Chapter 11
1328 Words
11
Apuleius led us through the collection of buildings to the former residence of the ruler of Hadia. The soft white rock sparkled more brilliantly up close so I had to shield my eyes with one hand to look at the smooth sides and glistening glass windows. We walked under the archway to a pair of large wood doors. Apuleius rapped on them in a queer, rhythmic way, and they were opened by more guards. We walked past them as they watched us with suspicion deep in their eyes.
The interior of the palace was as white, but the sunlight was muffled by the soft glaze in the windows. From floor to ceiling was a distance of twenty feet, and our footsteps echoed loudly down the long halls. The way branched down three passages, the right, left and forward. Apuleius led us forward. A few other robed figures passed us with their arms stacked with books, but otherwise the halls were empty
"Am I correct to assume you have heard the rumors of the desert?" he asked us without turning around.
"We experienced for ourselves the thieves who appear from nowhere, but do you also speak of the suns among the temple buildings?" Xander asked him.
He nodded. "Yes, but those are only a few of the problems. Your yourself experienced the thieves who now roam the desert with impunity."
"I've never seen a thief use the naqia like that," Tillit spoke up.
Apuleius paused and turned to us. We stood in a rounded intersection where the path branches off in all four directions. Down the way I could see a pair of doors that reached to the tall ceiling.
"You are correct. Until a few weeks ago, the thieves attacked using hadabs as their means of transport," Apuleius told us.
"I thought the dragons in this area couldn't fly," I commented.
"That is why they use the storms created by the naqia. Their own wings aren't capable of a ground-start, but they are capable of gliding," Apuleius explained.
"Riding the storm of the naqia is a desperate way to attack someone," Spiros spoke up.
I snorted. "It almost got us."
"But they wouldn't have anywhere to go if they didn't beat who they were trying to steal from," Tillit pointed out.
Xander turned to the priest. "Then can we assume these raids have been preplanned?"
Apuleius nodded. "We in the Temple believe that is so, but we have no proof that is true other than the attacks themselves."
"Who else have they attacked?" Xander asked him.
"Wealthy Jame travelers, and there was a shipment of books that was waylaid," Apuleius admitted.
"What kind of books?"
Apuleius shook his head. "Nothing that would arouse suspicion. They were merely ancient notes on the creation of the portal. Useless information except for those with the highest skills in magic."
"Had all those who were attacked come from Wahat Alrraei?" Xander wondered.
Apuleius arched an eyebrow. "They had, but you cannot suspect Alzalam of any treachery."
Xander shook his head. "No, but the final words of one who attacked us advised us to ask Sinbad what he knew about the raid. And there is this." He drew out the sword from his waist and handed it to Apuleius. "All the thieves used one."
Apuleius studied the blade and furrowed his brow. "This is a fine weapon for a thief to wield."
My dragon lord nodded. "Yes, and that is why we suspect someone of great importance gives them aid with weapons and information."
"I will ask the local smiths if any created this blade," Apuleius offered.
Xander took the blade and returned it to his waist. "It would be better if the priests remained neutral in this search, especially if Alzalam's nephew is implicated in the matter. The residents would not look kindly on one so powerful being investigated by the temple."
Apuleius pursed his lips, but nodded. "Unfortunately, you are correct. We have never been popular in the area, and our standing has only worsened over the last month."
"People get mad when you close their temple," Tillit spoke up.
He shook his head. "The closure was in response to the threats. A month ago we began to receive these-" he reached his hand into his robe and drew out a packet of yellowed envelopes which he handed to Xander.
Xander opened one of them and read the short letter aloud. "Free the sacred home of Alihat Dhahabia of your blasphemy or die by the sword. You have thirty days to leave."
"All the high priests of the temple received the same threatening notes," Apuleius added. He stared intently at Xander. "Even the Red priest."
Xander whipped his head up to look at the priest with a frown. "They all say the same thing?"
Apuleius nodded. "They do, but with each letter the time grows shorter. The day of judgment is set for the Jame tomorrow."
"So you decided to make everyone mad by closing the temple?" Tillit commented.
Apuleius pursed his lips. "Not exactly. We first placed many guards around the temple and the city, but the letters continued to appear. They even managed to hide them in our bed chambers."
"Is the Red priest still in the city?" Xander asked him.
Apuleius nodded. "He is. He manages a copy shop now in the market, but I cannot imagine why they would involve him. He no longer has any connection to the temple other than through our books."
I leaned toward Darda who stood beside me and lowered my voice to a whisper. "Who's this Red priest guy?"
"He is the former priest who managed the affairs of the fallen dragon lord," she told me.
"Is there anyone other than the Red priest who might bear a grudge against the temple?" Xander wondered.
A bitter smile slipped onto Apuleius's lips. "I do not know if my former comrade bears a grudge, but we could pass the whole of the temple's wealth on to the citizens and they would still resent our presence. So long as we hold the temple there will always be those who despise us for our intrusion."
"Once an intruder, always an intruder," Tillit spoke up.
Darda glared at him. "Have you no respect?"
He held up his hands. "I'm just telling the truth here, Dard. Nobody likes a sore winner, and the priests haven't exactly been modest about owning the place."
She balled her hands into fists at her sides. "The priests have not harmed."
"He is correct," Apuleius interrupted her. He closed his eyes and shook his head. "While my predecessors did not physically harm anyone after the capture they have been less than kind in keeping the temple closed to them except during the Jame."
Xander tucked the note back into its envelope and handed the bundle back to Apuleius. "I would advise you to open the temple to the pilgrims, but to keep yourselves close at all times."
"But we cannot ignore the threats, My Lord," Apuleius pointed out.
Xander half-turned and glanced over our small group. "We will investigate the threats, and the attack in the desert."
Apuleius bowed his head. "As you wish, My Lord. We will send messengers across the city to inform the pilgrims that the temple is open for worship." A small smile slipped onto his lips as he looked over us. "Now if you wish I might take you to your rooms, or perhaps you would like a show of the temple complex?"
I leaned to one side and glanced past the priest at the huge entrance. I nodded at the pair of tall wood doors. "I'd like to know what's behind those doors."
Apuleius half-turned and studied at where I looked. "It is the reason this temple had a water goddess. If My Lady would allow, I will gladly show you what lies beyond."
I looked to Xander. "Any chance at a break before we go hunting for assassins and extortionists?"
He smiled and nodded. "A slight break, if only to show you your heritage."
Apuleius arched an eyebrow as he glanced between Xander and me. "Her heritage, My Lord?"
"For another time in less conspicuous surroundings, but for now show us the inner sanctum," Xander commanded him.
"Very well, My Lord."
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