Chapter 86:
To Betray or be Betrayed
"Stay here. I'll be back shortly." Silas said in a gentle tone, patting the back of his horse. The horse was quiet in response, just shifting its long tail back and forth at a leisure pace, bending its neck to eat the last of the long grass that had begun to wither with winter's fast approach. He gently pulled the horse's reins, ready to tie it around a nearby pole, but within moments, a well-dressed young man came out of the front of the bar, nodding at Silas's hands.
"I can take that for you, sir." The young man said with a friendly smile, holding out his hand to take the reins, "Don't worry, sir. Your horse will be taken over to the stable to be taken care of. You can pick him up at any time. And the fee has already been covered. He is waiting for you inside."
The young man gestured with his hands again, and Silas slowly turned the horse's reins to him, watching him closely. The young man nodded in thanks, quickly guiding the horse to the nearby stable under Silas's watchful eye. Other horses peeked their heads out of the windows in their stalls, noting they had a new companion joining them.
As his horse disappeared into the stable, Silas then turned his attention to the inky black alleyway to his left. The thin, white hairs on Silas's arms rose as his senses focused, hyper-sensitive to any dangers. Nothing felt overtly dangerous to him as he took small, measured steps into the alley, but there were too many places someone could hide, laying in wait for him to pass by. The thought put Silas on edge, but he continued forward. He had come this far, and not even the strongest forces in the world could stop him now.
The alley was wide enough to accommodate his figure, but the walls were warped and dilapidated, giving a sense of deterioration. There was a feeling of time passed looking at the poor state of the buildings, and Silas could not help but think of his village and the few scenes he could remember from the day it had been burned to the ground.
Stepping into the alley felt like entering a new world to Silas. Though the alley had looked dark from the safety of the street, being inside the alley revealed its true inky darkness to any inhabitant. Other than his muffled steps, there were no other sounds. He could hardly see in front of him, and he was forced to use his other senses to navigate. Yet, even in the darkness, the red door stuck out at the end of the long alley. Against the shadows, it was like a beacon, calling out to Silas, summoning him to enter its unknown depths. Goosebumps rose on his arms as the bright, warm sun that had just been shining upon him disappeared, leaving him to shiver.
I'll need to remove this disguise soon. Silas thought to himself as he walked down the alley, I used the herbs Yulia gave me, but that can only do so much.
Each muffled step rang hollow in Silas's ears, bouncing off the walls and echoing into his mind, trying to shake his steeled nerves. Silas quickened his step, but not because he was uncomfortable. Instead, he wanted to get to the duke faster. To hear his proposition, and to save his family.
Each step brought the red door closer. It grew larger and larger as Silas's pupils dilated to accommodate its growth. Silas grew closer, his hand reaching out instinctively. His fingers grazed the rust and crumbling dirt on the door's surface. The cold from the door, somehow colder than the chilled alley, transferred to Silas's warm fingers, causing him to shiver again.
Silas pulled his fingers back, startled. For some reason, the door, which was an inanimate object, sent a chill down Silas's spine, as if he had touched the cold skin of a corpse. But it was too late to turn back, and Silas lifted his fist and knocked on the door with a heavy hand.
"What?" A gruff voice called out from behind the door.
"Valia has arrived." Silas recited the words of his guide, his tone even and cold. Rustling was heard from the other side of the door, then creaking and slamming, before the door quietly opened. An older large man stood in the doorway, looking Silas up and down as Silas waited patiently, standing in front of the door with his hands at his sides, his expression flat. Looking Silas over with a direct, invasive gaze, the man nodded before he moved aside, allowing Silas to step inside.
"The count is waiting for you upstairs." The large, imposing man said, his sheer boredom dripping with each word.
Count? Silas thought to himself, But Godfreed is a duke. Silas frowned, facts coming together as he thought, He must not want his name and title tarnished by a place like this. I can't say I blame him either. Even I'm relieved I'm in disguise. This place is, Silas's eyes narrowed, Dangerous. It's not somewhere I would want to be associated with. But then, why does the duke want to do business in a place like this?
The doorman turned his head towards the short hallway behind them, barking into the darkness, "Someone come and escort the count's guest." Both men waited as something rustled from the darkness, yet nothing emerged. The doorman rolled his eyes, his thin patience quickly waning, "You useless little bastards! Someone get your ass out here before I make you!"
Suddenly, stumbling from the darkness of the doorway as if they were pushed, was a small child. The child's head snapped back towards the darkness, lifting their tiny fist with an angry wave, but the doorman snapped at him.
