Makashin was sitting in the corner of the room, a smile slithering across his lips. Kyrianna had also promised to cut that smile off his face many times, to which she received a blow of her own. As the men held her up, she was able to look at Yosu. She showed no outward emotion, but inwardly, she screamed in anguish.
The man looked like the living dead. One of his eyes was swollen closed so tight that it looked deformed. One ear was partially ripped from his head and the other was swollen to a grotesque shape. His nose was split, and contorted from being broken multiple times. His lips were mangled and his cheeks were so cut, and swollen that, had she not known it was him, she wouldn't have recognized him. They had his arms hoisted up over his head by manacles that cut deep into his wrists. His knees touched the floor, but just barely. After continuous beatings, he had not the strength, nor the will, to hold himself up. Fresh blood ran down over the dried blood that already covered his entire body. There was barely a spot on him that wasn't blue and purple with bruising. Kyrianna felt a lone tear escape down her cheek. His one partially open eye looked at her, telling her to hold her tears. His body was broken, but his spirit was still strong.
Makashin did not miss the tear either. "It is because of you that he suffers. If you would simply sign the paper, acknowledging your guilt in the murder of our great King, and admit to the crimes you committed in front of our people, he would be set free. You are going to die anyway, so it is only your stubborn selfishness that causes him to suffer."
Kyrianna heard Yosu try and say something.
He looked up at her with his one good eye. "Don’t," was all he could say before Hihanzo clouted him again with an armored fist, sending some of his teeth flying across the room.
It was all she needed to hear. He was right. This was about more than just one man. It was true that she would probably die anyway, but if she agreed to crimes that she did not commit, if she admitted to killing the King, she would send her nation into war with Kaheendra, whose people would be enraged with Vorea, and thousands would die, because of her.
Thousands carried a heavier price than one. Yosu knew this as well as Kyrianna. That he understood such a thing brought another tear to her eye, but she squeezed it back. She would not let these men take pleasure in her pain.
Makashin seemed to be reading her thoughts. "Do you think that if you do not admit to your crimes, Kaheendra will not go to war against Vorea? We have already told our people of your evil deeds. Even now they circle the palace, chanting that you be brought out to them so that they may hang you. They are all ready and willing to go to war, and do not need your admission of guilt to believe what you have done."
Sadly Kyrianna knew this was true. People often needed only to hear something in the passing wind, and they would believe it and fight for that belief, especially in matters of country, family, and religion.
"Then the thousands that die will be a mark on your soul, for the lies you have told to bring it about, not mine,” answered Kyrianna solemnly.
"You see?" Hihanzo picked up Yosu's chin. "She cares only for her own soul. She would see you suffer only to hold onto a selfish and worthless ideal."
Kyrianna couldn't help but smile when Yosu spit blood into Hihanzo's face. Even though he received a crushing blow afterwards, it somehow seemed a weaker statement than the one he had delivered. She couldn't tell for sure, but she thought that maybe Yosu was trying to smile also.
Makashin rose out of his seat and walked over to Kyrianna. He leaned over until his face was close to hers. His breath reeked of garlic, but she stared defiantly into his eyes. She showed no emotion when he ran his fingers up the inside of her thigh, the smile growing on his face.
They had yet to defile her, but she knew it was only a matter of time. She would not give him the pleasure of showing any reaction to his touch. His fingers found their mark and lingered there as he continued to glare at her with a promising smile. She wanted to vomit in his face but kept her emotions at bay.
After a moment of getting no reaction from her, Makashin stepped back and shook his head, chuckling to himself. He turned and gestured to Hihanzo who walked behind Yosu and started doing something with his feet. Kyrianna didn't realize what he was doing, but when she saw Yosu's one good eye squeeze shut in anticipation, and then saw Hihanzo's hand come up high, wielding a mallet, she knew.
She closed her eyes as the mallet came down, but she couldn't cover her ears, and heard the mallet slam down, crushing the small bones in Yosu’s feet. He screamed out, the agonizing sound penetrated her soul.
