Shadow Hunted Read online

  “It didn’t really explode, so much as it partly melted.”

  She whistled softly, showing her missing front teeth. “I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. You were always an unusual child, and then there was that business with your father.” She peered up at him. “Did you find the answers you were looking for?”

  “Sort of. I’m still figuring it all out.”

  “Don’t take too long. Samkara needs you, I think.”

  They came to another intersection. This one had quite a few people on it, along with wagons and carts. There was a commotion up the street to their left, a man on a horse yelling something. He trotted toward them. He was wearing a uniform and carrying a horn. He pulled up in the middle of the intersection and blew the horn. Everyone stopped and looked at him.

  “People of Samkara!” he called. “You are ordered to appear at Castle Plaza in two bells for an announcement. Any who do not appear are subject to arrest and severe punishment.” He went on down the street, repeating the message as he went.

  “A lot of bother,” Elace said with a dismissive gesture once he’d moved away. “I won’t be going. What do you think it’s about? What foolish idea has gotten into the Fist’s head now?”

  “It’s not the Fist who ordered this,” Fen said grimly. “Not anymore.”

  She looked up at him. “What do you know?”

  “He died last night, fighting the sorcerers.”

  “The Fist is dead?” She looked around to make sure no one had heard and lowered her voice. “I thought the man had fallen off his stump, but dead?” She sighed and shook her head at the foolishness of it all. “Who’s in charge now?”

  “Two of the sorcerers are still alive,” Fen said, wondering how much he should tell her.

  “Is that what you’re doing, then? Coming up with a way to fight back against them? I had my problems with the Fist, the gods know, but at least he was one of us. Those sorcerers, I’m not even sure they’re still human.”

  “It’s worse than that,” Fen said. “Some things came through from the Abyss last night, things that are definitely not human. They’re the ones we really have to worry about.”

  “The Abyss, is it? I thought that was just a place to frighten children with.”

  “It’s not. It’s real, and I’m afraid things are about to get a whole lot worse.” He stopped, worried that he’d said too much. There was no point in panicking people.

  “I knew it,” she said. “I knew the Fist should’ve never taken up with those Ankharans. This is what comes of consorting with foreigners.” She sighed and shook her head. “I’m glad I’m old. Whatever comes, I won’t have to put up with it long. But I pity the rest of you. We’re not leaving much to you it looks like.”

  “I’m trying to fight back, but I need some help.”

  “If I can do it, I will.”

  “I need some clothes, some way to disguise myself.”

  She thought about it. “I don’t have anything for you, but I have a neighbor who does. Her boys died a few years ago, crushed when a stone got loose down at the quarry. There must be something in her home that will serve.”

  They made it to the tenement where Elace lived without trouble. She led Fen up to her floor, the same floor he’d grown up on. But she went left instead of right at the landing and knocked on a door halfway down.

  “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Fen asked, looking up and down the hallway. “How much do you trust this neighbor? Maybe I should wait outside.”

  “Trust me. Debs is not a risk. You’ll see.” She banged on the door some more. “She doesn’t hear so good,” she told Fen. She banged again.

  The door opened, and a tiny old woman leaning on a cane peeked out. “Who is it?”

  “It’s your neighbor, Elace. Let me in.”

  The woman moved back, and they entered the apartment. It was small, only the one room. There was a brazier by the window for cooking and heat, an old table, and a sleeping mat. But that wasn’t what drew Fen’s attention. It was the clothes. There was a large pile of them in one corner.

  “Who’s this you’ve brought with you, Elace?” Debs asked, peering up at Fen. He noticed the cloudiness in her eyes and realized she could barely see. That explained why Elace wasn’t worried about bringing him here.

  “No one, Debs. Only someone who could use some clothes.” While she was talking, Elace walked over to the pile and began digging through them, tossing clothing aside.

  “Oh, no,” Debs said, shuffling after her. “I haven’t any to spare. I quite need them all. The boys will be back any day now, and they’ll need something to wear.” She batted at Elace’s hands with her cane, but Elace brushed her off and didn’t slow down.

