the Collaborators had not been content to pave the rode with mere bricks, but instead used cut stones of gold, ruby, and sapphire, in spite of the dust that swept through the streets. Unlike the tiers and terraces of the Second City, everything here was flat; each street perfectly level, the walls and rooftops rising to near even height, not accounting for the various(and to Oddriser, disturbing) decorations festooned over the buildings. Still, there remained some anomalies. Beyond the lavish fountains erected on every corner, centered in one of the vast open courtyards, stood one smooth, unadorned building. One structure that towered over the others such that they could see it even from a distance. Their goal, their birthright. Finally, Oddriser smiled.
“How many years, Oddriser?” Counsel asked. At his query, Oddriser’s men leaned in, circled about their leader, their eyes on the lone Collaborator who accompanied them.
“I’m afraid I missed the question,” Oddriser replied. The moment had soured.
“I speak of our time apart, of course. How many years have passed since you and your brethren have laid eyes upon the First Library?”
“It has been… quite some time.”
They
were led to a long and low building, one that stood in a square of its own, a
bit apart from the residential streets. At a glance, it did not seem like much
at all, but as they neared it, Oddriser noticed it held several rooms. Counsel
walked up to the first door and thrust it open.
“Please, Lord Oddriser, have a look. I assure you, you will not be disappointed.”
Oddriser did as requested and found a room more spacious than he’d anticipated. From his vantage in the doorway, two cots, both covered with soft padding and thick blankets, stood in the corners of the right side of the chamber. Between the bedding, a fireplace. Two chamberpots had been placed on the other side, with a small fountain and table in the center of the room. The table held two bowls. The first boasted the bright colors of fresh fruit, while the second offered loaves of bread.
Seeing such offerings, Oddriser turned back to his guide. “All of the rooms are so equipped?”
Counsel nodded, a warm smile upon his face. “But of course, Lord Oddriser. I trust everything is to your liking?”
“They will do for the evening,” Oddriser amended. “We thank you for your hospitality.”
Now, however, armed guards arrived from around the corner, numbering twelve, as did Oddriser and his men. His brethren reached for their weapons.
“What treachery have you brought upon us, Collaborator filth?” Apcin snarled, drawing his blade and pointing it at Counsel.
Seeing this, the Collaborator Guard moved in, weapons drawn. Oddriser, however, raised his right hand, empty, in surrender. His left settled upon Apcin’s wrist, pulling it away from their host.
“Wait, my brethren,” he said. “We are here in peace. Would you sully my brother’s word?” He turned to Counsel. “You will explain this.”
One would not know Counsel had borne a blade on his throat by the calm clarity in his response. “This armed guard is not here to police you, Selectors. They are at your disposal and for your protection, should you choose to roam our fair City. I told the High Collaborators that such measures would be unnecessary, as surely the great forces of Oddriser would mind their word, but even so, there may be some among our people who do not agree with your presence here.”
Oddriser eyed suspiciously the guards, and then allowed a slow smile to crawl across his face. “There you have it. Lower your weapons.”
His men, not without hesitation, stowed their armaments.
“Thank you for your understanding,” Counsel whispered to Oddriser.
“Place no mind to it, Counsel,” Oddriser replied. “We are agreed that there is no interest in unnecessary bloodshed, are we not?”
“You speak the truth, Oddriser.”
“I always have.”
Counsel clasped his hands. “I imagine you are weary from your journey here; it would not do to keep you standing out here in the dark all night. As I said, you are welcome to our city, though I implore you allow our guard to accompany you. Of course, you are welcome to stay in as well; our soldiers will keep watch outside your chambers.”
“Acceptable,” Oddriser dipped his head. “My men, to rest!”
Oddriser’s comrades took to the chambers, save for Apcin, who remained by his side.
Counsel watched them go, then nodded to Oddriser.“If there is nothing else, Lord Oddriser, I shall see you on the morrow.”
“By all means.”
“Please, Lord Oddriser, have a look. I assure you, you will not be disappointed.”
Oddriser did as requested and found a room more spacious than he’d anticipated. From his vantage in the doorway, two cots, both covered with soft padding and thick blankets, stood in the corners of the right side of the chamber. Between the bedding, a fireplace. Two chamberpots had been placed on the other side, with a small fountain and table in the center of the room. The table held two bowls. The first boasted the bright colors of fresh fruit, while the second offered loaves of bread.
