Hamel spent the following week settling in and becoming an essential member of Patir Eddel's organization. He found the thugs and various employees avoided him or grumbled under their breath for the first few days. He even had four confrontations, each of which contributed to a new level of respect for him by Eddel's "employees." Most of the men wavered between distrust for him and amusement with the idea of a disgraced Honored Patir serving a criminal.

Eddel, however, gave the men the impression of complete trust in Hamel's abilities and loyalty. Hamel had the freedom to move about the lower sections and go anywhere he wished. Word spread that he was Eddel's replacement and by the end of the week, everyone gave him a wide berth.

Eddel did not, however, trust Hamel with everything. Such reservation was expected. He would have thought Eddel a fool to trust him without question. Listening to the man dance around certain topics or change the subject if the conversation delved too deeply into the organization's strengths, weaknessness, and ongoing activities gave Hamel confidence that he was only being used.

Hamel did not mind being used by Eddel. There were lines Hamel would not cross. Eddel's reservations helped to remind Hamel that they were both seeking a benefit from the relationship and each keeping their own secrets. They were using one another.

Eddel had assigned thirty men to Hamel's instruction. Hamel was to teach them to fight as a Ridge Elite soldier. He was also assigned three men to teach them war strategy and how to defend the Valley Wall.

It wasn't long before Hamel could see Eddel sought to take over the Council, the military, and the entire upper sections of the city. Hamel would not contribute to such treason, but he had no fear of such a thing coming to pass.

The men assigned to him for both training and strategy were far from capable. He knew he could pour into most of them for weeks, months, or even years, and they would never reach the level of even young Markel. Hamel was also very selective on what he taught them. They learned enough to think they were gaining the skills needed to control the Ridge Nation, but Hamel's training ensured they would never succeed.

After three days in Eddel's organization, the man turned his attention to learning how he might infiltrate the Council and rob the treasuries. Hamel gave his all to create the impression that he was on board, but not only would he never betray the Council in such a way, but he knew it was foolish to try.

Eddel wanted news of shady dealings, improper actions or betrayals regarding the Council members. Hamel, unfortunately, could give nothing to Eddel in that area. The Council members received and maintained their roles on the Council based on their honor. To have shady dealings or to be engaged in criminal activities would not only disqualify them for their roles, but it was also such an appalling thought that no member of the Council would do such a thing. Hamel knew each member of the Council better than most people, but he knew of not even the hint of crookedness. As a result, Hamel could give nothing to Eddel that he could use to extort the Council.

In regards to the treasuries, Hamel could be of more service. He knew the layout, locks, guard rotations, and everything there was to know about the security in place. Hamel had actually set the security plan in motion himself. He had spent a year fine-tuning the guard rotation, number of guards, security system, and more. Even if the alarm was taken down, there were still more than enough guards. Even if the guards were incapacitated, the locks would keep out thieves. If a thief managed to disable the alarm, remove the guards, and even unlock the doors, the guard rotation would kick in before the thief had time to get out of the treasury.

Hamel could not give Eddel a foolproof way to get inside and out of the treasury with the gold, but he could give all sorts of information. He was intrigued at how creative Eddel was in coming up with plans to enter and exit the treasury, but he also could see not one idea would work.

Two things bothered Hamel about Eddel's operation, in addition to the fact that it was all illegal. First, Eddel ran a one-man organization. Even though he was months from the end, he still ruled every aspect of all that was done within his reach.

The second thing that continued to bother Hamel was the matter of the women and children. The women outside in the streets and markets operated as women. The children outside in the streets and markets ran and played as children ran and played. The women and children within Eddel's compound walked and moved as though they were lifeless. They were property, owned by Eddel or whatever man they were attached to.

Hamel knew he could do nothing for them at that time, but he also knew he would address the problem once he was reestablished as an Honored Patir. He had known conditions were poor in the lower sections and had worked hard to address them, but until he experienced Eddel's operation, he had not known why the pain continued.

