by H. M. Clarke
‘We are Flyers, we deserve some rights at least!’
Adhamh said nothing.
They waited longer in silence, both standing alone in the anteroom.
Provost Garrick Thurad came to Darkon every other month to visit her and his brother. She was eighteen now and was old enough to realize that the Provost felt guilty about taking Kalena from her home. She still considered him a good friend.
Now his brother Harada was another matter entirely. He was second born and even being the son of the Emperor did not exempt him from the Second Born Rule. He was also the Wing Commander of First Wing and a superior officer. And she loved him.
As soon as the Wing returned from the ill-fated exercise, Kalena rushed to Harada’s quarters. He and Righter had been good friends. They grew up together as Tim’s father was Harada’s Uncle.
She had entered Harada’s rooms to find Gwidion putting to rights the last pieces of up-ended furniture.
“I’m sorry…” Kalena started to say before Gwidion cut her off.
“Don’t worry about it. I had expected worse.”
“He’s heard? Already?” Bad news always travels the fastest.
Gwidion nodded. Gwidion was one of Harada’s Wing Lieutenants, the same rank as she held now in Second Wing. Kalena was promoted from Harada’s Wing into Second Wing three years ago.
Suddenly Harada appeared behind her in the doorway, his pale features suddenly turned to red as he saw her. He was as tall as his brother, but where Garrick was golden haired, Harada’s was as black as jet. He too was handsome to look upon but it was a different appeal to what Garrick possessed. A new addition to Harada’s looks was a shock of pure white hair that grew from above his left temple and on closer inspection a person could see the beginning of the scar that caused it. He had been sporting that white bang for the last three months and no amount of teasing would have him black it out.
Gwidion looked at Harada and then Kalena.
Gwidion was a well-built man about the same age as Harada, with a mess of brown hair, which tried to cover the equally brown eyes that regarded them.
“Are you alright?” he asked, a quizzical expression on his face.
“I’m fine.” Harada replied and strode across the room to pick a rumpled shirt from a cupboard door. He shook it out and held it up for scrutiny. It’s tattered remains hung limp before him. He suddenly threw the shirt away from him cursing it with such vehemence that Kalena and Gwidion stepped back towards the door.
Harada didn’t seem to notice their reaction.
He stopped cursing and stared at it before saying. “My father gave me that shirt and I ruined it! I tore it from my back when Gwidion told me Tim was dead.”
Harada collapsed onto the window seat, the scabbard of his sword scrapping angrily against the stone floor. His anger evaporating in the warm evening sunlight that streamed through the window.
Kalena was going to say something sharp but with great difficulty held her tongue. She did not like seeing Harada this way. He was always strong and unbreakable, but this?
“Who told him?” Kalena turned and asked Gwidion who still stood beside her.
“A Calvary Officer from the First arrived just under an hour ago and told him. The bastard seemed to enjoy it.” Gwidion then said quietly, “It’s not often that you can kill a Noble Born and be able to get away with it.”
Kalena nodded agreement. The First Calvary was a Regiment of Freemen and they were proud of it. They hated the Hatar Kalarthri and their riders with a vengeance because of the small amount of respect that was given because of their courage in battle; A respect that is usually given only to Freemen.
“It’s not often that you can dig the knife deeper into another Noble at the same time.” Kalena quietly said.
‘To those officers they are not Noble, they are Kalarthri.’ Adhamh spoke to her from somewhere outside. He was still close enough to hear her thoughts.
Kalena shot an annoyed glance at the ceiling. “Shush Adhamh, they did it because of who they were, not who they are now.”
‘Maybe…’
“Bloody Hatars,” Kalena muttered to herself. Gwidion nodded quietly to himself and then smiled.
“Jolar has just spooked the first’s horses, I think that Adhamh is with her.”
“Adhamh is right,” Harada spoke abruptly from where he was sitting. “WE are just slaves, higher placed than usual, but we are still just slaves.”
