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Rift (Part 8)

The foxes that emerged from behind the throne where dressed in almost as much finery as the king. Rings of office adorned their claws, and thin circlets of gold and silver rested atop their heads. Their demographic was immediately apparent: mostly older males. They filed out of the heavy wooden door one by one, and assembled in a semi-circle at the throne, expanding to my left and right in an orderly line. I counted nine in all.

My gaze passed over the four on the left. Two females stood at the far end. The second to the end was quite elderly, her back hunched slightly by the passage of time, and her fur dulled in color, in sharp contrast to her bright yellow and red robes. However, the female at the far left was young. It was hard to tell just how old she was, but she could not have been too much older than Rilen, although she did bear a mature countenance. Her posture was straight and tall, her eyes sharp and alert. She wore tight robes of solid red held together by golden brooches. What was immediately striking about her though was she was one of only two who bore a large sword at her side: a polished broadsword of some four feet long, engraved with a runic script down the flat of the blade.

The other who bore a sword was a middle aged fox on the far right. He wore less complex garments, loose fitting, yet still colorful: bright gold and green. It appeared more militaristic than the others, who looked like aristocrats. His chest bore several medals of various designs: a star, an orb, a droplet. He had a weathered look about him, and his neck bore a thin, vertical scar making a gap in his fur.

Rilen and I resumed our positions standing before the throne, now encompassed by the councilmen. The king spoke once all had taken their place.

"Thank you for coming, councilmen. My boy has serious news that, if proved true, shows that house Khandar is becoming restless once more. I would have him, and this wanderer who also witnessed this event, speak of what they saw for your consideration." The king gestured an open paw to us and sat back in the throne, one paw supporting his head. The councilmen looked interested, but none spoke. Rilen and I where left in a moment of silence, before he took it upon himself to begin after we exchanged glances.

"I wasn't expecting such an assembly. Thank you for your time, council." Rilen nodded in their general direction. "As is my want and custom, I was out on an unplanned hunting trip. I went alone, against my father's designs. On the second night, I met this traveler, Ritter of Arkia. We spoke and determined we were both bound for Clarius, so we traveled back together. The following day, we were passing though Westfarms. A farmhouse was being harassed for supplies by a band of about six, seven brigands. On closer inspection, they proved to be a detachment of the Khandar armored magic division. The band was led by a lieutenant named Jeal. By this time, we had been spotted. I decided flight was not an option. Jeal challenged me to a duel, and we were about to make good on it, but a fight broke out, and Ritter was forced to act. He showed impressive skill in battle, and saved my life by cutting Jeal down before he could deliver a crushing spell to me." This caught the council's attention. I saw the young female rest her paw on the pommel of her sword. Most others whispered to themselves. I caught the words: Generous mercenary. And: Magic weapon? Rilen continued.

"With Jeal dead, the rest lost their morale quickly, and fled, although I'm not sure how far they went. They could still be lurking about the countryside." After a moment's pause, an older male with a stern demeanor and heavy off-white robes spoke in a hoarse voice.

"Did Jeal say anything? Of his plans here? His goals?" I thought back, not remembering Jeal saying much of anything to that effect.

"No." Rilen answered. "However, he did say that he dreamt of one day slaying the king, and that meeting me was the best chance he could have gotten to do it."

"What?!" The king sputtered. "Such open arrogance! What outright barbarism! We must decide on action today! This cannot wait. Khandar has crossed into our territory and made clear threats against us. This will not stand." A middle aged councilman spoke in a calm monotone.

"Your grace, should we not investigate the area, and send men to scout for information first? We are taking much stock in the claims of your wayfaring son and this newly met mercenary. Surely we should confirm these suspicions, and more importantly, search for other leads." The king was quick to respond.

"You doubt the testimony of my son? His acquaintance hasn't spoken a word yet."

"I think the main goal should be to gather as much information as we can about what is going on within, and without. Your son and this mercenary have only seen the aftereffects of something that has obviously been brewing for some time." The king was silent for a time, scratching his chin.

"Very well. But I would have Ritter give us an account, as well as any news from Lornia." All eyes turned to me, even Rilen's. My mind raced. What was I expected to say, not knowing anything of Lornia? No, keep it general.

"Ah. I know little about these events, truly. I haven't heard anything from Khandar in some time..." The older councilman in the white robe addressed me first.