Hands Covered in Blood
Tarriel and Somlin argued with Lucian about the plan on going into Ganth. They had been arguing with him about it since they left Averule. Tarriel wished to simply march into Ganth and demand answers. Lucian thought it best to have the Culdoran warriors stay behind while he and Eliath entered alone. His reason for this was to keep the Culdoran warriors safe in case the people of Ganth turned against him, but he did not tell Tarriel that. Culdora held minimal, if any relation with Ganth, and Lucian told Tarriel that the Ganthians might take offense to such proud, independent women, and it could make it harder for him to find out what he needs.
Tarriel, as proud as a lion, didn't agree and had been insisting on going into Ganth with them, stating that Culdorans would never abandon their mission.
Finally, Lucian yielded to let Tarriel enter into Ganth with them on her word that she would keep her calm. Tarriel did not like the implication, but agreed just the same.
It didn't take long, once inside the Ganthian border, for the lookouts to spot the trio. Thankfully the guards were not overly suspicious of the three foreigners and it was not long before they were escorted into the city. They were checked for weapons upon entering Ganth, but each of them had only brought a knife and both Lucian and Eliath had a bow, which they were allowed to keep. Once inside the gates, Lucian told the guard that he wished to see whoever was in charge of the city. They were told to wait while a messenger was sent to see if the Head Councilor would see them.
Lucian looked around at the surrounding city while he waited. It was not the defensive fortress that was Culdora, but quite remarkable none the less. Unlike Yavasuran homes, built of wood and clay, theirs were of brick and stone. Even the smaller homes seemed sturdily built. It made sense, Ganth sat at the base of the Veenjaru Mountains and they had a sizeable rock quarry not too far from the city. Aside from the well built homes and shops, Lucian also noticed that the city was very clean, the cobblestone roads where immaculate, as if hardly anyone traveled them. A large fountain at the center of the city, rising up at least thirty feet into the air with statues of giant seafaring vessels and strange sea creatures, spouted out great plumes of water. Lucian couldn't stop looking at the spectacle. He wanted to know how such a thing was created.
The messenger returned and gestured for them to follow him, saying he would lead them to the Head Councilor. Lucian couldn't see the harbor from where they were being led, but he heard that it was a magnificent sight. Ganth was known for its shipping and trade in rare fish from the sea. But mostly they were known for their shipbuilding expertise. Ganthians were the only tribe in all of Los that dared venture out into the deeps of the Lothani Ocean. Lucian had seen some of their ships from a distance, but they allowed no foreigner close to their docks. They guarded their knowledge with deadly resolve. Lucian didn't understand why. He assumed it was so they could monopolize the fishing industry.
As for their army, it was quite small in comparison to their sprawling city. In fact; Lucian guessed that Yavasura might even have more men at arms than Ganth, which was three times the size of Yavasura. But because of where they were located, tucked back against the sea with the impassable mountains stretching down to their borders, there was only a small area from which to enter into Ganth. And the wall that they built at the pass was heavily fortified, leaving them free to leave the rest of their territory unguarded. In the event that they were attacked, and it looked as if
their defenses would be crushed, Lucian guessed that they would evacuate onto their ships, where no one could follow them.
As they made their way further into the city, Lucian marveled at the people. He was awestruck by how they looked, with their thick, white locks of hair on their heads, and yet no eyebrows. The women were most intriguing to Lucian. Some of them were quite beautiful, with long, snow white hair that made them look something of a spirit. Most interesting however, was the fact that they all had eyebrows, tattooed of course. Lucian had inquired about that from a merchant once. He was told that when the Ganthians started venturing out into the rest of Los and others started coming to Ganth, some of their women started marking their brows to look like the foreigners. It caught on, and soon all the women of Ganth not only marked their eyebrows, but had them permanently tattooed on. Lucian thought it was the silliest thing, but then again, the men did look strange without eyebrows.