Seeing such offerings, Oddriser turned back to his guide. “All of the rooms are so equipped?”
Counsel nodded, a warm smile upon his face. “But of course, Lord Oddriser. I trust everything is to your liking?”
“They will do for the evening,” Oddriser amended. “We thank you for your hospitality.”
Now, however, armed guards arrived from around the corner, numbering twelve, as did Oddriser and his men. His brethren reached for their weapons.
“What treachery have you brought upon us, Collaborator filth?” Apcin snarled, drawing his blade and pointing it at Counsel.
Seeing this, the Collaborator Guard moved in, weapons drawn. Oddriser, however, raised his right hand, empty, in surrender. His left settled upon Apcin’s wrist, pulling it away from their host.
“Wait, my brethren,” he said. “We are here in peace. Would you sully my brother’s word?” He turned to Counsel. “You will explain this.”
One would not know Counsel had borne a blade on his throat by the calm clarity in his response. “This armed guard is not here to police you, Selectors. They are at your disposal and for your protection, should you choose to roam our fair City. I told the High Collaborators that such measures would be unnecessary, as surely the great forces of Oddriser would mind their word, but even so, there may be some among our people who do not agree with your presence here.”
Oddriser eyed suspiciously the guards, and then allowed a slow smile to crawl across his face. “There you have it. Lower your weapons.”
His men, not without hesitation, stowed their armaments.
“Thank you for your understanding,” Counsel whispered to Oddriser.
“Place no mind to it, Counsel,” Oddriser replied. “We are agreed that there is no interest in unnecessary bloodshed, are we not?”
“You speak the truth, Oddriser.”
“I always have.”
Counsel clasped his hands. “I imagine you are weary from your journey here; it would not do to keep you standing out here in the dark all night. As I said, you are welcome to our city, though I implore you allow our guard to accompany you. Of course, you are welcome to stay in as well; our soldiers will keep watch outside your chambers.”
“Acceptable,” Oddriser dipped his head. “My men, to rest!”
Oddriser’s comrades took to the chambers, save for Apcin, who remained by his side.
Counsel watched them go, then nodded to Oddriser.“If there is nothing else, Lord Oddriser, I shall see you on the morrow.”
“By all means.”
***
“What
do you make of it, my lord?”
“Make of what, Apcin?”
“Our circumstances. What else?”
“Do not question me in regard to what you deem pertinent, obvious.” Oddriser let his eyes run over the walls of their dwelling. “As for the rest, you know very well why we are here.”
“Of course, my lord. But Counsel-“
“Counsel merely serves his role. We all have parts to play. No machine will function as it should if even one key piece is damaged.”
“What machine does Counsel serve?”
“The Collaboration, of course. Now who asks of the pertinent and obvious?”
“Forgive me, Lord Oddriser.” Apcin looked away, then carefully brought his gaze back to Oddriser. “And what of your brother? Whom, does he serve?”
Oddriser remained laying on his cot, his eyes on the roof of the chamber. Quietly, very quietly: “Mind your tongue in regards to my brother.”
“Of course, Lord Oddriser. I did not mean-”
“Apcin. Your words do nothing for me.”
“Make of what, Apcin?”
“Our circumstances. What else?”
“Do not question me in regard to what you deem pertinent, obvious.” Oddriser let his eyes run over the walls of their dwelling. “As for the rest, you know very well why we are here.”
“Of course, my lord. But Counsel-“
“Counsel merely serves his role. We all have parts to play. No machine will function as it should if even one key piece is damaged.”
“What machine does Counsel serve?”
“The Collaboration, of course. Now who asks of the pertinent and obvious?”
“Forgive me, Lord Oddriser.” Apcin looked away, then carefully brought his gaze back to Oddriser. “And what of your brother? Whom, does he serve?”
Oddriser remained laying on his cot, his eyes on the roof of the chamber. Quietly, very quietly: “Mind your tongue in regards to my brother.”
“Of course, Lord Oddriser. I did not mean-”
“Apcin. Your words do nothing for me.”