  “Nonsense, Debs. You’ve enough clothes here for an army. He only needs a few. There will be plenty for your boys when they get back. It won’t take but a moment.”

  Debs continued to fuss, and Elace continued to ignore her while she picked out a tunic, trousers and a hooded cloak. Tucking them under her arm, she nodded to Fen, indicating it was time to go.

  “Thank you, dear,” she said as she opened the door. “I knew you could help.”

  “No, there’s simply not enough. I’m afraid you can’t take any today,” Debs said.

  Elace closed the door on her before she could say any more. “She’s quite sweet. Hasn’t been able to accept that her sons are dead. They were all she had.” As she talked, she walked down the hall to her apartment. She opened the door and motioned Fen in. When he didn’t move, she asked him, “What are you waiting for?”

  “I should go. I don’t want to put you at any more risk.”

  “Bah,” she said, waving her hand. “I’m old enough to take any risks I like, thank you. Now come inside. You need something to eat. That much is clear. And the longer we stand out here…” She looked meaningfully at the other doors along the hall.

  Fen gave in and followed her inside.

  “Go ahead and change. I’ll see what food I can scrape together for you.” She turned away and began rummaging on the shelves. Fen remained standing, the clothes in his hands, feeling highly uncomfortable. She looked back at him. “What are you waiting for?”

  “There’s…uh…nowhere to change. Maybe I’ll just put the cloak on and change into the others later.”

  A wicked smile lit up her face. “You’re afraid to take off your drawers in front of me.” She chuckled. “I changed your dandies when you were a baby. It’s nothing I haven’t already seen. Stop being so shy and get it over with. Here, I’ll even turn away.” Still chuckling, she turned back to the shelves.

  Fen hurriedly stripped off his uniform. Before he could put the fresh clothes on though, she turned back. “I almost forgot.”

  Fen snatched at the cloak and held it in front of him.

  “You’ll want to clean up too, I’m sure.” She put a bowl on the table and poured some water from a clay jug into it, then tossed a rag and a bar of soap down beside it. “There.” She went back to preparing food.

  Fen had to admit that getting cleaned up and putting on fresh clothes helped a lot. He felt sharper, more clear-headed, when he was done. The food she set out helped even more. It was simple fare, barley cooked to a mush and a small bowl of beans, but it tasted better than anything he could remember. He finished and stood up.

  “I don’t know how to thank you,” he said.

  “I do.” Her face darkened. “Kill those Ankharans and whatever came through from the Abyss. Clean up our city.”

  Chapter 11

  With the hood pulled up over his head, Fen felt pretty confident moving around the streets. What he saw was a population that looked stunned. The fall from being victorious conquerors to near anarchy had been swift and painful. They were no longer sure of anything.

  What they didn’t realize was that it was about to get a lot worse, Fen thought.

  After leaving Elace’s, Fen headed for the castle. He had no idea how he was going to get Ravin out of the t
here. Lowellin might have already taken her prisoner. Hopefully, once he got there, he’d find an opportunity. Maybe he could sneak into the castle in the back of a merchant’s wagon or something. Once again, he cursed himself for not thinking of her sooner. He should have gone after her first. If Lowellin had harmed her…

  He couldn’t think of that right now. He had to continue on as if he could still rescue her. He had to believe.

  Castle Plaza was huge, hundreds of paces across. The castle wall formed one side of the plaza. The other three sides were bordered by imposing stone buildings, all several stories tall, mostly businesses catering to the wealthy and powerful.

  People were already beginning to gather in the plaza to hear the announcement. There were a few hundred there, gathered in small groups, talking in low voices. Fear and worry were etched on every face. One man stood out. He was talking loudly and excitedly, telling everyone who would listen that during the night he’d seen inhuman creatures walking with the foreign sorcerers, heading for the castle. He was red-eyed and stumbling, obviously very drunk, but no one was challenging his story. After all that had happened so far, the Samkarans were not so quick to be skeptical.