Kalena glared at him, she never liked to be reminded of her status. Never liked the fact that the Wings are the best fighting force in the Army but they had to bow and scrape to the lowest born, lowest ranked freeborn Lieutenant.
“It could be different,” Kalena whispered. No one in the room heard her but Adhamh answered.
‘It will never be different.’
The creaking of a door bought Kalena out of her thoughts. She quickly snapped to attention and felt Adhamh do the same behind her.
Chapter Two
Meetings
Brock appeared at the door and not noticing their presence muttered “The news grows more disturbing at every dispatch.” Two men appeared behind him who both nodded agreement. As they moved out from Brock’s office, Kalena’s eyes grew wide with apprehension.
‘What are they doing here?’ Kalena silently said to Adhamh. The Hatar mentally shrugged. Justicars did not concern him.
“I will start the preparations immediately,” Brock said to the two men. Both were dressed in the thick black wool that made their uniforms, the only color on them being the gold embroidery of the Book of Truth on their breasts. Both were young and the golden haired man smiled back at Brock.
“The Provost Justicar thanks you for your cooperation in this matter.” Both Justicars then bowed to Brock and turned to leave. Kalena’s eyes lingered over the black haired man. Somehow he seemed familiar… And then she knew.
“Videan?”
The black haired man hesitated as Brock’s servant opened the door for them. The Golden haired man glanced at Kalena but continued out of the door. Kalena’s brother hesitated. He looked at his former sister and in his eyes Kalena saw nothing. There was no joy, no emotion; not even the hate and despite that she was so used to seeing when they were children. They looked to be the eyes of a dead man.
He turned from her without uttering a word and left.
Kalena was stunned. What had happened to Videan to make him that way?
“What was that about Wing Lieutenant?”
Kalena suddenly straightened back to attention. Provost Marshall Brock stood in front of her, hands held tightly to his sides. “Do you realize what the punishment for a Kalarthri who speaks out of turn to a Justicar is?”
Kalena nodded her head. She did know the Rule. The Justicar that was spoken to can set any punishment he wished including death. Death was usually the one chosen.
“He is my brother Provost Marshall,” she answered quickly. “I haven’t seen any of my family for eight years - it was the shock of seeing him that made me speak.”
“I do not like my Wing Lieutenants taking risks like that. The next time you decide to do something as stupid, I’ll punish you myself.”
“Yes Provost Marshall.” Kalena tried hard not to smile. Provost Marshall Brock was different from most Freeborn Commanders because he actually cares for the Kalarthri he has serving under him. He also treats them like people, giving them respect and letting them still use their last names within the Flights. The Prefix ‘Kalar’ was only used when outsiders were around.
It was then that the Hatar doors at the end of the hall opened to admit both Samar and Harada.
“Good, you are all here.” Brock graced a slim smile on both the Wing Riders as they joined them.
“What is this about Provost Marshall?” Harada said tightly. He had just come from seeing the bodies of his cousin and wing partner and was not happy to be called away.
“First of all I would like to announce that I have already made a choice about Rig
hter’s and Parta’s replacement,” Brock said. Harada stiffened angrily but the Provost Marshall continued. “Kalena and Adhamh, you are both promoted to Wing Commander of Second Wing starting immediately. You may choose your new Wing Lieutenant. A replacement wingman for Second Wing will have to wait until suitable candidates are found.”
Kalena gasped in surprise. She thought that Gwidion would have been the one to get command, as he was older and more experienced. She glanced at Harada and saw that a smile had now replaced the anger on his face. He thought it the right decision.
‘Gwidion and Jolar would not have wanted the rank. They are happy where they are,’ Adhamh said. Kalena knew that it was the truth.
“Thank you Provost Marshall,” she said finally.
“Now that’s settled, I will tell you the main reason that I have called you here.”
Both Wing Commanders came alert at the change in the Provost Marshall’s voice. He was getting down to business.
