The Castes and the OutCastes: The Complete Trilogy

by Davis Ashura

  Li-Dirge and his brother Baels are gathered with the Humans, joyful that the ideals to which their ancestors had held, are finally being realized. Rukh believes them. For the first time in history, a Human understands the truth of the Baels’ situation. It is a momentous event, and Li-Dirge even tells Rukh about the location of the Chimera breeding caverns—the place where Suwraith helps birth Her hordes. All the breeds of Chimera require Suwraith’s direct intervention in order to procreate—the catlike Tigons, the foxlike Ur-Fels, and snakelike Braids, and the elephant-sized Balants. Only the Baels, born mysteriously and unexpectedly from the placid, dull Bovars, do not require Suwraith’s touch. However, in the midst of their jubilation, the Baels realize that Suwraith has discovered their centuries-long deception.

  Suwraith comes to annihilate all Her Baels, but just before the Sorrow Bringer carries out Her attack, Rukh and the other Humans are urged to flee. They do so, escaping Suwraith’s clutches by the barest of margins, but Dirge and his fellow Baels, the entire command of the Eastern Plague of Continent Ember, are destroyed.

  Before Rukh and the others can take stock of their situation, they are attacked by two Shylows, the giant, deadly cats of the Hunters Flats. In the ensuing battle, Jessira’s brother, Lure, and Rukh’s friends, Keemo and Brand, are all killed. Farn is gravely injured and he and Cedar, Jessira’s other brother, go missing. Rukh escapes with a young Bael, Li-Choke, and an injured Jessira.

  Meanwhile in Ashoka, Rukh’s brother, Jaresh, is accused of the murder of Suge Wrestiva, a thug and degenerate, who also happens to be the only living son of Hal’El Wrestiva, the ruling ‘El of House Shektan’s most bitter rival. The situation is even more clouded because Jaresh is of Caste Sentya but was adopted by Dar’El and Satha Shektan into the House Shektan. Such an adoption is unprecedented and many Kummas are troubled by the situation.

  As a result, when Hal’El’s call for a tribunal to have Jaresh judged with the Slash of Iniquity, a death penalty, his petition is granted by the Chamber of the Lords, Caste Kumma’s governing body. During the ensuing trial, it is Jaresh’s sister, Bree, who discovers that Suge was secretly a snowblood addict and convinces the Chamber to decide in Jaresh’s favor.

  Later, a meeting of the Sil Lor Kum, the Hidden Hand of Justice—Suwraith’s Human worshippers—is convened in Ashoka. The SuDin, their leader tells the other members of the Council of Rule, the MalDins, of Suwraith’s plans for Ashoka. He displays the Withering Knife, a mythical weapon said to steal Jivatma. It may also be the means through which the Sorrow Bringer can overcome Ashoka’s Oasis, the mystical barrier around the city that has proven impenetrable to Her might for two millennia.

  Shortly after this meeting of the Council of Rule, the first murder utilizing the Withering Knife is discovered. The victim is Felt Barnel, and his corpse is withered and desiccated, as if all the water were removed from his body.

  Dar’El is deeply troubled by the murder and tasks Jaresh, Bree, and Mira Terrell——the daughter of one House Shektan’s councillors—with discovering the truth about the Withering Knife. In the course of their investigations, another victim is found murdered. This one is of Caste Cherid, Aqua Oilhue. Rector Bryce, a member of the City Watch, realizes that the murderer has to be of Caste Kumma, and he joins the other three in their search for information on the Withering Knife.

  Jaresh is paired with Mira, and the two of them search the Cellar, the City Library’s lowest floors where the oldest records are kept, while Bree and Rector look for the information in other locations. The work proves frustrating, dragging on for weeks. Eventually, it is Jaresh who discovers a code within the journal of a caravan master—a leader of a Trial—and a known member of the Sil Lor Kum. The cypher confirms the existence of the Withering Knife as well as the physical markers it leaves on its victims. They are identical to those found on Felt Barnel and Aqua Oilhue.

