Guardians of Evil Read online

  The next day when she opened the kitchen door, her mother and father were waiting for her. Her father looked angry. She hoped he wasn’t mad at her.

  “Liada, your mother told me what happened to you. If you see that man here at the inn, you let me know. I’ll teach him the law,” he growled and gave Liada a tight hug.

  “Your father would love to catch him. I think it would just create more trouble,” her mother said. “You’ve gotten better in the kitchen, and I’ve been thinking about apprenticing you to one of the master cooks. If this man is looking for you, it would be good to get you away. How do you feel about that?”

  Liada loved her family, even her troublesome brother and inquisitive sister. She liked visiting Zeph. And what about Tali? Would she be able to talk with her? On the other hand, staying at the inn could cause her family trouble, especially if her father caught the man. Life had gotten so complicated. Besides, if she were an apprentice, it might be a step to finding some way to do something besides spend her life at the inn.

  “I think you’re right, Ma.”

  Liada needed time to herself so she took a bowl and walked around to the garden in the back, supposedly to pick berries.

  “What do you think, Tali?”

  “I think your mother is right. Who knows what l’Engrist will do if he discovers who you are and where you live? He can’t safely get rid of only you, not knowing if your parents know of the encounter and his identity. It could well affect your parents as well as you.”

  Liada nodded. It was best for everyone. “Do you know why he’s looking for me?” She wasn’t sure if it was just that he was evil or if he’d figured out that she was spying on people. She wasn’t sure it mattered, since he was dangerous either way.

  “Do you want me to spy on him to find out?”

  Liada thought for a moment. “What if he has priests around him? It’s too dangerous.”

  “Liada.”

  When she turned around, Zeph was running towards her. He was still panting when he reached her. “Priests are coming up Lansee Street. They’re looking for something. I—I think they’re after you. Or you know why they’re here.”

  “Tali, leave,” Liada said. She felt icy, petrified Tali would be caught and killed like poor Hadiyyaibitihajlateehah.

  “Yes. I will see you at the Travelers Inn when it is safe,” Tali said, hovering near her ear.

  “Save yourself. Don’t worry about me.”

  “Who are you talking to?” Zeph asked.

  Liada put a finger to her lips and her head next to his. “Quiet, Zeph. Their Quag can hear you,” Liada whispered, then continued in a normal voice. “Since…you don’t have anything to do, help me pick some berries.”

  “But—”

  Again Liada put her finger to her lips and began pulling the blackberries off the bush.

  “Only the black ones. If they’re ripe, they’re easy to pull off and are sweet.” She put one in his mouth which was still open in shock. For the next five minutes, they picked berries and placed them in her bowl. Zeph spent more time looking at her than picking.

  A three-legged Firebird Quag flew by. Liada shivered, but she kept picking berries. A Roganista priest darted around the corner of the inn. He was wearing the traditional white surcoat with a red cross over a red robe. The silver trim proclaimed him a senior priest. His head was shaved. His face was flushed, and he panted from exertion.

  “Have you seen anything unusual?”

  Zeph had missed it or thought it was a bird.

  “Yes, honorable one. I think I saw a First One fly in that direction.” Liada pointed over Zeph’s shoulder. She kept her face down out of respect due the priests.

  “You fool of a woman, that was a Quag. Your protector,” he said and marched off into the woods. Zeph stared at her. She shook her head and continued picking berries. An hour later, two senior priests came out of the woods, each with a Quag visible on his shoulder.

  “Roward, Alaziz said he thought the Sprite had died and the others left the area. He can’t find a dead sprite as there would be no energy to see,” one priest said to the other as they walked past Liada and Zeph. Their voices faded as they moved further away. After the priests were out of sight, Zeph edged closer to Liada.

  “What was that about? Who were you talking to? Why—”

  Liada put her hand over his mouth. “I have more secrets than anyone would want. Dangerous secrets that could get anyone who knows them killed—and their families.”

  “I’m your friend. I’ll help if you let me,” Zeph said in a whisper.

