by Ashley Capes
“One of the men is a foreigner, from Marlosi,” the second added. His eyes were narrowed, as though he expected disobedience perhaps. “Have you seen anyone matching that description?”
“None. It’s been a dull trip so far,” Muka said easily.
He grunted. The first man didn’t seem to be paying attention to Muka anymore, he was focusing on Ayuni and Never. A slight frown marred his features and he rubbed at a thin beard. Whenever his eyes moved from Ayuni to Never, he blinked several times.
Never fought the rising tension within him, lifting a knee to lean against the wagon.
“Look inside and let’s go,” the second man said as he left.
“Right,” the first warrior replied, still sounding a little unsure. But he checked between the boxes beneath the covering then hurried after his superior without a backward glance, apparently having accepted that his doubts were unfounded.
Ayuni exhaled heavily. “I thought he was going to see through the charm.”
“Another trial passed,” Muka said, his faint smile a little wider this time.
“Onward, then,” Never said.
Once the wagons had started forward once more, mostly to the tune of Esiang’s grumbling about the delay from the driver’s seat, Never leant back in his saddle and closed his eyes a moment. Nothing like a narrow escape to test the nerves. He let his mount lead, reins held only loosely as the day wore on.
“Never?”
He opened his eyes. Had he dozed? By the changed light, it was already afternoon. Ayuni rode beside him. “Yes?”
“What did you mean by surprise back there? I don’t want you to do anything foolish for me.”
He smiled. “Sorry, that’s an older brother’s job.”
“I’m serious, Never.” She gave him a stern look. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”
A cry of alarm rang out from the van, cutting off his reply.
Men were leaping up from all around the line of wagons, covered in grass and brush. An arrow thudded into the side of the nearest wagon. Never swore, even as he wheeled his horse. If he’d been paying attention he might have noticed the ambush.
Muka obviously had, his sword was already drawn and he was charging to meet the four men who were attacking from the rear. Ayuni had pulled her mount closer to the wagon and was cupping her hands, a frown of determination on her face. Never kicked his horse forward, pulling two blades and throwing at one of the men trying to flank Muka.
The first dagger went wide by a narrow margin but the other grazed the man’s upper arm. The minor wound caused the fellow to pause, and then Never’s horse crashed into him with a whinny. Never fought for control, keeping his seat long enough to catch sight of Muka swinging his tyrant, slicing through limbs as he downed the remaining men.
A roar of flame followed.
Ayuni had raised her hand, flickering blue and green flame spearing across the road to engulf one of the attackers. At the next wagon, the other guards seemed to hold the upper hand with what appeared to be bandits, now that Never had a moment to truly see them. But further along, the lead wagon was under a more concentrated attack. Several guards were down with arrows and the two monks, Garugi and Fuda, were no-where to be seen.
“Muka?”
“On my way,” he said, and charged to the lead wagon.
Never moved to Ayuni, who was breathing hard. The whites of her eyes were showing too. “I saw his face right before...”
“It’s not easy, I know, but there will be time for that later,” he said, keeping an eye on the struggle.
“It was different the first time... I was just running. Lashing out at anything that came too near.”
He met her troubled gaze. “You did the right thing, Ayuni.”
She nodded.
Never checked on the bodies he and Muka had dealt with, none so much as twitched, then back to the fighting. Muka was already turning the tide, his movements precise and flowing – and he wasn’t even using his lunai, he was simply a masterful swordsman. A shorn limb spurted blood, another man collapsed over Muka’s sword, and a third met Muka’s blade with his own, only to be struck down.
And then naught but the rasp of heavy breathing from the survivors followed.
Ayuni was tying her reins to the wagon. “I can help the wounded.”
Never stepped before her. She had a kind heart but it could land her in trouble if she wasn’t careful. “Ayuni...”
“Not with my blood,” she said. “I’ve been taught a little herb-lore. Let’s see what they have.”
Together, they headed for the front, checking on the guards, most of who would need bandages at the least. One of the men who’d taken an arrow had already died, Ayuni’s expression tightened when she saw him. But one of the drivers carried a heavy steel box and within, bandages and herbs and vials. Not enough for everyone but something. Ayuni thanked him and started organising the contents.
“I’ll check on Muka,” he said.
Ayuni nodded without looking up from her work. Never moved a little way further, to the lead wagon, where he found Muka standing before the two monks. Fuda was trembling but Garugi wore a dark scowl.
“How could they have known?” the man was demanding to no-one in particular. He seemed upset, certainly, and with cause, but Never again had to wonder exactly what was being transported.
“Perhaps it was planned for any who might pass,” Muka suggested. He had sheathed his sword and seemed unharmed.
Garugi grunted. “It may be so.”
“If I could interrupt?” Never asked.
“Why? Has anything been taken?”
“No. But someone has disappeared.” Never described the sombre man. “He was working with us on the rear wagon and he’s simply gone.”
“Who?”
“I don’t know his name. He was gambling with Daisoa in the inn.”