  During all this, Rukh and Jessira, having been thrown together, are forced to overcome a lifetime of prejudice and indoctrination as they make their way to Ashoka. They come to share a deep friendship, but Jessira’s wounds from the battle with the Shylow are stealing her life. The wounds fester and grow infected. Jessira is dying, and can only be saved if she can teach her knowledge of Healing. It is another Talent not of Rukh’s Caste, one mastered by Shiyens, and he is unable to learn what Jessira tries to teach him.

  It is then, as Jessira lies dying, that another Shylow, a female calico named Aia, walks into their camp. Rukh is prepared to lay down his life in Jessira’s defense, but the cat simply stares at him, and *speaks* into his mind. It is a shocking revelation, and at first, Rukh fears he is going mad. Aia convinces him otherwise.

  She is rare for her kind, able to speak to those who aren’t Kesarins—the name Shylows call themselves—and as a result, quite curious about Humans. She is especially fascinated by Rukh. Aia has been following him and Jessira since before they had exited the Hunters Flats, wondering as to why he was taking such exquisite care of someone who wasn’t close kin.

  His notions of brotherhood and compassion captivate Aia, and she asks why he doesn’t Heal Jessira. When she learns that Rukh lacks the knowledge, the Kesarin reaches into Jessira’s mind, and shares it with him. Aia leaves then, vowing to see Rukh again.

  As a result of the Kesarin’s help, Rukh is able to stave off Jessira’s injuries, and the two of them continue on to Ashoka where she is fully Healed of her injuries. Afterward, they make their way to the House Seat where Rukh is joyfully reunited with his family. He makes a full report on what has happened to him, including his Talents of Blending and Healing to the House Council. Also present during Rukh’s account is Rector Bryce, who has always been unforgiving and certain of that which he considers immoral. Rector is unwilling to accept Rukh’s new abilities. As a result of his attitude, Dar’El Shektan and the rest of the House Council re-examine the Watch captain’s role in the search for the Withering Knife murderer.

  Rukh’s account of his actions in the Wildness is also explained to the Magisterium, Ashoka’s governing body. Though few of the Magistrates are able to accept the Baels as allies, the decision is made to act on Li-Dirge’s information and send an expeditionary force to the Chimera caverns. Their goal will be simple: extermination of all Chimera breeders. Rukh is chosen as one of the warriors for the coming expedition, and he throws himself into his work.

  As the preparation for the expedition continues, the SuDin of the Sil Lor Kum turns out to be Hal’El Wrestiva. He and his Rahail lover, Varesea Apter, a fellow MalDin in the Sil Lor Kum, share a sinful relationship, one that would call for their execution were it ever discovered. But, Varesea and Hal’El are undaunted. They love one another, and they decide to kill her wife-beating husband, Slathtril Apter, with the Withering Knife as the first step in being together.

  Rukh is able to examine the site of Slathtril Apter’s murder and realizes that two people were involved in the killing. He recognizes that the victim knew his murderers, and that the Kumma in question had to have come from one of three Houses.

  As for Jessira, she is alone in the city, comes to view the Purebloods in a more positive light. Always before, she had been dismissive and sneering of Rukh’s kind, but seeing the beauty and culture of Ashoka, she begins to change her mind. And in some ways, Jessira’s presence stimulates a change in the city’s own harsh attitudes toward the OutCastes, those traditionally called ghrinas. It is a subtle difference.

  Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Rukh, forces conspire in the shadows to have him declared Unworthy and exiled from Ashoka. Dar’El senses these hidden enemies and knows they will likely learn of Rukh’s Talents—it was a mistake to trust Rector Bryce—and bring Rukh down in order to hurt House Shektan. Dar’El concocts a scheme to keep Rukh safe: have him go with Jessira to her home of Stronghold rather than simply be cast out in the cold.

  In order to do so, he needs Bree’s help to trick both Rukh and Jessira. His plan works, and Rukh and Jessira, friends already, are seen in public in what
might be considered a romantic circumstance. Rukh’s fate is sealed by a late night stroll with Jessira through Dryad Park.

  The time approaches for the expedition to the caverns to leave the city, and a few days beforehand, Rukh learns of Jaresh’s possible romantic feelings toward Mira Terrell. Ironically, Rukh is unaware of his own perceived relationship with Jessira, and he confronts his adopted brother and orders him to break off all contact with Mira.

