Chapter X
In the House of Thebes
As the curtain was pulled back a rasping voice cried out, “Who’s there? If it’s you vagrants stealing food and wine again, I told you, we feed the poor every Savvado.”
The old priest stepped forward and to his amazement out sprung Adamous, Germanicus and several other Stratiotai and even more astonishing there was a woman among them. They surrounded the old man who squinted at them in the half light. From his pocket he drew a glass monocle with which he peered at the strangers, a smile appearing on his face as he did so.
He took a step back and stood by the alter, his hand clutched tightly at his cross, “I knew the Emperor wouldn’t forget us. You are long overdue, terribly has Thebes suffered,” with that the old priest collapsed into a chair and wept.
Germanicus put his arm round him, while the others looked on in pity.
The priest gulped down air and gazed up at them as if in disbelief, “I prayed and prayed that you would come.” He cleared his throat, “They killed so many of my fellow priests; desecrated many of our churches, all in search of something we do not have. Once they questioned me, they left me alone, as an old priest that lived in a monastery, I was of no help to them, but the things they did to the others, it was ghastly and I had to watch.” He burst into tears again.
Their eyes glazed over as he told his tale of anguish and suffering, they were all clearly moved as he recounted Thebes’s torment.
Adamous grimly looked on, “I think it’s time we find out what Charon's purpose is,” the others were all in agreement. “We shall risk using the Sacred Seal to ascertain his movements, it should have enough energy for such a purpose and it shouldn't be detected if it's on a low frequency; so let's take a look at our enemy.”
At the mention of the device the Priest held up his head, his eyes focusing once more, “That is something they mentioned, but they said it was needed to find something else, something that held real power. I overheard the one called Drakos speak of it.”
Thomas gasped, “We heard that also; come to think of it could we have left that something in the village.”
Adamous placed his hand on the Stratiotai, “I think that’s very unlikely but it does mean more than ever that we need to know what they want. Up to now we have been guessing as to why our enemy is here and what he is up to; let us now see what Charon is planning.”
Germanicus placed the Seal against the cold stony wall; he began to tap the symbols, and as though it had a will of its own, it came to life attaching itself to the wall, he then began to adjust its head. There was a light buzzing and then to the right of it, framed about the same size as a small Icon was an image; it was out of focus, so Germanicus made the necessary adjustments so that it became more defined. A distant picture came into being, people could be seen rushing here and there within a large chamber; light shone through an open portico, someone was throwing their arms in the air angrily, then the picture faded, once more Germanicus punched the symbols. Next they were in the palace; quickly Germanicus altered the top of the Seal until he could move from corridor to corridor, in and out of rooms, and quite literally through the walls, until they entered the main hall; large stone Corinthian crafted pillars rose majestically, between each was a Wraith, tall cloaked from head to foot, swords at their sides, shields over their shoulders, at least thought Adamous they had not yet been able to break the Equilibrium; mosaics and frescos adorned the floor and walls. There was a stepped dais on which stood a throne and on the throne a man; his robe of vibrant purple was wrapped around his body, and flung over one leg, he wore golden armour, and atop his head was a circlet with an emerald at its centre. He was mighty indeed; if he had stood up, he would have been truly a giant among men. He stroked the large ravenous looking beast at his side, unmistakeably, if not Garm it was his kin. And speaking to him was what looked like a Northman, his back was turned to them but his long blond hair hung down, and his impressive statue was there for all to see; also his shield and long sword were not eastern in origin, whoever he was, he was definitely not a Saracen. Suddenly the hound looked up and began to get agitated, it started to growl.
Adamous realised what was happening, “Germanicus switch it off now before we are discovered,” quickly he pressed a symbol at the heart of the device, and the image faded to nothing. “As anticipated, it did appear that Garm could sense us, though how much he could sense is unclear.”
Germanicus checked the Seal and wrapped it in his cloak, “Not much; remember creatures like Garm might feel unease, but they won’t know where that unease comes from.”