They finally arrived at the centermost part of the stone city to what had to be the office of the Head Councilor. It was a wondrously beautiful building with three sets of huge, stone pillars leading up the stairs to the entrance way. Once inside, Lucian took in the beauty of the place. Numerous windows let light flood the interior. It was a single, large room, and at the back was an elevated area where a long, beautifully crafted, wood table had twelve splendidly fashioned chairs, all facing toward the entrance way. There were lesser wooden chairs that lined the walls on both sides of the room. The floor was made up of a beautiful jade colored marble tile with an oily black and deep blue border, the colors of the kingdom. Two large statues of ancient fishermen, Lucian wondered if they were depictions of ancestors, stood at each side of the room near the large table. An enormous, beautiful painting of an ocean scene was hung on the wall at the back of the room. The light from the windows played off of the painting in a way that made it look as if the sea was in motion.
At the center seating place of the table, sat a chair that was slightly larger and more ornate than the other eleven. Lucian decided that it was most likely the King’s chair. Tarriel looked around the room as well, probably trying to decide which window they should jump out if the need arose to flee. Lucian did not bother with the worry of such things. If the Ganthians decided to take them and throw them into a dungeon, or kill them, or whatever else they wanted to do, there was little that he, Eliath, and even Tarriel would be able to do about it, despite what the fierce warrior woman would like to think. But he did admire her spirit. He knew that capture would not be an option she would ever consider. But he hoped it would not come to that. So far they had been treated as common folk, probably entering the city to browse the renowned fish market.
The messenger knocked at a thick, oak door at the back corner of the large room.
"Send them in," said a voice from beyond the door.
The messenger opened the door and gestured for them to enter.
The room was a rear office for the Head Councilor. It was narrow, maybe only fifteen feet wide, but as long as the entire width of the building. The Councilor’s desk sat at the opposite end of the room from the door. The interior of his office was even more extravagant than the council room. The floor was also made of marble, but a warmer reddish-brown color. The back wall was lined with bookcases made of a rich mahogany wood. Books of Ganthian law filled the shelves. More beautiful paintings lined the side walls, all of amazing ocean scenery and giant majestic looking sea vessels.
The man behind the desk was old. His white hair was cut very short and he wore spectacles, a magnificent creation that Lucian had only seen once before, with expensive looking gold chains hanging from the sides. Lucian guessed they were there to hold them around the Councilors neck when he wasn't using them. His face had deep wrinkles with bags under his eyes. His skin looked as though it was tired of holding on and just wanted to fall away from his skull.
The Councilor didn't look up, but continued to write in the huge book that sat in front of him. "How can I help you?" His voice came out soft and quivering, but still held a hint of authority, and boredom.
Lucian stepped forward. "Greetings Sir, I am Lucian of Yavasura, and these are my friends, Eliath, and Tarriel. We come in peace, hoping to seek council with your King."
The man finally looked up at them, and after appraising them for a moment, his eyes narrowed. "Our King is dead, murdered only three weeks ago."
Lucian felt like he was in a time loop, unable to believe that he was hearing this again. He shared concerned looks with Tarriel, and Eliath. "Assassins, clothed in black leather armor,” he stated, and saw the Councilor nod as he raised an eyebrow. “My parents were killed by the same sort of men, as were the leaders of Culdora, and Averule.” He motioned towards Tarriel. “This is Tarriel from-"
The Head Councilor pulled his old frame up from his seat quickly, cutting Lucian off. His voice was now raised to a harsh tone. "The Culdorans are the ones responsible for the death of our beloved King. They sent their barbarian men here to our peaceful city under the cloak of night and murdered our King, his wife, and their three beautiful children."
Tarriel started to step forward, but Eliath put his hand out to stop her, he could feel the muscles in her stomach contracting as she pushed against him.
