Tearing The Shroud

by JM Bray

  ‘Surely there’s some way we might expedite the matter.’

  He flipped through the appointment book on the counter. ‘If you pay the advanced processing fee, we could have it sooner, say by tomorrow, midday.’

  Justus reached into the breast pocket of his coat, finding the straight razor there. Later, Justus, later. He withdrew his kerchief and mopped his brow. ‘And that fee is?’

  ‘Ten gold, Sire.’

  Justus stopped moving then said softly, ‘If you have it before the day’s end, I’ll double that.’

  The man’s eyes widened. ‘I can see this is an urgent matter indeed, Sire Justus. I’ll suspend all activity until a list is compiled.’

  ‘Grand. I knew we could come to an accommodation.’ Justus smiled as if the man were his best friend. ‘As a sign of my appreciation, please join me for dinner. I’m new to this beautiful city, and company at a fine restaurant would be welcome.’

  The clerk bowed. ‘I would be delighted to accompany you.’

  ‘Wonderful.’ Justus looked out the window at the remaining daylight. ‘I’ll let you be at it and return in...?’

  ‘Just after sunset, Sire. I’ll have the list, and we can proceed from here.’

  ‘Until then,’ he said, and exited the office. He looked around the wharf and saw a bar that served the dockworkers’ swarming the area. He turned to the Beaten Man.

  ‘Go fetch your workmate and meet me there.’ He pointed to the bar.

  ‘Yes, Master Justus,’ he said and trotted off.

  He entered the seedy establishment, ordered ale from the counter, and found a table against the wall. The deep brown brew had a sweet finish, tasting of molasses and toasted oats. A cask of this will find its way home with me. He took another deep drink of the frothy-headed liquid. The barmaid came by as he finished the glass.

  ‘Another, Sire?’

  ‘I believe I shall. Also, have two casks of this fine stuff set aside for me.’

  She was apparently used to the request and simply nodded then glided to the counter. A second glass arrived as his men returned and approached the table.

  The strong drink warmed Justus. ‘Keep watch outside and make sure that runt doesn’t run off. I’ll have glasses of this wonderful substance sent to you.’

  They raised their eyebrows. ‘As you desire, Master Justus,’ the Beaten Man replied.

  He signaled the barmaid. ‘Bring me another and two for my men outside. What do you call this?’

  ‘It’s Two Shovels, Sire. We brew it ourselves.’

  ‘An interesting name.’

  She smiled. ‘If you have too many, it’s like getting hit — ’

  ‘With two shovels,’ he said.

  He settled in his chair, drinking the third casually. As the glass neared a quarter full, the Beaten Man entered and nodded. He downed the ale and headed toward the door. The floor had acquired a slant that made a direct path more difficult than it should have been.

  ‘There’s no sign of movement from the office, Master Justus.’

  Justus stepped outside and belched. ‘Let’s see how things progress. Return here tomorrow and obtain three casks of Two Shovels, and get the information for shipping more to us.’

  As they walked in the growing darkness, Justus waved the Beaten Man closer. ‘When we get this rodent in a secluded place, do be sure to stab him.’

  The clerk looked up as they entered. ‘Ahh, a timely return.’ He stood with a paper in hand. ‘There were four purchasers. If we might complete your transaction, Sire?’

  ‘Indeed. I have your payment prepared.’ He brought out a coin pouch and tossed it to the man.

  The clerk weighed it in his palm with a practiced hand. ‘Thank you, Sire Justus. Here is your information.’ He handed him the paper. ‘I checked every ledger for the past three weeks. These are an accurate accounting, I assure you.’

  Justus nodded and waved toward the door. ‘Then let’s be off to dinner. Where do you suggest?’

  ‘There’s a wonderful Fish House a few blocks down. In fact, one of the vendors on the list is just up Hill Street from it. We can stop by, if you wish.’

  As they exited the office Justus glanced at the Beaten Man and shook his head. ‘Fish sounds delicious. Would it be a bother to inquire about the flowers on the way?’

  ‘Not at all,’ he said. ‘This way, please.’

  Pools of warm yellow light created by the gas lamps floated in the night, making the areas between them even darker. They traversed the docks away from the central boulevards.

