Unlike the slaves, however, the templars labored under the burden of the guilt they shared, and so they sought to redeem themselves in service to the new government. The fact that they pursued this redemption while living in their own, luxurious, secluded compound, walled away from the common citizens of Tyr, was something that was never mentioned. Also never mentioned, and unknown by anyone except a handful of Timor’s closest and most trusted associates, was the fact that the senior templar was a secret defiler who schemed to topple the revolutionary government and seize power for the templars, with himself as the new king.
As such, the lean, dark templar with the thoughtful gaze and the sepulchral voice listened with intense interest to what Sorak had to say. If what this elfling herdsman claimed was true—that some aristocrat in Nibenay had dispatched spies to Tyr—then clearly the Shadow King of Nibenay had his eye on the city and was anxious to assess its vulnerability. This, thought Timor, could interfere with his own plans.
“Why have you come to us with this information?” asked Sadira when Sorak had finished.
“Because I am but a simple herdsman,” Sorak replied, “and I thought the council of Tyr would find this information of some value.”
“In other words, you hoped we would reward you for it,” Councilman Kor said wryly. “How do we know you are telling us the truth?”
“I have given you names and descriptions,” said Sorak, “and I have given you as many details of their plan as I know. I have also told you of the attack the marauders plan on the caravan. You may look into these matters for yourselves. As far as any reward is concerned, I would be content to wait until you have satisfied yourselves that the information I have brought you is correct.”
Timor pursed his lips thoughtfully. “It could take time to investigate these allegations,” he said.
“I am content to remain in the city in the meantime,” Sorak replied.
“And what about your herds?” asked Timor, watching Sorak carefully. “Who will tend them in your absence?”
“I have not left any herds untended,” Sorak said, which was absolutely true, as he had no herds to tend. “Remaining in the city will eat into the profits of my sale, but I am willing to sustain a minor short-term loss in anticipation of a long-term gain.”
“Where shall we find you if we need to speak with you again?” Sadira asked.
“I am told that cheap accommodations can be found in the warrens, near the elven market,” Sorak said. “Perhaps if Captain Zalcor would be kind enough to escort me, I could arrange for a small, inexpensive room, and then he would know where I am to be found.”
Sadira nodded. “Captain Zalcor, you will accompany this herdsman to the warrens near the elven market and see that he finds a room.” She turned to Sorak. “And so long as you are in the city, herdsman, the council would be gratified if you were to remain where you could be reached. We shall look into this report that you have brought us, and if it is accurate, then you shall be rewarded.”
Sorak inclined his head in a respectful bow and turned to leave, accompanied by Zalcor and his soldiers.
“If that elfling is a ‘simple herdsman’ as he claims, then Timor’s a kank,” said Rikus after they had left. “Did you see that sword he wears?”
“Yes, I noted it,” Sadira said, nodding. “And I sensed magic in the blade. Without a doubt, he is not what he appears to be, but if there is even a remote chance that what he says is true, we must investigate.”
“I agree,” said Timor. “We already know that King Hamanu wants this city as his prize. If the Shadow King of Nibenay lusts after it as well, we cannot afford to give an impression of weakness. If spies have been sent to Tyr, they must be apprehended and dealt with severely, in a manner that will serve as an example. And if marauders plan to attack one of the merchant caravans leaving our city, we must send soldiers to reinforce the merchant guard and see that the attack is crushed. We must show that Tyr is safe for trading, and that we know how to protect our interests and look after our security.”
“Indeed,” agreed Councilman Kor. “We are not so strong that we can afford to overlook potential threats.”
“I still say this elfling bears watching,” Rikus said. “We know nothing about him, and I, for one, don’t believe he’s a simple herdsman.”
“I agree,” said Timor. “For all we know, he may be a clever spy, himself. It would be prudent for us to keep an eye on him. The templars can see to that task easily enough, and we stand ready to assist this council in the investigation of the elfling’s claims.”
“I move that the templars undertake this investigation with the assistance of the city guard,” said Kor.
“I second the motion,” said Councilman Dargo.
“All in favor?” said Sadira.
The vote was unanimous.
“Motion carried,” said Sadira. She rapped her gavel on the table. “This council meeting is adjourned.”
As the members of the council filed out of the chamber, Sadira remained seated, hands steepled before her, eyes staring down with a thoughtful expression. Rikus lingered also, watching as Timor left the chamber. The senior templar was speaking earnestly and in low tones with Kor and Dargo as they walked from the room.
“I don’t trust those three,” muttered Rikus. “Especially that foul templar. They’ve got something cooking.”
“Their own brand of revolution,” said Sadira.
“What?”
“Timor conspires to discredit and depose us, then seize power for the templars,” Sadira said.
“You know this? You have proof?”
“No, but even if I did, I could not act upon it. It would be the sort of thing that would play right into Timor’s hands. The templars could then point to us and say we are no better than the previous regime since we allow no opposition.”
“So what are we supposed to do, sit idle while the templars plot against us?”
“No, we must not be idle,” said Sadira, “but we must act in subtle ways, using methods as covert and devious as theirs.” She sighed heavily. “Casting down a tyrant king and leading a revolution is much easier than running the government that replaces him. Believe me, not a day goes by that I don’t wish I could pass the responsibility to someone else.”
“But not to Timor!” Rikus said.
Sadira smiled. “No, not to Timor and his templars. Otherwise, it would all have been for nothing.” She patted the massive former gladiator on the shoulder. “In battle, there are none to match you, Rikus, but you must now learn to fight in a different sort of arena. And in this new mode of battle, your strength will give you no advantage. We must learn to fight using Timor’s weapons, only we must use them better.”
“What do you propose?” asked Rikus.
“We must keep an eye on Timor, and take steps to counter his devious machinations. And I think we would do well to keep an eye on this elfling, also.”
“My instincts tell me he is not what he seems.”
“Your instincts have always been good,” Sadira said. “He is obviously no herdsman. He has the build of a fighter, and the carriage of a ranger. There is also something in his gaze... something quite unsettling. I could detect magic on his blade, which is unlike any weapon I have ever seen, and he has a tigone for a pet, a beast no one has ever tamed before. No, he is no simple herdsman. The question is, what is he?”
“That is something I intend to find out personally,” Rikus said with determination.
“No, Rikus. With Timor plotting against us, I need you here,” she said. “He is too clever for me to deal with alone. Those proposals of his made a great deal of sense on the surface, and I could not think quickly enough to find any fault with them. Now they have passed, and if, indeed, they do turn things around in