***
The
morning came, and as promised, Counsel awaited Oddriser outside of the dwelling
along with the guard that had been stationed there.
“Good morning,” Counsel offered a grand bow. “I hope you all slept well.”
“Well enough, being under watch,” Apcin muttered. Oddriser glanced at him, and he decided to say nothing more.
“What have you for us today?” Oddriser asked.
Counsel now offered a brisk smile. “Should you so choose, Lord Oddriser, you and your men may join us in the grand hall where the people often gather for breakfast.” He looked over the guests, and finding ill-concealed unease, added: “if you would prefer to remain apart from the others, we may have food brought here instead. Otherwise, we may proceed straight to business.”
“We will take breakfast with the citizens,” Oddriser decided. “Lest they think us too good, or too poor to eat with them.”
“As you wish.”
“Good morning,” Counsel offered a grand bow. “I hope you all slept well.”
“Well enough, being under watch,” Apcin muttered. Oddriser glanced at him, and he decided to say nothing more.
“What have you for us today?” Oddriser asked.
Counsel now offered a brisk smile. “Should you so choose, Lord Oddriser, you and your men may join us in the grand hall where the people often gather for breakfast.” He looked over the guests, and finding ill-concealed unease, added: “if you would prefer to remain apart from the others, we may have food brought here instead. Otherwise, we may proceed straight to business.”
“We will take breakfast with the citizens,” Oddriser decided. “Lest they think us too good, or too poor to eat with them.”
“As you wish.”
Counsel
and the guard led them further into the City. In the morning light, the stones
of the pavement gleamed in bright and blinding light; such came nearly as
unpleasant as the gazes they received from the Collaborators they passed on the
way. They came to a hall exactly as Counsel had described- wide, and long, with
several tables of immense size spanning that great length. The ones that lined
the outside of the walls were piled high with various foods- meats, breads,
morning fruits, other delicacies. Those in the very center were much the same,
though these were also surrounded by tables occupied by patrons who had already
secured their meals.
Oddriser and his men eyed the feast, and those eating, and finally one another, which resulted in twelve matching scowls.
“And this is something that occurs every morning?”
Counsel nodded. “Every morning. Though I confess, when we received news of your coming, we prepared extra in order to ensure your satisfaction.”
Oddriser and his men glanced among themselves once again.
“Now,” Counsel continued. “Would you prefer to join with the others? If not, I can arrange a table cleared.”
Orrdriser spied the bare end of one of the dining tables. “That will do just fine.” To his men, he added: “My brethren, eat your fill. Be mindful of who and where we are, and show our hosts the utmost respect.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I must make my rounds,” Counsel informed them. “Call me if I am needed.”
Oddriser and his men eyed the feast, and those eating, and finally one another, which resulted in twelve matching scowls.
“And this is something that occurs every morning?”
Counsel nodded. “Every morning. Though I confess, when we received news of your coming, we prepared extra in order to ensure your satisfaction.”
Oddriser and his men glanced among themselves once again.
“Now,” Counsel continued. “Would you prefer to join with the others? If not, I can arrange a table cleared.”
Orrdriser spied the bare end of one of the dining tables. “That will do just fine.” To his men, he added: “My brethren, eat your fill. Be mindful of who and where we are, and show our hosts the utmost respect.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I must make my rounds,” Counsel informed them. “Call me if I am needed.”
The
Selectors split; six gathered their food, while the remaining six held seats.
Oddriser claimed his place among the latter group.
“Lord Oddriser,” Apcin asked. “Why do we waste our time on these pleasantries?”
“To scorn the gifts of others is to bring scorn upon oneself.”
“That may be, my lord, but I fear treachery afoot.”
“Treachery abounds, Apcin. T’is why we take precaution.”
“By mingling with them and eating their food?”
“Were we to perform one or the other, we would be foolhardy- it is the doing of both, simultaneous, that provides us safety. If you wish to confront my every decision, perhaps you are better off elsewhere.” Now Oddriser stood, looked to the other four men holding their place. “My soldiers, what say you? Are all you of the same mind as Apcin? Do you wish it that he lead?”
Silence and lowered gazes made the answer rather clear.