  ‘For safety, let’s have one of my fellows walk before us, and another behind,’ Justus said.

  ‘Precautions are never a bad idea,’ the clerk said.

  Justus motioned, and the Beaten Man dropped behind.

  ‘As I was saying,’ the clerk said, ‘the fish is absolutely fresh, as you may imagine — go right at this street.’ They turned onto a small lane, just wide enough for a single wagon. The lamp at the corner cast barely enough light to penetrate ten paces down its darkened length. ‘Usually, I would stay to the main course, but with your men to watch over us, we can arrive sooner this way.’

  ‘Perfect.’

  As they entered the darkness, Justus sidestepped as if avoiding something on the ground. ‘Pardon me,’ he said, as the move forced the clerk to stop and allow Justus in front of him several paces. Moments later he heard a moist gurgle behind him, and then a body falling. He paused, savoring the moment. With a predatory grin, he turned to retrieve his coin from the fool who dared to swindle him.

  Something slammed into his cheek, and brilliant lights exploded in the night. He moaned and tried to roll over. Hands flipped him roughly onto his back. The face of the clerk appeared over him as he riffled through Justus’ pockets.

  ‘Don’t worry, Sire. You’ll be in the Fish House soon enough.’ The man snickered. ‘But it’s they who will be doing the feasting.’ He took the coin pouches and the razor, which he waved before Justus’ eyes. ‘This is quite the fish-gutter for a gentleman. Didn’t do ya any good though. All right then, time for your nap.’

  Justus saw the man cock his leg then everything went black.

  He was flying.

  He was floating.

  The world passed, inverted.

  He was over someone’s shoulder.

  He was flying.

  Shocking coldness slammed into his back.

  He was floating.

  Justus fumbled into a hidden coat pocket; finding the small vial, he managed to retrieve it. Pulling the cork with his teeth, he spilled most of the precious healing liquid, downing the rest before the blackness swallowed him.

  He was floating.

  The sky was bright blue. He heard creaking and thumps of water against wood. Justus looked to the right, and saw he was in a small boat, before the world spun uncontrollably and darkness came.

  He was flying.

  On his back, weightless.

  He opened his eyes and fell, stopping with a gut-wrenching jolt. He lay on a cot, in a rough wooden shack, unable to do more than raise his head on a wobbly neck.

  ‘Well then, you’re up,’ a ragged voice said.

  A woman walked into view. She had a weather-beaten face, and hair whitened by age or the sun. She touched his brow — thick calluses gave her hand a wooden feel.

  ‘How...?’ His throat hurt from disuse.

  ‘Found ya in the sea. Floating along as pretty as ya please.’

  ‘Where?’

  ‘Where’d ya get in? Don’t know for sure. The tides here ‘bouts are fast as a runnin’ horse. Yer in ma home, day’s travel from Costanoan.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Full of questions, eh? I collect things from the sea; sometimes it’s profitable.’ She shrugged. ‘Who knows what ya might be worth?’

  ‘How...long?’

  ‘Near to three sevendays ya been out.’

  Three sevendays. He wept with frustration. Three sevendays. He had missed the event and wou
ld have to wait another twelve years.

  Chapter 18

  A Workout

  7493 AR, 10th Cycle

  Cloister of Berdine

  ‘Do you know how this works?’ Coleman asked Jolie, tapping her on the shoulder.

  ‘What?’ She laid her hand on his forearm.

  He took her hand and carefully rotated her wrist.

  She leaned down, sweeping her right arm up toward him. He was no longer there. An irresistible pull exploited her strike. Her body followed the captured wrist, and she found herself flipping through the air. He knew exactly what was happening because he’d been on the receiving end of it more times than he could count. He felt her relax to prevent injury, landing on her right side. She looked up at him, over her wrist he still held. Were there ever a pair of eyes more beautiful? He kissed the back of her hand.

  ‘You got me again!’

  ‘Yes, yes I did.’ He smiled.

  ‘Where did you go?’ He helped her up. ‘One second you were there, and the next I was off on my flight.’

  ‘Want me to show you?’

  ‘Please.’

