Chapter Ten- "A Journey of Discovery"

The normal journey from Thentis back to Ar is not a swift one,even by the most direct route. The Assassin, now permanently disguised as Eder of Port Kar decides to take the opportunity to try and fill in some of the missing pieces of the puzzle. Thereby extending the travelling time considerably. He hears rumours in the Inns and Taverns along his route, of the fire in Thentis, the names of those who were believed to have perished, and the additional destruction caused by the spread of the conflagration. It is believed but not confirmed that an unknown Assassin also met his end, no proof but his continuing absence seems to lend truth to the conjecture.

This, of course poses a problem, how to return Ornoth's ring to Tikarl, as agreed as part of the commission without giving up the main advantage he holds. The options occupy his mind for some time before a solution presents itself from a most unexpected source.

Having branched off the main road to Ar, heading initially for the small fishing ports where he might obtain passage to one of the Independent Isles, he happens across a small trading party. Spending a comfortable night sharing paga, food and tall tales with the drivers and escort he discovers that one of the wagons contains a personal shipment of sleen pelts for Tikarl himself.

He makes enquiries of the wagon driver and discovers that he has orders to take the shipment to Tikarl's residence and then to report directly to Tikarl in the room above the "Kailla Stampede" which apparently serves as some kind of unofficial office. He asks the driver if he would also carry a small package to Tikarl, under the pretence that he has other matters to deal with and a delivery by such a route would not only save valuable time but also ensure security, a couple of Silver Tarndisks greatly enhances the wagoneer's enthusiam for the additional duty.

Before leaving the encampment, Eder passes a wrapped package to the driver. It is marked "For the eyes of Tikarl only". It contains the serpent eye ring, folded inside a piece of rence paper. On the paper is the following note.

"This is the ring from the hand of Ornoth,to confirm his death. The slave, perle, was slain by another of unknown identity, the torq had been ripped from her arm." The note is unsigned.

Eder watches as the train of wagons are hitched for departure and begin to pull out, the yoked bosk straining against the traces, the iron-rimmed wheels clattering on the paved road. As the wagons fade from sight, he yanks the kailla's reins, earning a baleful glare of pure hostility from the beast as it attempts to bite him. He cuffs it across the head, turns the animal and urges it into a ground devouring trot.

The next hand of days sees him travelling the trade roads, stopping either in the rare Inns which serve the movement of commerce across Gor, or otherwise camped off the main highway, his fire small to avoid unwelcome attention. The latter nights are less pleasant, as a growing chill denotes the passing of the season. The dark skies often clouded or misted, occasionally leaking a light but soaking drizzle. Little new information comes to light about the Albino, but by quiet listening and observation over pots of paga, and the odd judicious prompting, may of the missing pieces fall into place. His list of new hires of Captains by noted Merchants and Slavers, his list of dates begins to grow.... the pattern is confirmed.

The issue which tugs at his mind is the most obvious and the most difficult to decide. How to use this information, how to continue the work begun by Ornoth without bringing suspicion upon himself and therefore the likelihood of a similar fate. Who can be trusted in all this, to whom should he reveal the knowledge gleaned.... is anywhere safe. ?

He decides that his best course is to return to Ar, after all. Little else can be gained from further investigation, the evidence he has is incontrovertible already what is there to be gained from further delay. As in the past, he does not plan too far ahead, there are many obstacles down that particular road, as always the Priest-Kings will light his way. Identify the pitfalls, plan the route of escape and the rest will guide itself. He considers the possibility that there may be some sent to seek him out and decides that he might be best to travel in company with others perhaps as a hired caravan guard. After all, who takes notice of them ....