by Davis Ashura
Then there was the information he brought concerning the Chims and the Baels. The news would set the city afire. Suwraith had marked Ashoka for death, and the Queen might be planning on raising three Plagues of Chimeras to see Her will done. But what of the Baels? Would anyone believe him when he told of their role in possibly, or even probably, sabotaging the Queen’s plans? Or of their claim of brotherhood with Humanity, a concept they insisted had been taught to them by Hume himself?
Rukh still had trouble believing the last. Given the fact he had witnessed all of this and still doubted, how could he expect anyone else to believe the Baels?
Of course, he would also have to describe what he’d learned of the Shylows and how he had learned it. No one suspected the cats could speak mind-to-mind, and who would believe him when he made such an outlandish statement?
And finally, there was Jessira. If Farn’s reaction was any gauge, her time in Ashoka would be difficult. Most would be struck with horror at her very existence and what she represented: an adult ghrina from an entire city of ghrinas living their lives free and unhindered somewhere out in the Wildness. For many it would be a horrifying heresy. Jessira would face anger and abuse merely for being alive, and Rukh could do nothing to soften the blow. She would leave as soon as she was fit and able, and no one would be sad to see her go.
Except him. The five weeks he had spent with Jessira – traveling and getting to know her, really understand who she was as a person – had changed him. He didn’t think of her as a ghrina. He thought of her as a woman…a beautiful and capable woman.
His worries dissolved somewhat when they left the heavier traffic of Cinnamon Road and turned onto the quietness of Hickory Place Avenue. Up the hill they went, their gelding slowly plodding along despite Rukh’s urging. The beast just wouldn’t go any faster. They passed a number of houses, but by now it was night, and all that could be seen were the firefly lanterns hanging beside their front gates and the lights shining through the windows. Eventually, they crested the hill, and there, with gates wide open and the grounds brightly lit was his home.
“There it is.” He pointed. “Straight ahead.” Jessira shivered, and Rukh reached back and squeezed her knee in reassurance. “It won’t be as bad as you think,” he said. “I won’t let it.”
The gate guards, old men who had served the House for decades in many different capacities called them to halt. At first, they didn’t recognize Rukh but as soon as he spoke, they knew him. Their jaws gaped in shock.
“But how are you back so soon, Rukh?” one of them asked.
“We’ve heard something bad happened to the caravan,” the other one whispered. “The ‘El won’t show it, but he’s worried for you. So is your amma.”
Rukh smiled. “I’ve got a long story to tell,” he said.
One of the guards glanced at Jessira, still bundled up in her shawl. “Who is she?”
“A friend,” Rukh replied. “I’m sure Nanna will explain it all after I’ve spoken with him.”
“Of course,” one of the guards said, hustling him along and letting them pass. “Should I inform him of your presence? He is meeting with the House Council.”
Rukh considered the offer but decided against it. “Perhaps this one time, I will be the one to surprise him.”
The gate guard smiled. “I’m sure you will.”
As they rode up the drive leading to the seat of House Shektan, the gelding broke out into a lumbering canter. Perhaps he sensed the end of his journey. Rukh tugged the reins, turning the horse to the left and toward the large red barn, a looming presence in the dark. Shortly after they dismounted, a young groom, one Rukh didn’t recognize, opened the barn doors, spilling golden light out onto the driveway and beyond. He offered to stable the gelding, for which Rukh was grateful.
Rukh and Jessira collected their meager belongings before entering the main house through the side entrance. They passed through the narrow hallway of the servants’ quarters, but luckily none of the help was out and about. One less complication avoided. The firefly lanterns lighting these areas were turned low, and with the dark walnut paneling, the hallway was dimly lit. They soon came upon the main living quarters, arriving at the rear foyer with its large elliptical staircase. Nanna’s study was just ahead.
At the doorway, Rukh paused, taking a deep, steadying breath. Time to find out if he was still welcome in House Shektan.
Something in his face must have clued Jessira. She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “They’re your family,” she whispered. “I’m sure they’ll still love you even if you’ve changed.”
