The Web of Iron

Chapter Thirteen: The Iron Kingdom

Duke Vanion was sitting alone in his office.

The man was leaning over a crystal ball which hummed lightly beneath his brown gloved hands. His eyes were closed. After a time, he opened them and looked at Kiyora. Where had he gotten that thing anyway?

"Hey," said Kiyora.

"Kiyora, perfect timing," said Vanion. "I have only just finished communing with the border forts. The ones that are still under construction. My hope is to have a crystal ball like this one in every one of them, just as we have with those bordering Seathorius.

"Though it may take some effort.

"How can I help?"

"I was just looking for William," said Kiyora. "Do you know where he is?"

Vanion's expression darkened. "Unfortunately, yes. He is in Viokinar."

"Viokinar?" asked Kiyora. "You mean that country where the minotaurs are from?"

"Yes," said Vanion. "Rusara tells me that he has somehow made his way over there. Do you know how?"

How did this happen? Kiyora could have sworn she'd sent him back where he came from. Well, she didn't know how she did it. Usually, she just willed it, and it happened. "I meant to send him back here. I don't know how he could have gotten there; I've never been there."

"Well, I would appreciate it if you could bring him back," said Vanion. "He's giving me interesting information, but I'd much rather my son be safe than useful now."

"Right, one sec," said Kiyora.

She willed that William be drawn here now. Nothing happened. She tried to go to him again, and there was a distinct lack of anything happening.

"Well?" asked Vanion.

"I can't go to him," said Kiyora. "Something is stopping me."

"As I suspected," said Vanion. "Another power has drawn him there for whatever end. Probably either Melchious or Fortenex. No matter, I have another problem."

"What could be worse than your son being stuck in Viokinar?" asked Kiyora.

"The Axe of Fortenex heading that way," said Vanion. "The ship I had sent it by has been drawn away by some other means, and the Axe is in Viokinar."

"Then someone has stolen it?" asked Kiyora.

"I do not think so," said Vanion. "Not yet. Rusara installed special wards to ensure we knew if anyone took it out of its box. I find it more likely that Hrungeld still has it and is being pursued. I'd like you to go to Felix if you can. Once I know what is happening there, I can plan to retrieve it."

"Right, I'll be right back," said Kiyora.