“I don’t understand how they could’ve escaped,” Goga muttered as Hava followed him. “Everything was locked up tighter than a drum. Wasn’t everything being watched?”
“I’m sure you did your best.” Hava said.
“My best wasn’t good enough.” Goga shook his head. “This cold’s bothering me. I want them back, I want the Black Sword back.”
“Did you have the Black Sword? You would’ve given it to Lord Fobata.”
“The Black Sword doesn’t belong to him. I found it, I should keep it.”
“But he’s your lord.”
“He and I are equals!” Goga cried. “He was just born to a better station because he was born earlier than me!”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s my brother.”
“You’re brothers?” Hava gasped, now realizing why Goga was no ordinary captain of the guards, why he was allowed to be insubordinate. An equal on almost every level to the lord, except one. No wonder Goga hated Fobata.
“I should’ve been the duke. I would’ve been a better duke than him!”
The guards in the barracks didn’t even flinch, hearing Goga’s treasonous words. Were they loyal to Goga, but not to Fobata? Hava shivered, wondering what could make this instability he’d found here even worse.
* * * *
“Your Grace?” Marlo called, ascending the winding staircase of the tallest turret. “I hope you’re up there,” he muttered, knees protesting.
“Yes, I’m up here,” Fobata called back. “Do you want to wait until I come down?”
“No, your Grace, it’s good exercise.” Marlo reached the top and sighed as Lord Fobata gazed off towards the distant mountains to the south. Marlo could glimpse a dot receding in that direction.
“I sent the gruelmoff to tell Doomba what happened.” Fobata leaned against the windowsill. “He may know already, but sometimes he doesn’t know the exact details.”
“What do you know of Doomba’s sight?” Marlo asked, curious.
“He sees much, but not always enough. I’ve heard he sees the possibilities of what might happen, but he doesn’t always see the result. It’s as if there’s too much for him to see, when it comes to possibilities. I wish I’d such sight.”
“I’ve taken an account of all the servants to be certain none were missing, and Gnat’s gone, my lord. Probably with those youths.”
“Gnat? I saved her life.”
“I know you did, my lord.”
“She would’ve died if I hadn’t rescued her. I gave her food and clothing, training and education in a useful manner. She was a servant, but she was well treated compared to others.”
“Was she, my lord?”
“Yes, I believe she should’ve been happy. It could’ve been a lot worse, and this is how she repaid me? Gnat must’ve knocked Goga out and stolen the Black Sword for the Knights.”
“Are you sure? Goga said it was an older woman, and Gnat’s so small.”
“It was probably Gnat. Goga was sick or drunk, maybe both, and she knocked him out and it messed with his head. He interviewed all of those women for nothing, and now we might have a riot on our hands, thanks to him. Goga never knew when it was best to act.”
“I know that well.”
“Gnat betrayed everything I stood for, running off with those Knights of Arria. She was like my own daughter. Marlo, I’m tired, and I want to be left alone.”
“All right, my lord,” Marlo disappeared down the staircase.
Gnat was gone now, the last remnant of his past. Though Fobata’s eyes were fixed upon the south, sometimes they gazed north in the direction she took so long ago. His mind couldn’t abandon wishful thinking, the hope that she might return after all these years.
* * * *
Fobata ran out of Coe Aela’s castle, his face shining and bright, his hair still upon his head with a slimmer chest. “Kala!” he cried, arms extended.
“Fobata!” Kala awkwardly descended from her horse. She allowed her second or third or fourth cousin, it made no difference, to embrace her tightly before she pulled away.
“What happened to you?” Fobata looked down at her belly.
“It’s called getting pregnant. You should try it sometime.”
“It would ruin my figure.” Fobata laughed, patting his stomach. “Still, you look good. Pregnancy certainly agrees with you.”
“At least something does.” She looked around. “Coe Aela looks good for its age. I thought it would be a veritable ruin from your descriptions.”
“It almost is. I’m sorry for your loss.” Fobata wrapped his arm about her.
