A Tale of Time: The Malice of Men

Chapter 25: Questions

Questions are asked, oft as not.

After all, they separate the good from the rot.

Many a time they lead to learning.

But likelier still is a frightening warning.    

He was killing Asteryn again.

It had become a habit by now. Asteryn deserved death. A thousand deaths. He killed the King. He killed his father. He lied to his friends. He lied to his family. He was prepared to kill again and only stopped because the truth was finally out. How could such a man, if man he ever was, deserve to live?

So Teylin took up the dagger, only this time, he wasn't alone.

Just as he was about to plunge the cold steel into his heart, April came in between them. At least, she reacted like a human.

Teylin stared at her in shock.

"You mustn't do this." She sobbed. "You don't know....you don't know."

"Why..."

"Save Asteryn. Save my husband. "

"What do you mean?" Teylin asked impertinently, but before he could get an answer, April dissolved into mist and the dagger marched on again, finally finding Asteryn.

Teylin woke up, sweating profusely. 'I should be getting used to this by now.' Part of his head said. Where did that thought come from? These... acts, they had to stop. 'I made the choice.' He reminded himself. 'I let Asteryn live.'

He put on some clothes and stepped out. Too late he realized the snow came early. He was immediately attacked by a furious gust of wind. Instantly, he went back inside.

He began to armor himself. It didn't matter how cold it was, the armor was always made you sweat. Normally, people would hate it, but now, Teylin was glad for that. Still, one couldn't be sure, so he wore a fur-lined jerkin within.

That done, he ventured out a little less boldly this time. 'Better.' That done, it was time for him to receive the night's report. Back when Brontstonn was commander, the second-in-command came to the chambers of the commander to report the happenings of the night, but Teylin was a highly unconventional person and besides, he never really felt at ease when being served. It was not his nature. As usual, Shastha was there. 'How much can I trust this man?' He found himself asking again. Shastha was obedient, efficient and highly clever. But where did his loyalties lie? He was there when his commander was killed. He was ordered to stand down and he did. But what were his feelings? 'Does he hate me? Does he mean to kill me? Does he want to serve me?' Perhaps he should ask. Teylin made a mental note of that.

"What news of the night?" He asked.

"One murder, sir. One of our own men died. Jeor his name was. He was stationed in the market. Come morning, we found his body downriver. His throat was slit."

That did not bode well. People were restless again. Food was running low. There was nothing left to give. Asteryn's measures only provided a temporary respite. The solution Hazzad provided could work, but it needed time and time they did not have. Measures would have to be taken.

"Make sure the men do not venture alone. We will have to hope that the newer recruits are trained soon."

'And who will feed them?' But Teylin kept such doubts to himself.