The River King

Chapter 17: The Palace

What was he thinking? Teller still didn't know what overcame him. The Palace of the King was the last place anyone would want to go to. Teller knew very well the dangers inside. Hearing about both Finneas and Kenelm's encounter with the guards, especially Kenelm's interrogation from a Sensor, getting caught was the last thing he wanted. Getting caught back in the orphanage the only punishment he'd receive was a stern warning, and maybe the cane. This, however, was completely different. The palace was going to be swarming with Sensors. He had heard rumours the Governor was a member of the Order. And Malakos had apprentices – young people training to become Sensors. Teller had already crossed paths with a Sensor before, back in the orphanage. What if that person was there now residing in the palace? Would he recognise him? His spine prickled at the thought.

Teller spent the entire night worrying about the task ahead of him. He wished his friend Kenelm could go with him. Teller, however, realised his friend would only get in the way, and cause even more suspicion. It didn't help that Kenelm looked similar in appearance to the Governor looked alike if reports were to be believed. Teller had come to the terms he would have to do this by himself. He wished he had the same courage as his sister – Mollie wouldn't even flinch at doing something like this.

The boy waited at the table. He nervously played with the buckles on his overalls. Usually, this was something Kenelm would do. Teller was still in mid-through when Brother Hextor sat down on the other side of the table. He had briefly talked to the scholar before – the man walked into the room while Teller was sorting out the king's library. For once in his entire life, he had found someone as enthusiastic over books as he. Teller could imagine talking to the man about all his favourite tomes for hours. He found it difficult to find other people in reading books. Not even the librarians back in Angluem enjoyed reading.

"So, you know what book we need to find," the man asked.

"The History of the Goblin Tongue... first edition," Teller answered. "It's in Palatinian – the language of the Imperials."

"You know how to read it?"

"A bit," Teller replied. "The actual title should say Lupitos Linga Historia."

"Good, good," Brother Hextor. "And you say you're from... what was..."

"Angluem," Teller answered. "There were a few books written in Palatinian. It's quite easy to pick up."

"As Staphan has already told you, we've found a pair of servant clothes. That shouldn't draw any suspicion."

"What if someone asks me?" Teller asked. "What do I do then?"

"Try not to get in a situation in which you have to talk," the man explained. Brother Hextor rolled out a large map onto the table. It was the blueprint for the Palace of Kings, showing every room. "You should enter from the east – reports say there are fewer guards. You should be able to sneak in without drawing too much attention."

"Sounds easy."

"Sadly, there's no way to directly enter the governor's quarters, where his own personal library resides," Brother Hextor continued to explain. "You will have to go to the palace's foyer first, make your way down the Hallway of the Hammers, and then into the throne room. Pretend to be cleaning. No one will question you."

"Again... what if they do."

"Just nod and continue your tasks," the man responded. "Sweep the floor. Again, they won't question the presence of a servant."

Teller was still nervous about the prospect of being questioned. He wondered if his Estmere accent would give him away. He knew the guards were on the lookout for any kids from Angluem. Hopefully, the scholar was right, and acting the part of a servant would avoid all suspicion.