“Second floor facing the Palace,” Temiker reported as he strode down the stairs of the carriage platform at the side of the Palace Arms.
“Do you know if there are vacancies in the adjoining rooms?” Lyra asked.
“They are practically empty,” Temiker stated. “The city gates have only been open for a couple of days now. It will take a while for word to spread.”
“The merchants stay in the Merchant District,” interjected SunChaser. “The inns will be full down there pretty soon, but mostly visiting dignitaries stay here. Are you sure you don’t want to stay at my mansion? There is plenty of room to put everyone up.”
“No,” answered the Star of Sakova. “I do not want to compromise your cover in Okata, besides, Malafar may remember your mansion and I do not want him to know we are here.”
“I will get the next room,” offered HawkShadow.
“Let’s split up into pairs,” suggested StarWind. “We make too noticeable a group standing together. I will take Goral and get a room right after HawkShadow is done.”
“Good idea,” mused Lyra. “I will get a room for StormSong and MistyTrail. Either of them would be memorable to the clerk.”
“There is no reason why we cannot wait in the lobby if we are split up,” Temiker pointed out.
“True,” responded StarWind, “but let’s keep some distance between us.”
“I see no reason why I cannot go in with you, StarWind,” Lyra declared. “I do not want to risk getting rooms on different floors and two rooms for two women travelling together would not appear strange.”
StarWind nodded and the group split up. HawkShadow entered the doors at the carriage platform while Lyra and StarWind walked around to the front of the inn, leaving SunChaser, Goral, and Temiker to fend for themselves. They would filter in after a few moments had passed.
Lyra marveled at the grandeur of the city as they rounded the corner of the building. She hesitated at the front steps and gazed over the grand plaza that separated the inn from the palace. She smiled at the chirping birds and frisky squirrels that frolicked in the park, but her smile faded quickly. Okata was not going to be a peaceful city much longer, she knew. Her eyes passed over a group of children playing near a clump of trees in the park and she wanted to run over and tell them to go home. Shaking her head, she turned and followed StarWind up the front steps of the Palace Arms and into the plush lobby.
The lobby was huge and carpeted with couches and comfortable chairs spread throughout it. The walls to her left and right both sported huge fireplaces with clumps of chairs before them. There were about a dozen people in the lobby scattered about in small groups or sitting alone. Light music emanated from a doorway across from the main entrance and Lyra could smell meat cooking somewhere distant. She absently licked her lips as she thought about having a prepared Omungan meal for a change.
StarWind led Lyra towards the center of the room and they stood, seemingly in light conversation with one another, watching HawkShadow register for a room. Lyra caught sight of StormSong and MistyTrail entering the lobby cautiously and signaled StarWind with her eyes. StarWind nodded and Lyra caught the spymaster’s fingers moving rapidly at her side. StormSong gave the barest of nods and led MistyTrail away from the other groups.
Within a few moments, HawkShadow turned away from the counter and nodded absently. He moved swiftly off towards the stairs while StarWind led Lyra towards the counter. Lyra watched Temiker and SunChaser disappear up the stairs while StarWind waited for the clerk to finish some paperwork and look up at her.
“Can I help you?” the clerk said, finally finished with his papers.
“Yes,” smiled StarWind, “I want a room on the second floor overlooking the plaza.”
“Two actually,” Lyra chirped. “Together if that is possible.”
The clerk nodded and turned to see if the rooms were available.
“I hope you will pay a visit to my room later tonight young lady,” a male voice suddenly said from behind StarWind and Lyra.
Lyra whirled to face a tall thin man with a smile upon his face and saw StormSong over his shoulder, approaching with her hand on a belt knife and fury on her face. Evidently the man’s comment was not uttered as softly as he had thought and Lyra’s mind raced to prevent the coming confrontation. Suddenly Goral rose from one of the chairs and stepped in front of the approaching StormSong and placed his huge hand on her shoulder, shaking his head.