“Think nothing of it.” Kala waved him away. “You didn’t even know him. It’s been a while, and I’ve dealt with it. He was a nice man, perhaps too nice. I’m sorry for your loss as well. Your father was a strong, good man, courageous and—”
“Think nothing of it.” Fobata walked away. “My father was evil in his way, but not evil enough for Doomba. At least something of your husband remains.” Fobata looked down at her belly, almost jealous, even though the man was gone.
“Something remains, yes, and I hope it’s enough to carry me through. Now, show me around, your Grace.” She bobbed a little curtsy.
“With pleasure, I suppose.” He shuddered. “I’m still not used to being duke.”
“You will be, Goga’ll help. Where is he?”
“Out on the battlefield. I came home quick as I could, but Goga stayed. You know, I think he’s jealous of me. He wanted all of this more than I did.”
“Then perhaps you should’ve given him what he wanted. Be satisfied with whatever position you could get elsewhere. It’s what a brother would do.”
Fobata laughed. “That’s ridiculous. I couldn’t have just given him all of this without some serious problems.”
“Why not?”
“Then where would I be? My father gave me Coe Aela because it’s my birthright. It’s been this way since time began. What matters is power, and if I didn’t have Coe Aela, where would I be? Nowhere, with nothing. My power protects me, and it’ll protect Goga. I’ll take care of him, provide him with what he needs as my heir.”
“If Goga wants this more than you, he’ll take it. It’s better to give him what he wants and live in peace, than to suffer his wrath and hold on to something you don’t even want.”
“You’ve learned too much humility.”
“I’ve learned enough humility, years of it.” Kala frowned.
“Goga wouldn’t take this while I’m still living. He’s too afraid to interfere in any other way. He may be a soldier, and fights me as brothers do, but he knows his boundaries. He won’t overstep them.”
“Are you sure? Goga’s not a kind man because he’s not a forgiving man. He’s worse to those he sees as his betrayers than to those who treat him kindly with respect.”
“I respect and treat him kindly. He’s my brother, and a good man to have on my side. I won’t betray him, and he won’t betray me.”
“That’s good. Trust protects us when it comes to love. If he doesn’t trust you, then he won’t love you, and he’ll betray you. I know because I’ve been betrayed before, and I’ve betrayed as well.”
“What do you mean? Who’s betrayed you and who have you betrayed?”
“No one important. Love hurts. Betrayal hurts even more. Love is what you can show to him before it’s too late.” Kala turned away.
Fobata shook his head, and followed. “You bewilder me, yet I can honestly say I enjoy your company. All these years we’ve spent apart, yet we can still talk to each other. Will you be staying long?”
“Only a night.” She turned back to him. “I must continue north before it’s too late. I’ve already taken too long.”
“When’s the baby due?”
“In another month.”
“Perhaps you should stop and rest. It can’t be healthy for you or the baby to be traveling. I’d like to talk to someone here on my level. All I’ve got are t
he servants and guards with Goga gone. Marlo, my steward, is nice, but he isn’t exactly my peer.”
“I mustn’t, another delay would cost me. I’ve got to reach my destination before he’s born.”
“You could deliver him here.”
“It isn’t safe enough.”
“I can provide you both with the best care!”
“That isn’t good enough. I’ve got to think of him now, what’s best for him. Coe Aela isn’t the best place to raise a baby, no offense.”
“None taken, and what do you mean him? Are you sure it’s a boy?”
“I’m sure, and I’m not staying, whatever you say. Coe Aela isn’t my baby’s home. You can’t force me to stay, whatever you do or say. I’ll go, whether you like it or not.”
“You’re sorely trying my patience.”
“I know. And that’s the way it should be.” Kala smiled. She’d the sweetest smile, full of warmth and humor. It suited her well.
* * * *
After they’d explained to Fato all that he’d missed, he gasped, “So that’s what the first message was about.”
“What—I thought you only had one message about Coe Aela,” Basha said.