"Is there anything you could add to prince Rilen's story?" Rilen spoke before I could.

"In fact, I did forget one thing. I brought a gift from Jeal, taken from his corpse. This should alleviate any doubt my story is valid." Rilen produced the gold and ruby amulet that belonged to Jeal, and approached the throne. The King sat up and extended his paw to take it. The King looked the piece of jewelry over while Rilen returned to his place.

"My..." The King muttered. "This is indeed genuine. See for yourself." He passed it to his right. The councilmen seemed satisfied with it, nodding and whispering to each other. I don't know why, but I felt I could afford to be bold for just a moment, picking up some of my old confidence.

"Your son fought admirably, your grace. His skills in magic served him well. Jeal fought unfairly." I felt I was picking up the lingo. I corrected the end of my last sentence in my head, changing it from "unfairly" to "without honor". The King looked up to me. I felt under scrutiny again.

"I'm sure you did your part to protect him. Hmm... In fact, such service is unusual for a Lornian mercenary. I appreciate your gesture to Estovar. Seeing as you are a man who is used to payment for your services, I will see that you are paid a moderate sum for Jeal's head." Rilen spoke.

"Father, Ritter did nothing less than save my life. Surely you can do more for h-" The King interrupted.

"I realize this, and I cannot fully express how grateful I am. However, I find it hard to, in good conscience; grant any titles or treasures to a wanderer of whom I have only just heard of. Make a name for yourself in MY kingdom, and I may be more generous."

"Your grace, please." I responded quickly. "I need no such things. Your original offer was reward enough. I'm only glad to have been of service to you." Rilen gave me a disappointed look; almost apologetic.

"This is good." The King said. "Now then, I suppose the both of you may take your leave. The council and I have much to discuss. My boy, you are not to leave the city again until further word, on any business. We may have further need of you, and the countryside may not be safe. I hope you understand this."

"Yes, father."

"As for you, Ritter, I will send a runner with your coin shortly. Please, sojourn in Clarius a while. Perhaps we can persuade you to fight for us, should Khandar make any further advances, yes?" I bowed.

"I will certainly consider it. Thank you."

"Now go, and leave us to our plans. Page!" The young lad trotted up to the throne again.

"Yes my lord?"

"Escort Ritter out of the palace and give word to the treasury to send him a hundred sovereigns." Rilen was about to turn around to leave, but suddenly interrupted the pages utterance of "Your will."

"Oh, that's alright father. I'll see him out myself." He then touched my arm and made to leave once more.

"Well, I suppose." The King mumbled. "Off to the treasury then boy." The page jogged out from the back as I turned back the way I came. The council all started speaking to each other at once as we reached the main doors. Rilen opened them for me and gestured a paw with a sweeping motion.

"This way." We found ourselves back outside in the hallways. The guards hadn't moved an inch. One shut the door behind us. Rilen led me back the way we came, though the mirrored hall, allowing me to look at my reflection once more. While considering my foxlike face blinking at me, I was startled to hear a voice in my head: Rilen's. I'm going to do something risky right now. Follow close, stay to the side of the hall, off the rug, and prepare to move quietly. It takes a lot of concentration to do this, so please move as efficiently as possible and don't talk.

My gaze turned back to the hall before me, and I sidestepped over to the right side, my boots hitting the marble of the floor between the center run and the wall. Rilen moved with brisk steps to the corner, but did not make the turn to go back the way we came. Instead, he went on, deeper into the palace. It was hard to move on the floor only, as the way was often blocked by a small dais set with a statue or suit of armor. Get behind that statue and stay there for just a moment, then carry on with stealth. Go.

I did as I was bidden, stepping around a statue of a fox in a flowing robe whipped by the wind. I imagined he was trying to avoid the eyes of any guards that may see from down the hall. I looked down at my boots for a moment to make sure of my footing, noticing that snout again, poking out from the bottom of my vision. As I took my place and lowered my stance against the wall, my snout, as well as my boots, completely disappeared. My heart jumped as I held a hand up to my face. I saw nothing. I touched my chest, feeling like I was fondling in the dark. It was still there. My voice rose in my throat to ask Rilen what this was, but I knew it wasn't wise. He did not stop walking, his pace unchanged, progressing further down the hall, passing several doors.

