“I understand that as well,” Iibala slowly nodded, disappointed. She’d hoped to get started soon, but magic would have to wait for another day.
Chapter 10
Harmless
I’m not as bold and as brave as you think I am,
I’m just an ordinary man. But even ordinary men
Have their moments of glory, true. Bravery is just a
Matter of doing what you think you cannot do.
~ Song of Bravery, Urso
Gnat ran into the forest, dodging trees as her feet slipped over dirt and twigs. She jumped over underbrush until she reached the edge of a pool.
She wanted to run away and escape everything she’d heard today. But she couldn’t when it might look suspicious.
She clambered over rocks to reach a waterfall dribbling down the face of an outcrop. She’d nowhere else to go and no one else to depend upon when she might be alone.
She slid inside a cave mouth hidden behind the waterfall. At least here in Coe Aela she’d some company, even if they were all miserable like her.
She slowly lowered herself down inch by inch, nearly slipping when the cave was slick with spray. No one cared for her here as much as they might care for their own children.
She got down onto the floor, and walked towards the shape rising up from beneath the surface. She’d no parents to call her own.
She bowed her head. “I don’t know what to do,” She felt like lowering her voice in this safe, sacred place. “I don’t usually stick my neck out for other people. I know I’m going to get into trouble eventually. But I don’t want to see them die. I don’t want to die either, but I know I’ll escape with a bit of pain. I’m Gnat, a tiny bug they can’t destroy, but I can’t control everything.”
She reached out, longing to touch the figure rising from the rock. “I can slip in and out, find my way around. But I can’t say the same for others. They’re the ones who’ll be killed, for being important and significant. I don’t know why. Maybe they made someone angry, or they’re being prevented from doing something.”
She paused and shook her head, realizing it was ridiculous. She turned away from the figure. “You don’t understand me, and certainly no one else here does. Nobody listens, or pays attention, to me, except for…well, it means trouble when they do. But I’ve got nobody else to talk to. I won’t stir, or cause any more trouble, but I’ve got to help them, don’t I?”
“These others, they probably have a future, a destiny to protect. Goga and Fobata are trying to stop that. I have to help them because it’s the right thing to do, if they need me to survive and make things better. I would’ve murdered them if I didn’t, and I don’t want to harm anyone like I’ve been hurt. They seem nice, Basha and Monika especially.”
She sighed. “Thank you for listening to me. I’ve got to go back. They’re probably looking for me to do another chore. But thank you for being here, for everything,”
She had a lot to do, but it was a start. She walked back, and clambered up towards sunlight, leaving the figure for darkness and the water that dripped down the rock.
* * * *
After eating breakfast, the group separated with Basha heading out to the stables to check on the horses and his Coe Anji sword. He was obsessed with it, he’d admit, almost afraid of what’d happen if somebody else got their hands on it.
He didn’t want to lose it. This sword belonged to him, after he’d bound it to him or something, and the power was incredible. He’d experienced enhanced senses, and the skills he’d exhibited weren’t entirely his own.
The sword had controlled him, yet he knew how to handle it. That was scary, he’d been in tune with what it was doing, he’d sensed what was coming, and anticipated the moves, drawing from the source of his power, the sword and himself.
The capacity for what he’d done had been inside himself as well as the sword. He’d done that, he’d nearly murdered those men. He’d let himself be controlled by the sword, accepted it.
If somebody else got the sword and its powers, what’d happen to him? Would he be the same person? Would the other person be worse or better than him?
Basha shuddered, petting Talan and glancing at the Coe Anji sword. There had to be another name for it.
He heard dogs barking, and remembered the kennel he’d passed by. Somebody was coming, or passing by close to here.
He lifted his head, and Gnat entered. “Basha?”
“Over here!” He waved his hand so that she could spot him.
Gnat hurried over. “Thank goodness, are we alone?”
“I suppose, no one else beside the horses.”
Gnat still went from one stall to the next to check, and examined the corners. Basha finished grooming Talan and watched Gnat’s paranoid activity with bemusement and curiosity, thinking Jawen’d do the same when they dated.
“What are you doing?”
“Please don’t be upset. I think you and all of your friends should be prepared to leave.”
“What do you mean?”
“We don’t have much time. Don’t leave by the gate, there are much safer, hidden ways out of Coe Aela. I’ve a plan to get you all out. It’s going to be dangerous, we’ve got to be careful. I don’t know how it’s going to play out.”
“Is this a game?”
“It’s not a game, it’s real. Fobata is a Follower of Doomba.”
“What?”
“Fobata is a Follower of Doomba, and so is Goga. They’ve got you all trapped here until they decide what to do. They don’t know for certain that you all are the travelers they’ve been warned about, but you’ve got to get out before they decide.”
“Are you sure?”
“Listen to me, please.” Gnat said, almost in tears. “I took a risk telling you this, and I’m not important, I’m just a bug around here. I’ve got to make you believe this. It’s not important what happens to me, just get out of here.” She ran away from him.
“Gnat, wait!”