Deep inside, he wished he had been disgraced years ago. The thought that this had been going on all that time left him struggling to sleep at night.

His mind went to the young boy and his mother he saw the day he had first entered Eddel's compound. He vowed to himself that he would return for them and others.

Once he had been welcomed into Eddel's midst, he felt he had a certain amount of protection. He slowly began to eat and drink the food he was offered and was pleased that he did not keel over and die. Instead, he found the food strange and unusual. It was as if the people of the lower regions had their own unique delicacies. He enjoyed the flavors and found himself looking forward to meals that consisted of what Eddel described as normal, regular, everyday food.

Hamel had also learned that Eddel was far more influential than he had once thought. He learned that many men and women in the lower sections ran organizations dedicated to criminal activities. They ranged from everything from simple food distribution at a high price to slave trade. Hamel committed the names of the slave traders to memory but was shocked to find that each and every one of the criminal leaders in the lower sections reported directly to Eddel. He existed as a king among the people.

* * *

On the eighth day with Eddel's people, Hamel sat with the self-proclaimed Patir after the evening meal. They often sat after a meal and spoke. Eddel was always fascinated with Hamel's experience and with hearing about life in the upper sections of the city. Hamel had even begun to grow fond of Eddel, to a point.

On that particular evening, their conversation drifted to the topic of the city's security. Eddel had danced around the topic every time Hamel had brought it up, but that evening, he had no such reservations.

"Tell me, Hamel, about the Beasts."

Hamel was surprised. He had thought Eddel knew a lot about them. "What would you like to know?"

"Anything. Everything. I'd like to know it all. I really know very little about them. The defense of the city is maintained by the army. It is maintained quite well, by the way, thanks to you, I suspect."

"I have certainly invested a great deal of time and effort into the defense of the city. The Beasts have grown more aggressive over the last twenty years or so. We have had to be well prepared."

Eddel nodded his head and asked, "Why do you think they have become more aggressive?"

Hamel was intrigued by the question. He did not know if Eddel was asking because he was curious or fishing for information. "We don't know, but we are convinced it is because they are angry at us."

"Angry? At us?" Eddel laughed a raspy laugh and broke into a coughing fit. "How can they be angry at us? They are Beasts!"

"It is true. They do appear to be just animals, but they have a certain intelligence," Hamel replied.

"What do you mean? What would make you think they have intelligence?"

Hamel tried his best to read Eddel's expression. He wasn't sure how much the self-proclaimed Patir was holding back or pretending. He decided to play along for the moment. "I've watched them for many years. I've defended the wall. I've even fought them down on the Valley Floor. Once, a few years ago, two Beasts showed up in the city. We still have no idea how they got in. I lost thirteen soldiers that day. Two Beasts took down thirteen trained soldiers!"

"So, they are vicious and strong and capable warriors, but what makes you think they are intelligent?" Eddel asked again.

"I have watched their strategy," Hamel began. "They have tried to fool us time and time again as they have attacked. The Wall Commander must watch the Beasts closely, or the Beasts will overrun the defenses. I have seen them protect their injured as well. I once watched a Beast drag an injured Beast back to safety, using its own body as a shield to protect its fallen comrade. Only those with compassion act in such a way. I have watched them work together to protect one another in the attack to give themselves an advantage. I have watched as they have built themselves shields in an attempt to protect themselves from our weapons. I have even watched them discard the shields as they realized they were not useful. They may not be as intelligent as we are, but they are intelligent."

"You respect them," Eddel said.

"Respect? No, certainly not," Hamel replied. "I recognize their intelligence, but I hold no respect for them. I have nothing but contempt for the Beasts."

"Why is that?" Eddel asked.

"It is because of the way they treat their young. You can always know the character of a society by the way they treat their vulnerable," Hamel explained. "Are you aware of what they do with their children?"

"I had heard that they toss their young at the wall at the end of a battle," Eddel said. He did not appear bothered by the concept, nor had he picked up on Hamel's insinuation.