Rilen's previous instructions had been quite clear. I reached out into nothing with my left foot and found the floor, my equilibrium offset. Every footfall felt like reaching the last step of a set of stairs in darkness. Going around the next suit of armor was a challenge. I could see why he wanted me off the rug now. Quietly, Rilen thought at me.

I had thought I was adequately stealthy, but fox ears might be more sensitive. I followed as close to Rilen as I could while he rounded several corners. Soon, he came to a door at the right side of the hall; my side, thankfully. Perhaps he would have warned me if I had chosen the other side to begin with?

He opened the door and let it swing behind him. I realized he was going to let it shut on its own, slow hinges. So I took a large, hopping step forward, hearing the creaking hinges of the old wood against iron.

The space beyond the door was the bottom of a set of spiral stairs. The stone walls curved and rose upwards in a tower. Rilen took the stairs upwards, leaving me to follow as quietly as I could. This was made harder due to the echo of the tower.

Rilen looked back, almost as if he was making sure I was behind him. He didn't look directly at me, but I had a feeling that's what he wanted to do. As he looked back up the stairs, I heard footsteps coming down. We both reached a landing with a door. Rilen ignored it and continued upwards further, but the steps were much closer now; right above me.

"Rilen my sweet!" A female voice fluttered down the steps. The footfalls increased in speed until I saw a female fox, dressed in a lace dress of white and red, throw herself at Rilen in an embrace. Rilen grunted with the impact and took a few steps back, but returned her hug.

"And how are you, my lady?" She kissed him full on the lips, there muzzles brushing together. She even flicked out her tongue a bit. I felt odd watching, and stood as still as I could off to the other end of the landing in case she tried any more random hugs.

"Just terrible, darling. Awful. These walls are ever do dull, especially with you gone. You didn't even tell me you were going!" She withdrew and placed one paw on her hip, the other raised in a scolding finger. Rilen sighed.

"That is my way. Need I tell you everything I do? I don-"

"Yes you do! Oh, how cruel it was to awake without you yesterday morning... Knowing you were off in the country side, so far away." Rilen made a forced, half smile, and shook his head.

"Mia, you can manage. You get so overzealous about all this. I would have thought you would hate moving here."

"No no no. Not when I have you, darling." She leaned in for another kiss. Rilen obliged.

"By the way..." She continued. "I simply can't decide what dress to have made. You'll help me won't you? The royal seamstresses themselves are working on it, but they are asking so many questions! I know it's important to detail it, but my goodness, too many choices. You will know what's best, won't you dear?" Rilen's mouth curved into a grin.

"I know nothing about that sort of thing. Surely you know what kind of dress you want. But dear, please. I must wash the dirt of the road from my fur, and dress for the rest of the day. I'll be in my chambers for some time. I am weary from travel." Her eyes melted instantly with concern.

"You poor dear. Very well. I will await you for dinner then. You wouldn't miss that, I know." She giggled, then made for me! I shank against the wall, holding my breath. She passed with a flutter of her dress, and called back to Rilen as she descended the stairs. "Mayhap I shall call upon you beforehand, sweet!"

"And joy to it!" Rilen called after her, his face devoid of emotion. He turned to walk up the stairs as Mia's footfalls receded bellow.

We walked up the next curve of the staircase, and I could hear Rilen's breath coming in gasps. His pace staggering. After we rounded the corner, nearing a sunlit window, he collapsed against it's sill, panting heavily. I made to see what was wrong, and noticed that I was visible again. Looking down at my hands revealed that I was no longer under the illusion spell either.

"Rilen..." I whispered.

"I know. Gods..." His tongue lolled out in between words. "Talking with Mia nearly broke my concentration. I almost lost it right there. Damn if I didn't know that was going to happen." He took a moment to catch his breath.

"Well, if you take breather, will you be able to put it back on?" Rilens eyes scanned me up and down.

"Perhaps for a few seconds, if we needed to. I just can't... can't do that again today. I need rest." He pulled himself up off the sill, and carried on up the steps.

"H-Hey. What about..." He didn't stop. I followed cautiously, although if someone else came from above, there would be nothing for it but to run back down, and hope for the best, because there was no place to hide. In my current state, I would be recognized on sight as a demon.

"Naught to do but to press onward to my chambers. It's not too far now. Just down the hall. Once there, you should be safe for a few hours. We can think of something."

We reached another landing. The tower seemed to go even higher than this, up into one of the spires visible from outside, I guessed. Rilen put a paw on the door handle and pulled it open a crack, peering though.