  “These aren’t children’s secrets like we used to share. If you still want to know after you think about it, meet me in a couple of days at the Travelers Inn. That’s a secret, too. One that could cost me my life.” Liada laughed ruefully at the absurdity of the situation. “The days of our childhood are gone, Zeph. Forever.”

  * * * *

  The next day, after the morning meals were prepared, her mother came to Liada’s room and shooed her little sister out. She used a bottle of black, smelly die to tint Liada’s brown hair, she rubbed a liquid on her skin which darkened it several shades, and gave her a pair of loose pants and a tunic to put on. Liada could barely recognize herself when her mother finished.

  “Liada, you’ll need to re-dye every three or four weeks or the roots will give you away. The skin oil only lasts about two weeks but you should touch it up every week. And stay away from girly clothes. People don’t generally look at other people. They glance at them and never really look again. You want them to think you’re from Sporish, poor, and boyish. I don’t want Tybes or Kesti…or Zeph to see you. They might accidentally give you away.”

  “Yes, Ma,” Liada said. Her changed appearance made her feel like a stranger. Like she no longer had a family. She wanted to cry but she sucked in the tears that burned her eyelids.

  “When you get to the Travelers Inn, find Master Wilorm. Introduce yourself as Jatia. He’s an old friend. He knows you’re my daughter.”

  Her mother hugged her, tears dripping down her cheeks. “We’ll find a way to keep in touch. For now, stay away from here. Your father will be back for you just after dark.”

  * * * *

  As the sun set, Liada’s father came into the kitchen. He was dressed in an odd assortment of dark clothes. “Are you ready?” he asked. “We have to be careful. If anyone asks, we’re going to say that we sent you to relatives in Pinedge.”

  “But we don’t have relatives in Pinedge, do we?”

  “No, so it’ll be hard to find you.” He gave a wry laugh. “If they check, we’re reluctantly going to admit you ran off. Hopefully, none of that will happen. Come, we need to hurry.”

  Liada followed her father out the back into the woods. For an hour, her father followed small trails. Liada was completely lost until they came out at the beginning of Eddy Place.

  “You should go on your own from here, but I’ll follow at a distance. The Travelers is on Orme Street, on the other side of Drumm Road. Good luck, daughter.” He gave her one last hug before she began walking. On Eddy Place, people lived in houses with some space between each. They varied in size and number of stories. The people who lived here had wealth; however, she noticed that the closer she got to Drumm Road the bigger and more elaborate they were and most had tall iron gates. It was early evening and servants and vendors passed her hurrying about on errands. As she crossed Drumm Road, it got even busier. Drumm Road was the main road in Stonecross running from the Market to Drumm Hill where the priests and elite lived. Ten minutes later, she found the Travelers Inn.

  It was in the city proper, unlike her parents’ inn, and in the better part of town close to wealthy homes. Its brick and plaster walls were tidy and well maintained. The wooden sign had a carved carriage with a single horse and driver seated high up behind the horse. It gave Liada the shivers. It looked just like the carriage l’Engrist had used. Trying to ignore it, she made her way around to the back where the kitchen w
as and opened the heavy wooden door.

  A gray-haired woman looked up from the pot she was scrubbing. She was short and stout, and she didn’t look happy to see Liada. “What do you want here, boy? We don’t have any work, and we don’t give out food either.”

  “I’m looking for Master Wilorm, mam,” Liada said.

  “What do you want with Wilorm, boy…girl,” she said, staring hard at Liada.

  “I’m Jatia. Master Wilorm is expecting me.” This wasn’t the welcome she had been expecting. After all, Wilorm was a friend of her mother’s.

  “Oh, the country girl who wants to be a cook. Well if we can teach you to clean up the kitchen that’ll be a help, and you can always find work.” The woman snorted. “You can start by washing those dishes.” Liada didn’t know what to do. She didn’t need enemies, but she wasn’t here to do dishes nor was she here to work for this woman.

  “I was told to talk to Master Wilorm. I’ll wait here for him. Or I could wait outside, Mam,” Liada said as politely as she could.

  “Think you’re special, well you ain’t. We can get dozens of your type for a few coppers a day.”