He couldn’t believe this, he shook his head, trying to reassure himself. Yesterday, when he and the others arrived, there’d been a cool reception with weapons withdrawn, and he’d the distinct impression that Fobata wasn’t sincere.
But that had just been the circumstances, yet Gnat acted frightened and convinced in what she was saying, though she could be mistaken. He wished she’d stayed so that he could ask her more. Perhaps it was a misunderstanding, or—he was trying to make excuses again.
Black Wolves, a gruelmoff, crows, possibly giant rats, and now Followers of Doomba, he was seeing a connection. He shook his head and turned back to the saddle where his Coe Anji sword in its sheath was attached.
He wanted...no, he didn’t need the sword. He marched out of the stables, wishing he could go back and fetch it, but that’d look suspicious, walking around with a weapon in a supposedly safe place. He was starting to think like Gnat.
He needed to go talk to his friends, hear what they’d say about Gnat’s warnings. Where were they?
He stood in the front bailey, glancing around at the various buildings and structures; the keep or castle, the wall surrounding them with the guards parading around up top like they wanted to be seen by those trapped inside. The guardhouse, the smithy, the kennels, a kitchen, and stables, what about the rest of the grounds?
He glanced towards the sides of the castle. One area, the eastern bailey he supposed, appeared to be neatly organized, with orchards and gardens, while the western bailey was more overgrown, possibly abandoned.
He assumed his friends wouldn’t want to stay inside the keep all day, a nice day outside and the castle interiors were forbidding enough. He headed for the eastern bailey, deciding to look for them amidst those orchards and gardens.
When he didn’t find them, he headed for the back bailey, a lawn with the barracks, a jousting field, and training yard. As he looked out towards the barracks, a guard pushed past him.
“Sorry, I was just—” The guard started to say, then stop
ped, staring at him. “Eh, aren’t you one of those visitors? You know the young, fairly tall, dark-haired fellow? He just challenged Captain Goga to a duel.”
The guard grinned and laughed, running off to the front bailey through the orchard. Basha gaped at his retreating back.
How could Oaka do such a thing? He ran off towards the training yard, assuming this man must’ve come from that direction.
He passed through the jousting yard, and spotted Monika shooting off arrows with a crossbow at a target, perfect shots. He admired her poise and accuracy as she aimed and fired.
She turned to a couple of young fellows, perhaps stable boys, and said, “Pay up.”
“Monika, I just heard Oaka is going to challenge Goga to a duel.” Basha panted as he came up to them.
“What?” Monika dropped her crossbow. “He wouldn’t.”
“He would if he was trying to show off.”
“We’ve got to stop him,” She ran off in the direction he’d just come from, east.
“The training yard is this way! Western corner!”
“Sorry,” she muttered, turning around and sprinting past him.
He followed after her to the training yard, where a dozen men were already gathered with more on their way as word spread of the upcoming fight between one of the visitors and Captain Goga. Oaka stood at the center of all this attention, holding a sword.
“Oaka! What’re you doing?” Basha cried as he and Monika budged their way forward through the crowd.
Oaka turned around. “Basha! I don’t know, I just got into a contest with some of the guards. They challenged me to fight Goga. How could I refuse?” He laughed desperately.
Basha groaned as they saw Captain Goga approach with the guards whistling, clapping, and cheering. Their captain waved, swinging his sword through the air with his other hand as he crooned,
I sing of the wolf, chasing the lion,
Howling with blood on his fangs.
And now my sword eloquent will rest upon
The hunting heart, and cut off the mane…
The guards laughed and jeered at Oaka before parting to let their captain through. Oaka blanched as he confronted the middle-aged captain, who seemed much older and more experienced, composed, and nonchalant, as if this was just old business for him, which it probably was.
“Let’s get this over with.” The captain stretched before he hunkered down on his side of the yard, ready to attack.
Oaka quickly took his own stance and the fight started as Goga launched himself at Oaka, who defended himself admirably. Goga begrudgingly retreated a few steps as Oaka advanced, but then quickly riposted and forced Oaka to duck.
“Go-ga, Go-ga, Go-ga,” the guards chanted loudly and furiously.
Basha and Monika half-heartedly said, “O-a-ka, O-a-ka, O-a-ka,” in hopes that he could hear them, though doubtful. They held hands for a moment, seeking comfort as they worried about his fate.
Goga pressed on Oaka, who countered the moves as best he could while his steps retreated. Then Oaka parried, ducked, and swung around, thrusting at Goga now. Goga had the advantage, but he was losing it.
Basha was impressed Oaka had improved, perhaps with practice. Some of the guards even bet on Oaka to win instead, but Goga was tired of losing. Goga hacked, trying to find a weakness in Oaka’s defense as their swords crossed again and again.
No fire, no fire, Oaka told himself, restraining his powers. Goga twisted low, feinting at Oaka’s legs, and then spun round, his sword meeting Oaka’s just as Oaka was trying to attack Goga’s head. Oaka’s sword went flying, and Oaka had the unpleasant sensation of staring down the length of Goga’s sword, pointed at his neck.
“That’s a fight,” Goga commented, wide-eyed and panting as everyone held their breaths.
