Chapter 2 Good Timing by a Bad Guy

During the years that my uncle, Chasus, trained me for my Amirand-wide search for my birth parents, he taught me countless invaluable lessons. One of those lessons was that nearly all nobles are stupid. Sure, many noblemen and noblewomen are subject to the highest standards of education. Heck, some may even have book smarts and a lick of common sense. But the majority of the upper echelon of society are self-centered, pride-hoarding, money-grubbing idiots. Its not completely their fault. Theyre raised with silk gloves and honey, taught to be pompous, and cradled from what I like to call the real world. They are taught the pride of their position and that they are entitled to all the money, power, and worship that go with it. According to Chasus, thats why nobles dont take insults to their pride very well. Chasuss favorite story about such idiotic pride was from his days as a military captain for King Agolins army in Alandrin. Chasus was in charge of training a large regiment of cavalrymen and infantry in swordplay and hand-to-hand fighting. During one of Chasuss typical training sessions, King Agolin came by on one of his weekly inspections, along with a visiting lord from some city in Watersdeep. The lord decided that since he was so well-trained in fencing, he would be a match for any swordsman in Chasuss regiment. Agolin took the challenge and had Chasus bring forward whomever he deemed to be his most skilled swordsman. Chasus obliged, arming both his man and the lord with willow-switch swords, and a formal duel commenced.

Less than a half dozen moves into the duel, the lord was on the ground with the tip of the soldiers willow-switch sword pressed against the hollow of his throat, his own weapon laying several paces away. In a perfect world, the lord wouldve been reasonable and conceded defeat, taking the soldiers hand in his and congratulating him for his victory. But no, nobles are stupid and prideful, and so the accusation was made that the soldier had cheated in order to make the lord look bad. Between Agolin, Chasus, and a couple hundred soldiers, there were plenty of witnesses to attest otherwise. However, nobles tend to get their way, and even a good king will do what he can to help an offended noble save face, lest it damage relations with the kingdom the noble happens to be from. The soldier was ordered to receive five lashes publicly for his transgression. Though youd think a story like this would spark memories of anger, Chasus always laughed towards the end of it. Afterwards, hed then complete the story by saying, The first thing the soldier said to me after getting his shirt back on was, Captain, it was worth it. What does this have to do with Til about to get his kneecaps broken while I lay impotent on a stone floor with Galius and his three brutes ready to kill the both of us if we didnt talk? Im getting there. There was no way for me to get to my feet. There were no answers I could give Galius that would both make him happy and keep Til safe. It was time to put my uncles view of the general population of nobility to the test. Now, Galius wasnt a noble by birth. Far from it. However, the power of his ill -gotten position had made him as prideful as nobles come. I could only assume that with me being bound on the floor, it was the only weakness of his I could exploit.

So, Galius, hows it feel to be losing all your power and influence? I spat snidely. Crooked Noses boot pressed down even harder, but I continued. Once a beggar, always a beggar, I suppose. Galiuss eyes flared with anger as his attention left Til and rested on me. You will shut your mouth if you know what is good for you, Galius hissed, his face reddening. I guess I dont really know whats good for me, then. Maybe I should steal a gem from the Kolari and use it to become a count and My retort was cut off by Crooked Nose stomping on my chest, knocking out any air that happened to be in my lungs. Galius gave an approving nod to Crooked Nose, his face flushed with anger. Bill stood off to the side, eyeing me suspiciously as if considering my words for truth. That didnt necessarily mean that he wouldnt still kill Til and me if it meant fulfilling his Contract Terms with Galius. I could understand. The alternative to fulfilling the Terms was lifelong servitude to the whiny Count Firmon. Or death. Before Galius could return his attention to Til, I shot back into my venomous tirade. I bet it was probably a wonderful feeling, getting that gem. No woman wouldve wanted to touch you before. No one wouldve voted you into office. It mustve been nice to cheat your way into Byweathers political ranks with that stolen gem. You know, the magic gem that brought you all of your good fortune? Id been tensed during my monologue, waiting for Crooked Nose to stomp my sternum again or give me another kick to the ribs. Instead, all three brutes were glaring apprehensively at Galius. Id only been trying to anger Galius by insulting his pride, but my plan had the beneficial side effect of getting into the brutes heads. Theres nothing like stirring a little distrust to make people question everything. Then again, maybe the brutes were simply

