The Pilgrims

‘Has my information seemed good to you, so far?’ said Anfen, though he knew it was hopeless. ‘A military action always has objectives and costs. Our cost is unknown. Our objective is to take away the power stolen from twelve cities and placed in one man’s hands.’

The Mayor of Yinfel, Izven, added: ‘The objective of leaving the Wall alone: not subjecting ourselves to some unknown consequences. The cost: Vous stays in power and one day claims all our cities. An unacceptable cost. I have heard enough. I vote in support of Anfen’s proposal.’ Anfen blinked, surprised. He waited.

Tanton and High Cliffs were two cities in sight of the Wall. Their Mayors had sat grim-faced, saying nothing, while the discussion unfolded. Anfen did not expect their support. Sure enough, High Cliffs Mayor Ousan’s voice was heavy with sarcasm: ‘How do you propose we do it? Have you seen the Wall, Anfen?’

‘I have never gone that far south.’

‘Then let me help you. It stretches from deep underground to the highest point in the sky. It runs so far belowground we are unable to tunnel beneath it. The Wall itself may be thin as a glass window, it may be thicker than a mountain. Stoneflesh giants stand before it and guard it. They allow nothing to get near them, even other stoneflesh giants.’

Erkairn, representing the scattered peoples, saw an opportunity to gain credibility with the other Mayors and grabbed it: ‘Have you seen a stoneflesh giant, Anfen? They are the size of a Great Spirit. How would you combat them? Your plan is insanity.’

‘Enough from High Cliffs. Erkairn, you will not be voting on this matter, unless my colleagues disagree,’ said Ilgresi. Erkairn began to protest, but Ilgresi ignored him. His black teeth showed in what seemed a grimace directed at Anfen. ‘For the purpose of this discussion, let us assume it can be done. The discussion is not about how, it is about whether we should. And though the matter certainly warrants a vote, Liha, my decision is made.’ Ilgresi took a deep breath. ‘I vote against.’

Ousan of High Cliffs: ‘Against. My city is closest to the Wall. Show me the message on this lost charm and I will consider the question again.’

Liha of Faifen, shaking her head as though the room had descended into a circus: ‘Against! Even had I seen this charm and its contents, I would deem the whole proposal an insane distraction from armies massing nearby as we speak. Our best hope is subversion of Aligned cities from within.’

‘They play that slow game far better than us, or else we’d be winning,’ said Anfen, but he was ignored.

Wioutin, advisor to the Mayor of Tsith: ‘I believe Anfen’s reasoning is best. If the decision were mine, I would vote in his support. But I am not Mayor of my city and cannot commit it to such an action. I vote against, until I am able to speak with my Mayor.’

Mayor of Tanton, Tauk’s eyes had not left Anfen’s face throughout. Now he looked sidelong at the Mayor of High Cliffs. ‘My city too is in sight of the Wall. This city is in sight of Vous’s clawed hand and we’ll all be weaker, should it fall. As one who has fought against him with a sword, not just words, I vote for Anfen’s proposal. His reasons are mine.’

‘The count is two aye, four nay. But Tsith’s Mayor is yet to have his say, and his advisor supports the action.’

‘I am but one of five, what they call the “high advisors”. There are a further two dozen experts in various-’

‘Thank you. Assuming Tsith votes in support, we are tied three for, three against.’

‘Then perhaps the scattered peoples break the deadlock,’ said the flustered Erkairn. ‘And I vote against. I would give my reasons but you don’t seem especially-’

‘Then that matter is settled,’ said Ilgresi with a sigh. ‘Anfen, have you anything else to discuss? No? We thank you. Enjoy my city. And do be careful to wear a hood if you venture down to ground level. Assassinations have been foiled, just this week.’

50

Anfen slumped in a seat outside the door. Gusts of deliciously clear and cool mountain air puffed curtains at the window, making them rustle. The city beyond had turned out many of its lights.

The Mayors talked a little while longer, though their voices did not carry outside the room. When the door opened they emerged and passed down the hall in pairs, deep in conversation. Most didn’t see Anfen, but Tauk paused to clap his shoulder. ‘We should spar while I am here,’ he said, a smile in his eyes. ‘I fear the standards of Valour’s Helm have slipped badly. I may have to run again, to show them how it used to be done, in days when men were men. I hear some stone-footed rabble won it three times, though they say his opponents were cripples.’

Anfen smiled.

‘I’m sorry,’ said Tauk, sighing. ‘If your charm reappears, bring it without delay.’

Izven lurked in the doorway till Tauk had gone. He looked nervously around, as though fearing to be overheard, then leaned close: ‘You have at your disposal what resources my city can discreetly supply you. What do you need?’

Anfen’s heart sped up. This possibility had not had a chance to bloom in his mind. He laughed nervously. ‘Five strong catapults would be a start.’

Izven winced. ‘Hard to keep that a secret: our city doesn’t have many. I was hoping you’d ask for cavalry, but that’s not much use for destroying the barrier, is it? How’s two catapults sound? They would have to be assembled on site. I cannot have them rolling out the gates or people will talk.’

‘Two is better than none. I will send word of a time and place to send them, if I may?’

‘You may.’ Izven turned away, then paused. ‘I have always had … the utmost admiration for you.’

Surprised by this, Anfen had no answer. Six years back, when he had first defected, and first been called to explain himself to the Mayors, to tell them all he knew of Vous’s army, their deeds and methods, he’d asked with head humbly bowed to join their fight, asked for the most dangerous missions they could give him. There had been no admiration on this Mayor’s face, nor any of the others. Aside from Tauk, their suspicions had never completely left them, Anfen had always felt. Perhaps he’d been wrong.

The Mayor strode over to Lalie, who waited in company of a guard, put his hand on her shoulder and spoke to her. She left with him, turning once to wave goodbye to Anfen. He nodded, but barely saw her, for his mind was far away.

Back at the inn, he woke Sharfy, Loup and Siel in their rooms, telling each to meet him in his at once. When they were gathered, he told them what had happened.

‘So why couldn’t this wait until morning?’ said Sharfy.

‘Tomorrow we set out,’ said Anfen.

‘Set out? Where?’

‘To World’s End.’ There was a silence, and many looks Anfen’s way that suggested he’d cracked up. ‘Speak your piece,’ he said.

‘Anfen, do you know what it is you’re saying we should do?’ said Siel.

‘You tell me. I’m proposing to defy the vote of the Council of Free Cities. For which I’ll most likely be executed, if any of you let it slip. At the very least I’ll never be trusted again. You can decide if that’s in our interests or the castle’s.’

Loup, seemingly uninterested in the conversation, ducked out the door and wandered to the kitchen. The others looked at each other uncomfortably. ‘I don’t think anyone’s going to inform on you,’ said Siel. ‘But we serve the Mayors’ Command. Which means we take their orders, however wrong they are.’

Anfen stood. ‘I would love to sleep here for a week, stuffing my belly with good food and drink. It’s open to you. Enjoy. Future generations may learn of your heroic deeds, in our Friend and Lord’s schools. Or his slave farms.’

‘Why are you getting dressed, boss?’ said Sharfy as Anfen strapped his boots on with angry, jerking