Chapter 82: The Key

The difference between Unsighted and Sighted was that the latter could ‘see’ melam energy flowing through all creation. They could see it flowing when mages cast spells, either directly when that melam exited the mage’s body, or indirectly because of the way it affected external melam. But when a mage wasn’t casting spells, it wasn’t possible for another mage to identify whether or not they were Sighted.

During teen years, when the gift of being Sighted manifested, there were testing methods that allowed mages to identify those rare youths who had the talent. But not even the spells of Hasasu mages were useful in identifying a Sighted who didn’t want to be identified.

Only the Annunaki had eyes which could pierce the veils of the mortal coil, and see into the chambers of energy that identified the Sighted.

This led to a very practical way for Xerxes to meet Gandash. Simply put, he would walk into the prison as part of one of Sheik Hatim’s delegation.

The loyalists knew that Gandash had come for some purpose relating to Sheik Hatim. What was more, they knew that giving the sheik more mages would be disadvantageous to their cause. However, the fact remained that Black Jackal had been dispatched by the Sin-Amuhhu Combined Armed Forces, and had orders from High Archon Kingallu himself.

So they could only keep Gandash and the other Black Jackals detained for so long. Musaru said it would only be a matter of days before the loyalists had no choice but to release him.

“The meeting scheduled for later today,” she concluded, “is supposed to be when the deal is finalized. If things go as expected, it will be the final negotiation leading to Captain Gandash’s transfer. Part of the visit involves a personal conversation with the captain himself. Seer Yahel will lead the delegation. If you’re willing, you could come along, disguised as one the Unsighted soldiers. If you communicate with Captain Gandash mentally, no one will be the wiser.”

“What about my fight with Seer Eskinder?” Xerxes asked. “He saw my face. So did the other guards on the bridge.”

Musaru inclined her head. “You have typical complexion and facial features. Put on some armor and different clothing, I doubt you’ll stand out. As I’m sure you’ve experienced on Sin-Amuhhu, mages tend to ignore Unsighted troops.”

She had a point.

“Alright, let’s do it,” Xerxes said.

Though the meeting was hours later, there was much to do after he parted ways with Musaru.

Back in Yahel’s care, he met with the group of soldiers amongst whom he would disguise himself. They taught him some of their basic protocols and formations. He changed into a soldier’s uniform, and was given a spear and a shield.

He knew the basics of spears and shields, but there was a special way these Puabi soldiers liked to hold their gear, and it took a bit of practice to master.

Then he had a light evening meal with Yahel.

“Once we cross the bridge,” she said, “you’ll be an ordinary soldier who needs to stay silent. So now’s your last chance to ask questions. Anything on your mind?”

“I think we’ve covered the plan well, including all the contingencies.”

“Agreed. If all goes well, you’ll have your conversation with your captain, and then he’ll be on our side of the river two days hence.”

“Out of curiosity, what’s the negotiation about? Musaru never mentioned the details.”

Yahel laughed softly. “The loyalists want money.”

“Money?”

“Politics and government all revolve around money. Sheik Hatim’s ancestors have ruled Puabi for generations. He has wealth the likes of which High Seer Arshaka can only dream of. Of course, the treasury is on this side of the river, as are most of the banks. The loyalists have granaries and warehouses, but grain and trade goods don’t directly pay for soldiers’ salaries or mages’ spell components.

“In my belief, this charade of them arresting Black Jackal company is all about money. They’re essentially ransoming them to Sheik Hatim to fund their little rebellion.”

Based on what Xerxes knew so far, he wasn’t sure ‘rebellion’ was the right term. If the loyalists were tied to the Mage Parliament, didn’t that mean Sheik Hatim was the rebel? Perhaps it didn’t matter, at least to Black Jackal.

“So they’re just asking for gold shekels or something?”

“That and some other things. The sheik doesn’t want to give them actual gold. We’ll likely hand over some of the royal museum gallery.”

Xerxes cocked his head. “Museum gallery? Why?”

“Because the items in the gallery are worth a lot of money. A lot more than their grain and whatnot. And Sheik Hatim doesn’t care much about a bunch of tapestries,sculptures, and the like. Besides, it will take time for the loyalists to convert museum pieces into gold. By the time they do, we might turn the tables on them, and get back everything we paid.”

“Makes sense.”

They finished their meal and made the final arrangements. It felt like only minutes had passed since his clash with Eskinder, and now he was going back in the direction of the river. However, they didn’t use the bridge he’d crossed earlier. Instead, they went to the next bridge to the north.

A loyalist mage met them there, a Seer Yosef who had long hair and a patchy beard. He smiled and offered a greeting, and Yahel approached. Behind Yosef were fifteen soldiers, much more than the eight of whom Xerxes was part.

There were some formalities, and then they were across the bridge and walking through the streets. It seemed Yosef and Yahel knew each other, as they walked together and chatted in low tones. As for the troops, the loyalist soldiers led the way, while Xerxes and the sheik’s troops followed after the mages.

Pedestrians hurried out of their way. Who wouldn’t, in the face of mages and armed troops marching with purpose?

