lower lip in his anxiety. He fervently hoped that Timor would not blame the failure of the brigands on him. “I, myself, saw him cut down two of the marauders with such speed and ferocity that it was breathtaking. Only Rokan escaped him alive. He ran, like a coward.”
“That makes three,” said Timor. “What of the other two?”
“I found their bodies in the alley where they had hidden, waiting to ambush the elfling. One had been beheaded, and the other killed with a single sword thrust through the heart.”
Timor frowned. “But you told me that you saw the elfling come of out the wineshop and walk up the street, as if he were unaware of any ambush.”
“That is true, my lord.”
“Then who killed the two men in the alley?” The templar looked puzzled. “I… I do not know, my lord. I had assumed the elfling had…”
“How could the elfling have done it if he was in your sight from the time he left the wineshop to the moment he was attacked in the street? When could he have disposed of the two in the alley?”
The templar shook his head. “I do not know, my lord. Perhaps he suspected somehow that the ambush would take place and left the wineshop by the back door, then came up behind the two marauders in the alley and surprised them.”
“Then why would he return to the wineshop and come out the front door again? Why invite the ambush?” Timor frowned. “No, it does not make any sense. If you are telling me the truth—”
“I am, my lord, I swear it!”
“Then someone else killed those two men in the alley,” Timor said. “It is the only possible explanation. It seems the elfling has a guardian. Perhaps more than one.”
“I cannot see why he would require one,” the templar said. “The way he handled that sword of his, and the way the other blades broke upon it…”
“What?” said Timor.
“I said, the way he handled that sword of his—”
“No, no… you said the other blades broke upon his sword?”
“Yes, my lord. They simply shattered when they struck the elfling’s blade.”
“What do you mean, they shattered? They were iron blades! I saw to it personally that Rokan and his men were equipped with them.”
“Nevertheless, my lord, they shattered. Perhaps there was some flaw in their construction—”
“Nonsense,” Timor said. “In one blade, perhaps, but surely not in both. Besides, even if there were a flaw, the blade would crack and break, not shatter. You are certain that they shattered?”
“They burst apart as if they had been made of glass,” the templar said.
Timor turned away and stared out the window, deep in thought. “Then the elfling’s blade must be enchanted,” he said. “There was a report from one of my informers concerning how the elfling killed a man in the Crystal Spider. That report, too, spoke of his antagonist’s blade shattering against his own, but it could have been obsidian, and obsidian will shatter on a well-made metal blade. There was also something about his cleaving an entire table in two, and turning the man’s own knife against him… obvious exaggerations. Or at least, so I thought at the time.”
“I know what I saw, my lord,” the templar said. “The elfling is a highly skilled and dangerous fighter. I will wager that he is the match of any gladiator in the city.”
Timor rubbed his chin absently. “It seems to me I heard something once, many years ago, about a sword against which other blades would shatter… a very special sword.” He grimaced. “I cannot recall it now. But it will come to me.” He turned back to face his minion. “At the very least, this is clear proof that the elfling is not the simple herdsman that he claims to be. And proof that, whatever he is up to, he is not working alone. I cannot proceed with my plans until I am certain they have not been compromised. And time is growing short. I do not trust Rikus and that damned sorceress. They are up to something, I am sure of it, and this elfling is involved somehow.”
“What do you wish me to do, my lord?” the templar asked.
“Resume watch on the elfling for the time being,” Timor replied, and the templar sighed with relief that he was apparently not going to be blamed for the failure of the ambush. “Keep me advised of every move he makes. I will let you know if I have any further instructions.”
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