Amber and Iron - Margaret Weis [73]
Thinking what he had to say, Rhys agreed. Instead, he urged Patrick to tell his story.
“My wife and I were both mystics in the Citadel of Light. When the gods returned, the leaders of the Citadel agreed all mystics would be given a choice—we could serve the gods or we could remain mystics. Our founder, Goldmoon, was both, and the leaders believed this is what she would have wanted. My wife and I prayed for guidance and the White Lady came to each of us in a dream, asking us to follow her, so we did.
“We are originally from New Port. We knew there was great need here, and we decided to return to do what we could to help. We’re starting with the school for the children and a house of healing. A humble beginning, but at least it’s a beginning. None of the other gods have a presence in this city—except Zeboim, of course,” Patrick added with a sigh and a sidelong glance at Rhys.
He said nothing but continued eating.
“Zeboim’s temple was the last the people left after the gods vanished, and the first they came back to. In fact, there were some who didn’t leave at all. They kept bringing their gifts, year after year. ‘You never know with the Sea Witch’, they say in these parts. ‘She might be playing one of her little games. We don’t dare take a chance.’ ”
Rhys looked at Nightshade, happily sloshing paint around. A good deal of it was actually hitting the wall. Rhys reached down, stroked Atta’s head.
“Forgive me for asking, Brother,” Patrick said after a moment, “you are obviously a monk, but I am not familiar with your order—”
“I was a monk of Majere,” Rhys replied. “I am not anymore. That was excellent,” he told Galena, as she removed the bowl. “Thank you.”
Patrick seemed about to say something else, then changed his mind. Galena carried the dishes to the kitchen before returning to sit with her husband.
“What is it you need to discuss with us, Brother?” Patrick asked.
“The Beloved,” said Rhys.
Patrick’s expression darkened. “Nightshade told us that you have been tracking one of them and that it is here, in our city. This is bad news, Brother.”
“It gets worse. The Beloved has taken up with a young woman. I fear he means her harm. I tried to warn her, but she is a widow with two children and in desperate need. She thinks he will marry her and she refused to listen to my warnings. He is meeting her tonight. We must stop him.”
“Judging by the information on the Beloved we received from the Citadel, stopping him will not be easy,” said Galena, troubled.
“Yet we must do something,” Patrick said. “Do you have any ideas, Brother?”
“We could try to apprehend him. Lock him up in a prison cell. He will undoubtedly escape from jail,” Rhys admitted. “Locks and iron bars will not be much of a hindrance to him, but at least this young woman and her children will be safe. You can take them into your care, keep her away from him until he has left this city.”
“When will that be?”
“Lleu has booked passage on a ship out of New Port. He intends to leave tomorrow.”
“Then he will attack someone else.” Patrick frowned. “I don’t like letting him go.”
“I am trying to acquire passage on the same ship. I will continue to do what I can to prevent Lleu from harming anyone.”
“I still don’t like it,” said Patrick.
Galena rested her hand on his arm. “I know how you feel, but, husband, think of this poor young mother! We need to save her and her children.”
“Of course,” said Patrick immediately. “Our first care must be for her. Then we will decide what to do with the Beloved. Where is he now?”
“I left him in a bar. He will spend the day there, come out at night.”
“Wouldn’t it be better for us to apprehend him there?”
“I thought of that,” said Rhys. “But this young woman is the type of vulnerable person Chemosh seeks out. We can stop this Beloved, but what of the next one who finds her? She must be made to see the danger for herself.”
“Are there truly that many of these monsters around?” Galena asked, shocked.
“We