  Jaresh does so, telling Mira they can’t work together anymore. She hears what he’s really saying and surprises him by kissing him on the lips. Given the prohibition against a man and a woman of two different Castes ever touching one another, her expression is a bold declaration of her feelings for Jaresh—as well as a sign of farewell.

  Rukh’s departure to the caverns takes place, and early on, he tells the commanders of his new Talents. They are disgusted by what he can do, considering him a naaja, Tainted, and the information spreads to the rest of the warriors, who share their commanders revulsion. The expedition travels through the Hunters Flats, and Rukh’s diminished status dims further when Aia enters the camp and Rukh is forced to explain her presence.

  It is too many changes for the other members of the expedition to accept and Rukh is essentially thrust out of the brotherhood of warriors. He is forced to work alone, left intentionally vulnerable and exposed with no one to guard his back. Rukh perseveres, but even in the caverns—which are exactly where Li-Dirge said they would be—he is left to fend for himself.

  His situation is dire, but somehow Rukh survives. He even comes across Li-Choke and the last few Baels of the Eastern Plague to survive Suwraith’s pogrom. He leads Choke and the others to safety where they can make their way to the Hunters Flats and, as promised by Aia, find shelter amongst the Kesarins.

  After the battle, Rukh’s ability to Heal proves essential. He is able to keep alive dozens of warriors during the long march back to Ashoka. His selfless devotion to the lives of others slowly changes the opinions of his fellow warriors. They acknowledge his service with gratitude, and even Rukh’s greatest enemy amongst them, his direct commanding officer, Lieutenant Danslo, comes to appreciate and respect all that Rukh can do.

  After weeks of emotional toil, Rukh finally sees hope for the future. If his brother warriors of the expedition can look past their prejudices and accept Rukh, then why not all of Ashoka?

  It is a short-lived hope.

  Days after leaving the city, the Chamber of Lords met and—just as Dar’El had feared—had judged Rukh Unworthy. He is to be exiled. Jessira learns of this just prior to her own departure from Ashoka, and she agrees to delay her leave-taking. She will wait for Rukh’s return and lead him to Stronghold.

  When the expedition to the caverns returns, she meets them a day short of Ashoka and informs Rukh of what has happened. He will never be allowed to enter his home again.

  Rukh is heartbroken and prepares to leave with Jessira for Stronghold, but before he can do so, the warriors of the expedition honor him the Champion’s salute. It is their apology for what they now recognize as their wrongful treatment of him during the long march to the Chimera caverns.

  Jessira leads Rukh away from the expedition. Later, she apologizes for her role in his situation and reaches to console him. They share a deep, but confusing, kiss before she pulls away, and Rukh follows her west.

  Rector Bryce forced stillness into his fisted hands, clenched as they were with nervousness. Now was not the time for the appearance of anxiety, much less that of fear. He sat alone—but likely not unwatched—just outside the carved, mahogany doors leading to the study of Hal’El Wrestiva. The ruling ‘El had postponed their meeting for two hours already—an obvious insult—but it was one Rector was forced to accept. While he was tempted to simply rise up and leave, he knew he couldn’t.

  Dar’El Shektan had been quite clear on the matter. No matter the cost, Rector was to gain admittance into House Wrestiva.

  Rector grimaced, remembering his last meeting with House Shektan’s ruling ‘El. After the exposure of Rukh’s taint to the Chamber of Lords—the younger man’s disgusting possession of Talents only meant for Rahails and Shiyens—Dar’El had been furious. He must have immediately known who had unloosed the truth, and now he was bent on vengeance against both Hal’El Wrestiva and Rector himself.

  “Your actions have betrayed this House, and a price will be paid for your disloyalty,” Dar’El had said, his voice cold and menacing.

  Rector had expected just such a reaction, but he had held no regrets for what he had done. He had done what he had in order to safeguard, not just House Shektan, but all Kummas; Ashoka itself. Rector had gone to the meeting with a clear conscience, with no fear of Dar’El’s threats. His time in House Shektan was over, but so what? Another House, one that was more honorable, would be happy to have him—and Dar’El wouldn’t dare label him ronin; not for what Rector had done, which was simply to expose Rukh for what he was: an abomination. Rector was ready to boldly announce his defiance, but a single sentence from Dar’El had him swallowing his proud words.

