The Memory of Darkness (on hold until October)

15 - Isterbeck

The tinkling of the doorbell barged uninvited into Felix's mind, dragging him from his sleep. Swearing under his breath, he lit a lamp, carrying it out to the hallway. Gretchen's door opened as he passed, and she emerged, blinking into the light.

Felix shook his head. "Wait here."

"Not a chance," said Gretchen.

"It might be an intruder," warned Felix. "Someone dangerous."

"I doubt an intruder would be so desperate to get our attention," said Gretchen. "Besides, if it's someone dangerous, I'd be more use than you."

Felix waved a hand, dismissively, before making his way downstairs, slow progress on stiff limbs. He reached the door, cursing the impatience of whoever was outside. Various magically aided bolts and locks opened at his touch, and he opened the door to find Coren and Father Dominic.

The sunrise was close, and the sky was dotted with small clouds, all edged with pink. A red dawn; such things never bode well. He felt his stomach lurch. "Oh Gods, what's happened?"

"He's taken her," said Coren.

Felix had no reply to that, or at least nothing that he's say in front of a Priest. Silently, he gestured for them to enter the house. In the parlour, Gretchen stood pointing a crossbow at the door. She lowered it as they entered, satisfied that there was no danger.

Felix stared at the weapon in dismay. "Where did you get that?"

"From Eric," she said. "Where else? What's going on?"

"Sil Vaddrin's taken the Princess," said Felix.

"Why?" she asked, outraged.

"Damned if I know," said Felix. He sat down, and gestured for the others to do the same. "Make yourselves comfortable. It seems that our war council is in session."

Gretchen raised an eyebrow "War?"

"Oh yes," said Felix, throwing a bundle of chopped wood into the fireplace. "War, my girl." He took a bottle from a nearby shelf, pouring some of the contents onto the wood. "I've sat around, observing from a distance, wringing my hands and doing nothing."

He took another bottle, and repeated the process. Green flames sprung up from the wood, before settling down to a more expected yellow colour. "It ends. I should have done something after Turas Vale, those poor souls." He slumped down into a chair. "Now he has a woman of incredible power in his clutches. Only the Divines know what he has planned for her, and they're probably watching through their fingers."

Father Dominic bristled, but said nothing.

Gretchen eyed Coren, thoughtfully. "How do you know it was him?" she asked. "Was he recognised? Did you see it happen? Did he leave a ransom note?"

"No note," said Coren. "I didn't see it happen. I've taken eyewitness statements from a dozen guards and servants, including the Constable of the castle. They all agree that it was a tall, dark haired man, aged around twenty-five. She'd been staying on consecrated ground, where he couldn't reach her, but he'd managed to send at least one message using dead animals."

Felix grimaced. "He always was a persistent bugger, if he felt the cause was worth the effort."

The Priest nodded, remaining silent.

Coren continued, his voice flat. "For reasons nobody can determine, she was out in the chapel garden at midnight. The witness statements vary a little, but a number of guards patrolling the wall say that they saw a young woman talking to a man at the chapel gate. They claim that she was shot from behind; this of course raised their interest, but it was only when she shot a fireball at her attacker did they realise who she was."