The Priest rose from his seat placed his monocle to his eye and peered at Germanicus, the way a teacher might do at his pupil, “That my boy is usually enough for Charon to go by, he has trusted that dog, if you can call it a dog for many years, or should I say centuries. These are unnatural creatures we are dealing with, do not underestimate them. If you wish to get close to Charon, and pay him a visit without creating any suspicion, then I know a way. You use the tunnels under the palace, they lead to where the slave quarters are, and you can then gain access as one of their servants. That way you will not be recognised.”
“And what do we do for weapons,” said Paulus, “we can’t exactly wear our gear.”
“You can carry a knife with you; all the other weapons you need are in the palace,” the Priest had a pleased expression on his face; at last someone was going to attempt to get some answers. "There is one other thing, though I cannot be sure of the truth of it, there was a rumour circulating yesterday which seems confirmed from what we just saw, that Northmen have arrived, for what purpose I know not, so you must be doubly careful to ensure your safety."
Adamous studied the priest: that was grave and disturbing news and added to the mystery of what Charon was doing there, “Right we’re going to split into two groups, Germanicus you stay here and command the others; I’ll take Merit and Paulus. There’s no point us all being caught.” Adamous turned his attention back to the Priest, “Are you willing to show us to the tunnels.”
The Priest nodded, “I’ll take you there, but we must hurry in an hour the streets will be crawling with those Wraith creatures, and they will be stopping people and searching them, and if they don’t like the look of you, they carry you off, and you’re never seen again.”
Merit thrust a knife into her belt and stood ready, Paulus also took a dagger and anything that he could conceal that would aid him. Adamous looked them both up and down, they were about as ready as they could be. He then took Germanicus to one side so that he could not be overheard by the others.
“Remember the situation on Drake Four, the same applies here I feel."
Germanicus nodded, "understood."
"How long before we reach the Palace?” asked Adamous.
The Priest shrugged, "Reaching the Palace will not be a problem but you will only be able to gain entry once the scullery has ceased being used and by then it will be late in the evening."
Adamous thoughtfully smiled, "I see then we will rely on you to inform Germanicus as to when we are safely inside the tunnels."
Germanicus took the Seal from the wrappings he had just placed it in, “Good hunting; and no heroics.”
With those final words Adamous gestured for the Priest to lead the way. The soft morning light made the city seem peaceful and except for a few early peddlers, the streets were quiet enough. As they went, in hushed whispers, the Priest explained to them what he had learnt of the shape and form of the Palace and its grounds.
Ancient bards had sung of Thebes and its famed beauty. It was filled with Temples old and Churches new. A merchant's town that lived up to all that entailed. There were influences from Egypt, Persia and The Frankish Kingdoms. The Forum was a vast market area that once bristled with traders selling all sorts of goods. It was a large paved open space, at its perimeter ran high Doric pillars, that held up a shallow pitched roof, around which was a crafted frieze, containing an ancien
t battle scene, at its entrance high above their heads was a thick slab of marble upon which stood a bronze chariot being ridden by Apollo holding aloft a golden laurel wreath. At its heart was a large plinth, above which stood Poseidon. It was all very pagan thought Adamous, but it did have a sense of continuity from the old to the new; as though there was no conflict between the modern religion and the one from antiquity.
They marched quickly through, a few stopped to stare at the old priest more out of amusement at his hurried gait than for any other reason, there was no apparent suspicion at their passing. Some even tried to sell them their wares, but three day old fish and some rotten fruits, no matter how enthusiastically touted, did not really appeal.
Soon enough they had left the forum and were making their way up an avenue dissected by a church that commanded their view; it had a shallow dome at its centre and was in shape that of a cross with towers at either side; these stood as though they were two arms reaching up to heaven. Behind the church raised on an incline was the palace. Not the grand imperial palace of Constantinople more a Noblemen’s house. It was vast still, almost it seemed to have been built in stages; one house attached to another, there was a boundary wall that abutted the well cared for grounds, at the base of the shallow hill; hard thick stone slabs had been tightly compacted, to give it a tough hide. Along the walls walked the Stratiotai and at their side were Wraith, with large leashed savage looking dogs.
