Hunt Well

Riley walked the streets and alleys, circling back and forth in what, to an observer, would appear to be random patterns, but which allowed him to cross his route so that any followers would be discovered. After an hour of careful maneuvering, the Keeper entered another narrow alley and approached the third door on the right. He rapped twice, paused for the space of two heartbeats, then rapped three times more. He turned the handle and entered the small single-room dwelling with a cooking fire against one wall and small couches against the other. Lord Caladan smiled and stood to hug his son.

"It is good to see you again. Do you want something to eat?"

"Yes. Whatever it is smells delicious."

Caladan moved to the fire and filled two wooden bowls with stew. The men sat down and began to eat.

"It is delicious."

"Cooked it myself. A recipe from a man I knew in the Pits. He was from a faraway land. The spices are very expensive to acquire."

They finished their stew and Caladan poured two glasses of dark red ale. He took a long drink and wiped the back of his mouth with one hand. "The trial went perfectly, I am told."

"Yes. Your young lion was very convincing, as was the baker's boy."

"The sentence was passed?"

"Death for Triax and his co-conspirators, to be carried out tomorrow."

"Is there danger that word will get back to him?"

"It is not likely. Only members of the Council and the two witnesses were present for the trial."

"Members who may report to Triax."

"Only one, and he is being watched closely. Bertrand will have him apprehended and executed before he can make it to Triax."

Caladan nodded and leaned back. "I see the exits are all covered with Keeper guards anyway. Triax is not a stupid man. He will resist."

"Of course he will, for all the good it will do him."

"It will make my task easier once the Keepers have done their work."

"I won't be able to assist with that, Father."

"I know. There is much you must avoid in order for our relationship to remain hidden to the Council of Law."

"It is a difficult thing to keep hidden at times."

Caladan refilled his glass. "Be glad that Bertrand is there for support. Without his knowledge and protection it would be impossible to hide amongst the flock of sheep."

"Do you have others in the Keepers besides myself and Bertrand?"

Lord Caladan frowned. "It would not be wise to tell you if I did."

"I know, but someone approached me the other day with the secret words. Man by the name of Cassius. He is a new Keeper."

"What did you do when he said the words?"

"Let them pass by as if I didn't understand them."

"Good. I'm not aware of a man named Cassius."

"Shall I inform Bertrand?"

"Not yet." Caladan gathered the bowls and carried them to a small counter. "I will investigate this man myself from the outside so that the two of you are not exposed."

"If he persists in bothering me, I will make him go away."

"That wouldn't be wise at the moment, son. One dead Keeper in this area is quite enough attention for now. If another dies, there is no telling how angry the Council of Law will become. No sense in kicking the hornet's nest when it is ready to go back to a peaceful slumber." Caladan returned to his seat. "I will find out what I can and, if he continues to bother you, I will instruct Bertrand to send him to a faraway territory."

"How is it possible someone knows the words?"

"I don't know, but it is time to change them." Caladan leaned back and rested his arm on the couch. "Is there anything you need for yourself?"

Riley shook his head. "Life is simple for me at the moment and the Keepers pay their men and women well."

"Good. Are there any women in your life?"

"Nothing long-term."

Caladan nodded and stood. Riley did the same and the two men embraced.

"The Keepers will move in to take Triax at sundown tomorrow."

"Good. We will be ready to move in as soon as they leave."

"Be safe tomorrow, Father, and congratulations on your new acquisition."

"Thank you, Riley. Your contributions help the family to prosper. Hunt well."

"Hunt well, Father."