Before long, they were in front of the prison building that Xerxes recognized. Inside, Yosef led Yahel to an audience chamber. The heavy wood door was sufficient to block any sound from inside. Xerxes and the soldiers waited outside while she went inside. The soldiers started chatting. Some of the loyalist troops knew a few of the sheik’s men, and there didn’t seem to be much animosity between the two of them.

It’s like this whole thing is a big game.

An hour later, Yahel emerged.

“I have other matters to attend to, Yahel,” said Yosef. “The sergeant here will escort you up to the cell block to talk to Captain Gandash. Then back down.” He smiled. “Behave yourself.”

“As always,” she replied.

He left with his soldiers.

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Xerxes found it all very interesting. The loyalists didn’t seem to be very worried that Yahel would cause any trouble. Perhaps he could use that to his advantage at some point.

The Unsighted sergeant led the way to a higher level in the prison building. There were a few guards present, but not many. And those they did encounter didn’t seem nervous in the presence of the ‘enemy.’

“Wait right ‘ere, Seer Yahel,” the sergeant said. “I’ll make the arrangements.”

He slipped through a door and returned a few minutes later. “The captain’s ready to see you.”

Yahel gestured at Xerxes and another soldier. “You two, come with me. The rest stay out here. We’ll be back shortly.”

Shortly thereafter, they entered a small side room. Gandash was in the room, sitting at a rough wood table, his hands secure in manacles that were built into the table itself.

His eyes darted to Xerxes for only a moment before he focused on Yahel.

“Good to see you again, Seer Yahel,” he said.

Xerxes noted that Gandash was in good condition. He had no injuries, and didn’t seem any worse for the wear.

“Likewise, Captain Gandash,” she said. “You two—” she looked at Xerxes and the other soldiers, “take positions flanking the captain.”

“Anything else, Seer?” the sergeant asked.

“No, we’ll only be a few minutes.”

While the sergeant left, Xerxes got into position against the wall. The range on High Seers’ mage sight and mage touch was short, so it was a delicate balance to look natural while getting close enough to communicate with Gandash.

“Captain, there are a few things I want to explain,” Yahel said. At the same time, she gave Xerxes a meaningful look.

“Of course, Seer Yahel,” Gandash said. “Have the negotiations been going well?”

“Yes, allow me to explain what will happen in the next few days….” She continued talking.

Projecting his thoughts, he said, Gandy, I’m here with Kash, Dasi, and Kat. What do you want us to do?

Our mission is to retrieve something called a Gateway Key, Gandash replied. It’s a device that allows anyone to travel through Gateways unrestricted. Up and down. You must keep the existence of this device a secret. You can imagine the implications if the Abhorrent acquired it.

It required no imagination on Xerxes' part. Where is it? he asked.

Purattu hid it in the keep, in a bronze sculpture of a tree. He said it’s hidden in plain sight, with other similar sculptures. You should be able to identify its location without arousing suspicion. The head of the Key has three heart-shaped sections. The sooner you get it, the better. Preferably before I’m transferred into Sheik Hatim’s care. The sheik wants to use us in his bid for supremacy on Jehannemid. I have no intention of complying with his wishes. As soon as we’re free, and have the Key, we’ll leave this place.

I understand. Anything else?

Do not trust the Sheik or his people. Hatim is out for his own benefit, and truth be told, these loyalists are likely the ‘good guys’ in this situation. What’s the latest with the Abhorrent? Our captors treat us well, but won’t give us any news from the outside.

We haven’t heard anything. Supposedly the Abhorrent are coming in this direction.

We need to get the Key and get out of here before they arrive. Hurry, Xerk. This goes beyond anything we could imagine.

“... and that’s about it, Captain,” Yahel said. “I hope you approve of how we’re handling things.”

“Of course,” Gandash said. “I’ll make sure to mention your name when I make my report to High Archon Kingallu.”

“Is there… anything else?” Yahel asked. She glanced at Xerxes briefly.

Gandash shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

Yahel pushed her chair back and stood. “Then we’ll take our leave. Next we meet, you’ll be dining with the sheik.”

“I look forward to it.”

They left, marched out of the prison, across the city, and through the bridge. The entire time, Yahel didn’t say a word, nor did any of the soldiers. Back in the keep, after the soldiers were dismissed, Xerxes put down his shield and spear.

“Did you get what you wanted?” Yahel asked.

“Yes, I think so.”

“It’s late. Will you be sleeping here in the keep?”

He was tempted to say yes, then sneak out in the night to find the bronze tree statue and the Gateway Key. But it seemed risky. He didn’t know the layout of the place, how the guards operated, or even where to start looking. Better to let some time pass. Worst case scenario, Dasi could cast a shapeshifting spell and explore the keep with no one the wiser. Assuming they could find some pills to replenish her melam.

“I’d prefer to meet back with my companions, if it’s all the same to you.”

“You’re welcome to do as you wish. Also, I’d love to invite all of you to a morning meal here in the keep. Believe me, the fare is vastly superior to anything you’ll find in the outer city. And most places in the inner city as well.”

“I think I’ll take you up on that.”

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