“My lord Oddriser, I did not mean to suggest that-“
“I suggest that for the meantime, you suggest not.”
“Lord Oddriser,” Apcin asked. “Why do we waste our time on these pleasantries?”
“To scorn the gifts of others is to bring scorn upon oneself.”
“That may be, my lord, but I fear treachery afoot.”
“Treachery abounds, Apcin. T’is why we take precaution.”
“By mingling with them and eating their food?”
“Were we to perform one or the other, we would be foolhardy- it is the doing of both, simultaneous, that provides us safety. If you wish to confront my every decision, perhaps you are better off elsewhere.” Now Oddriser stood, looked to the other four men holding their place. “My soldiers, what say you? Are all you of the same mind as Apcin? Do you wish it that he lead?”
Silence and lowered gazes made the answer rather clear.
“My lord Oddriser, I did not mean to suggest that-“
“I suggest that for the meantime, you suggest not.”
Breakfast
proceeded with no more incident, if Oddriser were to overlook the continued
observation from Collaborators. Still, the guards were quick to discourage
anything further than upturned noses, though they did not appear particularly
fond of Oddriser and his companions themselves. It irritated him- more of the
loftiness that was Collaborator society, but he reminded himself of his cause,
and when Counsel returned to bring them to their goal, Oddriser met him with a
smile.
“I
trust then, that you are ready to proceed.”
With a deep nod that was almost a bow, and his arms clasped behind his back, Oddriser concealed intent, emotion, desire. “If you will have us, we are ready.”
With a deep nod that was almost a bow, and his arms clasped behind his back, Oddriser concealed intent, emotion, desire. “If you will have us, we are ready.”
They travelled from the great hall
to the First Library. Seeing the place at a distance had been enough of a
conflict. Moving closer, these difficulties only grew. Oddriser sensed the same
troubles in his men, those like him who had suffered similar circumstances.
Here stood the one place in the First City that he could respect, for he loved
knowledge as they all did. Yet, here also stood the affront to Selector
society- a place where preciousness and purity had been stolen away, exposed,
never to be returned nor concealed again. Until now, of course.
They proceeded straightaway to the doors, and Oddriser’s pace increased with every stride. Nearly there. Nearly…
Counsel’s raised arm blocked his path, an arm backed by the implicit force of two crossed halberds.
“Lord Oddriser, the ledger?”
Oddriser paused, scratching at his forehead to hide the building snarl. “Ledger?” He asked. Between the fingers of that hand, he noticed the guards’ grips on their polearms tightening. A glance over his shoulder revealed similar preparations from his men. Only Counsel appeared calm, and Oddriser found that infuriating.
“Cagneidu told me that when you arrived, you would present a ledger containing the list of all the items you wish to reclaim,” Counsel replied. “It was, in fact, the key condition set forth by the High Collaborators, and without it, I am not authorized to allow you entry.”
Oddriser smiled. “Of course, cousin. Apologies.”
“Please tell me you brought it. It would be terrible if I had to turn you away after everything you endured to get here.”
“Of course we brought it. Apcin, the ledger.”
Apcin produced a scroll, tightly bound and weathered at the edges. “My lord.”
Oddriser took the scroll, and without a moment’s pause, passed it on to Counsel.
“Thank you for your cooperation.” Counsel unrolled the parchment and worked his way down. “Everything seems to be in order.” He turned to the guards. “We are coming in.” to Oddriser, he added: “I must ask another favor of you, Lord Oddriser.”
“Yes?”
“We have the ledger. You will be allowed to personally see to the accuracy of the items we gather. However, I must ask that only five of your party enter.”
“What is this?!”
“Another condition set forth by the High Collaborators.”
“You lie!” Apcin shouted.
“I have no cause to do you injustice,” Counsel replied calmly. He rose a hand, not to defend himself, but to stave off the guards behind him as Apcin closed in.
“Enough, Apcin.” Oddriser hauled him back. “I will accompany you inside, Counsel. Uryf. Taserct. You two come in with me.”
“What of me?” Apcin asked.
“You have done quite enough.”
“You may bring two more, Lord Oddriser.”
“I am aware, and I decline. The rest of my number shall wait outside.”
“As you wish.”