"No one. Follow close, as always. If someone does come, you simply must run for cover and let me talk to them. That's all we can do." I nodded, and he slipped though the crack, his tail flowing behind him. I sidestepped though as well, finding myself in a hall of more simple design than the one downstairs. The ceiling was lower, and there were far less mirrors. The floor was fully carpeted with a thick red fabric, and full length candle sticks stood at nearly every corner. The hall opened into a living area or lounge of sorts. Luxurious sofas and a large, open fireplace sat against an elegant background of two large paintings. One I immediately recognized as Rilen. It was a life size portrait. He looked a little younger, and he wore a military robe, with armor holding it tight: a single pauldron on his right shoulder, a polished breast plate, and a single gauntlet on his left paw. This paw rested on the hilt of a ceremonial sword, a rapier of golden filigree. His eyes were staring ahead with a distant, yet thoughtful look.

The other portrait was that of a female. On closer inspection, I didn't believe it was Mia. This one had sharper features, slender, and her eyes shone with intensity. She wore a dress far too large for her. She looked like a wide, blooming rose. Yet her top half revealed her slight physique, her arms bare, clasped together politely at her front. She looked older than Rilen's portrait.

Neither Rilen nor I said anything about them as we passed though the room, but I did slow my pace just to look them over.

Rilen trotted across the room, eager to get to the next door. There were three doors leading away from this room: two on the right, and one on the left. He took the left hand door, and opened it without a second thought, waving me inside. I hurried in, and Rilen shut the door behind me with a sigh, locking it.

"Ahh..." We were in his room. A four poster bed with green and red velvet curtains stood at the center. A bedside table, a writing desk, a wardrobe, ceremonial weapons rack adorned the rest of the room, all engraved, dark wood; mahogany or some such. Rilen staggered to the bed and flopped down upon it on his back, staring up at the top of the bed curtains. I almost felt more out of place than I did before the King; my combat leathers and dirty boots making me more of an embarrassment than a threat. I crossed the room over to where Rilen lay, and put a hand on one of the posts of the bed.

"So, you say I'm safe here for a few hours?" He nodded without a word. I looked around some more. There was one window on the right side of the room. It seemed to overlook the grounds of the palace on the other side of the main gate.

"Come, lay down and gather your strength, rest your mind. You must be tired from all this. I know I am." While I didn't have spells to maintain, it was true that my legs were sore, my feet heavy. The bed did look comfortable, but it didn't feel right.

"Oh, no. I'll just sit on the floor. This is all too nice to mess up." I shrugged my backpack off, letting it rest on the floor under his desk chair. I made to lower myself down with it.

"Nonsense." He patted the edge of the bed with a paw. "You don't think this bed get's dirty?"

"Well..." I wasn't sure what to make of that, but I approached and sat down, immediately feeling my muscles relax, painfully, yet with a sweet release that made it worth it. "Oh... my." I unstrung my techblade and set it against the bedside table. Now unequipped for the first time since I got here, I felt almost normal. I took my gloves off, and buried my face in my hands, rubbing the stress and tension away. I ended by moving my hands up and running them though my long, blue hair. It had gotten straggly since I came here.

"Lay down. It's alright if you even fall asleep. I might just do that myself, but I've got to wash up." A low growl rose in his throat as he rose from the bed and moved to a basin near the window. Now that Rilen was up, I somehow didn't feel so awkward about laying down. I did, with much relief. I heard Rilen splashing water on his face. Looking up from my position on the bed, I could see him in a mirror on the other side of the room, his tail hanging limp under his green cloak. He finished washing up and moved to the wardrobe, shaking some water droplets from his fur.

"I'm going to change into some more fitting clothing..." His voice trailed off, then came back after the unhitching of the wardrobes latch. "Don't look please."