“Have any of you heard anything about what is happening up North?” Brock suddenly asked.
Both Kalena and Harada looked at each other, unsure on how to answer. Both had heard tales but had ignored them as imagination gone wild. They were just too unbelievable.
“A little,” Harada finally said. “But I consider them mostly rumor. People like to exaggerate when they are in their cups.”
Brock looked at him and then sighed.
“Unfortunately, what you’ve probably heard has more truth it than not. Officially I have only received sketchy reports but the Provost Justicars say that they have firm intelligence that confirms the Emperor’s worst fears.”
The Provost Marshall paused, collecting his thoughts for what he was about to say.
“From the little information we have it seems that the Kingdom of Arran has decided to move against us. The Northern Border Garrisons have reported several of their patrols missing and have sent back reports of sightings of a peculiar nature.”
“Peculiar? In what way Provost,” Kalena asked.
“They report that Icetigers have been seen patrolling over the border and may be the cause of the missing patrols,” the Provost Marshall replied.
“Icetigers? The Arranians would never release them from the grottos,” Harada said, disbelief thick on his tongue.
“I find it hard to believe as well, but…And it’s a big but. It’s possible. The creatures thirst for destruction and they have no love for the peoples of the South,” the Provost Marshall said as he crossed his arms across his chest.
“They have no love for the Arranians either. They were the people who imprisoned the Icetigers in the first place.” Harada paused, listening. Frowning he repeated for the Provost, “Samar says that if the Icetigers are free, then the Arranian Queen must have offered them something great indeed.”
“What are Icetigers?” Kalena asked. She had never heard of them before. She felt a mental cringe from Adhamh but ignored it.
The Provost Marshall turned troubled eyes on Kalena. “They are creatures of the ice that hunger for flesh and blood. They are silent hunters that can kill a man before they are aware they are dead. They are covered in thick shaggy white fur and have the face and stubby ears of a wildcat. They are ruthless and care not for the rights of others.” The Provost Marshall paused in his narration; Harada continued it for him.
“The Icetigers came out from the frozen wastes of the North several generations ago. They killed and destroyed everything in their path and nearly completely overran the country of Arran. The Arranians sent for aid and Suene, Leith and Istay answered them. Only with the effort of these combined forces were mankind able to force the Icetigers into the Ice Grottos that the Arranian Spellcrafters had prepared to trap them. Once sealed, only an Arranian Spellcrafter can open it again. No man alive today has actually seen an Icetiger but very soon that may change.”
Kalena stood in silence a moment and was about to open her mouth to ask another question when Harada spoke.
“So, why are we here?”
“The Provost Justicar has requested the use of two wings, his representatives have asked for a meeting late this afternoon to discuss the issue. I want you two to come with me. The Justicars said they will discuss their intelligence then.”
“Yes Provost Marshall,” both Wing Commanders said in unison.
“Meet me here at dusk and we will go and meet them in the Council Hall. I’m sorry but Samar and Adhamh will not be allowed.”
Harada’s face hardened but he still said, “We understand Provost Marshall.” The Justicars do not trust Mindspeak or the Hatars themselves. They prefer to think of them as tools and pack animals. A loud rustle of feathers was the only indication of Samar and Adhamh’s displeasure.
‘Do not worry Adhamh, you will hear everything through me – You too Samar.’
‘We know,’ Adhamh and Samar both answered and Kalena felt a rush of satisfaction. The Justicars can deny the Hatars all they want but it will not stop them from participating.
“Both of you go back to your wings. Kalena I want a new Wing Lieutenant in place after the meeting this evening and have them report to me in the morning.” Kalena nodded. “I also suggest that you tell your Wings to be ready to move out at a moment’s notice. I have a feeling that this meeting will have you moving North.”