  Fen made his way through the crowd, trying not to draw attention to himself, taking his time and keeping his head down as he gradually edged closer to the castle gates. As he got near them, he saw that it was going to be even more difficult than he’d feared. The gates were heavily guarded, a score of soldiers manning them. Very few people were entering, and those that did were checked thoroughly. He didn’t see anyone leaving.

  How was he going to get in there? And even if he managed it, how was he going to get Ravin out? He needed the help of Wolfpack squad. But he didn’t see them anywhere.

  He stood there with clenched fists, feeling desperate. He was afraid for Ravin’s safety, and he felt so helpless. He badly wanted to unleash Stone power, smash this wall that stood between him and his beloved, and march in there and save her. Distantly, he realized that he was burning up, sweat running down his face.

  The ground began shuddering. Loose pebbles on the street slid and rolled toward him. One of the soldiers manning the gates turned and looked at Fen.

  Fen turned and walked away, losing himself in the growing crowd, fighting to get his emotions under control. Doing something rash would for sure make things worse. He had to calm down and think. He couldn’t let himself get too upset. He took deep breaths and unclenched his fists. The Stone power receded. He began to cool down.

  A commotion in the crowd drew his attention back to the gates in time to see them swing open. Ranks of soldiers carrying spears and shields began to march through them. The gathered citizens melted back from them, some falling down in their haste and fear. The soldiers wheeled once they’d cleared the gates and moved over to stand in formation at the foot of the castle wall. More and more soldiers poured out of the castle, until Fen became convinced that the entire castle garrison was turning out. Fen was careful to keep his hood pulled down low and his face in shadow. He was far too well known amongst the other soldiers, the risk of being spotted too high.

  But he didn’t move away. He needed to stay close. Sooner or later Wolfpack squad would emerge. If he could catch the eye of one of his squad mates, he might be able to arrange a meeting with them.

  Wolfpack squad was among the last to march out of the castle. They took up a position in the front ranks of the soldiers. Fen drifted closer. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get too close to them, as the nervous citizenry was staying back, keeping an open swath of ground between them and the soldiers. Fen remembered when Samkara’s soldiers had been trusted by the populace, not feared. How bad had things gotten while he was in the prison?

  Fen got as close as he could without standing out. He was relieved to see that all of them were there, and they were uninjured. He focused his attention on Cowley, willing his friend to meet his eye. Cowley was standing at attention along with the rest of them, but his eyes were constantly moving, assessing the crowd for threats. When his gaze passed over Fen, Fen flashed a hand sign at him. It was one of the signals they’d learned for communicating when it was too dangerous to talk. It meant Danger ahead.

  Cowley saw the sign and stiffened slightly. He looked at Fen questioningly. Fen nodded. Cowley nodded back. Fen made a small circle with his index finger, a sign that meant Rally point.

  Cowley jerked his chin off to the right and mouthed the words tavern dock, followed by sunset. Fen knew instantly what he meant. There was a quiet tavern on a forgotten street not too far from the docks. They’d gone there a number of times. Cowley had to be talking about that place.

  Fen nodded and mouthed Ravin.

  His relief was tremendous when Cowley quickly replied with the hand sign for All clear.

  Fen replied with the signal that meant Understood. By then several other members of the squad had noticed him, and some other soldiers were looking at him curiously. It was time to go. Fen melted back into the crowd and moved across the plaza.

  He was so relieved that his legs felt weak. Somehow, Wolfpack squad had known Ravin was in danger and got her out of the castle. He should have known he could count on them. He had no idea how they’d done it, or where she was now, but the important thing was that she was safe.