Lyra was vaguely aware of StarWind standing next to her with her mouth hanging open and the Star scowled at the thin man, “If I wanted such a vulgar display, I would be staying down by the wharf.”
The man looked genuinely confused as his eyes darted from Lyra to StarWind. His face reddened deeply and bowed slightly to Lyra. “I am sorry, young lady,” he apologized. “I was not talking to you, but the woman in front of you.”
“And that makes it any better?” Lyra growled. “Take your filth out into the streets and leave us alone.”
Lyra felt StarWind’s hand on her shoulder and saw Goral coming up behind the man.
“Do I know you?” StarWind asked the man, although she recognized him immediately.
“I never forget a voice,” the thin man smiled, his face still beet red. “I did not mean the invitation as vulgar. I merely would like the opportunity to speak with you again as we did in Campanil not long ago.”
StarWind nodded and smiled. “I would be pleased to speak with you again, Mayor Ferde,” StarWind declared. “I did not expect to see you in Okata.”
“Nor did I expect to find you here either,” grinned the Mayor. “My room is on the third floor at the top of the stairs or if you are more comfortable in public, we could have dinner together.”
“Let me dwell on it,” StarWind smiled. “I will let you know.”
The Mayor smiled and bowed slightly before leaving for the stairs. The significance of the man’s statements finally struck Lyra and she felt a chill between her shoulder blades. Discovery so soon after entering Okata could be disastrous. She knew that they had to find Malafar and do it quickly before anything else went wrong.
She turned to find the clerk trying to suppress a smirk. She swiftly finished registering for the room, and promptly went up the stairs. Temiker stood in the hallway outside his open door and Lyra entered the room and sat down. Within moments, all of the Sakovans were in the room and Temiker closed the door.
“What needs to be done with Ferde?” Lyra asked.
“I am not sure what he wants,” admitted StarWind. “I never expected to be recognized by my voice, but the fact that he didn’t shout for the Imperial Guard when he heard me is promising. I think I should meet with him as he asked.”
“Then do so,” commanded Lyra, “but do it in his room. Let’s not take the chance of someone else hearing us. I want the rest of you out looking for signs of Malafar. Search all the inns and anywhere else he might find a room to sleep in. See if you can learn anything about Alazar’s movements or schedule without being too obvious.”
“Perhaps we are here first,” pondered MistyTrail. “Should we watch the gates for his passage?”
“He is here already,” Temiker frowned. “I heard some of the Imperial Guard talking about a weird fog that developed this morning at one of the gates. I am sure that it was Malafar.”
“I have a few friends in the city who can be trusted,” stated SunChaser. “I will get them to help search for the mage. Should I warn Kapla? Maybe we can get the Katana to stay indoors.”
“No,” stated StarWind. “If they search the city for Malafar, none of us will escape this time. The result of finding a bunch of Sakovans in the city would be as disastrous as killing Alazar. We have to find Malafar ourselves.”
Someone must stay behind with Lyra, commanded StarWind. She should get some rest and must be protected while she does.
Can I keep watch for you? chirped MistyTrail. I will not let anyone disturb our Star.
Lyra smiled at the diminutive Sakovan. You can keep watch for me anytime, she answered.
Let's go to work then, ordered StarWind. Goral take the waterfront, StormSong the Merchant District, SunChaser the Diplomatic District, HawkShadow the trades area. Temiker, you know your brother the best. Search out those areas where he might have friends or acquaintances that we would not know about.
Where will you be? asked HawkShadow.
I have some people to talk to, starting with Mayor Ferde, frowned StarWind. Let's meet back here in four hours.
StarWind watched her small band nod and split up before ascending a flight of stairs and tapping lightly on Mayor Ferde's door. The door opened promptly and a smiling Mayor Ferde waved StarWind into his room.
Thank you for coming, he smiled. I apologize for my unfortunate display in the common room. Come sit down. We have much to discuss.
StarWind's eyes swept the room as she hesitantly crossed it and sat in a chair by the window, allowing her a view of the street below.