  “No, Mam. If Master Wilorm wants me scrubbing floors and washing dishes, I will. If he wants me taking direction from you, I will. But I’m here to see Master Wilorm.” Just then, a big man with a pudgy face, an untidy head of brown hair, and a full beard entered the room which somehow seemed smaller for his presence. He was big in height and girth. Although a bit taller than her father, he must have weighed twice as much.

  “What Jatia says is true, Girta. Yes, she will scrub floors and wash dishes, but that’s not why she’s here. She’s a distant cousin whom I’ve agreed to apprentice. She’ll follow my orders if she knows what’s good for her. That goes for you, too.”

  Girta banged the pot down and went back to work with a scowl.

  “We’re done cooking for the night. Aris and Lurn will be in shortly to clean up. While they do, Girta will show you where the cooking utensils are. After everything’s put away I will show you where you’ll be sleeping.”

  Girta’s mood didn’t improve, but she did give Liada a good tour of the kitchen and where everything was stored. She was told that Wilorm was finicky and insisted that everything be returned to its correct place.

  Wilorm returned, as Aris and Lurn were finishing up. He took her out back to a cabin connected to the inn. Inside there were a number of rooms for the help, who were provided room and board as part of their employment. The rooms varied from large which accommodated three or more, to tiny for singles. Liada was relieved she was given a single room.

  “Your mother’s a wonderful woman…Jatia. I’m happy I can help. Regardless of the circumstances, I’ll teach you to be a good cook. Your job will be to listen to me and follow my orders. At night, you’ll ensure everything is back in its proper place ready for tomorrow. Any questions?”

  “No, Master Wilorm. I’m looking forward to working for you.”

  “Good, we start work an hour before sunrise. Good night, Jatia.”

  Liada sat on the bed as the others clattered into their rooms, talking, laughing, and doors banging shut for the night. She missed Tali, but hoped she and her circle were safe. She would miss her family, but would rather Tali was safe. Liada cried herself to sleep.

  Chapter 5

  Ostono: Stonecross

  The next three days were interesting. Liada tried her best to follow Wilorm’s orders, but she knew she wasn’t giving it her best. Girta’s sour looks and catty remarks didn’t help. She clearly didn’t like Liada’s presence and probably thought she should be Wilorm’s apprentice. That night as she made her way to her little room, Tali landed on her shoulder. Liada ran to her room, laughing all the way, and closed the door.

  “Tali, you’re all right. Did your entire circle make it out? Is it safe for you to be here?” Liada said in a rush. She would have loved to hold the little sprite and kiss her, but was afraid she would hurt her.

  “Yes, yes, and yes, Liada.” Her musical laugh seemed like an echo in Liada’s ear.

  “I was so worried. I don’t want to put you in danger.” Liada was crying with joy and excitement. “I’d hoped you would have gone far away to safety.”

  “I’m bonded to you. Besides, we Sprites, Firebirds, and Seadragons aren’t safe anywhere so long as the Priests of Roganista exist.”

  “Do you think we are rid of l’Engrist and the mystery man?” Liada said, hoping it was the last she would see of both. L’Engrist was twice dangerous. If he found her, he could make her and her parents disappear. The mystery man was also dangerous. He had secrets he was willing to kill for, and she knew enough that she could be a danger to him. Maybe her mother had solved two problems by sending her to Wilorm. Given enough time, maybe both would forget about her.

  “No, Liada. The mystery man has proven himself resilient. He will find you eventually. It may take him a little time, but he will. L’Engrist’s success or failure depends upon how desperate he feels. He has money and power. If he persists long enough, those he hires will lead them to your parents.”

  “So, neither problem has been solved, only delayed?”

  “That is what I believe.” Tali paused. “Dear Liada, we must take each day as it comes. We must be prepared to meet tomorrow, but we should not despair over what has not or may not materialize. Unforeseen events might occur which could change everything.”

  “Thank you, Tali. I’ve never felt so close to anyone before. I wish I could hug you.”

  Tali made herself visible and flew around in front of Liada, up to her nose, and kissed it.

  “Consider yourself hugged.” Tinkling laughter filled the air.