Fuda shook his head. “I’m afraid I cannot place him.”
Garugi folded his arms. “Nor I. But it is convenient that so soon as he flees, we are attacked. Check the bodies, perhaps he is among them.”
Never nodded and Muka joined him, starting the unpleasant task. Yet of the thirteen men who had attacked – and died – none bore any resemblance to the missing guard. “He is more than he seems then,” Muka decided after they’d reported to Garugi and started back.
“But what was his purpose here?”
“If it was to set the ambush in motion then return to share in the spoils, he would have seen what happened and left by now. Or began putting something else in place.”
“For the cargo?” Never asked. “He did mention something about secrets.”
“It’s possible – the temple does transport valuables, silks, medicines and sometimes large quantities of gold or silver but I have to wonder if that is the case now.”
“And yet he seemed so disinterested in everything else. He barely spoke after that first day...” Never rubbed at his neck. “Bah. I feel like I’m close to realising something.”
“Well, we know we can probably blame him for having been caught up in this,” Muka said. “Or even thank him, if you think about it.”
“Thank him?”
“I imagine our brush with the Isansho’s forces earlier might not have gone so well had we not appeared to be a legitimate part of a Temple convoy.”
Never slapped his thigh. “That’s it! He did something to Daisoa, that’s why he was too sick.”
“Daisoa?”
“The man he was gambling with at the inn – and without who, we might not have been hired at all – you’re right.”
Muka nodded slowly. “If so, the stranger’s purpose has grown murkier still.”
“Could he be working for the Hammers?”
“I don’t think we can afford to rule it out.”
Never’s
gaze turned to Ayuni, who was smiling at one of the men as she wrapped a bandage around his wrist. “If so, we have to assume they’ll soon know exactly where we are.”
Chapter 24
It was a subdued camp that found itself seated around three cookfires. The night was too warm to need them for heat and they did provide light against the darkness and the possibility of another attack. Surrounding the survivors in turn were the wagons and their horses, with one man each set to watch from the driver’s seats.
Despite his worry, Never didn’t think there’d be another attack so soon. It didn’t seem that the bandits were so strong; their clothing was especially worn and some of their arrows had obviously been repaired. More than a few bodies had been quite gaunt too.
Esiang wasn’t convinced; the driver told no tales, simply sat and ate his rice. Conversations from the other fires were quiet too, as though everyone had one ear on the plain.
But an undercurrent of anger had risen from Garugi and Fuda’s circle.
“I know what I saw,” someone demanded, one of the bigger guards. “It was a flash of light, like unnatural fire. And it came from the new man’s daughter. We all saw the burned body, what do you think caused it? I’ve been trying to tell you.”
Ayuni looked up from her food, which she had hardly attacked with gusto.
“Be ready,” Never said. How long had they been discussing it now? Must have been brewing since the immediate aftermath of the attack – he should have foreseen such a response. Some protector he was proving to be.
Muka already had one hand on the hilt of his tyrant.
Other conversations had stopped now. Garugi rose, leading his group over to Never’s fire. The big guard pointed at Ayuni when he arrived. “I swear it, Brother Garugi, she made the fire – she’s a sorceress.”
“Maybe that’s why we were attacked?” another voice suggested. “They’re looking for her.”
Echoes of agreement came from others.
Never and Muka stood as one. He motioned for Ayuni to do the same, stepping just in front of her to confront the monk and the accuser. “You know that doesn’t make any sense. Poor bandits have no need for Ayuni; they were seeking whatever valuables we transport.”
The guard started to answer but Garugi raised a hand. “Enough, Bao.” He surveyed the camp. “Whatever this young woman is, it is clear she is a danger to us all. Who knows who she will bring down upon us next? And for all we know, you are accomplices with whoever tipped off the brigands. You must leave, each of you.”
Never folded his arms. “I see. So, in order to better ensure the safe delivery of your cargo, you’re going to reduce your numbers? Dazzling leadership, Brother Garugi.”
The man’s nostrils flared. “Fool! Leave or we will force you.”
Yet many of the faces turned away, lit orange by the fires. Of those who did not immediately jump to their feet, many bore bandages or other evidence of Ayuni’s care. And maybe some were remembering just how effortlessly Muka dispatched his share of the thieves.
But neither did they rise to disagree with the monk.
“Please,” Fuda said as he stepped forward. “It really is for the best. You may take your horses.” He did not seem to be agreeing with Garugi, so much as acknowledging the fact that a fight would not end well for many.
“We accept,” Ayuni said before Never could answer. “Thank you, Brother Fuda.”
“Then be quick about it,” Garugi said before returning to his fire.
Never glared after the man but Ayuni was right to prevent him from throwing out another quip. But oh, how he wanted to. Instead, Never joined Ayuni and Muka in collecting their belongings and unhitching their mounts. Never rubbed the neck of his mare as he did, glancing over his shoulder.
No-one followed them, nor did they watch.
“Let’s find some shelter then,” he said.