I am not trying to trick you, laughed Ferde. I am travelling alone and I have not alerted anyone to your presence here.
Why not? she quizzed.
Frankly, he admitted, I think I believe you. I am puzzled by some things though, like why you are travelling with Malafar's daughter?
A shiver of fear streaked down StarWind's back and her eyes narrowed to slits as her lips pressed tightly together. Her body tensed, a tight coil ready to spring at a moment's notice. Malafar's daughter? she questioned.
Ferde shook his head and smiled. Lyra's picture was posted all over Campanil when she fled the Academy. I do not forget faces either. Are you safeguarding her from the government? Or are you using her to track down Malafar?
StarWind silently cursed herself. She had forgotten about the wanted posters and now Lyra was deep in the bowels of the enemy capital. Regardless of their search for Malafar, they must get her out of the city immediately.
Ferde's eyes widened with surprise during StarWind's silence. Malafar is still in the city, isn't he? He is going to try to kill another Katana.
StarWind stared at Mayor Ferde as her mind raced. If the Campanil Mayor spread his suspicions to the Palace or the Imperial Guard, they were all dead. Lyra had to be their first concern and then Malafar, but the question that was most poignant was how far she should trust the Mayor. He could be a great help or the kiss of death. Yet, he had not revealed their presence so far. She could easily kill the Mayor and put her efforts towards getting Lyra out of the city, but that would not stop Malafar and he had to be stopped to avert the war. Swiftly, she calculated the risks and made up her mind.
Malafar is here as you suspected, StarWind admitted. We must stop him before he does something foolish.
Like killing Alazar? Ferde whispered as his head nodded slightly.
Yes, agreed StarWind reluctantly. I think that we can stop him, but if the Imperial Guard knows we are here, they can foil our attempt. I must insist that you remain quiet about our presence in Okata.
Mayor Ferde frowned as he watched StarWind. He knew that her request was more than a plea and that she was quite capable of killing him to guarantee his silence. Still, he had to stop the assassination if he was capable.
Why do you and Lyra have a better chance at stopping him than the Imperial Guard or the Monitors? he asked. Lyra dare not show her face outside her room and you can scarcely guarantee to stop a powerful mage by yourself. Convince me that you can avoid this despicable crime and I will remain silent.
I do not think you understand your position, frowned StarWind. We want the same thing. Do not make me do something I have no desire to do.
Are you so quick to spill my blood and still expect me to believe your good intentions? quizzed Ferde. If we both want the same thing, then why not work together?
I can stop you from going to the authorities without hurting you, smiled StarWind. I need not spill your blood, only detain you. The Imperial Guard is not going to work peacefully with Sakovans. If they learn of our presence here, they will spend their time rounding us up and Malafar will strike in the confusion.
Rounding you up? grinned Ferde. So it is not just you and Lyra. Good. Let us not bicker about priorities. As you said, we want the same thing. We both agree that Alazar must not be assassinated, although I have been checking up on your accusations and I am inclined to believe all you told me in Campanil. How can a handful of Sakovans accomplish more than thousands of Imperial Guards?
Did the Imperial Guards protect the last Katana? retorted StarWind. Did they stop Malafar from fleeing the city? Did they prevent him from returning? Did they stop Lyra, others, and me from entering the capital? If they start searching for Malafar, all they will do is find out that others are looking for him too. The threat of a Sakovan conspiracy will rage and they will shut down the city. That didn't stop Malafar the last time. We are the only hope that Alazar has. You could help us.
How could I help? inquired Mayor Ferde.
Get Alazar to avoid public appearances, answered the Sakovan spymaster. Invite him to Campanil and whisk him out of the city quickly. Buy us time to find Malafar and deal with him.
Ferde gazed out the window, looking at nothing in particular as his mind raced with options and questions. How will you deal with him? the Mayor finally asked.
We will do whatever must be done to avoid the assassination, frowned StarWind.