They proceeded straightaway to the doors, and Oddriser’s pace increased with every stride. Nearly there. Nearly…
Counsel’s raised arm blocked his path, an arm backed by the implicit force of two crossed halberds.
“Lord Oddriser, the ledger?”
Oddriser paused, scratching at his forehead to hide the building snarl. “Ledger?” He asked. Between the fingers of that hand, he noticed the guards’ grips on their polearms tightening. A glance over his shoulder revealed similar preparations from his men. Only Counsel appeared calm, and Oddriser found that infuriating.
“Cagneidu told me that when you arrived, you would present a ledger containing the list of all the items you wish to reclaim,” Counsel replied. “It was, in fact, the key condition set forth by the High Collaborators, and without it, I am not authorized to allow you entry.”
Oddriser smiled. “Of course, cousin. Apologies.”
“Please tell me you brought it. It would be terrible if I had to turn you away after everything you endured to get here.”
“Of course we brought it. Apcin, the ledger.”
Apcin produced a scroll, tightly bound and weathered at the edges. “My lord.”
Oddriser took the scroll, and without a moment’s pause, passed it on to Counsel.
“Thank you for your cooperation.” Counsel unrolled the parchment and worked his way down. “Everything seems to be in order.” He turned to the guards. “We are coming in.” to Oddriser, he added: “I must ask another favor of you, Lord Oddriser.”
“Yes?”
“We have the ledger. You will be allowed to personally see to the accuracy of the items we gather. However, I must ask that only five of your party enter.”
“What is this?!”
“Another condition set forth by the High Collaborators.”
“You lie!” Apcin shouted.
“I have no cause to do you injustice,” Counsel replied calmly. He rose a hand, not to defend himself, but to stave off the guards behind him as Apcin closed in.
“Enough, Apcin.” Oddriser hauled him back. “I will accompany you inside, Counsel. Uryf. Taserct. You two come in with me.”
“What of me?” Apcin asked.
“You have done quite enough.”
“You may bring two more, Lord Oddriser.”
“I am aware, and I decline. The rest of my number shall wait outside.”
“As you wish.”
Oddriser, backed by Uryf and
Taserct, passed between the guards. A close inspection revealed the blades of
their weapons exceptionally sharp, but it didn’t matter, and it wouldn’t...
They strode into the entry hall of the great building, where four more guards
stood. Counsel approached the double doors and paused again.
“More delays?” Oddriser asked.
“I appreciate your patience, and I understand your frustration,” Counsel replied. “But I am afraid there is one more condition to our negotiation.”
“Out with it.”
“No Selector is allowed within the halls of The First Library,” Counsel informed him. “You and your comrades must wait here. I will continue onward and gather the sum of your ledger with the help of the keepers.”
“What is the meaning of this?” Oddriser demanded. “You welcome us with open arms to the City, and then deny us our birthright?”
“A precaution, you understand,” Counsel dipped his head in apology. “I have done all I could just to get you this far.”
Oddriser was not convinced. He sized Counsel up, and then the guards. His comrades within the entryway began to do the same.
“Lord Oddriser, there is no dispute that you are a great warrior,” Counsel told him quietly. “But the whole of the Collaboration, win or lose, is not a fight you want to endure- especially not from the heart of the city.”
Oddriser offered a smile, slow, deliberate, one that stretched too far and stood too long. “Fighting? Never.” He gave each of his followers hard gazes, and then returned his attention to Counsel, never dropping that smile. “We have come in peace. Slept under your roof. Eaten shoulder to shoulder with your people. What cause have we now of all times, to bear arms against you?”
Counsel bowed deep. “You are as patient and wise as you are powerful, Lord Oddriser.”
“More delays?” Oddriser asked.
“I appreciate your patience, and I understand your frustration,” Counsel replied. “But I am afraid there is one more condition to our negotiation.”
“Out with it.”
“No Selector is allowed within the halls of The First Library,” Counsel informed him. “You and your comrades must wait here. I will continue onward and gather the sum of your ledger with the help of the keepers.”
“What is the meaning of this?” Oddriser demanded. “You welcome us with open arms to the City, and then deny us our birthright?”
“A precaution, you understand,” Counsel dipped his head in apology. “I have done all I could just to get you this far.”