  “Your great-grandfather, upon your nanna’s lineage, was Sil Lor Kum,” Dar’El had said. “I have irrefutable proof, from the Chamber’s own library, information accessible only by the ‘Els about known Kumma members of the Hidden Hand.” He had silently passed over a document, and Rector had held it in his suddenly chilled fingers, numbly poring over it. The words written upon the page had been unambiguous: Dar’El spoke the truth. “You should have trusted my judgment and kept silent about Rukh. Had you done so, none of this would have been necessary. Instead, you chose to speak with a braggart’s pride, certain no sin could ever stain your honor or your heritage. Life is never so neat.” Dar’El’s lips had quirked. “Now you have a choice: this information can remain sealed, between the two of us alone, or all of Ashoka will know of your shame. Think hard upon what you say next.”

  Rector’s vision had throbbed in time to his fury, but worse was the bitterness and shame coating his throat in ashes. “What must I do?” he had whispered.

  “You will serve us until I have no further need of you,” Dar’El had promised before summarily dismissing Rector.

  Thus, Rector found himself sitting outside Hal’El’s study. He was to join House Wrestiva; secretly learn all he could of Hal’El’s wealth; and pass the information on to House Shektan. It would be the actions of a dishonorable man, but Rector could see no other way but to obey Dar’El’s wishes.

  If he didn’t, his family’s shame would be made known to all of Ashoka. Two sins trapped him, and the situation had him sick with worry and disgust. All his life, Rector had prided himself on being a man of firm honor, but now he could see no path forward that allowed him to maintain his integrity. It was an intolerable situation; one that had Rector twisting and turning at night, unable to sleep. Even the wisdom imparted by The Warrior and the Servant, the slim text describing Kumma ideals of morality and philosophy, provided no comfort. This despite the fact that the book even described just such a quandary: A warrior must always choose the path of righteousness, but if one isn’t visible, then on his own, he must forge it. Rector couldn’t help but mock the words, cold and lifeless as they were. They provided no solution to his dilemma.

  The door to the study opened, revealing a smiling Hal’El Wrestiva. Rector noticed the smile didn’t reach the ‘El’s eyes, which appeared to be those of a serpent. “Come in Rector,” Hal’El enjoined. “Tell me why you wish to join House Wrestiva.”

  Rector wiped his damp hands on his pants and took a deep breath. Time to watch his honor drift away.

  Whenever I am blessed by the presence of my children, my soul soars. Whenever they leave, my heart breaks.

  ~Our Lives Alone by Asias Athandra, AF 331

  “I never expected her absence to affect me so much,” Dar’El noted. “She’s only been gone two days now.”

  Satha, his wife, looked up from her pile of missives. She sat upon the sofa, feet propp
ed on the marble-topped table with feet facing the crackling logs within the fireplace. “Jessira?” she guessed.

  Dar’El nodded. “The house seems empty without her.” He turned to stare out the windows, wishing he could see so much further than the gardens.

  Instead, the view that greeted him was a damp, drizzly autumn night. The heights to the west of Ashoka might have even received snow. It was a miserable time to be out in the weather, and Dar’El hoped Rukh and Jessira were encamped somewhere warm and safe. Thinking of them, he glanced around his empty study, wishing they were with him now.

  “She found a home in my heart as well,” Satha said with a laugh. “What an unusual family we have. Two Kummas, a Sentya, and an OutCaste girl.”

  Dar’El smiled. “You know we can’t adopt her and make her Rukh’s sister. He would be furious with us.”

  Satha’s smile slipped. “I wish we could have seen him one last time,” she said with a longing sigh.

  “We will see him again,” Dar’El said, infusing his voice with certainty.

  “You truly believe you can change the minds of the other ‘Els?”

  Dar’El didn’t answer. He eyed the chess set. Jessira often played against him. She was a fiery young woman, but somehow, she could control that passion and gather her focus when it came to chess. She was almost as good as Bree and better than Rukh.