Ferde paced the room anxiously for a while and then turned abruptly to StarWind. The Imperial Guard failed to prevent the last assassination because they had no warning, he stated. I cannot fathom Malafar escaping again if they knew he was planning this foul deed. Besides, are you sure you even want to stop him? Perhaps it would be better for Omunga and Sakova if we let Malafar succeed. Why do you risk yourself to save Alazar?
You forget that Malafar is a potent weapon, StarWind explained. While it might be inconceivable for a mage to carry out the assassination and escape the Imperial Guard, Malafar has no plan to escape this time. He is despondent over being drugged into assassinating the last Katana. We think he plans to die along with Alazar. With his power and desperation, it is not safe to even be in the city when he attacks.
Ferde's eyes opened wide in horror. By the Holy Katana! the Mayor exclaimed. Is he powerful enough to destroy the entire city?
Truth be known, StarWind sighed, we do not know the extent of his powers. It would be better for both countries to be rid of Alazar, but as long as people believe the Sakovans have assassinated their Katana, the call for war will grow stronger. Even if Malafar fails. We will stop Malafar to prevent war, not for love of Alazar.
Mayor Ferde nodded grimly and sat on the bed. If it was just Alazar, we could cheer, he sighed, but not innocent people. I think I could quell the call for war if it happened. Perhaps. I have spoken to some officials and they are now aware of Alazar's deeds. Still, nobody will raise a hand against him. I will do what I can to get the Katana out of the city.
Thank you, Mayor Ferde, StarWind smiled thinly. Will you also remain quiet about our presence here?
Yes, Ferde replied. You have been honest with me and I cannot doubt your good intentions. As you are no threat to Omunga, you are no threat to me. What is Lyra going to say about your actions against her father? Will she reveal your presence? Does she know you are Sakovans?
StarWind stared at the Mayor as she contemplated her answer. She had been totally honest with him so far and she dare not break his trust. He was the only Omungan ally they had, and one that must be kept and cultivated if they ever hoped to end hostilities between the two peoples. Besides, with the number of Sakovan spies that Alazar had been capturing of late, the truth of her identity would not be secret for long. She decided at last to confide in him.
Lyra's mother, Rhodella, was Sakovan, revealed StarWind. Malafar was horrified to discover this and so Rhodella hid it and became the perfect Omungan wife and mother. Still, that makes Lyra Sakovan in our eyes. We sheltered her in Sakova for a time before learning the truth.
The truth? questioned Ferde. The truth of what?
Our god, Kaltara, has chosen Lyra to lead the Sakovan people, declared StarWind. Lyra is the Star of Sakova.
Holy Shades! Ferde gasped as StarWind's statements struck home. The daughter is the leader of the Sakovans and the father seeks to assassinate the Katana. Your dilemma becomes increasingly clear. Why would you ever bring her here? What is she going to say if you have to kill Malafar?
We did not wish her here, admitted StarWind. I tremble at the thought of her capture or death, but her word is law and cannot be argued. As for her father, we will do whatever she commands.
Surely she will not command his death, objected Ferde. There is no way you can succeed in your endeavors.
Do not underestimate our Star, StarWind stated. She is fully aware of the poor choices facing us and I am confident that Kaltara will guide her well. Lyra has given over her life to Kaltara and she will do what is necessary for the Sakovan people, even if it means her father's life or her own life.
The only course I see is to get Alazar out of the city, Ferde declared as he rose. Let me be about my task before Malafar strikes. I will seek you out when the task is completed. Perhaps I can help you get out of the city. You have never given me your name.
You are most kind, smiled StarWind rising. My Name is StarWind, but I am not registered as such. I will return here later and we can talk.
StarWind crossed the room and let herself out. Swiftly, she descended to the ground level and left the building. On the steps she stopped and surveyed the plaza before crossing it and heading to the Imperial Guard headquarters.
