by Anna Kashina
Two more people walked by Mai’s sides. Master Abib – on his right, three steps behind – looked solemn, but, by the way his lively eyes darted around, Egey Bashi could tell the man was very pleased with himself. And he damned well should be, with the way he’d managed to take advantage of the situation and put his man of choice in power without causing bloodshed.
Kara walked on Mai’s left, cloaked and dressed in black like the rest of his escort, but without any Majat regalia. Egey Bashi was not sure if she had any official ceremonial role in this party, but her presence at Mai’s side showed his intention to keep her around, at least for the time being. The Keeper saw Kyth’s eyes narrow as he watched her walk by, enclosed in her aura of calm composure, not even glancing his way. Egey Bashi let out a sigh. Kara and Mai looked too good together as they marched side by side, their unison no less perfect than that of the Emerald Guards. Kyth couldn’t possibly be happy seeing them this way. Egey Bashi just hoped the Prince would be able to put it behind him in the upcoming negotiations, scheduled to commence this afternoon.
Just their luck that one of the most historical undertakings in the kingdom of Tallan Dar had to be decided in a one-on-one talk between two hot-headed youngsters in love with the same woman.
When Mai reached the formation of the Diamonds, he slowed his steps and pressed his fist to his chest in silent salute. They responded in suit, and when the Emerald Guards walked past they fell into stride behind, extending his train by another impressive length. Egey Bashi noticed that Oden Lan was not among them.
Mai marched past the Rubies and the Sapphires and reached the Jades. He kept a slow pace as he walked, and Egey Bashi saw each man Mai’s eyes fell on draw up with a fervor he had never seen in the presence of any commander before. These men adored him, and the Keeper found it fascinating to watch. Things in the Majat Guild were definitely going to change, and soon.
Mai turned and exchanged quiet words with Kara, walking in his wake. Her glance pointed him to a tall man in the front row, with a square jaw and full lips. Egey Bashi’s eyes widened as he recognized the Jade who had helped him deliver the elixir to Kara and Mai the night before the challenge.
Dear Shal Addim. During his very first day in office Mai did not waste any time. Along with hundreds of people in the plaza Egey Bashi held his breath, watching.
Mai stopped in front of the Jade, his short glance pulling the man to attention, even though Egey Bashi could swear standing any straighter wasn’t possible. He saw the man’s lowered hand tremble as he stared ahead, doing his best to appear calm as Mai surveyed him. The Keeper had observed a similar effect back at court, when the Rubies of the Royal Pentade – as well as many of the court ladies – encountered the quiet interest of Mai’s direct gaze. Here, at the Majat Guild, Mai’s new authority amplified this effect many times over.
“Gahang Iver,” Mai said, his words carrying clearly through the silent grounds.
The Jade lifted his chin, his eyes glassy with effort.
“I’ve examined your record,” Mai said, “and spoken at length to your superiors and your peers. You are a man of exemplary character and, I am told, one of our Guild’s best with a crossbow.”
“Thank you, Guildmaster.” The Jade continued to look ahead with an impassive expression, but Egey Bashi could see how much this praise meant to him.
“Walk with me,” Mai said.
The Jade saluted and, as Mai and his train moved on, he fell into stride behind him. His face held an expression of awed disbelief, as if he thought he were dreaming and was afraid to wake up.
Mai stopped again when he reached the end of the row of Jades, opposite a dark man with piercing eyes, who saluted him with his fist to his chest.
“Gahang Khall.” Mai’s voice rose just a bit so that his words echoed through the plaza. “For the past eight years your record in the Guild has been spotless. I know that my predecessor always held you in very high regard.”
The Jade saluted again, but his dark eyes watched Mai warily, waiting for the impending blow.
“However,” Mai said, “when you gave the order to open fire on Aghat Raishan, you overstepped your authority and demonstrated a lapse of judgment, by firing on a man of a higher rank and a valued Guild member. While I am not privy to the exact orders you received, I believe this behavior was unwarranted. The lives of the top gem ranks are priceless to our Guild, and not to be risked in such a senseless way.”