  He progressed through the movement slowly, pausing at each step. ‘I tapped your shoulder with my sword, and you stepped forward with your left foot, while trying to push my sword arm across my body. Nice move by the way, that could open someone up to the sword thrust.’

  ‘Thanks, but it didn’t help this time.’

  ‘That’s because I trapped your hand on my arm with my left hand, like this.’ He grabbed it, pivoting the wrist so the little finger was upward. ‘Then, when you struck, I pivoted around you.’

  Understanding dawned in her eyes. ‘That pulled me off balance.’

  ‘Exactly.’

  ‘But how did I end up in the air?’

  ‘Here’s where it gets fun.’

  ‘For you.’

  He laughed. ‘My rotation unbalanced you then I pulled your arm under and back up. Your body just followed.’ He did the motion slowly, and she felt the point where her own weight carried the maneuver.

  ‘Clever! I nearly threw myself.’

  ‘Now you get the idea.’ He smiled.

  ‘This must take forever to learn.’

  ‘To have it flow smoothly, yes, but look who’s talking, Miss arrow-through-a-tossed-coin-at-twenty-paces.’

  She smiled brightly. ‘We all have our strengths. Speaking of which, your strength is returning wonderfully.’ She patted his chest. ‘Let me see that scar.’

  ‘You Healers, using any excuse to look at my body.’ He grinned.

  ‘You caught me.’ She smiled playfully. ‘Now unlace that shirt so I can check you.’ It was remarkable. A smoothed, healthy pink scar had replaced the rough red welt from a few days prior.

  ‘Undressing me. Right here in public.’

  ‘I know, I’m shameless. This looks cycles old.’

  He shrugged. ‘I’ve always been a fast healer, but this seems fast, even for me.’

  ‘I’ll consult some texts this evening and speak with the Matriarch. Maybe she can shed some light on the subject. Now, before you started flinging me around, you asked if I knew how something works.’

  ‘Yes, this mind out of body meditation Gladys says I must learn.’

  She giggled. ‘Gladys. Yes, I know a bit about it. I mainly use it to promote the healing process. Would you like help with it?’

  ‘Please. Perhaps after the evening meal?’

  ‘Perfect,’ she replied and glanced at the sun, which was well on its way to setting. ‘There’s just enough time to get bathed. Meet you in the dining hall?’

  ‘I’ll count the moments.’ He smiled and kissed her lightly. ‘Yum! Salty. Just the way I like my women.’

  She laughed and jogged off.

  Coleman watched her muscles work attractively in the tight leather pants as she moved. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Yep, you’ve got the bug. He grinned and headed for the bathing area provided for men.

  Dinner Conversation

  The dining hall buzzed with friendly chatter. The large rectangular room had pleasant light yellow walls, hung with intricate tapestries woven in bright colors. They told the story of Berdine, who founded the Order, from her early battles with the Kafla through to her discovery that rosemary honey brought paralysis and death to the wretched creatures. It started at the large fireplace centered opposite the main entrance. As he leaned against the wall searching for Jolie, Coleman recalled his recent conversation with the Matriarch regarding Berdine.

  ‘She was no hero, really,’ the Matriarch told him.

  ‘Really? But she founded your Order. Aren’t you taught to revere her?’

  ‘We do, but not for reasons you might suspect.’ At his questioning look, she continued, ‘Berdine was an ordinary Warrior. Her assignment ended, and she was traveling to her parents’ home. Along the way, she purchased jars of various honeys from a roadside stand as gifts and placed them in her pack. While camping that night, a small group of Kafla came upon her. In her rush to grab her sword, she knocked the pack over, and one of the jars broke on the blade. As she fought, the slightest cut paralyzed them within moments. She should have died in that battle but won with a few thrusts of the blade. The fallen Kafla were dead as stone; rosemary honey was the toxin.’

  ‘So it was all happenstance?’ Coleman asked.

  ‘Perhaps, or perhaps the Divine provided for her survival.’ She smiled kindly. ‘The Divine does that, you know. We Maidens believe we’re all like her, just ordinary people who experience occasional flashes of insight from the Divine. Some more than others, admittedly.’

