Tylywoch ~ 11

 Tylywoch ~ 11 Divine Light I 

By Len Morgan 

   They were less than a day away from the Eternal City, when they heard the circulating rumours.   The Emerald Palace was or had been under attack.   The stories varied, but it seemed that the raiders, who most thought were Tylywoch, attacked from within. They overpowered the household guards and the Empress’s bodyguard, taking her captive.   Some seemed certain that she was already dead, others that she and her retinue were, barricaded in the throne room complex refusing to allow anyone in or out. 

As they approached the city, the trickle of refugees became a flood.   Foreign workers and merchants put as much distance between themselves and a site of potential carnage as possible.   People who were not native to the city had a habit of being blamed for things and often ended up as the first casualties.

Weilla was concerned, “What is happening, could it really be Tylywoch?   No! that would be ridiculous…”  she voiced aloud her disbelief.

Galyx sucked on a back tooth choosing his words with care, “That really depends.   If the Divine light were truly in danger and it was the only way to protect her they would.  I certainly would!   It would be their duty to do so,” he said with dreadful certainty. 

They entered the city just before dusk.   A city, familiar to Galyx, that Weilla viewed for the very first time with awe, she could scarce hide her surprise and wonder at its beauty and size.

“We will be staying with a local merchant and his family, they are Tylywoch and will be in a position to brief us on the situation with facts rather than idle speculation.”   He made no attempt to hide his contempt for hearsay.    They are an important intelligence group, and have been living in this city under constant threat for more than five years …”  Galyx halted and pulled her into the shadows.   They watched as a troop of militia marched by, stopping a group of new arrivals.   Their papers and persons were searched.

“Are we in danger?” she whispered.

“Best to be safe, the Captain of militia is an old adversary and some of his men may also know me.” As he explained, he led her down a side street away from the military presence. 

Fifteen minutes later, they stopped and knocked on a heavy wooden door – 3 short, pause, 1 long, 2 short.   They waited thirty seconds, then Galyx rapped twice more and waited.   Within moments, they heard a heavy bolt being drawn back.   The door opened, and they were ushered in.   The lights were off and the curtains drawn, they stood in total darkness for several moments until a voice said “welcome friend.”

“May chance never be a factor.” Answered Galyx, as the door was barred once more.

From a curtained side room a young woman appeared with a lamp, closely followed by an older woman.   Galyx embraced the short fat merchant, his wife and his daughter.   “This is Galt, his wife Amree, they were members of my first Quad.   This is their daughter Schell, she is about your age Weilla and was trained in my home village.”   The young women exchanged greetings.

Amree and Schell produced pastries and wine. They sat and consumed their simple but filling meal.   When the remains of their meal were removed from the table Galt cleared his throat, and began his briefing.

“There was no warning given, we were all caught by surprise.   Three days ago the Surbatt attacked.   We called our team together and went abroad to gather information.   It seems they were gathering to celebrate the conjunction of the moons in the manner of the Bluttlanders.   The 9^th Clan had apparently been infiltrating the city for some weeks, arriving in small groups and keeping well out of sight.   Then without warning, they converged on the Emerald Palace in their thousands and were let in by insiders from their own clan.   They knew what they were doing.  They struck at key strategic points, taking over strategic positions with the element of surprise and superior numbers.   By all accounts, they should have snuffed out the Divine Light and taken power in a relatively bloodless coupe.   But, they underestimated the Tylywoch, who even now defend her in the central chamber of the palace…” 

“The throne room,” said Galyx in amusement.

“Correct!” said Galt.

“The Surbatt have spread rumours that the Divine Light is being held hostage by Tylywoch.   They cannot now allow her to live, or the truth would come out.   Our clansmen are defending against overwhelming odds.   While most loyal troops from other clans seem either to have swallowed the story or have been sent out searching for Tylywoch or any suspicious characters that may be aiding them. Others, more savy, have been arrested and now reside in the accommodation beneath the palace; against their will.  That includes most of the Red Guard.”

“I cannot believe they surrendered,” Galyx said.

“She ordered them to put down their arms” Galt explained.

“They may well be our only chance, I’ve got to get in there and free them.   Is there an easy way?” Galyx said thinking aloud.  

“The only sure way in is to get arrested and handed over to the Surbatt for interrogation.   You would need a damn good plan of escape though, the other members of our current quad are down there with countless others called to aid our clansmen, there are dozens still unaccounted for,” said Galt.

“Have pigeons been sent?” Weilla asked.

“All our birds were released when they started the house to house searches.   The cages were used for firewood.   In answer to your question, there should be a number of Tylywoch bands heading in our direction at this moment, but we don’t know how far away they are or how much time we have…”

Galyx stood up, coming to a decision, “I’m going in!” he said with finality.   “If the situation worsens or if I fail to return in twenty-four hours, assume the worst.   Weilla as our only other Generalist, I would expect you to take command and give the necessary orders, no matter how painful.  At all costs, you must ensure the safety of the Empress.”

“Schell, observe.” Said Galt.   She went up into the roof space and watched Galyx stumble drunkenly into the street, and straight into the hands of his old adversary and drinking partner. 

“Captain Vadeem!   What is happening?   I’ve been back in the city for less than a day and it seems as if there’s an emergency in progress.   Why are you and your men not ensconced in some cozy tavern enjoying the fruits of your just and righteous labours.   Come, let me pay the first reckoning…” He stumbled clumsily towards a nearby tavern.

“One moment sir,” said the captain, “papers if you please.”

“Oh come on Vadeem, it’s me Galyx, why be you so officious…”

“Papers!” the captain demanded more forcefully, a hard edge creeping into his voice, a determined jut to his jaw.   Galyx saw also, the number of unsheathed swords now pointing in his direction.   He chose not to acknowledge them, brushing them aside as he took several steps towards the captain.

“Of course old man,” he answered brusquely fumbling inside his tunic.   “Orders are orders, believe me, I know.”   He handed over his wallet and the captain took his time studying his papers.  

When he spoke, his voice was cold and formal.   “Captain Galyx, you are under arrest as a possible enemy of the empire.   You will accompany us to a place where you can be detained and properly questioned, until such time as your involvement in the kidnapping of our illustrious Empress can be established.” He turned to his patrol, “Take him to the guard post.”

“Arrest?   Kidnapping?   Enemy of the empire?   Are you delirious?   I’ve just arrived back in the city after six years absence fighting border skirmishes in the back of beyond.   My remit is to protect the Divine Light with the last drop of my blood if necessary, that makes me an enemy?   You’ve been listening to reactionaries from the 9^th!   I’d have thought you’d know better,” he said noting the force of his words hitting home in the mind and the eyes of captain Vadeem, a good and valiant warrior from the 5^th Clan.   He was about to pursue it further when the truth dawned.   The patrol was an eclectic group comprising elements from various clans, most significantly a third of them were from the 9^th Clan.   He fell silent.  

His arms were seized from behind, he deftly feigned a stumble and shook them off.  

“No need of help gentlemen.   I’ve now quite recovered my composure.”  He unsheathed his sword and presented it hilt first to the captain so fast, that none had time to react.   Without another word, he started to walk in the direction of the nearest guard post in that sector of the city.  

“I think sir, he should be taken to the palace for interrogation,” said a crusty sergeant from the 9^th.

“Sergeants outrank officers in the 9^th?” asked Galyx.   Without further comment, he changed direction heading towards the Palace.

(to be continued)

 

Copyright Len Morgan