Rukh managed a weak smile. “We’ll find out soon enough.”
He knocked on the door and without waiting for a response, entered the room. Inside were a number of people, including Nanna, Amma, and Sophy. There was also his brother and sister, Jaresh and Bree, along with Mira Terrell – Sophy’s daughter. Rector Bryce was present as well. What was he doing here? From what he remembered, Rector was a fine warrior and a member of the City Watch and Ashokan Guard, but not someone who was also part of Nanna’s inner circle. Rukh thought the man too much of a reactionary. And where were Durmer and Garnet?
Those questions would have to wait, though, as everyone turned to stare at him.
“Rukh?” Amma said, after a moment’s hesitation.
Her question opened the floodgates, and his family enveloped him in their love, hugging and kissing him. It took some time to convince everyone he was really there and that he was fine. Shouted questions of what had happened and where he had been were snuffed out like a candle by Nanna’s loud bellow for everyone to be silent.
After everyone settled down, Nanna pointed to Jessira. “And who is this?” he asked.
Jessira still had her face wrapped in the shawl, and her back was pressed to the door. Her posture was tense, and she looked ready to flee at a moment’s notice.
Rukh moved to stand next to her. “A good friend,” he said.
He nodded encouragement, and Jessira slowly removed her shawl.
Everyone recognized what she was immediately.
Sophy snarled in disgust. “What is the meaning of this?” she hissed.
Rector erupted to his feet, hand on his sword and an expression of loathing on his face. “A ghrina,” he cried.
Rukh took a protective stance in front of Jessira. He had feared just this reaction. If only they would listen…Bryce had unsheathed a foot of his blade. The man looked ready to fully draw and attack. “Remove your hand from your sword,” Rukh ordered.
“How could you dishonor our House like this?” Rector demanded. “You of all people, the Hume Champion. You are supposed to represent all that Hume held dear.”
“There is more going on here than you know.”
“She is not…”
“He’s family, Rector,” Jaresh said. “Be silent and let him speak.”
“And you will be the one to silence me?” Rector snarled.
Rukh had heard enough, He took a threatening step forward. No one spoke to his family like that. Bryce’s hard-headed stupidity made him want to punch the man. Swifter than thought, Rukh’s sword was in his hands. “Be very careful, Rector Bryce. Jaresh is my brother, and this is the Seat of House Shektan, of which our nanna is the ruling ‘El. Who are you to make demands here?”
“Enough. Rector, take your hand off your weapon,” Nanna said.
Rector slammed home the foot of blade he’d exposed. “As you wish, my ‘El.”
Rukh sheathed his sword as well, working to calm himself.
Once he had his anger under control, he began his story of the past four months and everything he had witnessed.
“The caravan was betrayed and completely destroyed,” he began. “I think the Sil Lor Kum had a hand in it.”
“Their reach has grown so far then,” Nanna murmured.
Rukh shot him a look of confusion.
“I’ll explain later,” Nanna said. “Continue.”
“About a week
ago, two men, a Muran and a Kumma were discovered near death no more than a day’s ride from the city,” Bree interrupted. “It’s said they were from your caravan. One died this morning, and the other isn’t expected to last much longer. What happened?”
“They must have been the men we discovered buried under a rock pile after the caravan was over-run,” Rukh said. “There should have also been a Rahail with them. Something happened to them.”
They listened as Rukh explained the attack on the caravan and Brand’s remarkable joining of the Quad.
“A non-Kumma joined with you?” Jaresh asked, astonished and with a hopeful note to his voice. His brother had the will of a warrior, but his body was lacking.
“Yes, but there’s more. Enough for all of you to think of me as poorly as you think of Jessira.” He pointed to the young Strongholder woman, who was remarkably poised considering the hostility aimed at her. “While in the Quad, somehow Brand’s Talent as a Rahail passed to us and our Talents to him. I can Blend now.”
Silence greeted his words.
“Are you sure,” Amma asked.