contemplating how such an item could benefit them. Either way, I was spared at least some pain, and thats a plus in my book. Already having angered Galius to the point of quivering rage, I decided to run with the brutes wavering loyalty. You want to know how you can get around a Contracts magic, Bill? I asked, giving Galius a wicked grin. That was all it took. Between his insulted pride and his fear that I would let the brutes in on a secret that could turn them against him, all trace of Galiuss rationality flew to the stars. His eyes boiled with anger. His lips pulled back into a shaking snarl. Then, Galius pointed a pale finger at me and screamed four incredibly beautiful words. Men, kill him now! Before the counts spittle could reach the floor, his face went slack in shock. By Nelinors blood, he mouthed unconsciously. Nelinors the goddess of regret. I smiled. So what did Galius regret? Why was I smiling? Well, the magic of an Activated Contract, even when already fulfilled, forever links the Holder and Setter so that they can never harm one another or intentionally have anyone else do so. With those four words screamed in frustrated rage, Galius had made me pretty much invincible. If the brutes were employed under Bill, they really shouldve known more about Contracts. As Lily Pants started towards me, Crooked Nose raised his boot from my chest and brought it down with bone-breaking force. About two fingerbreadths above my chest, his foot stopped as if hed landed it against the floor instead. The shock of the early, stone-hard impact staggered him. With a quick roll, I pushed my body against his foot and sent him reeling backwards. To my grim pleasure, the back of his head slammed into the wall.

Things got a bit crazy at this point. Til had somehow gotten his arms over the back of the chair and was on his feet with a look saying he was ready to brawl, though his ankles were still tied. Both Galius and Bill were calling for Lily Pants and Crooked Nose to stand down. However, with Lily Pantss charging shout, Crooked Noses pained growl, and my own screams, their orders were unintelligible over the cacophony. Of course, my screams were just overdramatic taunts aimed towards Lily Pants with the sole purpose of keeping him from realizing what was truly going on. Taunts such as Your mother has the stink of a military brothel whore. You know, classy insults. Lily Pants lunged the remaining distance, swinging his hammer down towards my head. When the hammer struck the invisible barrier created by the Contracts magic, it jarred Lily Pantss hand, causing it to snap open and drop the weapon to the ground beside me. I took advantage of his stunned confusion and kicked my legs into the air, providing me with the momentum needed to propel myself to my feet. With a quick reverse spin kick to his face, I knocked Lily Pants off guard before shouldering him to the ground. Crooked Nose was back to his feet with a cudgel of some sort that he swung towards my jaw. His failure to learn from his prior mistake wouldve been enough to make me laugh in a less dire situation, but for the moment I settled for an innate satisfaction as the cudgel stopped right before my face. With Crooked Noses close proximity and my bound hands limiting my options, I brought my knee into his groin with as much force as I could muster. It was enough to collapse him into a heap on the floor. Hopefully, he hadnt planned on siring any children.

All my action was for naught. When I turned to the other end of the room, I saw Bill holding a shiny dagger across Tils throat, his tattooed face impassive. Galius just stared at me with that greasy smile of his. I froze. Well done, Mr. Karell, Galius sneered. Too bad that when it comes down to it, Bill cannot be turned against me, despite your best efforts. If you dare breathe another word about the Contract, the Kolarin dies slowly. If you do not tell me where the gem is, he dies even more slowly. And if I do tell you where it is . . . ? I asked, fearing I already knew the answer. Then I will make it quick, Galius said with a sick finality. Til started struggling against Bill. Bill pressed the dagger more firmly against his neck, causing blood to ooze from under the blade. Til, stop, I commanded sternly. I knew that Til wasnt fighting because he was scared of dying. Aside from passing out at the sight of a dragon once, he was one of the bravest people Id ever met, Kolarin or otherwise. I hung my head. Okay, Galius. You win. Ill tell you, but you have to promise to let Til go. Galius nodded to Bill in response, and Bill pressed his dagger even harder against the skin of Tils neck. Til gave a painful whimper and went still. Any quick motion could possibly finish Bills job for him. You are in no place to make demands, Mr. Karell, Galius snipped, crossing the room to where I stood. He stopped uncomfortably close to me and lifted my chin to bring my emerald eyes to meet his. Tell me, or I promise, the Kolarin will suffer.

