Shadows of Wychering

Chapter Eleven - News

Disregarding her need for food, Ameline left the inn, mounted Pellar and headed for the Guard Keep.

Ljorn waved as she approached. "They are here, lady."

Ameline dismounted and held Pellar's reins. "And did any return? Any of the captured?"

"No, I am afraid not. I am sorry."

Ameline's heart sank but she was not surprised. She now trusted her dreams that much more. "What are they going to do?"

"Drake said they left two of the guards at Wychering to keep an eye out and keep looking, but that is about all they can do."

"That is it? They are abandoning Jame and Morgan? Henry, Beck, Alton, Kharl and Teodor?"

"You need to speak with Lord Drake."

Ameline nodded, mounted her horse and rode towards the Mage Guild.

No one was outside as she approached. Dismounting she spoke the words but the door did not open. Of course, I am suspended. A large brass knocker with a gargoyle's face looked down upon her. It was for those without magic when they needed to enter. Or those not allowed to use magic.

Reaching up she grabbed the gargoyle and rapped it against the door. Bells rang out with each strike of the knocker and she waited. Minutes passed but she knew someone heard the bells. A small door within the door opened and a young woman's face peered out.

"Lilith, I need to see Lord Drake."

"I will inquire for you," Lilith replied.

More minutes passed and at last the door opened.

Lilith, another from the Fifth rank, long dark hair and thin framed, stood before her.

"Lord Drake is with the Archon, they will see you now."

The Archon? It did not matter. "Thank you, Lilith." Ameline expected to feel embarrassed when she saw Lilith, but it did not come. Instead, she walked, head up and back straight. Margrave had done his worst, suspending her, there was nothing else the Archon could take from her.

Through the library and up the stairs she went. The door stood open again and she did not wait in front of it. Ameline walked into the Archon's office and met Margrave's level gaze.

"Any news from Wychering?"

Jonas Drake turned to her. "Yes, we found nothing. Not a trace."

Ameline swallowed, it was as she feared. "And did you talk to the townsfolk? Melly? Adren?"

"Yes, but that does not mean it is credible. Other townsfolk say they are crazy and have been crazy for some time now."

"Please sit down, Ameline," Margrave said and motioned towards a chair. Ameline sat.

"So what are we going to do?"

Margrave smiled. "There is no—we, that includes you. I am sorry but your suspension stays. When King Fedoric returns from Dhilliania, he will call a council and we will discuss sending someone to speak to King Vax. Most of the townsfolk believe it is Dredspel raiders. We can only guess they have a powerful mage with them. One capable of besting Sir Morgan."

"But the evidence—" Ameline started.

"The evidence? There is no evidence, but we must go with what is most likely. Shadow men and...lizards." Margrave trailed off.

Ameline noticed that Margrave closed his eyes when he mentioned the lizards. That was the second time his expression changed when speaking of the events.