“What are the temples doing to stop them?”asked Lee.
“What can they do?” Lanson replied. “KingTalminian doesn't seem to care what the faithfuldo, so long as the gold keeps flowing into his coffers. As for me…I have found it wise to stay out of it.”
“Talminian has always been a fool,” Leegrumbled. “And weak.”
“Dangerous words,” said Lanson. “Butas you're already in danger, I suppose it doesn't matter. Speaking ofwhich…” He reached in his pocket, pulled out a small key, andpushed it across the table. “I assume you'll not heed my wordsand leave the city at once. You remember my rental house.”
Lee nodded.
“It's vacant,” continued Lanson. “Iwant you to hole up there until you're business here is finished,which brings me to the next question. What is it you need me to do?”
“I need you to tell me when Millet arrives inBaltria,” he answered. “And if I'm found out give mewarning.”
“You didn't drag poor Millet into your adventuresagain, did you?” he scolded. “But I already know theanswer, don't I? Even if you tried to leave him behind, he wouldn'tlet you.”
Both men burst into laughter. Just then the server camewith Lee's meal. Lanson stood from the table. “I must leave youto your meal. I'll make inquiries regarding Millet. But please, stayout of sight. The Gods only know what will happen if you'rediscovered.”
Lee smiled warmly. “I'll be careful, my friend.”
Lanson twisted his mouth and shook his head. “Idoubt that very much. But at least I can say I warned you.”
Lee watched as Lanson turned and walked away. Alone, hefelt even more exposed. He ate quickly and headed back to the inn.His paranoia grew with each step. He knew he couldn't leave the cityuntil Millet and Jacob arrived, but should the servants of the DarkOne realize his presence he could get them all killed. He consideredsending Dina away but dismissed the idea. If they were aware of him,they may be aware of her as well. She may need his protection.
When he arrived at the inn, Dina was still in her roomsleeping. Lee regretted waking her but considering what Lanson hadtold him, he felt he had no choice. She came to the door, yawning andwrapped in a blanket.
“Get your things together and meet me in thecommon room,” Lee ordered.
Before Dina could ask questions, Lee walked down thehall to his own room and began to pack his gear. Twenty minuteslater, they were both standing in the common room. Lee had the horsesbrought from the stables and walked with Dina to the door.
“What's going on, Lee?” asked Dina.
Lee recounted his conversation with Lanson as theysecured their gear on their mounts. “At least your frienddidn't betray you,” said Dina.
Lee nodded. “He's a good man. But I still hatethat he goes along with what's happening here.”
Dina mounted her horse. “What would you have himdo? Besides, from what you said Angraal isn't actingaggressively. He has no reason to suspect their true intentions.”
“That's just it,” Lee countered. “They'renot a bunch of uneducated fools. They know what's going on. Some evenwelcome it. So long as they stay rich, they'll go along withanything.”
“But you thought that might be the case,”said Dina. “Why are you so angry?”
“I'm angry because we have been lazy,” saidLee. “We've allowed The Dark One to spread his liesunchallenged. Now, who knows if he can be dislodged? He'll conquerthe world one city at a time before one battle is even fought.”
“What can we do?”
“We can play his game better. The moment I'vesecured Millet and my son, Valshara must be told what is happeninghere. In fact, when you visit the temples tonight, I'll have you senda message to Althetas.”
They wound their way through the streets to Lanson'srental house. Lee remembered Lanson using it to rendezvous with hismistresses in years past. The man had a bit of a wild side and areputation with the ladies. But, he reckoned that Lanson had settleddown, if he was renting it out. It was a modest, single storydwelling, typical for the merchant class. Its solid brick walls andtan tile roof were well built, and suited for the climate. The yardwas small but well kept, and a wrought iron fence surrounded it.
Lee led them to the rear of the house and put the horsesin a small stable at the back of the property. They entered throughthe back door and Lee set about lighting lamps. The interior was welldecorated and deceptively spacious. The main living room was equippedwith a small fireplace, a plush suede couch, and two matching chairs.The fireplace was more for decoration than anything else, as the hotclimate usually prevented the need for a fire. The three bedroomswere big enough to accommodate a married couple comfortably, and thebeds had thick, goose down mattresses.
There was a bathing room that had running water, and atub heated by coals placed in a compartment under its base. Lee andDina each picked a room and washed and changed in turn. Once dressed,they relaxed in the living room.
“I'll go out later for food and drink,” saidLee. “There's an eatery a few blocks from here that serveswonderful mince pie.”
Dina smiled, trying to hide her apprehension. “Ishould go with you,” she said. “I don't think that I likethe idea of either of us venturing out alone.”
Lee nodded. “I'll walk you to the temple and we'llpick something up on the way back.”
There was a knock at the door. Lee drew his dagger andpeered out the window. Lanson stood uneasily outside. Lee opened andlet him in.
“I see you're prepared,” said Lanson,referring to the dagger. “Good.”
“Has something happened?” asked Lee.
Lanson eyed Dina. “Such matters can wait untilafter we've made proper introductions.” Dina smiled and got toher feet.
“Lanson,” said Lee. “This is my dearfriend Celandine….” he paused and looked at Dina,embarrassed. “I'm afraid I don't know your last name.”
“Such things have not come up,” Dinareplied. “Lord Lanson Brimm I presume.” She curtsied,elegantly. “I am Celandine Selborne.”
Lanson took her hand and kissed it lightly. “Mydear, it is an honor.” He tilted his head. “Do I detect aBaltrian accent?”
“I lived here in my youth,” she said. “Thatis to say, when I was a little girl.”
“Indeed,” said Lanson. “Well, our cityhas missed your beauty.”
Lee slapped him on the shoulder. “And here Ithought you'd settled down.”
“Me?” Lanson, smile mischievously. “Never.”He made his way to the couch and sat down while Lee and Dina took thechairs. “I thought you might want to know that I was told to beon the lookout for you, just after we parted company.”
“By whom?” asked Lee, leaning forward.
“One of those blasted faithful,”he replied. “I think they must know you're in the city. Andit's no secret that we're friends.”
“Isn't it dangerous for you to come here?”asked Dina.
Lanson smiled. “It will be after today. I had onlywalked a few blocks before they stopped me. I'm afraid I can't riskreturning here until you've left Baltria.”
“Did anyone see us together?” asked Lee.
“I don't think so,” said Lanson. “Ifollowed them after they spoke to me, and they gave me no indicationthat they knew anything. They spoke to three other nobles, then wentto the governor’s mansion.” He held up his hand. “Andbefore you ask, I wasn't followed.”
“We should leave,” said Dina. “Iwouldn't want to put you in danger.”
“My dear,” Lanson replied. “I may notbe the hero that Lee is. But, I do not abandon a friend. Especiallyone that has saved my life. Besides, no one will think to look here,even if they suspect me of helping you. As far as anyone knows, it'soccupied. The last tenants only moved a week ago.” His face wasgrim with resolve. “I'm having food and supplies brought foryou within the hour.”