“You’re the winner.” Oaka tried to remain cool and calm in spite of his fear and anger.
“And what have I won?”
Oaka winced, but then realized the sword hadn’t pierced his neck yet. “Um…the right to say that you’re the best.”
“That’s right.” Goga backed off. “Like I’ve nothing better to do with my time than fence some adolescent adversary who doesn’t know any better. I can’t believe this balnor.” He walked off.
The guards looked at each other and grumbled, following Goga’s lead as Oaka, Basha, and Monika were left by themselves. Oaka flopped onto the ground, groaning as Basha and Monika slowly approached.
“At least he spared your life,” Basha said, then shuddered. It could’ve been worse.
Oaka shook his head. “He was toying with me. He knew that he could take it. I never should’ve said anything.”
Basha patted Oaka on the shoulder. “It’s going to be all right,” He breathed a sigh of relief, hoping this proved Gnat wrong. Goga had a chance to kill Oaka, so why didn’t he do it?
Monika stared off at the retreating guards. “There’s something funny going on here.”
“Not you, too,” Basha grimaced.
“What’s all of the commotion?” They heard Fato screech, and looked up at the falcon flying down towards them.
“Fato, you just missed another fight!” Oaka cried. “I was nearly killed by Captain Goga!”
“Oh.” Fato landed on Basha’s shoulder. “So what else is new?”
Oaka groaned as Basha said, “I had a strange encounter with Gnat.”
He proceeded to tell them what she said, even though he knew it might not be true. He just wanted to hear their reactions, and hoped they’d agree with him.
Instead, they just stared at him. “We need to talk with Gnat.” Oaka said, and the others nodded.
* * * *
Janus had been in the grand banquet hall cleaning up tables when the group parted after breakfast. He paused before trailing after them, following the brown-haired young man, who was apparently the leader of the group as he’d spoken to Lord Fobata yesterday morning.
The young man went straight to the stables as Janus lagged, keeping to the edges of the hallways a short distance behind. Once outside, Janus crept along the keep’s walls towards the smithy across the bailey from the stables.
He watched the stables, planted firmly upon a barrel, and faintly heard the dogs’ barking just in time to see Gnat dash in there. He whistled softly, wondering what could drive her there, when he heard a footstep and felt a knife blade pressed to his throat.
“Don’t move.” A woman whispered right behind him.
“A fine mess,” he said.
“What’re you doing?”
“The same as you, spying.”
They heard a screech and looked up at the silhouette of a falcon perched upon the parapet. He stared at them before flying away, chased off by one of the guards.
“Fato remembers me,” Janus said.
The woman paused. “Who’re you?”
“Janus is what they call me. The name doesn’t matter.”
“Why do you talk like that?”
“I’ve no other way of talking. Jokes are all I’ve got.” He smiled. “There isn’t much more to life than this.”
“Why do this?”
“I have nothing else. It’s a way of earning trust.”
“You’re no ordinary servant.”
“I suspect as much.”
“Leave them alone. They aren’t to be harmed.”
“I’ll try my best, but I can’t say the same for others,” He turned his head towards her, eyes gleaming as he studied her. “I’m helpless. I must stay low. I can’t help them any more than I can be a clown. My mission depends on it. Your mission calls for discretion too, I imagine. I believe you’ll lose that if you kill me. I’ll be noticed if I’m missed, if my body’s found. I imagine you’ll be detained, along with others, if they decide to investigate. I’m worthless except for what I’ve been charged to do. You’ll be safe if you let me go.”
The other woman trembled, but finally lowered her knife-blade. “If you betray us, I’ll kill you.”
“I expect nothing less,” Janus sat still and faced straight ahead as she backed away. “By the way, what’s your name?”
“Nisa.”
“Nisa. Such a pretty name.” Janus grinned.
In the distance, he saw Gnat run out of the stables, and by the time Basha came out, Nisa was gone. He remained where he was as Basha left the front bailey, thinking he wasn’t spotted. Then Fato flew down to land on his shoulders.
“Fato, you shouldn’t be here.” Janus glanced around to make sure no one was watching.
“What’s going on? What happened with that woman?” Fato asked, staring around.
“She’s with the group you’re traveling with.”
“She’s not with my group!”
“Quiet. She’s watching out for them. Who’re they?”
“They’re travelers, on a quest for Tau’s Cup. And they’ve got Black Wolves, and who knows what else after them.”
“You should’ve told them to stay away from Coe Aela.”
“You try telling them that! I couldn’t expose myself. I’ve got secrets, you know.”
“Everybody has secrets,” Janus shook his head. “Go back to your friends. Tell them the truth for once. The brown-haired fellow just headed towards the back bailey after Gnat left.”
“Basha. Gnat.” Fato stared up at the sky. “Is there still a gruelmoff around?”
“I don’t know, I assume. Avoid the tower where it resides.”
Fato flew off to find Basha and the rest after making sure everything was clear.
Janus sighed, a hectic day. He couldn’t believe everything that’d happened, and this group!
Servants and Followers Page 15