Chapter Three
The Council Hall
The Council Hall was a large building made of sandstone bought down from the nearby hills. Inside the building was the Council Hall itself plus several administration offices that surround the hall in a rabbit warren of corridors. It was a Hall for Freemen and was located in the Free Sector of Darkon. Hostile eyes stared at both Harada and Kalena as they followed the Provost Marshall through the Free Sector. The Kalarthri were not welcome here and their black uniforms made them stick out like a sore thumb.
The moment that the Provost Marshall and his two Wing Commanders stepped into the Hall, they sensed the tension among those present. There were five men seated at the table. Kalena’s eyes widened at the sight of Prince Garrick Thurad seated at its head and her brother Videan was seated to one side next to the golden haired Justicar. The other two men Kalena did not recognize. Seated behind their representatives were various aides, writing desk, parchment and ink ready to record anything of import. Then Kalena felt Harada stiffen beside her. She glanced at him and saw a face set hard in anger. Kalena followed the direction of his eyes and saw the young woman seated next to Garrick’s aide. She was golden and lithe and was richly dressed in satins and silks. The light of the hall was reflected back from the numerous jewels and gold that she wore all over her body in rings and thick chains.
‘Samar, who is that woman?’ Kalena’s curiosity needed to be sated and she knew that Samar could pick up who it was from Harada’s thoughts. Kalena had to know. And Samar liked to gossip.
‘It seems she is the Emperor’s mistress. The woman he chose after Harada’s mother died.’ Samar paused a moment then continued. ‘Harada thinks she is a scheming and conniving woman who only lusts after power and wealth. He blames her for his mother’s death.’
‘Why?’ Kalena asked but then Adhamh interrupted her chain of thoughts.
‘You should not be so curious about another’s private thoughts Kalena. The man deserves his privacy.’
Kalena sniffed loudly in irritation. Adhamh could be such a prig. Harada looked at her curiously but Kalena just shrugged. She definitely did not want him to know what she had just been doing.
Prince Garrick rose from his chair as the three walked across the hall to the table. “Welcome Provost Marshall.”
Brock sketched a quick bow before taking a seat. He gestured for Harada and Kalena to do the same. Both Kalarthri hesitated but ended in taking a seat and pulling it back to sit behind the Provost Marshall. It was not generally accepted that Kalarthri sit at the same table with Freemen, especially if they were high ranking Freemen.
“My apologies for keeping you waiting Warlord Thur
ad,” Brock said. “As you can see I have asked my Wing Commanders to join us for this meeting.”
“Both your Wing Commanders are welcome.” Garrick seated himself again but gave no sign of recognition to either Harada or Kalena. To Kalena, it indicated the tone that the Justicars bought to the meeting.
Kalena took a closer look at Garrick in an effort to avoid looking at her brother. The Prince looked as if he hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in days. Black had started to creep under his eyes and the gold and light that Kalena associated with him seemed blunted and muted. Just his presence at the table in his capacity of Warlord of Suene spoke volumes about the validity of the northern threat. Garrick also looked unhappy about the presence of the woman seated behind him. The Prince studiously avoided even looking at her. Who was this woman to have both brothers hate her so?
Then introductions were made. The two Kalarthri were studiously ignored, as were the aides. Garrick introduced Provost Marshall Brock to those seated with them.
Seated to the Princes’ right was Colonel Jan Oded who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Suenese Armed Forces. He was a well built man in his early forties with short-cropped brown hair and an old scar that ran straight and true across his check to his ear. He was not a handsome man but there was something about him that drew the eye, it was an attraction that Kalena could not define. Of course Kalena knew of Jan Oded but this was the first time that she had seen him in the flesh. He had a strong reputation for bravery and courage. Freeman and Kalarthri alike felt respect when they heard his name.
Next to Colonel Oded sat his Captain, Fraser Vosloo. Younger than the Colonel by at least ten years, he himself was a respected commander. A shock of brown hair framed a tanned face that held a lot of smile lines. Kalena instinctively liked the man.