  The plaza continued to fill. It looked like most of the population of Samkara was going to show up. The soldiers from the city’s other two barracks arrived and formed up across the two main boulevards that led into the plaza, allowing people to continue entering the plaza, but not leave. Some of them peeled off and took up positions across the smaller streets and alleys feeding into the plaza. That worried Fen. What did Lowellin have planned that he wanted to make sure no one could leave? Surely, he didn’t intend a mass slaughter. What would be the point of it? Nor could Fen believe the soldiers would follow such orders. Fen wondered if the army already knew that the Fist was dead.

  Fen saw people pointing. He turned and saw activity on top of the castle wall overlooking the plaza. The remaining Ankharan sorcerers appeared. They stood at the battlements looking down over the crowd, arms crossed over their chests. A few curses were shouted up at them, and there was a great deal of angry muttering.

  The next to appear was Lowellin, stepping up to stand between the sorcerers. He was wearing a long, red cloak, a cloak that Fen had seen the Fist wear sometimes for royal audiences. But what drew the people’s attention and made them go silent was the glint of gold on his head. He was wearing the crown, not the narrow circlet that the Fist favored, but the heavy, gem-encrusted one that the old king had used.

  The crowd stared up at Lowellin in shock for a few long moments. Here stood a stranger on top of the castle wall, wearing the crown. It could only mean one thing.

  Near Fen a middle-aged woman turned to her husband, tears in her eyes, and said, “That’s it, then. The bastards have gone and killed the Fist.” Her husband put his arm around her and shushed her.

  An angry murmur began to rise from the crowd. A few people waved fists in the air and shouted. Someone threw a rock that bounced off a soldier’s helmet.

  “Kneel before your new king,” Lowellin said. His voice carried easily across the plaza. A few people went to their knees, but most remained standing. Some shouted curses at him.

  “Kneel before King Lowellin!” Lowellin yelled, his voice so loud that people winced. But still only a few people knelt. Catcalls rose.

  Lowellin leaned on the battlements. “That’s not very good at all,” he said. “When your king gives an order, he expects it to be obeyed. I might be new at this, but I know that much.” The words were not spoken in a threatening manner. He sounded almost conversational. The people looked at one another in confusion, then back at Lowellin.

  Lowellin looked over his shoulder. “Here come the Ichthalids. You’re not going to find them as friendly as I am.”

  The three Devourers appeared at the battlements. The crowd recoiled from them, anger quickly turning to fear.<
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  “Kneel,” S’nash growled. Though he did not speak loudly, his voice carried easily across the plaza. All across the plaza people began kneeling, Fen among them.

  But not all of them.

  “You will learn what happens when you do not obey at once,” S’nash said. He held up one hand. Black smoke laced with purple began swirling above his open palm. People began edging backward. A few tried to leave the plaza but were stopped by the soldiers, who shoved them back roughly.

  He turned his gaze on a group of people near Fen who were still standing. The smoke streamed from his hand and gathered above them, then began to settle. Alarmed, they tried to wave it away, but to no avail.

  At first it was only wisps of smoke, but it thickened as it lowered. One of the women caught in it began to cough. Others joined in, and soon all of them were coughing. Coughing turned to retching and choking. But even worse was what happened when the smoke settled on bare flesh. Previously healthy skin changed rapidly, streaks of black and green appearing. Cries of pain came from the victims as a powerful stench of rotting flesh filled the air. They reached out to those around him for help, but everyone nearby backed away in horror. As their flesh decayed, so did their clothing. Cloth fell to pieces. Leather curled and cracked. Their hair fell out, and their stomachs bloated.

  The cries turned to screams as rotted flesh began sloughing off their bodies.

  One by one they fell writhing to the ground. One man reached up toward Fen, mute pleading in his eyes. His face was a horror. One cheek was completely gone, the white bone of the jaw showing. The flesh on his forehead had fallen away. Before Fen’s eyes the flesh fell from his reaching hand, leaving only bone. He tried to speak, but no words came out. His eyes dimmed, and his hand dropped as he died. But death did not stop the decay, which continued to spread. Soon there was nothing left but raw bone and a soupy mess that had been his flesh.