“You’re calling a Pax?” Justin asked quietly in Silvan.
Thealos nodded. “It’s the only way we can all meet without killing each other.”
Removing his hunting knife and Wolfsman blade, Thealos wrapped them in a blanket and handed them to the innkeeper. “Hold these for me.” He took the key from Talbin and started towards the rear of the inn.
“You are truly calling a Pax?” Allavin called out from the table, his voice betraying his surprise.
Thealos stopped and nodded to the tracker. “You’ve been to one, haven’t you?”
“To several,” the tracker replied, rising from the table. “But never to one called in a human city. Or never without a Shae battle commander present.” Allavin appraised Thealos shrewdly, then left his yew bow and quiver at the table and went to Talbin to turn in his Silvan-crafted sword. Thealos crossed the hall and unlocked the door. He lit the lamp and motioned for Justin to take the nearest seat. He leaned near him and promised to do his best to translate what was said. Arms folded, Thealos waited and watched as everyone came in. Allavin Devers, Ticastasy, Flent Shago, and Sturnin Goff. There were still plenty of chairs, but the room was cool and silent. They all stared at him.
Thealos trimmed the lamp oil, making the shadows richer. “I am not a Shae battle commander,” he said, giving Allavin a wry smile. “But the Pax is appropriate tonight considering the dangerous news I need to share with you. I called this Truce Bargain because you will all learn something that affects the peace and safety of this valley. It does concern the Bandit Rebellion. And it concerns the Shae as well.” Thealos carried the lamp in front of him and set it down on the table so that they could all see the glowing in his eyes. He stared at each one of them, as part of the Pax tradition, but only Justin’s eyes were also made to glow by the lamplight. “My people are not often trusted in this valley, though it is our homeland. I won’t contest whether it’s a reputation we’ve earned or not. The danger which threatens this valley threatens my people as well.” He looked at them seriously. “And so we’re involved. From Owen Draw to Sol.” A prickle went down his neck, and he knew Jaerod had entered the room even though he hadn’t heard him.
Allavin’s eyes widened with shock. Thealos glanced over at the door and saw Jaerod standing there, his sword belt gone. The medallion gleamed against his black tunic.
“What have you done?” Allavin whispered in horror, staring aghast at Thealos. It was the worst sort of treachery imaginable to murder at a Pax.
“I came without weapons,” Jaerod said in perfect Silvan. “I will abide by the Pax.”
Allavin scooted backwards, his chair screeching across the wood floor.
“Wait,” Thealos said, giving the woodsman a hard look. “I have not broken the Pax by calling this man here. He is a Shaefellow.”
“This man is a Shae killer,” Allavin whispered, a look of anger and fear wrestling for control.
“No,” Jaerod replied, shaking his head. He walked closer. “Never have I shed the blood of a Shae. Not once, in all my years.” His gray eyes glowered at Allavin. “What you faced in the Shadows Wood was not a Sleepwalker. I can promise you that.”
“How?” Allavin demanded. “How in the banned abyss can you promise me that?”
Thealos glanced at Sturnin and saw the look of determination on his face. The knight was judging whether he could take Jaerod without a weapon. The anger and tension in the room was sickening. Thealos stepped forward, cutting the quiet with his voice. “He has proof, Allavin. I asked him here to show it to us – to you. But I called a Pax. Do not forget that. The Shaefellow Pax forbid that any weapon be drawn in anger. There will be no fighting here. You must hear him out first. After you have listened, you may leave and do what you will. But not in here. If you profess to understand the culture of my people, you know you accepted it willingly.” He stared at Allavin. “You cannot violate it and remain a Shaefellow.”
Jaerod looked over at Thealos and nodded. He stepped back, letting some of the tension ebb from the room. He gave Thealos a commending smile. “If I didn’t know who you really were, Thealos, I’d have assumed you to be a member of the Sunedrion.”
Flent wiped his forehead and breathed out in relief. “Have a chair, Jaerod. There’s enough for us all.”
Allavin leaned back in the chair, his expression still coiled and tangled with doubt, but he gave the Sleepwalker a begrudging nod and held his tongue.