"Pay attention, you little brat! We have a guest for the count! Escort him, and no funny business, or I'll tan your hide again. Understand?"
The small child scowled, which, along with their wild, dirty hair and baggy, stained clothes, made the child look feral. The small child, probably much older than they looked, began stomping down the hall, hardly waiting for Silas to follow them.
"If he bothers you at all, sir." The doorman said, glaring at the fleeting figure of the child, whose ear perked up, "Let me know." Silas wordlessly nodded in response, annoyed by the large, aggressive man. He then followed the young child to the hallway.
As Silas stepped inside, his eyes could not help but widen. His eyes trailed over the area, as if in disbelief at the abrupt change of the state of the building. The inside could only be described as grandiose, full of velvet draperies and inlaid with ruby carpets, decorated with gold and black fabrics around the walls and pillars that supported the building. Paintings embellished with full frames donned the windowless wall, and wisps of incense trailed through the main hall, bringing the musky smell to Silas's nostrils as he hurried past, following the quick steps of the young child. Doors lined the main hall, and Silas could hear laughter and hushed voices through some of the doors as he passed by them.
Silas had no interest in what was happening behind the closed doors, but he was disturbed that there was a child working in such an environment. And, judging by the child's appearance and attitude, he was treated very poorly. Silas could not help but wonder if Aurelia and Cirdan would have suffered the same fate without their mother at their side.
Silas paused, his walk halting.
Wait. How can I say that for sure? Meredith told me they were alright, but how do I know that? How do I know what happened to them? I haven't seen them for ten years. How do I know that they didn't go through something like this in those ten years?
The child, who had still been walking, finally stopped, turning towards Silas with a scowl. Silas weakly smiled, nodding his head as he began walking again. The child then turned back forward and resumed their brisk walk, their little bare feet slapping against the carpeted floors.
As they continued to walk, Silas quizzically looked at a set of stairs as they passed them.
"Isn't the count upstairs?" Silas asked curiously, gesturing towards the stairs. The child only shook their head in response, continuing forward. Silas looked once more at the stairs, then followed the child.
The child took him through a door, then a long hallway. Silas looked around him each time, taking in the environment, memorizing which way they were going.
"There's stairs here." The child said, their voice scratchy and high, as they pointed to a door at the end of the hall. The child opened it as Silas stared in awe, shocked that the child had spoken. And, as the child had said, there was a set of stairs behind the door.
"It's secret." The child continued, stepping up the stairs, "Only for special guests. For security."
"I see." Silas noted, staring behind him before he followed the child up the stairs. Once at the top, there was a small room with one plain, white door.
"Here." The young child said, their voice scratchy. They weakly gestured towards a tall, white door, "The count is inside." The child then turned back towards the stairs, ready to leave, but Silas called out to them.
"Hold on," Silas said after the child, reaching into his sack. The child whipped their head around, their expression sour. Silas smiled at this reaction and flicked a coin towards the child, who caught it with a firm clap of their hands. Slowly, they opened their hands, revealing the coin. For a split second, they smiled, their small, tired eyes softening. Then, with a growl, they tucked the coin away and ran down the hallway.
It's not much. Silas thought to himself as he smiled, watching the young child run away, But hopefully it will make things a little easier for them, even for a little while. Silas hoped that if his family was ever in a situation like this during the ten years they were apart, someone showed them a little kindness.
Silas turned his attention back to the door, lifting his fist and knocking stiffly. He was anxious for what the duke had to say to him. For all Silas knew, this was an elaborate trap to capture him, but somehow, Silas did not think so.
And if it is, at least that child will be okay for a little while.
As the door creaked open, Silas stepped back, his hand near his sword hilt. The door was quickly pulled open, but it felt like it was trapped in slow motion in Silas's mind. Inch by inch, the room was slowly revealed to Silas, a body blocking a portion of the elegantly decorated room, embellished with ornate white walls and an arrangement of expensive furniture. Standing in front of him, leaning on the door in a relaxed manner in a loose white tunic and dark brown pants, was Malcolm Godfreed, nephew to the current king of the Yursear kingdom.
"It's good to see you again, Valia." Malcolm said in a teasing manner, the skin around his golden eyes crinkling as he smiled. He stepped away from the door and held it open for Silas to enter, his tall frame taking up most of the room in the frame. Silas grimaced as Malcolm smiled, "Though I must say, you look much better in men's clothes."