Khall continued to stand to attention. It seemed that he was about to respond, but Mai’s glance cut him off.
“I also witnessed your lapse in leadership when you failed to keep your subordinate in line and prevent him from violating ceasefire,” Mai said.
Khall’s eyes narrowed, but he kept his silence under Mai’s gaze.
“As I’m sure you know,” Mai said, “such mistakes are gravely punished in our Guild. However, given your past record and the fact that you were under orders, I am willing to take only the necessary steps. I’m relieving you of command. You will join the ranks of the Guild’s Jades.”
Egey Bashi saw a movement ripple through the plaza. Khall had been in charge of the Jades for nearly a decade, and Egey Bashi had rarely seen a more ruthless and efficient man. His post, in charge of the Guild’s security, held a lot of power, keeping its affairs in perfect balance. And now, just a day after accepting his new post, Mai was upsetting this balance with his very first order.
“Gahang Iver,” Mai said.
The Jade beside him stepped forward.
“You will take charge of the Jades in Gahang Khall’s place.”
Egey Bashi let out a sigh. This was a bold move. Yet, it was probably the right thing to do. Mai could not possibly leave his Guild’s security to a man who had nearly shot him down, whatever orders he had received that enabled him to do that. As the new Guildmaster, Mai needed a loyal man in this post, and, having years of command experience himself, Egey Bashi had a good feeling that Mai was making the right choice.
Iver swallowed and saluted with his fist to his chest. “Thank you, Aghat Mai.”
Mai nodded. “I need a man with good judgment, one who can be trusted to make the right decisions in a tight spot. I can’t think of anyone better than you, Gahang.”
“I won’t let you down, Guildmaster.” Iver looked stunned. Clearly, of all the consequences he expected for his disobedience and lending aid to convicted prisoners against the Guildmaster’s explicit orders, this turn of events must have been the farthest from his mind.
As Iver took his place at the head of the Jades, Egey Bashi, once again, saw the magic working its way. Khall had been popular, but now that Mai had put a new man in his place, everyone’s voices rose in a cheer welcoming the new Jade leader. Eyes fixed on their new Guildmaster with such devotion that, had Egey Bashi still been young and idealistic himself, it would have brought tears to his eyes.
To his knowledge Oden Lan had never commanded such loyalty in his men. Under Mai’s rule, this Guild would definitely have more chance to stay united. Egey Bashi just hoped that this wouldn’t make the Majat more of a problem than they already were.
Mai and his escort made full rounds before finally approaching the Keeper and his companions. Egey Bashi heard breaths drawn all around him, men standing to attention.
“Guildmaster.” Egey Bashi bowed, his sideways glance confirming that everyone around him reacted appropriately as well. Lady Celana sank into a deep curtsy. After hesitation, Kyth gave Mai a stiff bow. The Majat Guildmaster outranked the Crown Prince – a change Kyth would have to adjust to, if he ever hoped to be successful in his negotiations.
Mai surveyed their group.
“Prince Kythar,” he said. “Magister Egey Bashi. I know we have both of you to thank for your help against the Kaddim during yesterday’s tournament.” He turned to Lady Celana. “And you, my lady. A very impressive shot. I had no idea you were such an accomplished archer.”
And here was the magic again. The royal lady’s face lit u
p with color at his words. Egey Bashi had seen her smoothly reflect court compliments before, but it seemed that her composure didn’t make her immune to Mai’s charms. Even Kyth squared his shoulders at this casual praise from his rival.
“It was a joint effort, Aghat Mai,” Egey Bashi said after a pause, which told him neither Kyth nor Celana was about to speak. “Please accept my sincere congratulations on your new post. We are all overjoyed at your victory in the challenge.”
Mai nodded.
“Thank you, Magister,” he said.