Set to the fore from all this was a Chapel that the Priest ushered everyone toward. It appeared only big enough for a small congregation at best. The heavy wooden door creaked as they entered; Merit who had been the first inside was busy brushing away the cobwebs that had caught in her hair. Dust lay thick on the decaying, and for the most part collapsed benches. There was a soft humming close by as though someone were quietly chanting.
“People haven’t used this place for some time,” said the Priest.
“I think we get that,” replied Paulus busy defending himself against another web.
Adamous looked like he was trying hard not to gag, “Okay we’re here now, so how do we get to the palace, and what’s that awful smell?”
Paulus smirked, “There’s a putrid rat in the corner over there, and it’s covered in maggots and flies, real nice.”
“You’re a Priest how did such a holy place get to be so rundown?” asked Merit.
“We were to fix it up, but then Charon came along,” defended the Priest.
Paulus looked incredulous, “And the previous centuries before that, what stopped you from fixing it up then!?!”
With annoyance etched on the Priests face he took them to the rear of the chapel, behind the small alter, he lifted what was a tattered worn piece of cloth, that was formerly a carpet; beneath which was a stone slab, there were cracks that ran along each side, he indicated that they needed to get their knives between the gaps to wedge it free.
Adamous and Paulus did exactly that and heaved the tablet to one side. There was a ladder that led into a crypt area. The priest took the small lantern that hung from his belt and lit it with a flint. The others picked up some discarded candles and once they were softly burning followed the old Priest into the dark; Merit had decided for the moment it was probably best not to use her amulet, especially with the Priest so close; she did not fancy the discomfort of being called a heretical witch.
Once down, the vault was choking with more webs that clung to them as though they were beggar’s hands searching for salvation. There were, imbedded in the walls, ancient caskets of early Roman heroes.
Paulus peered closely at one of them and gave out a soft laugh, “Look the inscription reads here lies George, slayer of Dragons. I thought him just a legend.”
“Yes, unfortunately this is not the only place to have such a holy relic, so who knows if it is the real George or not,” said the Priest.
The lid of the sarcophagus was crafted in the image of a man mounted on a horse driving a spear into a large scaly beast.
Adamous tugged at Paulus’s arm, “Come we have no time for sightseeing. Lead the way Priest.”
The Priest went to the far end of the chamber where there was a door and heaved it open; the hinges were rusted and screeched at the thought of giving up their secret. The other side was a corridor that led into a catacomb where there were three tunnels.
The Priest waved his lantern toward the one on the right, “If you follow this one you will make it into the Palace but take care, do not turn off to the right or left as you go, or you will never find your way out.”
“You’re not coming,” asked Paulus.
“As I tried to say earlier, I am too old for this type of excitement; these adventures are for you youngsters, don't worry I'll report to your friend that you're safely in the tunnels. May the Lord keep you safe.”
With that the Priest turned and scuttled away with more alacrity than they thought existed for someone of his age.
Adamous had just turned round to thank him, “Take…..he’s already gone.”
Once the Priest had left Merit smiled and removed her amulet, “I think a little more light might now be in order,” She held it in the palms of her hands and whispered something into it, she then gently rubbed it; there was a flash and the entire tunnel lit up.
Paulus dropped his candle to the floor, “Bloody useless thing anyway.”
“You heard what the Priest said, so let's be on our way,” said Adamous.
Merit strode purposefully through the tunnel which snaked one way then the other; such light had not been seen in that dark place for many a year; and often at their approach a rat would be sent scurrying for cover. It was a dank forbidding closeted environment, moisture dripped from the ceiling and the timbers that held the tunnel together, creaked treacherously.
