The Gates of Arstelem (Classic)

Chapter 7

In the morning, Haniel approached the palace, carefully placing her hood over her ears. Her eyes would still mark her as a Vekunite, but at least people would have to get close enough to see her before they could scorn her.

Berrand was waiting by the gate, as he had promised. He led her toward the palace, where an attendant began to lead them to Gorreth.

She had never been inside the palace grounds before. The structure was magnificent: it dated back to the days that the Vekunites had controlled this portion of Noraan, but had been restored several times by various kings. Tall enough to be seen from outside the city, its walls promised protection not just to the royal family but also to all the inhabitants of Arstelem in case of invasion.

During the Kithik wars, that promise had been sorely tested. A gaping hole in a wing of the structure was a testament to the violence that had been turned against mortals all across Othenar. She shuddered, recalling her dream from the previous night.

The attendant led them to the doors, but the guard there stopped them. He had a thousand questions for Haniel, and in the end she was forced to remove her armor and leave her weapons at the door in his watchful care. She bristled at the thought of being caught unprotected, but Berrand seemed comfortable enough.

A thought of panic came over her. Perhaps her deception had come to be known. Was this the time she was to be executed for her espionage? She tried to push the thoughts from her mind. Berrand was trusting, and she had never provided the cloaked man with any knowledge he could not have gotten from other sources. She was very careful about that.

Passing through the halls, she forced herself to look around. A Vekunite servant nodded to her as she passed, and she hid a sneer. At least she would not be a slave to King Davek, even if she did take his gold.

Entering the library, she looked in awe at the sheer volume of texts. She was aware of the value they possessed, but she had, as most Vekunites, never learned to read them. The treasure of knowledge sealed away inside of them was something that she hardly lamented.

As they approached the priests' quarters, she looked at Berrand as he removed his shoes. Her father had done the same thing when he knelt before his masters.

"Berrand, you are too tame."

"Gorreth is like a father to me, I could not offend him."

"You cannot offend anyone: you repay the peasants for others' scorn."

"You need to learn that you cannot fight everything that crosses your path."

"Perhaps. But that doesn't mean I won't try."

Berrand looked at her, sorrow in his eyes. She said nothing more, but pulled her boots off, proceeding up the stairs with bared feet behind her traveling companion.

Gorreth had heard them coming, and put tea on. He pulled back the curtains and motioned them through.

"Ah, Berrand. You return," he said, pausing to take in the face of the companion of his protege, "and bring a warrior with you. She will doubtless help you on the journey that is to come. You must be Haniel."

Haniel stood for a moment, wondering what she should say. What did Gorreth expect of a Vekunite? Would she cause offense? She tried to push the thoughts from her mind—was she becoming like Berrand?—but was grateful nonetheless when Berrand burst into the conversation.

"Yes, this is Haniel. She fought near Othe during the war, and returned only recently to Noraan. Since then she has been a faithful companion and guardian."

"You speak eloquently, if with honeyed words, Berrand. Let her speak for herself."

Berrand said nothing and turned to Haniel.