21
AMNESTY
Walking in Mai’s wake, Kara couldn’t help the feeling of quiet awe that enfolded her every time she looked at him. He had settled into his new role instantly, as if this high post was meant for him all along. She had always realized Mai was a natural leader, and it was so gratifying to see him in command, and to know the part she had played in instigating it.
She felt, above all, relieved that both she and Mai were still alive, and that their challenge hadn’t ended in a bloodbath among the top gem ranks, as she had feared when she entered the arena the previous morning. Since the time, a few months back, when she had chosen to disobey her orders and save Kyth from being captured by the Kaddim, she had been on a death roll. And now, by a turn of events no one could have possibly anticipated, it was over, and at least for a time she could enjoy safety and peace.
She was amazed to see how well she was being received at the Guild. Being a challenger by Mai’s side, helping his victory and fighting an impossible battle on his behalf, extended his aura of glamor over her as well. She saw it in the eyes of her former comrades as their expressions welcomed her back, dismissing earlier rumors that she was an outcast and a traitor and acknowledging her as one of the Guild’s top warriors. That alone made it all worthwhile.
She was aware that she owed all these things to Mai, and that without his resolve to put his life on the line for her many times over, it never would have happened. The debt she owed him was far beyond something one could easily repay.
Whatever else she felt toward him – if anything – these other, personal feelings couldn’t possibly be a match for what he had become: the leader of their Guild, the most powerful man on this side of the Eastern Mountain Range. She knew that, from now on, the best she could do was to admire him from afar and forget all about the confusion he had stirred in her during the last few days. They were no longer a match, two people of exceptional skill thrown together in a fight for their lives. He was in charge now, and his new role couldn’t possibly go in hand with any personal bonds. She could live with it, she told herself again and again.
After the parade, Mai gathered his escort in the inner courtyard adjoining the training grounds. Kara was surprised when Mai’s hand signs, thrown at high speed, rearranged the formation to leave her standing by herself, with everyone else facing her.
“Aghat Kara,” Mai said, his calm voice echoing through the courtyard.
Against reason, she found herself pulling to attention. She wasn’t a Majat anymore, but her hand inadvertently flew up, her fist pressing against her chest in a Majat salute.
“Guildmaster.”
“I wish to express my gratitude to you for joining my challenge,” Mai said. “You chose to stand by my side despite certainty that this action was going to get you killed. Your skill and resolve enabled our victory. I owe you my life, Aghat. I will not forget it.”
She bowed her head. “It was my honor to fight by your side, Aghat Mai. And,” she added before she could think better of it, “you know well that, before this challenge, you saved my life too, more than once. I am the one in your debt.”
He held a brief pause.
“Your debt to me has just been erased. You don’t owe me a thing, Aghat.”
She nodded, at a loss for words. She knew she would never forget what she owed him, but having him dismiss it all in this formal conversation meant that nobody else would ever hold her to it. Against reason, this knowledge filled her with regret. He had just severed the connection that had bonded her to him for the past few months.
She kept her face still, hoping that her expression showed none of these thoughts.
“My new post,” Mai went on, “enables me to give you something I always wanted you to have.”
A gift? She raised her eyebrows. What could he possibly give her?
“Aghat Mai,” she began. “You have no reason to–”
His glance stopped her. “Never refuse a gift before you know what it is, Aghat. I am certain you’d want to keep this one. I am giving you your freedom. And a full pardon from the Majat Guild.”
Her mouth fell open. She was only vaguely aware of everyone else staring.
She shivered, overwhelmed with amazement and gratitude she couldn’t possibly express. If Mai wanted to grant her full pardon, there was no better way to do it, and, knowing him well, she realized that he had given it a lot of thought. Bringing it up at the parade in front of all the troops might have stirred up a reaction. Saying it in a smaller gathering with all of the Guild’s Diamonds present made it just as irrevocable, and much less likely to cause any uproar.
A lump rose in her throat. She looked at him wide-eyed as he continued calmly, as if nothing out of the ordinary was going on.