  ‘That’s an understatement. In my upbringing we revered the Divine. Though that’s still true, until all of...this,’ he waved his hand, ‘I was never aware how much the Divine plays a part of our everyday lives.’

  ‘And your service with the Warriors of the Oaks?’

  He nodded. ‘I battled the Kafla, and knew them to be evil. I thought it service to the Divine, but didn’t consider myself as guided or chosen for something greater.’

  She shrugged. ‘We are not chosen. The paths are there for all of us — it is our choices that define them.’

  ‘I suppose this is my moment.’ He gazed at the expanse of valley that stretched from the bench where they sat.

  ‘It is, Coleman, or one of them at least.’ She chuckled. ‘I have a distinct impression you may have quite a few headed your way.’

  He shook his head, still baffled at all this.

  She patted his knee and stood. ‘It’s teatime for this old woman. Care to join me?’

  ‘No, thank you. I’ve a lot to consider.’ He smiled up at her. ‘Your insight really helps, thank you.’

  She waved her hand and smiled. ‘It comes with age.’

  Jolie leaned against the wall next to him, patiently waiting.

  ‘How long have you been here?’ he asked.

  ‘Oh, for some time now.’

  ‘My apologies, I was lost in thought.’

  ‘Of course, you have a lot to consider.’ She took his hand and smiled. ‘Shall we eat?’

  ‘Yes, I’m famished. You really work up an appetite throwing a woman around the yard.’

  ‘It’s a good thing I’m svelte.’

  They sat at a small table near the wall, and a server came by moments later. ‘Here’s some bread; the stew will arrive shortly.’ She set it and a carafe of water on the table.

  ‘Thank you,’ Coleman said as the woman bustled off.

  He looked into Jolie’s eyes and took her hand. ‘And thank you.’

  ‘For what?’

  ‘For your patience, among other things; this is a strange moment in life.’

  ‘Yes, it is. I’m glad I found you, even though the timing’s... difficult,’ she said softly.

  He gently squeezed her hand. ‘I’m glad, too. If not I might still be lying in that dugout.’ She brightened at the memory. ‘This time knowing you, loving you, is the best of my life. I che
rish it, no matter how short.’

  They lost themselves in each other’s eyes.

  ‘Okay, you two lovebirds, watch your hands. Hot stew coming in.’ The server smiled as she set the steaming, aromatic bowls before them. ‘Don’t let your meal get cold while you make puppy eyes.’ She winked at Jolie and moved to the next table.

  Coleman tore off a hunk of bread and offered it to her.

  ‘Thank you. Care for some water?’

  ‘Please,’ he said, taking a piece for himself. They ate silently, enjoying the first few bites of the delicious meal.

  ‘So, this Essence travel,’ Coleman said. ‘Why have I not heard of it before?’

  ‘Though I’m sure others know of it, our Cloister keeps the practice secretive. Even within the Maidens, only those studying The Traveler and Companion or Healing are taught its ways.’

  He nodded. ‘I understand the idea, but how does it work in practice?’

  ‘Well, relaxation is the key. What’s a comforting color to you?’

  ‘Hmm?’

  ‘Think of calmness. What would you give it?’

  He looked around for inspiration. ‘Yellow, I suppose, with a touch of orange, like the glow of a camp fire.’

  ‘Good. So, you lie quietly in a comfortable position, and starting at your toes, imagine that color slowly spreading up, over and through your body. As it moves, let relaxation permeate each muscle. Once it reaches the top of your head, you’re ready to proceed.’

  ‘Relaxation, I like that.’ He nodded then took a drink.

  ‘From there, it’s different for everyone. I imagine I’m floating over myself. At least I try. That’s as far as I ever get.’ She grinned, and he saw how she must have looked as a girl.

  ‘What do more accomplished practitioners do from there?’ He bit back a smile.

  ‘Hey, now!’ She giggled. ‘Most try to envision somewhere they’ve been or a person they want to see; it’s very difficult to go somewhere unfamiliar.’

  ‘I know I need to understand the process, but do I need to be adept? Won’t the Matriarch just...send me?’

  She shook her head. ‘From what I understand, the Matriarch will commune with the Divine and open the path for you, but it’s yours to Travel. Your ability to reach the Companion will determine the outcome.’