Rukh Blended, disappearing from their vision.
“Oh, Devesh, what have you become,” Amma asked, looking horrified.
Rukh instantly let go of the Blend. His heart tightened with fear at her words and expression. Would his own mother disown him?
Something in his face must have given her insight into what he was thinking. Amma stood and hugged him. “I will always love you,” she said. “No matter what happens. Your abilities caught me by surprise, but I will never stop being your amma.”
“We all love you,” Nanna said. “You might be different in some ways, but what your amma means is we will always see you as our son. Nothing can change how we feel.”
“You’re still my brother,” Jaresh said.
“And mine as well,” Bree vowed.
Rukh felt his heart unclench as his fears melted away. His family still loved him. They always would. He gave a great shuddering sigh of relief. But then again, how would they react to the rest of what he had to say?
“There’s more.” Rukh said.
“How can there be more?” Rector asked. “Isn’t your Tainting…” He noticed the angry glares shot his way. “Fine. Isn’t this change in you more than enough for one person to experience?”
“I wish it was,” Rukh said, going on to explain how he and the other Ashokans had tracked the Chimeras to the plains of the Hunters Flats. “We had them all in our sight,” Rukh explained. “The senior commanders of the Fan Lor Kum. I was about to order a strike on them…”
“Just the four of you,” Rector asked, sounding dubious.
Rukh wished the man would shut up. “Yes, just the four of us,” Rukh answered. “We had the element of surprise. It would have been a hit and run.” He stared Rector in the eyes. “And we could all Blend,” he said, willing the Watcher to acknowledge the tactical advantage of such an ability. “We could have completely decimated the command and control of the Fan Lor Kum. They would have been set back for years.”
“What stopped you,” Mira asked.
“The Queen arrived. Suwraith Herself.”
“The Sorrow Bringer was out there with you?” Amma asked, her eyes large. “What were you thinking? You should have run.”
“Run where? How? She’s faster than any horse ever born,” Rukh said. “Besides, we were Blended. She couldn’t see us. And learning Her orders seemed worth the risk.”
“And what did you learn?” Nanna asked, his voice smooth as a silken throw.
“She has plans for Ashoka. The Baels were ordered to breed up the Chim ranks. She wants three Plagues ready by next spring to march on the city.”
“Devesh help us,” Mira breathed.
“And this is where it becomes confusing and unbelievable.”
“As if what you’ve already told us isn’t?” Rector asked.
Rukh sighed. “Believe me. It becomes much stranger.” He explained what happened later, after Suwraith left.
“The Baels plan on betraying Her?” Sophy asked in disbelief. “How do you know this wasn’t some elaborate ruse on their part?”
“The Baels don’t plan on betraying Her,” Rukh corrected. “They’ve already done so. They have been actively undermining Her will ever since the fall of Hammer. I know this because of what happened next.”
Bree mock-shivered. “I’m not sure I can take anymore.”
Rukh smiled. “You’ll have to, Princess,” he said, calling her by the old nickname he and Jaresh used to tease her with when they were children.
She stuck her tongue out at him.
Rukh grinned at the moment of levity before going on to describe all he had heard and learned after Suwraith left; all of it from Jessira’s appearance, to the battle with the Tigons, and the discovery of other ghrinas. “They call themselves OutCastes, by the way,” Rukh said. “They don’t call themselves ghrinas or abominations.” And finally, he described the Queen’s return.
“Somehow She learned the actions of the Baels. It must have made Her even angrier than usual. She ended up pouring Her madness into the Fan Lor Kum – all but the Baels. We could hear the cries of Chimeras from ten miles away as they murdered one another. During all of it, the Queen was sane. She knew the Baels had betrayed Her, and when She returned to where we had come across them, She killed them all. They were just gone. It was like a giant fist had punched a hole in the ground.”
Nanna’s face was ashen. “Suwraith is sane?” he asked in dismay.
Rukh shrugged. “I don’t know,” he said. “She was when She killed the Baels, but afterward, maybe not.”