The whininess of Galiuss voice was no longer comical. I couldnt find any humor in a situation in which my friend and I were about to be killed no matter what I said, my best friend in the world was on his way to being turned into a laboratory experiment, and the woman I loved was never even going to know Id died. By this point, Lily Pants and Crooked Nose were back to their feet and staring at me with murderous intensity. I took little solace in the fact that they wouldnt be the ones to kill me. Galius would just find someone else to do the job. Completely resigned, I let the fight leave me. The only way to earn Til a quick death, one that would let him die with a little pride, was to lie. The truth about the dragon egg wouldnt earn us any mercy from Galius. Galius, the sorceress you saw me with stole the gem and I was cut off by a shrill whimper from Til as Bill pressed on the dagger again. More blood welled beneath the blade. Do not presume that I cannot tell when someone is lying, Bill said in his rough voice, his dark eyes narrowing a fraction. This guy was good. He had to be in his profession. That was one reason Max had always been an invaluable asset in my travels. He could read a liar from a league away, just like the bald man before me apparently could. I was left with one option: tell the truth. Til must have seen it in my eyes. Dont tell them, Korin! he pleaded, getting the dagger pressed deeper into his skin. Til wouldve probably preferred a painful death over me revealing information about Xalis, the dragon child born from the egg that Galius had thought to be a gem. If Galius believed

me, hed likely assume Xalis still possessed the magic of the dragon egg and send Bill after it. Til had promised Bhaliel that hed keep Xalis safe. He took that promise as seriously as death. Galiuss hand tightened on my chin, but not enough to hurt. Because of our prior Activated Contract, he couldnt have hurt me if hed tried. Last chance, he snarled, spittle flying onto my face. Id never been a religious man, but I still found myself whispering a prayer in my head to Loranis for forgiveness for what I was about to say. The truth is With a splintering crash, the hatch into the room broke inwards, shards of wood ricocheting off the steps. Galius released my chin with a quick motion and gestured to Bill, who tightened his grip on Til. Galius seemed to be assuming that I had backup come to save me and wanted to ensure he still had the upper hand. Several sets of footsteps tapped down the stone stairs. Five men made their way down, one leading four others in pairs behind him. The back four were garbed in oiled leather armor. Their chest pieces had an emblem of a burning sun cut into them, revealing gleaming metal underneath. They wore conical steel helmets with nose guards, and each held a pristine sword. The rotund, severe-faced man leading them had a strip of short white hair wrapped around his otherwise bald pate. He was dressed as finely as Galius, but in velvety greens and whites. His large lips, multiple chins, and beady eyes made me think of a toad. Whoever they were, they struck fear into Lily Pants and Crooked Nose. The two wideeyed brutes dropped their weapons, raised their hands in surrender, and pressed back against the basement wall, all without a single word or gesture from the armored men. Bill didnt drop his weapon, but he pulled it from Tils neck and took a step backwards.

Galiuss eyes filled with a strange mix of anger and fear. What is the meaning of this, Julan? Galius sputtered with a squeak, his voice containing no confidence whatsoever. So this was Julan Bertal, the man presumably attempting to usurp Galiuss political position as Count of Byweather and Second to Lord Vauhs. Another set of Galiuss thugs whod once given me quite a beating had mentioned him once. Julan didnt answer right away. He continued forward until all five men were at the foot of the stairs. Julan was just steps away from me, revealing him to be rather short, the top of his head even with my shoulders. As Julan approached Galius, three of his men broke away towards Galiuss brutes. Lily Pants and Crooked Nose put up no fight and let two of the men slap manacles onto their wrists. I knew this job was a mistake, Crooked Nose muttered as the two armored men turned their attention back to Galius. The third armored man stepped up to Bill. Bill didnt put up a fight, but there was an uncomfortable tension as he set down his dagger and unbuckled his scabbard. I was a little surprised that the man who manacled Bill didnt bring over any others to assist him. Given Bills size and his crazy face tattoos, I probably wouldve wanted a little backup just in case. Bill glared at me with his hawk-like eyes as he was led to join the other two shackled brutes. His passionate hate towards me probably stemmed from the fact that my noncompliance in answering Galiuss questions was going to land him a lifetime of servitude to the whiny count. Even if Bill hated me, even if he was a terrible person, I had no wish for such a fate to befall him. To befall anyone for that matter. The fourth armored man stepped up to Galius with a set of manacles. Galius jerked his hands away. What gives you the right? he screamed nasally.