"Just call me Lloyd." Silas said, cautiously entering the room. He stepped to the side, allowing Malcolm to close the door behind him, then waited for Malcolm to return to his seat. Malcolm did so, gesturing to Silas to sit across him on the opposing loveseat.
"So many aliases." Malcolm said with a tsk, "I don't know how you remember them all."
"Well, it seems you keep track of your own just fine, Count." Silas said coolly, taking in the room around him, as Malcolm threw his head back and laughed, "But I didn't come to discuss these things with you."
"No, you didn't." Malcolm said, his arms resting on the back of the opposing loveseat, his leg crossed comfortably over his other. Unlike Silas, he was completely relaxed, looking serene in the serious situation, "No, you came here to see what we could do for each other. How we could mutually benefit each other, if you will, in these trying times." His exaggerated manner of speech was insulting, but Silas ignored the duke and responded levelly.
"You know about my family, but I still don't understand how I can help you. You're the nephew to your king. I don't see how a lowly elf could help you." Silas said, ignoring Malcolm's eyes, which burned into his disguise, taking in every inch of it. The smile that graced Malcolm's lips did not reach his eyes.
"Tell me this. Is your family the only thing you want?" Malcolm asked, ignoring Silas's remarks. Malcolm sat forward and placed his arms on his knees. He looked intently at Silas, who now returned the heavy stare, "You don't want revenge against the royal family? For everything they've put you and your family through?"
"Once I have my family back, I don't care what happens to them." Silas said immediately, his face steeled.
"Even though they used your mother as a pawn to murder another country's countess?" Malcolm said, his smile turning serious as Silas's body stiffened, "That's right, Lloyd. Or can I call you Silas? I forgot you hadn't heard the news. They have kept your family locked away, and then my uncle and cousin released her to get rid of the daughter of a political adversary. Right now, they are hiding her away again, but as soon as it is convenient for them, they will reveal the crazed elf who committed such a disgusting deed. And you know better than anyone what they do to elves that harm humans."
"But why would they do that? The risks they are taking to do something like that are massive." Silas asked, anger and guilt bubbling inside of him.
Malcolm shrugged his shoulders, "The crown has been failing to appease its people for years. A revolt is on the cusp of breaking out in the streets. The royal family knows this, and they will do anything to quell the people's anger, so they can continue to rule in their golden palace. What could be better than two countries uniting in anger against the elves, who, even though they were punished, came back and murdered an innocent young woman?"
"You still haven't told me what you are getting out of this, out of helping me. Aren't you part of the royal family, being first cousins with the prince?" Silas asked, his eyes cold, but his heart racing.
"I don't consider them family," Malcolm said coldly, "They abuse and punish people who can't defend themselves. The elves, the poor, the disabled, the weak. All of those conniving nobles, hiding in their ivory towers do it, and they laugh while doing so." Malcolm clenched his fists, "I want what you want. I want to punish those nobles, to let them have a taste of what they have done to people like your family. But I can't do it alone, and neither can the people starving in the streets. Help me, Silas. I will destroy the royal family and give the power back to the people. I will stop this ceaseless war against the elves." Silas eyes widened, shocked by Malcolm's vehement speech, but Malcolm continued, his face returning to a serene calm, "If you help me, I will personally ensure you and your family's safety. There's still time to save your mother's life, but we must act quickly."
"What do you need?" Silas asked, his brows creased.
"I'll be returning to the palace in two days. Come with me."
"Are you insane?" Silas snapped, his eyes widening in anger.
"I understand why you would feel that way, but if you let me explain, I think you'll agree." Malcolm began.
"You better speak quickly, or I'm leaving." Silas said, placing his hands on his knees as he prepared to stand up.
"And what would you do on your own, Silas?" Malcolm asked with a knowing smile, "Even with Ivana, or should I say Eva, and her little gaggle of convicts, you'd never be able to get close to the palace. But I can get you in. I can take you right to them, and all I ask is one thing."
Silas faltered as he listened. He wanted to say no, to hurry out of the room, to forget he ever came here, but his body froze in place.
Malcolm took Silas's silence as interest in his plan, so he continued, "The plan is simple. My cousin's engagement ceremony is fast approaching, and I am allowed to bring a guest with me. I'd like you to be that guest. You'll be in disguise, of course. I've already seen you in women's clothes, so a disguise like that will not be an issue for you."
"What else would you expect me to do?" Silas asked, his mind numbing to all the information being forced on him.