Adamous called them all to a halt, as they stood in silence, they could hear a distant murmur, and unmistakably there was life up ahead. Merit let the light fade and slowly they moved toward the sound as it got louder, she let the light fail altogether and all they were left with was Adamous's small flame, the corridor came to an abrupt end and they were faced with a brick wall and on the other side could be heard trampling and the soft murmuring of people talking. To the side of the wall was a handle on a chain that was held in place by a hook. The metal was calloused and popped, rusted flakes were breaking off and it looked as though it would crumble at the touch. Adamous pressed his ear and hands up against the wall; he gently ran his fingers along it; the bricks were warm.
“Is there something about that wall you want to tell us about,” asked Paulus with a nod and a wink.
“Yes Adamous, you do seem to have a growing affection for it or should I say affectation with it,” chuckled Merit.
Adamous turned to face the others, “The walls warm which means I think there’s an open fire on the other side. When the noise quietens down and it cools, we’ll make our move.”
The hours were stifling and congested but eventually the voices calmed and then disappeared altogether; waiting for people to leave was more irritating than the hazard of entering the unknown; Adamous felt the bricks again, this time they were cool. He took hold of the handle and pulled it away from the hook, it lifted sharply, and there was a shallow whirring before a final click. The wall shifted at an angle; the hinge stiffened and whereas at one time it would have flipped back smoothly, it now struggled to be released. Adamous and Paulus pushed against it and the wall swung back. They were in.
"I hope the priest remembered to inform Germanicus of our status, and that he told him that he left us prior to our entering the palace."
Paulus looked up with a grin, "Don't worry that Monk would have done just that, he may have been scared of what was ahead but still he was a man of good character."
Adamous was the first to creep forward into what was the side wall of an open hearth. He gestured for the others to wait, while he proceeded ahead. The room was in shadow, light filtered through a small window made up of wooden slats. Qu
ietly he pushed them open a little further, until he could better see his surroundings. This was certainly an area where slaves or servants worked, a preparation room for meals, probably one of many in the palace, the sawdust on the floor had been swept aside and was congealed with blood and flour. Hanging on hooks from the ceiling were rabbits, pheasants and other types of bird and game. Food stuffs were placed in a basket, fruits and such; the smell indicated that they were partially rotten. Adamous ushered them forward.
“Everyone try to find something to eat, we'll rest here a moment and then make our way to the upper floors,” said Adamous.
Paulus came forward and helped himself to some figs, the taste was sweet even the maggot that protruded from one of them did not deter him, “What if servants aren’t allowed up to the higher levels.”
“I’m sure they are, in that image we saw of Charon, there were people tending close by with platters of food, and there were others at the ready to pour wine.”
“What if one of the guards takes a fancy to Merit?” asked Paulus now chewing on some salted meat.
“These guards aren’t that type, they’ll just as soon devour her as anything else.”
Merit looked aghast.
Adamous put his hand out to pacify her, “I’m sure it won’t come to that. And besides calm yourself with this thought, you don't look like you would make anyone a good meal.”
“You know if that's meant to be comforting, it isn't,” said Merit, who had taken a loaf of bread and ripped it in half and passed some to Adamous.
Paulus sniggered lightly, while Merit went from displeasure to displeasure.
“If Charon’s as heavily guarded as you suspect how will we get close to him, especially if at all times he has one of those dogs at his side,” said Paulus.
“First things first, we drug the dog, then we drug Charon,” replied Adamous.
“Good plan, I can only see one minor flaw though,” said Paulus spitting out some rather tainted bread.
“No drugs," replied Adamous, "that's not such a problem, these places have an apothecary with all kinds of herbs in them such as mandrake root, hemlock, the lot, and Merit is an expert of sorts in such things. The Priest gave us a vague outline of the palace on the way here remember, I know roughly where one is.”
Paulus had an open mouthed comical expression to his face, “Roughly, oh joy I can’t wait, perhaps they’ll find us in a thousand years wandering the halls and corridors, and people will say there go the ghosts of ages past, they still haven’t found what they’re looking for, perhaps they’ll get lucky this year.”