"Yes. It is a disgusting practice. It began about the time that the attacks increased twenty years ago or more. They wrap the bodies of their young in Ridge uniforms and toss the bodies against the walls. We have found that the young are already dead by the time that..."

"Wait," Eddel interrupted. "Did you say that the bodies are wrapped in Ridge uniforms?"

Hamel watched Eddel closely. He saw no deception in the man's eyes. "Yes, that is what I said. You did not know that?"

"I knew nothing of that!" Eddel said and laughed as though the concept was both funny and intriguing. "I knew that the Beasts tossed their young at the wall. Such a concept has never bothered me. But the uniforms... the uniforms... if they are wrapping their young in Ridge uniforms, that means they are somehow collecting the uniforms." Eddel's eyes drifted to the ceiling. He appeared deep in thought.

Hamel nodded. It was obvious the Beasts had access to the uniforms. It was a topic that had bothered Hamel and many others. The question was where they were getting them from.

"You have no idea how they are getting their hands on our uniforms?" Eddel asked.

Hamel noted it was the first time Eddel had referred to himself in any way as part of the People of the Ridge. He had always spoken in terms of those in the upper sections being a separate people than those in the lower sections. To speak in terms of "our" was a significant comment. "No," Hamel replied, "we have no idea. A soldier will go missing, and their uniform will show up wrapped around the body of a Beastchild."

"And the soldiers... what do you know of them?"

"We know a lot about them, Patir Eddel," Hamel replied. "They have friends and family. We can interview those who knew the missing soldier. We can ask around as to why they would do such a thing, but we never come to any solid conclusions. There seems to be no motive for the soldiers to go to the Beasts. I even once had a man very close to me disappear. A day later, we found his uniform in the field after the attack. It was covered in blood and wrapped around the body of a Beastchild."

"Yes, I remember that. What was his name?" Eddel asked.

"Eatal Lemmel. He was a Colonel who served under me. He would likely have ended up as a General within a month or two. He was highly intelligent and extremely honorable." Hamel's eyes fixed on the floor. He fought hard to maintain a neutral expression and to hold back the tears. It had been nearly four years.

"Yes, that's right. It's coming back to me," Eddel replied. "If I recall, Lemmel had been far more than a friend to you, Hamel. Come now, we are partners. Do not hold back from me. Lemmel was your wife's adopted son. Do you think I do not know what goes on in this city, Hamel?" Eddel leaned forward. Hamel looked up and saw compassion in the man's eyes.

Hamel nodded, and the tears began to flow. "Yes, it's true. He was my wife's adopted son. He was my son."

"I am sorry you had to endure such a betrayal, Hamel," Eddel said quietly. "No man should have to lose a child." Eddel leaned back and took a deep breath. "So, these Soldiers of the Ridge appear to be going over to the Beasts. Perhaps they are stirring them up and getting themselves killed in the process. The Beasts then turn their attention on Ridge and attack."

"Yes," Hamel replied. "That is what we believe is happening."

Eddel's face turned red. He clenched his thin fists and ground his teeth. As he spoke, he began to spit. Hamel had not seen the man angry before. The topic was a matter of great emotion for Eddel.

"These soldiers are betraying us," Eddel said, his raspy voice growing quite loud. "They are turning on Ridge. They are turning on all the People of the Ridge. If the Beasts get past the Valley Wall and defeat the army, they will not stop at the upper sections. They will make their way down here and wipe out all that is Ridge Nation. Those soldiers are traitors!"

Hamel continued to search for signs of deceit in Eddel's eyes. His new "friend" appeared sincere in his anger.

"What could cause soldiers to betray their own people?" Eddel spat as he continued. "What could cause them to turn on the people they love and bring down the wrath of the Beasts? If the soldiers could be found out... if the soldiers who are instigating this could be caught... they could be executed as a sign of the foolishness and wickedness of such betrayal!"

