The Heart of Alchemy by James Wisher (e book reading free TXT) 📕

to do for you in exchange? I assume it is more than simply passage into the empire.”

“I’m looking for an artifact that would have belonged to Lord Cheng called the Heart of Alchemy. I assume you have some idea where I might find such a thing.”

“Indeed. I know exactly where you must look. The Forbidden Garden. Getting in and out of it alive is another matter.”

Otto swallowed a sigh. Why weren’t these things ever hidden in a place called the Garden of Delights?

“There it is,” Jet said.

The caravan had stopped on a hill overlooking the border wall. And what a wall it was. Nearly as tall as the one surrounding the City of Coins and with more guard towers, this barrier would keep out an army. Maybe not one equipped with magical armor like in Colt’s Land, but anything less certainly.

Otto couldn’t begin to imagine how long it had taken to build and the less said about the cost, the better.

A dirt road led to an open gate wide enough to allow two wagons to enter at the same time. Otto counted fifty spearmen on the ground led by a smaller group armed with swords. On the wall itself, over a hundred archers manned stone watchtowers directly above the gate.

As he watched, another caravan approached, this one consisting of ten wagons and forty guards. One of the swordsmen marched up to the lead wagon and a discussion was held. A pouch was exchanged and after a cursory examination, they were allowed to pass.

Seemed simple enough. Hopefully it went as well for Otto and his companions as it did for the last group.

“I suppose it’s time for me to hide,” he said.

“That would be best,” Jet agreed. “If the head guard dislikes our looks, he may order a closer search. Rest assured, the smuggling compartment has been used many times without being found. Stay calm and all will be well.”

His state of mind would have less to do with their success than his silence. A pair of crates were shoved aside and a narrow slot in the bed of Jet’s wagon revealed. Otto unbuckled his sword and squeezed inside. When the board was replaced, he found himself in perfect darkness. Lucky for him tight spaces had never bothered him.

The wagon rattled into motion and the die was cast. Soon they would either be in the empire or dead.

Minutes dragged by and Otto focused on his breathing. The air was stuffy and close and soon sweat plastered his clothes to his body. He didn’t dare use magic lest one of the lords be around and see his work in the ether.

At last the wagon stopped again. He held his breath and listened. There were muffled voices, but he couldn’t make out what they said.

The wagon rattled from side to side and one of the voices went up a fraction. He couldn’t say for sure, but it sounded like Jet.

There must be a problem.

He tightened his grip on his sword. If everything went to hell, he didn’t intend to go down easy.

A pair of thuds sounded from above and the cover to the secret compartment rattled.

If he did nothing, he would certainly be caught.

Taking a chance, Otto wrapped himself in invisibility just as the lid popped off.

A guard dressed in red-lacquered armor stared at him but gave no sign that he saw anything. At last the guard said, “It’s empty, sir.”

“I told you,” Jet said. “I only use that compartment in Port Han. Those thieves would steal the fingers off your hand. Hiding your most valuable goods is a necessity.”

There was a muttered apology and the guard put the cover back in place. A moment later the crates were shoved back where they belonged and the wagons were moving again. Otto let out the breath he’d been holding and released his spell.

Their rattling journey continued for he knew not how long before the wagon stopped again. This time when the lid opened it was Jet staring down at him.

She smiled her radiant smile. “I thought the game was up before it even began. It never occurred to me that you had the power to simply turn invisible.”

“I didn’t want to risk it in case a wizard was around to see the magic. What happened?”

“The head guard was a prick. He spotted the bottom of the hidden compartment and demanded that I show him the interior. He must be new here. None of the regular guards look that close. We’re out of sight of the wall so you can come out now.”

Otto happily climbed out of the tight space. While it might not have bothered him, that didn’t mean he enjoyed lying in a virtual coffin. “I suppose I’ll have to climb back in should we encounter anyone.”

“When we reach Celestial City you will, but until then I think a simple disguise will suffice.” Jet pulled a satchel out from under the wagon bench and handed it to him.

Otto pulled out a black robe, a black veil, and an odd, round hat that rose to a sharp peak. He’d never seen such an outfit. “What is this?”

“Traditional mourning garb. You’ll be posing as a cousin who recently lost his wife and is traveling with me to the capital to offer your prayer at the Lotus Temple.”

That was as good a story as any. He set his sword on the bench and donned his costume. Despite an appearance that seemed odd to his foreign eyes, the outfit was comfortable enough. The veil didn’t obscure his vision and the hat even provided a little shade. All in all it could certainly have been worse.

He climbed up beside Jet and she shook the reins.

“How far is the city?” Otto asked.

“If we make good time, about two weeks. As we come closer, the traffic will pick up. If we encounter anyone be sure to stay silent. Your accent will give you away at once.”

“And if someone should speak to me?”

“They won’t. No one would intrude on