Adamous shrugged, “I’m sure the palace isn’t that big, so maybe it won't be ages, just an age or so.”
Once they had eaten, they were set to leave; Merit was already at the door and had edged it open, she gestured for them to quieten as she slipped out. Adamous and Paulus followed silently after. The three crept along the cramped passageway until they came to a stair that led up into the main building. With a sharp intake of breath they made their way out into an atrium where guards stood. There were about half a dozen guards there, high helms added to their height; thick swords were at their sides and long spears were stretched out at an angle, the sun glinting from their sharpened points. The design on their breastplates caught Adamous’s eye; five stars running in a crescent, beneath which was a crown. He did not recognise the star system but it was unmistakably one. Cloaks of deep purple ran from clasps around their necks to the floor, they were as still as statues and a lot more imposing.
Fortunately they ignored the three servants as they should, and did not see the look of surprise strike Merits face when she first exited what had been the cooking area. Adamous quickly climbed the stair that was at the centre of the atrium which stood opposite the front door; and with Merit at his side and Paulus bringing up the rear, they made their way to the next level. For the most part they were treated with abject indifference; no one seemed to notice three servants of the household as they passed by; although one or two other slaves did give them curious sideways glances, but since they were programmed not to ask questions, they simply chose to ignore them. Adamous followed one of these as he saw him carrying a tray filled with ampoules. The man looked back shaking his head ruefully at the three, as if wondering why they were not about their chores; but again he never asked any questions of them; he turned into a room, as he did so the three conspirators merely waited outside and began arranging the flowers that were in the corridor, or wiping down busts and statuettes. The man exited, saw the three tending to duties, shrugged and left. Once out of sight they darted into the room and sure enough it was the apothecary the priest had mentioned.
“See if you can find Conium, Maculatum or Hemlock,” said Adamous.
Paulus began rummaging through every ampoule he could, “I thought you wanted him alive not dead.”
“I do want him alive, but with the right dose mixed with the Gingiver root, he will appear dead without being dead. We are going to drug him, let his people think he’s been killed, then snatch the body.”
It was Merit’s turn to stop what she was doing, “That seems very risky and they’ll surely suspect the servants of such a thing which will mean they’ll start putting them to death, and no doubt their families too.”
“Not unless we leave a marker to indicate that it was rebels from outside Thebes that did it”
“They will still think they had help,” replied Merit. “You need a better plan than that.”
“And you have such a plan.”
“I do actually, there are ingredients here that I can use to induce Charon into a deep stupor; wherein he will be awake enough to answer your questions but be unaware of what he’s doing; once you have your answers we then escape and no one need know that we were here at all. He will simply feel he had had a strange and curious dream.”
“I hadn’t really planned to stay around that long a time,” said Adamous.
“And I don’t even want to stay around that short a time; what are you suggesting Merit we cook them a banquet become good friends then leave. We’re at war here and the survival of the Empire is at stake. You tell her Adamous,” scoffed Paulus.
“Merit’s actually right. The question is how we get close enough to administer the drug without causing suspicion.”
“Well if someone's is going to do that, I’ll do it; if you two want to go through with such a hare-brained idea it’ll take someone with a little wit and cunning to carry it out; that’ll be me. Once you put the concoction together give me the vial and I’ll put it in his drink, how I’m going to get close to him without Garm or anyone or anything else getting in the way heaven knows. In the meanwhile you two find an empty room to hide in, I'll administer the drug, then we’ll meet back here around supper time. From what I gathered from the Priest they eat late, so make sure you’re here at the second changing of the guard. Then we'll all sneak into Charon's chambers. The thing is, I'll also need something to knock out that dog of his otherwise he'll just give the alarm.”
"Not a problem, but you just make sure you're not discovered."
"Not a problem, make sure the drug has a delayed reaction also and has the appropriate effect of making the person drowsy first, so that they retire to bed in good order without arousing suspicions." replied a grinning Paulus.