Vicious by James Alderdice

Author:James Alderdice [Alderdice, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LOST REALMS PRESS
Published: 2019-07-16T22:00:00+00:00

12. The Fisher King

Niels and Eudokia raced down the circular tunnel going so far in the dim lamplight that he was sure they were well beyond the palace walls. It reminded him of a hare’s warren with all the twisting dark passages and possibilities.

“How much farther is it?”

“We are almost to the exit, but I will have to watch and be sure no one sees us using it. Then it will only be another quarter of an hour of walking to get there,” she said.

When the tunnel ended abruptly, she looked through a tiny flap for perhaps an entire minute until she was sure the street was deserted.

“I must be sure no one, and I mean no one finds this secret passage.”

“I understand,” said Niels, wondering why he should be allowed to know unless there were contingencies for him as well.

The door swung open and they were outside in an alleyway beneath the stars. She watched for a moment to be sure yet again no one had seen anything, and they continued on to the north east.

The palace Niels saw ahead was not nearly so grand as the great palace still visible and reaching to the sky behind, battling against the stars, its dark form corrupting the glory of the heavens.

Eudokia spun about explaining, “Blachernae palace sits upon the Seventh Hill of the city and is almost as far from the Great Palace as you can get and stay within the city walls. Emperor Isaac is a strange man, he is blind, but you must convince him to give you the key.”

“What makes him so strange in this place?” asked Niels.

“He thinks he knows the secrets of the universe. He is quite mad,” said Eudokia. “Be careful what questions you ask him, but he will assuredly prefer boldness over weakness.”

They passed through a tower that bore the name of Isaac and Niels saw the interior of Blachernae. It was simple and modest in comparison to the decadent wealth of the Great Palace. Several halls flanked a central forum. Some few lamps were lit within and these glowed with eerie light. Eudokia bade Niels wait while she went inside a darkened chamber through a portico to the right. She came back out shortly and then led him through oval passages to yet another wider but unassuming room. Naught but a comfortable throne and broken stool was inside.

“I had best wait outside for you, Isaac hates my mother,” said Eudokia.

Niels sat on the stool and waited, twirling his mustache and beard.

A moment later a strangely dressed man in Avaran purple robes came out holding a staff. “State your business.”

“I am to express to the emperor, the dire nature of negotiations with both the doge of Kentsia and the baron of Rekez, commander of the Tolburnians. They demand immediate payment of debts owed them by Alexious the Fourth.”

“Don’t speak the animal’s name in my presence!” shouted an old man, who now came shambling out of the dark hallway. A silken scarf was wrapped over his eyes.

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