“At least we won’t be rained on,” Ayuni replied with a smile. She put a hand on his arm. “Forget them, Never.”
He sighed. “I will. But if that’s their idea of gratitude...”
“Let’s not give them a chance to reconsider their foolishness,” Muka said as he threw a leg over his saddle.
They crossed the grass and returned to the road at a walk, allowing for their eyes to adjust. The stars were a glittering army above but no moon yet – still, it was enough to travel by.
Time seemed to pass quickly from leaving and finding a suitable campsite on a small hill; the leeward side of one of the strange, broken stone domes. Travellers had dug out the space a little, revealing more patterned stone and creating enough room for a firepit and their three bedrolls.
“See?” Ayuni said. “In finding this place, we’ve been granted some good fortune already.”
“Well, we deserve it,” Never said with a chuckle. Her ability to maintain high-spirits was surprisingly welcome – so different from Snow. He had to wonder, was this what a normal sibling relationship was meant to be like? “And allow me to take first watch. I don’t want any surprises.”
“Do you think they will follow us?” Ayuni asked.
Never glanced at Muka. “No. But Muka and I have a theory about the guard who disappeared – he may have been working for the Hammers.”
“Truly?” Ayuni frowned as she shook out her bedding. “Doesn’t he seem like a strange choice for spy? Conveniently placed in that inn, too.”
“We’re not convinced ourselves,” Muka said. “But we cannot dismiss him.”
She nodded. “I’m happy to take my turn.”
“I’ll be up top,” Never said.
He climbed around the hill to find a vantage point that allowed a fair view of the road then leant against the stone – only to flinch back... but there was no flash of fire. Had the first encounter with the strange stone been a sign or a warning? No way to know; it could have been any number of things. But it seemed this stone dome was no more than stone.
Perhaps there were no traces of Amouni cities or towns in Kiymako. Or maybe not here at least. After all, the thing lurking beneath the Sundered Road knew about Ascended Amouni. Which meant it was either incredibly old or it had encountered Father. And then there was Brother Hiruso too – he knew something.
Too much, no doubt.
Never checked on the now risen half-moon. How long had he been sitting against the stone? He stood and stretched his legs and arms, then adjusted his cloak so he could try his wings. Too long since he’d had a chance to check on them, how had they been healing? Slowly, he stretched them out – wincing at the tenderness, but he was able to extend them to their full span.
He brought his wings close around his body, then unfurled them a few times. All seemed well. If he needed, he’d be fine to fly.
A gasp hissed in the night.
Never spun, but it was only Ayuni. She was gaping at him where she stood, her face almost luminous beneath the moon.
“Never?”
“I take it Father didn’t ever mention this?”
“Ah, no.” She crept forward. “I can hardly believe... may I touch them?”
“Of course.” He moved closer, then extended a wing. Ayuni ran her fingertips across his feathers, a gentle sensation, her eyes alight. “I have to keep them hidden for obvious reasons.”
“Indeed.” She looked up after a moment longer. “How is this possible? Even for Amouni?”
“I am Ascended.” Never explained something of the differences, sparing her some of the details of how he ascended. “Legends always speak of Amouni as rulers of the other peoples but seem to say little about their hubris.”
“I remember Father telling me I was extra special to him, but not why. As a child it made it easier to deal with his absence. When I grew older I thought he meant my healing...” She frowned. “Wait. What hubris?”
“Ancient Amouni sought to control ever
ything about those they had set themselves up to protect. For some, that meant slavery, as Amouni established themselves as governors and for others, such arrogance was taken right down to the dark depths of meddling with the qualities people possessed.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I once met a man that had been... changed, so that his body could pass through solid objects. He was once normal, but he was altered via ancient Amouni methods. I believe the Amouni of old could also control the kinds of strengths and weaknesses a person was born with.”
“By the Phoenix,” Ayuni breathed. “What happened to the man you met?”
“I do not know. He wanted to serve me as Master, but I sent him to live his own life. I hope it was not a mistake; he had been twisted by what had been done to him.”
Ayuni hesitated. “Do you know who hurt him so?”
“Yes. It was Snow.”
“Oh.”
He smiled gently. “You should get some more rest, Ayuni. Muka will wake you when it’s time.”
She nodded and started back around the hillside, but paused. “Never?”
“Yes?”
“Do you think that Father had something like that in mind for me?”
“I think it’s what he wanted for all his children.”
“Then he was trying to rebuild the Amouni race, that was his own hubris, wasn’t it?”
“Sadly.”
Ayuni shifted her feet and did not speak for a long moment. She seemed to be fighting tears – and he could hardly blame her. “When he told me I was special...” She stamped a foot, even as she shook her head, seemingly at herself. “This shouldn’t upset me so, I shouldn’t be surprised.”
Never did not answer; he didn’t want to be the one to say aloud what she seemed to be realising on her own.
“It was because I was a woman. He expected me to bear Amouni children.”
He crossed the distance between them and took his little sister into his arms.