  * * * *

  The days that followed were glorious. Wilorm was an artist with food. Her mother used basic herbs to spice her meals, but Wilorm used spices like an artist used colored paints, to create a masterpiece. Liada never heard of most of the spices. She had to admit they gave the food an exotic flavor that was a delight on the tongue. And each plate was arranged as to be a treat to the eyes. Sometimes, special dishes were adorned with fruit or vegetables carved into animals or flowers. Liada never realized that great cooks were artists who reveled in their creations.

  For the first time in her life, she watched a cook who found his job exciting and challenging. As she chopped up the vegetables for the lamprey pie for the night, Wilorm looked over her shoulder.

  “Smaller, child. And make them all the same size.”

  She sighed and tried harder. Then he turned back to the dish he was making and soon the kitchen filled with the wonderful scent of the spices he sprinkled into them.

  He rubbed his chin before he nodded reluctantly. “That’s better. The first few days I thought you weren’t suited to be a master cook. Your mind wasn’t truly on it, and I thought I might have to send you back to your mother. Now you’ve improved. Perhaps you’ll make a master cook after all—if you work very hard and do exactly as I tell you.”

  He waved her away but that was the first good thing he’d ever said to her. She felt as if he’d given her a special reward.

  “Thank you, Master Wilorm. I think I missed my family. I’m sorry,” Liada said.

  If he only knew, she mused.

  On her way to her room that night, she felt Tali next to her ear.

  “Zeph is outside the Inn. He is very nervous.”

  Liada turned and headed towards the front of the Inn. When he saw her, she nodded and began walking west on Eddy Street past Haro Street until she ran out of road. She kept walking into the forest. It wasn’t thick at this point, but still hid them from the casual observer. Tonight there was no one on the street. Finding a fallen tree, she sat awaiting Zeph. He strolled up only a few minutes later.

  “Zeph.” She tried to frown but couldn’t help the grin that broke over her face. “I hoped you were going to forget about me and my secrets.” He’d been a close friend for most of her life. She wanted to share her secrets, but not at
the cost of seeing him hurt or killed.

  “I’m your friend, Liada. I think you’re in real trouble, and I want to help even if it’s dangerous.” Zeph poked her arm with a grin, but she could see the worry on his face.

  “Then I need to start at the beginning. Several sixdays ago, I found a half-dead Sprite—”

  “A First One?” Zeph yelped, his eyes wide.

  She lifted a hand to his lips. “Shhhh...” She smiled, understanding his surprise. She leaned close so she could whisper. “Yes, a First One. I nursed it back to health, and it bonded itself to me. I met the mystery man, the one you’ve seen me with several times, by accident. He wanted someone followed and offered a silver to a bunch of boys. I had Tali follow the man and I earned the silver. He sought me out and offered me more silvers to snoop on people. Then one night, on the way back from the market, someone tried to kidnap me. Tali saved me. But the man’s a member of the House of Laws, and he’s trying to find me.”

  Zeph sat in shock, his eyes wide and lips parted. After several minutes of silence, he shook himself.

  “So you have a First One who’ll get you imprisoned for life, you have a man who’s a member of the House of Law trying to find you, and you’re helping a stranger to snoop for you don’t know what.”

  “That’s about it.”

  “I hate to ask, but where is the—the Sprite and what does it look like?”

  “Tali?” Liada whispered. She stood up, turned facing Zeph and blocking anyone’s view from Eddy Street. Tali appeared in front of her. He tentatively held out his hands and Tali landed softly on them. After a minute, Tali disappeared, returning to Liada’s shoulder.

  Zeph’s face was white. “You’re right. These aren’t children’s secrets. These could get us thrown in a dungeon and tortured. Killed. And our parents.”

  Liada spent the next hour going over the story and answering Zeph’s hundreds of questions. She explained the Quag, the different First Ones, and Imorla’s talk with the priests. Eventually, Zeph ran out of questions.

  “We shouldn’t be seen together. Let’s arrange where and when we’ll meet again,” she said, afraid Zeph could lead someone to her or, even worse, be seen with her. She was a dangerous friend to have. She could tell that Zeph wanted to keep a closer eye on her, but after a while he agreed to meet every other day at the same place. Liada left first, strolling casually towards the Inn.