Hamel nearly shook his head in wonder. He had thought Eddel to be a man entirely without honor. His treatment of certain people and participation and involvement in so many criminal activities was disgraceful, but he had a drive for loyalty to the nation overall.

"Patir Eddel, have you ever explored why those soldiers would do such a thing?" Hamel asked.

Eddel sat with a scowl on his face, and Hamel could see him clenching and unclenching his fists repeatedly. His breathing was heavy and ragged. The man said, "I looked into it six or seven years ago. I wanted to find the source of the betrayals and bring them here to the lower sections. I had plans for them."

"Did you learn anything?" Hamel asked, leaning forward. He paid close attention to every movement Eddel made as he answered.

"Nothing. We paid off whomever we could. We extorted information at just about every level short of the Council itself. We could identify no traitors. We couldn't find any signs of betrayal until we heard the report that a soldier had been identified as a traitor," Eddel said. He stared at his feet on the floor and smiled, "We even tried to get answers out of you."

Hamel sat back and considered Eddel's statement. He thought back to all the times someone had tried to extort information out of him, blackmail him, or threaten him. There had been so many times and so many people who had paid the price of challenging the honor of a Patir.

"I don't know if I remember that," Hamel said. He was curious. He wondered how many times Eddel had been behind one of the blackmailers.

Eddel laughed out loud at the question. His eyes settled on Hamel, and he said, "They were sent to threaten your daughter and her family. She had just been married for a few years, and they were expecting their second child."

Hamel did remember the incident. He also remembered where he had been when they approached him. It had been night, and he had been visiting the Wall Commander to see how the watch was going. He had thrown two of the men over the wall and the third he had incapacitated. When the man awoke, he was in a prison cell, and Hamel was preparing to question him.

"I remember the men. I remember how quickly after I began the interrogation that the man keeled over and died," Hamel said.

"Yes, one of the soldiers we owned at the time poisoned him before he could be convinced to give you any information," Eddel said.

Hamel made a mental note to find out how many of his soldiers had been compromised. When he returned to his position as Honored Patir, he would launch a deep and thorough investigation.

He had assumed all his soldiers were reliable and trustworthy. He had thought they were men and women of honor. It did, however, make sense. Some were sneaking into the Valley Floor and enraging the Beasts. A person of honor would not do such a thing.

"Once I take over the Council," Eddel said, "all that will change."

"What will change?" Hamel asked. He was pleased to finally hear Eddel state his goals.

"I will put an end to the matter of betrayals. No soldier will betray our people to the Beasts. I will hunt them down and root out the traitors much more aggressively than has been done in the past."

Hamel forced himself to maintain a serious expression. He did not think his attempts to address the matter could be described as anything other than "aggressive." Besides, Eddel would have far too much on his hands if he attempted to take over the Council and the military.

Hamel's thoughts were interrupted by Eddel's raspy cough. "Enough of that. The topic of the traitors and the Beasts makes me angry, and it makes me cough more than I can handle. It is time to retire for the evening. Tomorrow, I wish to begin finalizing our plans to clean out the treasury. We will meet tomorrow at first light."

The man rose to his feet with Hamel's help and walked toward his apartments, deep inside the compound. Hamel watched him go and reflected on the contradiction in Eddel. He was a man who was cruel and vicious toward the women and children in his compound. Hamel bristled at the dishonor of such a thing. Yet, at the same time, Eddel valued loyalty to Ridge Nation. Loyalty to Ridge was a deeply honorable quality. He was both a disgrace and a man of commendable loyalty.

Hamel shook his head and turned toward the apartments Eddel had given him. It did not matter what honor the self-proclaimed Patir showed in one area. His cruelty to children could not be overlooked. It would be better for the nation to fall from disloyalty than for the vulnerable to be treated as slaves.

None of those issues could be addressed that day, however. Eddel did not have the answers that Hamel needed. It was time to move on and search elsewhere.

Hamel's loyalty to Eddel had come to an end.

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