Oddriser was not convinced. He sized Counsel up, and then the guards. His comrades within the entryway began to do the same.
“Lord Oddriser, there is no dispute that you are a great warrior,” Counsel told him quietly. “But the whole of the Collaboration, win or lose, is not a fight you want to endure- especially not from the heart of the city.”
Oddriser offered a smile, slow, deliberate, one that stretched too far and stood too long. “Fighting? Never.” He gave each of his followers hard gazes, and then returned his attention to Counsel, never dropping that smile. “We have come in peace. Slept under your roof. Eaten shoulder to shoulder with your people. What cause have we now of all times, to bear arms against you?”
Counsel bowed deep. “You are as patient and wise as you are powerful, Lord Oddriser.”
***
Oddriser and his men waited for
time indeterminate while Counsel and his aides set about gathering the items of
the ledger. The waiting proved worse than their approach, worse than their
entry- in the first few minutes alone, Oddriser had contrived a dozen potential
traps set for them beyond the hall in either direction.
For all they knew, the remaining Selectors outside had already been taken prisoner, or perhaps killed. Perhaps a host of additional soldiers closed in on their location, or perhaps those already present would cut them to ribbons when they lowered their guard. Perhaps it was a set up, and Oddriser was to lose patience, only to storm forward into a trap, or give the Collaborators cause and opportunity to terminate him. He wouldn’t give them the pleasure.
Then Counsel returned, followed by several aides, each laden with armfuls of tomes, scrolls, volumes and other contrivances of various sizes. Oddriser managed to contain his patience, waiting until all of the Collaborators had gathered within the now crowded chamber. At a glance, he already recognized some of the material; it seemed that they had managed to hold up their end of the bargain. Oddriser caught himself hoping, almost resting in the surety of a transaction met in peace and away from conflict. Perhaps there was something to say not for his methods, but for Cagneidu’s- or rather, his actions, and his brother’s judgment.
Counsel caught the almost smile on the Selector’s face, and dipped his head again. “I am sorry for the wait, Lord Oddriser. Here are the items you have requested. Please check the ledger and confirm that all is in the rightful hands of the Selection.”
Oddriser snatched up the ledger from a nearby aide and began skimming down it, his eyes every so often flicking to the various piles and their contents as he mumbled under his breath. Halfway through, he paused. “And these are the only copies?”
“We would not be honoring our end of the bargain had we kept duplicates or notes of the content regarding that which we returned.”
Oddriser nodded. “Thank you, Counsel.” He continued down the ledger.
“If there is nothing else, my people will see that your treasures are properly stowed, and grant you safe passage to the edge of the city. You’ll find that I have already prepared three day’s worth of food and supplies-”
“Wait,” Oddriser growled. “Do you think me a fool, Counsel?!”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You have withheld our due! We are to be granted everything on the ledger. Everything! Not half, not most, but every single item!”
“And there you have it,” Counsel assured him.
“No,” Oddriser disagreed. “You have forgotten Peol- walr’s Almanac!” he thrust the ledger back in Counsel’s face, but the latter did not accept it, allowing it to flutter to the floor.
“I think you to be no fool, Oddriser,” Counsel replied, cool and calm. “I do believe however, that you speak in error.”
“Explain yourself. Explain yourself, quickly and carefully.”
“The Selectors hold no claim to the Almanac,” Counsel replied. “It is no knowledge of theirs, for the sages who studied the forces, and the scribes who recorded those secrets, were not of Selector origin, but from people beyond this era of two clans.”
Oddriser thought for a moment. “If such is the case, then how came the Collaboration by such tools, and what gives their claim validity over the Selection?”
“The Almanac was neither created by, nor stolen from your people. Given your belief in privacy and concealment, you have no right to judge us, in our own City, for not sharing our power with you.”
Oddriser clenched a fist, but thought the better of it. “Uryf and Taserct. Speak not of this. Wait outside.”
The two nodded, and flashing their Collaborator hosts baleful gazes, proceeded outside.
“I am sorry, Lord Oddriser,” Counsel replied, the steel leaving his voice. “I must act in the best interests of my people, as you must do for yours.”
