“The work you’ve been doing here has not
gone unnoticed. Cyril himself has sent
commendations, but I’ll dispense with the pleasantries.”
“That’s a lie.” Anneleigh thought with
anger; her emotions temporarily heating her from within despite the cold. “He’s manipulating them into continuing to
work on his cause. “ She quieted her
thoughts to listen to the rest of his speech.
“We are close to locating one of the
largest remnants of Aedraxis yet. I can
feel it. Once this remnant has been
found, we can leave this Vigil-forsaken place. ”
Kain’s sights fell on Anneleigh and he
continued. “That is all. Back to your posts.”
The soldiers rose from their kneeling and
moved through the snow to their positions.
“What did Borrin and Cyril have to say when
you returned the Chain to Sanctum?” Kain
asked, calling her over and handing her a warm coat. “Were they pleased?”
Anneleigh nodded, accepting the gear. “They said top researchers would begin study
as soon as possible and that I was to return to you, if that was your
command.” Anneleigh dropped her gaze and
hoped he could not sense the lie of omission she was feeding him.
He rubbed his hands together as if just
noticing a slight chill. “The cold of
this land will do little to cool my fury at those that would stand in the way
of my Vigil-appointed duty!” he said. “I
am glad they are supportive at last.”
Kain paused for a moment, and then seemed to feel she was worthy of his
confidence. “Can you believe they nearly
pulled my rank after Scarwood Reach was saved?
I received a missive from Cyril stating in no uncertain terms he thought
that my search was clouding my judgement and preventing me from succeeding in
my Sanctum appointed mission.” He let
out a loud laugh that was more like the bark of a dog. “I told him I thought the Vigil’s command
would pull rank over Sanctum’s, and he agreed, though, I’m not sure it was an
honest agreement.”
Anneleigh forced a small smile and he
smiled back, assuming her reaction was a show of agreement and support.
“I’m glad they allowed you to return. My 12th guard is vast, but there
are places it is easier to send a single able woman than it is an army.” He turned his attention to a small cage
behind him that Anneleigh had not noticed.
“Nizmak,” He addressed the prisoner, “You
and your group of redsnow trash are responsible for moving Remnants of Aedraxis
out of Iron Pine Peak.” The prisoner
cowered and shook his head, but Kain took no notice and continued. “Since you don’t want to tell us where you’ve
been sending the remnants, I’ll just have to send one of my men into Frost
Falls to wipe out your little outfit.”
“You Monster!” Nizmak shouted. “You
wouldn’t dare! I thought you Guardians
had a sense of morality?!”
“I’ll let nothing get in the way of my
destiny, Nizmak! Especially not some
worthless bandits.” Kain replied. He then took Anneleigh by the elbow and
directed her inside, leaving Nizmak shouting his protests to the blowing snow.
“That bandit filth has seen fit to smuggle
some of the remnants out of Iron Pine.” He said, as he handed her a warm mug
and took one for himself. “I need to
know where they went!”
Anneleigh smiled. “So you are not going to demolish his
camp?” She was relieved to find a piece
of humanity and compassion remained.
“I have their chief here, “Kain said,
motioning towards the door, “but he has not seen fit to tell me what I need to
know. You will show him what it means to
defy the will of the Gods.”
“You want me to go out and slaughter them?”
Anneleigh asked tentatively. To her
surprise Kain laughed. He seemed to be
in surprising spirits at one minute and in a deep temper the next.
“You can bluff with an animal like Chief
Nizmak. I want you to leave the camp for
a few hours. He’ll likely believe I’ve
made good on my word.”
Anneleigh nodded and stood to leave. Unsure what to do with her time; she made her
way across the bridge to the common area of Whitefall. There she found a small bar with a warm fire
and a lively conversation. One
conversation caught her ear; several men sat around a small table discussing a
similar problem. Each of their wives had
gone missing.
She rose from her stool and approached
their table. “Excuse me. I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help but over
hear. Maybe I can help.”
Two of the men remained quiet, but the
youngest looked at her curiously. After
some time he motioned for her to sit down with them. “Several nights ago, my wife, among others,
went missing. I went to bed with her by
my side, and when I awoke, she was gone.”
The oldest man sighed. “A few nights ago
while in the study, I heard my wife leave.
When she did not return that night, I figured she was visiting her new
lover.” Anneleigh blushed and looked at
him in shock. “Yes, I’m well aware she
shares another’s bed. It’s to be
expected when taking a young wife, but she’s never been gone long. “
Anneleigh looked expectantly at the third
man, a rather large fellow with a rather large Axe propped beside his
chair. When he did not speak the
youngest gave him a short jab in the ribs.
“I was sitting by the fire when I heard her go out the door. When she didn’t come back after a few hours,
I grew worried and went to look for her.
Her tracks disappeared on the southern edge of town, and when I pressed
on, I was assaulted by wolves.”
“Did any of you go for help?” Anneleigh
asked in surprise.
They three men shook their heads
sadly. “The Icewatch is convinced that
the wilds have already killed them.” The third man said. “But I haven’t given up hope. My wife has her Cloudbourne Ice
Necklace. We purchased one from Warrik
Marsen the moment he described their effects.
She should be protected from harm.”
“Mine too”, “As does mine.” The other men
said in unison.
“What foul magic could be at work that is
stealing our loved ones from their homes?” asked the youngest man.
“I will do what I can.” Anneleigh said as
she stood to leave.
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