“I’d two messages. The second was from Janus to Coe Kiki on my return trip, but the first one that started me on this trip north was a message from a Major Lupo in Old Fort Ca to a Sir Nickleby in Coe Baba.” Fato ducked his head, expecting something to be thrown at him.
“Is that why you wanted to travel with us?” Basha asked as everyone gaped at the bird.
“Yes, when I heard Sir Nickleby was dead, and I heard your name. Part of the message said ‘Keep Basha safe’ and I intended to.” Fato raised his head. “The problem was the message was for Sir Nickleby, but since he was dead, I’d no one to give it to. I’ve never had this problem before and I didn’t know how to deal with it.”
“Malakel it, what was the message?” Oaka threw his hands up.
“Hold on, let me think.” Fato sighed and tilted his head back. “These are the words of Major Lupo, Old Fort Ca.” His voice sounded deeper and older as he continued: “‘Dear Sir Nickleby: I’m sorry to hear of Berevus’s betrayal. I know that must’ve upset you. As to the Black Wolf in the forest, I fear you’ve reason to worry. Signs indicate Doomba has been stirring, his Servants and Followers are more active. They may be searching for the Tigora’l. I feel you should follow Old Man’s orders to stay away if you don’t want to get involved. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep your eye out. Keep Basha safe, and maybe you’ll learn the truth. Good luck, I remain your ever-obedient friend and guide, Major Lupo.’ End message.” Fato bowed his head.
“I’d no idea you could remember that much.” Monika remarked.
“Of course I can, I’m a royal messenger bird!” Fato said, back to his usual self.
“Old Fort Ca, that’s near Coe Kiki, right? One of those forts built to defend Arria from the Wastelands.” Oaka said.
Basha nodded. “I think so. Berevus, he was a member of the town militia who died in that forest fire a few months ago. And Berevus betrayed Sir Nickleby with a Black Wolf involved?”
“So you think Berevus was a Follower of Doomba, in Coe Baba? But why wouldn’t it be Sir Nickleby was a Follower instead?”
Everyone stared at Oaka. “Are you joking?” Basha asked.
“It’s possible. Anyone could be Followers.” Gnat said.
“I’m just saying, Sir Nickleby was the only one who survived that forest fire, and Uncle Smidge said it was suspicious.”
“Sir Nickleby was worried about the Black Wolf, why would he be if it was his ally? And asking Major Lupo about it?”
“Possibly because he hadn’t expected it? I don’t know, maybe Major Lupo’s a Follower as well.”
“You’re just trying to find some reason to discredit Sir Nickleby.” Basha scoffed as Monika rolled her eyes. “He was a good man! If Sir Nickleby was trying to find out information, and Old Man told him—”
“To stay away!” Oaka cried. “What proof do you need if Old Man was trying to protect us?”
“No, why would Sir Nickleby sacrifice himself, staying behind to fight off those Black Wolves?”
“Because he thought he would survive, those Black Wolves wouldn’t attack him.”
“Sir Nickleby was told to protect me,” Basha muttered.
“Maybe because the Followers wanted to find out the truth of whether or not you were a Knight of Arria.”
“That does sound reasonable,” Gnat said. “Fobata and Goga were wondering about that as well.”
“Perhaps we should stop talking about this.” Monika stared at Basha’s downcast eyes. “The man’s dead, it does us no good to speculate when Sir Nickleby can neither harm nor protect us now. I’m sorry, Basha.” She whispered the last to him.
“Oh, there’s a couple things I forgot to mention,” Fato said.
“You might as well tell us all of your secrets, bird.” Oaka shook his head. “You’ve kept a lot of them.”
“Wait a moment, Fato,” Basha said before the falcon could speak again. “Did you say Tigora’l in your message?” He knew that word. Oaka’s argument had almost made him forget about it.
“That’s right, ‘They may be searching for the Tigora’l.’” Fato recalled.
Basha fetched his wallet and carefully removed his prophecy. “The Oracle of Mila told me: ‘Seek not only the Cup, but seek also the Tigora’l in this quest; seek him and know the truth.’” Basha looked up. “That’s funny. I don’t know what it means, but I can almost recognize it.”