Now, now, Count Firmon . . . or should I say ex -Count? Are you sure you want to add resistance to arrest by Lord Vauhss personal guard to your charges? the rotund, balding man asked with a cruel smile plastered on his toad face. Charges? Galius sneered. What charges? Taking the law into your own hands, of course, Julan replied condescendingly. You were seen taking these two men into custody, bypassing the requisite notification of the city guard or a constable. I wanted to laugh out loud. I was fairly certain that in Byweather, a city full of corrupt nobles and politicians, the law was routinely disregarded by those with power and money. However, it seemed that one nobles disregard for the law could be used against them by another in a bid for power. Julan tsked. I volunteered to look into the matter personally, and Lord Vauhs sent members of his own guard with me to verify the truth of the situation. We heard most

everything from the door. Enough to get you stripped of your position, at least, if not some jail time. Galius blanched and shook his head. No, y-you cannot do this, he protested, sounding like an offended child. Julans thick lips turned up in a sardonic smile. Oh yes, I can. Now, let the man do his work, and I will be gracious enough to leave off mention of resistance. Galius looked ready to say something else, but he just pressed his lips together until they quivered and shoved his hands behind his back. As he and his brutes were led up the stairs by three of the guards, he turned his head back towards Julan.

If I am to be arrested for this, then those two must also be arrested for stealing from me. Rizear, the god of death, couldnt have held as much hatred in his voice as Galius did at that moment. This isnt over, Mr. Karell. You will pay. I gave him a toothy smile in reply. Goodbye, Galius, Julan said as Galius and his brutes were taken out of the basement. He then turned to me. Now to deal with you, Julan announced. Did you steal from Galius? Despite my morals, I was completely ready to lie. We Julan waved a hand before him. It matters not. The way I see it, you two would serve as nothing but a hindrance if you were arrested and tried. Therefore, I will allow you to leave Byweather on the condition that you never return. Your only other option is death. The last armored man gave his sword a twist as if to confirm Julans threat, all but proving that Byweathers nobles were in no way above taking the law into their own hands. Garlan here will escort you in secret to the city gates, where you will be released. You have no problems with this, I presume? No, sir, I replied, keeping my usually sharp tongue in check. Julan, with his toad face, probably deserved a few insultsand let me say, my tongue itched to let out a joke about croakingbut I was being handed a miracle of sorts. Julan wanted Til and me out of Byweather so we couldnt be convicted of theft and thus encourage leniency for Galiuss actions. We wanted to leave Byweather to find our friends. It was a win-win situation. Julan nodded to Garlan, who swiped his sword through the rope tied around Tils feet. Til beamed brightly with a show of bloody teeth.

Garlan grabbed Til and me by our arms and started forward. As we approached the stairs, I decided to do my philanthropic deed for the day. Mr. Bertal, that tattooed man has an Activated Contract with Galius. It may be in everyones best interests to force Galius to cancel the Terms. If Julan knew anything about Contracts, hed understand that without the Terms being cancelled, Galius could potentially end up with a brute capable of causing Julan problems at his beck and call. Conversely, Bill would effectively be sentenced to death if he chose to ignore the pull to serve Galius once the time frame of the Activated Contract lapsed. I will take that into consideration, Julan responded flatly. Garlan prodded us to start up the stairs. And remember, Julan spoke behind us, your description will be given to the city guard. If you so much as set a single toe into Byweather, you will be dead within the hour. Banishment from the city is a great kindness on my part. If not for your unwitting assistance in my plans, Id simply have you executed here and now. And with that, Til and I were taken out to the street. We were then escorted by a closedcurtained carriage to Byweathers northern gates, never to be allowed back in. Good riddance, I mused. My only thoughts during that silent carriage ride were of Sals and Maxs safety.