"If we were stronger, we would destroy the Culdorans, but as it stands, we have sent envoys to Yavasura, Sanjeera, and Ortsk to seek an alliance with them and ask that they join in an attack against those dirty barbarians!”
Eliath feared that he may not be able to restrain Tarriel. She was like a coiled viper, ready to strike out, but to his amazement, she held back. He was thankful that she was as intelligent as she was fierce.
Lucian spoke out, his own voice seeming to carry a little rage as well. "The Culdorans had nothing to do with the attack on your King. We have been there. They have suffered the same fate, as did the Averese. Did you not hear me? Their leaders were killed as well!"
The Head Councilor looked at Lucian with contempt bordering murderous rage. "Who are you to come in here and talk to me in such a way? We know the Culdorans were responsible. You say that you have been to Culdora, and so you must be in league with them." He slammed his hand down on his desk and screamed for the messenger before pointing a short shriveled finger at the group. "You will be escorted from our city. I will dispatch another messenger to Yavasura to withdrawal our request for their aid. Obviously they are against us. Count yourselves lucky that you will leave here alive!"
Tarriel pushed against Eliath's arm as if to rush past him and throttle the old man. He turned and faced her, drawing her attention. "Don’t, we must leave this place, without incident. They have made their choice and are set in their ways."
The flames of fury danced in her eyes. She started to push Eliath aside and speak out, but Lucian’s actions caught her off guard.
He stepped up to the table and leaned forward, placing his hands on the desk for balance and glared at the Head Councilor, causing the man to blanch and lean back in his chair. "You said that the Culdorans sent their men to kill your King?"
The councilor nodded his head in answer, growing impatient with the questioning.
"Then you know nothing of the Culdorans. Their greatest warriors are women. They would have never sent a man as an assassin. They would have never sent an assassin in the first place!" Lucian was yelling now. "And I came here today because it was a man from Ganth who killed my parents. I thought the same thing of your nation at first, but now I see that there is more at work here then I could have possibly imagined."
The Head Councilor looked away, seeming to consider for a moment what Lucian had said. But he was set in his belief. "A nation led by women? Well then maybe we will attack them after all." He let out a wheezy cackle and then scowled at Lucian. "What proofs have you, that a Ganthian killed your parents?"
Lucian left the head behind at Culdora. It was decomposing beyond recognition and becoming quite rancid. He had no answer. The Head Councilor put his hands out to the side, sh
owing his disbelief.
"You will leave my office at once. I grow tired of your lies. My men will escort you out of the city." He gestured for them to leave and simply scowled at them all.
Lucian was furious, and yet he was worried that any moment, Tarriel would shove him out of the way and pummel the councilor. So he was very surprised when she reached out and grabbed his arm gently. He looked into her eyes and saw the storm of pain and rage dancing in them, but she motioned for them to leave. His heart ached at what she must be feeling right now.
He spun back around just as they reached the door and pointed his finger at the Head Councilor. "You are making a mistake. This was not Culdora, but the work of something far more devious, and it will swallow your city whole if you do not break free from your ignorance!"
The councilor just continued to stare at them with a sour look on his face until the guards came into the chamber and motioned for them to leave. Then he picked up his quill and started scribbling something into the large book again.
Lucian glared at him until Tarriel tugged at his arm, urging him to go.
†††
Lucian, Eliath, and Tarriel followed the guards as they were led from the city. Lucian couldn't believe what just took place. He didn't believe that Ganth had sent a man to kill his parents anymore, but he still wanted answers, and knew now that he would not get them. He glanced over to Tarriel who was staring straight ahead as she marched out of the city. He knew the feelings that were going through her head. His tribe had been accused of something they had no part in as well.
As they were clearing the gates, a messenger rushed past them into the city. He seemed to be in a state of panic. Outside of the gate, a large number of soldiers had gathered. They didn’t seem to be excited about whatever it was that they were needed for. Fear looked to be the emotion that was set in most of their faces.
Revelations of Doom Page 17