"Your presence will be enough. I'll do everything else." Malcolm smiled, his eyes lightening as he said, "My goal is to ruin my cousin's reputation, ruining his future at the throne, and I could not do that without you, Silas. With our shared interests, it would be foolish not to work together." Silas looked towards Malcolm, who was resting his arms on the back of his chair, his expression relaxed as he added, "You want to save your family, after all."
Silas wanted to refuse the duke, knowing he would be placing himself in danger once again, possibly placing himself up to be blindsided by the prince's cousin, but Silas knew this could be his only chance to enter the palace, possibly the last time he would ever get this close to his homeland.
As long as my family is safe, I don't care what happens to me.
"Duke Godfreed, can you promise me one thing?" Silas said, his green eyes looking up with a heavy gaze.
Malcolm brought his right hand in and rested it on his crossed leg, his expression full of interest as he responded, "And what promise would that be?" He raised a brow.
While he was in no position to bargain, the duke seemed willing enough to listen to his request, as willful as it may be. "If I help you, and something happens to me, ensure my family's safety. Get them out of the country and send them to the Falfier kingdom." Silas bowed his head, his back straight as he held his hands in front of his waist tensely.
"What a simple request." Malcolm's calm expression did not change, but his thin lips turned into a smile, "Your family's safety will be arranged. Focus your thoughts on the mission at hand, and I will take care of the rest." His words carried a tone of patience. No question or concern was a bother to the serene duke.
"Then," Silas stood up straight as he said steadily, "Duke Godfreed, I accept your proposal."
The smile on Malcolm's thin lips grew as he stood up from his chair, gaining height over Silas's figure as he looked down at the elf. "It's a deal then, Silas." Silas lifted his hand, shaking Malcolm's hand with his own following the strange human tradition.
"I do not know much about elves, but I assume that disguise is very uncomfortable. It would be best to get somewhere safe, so you can remove it and rest." Malcolm said as Silas adjusted his cape, placing the long hood over his head, covering his eyes with a dark shadow.
Silas ignored the duke's warning, feeling his mana weaken as beads of sweat trailed on his brow. "When will you contact me again?"
"I will contact you early tomorrow morning. But I insist that you stay in one of the inns in town. The one down the road is quite nice, and does not have the gruff company that this one does. I usually stay there if I have business here. I will cover it for you, since it looks like you haven't had a good night's rest in a while. And in the morning, my associate will collect you after everything is prepared." Malcolm adjusted his sleeves, straightening the embellished embroidery with a tug of his hand. "Sleep well. There will be little rest within the coming days."
After the exchange had been completed, Silas left the room. As he stepped out of the door, the same child he had seen earlier stopped in front of him, their hair matted under the bright candlelight. Having been told to take care of this guest, the child let out a grunt and began to walk forward, leading Silas back to the entrance, where the tall, imposing man stood, his arms crossed as he watched the door, boredom hanging from his face.
"Safe travels." The man grunted, waving Silas off as the dirty child that had led him disappeared back down the hall, having been sent off by the imposing man by the entrance with a single wave of his calloused hand.
Hearing the man, Silas could only nod his head, stepping out of the embellished building only to be greeted again by the dark, dilapidated buildings surrounding the gambling house from within. There were no sounds other than the cries of the crickets chiming and the sound of the wind pushing dead leaves across the ground. The homes nearby had been darkened, and the only shadow that could be seen was Silas's.
As he traveled to the end of the narrow alley, he was greeted by the stable hand, who had already led his horse to him with a polite bow. "Your horse, sir."
Retrieving the leather reins from the stable hand, Silas lifted his foot into the stirrup and sat atop the horse. Once he adjusted the cloak over his head, he tapped the sides of the horse and led it forward with some urgency, knowing it was only a matter of time before he completely exhausted his disguise.
As he headed to the outskirts of the emptied town, towards the inn Malcolm had pointed him to, Silas could only hope it would be the last time he and the prince would cross paths.
…
Is Malcolm being honest, or does he have other intentions? :D Ah, finally hitting my favorite plot point! I bet you all can't wait to see Silas return to the palace again >y< I can't either. I'm ready for Clare's reaction >u> Malcolm will be stepping in more and more as we finally approach the palace.
Thank you all for reading! And huge thanks to Hunny for absolutely killing this chapter ♥ I will be on spring break this next week, completing some software training for work, so I am hoping to get ahead once again! See you all next week ♥