Although I wasn't really comfortable with it, I was glad for the excuse to close my eyes, the darkness pressing against them was a pleasure. My head tilted back, my mouth slightly open, I focused on my breathing. I heard Rilen shuffling around near the wardrobe. The small clink of metal on metal came from his position, and I opened my eyes just a crack, my head still turned away to the other side of the room. They went wide for a split second when I saw Rilen in the mirror. He was just pulling off his stockings, his only remaining clothing. The metallic sound had been his sock suspenders, the buckles hitting one another. The tilt of his hip allowed me to see much of his front, all the way down. I shut my eyes again, but the image was burned there. It didn't matter if they were closed, I saw him still. It didn't look like he noticed, and I made sure to close my eyes until I heard the wardrobe shut. Admittedly, even with the image in my mind, I felt my head getting light with fatigue, wanting sleep. It was almost made more so by the blood rushing to my face, causing what must look like a blush. People back on Earth conducted themselves in accordance to proper behavior. Any suspicious behavior could get you questioned by the enforcers. My mind wandered back to a time when a woman in my complex got interrogated for wearing earrings that were too large in public. I didn't see her again for a week afterwards. But now, in this carefree world... No, Rilen said not to look. I can't be that carefree. My mind mulled this over, perhaps too much as I lay there, getting progressively more distant. I was brought out of my fog slightly by Rilen's voice.

"You can look now, if you like. You may want to just sleep." I opened my eyes once more. Rilen had discarded his hunters cloak and tunic for a quilted violet doublet, a shoulder cape of maroon, and black stocking pants with high boots that didn't look made for travel. I was surprised to find they even had a bit of a heel.

"What?" He turned to one side, looking down at himself.

"No, nothing." I said. "I'm just not used to people dressing like that." He gave a chuckle.

"This is my court attire. It's fancy, but not utterly loathsome. I would prefer a lose tunic and trousers, but that's no good for royal feasts is it? Oh, I almost forgot this thing." He reached back and pulled out a circlet of gold helix set with emeralds and a single large amethyst at the center. He crowned himself and adjusted the fit on his head, flicking his ears.

"Well I suppose you look quite the gentleman. Mia should be pleased." I teased, but I meant it. Rilen's face fell.

"I'm sure, very sure she will." He crossed the room and rounded the bed to stand in front of the mirror. I sat up on the bed.

"Are you two seeing each other?" I felt it was a reasonable question, although one that wouldn't be entirely pleasant.

"Yes. She is betrothed to me, and I must take her. It's for the best. She is so adamant over it though. You would think she would take some time to adapt, being in a strange land away from home, promised to a man she hasn't met. I would feel the same, at least. But no, she's a spritely one. Almost admirable, in a way." He seemed to be talking to his reflection, not me. With a flash of the cape, he turned on the spot and made for the door, snatching up a key from the desk as he went.

"I'm going to make good show of myself out there. Lock the door behind me with the latch, and don't open it for anyone. Don't make a sound. I shall announce myself before entering. Only me, the King, and the sergeant of arms has the key to this room, so it's unlikely that anyone will get in. If they do... let's not think about that." I nodded.

"Right. When will you be back?"

"Oh dear, not for several hours yet. I may not be back until after dinner. I'll try and fetch you something to eat. I can have wine or water brought here by a servant for you when I return. You can just hide someplace while it's delivered, and I'll take it for you."

"You're too kind." He opened the door and peaked out before turning back to me.

"I'll be back. Hang on, we'll muddle this out." He slipped out of the door and shut it behind him. I got up from the bed and flipped the latch. The door pulled from the other side. it seemed Rilen was checking to make sure it was locked. I heard his footsteps walking away on the rug outside.

Now, I was left to myself, alone in his room. Sleep sounded like the best option, but my mind spun with the possibility of being discovered by some freak occurrence. Though many minutes I lay on the bed thinking, stewing. Then, I got up and searched for some wedge for the door. At least it would give me warning before it opened.

Combing though some drawers to discover mostly parchment, ink, stockings, underpants, and coin purses, I eventually found a curious brick like object. A paperweight of sorts, it seemed. Why it was in a drawer and not on the desk was beyond me, but I took in anyway, and approached the door. First, I listened. Nothing. I knelt down and set the weight against the edge of the door away from the hinges, and tried to shove it under to create pressure. It was tough going. it needed quite a forceful hand, and a bit of twisting to get it in place. Once done, I was satisfied enough to know that I would receive fair warning before the door opened. I spoke this to myself in my head several times as I returned to the bed, now very sure that I was going to sleep.

I took my boots off (A lengthy process considering how many buckles there were), and rubbed the soreness out of my feet. Finally, I was able to let myself go. I even used one of his pillows to rest my head against. Soon enough, I let the darkness close in again, and Rilen wasn't here to bring me out of it this time. I nodded off.