The building was a large four story stone structure with wide steps and columns on either side of the main entrance. Imperial Guards were stationed at the top of the stairs, but StarWind knew they were mostly for show and casually marched up the steps and passed between them. Inside the doors was a large room with a tiled floor and a large oval counter in the center manned with a host of clerks. A number of corridors led off the main room and dozens of Imperial Guards were constantly visible as they moved from one corridor to another or tended to whatever tasks or errands that had to do. Only two other civilians were present and both of them were at the counter, probably filing complaints or seeking information.
StarWind knew that each Imperial Guard post maintained a board with notices and drawings of criminals. She stood just inside the doors and scanned the room until she saw it on the wall to her right. She drew no notice as she glided over to the board and started reading the postings. There were descriptions of many wanted people, but few drawings. She found Lyra's likeness quickly. The drawing was yellowed and covered by other postings and she did not pause when she located it. She continued to read the other listings while casually scanning the room. While nobody was paying particular attention to her, there was no way she would be able to remove the drawing and get out unnoticed.
While her left hand moved over the board, as if to keep track of where she was reading, her right slid into her pouch and located a small tin. She popped the lid off the tin and dipped her finger into the sticky substance. Returning to the drawing of Lyra, StarWind raised her right hand and moved her finger over the likeness of the Star. With her left hand, she nonchalantly let the drawing on top of Lyra's cover the Star's face and pressed firmly on it, effectively gluing the two drawings together.
It might prove to be little help as each gate would also have a drawing, but any little precaution must be taken when it was available. There were many more recent postings than Lyra's and the guards at the gates would not bother them until it was time to leave.
She replaced the lid to the tin and turned to leave when an Imperial Guard stopped her. Did you find what you were looking for? he asked.
No, she sighed nervously.
I haven't seen you around here before, he stated as he looked her over. What were you looking for?
I was just checking on the descriptions of wanted men, StarWind lied. I am from Campanil and have been searching for a sailor who done my sister wrong. I thought I might check to see if he was wanted for something. That would explain why he never returned to marry her like he said he would.
The guards eyes brightened somewhat as he listened to her explanation. Well if your sister resembles you, I would count the sailor as dead, he smiled. The only accounting that would keep him away no doubt. I just got off duty and I could escort you down to the docks so we could search for him.
You are truly generous, StarWind smiled, but I think you are probably right. It was just a thought coming in here. I did not really have hopes of finding him and she is probably better off without him in any event. I should return to the inn and rest. Thank you for your kind offer though.
The Imperial Guard appeared ready to offer more assistance, but StarWind swiftly moved off in the direction of the doors and exited the building without looking back. She turned left and headed for the Palace merging with the flow of people. She spied a large crowd in front of the Palace and veered towards them. People were standing around watching the construction of a large platform and she moved closer to look at it. She stood staring at the platform as she listened to the buzz of conversation from the onlookers.
How many this time? she heard a man ask.
Three I hears, a woman answered. Sakovan spies they be.
Darn Sakovans, the man spat. It is high time the Katana finished them once and for all.
There will be war for sure, another man interjected. My son serves with the Guard and he says it's a sure thing. Our new Katana is a man of action.
Will he be here? asked the first man.
Never misses a chopping, laughed the woman. Even when he was First Minister he always came. Loves to see the heads roll I hears.
StarWind moved away from the platform and returned to the inn. She stopped at the desk and asked what time the executions would happen. Moving as swiftly as she dared without causing notice, StarWind raced up to Lyra's room.
We have a problem, she stated after MistyTrail let her in the door.
Lyra groggily sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. What kind of problem?
There is going to be an execution this afternoon, StarWind reported. The Katana will be there and I am sure that Malafar would not miss this opportunity.
Lyra rose and went to the window. Is that what they are building the platform for?
Yes, sighed StarWind.
MistyTrail, commanded the Star, round up the troops. Nobody is going to find Malafar in another part of the city now. We need to concentrate on the Palace and we do not have much time left. StarWind, split up the city with her. The sooner everyone gets back here the better.