“I know that you have found yourself in a precarious position, Aghat Kara, pitched between your orders and your certainty that following them would be drastically wrong. You demonstrated exceptional integrity by choosing to do what you believed was right, while knowing that it would mean your execution. No one in the history of our Guild has ever survived the ensuing sanctions. This makes your situation unprecedented, not covered by the Code. As a result, it enables me to use my own judgment to decide your fate. As of now, you are formally free of your obligations to the Guild, and no Majat will pursue you because of your past. “
Against reason, she felt tears rise to her eyes and she bowed her head, pressing her fist to her chest again.
“It is also in my power as the Guildmaster,” Mai went on, “to offer you a choice. If you wish to return to the Guild and resume your rank, I would be honored to welcome you back.”
A choice.
She felt a flutter in her stomach that suddenly made it so hard to stand upright in front of him. In just a few words, he had thrown the world at her feet. He was offering her everything she could possibly dream of, as casually as if he were doing her a minor favor.
In all her life, she had never been in a position to make these kinds of choices. And now, she had no idea how to handle them. Looking into his eyes inadvertently brought to mind the other choice they’d talked about on the eve of the challenge – one she felt, with his new station, she’d do best to forget.
She swallowed.
“Thank you, Aghat Mai,” she said. “No words could possibly express my gratitude. I am honored by your offer to return to the Guild, and will think on it very carefully before giving you an answer. And,” she added quietly, “I will always be grateful for everything you’ve done for me.”
Mai nodded, his narrowed eyes making it difficult to guess his feelings. He paused for a moment, looking at her. Then he turned away, and she felt the tension released as normal activity resumed around him. One by one, the Diamonds saluted to him and departed, followed by Master Abib, leaving the two of them in the courtyard, surrounded by his Emerald Guard.
“I am going to the medical barracks,” Mai said. “You want to come with me?”
Kara nodded, unsure if she could find her voice, and fell into stride by his side.
Things around her were changing too quickly. Yesterday morning she had been an outcast, her life forfeit. And now, only a day later, she was free, the first Majat in history who had been able to leave the Guild without any obligations. From now on, she could do anything she pleased – including going back to her old life, if she wanted to. All this was just too much to deal with.
The arrival of the Guildmaster, marching in ful
l regalia at the head of his Emerald Guard, caused a major upheaval in the medical barracks. Mai took it in his stride as he made his way inside, past the saluting people lining the walls.
Raishan was sitting in bed, his back propped against a pile of pillows. His face looked drawn and very pale, with deep dark circles under his eyes. When he saw Mai, he moved to rise, but Doctor Lestor standing by his side placed a hand on his shoulder, forcing him to subside back into the pillows.
“Guildmaster.” Raishan pressed his fist to his chest and bowed his head.
Mai nodded, responding with a brief salute before stepping up to the bedside.
“Aghat Raishan. I am so relieved to know that you are expected to make a fast recovery.”
Raishan shot a glance at the doctor.
“Not as fast as I would like to, Aghat Mai. My place is by your side.”
“And I look forward to you assuming it, Aghat. But only after Master Lestor releases you to active duty.”
Raishan nodded.
“I am in your debt, Aghat Raishan,” Mai said. “You received your wound protecting me. I feel responsible for what happened.”
Raishan smiled. “Seeing you in charge makes it all worth it, Guildmaster. I cannot imagine a better man for the post.”
Mai’s face lit up with a quick smile. Then both men turned to Kara as she stepped up to Raishan’s bedside.
“Welcome back, Aghat Raishan,” she said. “For a moment, back in the courtyard, I feared we’d lost you.”
“It’s not as easy as you think.” Raishan’s eyes stirred with an affection that made her feel warm inside. He was such a good friend, and seeing that he had survived his ordeal made her feel so relieved.
“Well fought, Aghat,” Raishan said. “Or so I heard. Your fame is spreading like fire, even here in the medical barracks. I wish I could have seen it. A shadow throw, eh?”