He continued his review of the prior four months, going over how the Ashokans and the OutCastes had saved the two Baels at the request of the SarpanKum, and how immediately afterward, the Shylows had attacked.
“Keemo and Brand died,” Rukh said, forcing himself to speak past the catch in his throat and the tears in his eyes. “And the rest of us were scattered. The Chimeras were everywhere. I was lucky just to escape. Afterward, Li-Choke – one of the Baels we saved – said the Queen couldn’t use the Fan Lor Kum as a vessel for all of Her madness. They would have kept on killing one another until they were all dead, and She would have become insane again.”
“I don’t see anything wrong with that,” Jaresh replied.
“Neither do I,” Mira added.
“Anyway, Choke thinks She is still insane, but less so than before. He wasn’t able to say what it might mean long term, though,” Rukh said.
“And that’s everything, right?” Bree asked.
Rukh hesitated.
Amma noticed. “There’s more?” she asked in disbelief. “What else could have happened to you out there?”
“Jessira got clawed pretty badly during the Shylow’s attack. The wounds got infected, and she was dying. We were a few days from Ashoka, an area northeast of the Flats when one of the cats, a young female by the name of Aia, walked into our camp. She taught me to Heal. They call themselves Kesarins.”
Rector barked laughter. “What cats? A Shylow? And they call themselves Kesarins and know how to Heal?” He sounded relieved. “This has all been some kind of joke then. Is that it?”
“Devesh save him, but he doesn’t look like he’s joking,” Sophy said with a grimace. “Just tell us the rest.”
Rukh described everything Aia had taught him about the Kesarins. “They speak with their minds, but only a few like Aia can speak with other sentient creatures. She took Jessira’s knowledge of Healing and passed it to me. It’s how I saved her.”
Amma muttered a curse under her breath, while Jaresh studied Rukh, an expression of disbelief on his face.
“And that’s everything?” Nanna asked, sounding hopeful, as if he couldn’t take any more surprises.
Rukh nodded.
Nanna leaned back in his chair looking stunned. They all did.
The room was silent as the others tried to make sense of what
Rukh had just explained. His words overthrew just about everything they knew of the Fan Lor Kum, the Queen, the Baels, and the Kesarins, not to mention the existence of the OutCastes. It was a lot to digest.
“All this really happened?” Jaresh asked him.
“Since I experienced it, then obviously, yes.”
“And her role?” Mira asked, gesturing to Jessira.
“As I said, she was injured when the Kesarins attacked. She is from a city of OutCastes, a place called Stronghold. I think it’s hidden somewhere in the Privation Mountains. Her brother risked his life to save Farn’s. I couldn’t do any less.”
“And Brand and Keemo are dead. You’re sure of it?” Nanna asked.
Rukh nodded.
Nanna sighed. “We have a lot to discuss,” he said. “You and the…girl look worn out. Get some rest, both of you.”
Rector stiffened. “She has been Healed,” he said. “We owe her nothing more. The law is clear on this matter. She should be removed from the city immediately. Morality demands it.”
Rukh wanted to level him. Sanctimonious prick.
Nanna rubbed his eyes. “The law is clear, but the survival of our city is not,” he said. “The Magisterium needs to hear of all of this, from Rukh’s lips as well as hers.”
“But…”
“But nothing, Bryce! This is too important a decision for me to make on my own,” Nanna said, his voice rising, and Nanna rarely shouted. “The Magistrates will decide her fate.”
Rector looked like he wanted to continue to press his point, but Bree whispered urgently in his ear and eventually he nodded agreement with whatever she said, albeit reluctantly.
Rukh wondered what might be going on between his sister and the Watch captain. He prayed the two of them weren’t in a relationship because right now, Rector Bryce was one of his least favorite people in the world. And it looked like his feelings for the Watch captain were shared by at least one other person. He had noticed the expression of distaste Mira had directed Rector’s way on more than one occasion. At least Sophy’s daughter showed some good sense.