Unspeakable Secrets The Alchemist Series (A Dark Medieval Progression Fantasy)

Chapter 21 Symbol

He passed through the enchanted door and into Illyian's library, deep beneath the tavern.

The library was intact, but the elf was nowhere in sight. He crept up the stairs, his runed rod still in hand.

After the night he'd had, he wasn't taking chances.

He eased open the door to the floor above, and sound washed over him as the wards in the door deactivated.

Corpses in various states of undress lined the floor, and tavern employees stripped them with military efficiency.

Illyian stood in the center of the room overseeing it all, with a young, human woman at his side. He caught Connor's eye but continued speaking.

"...when you finish cataloging the belongings help Mathew go through the texts we have on runes and enchantments. I want to find where they got these rods from," said the elf.

"Yes, sir," said the woman at his side and she scurried off.

"Hard at work I see," Connor said.

"Of course," Illyian said, "I'm surprised to see you so soon. I don't have much for you just yet, but I took a very close look at those rods. The runes are ancient, and it wasn't easy, but it seems they only induce temporary paralysis on contact. Although the grip is free of the effects obviously. You needn't worry about your arm falling off."

After everything that had happened in just a single night, Connor felt more paranoid than ever.

He trusted the elf, but he still watched him carefully as he spoke. Victor had taught him how to spot a liar even from the smallest microexpressions, and with his enhanced senses, it would take someone of exceptional skill to hide anything from him.

Unfortunately, Illyian was no doubt someone of exceptional skill.

Needless to say, he didn't pick up anything to suggest the elf was hiding anything.

"Good to know," Connor said, "but not quite why I'm here. Let's talk downstairs."

Illyian frowned. "Why do you suddenly look like a man bearing bad news?" he said.

They went down into the library, where the countless wards kept what they said from the ears of others.

Connor told him more about the fight at the docks. What he and Adelia had found when they returned to the manor. Chamberlain Davison's power play and probable involvement... everything but alchemy.

"Gods have mercy," Illyian said, "and the bodies were still warm when you got to the manor you say?"

"Yes," Connor said, "this was a coordinated attack. I'm certain of it."

"This is dire news indeed. What are your orders?" Illyian asked.

Connor hesitated. Victor was the one in charge, not him

But, Victor wasn't here.

"We'll have to operate under the assumption that they have Victor. Let's see what we can dig up on The Syndicate, particularly anything that could lead us to Victor," Connor said.

"And what about Chamberlain Davison?" Illyian asked, "should I send someone to eliminate him?"

"No," Connor said, "as much as I'd like to be rid of him... Victor can get the palace to do that for us. Davison has stepped too far over the line now. All we need is someone the palace will listen to, and he'll be done for.

"Until then, he isn't to be touched... any attack on him would only weaken Victor's position when he returns. For now, just alert everyone in the network about The Chamberlain's treachery. Until we get Victor back, the palace is our enemy, and everyone needs to be warned about this new group as well.