“Do not tell me what I do for my people,” Oddriser snarled. He surveyed the guards, the aides, and Counsel. Even outnumbered, he could…
The air stirred the slightest bit, bending, wavering, a desert mirage within the cool halls. Specks, infinitesimal and black, populated the space, unnoticed. But what would Cagneidu say? And what of that within the First Library which would come to ruin by the unchaining of his power?
“We shall take our leave for now,” Lord Pelomect Oddriser decided, turning on his heel. He proceeded toward the doors, but as he reached them, he paused. “This is not over, Counsel.”
For all they knew, the remaining Selectors outside had already been taken prisoner, or perhaps killed. Perhaps a host of additional soldiers closed in on their location, or perhaps those already present would cut them to ribbons when they lowered their guard. Perhaps it was a set up, and Oddriser was to lose patience, only to storm forward into a trap, or give the Collaborators cause and opportunity to terminate him. He wouldn’t give them the pleasure.
Then Counsel returned, followed by several aides, each laden with armfuls of tomes, scrolls, volumes and other contrivances of various sizes. Oddriser managed to contain his patience, waiting until all of the Collaborators had gathered within the now crowded chamber. At a glance, he already recognized some of the material; it seemed that they had managed to hold up their end of the bargain. Oddriser caught himself hoping, almost resting in the surety of a transaction met in peace and away from conflict. Perhaps there was something to say not for his methods, but for Cagneidu’s- or rather, his actions, and his brother’s judgment.
Counsel caught the almost smile on the Selector’s face, and dipped his head again. “I am sorry for the wait, Lord Oddriser. Here are the items you have requested. Please check the ledger and confirm that all is in the rightful hands of the Selection.”
Oddriser snatched up the ledger from a nearby aide and began skimming down it, his eyes every so often flicking to the various piles and their contents as he mumbled under his breath. Halfway through, he paused. “And these are the only copies?”
“We would not be honoring our end of the bargain had we kept duplicates or notes of the content regarding that which we returned.”
Oddriser nodded. “Thank you, Counsel.” He continued down the ledger.
“If there is nothing else, my people will see that your treasures are properly stowed, and grant you safe passage to the edge of the city. You’ll find that I have already prepared three day’s worth of food and supplies-”
“Wait,” Oddriser growled. “Do you think me a fool, Counsel?!”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You have withheld our due! We are to be granted everything on the ledger. Everything! Not half, not most, but every single item!”
“And there you have it,” Counsel assured him.
“No,” Oddriser disagreed. “You have forgotten Peol- walr’s Almanac!” he thrust the ledger back in Counsel’s face, but the latter did not accept it, allowing it to flutter to the floor.
“I think you to be no fool, Oddriser,” Counsel replied, cool and calm. “I do believe however, that you speak in error.”
“Explain yourself. Explain yourself, quickly and carefully.”
“The Selectors hold no claim to the Almanac,” Counsel replied. “It is no knowledge of theirs, for the sages who studied the forces, and the scribes who recorded those secrets, were not of Selector origin, but from people beyond this era of two clans.”
Oddriser thought for a moment. “If such is the case, then how came the Collaboration by such tools, and what gives their claim validity over the Selection?”
“The Almanac was neither created by, nor stolen from your people. Given your belief in privacy and concealment, you have no right to judge us, in our own City, for not sharing our power with you.”
Oddriser clenched a fist, but thought the better of it. “Uryf and Taserct. Speak not of this. Wait outside.”
The two nodded, and flashing their Collaborator hosts baleful gazes, proceeded outside.
“I am sorry, Lord Oddriser,” Counsel replied, the steel leaving his voice. “I must act in the best interests of my people, as you must do for yours.”
“Do not tell me what I do for my people,” Oddriser snarled. He surveyed the guards, the aides, and Counsel. Even outnumbered, he could…
The air stirred the slightest bit, bending, wavering, a desert mirage within the cool halls. Specks, infinitesimal and black, populated the space, unnoticed. But what would Cagneidu say? And what of that within the First Library which would come to ruin by the unchaining of his power?
“We shall take our leave for now,” Lord Pelomect Oddriser decided, turning on his heel. He proceeded toward the doors, but as he reached them, he paused. “This is not over, Counsel.”