“Tiger of light, Basha,” Monika said. “In the Old Language, Tiger is Tig, light is ora, and of is L with the apostrophe, to indicate it’s part of the phrase.”
“How do you know that and who is the tiger of light?”
“I don’t know who the tiger of light is. I know the Old Language words. I’m aware the tiger of light is something very important. I think we should look for him, or it, wherever we go. It might save us in the end from a world of trouble.” She stared at him.
“Can I please just continue?” Fato asked after a moment of silence. The others were aware of the tension between Basha and Monika, awkward and unsettling when they remembered the reason for this quest, and this wasn’t it. “I feel like confessing right now, and it would be a huge relief.”
“Confess away!” Oaka cried. “Everybody else has!” He cleared his throat loudly and deliberately to disturb Basha and Monika’s reveries.
Monika looked away, abashed and reserved, but for some reason, Basha wanted Monika’s eyes on him forever. Finally he turned away and replaced the prophecy in his wallet, knowing he’d get back to business as usual, even though he wished things could change between them. Yet he couldn’t forget his quest for Jawen either.
“Janus talked to Nisa yesterday, around the time Oaka fought Goga,” the falcon said.
“You’re sure?” Basha asked.
“I’m sure, Janus told me she was protecting you all. That should’ve been the first clue.”
Fato described her and Basha nodded, self-conscious about Nisa following him around like his shadow.
“She was holding a knife at his neck,” Fato said.
“What?” Basha and Gnat both said.
“He talked her out of it or she decided to let him go.”
“You didn’t think anything else was amiss?” Oaka asked sarcastically. “Should we trust Nisa is on our side?”
“Janus could’ve gotten himself killed! Why would your Nisa have done that to him?” Gnat asked Basha.
“She’s not my Nisa.” Basha sighed. Monika was awfully quiet, she sometimes seemed too introspective. “I don’t know why, and I don’t see why Nisa shouldn’t be on our side.” Basha answered Gnat and Oaka. “Fato, where were they, and why was Nisa threatening him?”
“You’re too trusting, Basha.” Oaka shook his head.
“And you’re getting too suspicious. Not everyone else besides us is a Follower
of Doomba.”
“They were in front of the blacksmith shop, near the stables,” Fato said.
“That explains it. They must’ve been watching out for us, Gnat. Janus was following you, Nisa was following me, and they both collided when Nisa might’ve thought Janus was a threat to me.”
“That doesn’t explain it. Why would Janus want to follow me? There’s no reason he would, not like your Nisa,” Gnat muttered.
Basha groaned. Gnat was getting on his nerves, why’d he asked her to come along? He didn’t really think that, Gnat was a good friend, and she shouldn’t have stayed at Coe Aela. But she poked holes at his theories.
It was a violation of his trust and privacy that Old Man and Nisa had followed him, yet they’d saved him and been there for him as well. Would they be there to protect him, no matter what? Probably not, but he’d never been truly alone, and, in a perverse way, they’d been his closest companions and might’ve understood him better than anyone.
“Well, I don’t know what else Janus could’ve been doing, spying on me?” Basha asked. “He’s a spy, after all, it’s part of his job description!”
“Don’t criticize him, he’s my friend. And not everything’s about you, Basha,” Gnat said.
“I’m sorry, you’re right. I was just upset,” he told her, and Gnat accepted his apology.
“That might explain it, you do look suspicious, Basha.” Oaka winked at his brother. “Probably didn’t want you spoiling what was going on at Coe Aela.”
Basha rolled his eyes as Oaka continued, “Okay, Fato, much as I love to see you squirm confessing deep, dark secrets you’ve been keeping from us, you still have one more thing to confess, don’t you?”
“The Black Wolves were chasing you and Basha!” Fato cried. “Not me!”
“That does explain a lot,” Oaka muttered, a little disappointed. “But now that we know Basha and Monika are potential Knights of Arria—”
“Potential Knights of Arria?” Monika asked.
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