Needs of the Empire

by Christopher Mitchell

  Daphne laughed. ‘I guess so. And he made you have twins. That seems a bit odd.’

  ‘Who knows what was going on in his mind at the time? If it was him. I get that he speaks to people, and can send visions and stuff, but did he really make us?’

  ‘Our scriptures say that he created the whole world, and the sun and seven stars.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Why what?’

  ‘Why did he make such a world?’ Killop said. ‘If he could create all this, then why didn’t he make a world without suffering? He must have had the power.’

  ‘Because he wanted to give us the freedom to make our own choices. Then he’ll reward those who believe in him with a happy afterlife.’

  ‘So all this is a test?’

  Daphne shrugged. ‘I guess so. You have to remember that I didn’t pay all that much attention to religious lessons at school. They bored me stiff. And my family weren’t particularly observant of the faith. In fact, my father used to mock it regularly.’

  ‘Did he not get into trouble?’

  ‘That was during the queen’s reign, when nobody was listening to what the prophet and the church had to say. At university, many students were open about their lack of belief.’ She shook her head. ‘Everything changed when she was poisoned.’

  ‘Was it the church?’

  ‘I wouldn’t be surprised,’ she said, ‘but I don’t know. I was in Sanang at the time.’

  Killop shook his head. ‘You’ve been to so many places.’

  ‘And all of them warmer than Rahain.’

  ‘This is nothing,’ he laughed. ‘Like a bracing spring day in Kell.’

  She sighed. ‘I miss the sunshine of the Holdings, and the vast blue skies. It’s been years since I’ve seen them. It never snows on the plains, and I’d only seen frost a couple of times in my life before I came to Rahain.’

  She paused. ‘They’re moving.’

  Killop turned to stare up at the low ridge.

  ‘And fast,’ he said. ‘Shit, I think some of them are on horseback.’

  Daphne squinted into the dim light at the approaching group. ‘You’re right. Horses.’

  ‘Must have been left behind by the alliance.’

  He caught the attention of a scout, who was up on the rear of the wagon ahead of them.

  ‘Signal the alarm,’ he called.

  The scout stood, and lifted a horn to his lips. He blew, and a long note pealed out. All around, on the wagons to each side, and ahead and behind, Kellach reached for their longbows.

  Killop eased past the driver, and jumped to the ground. Other Kellach, armed with swords and shields, gathered around him, while those with longbows clambered up onto the wagons facing the nearing group of Rahain.

  ‘Quickly!’ Killop shouted at the warriors around him. ‘Close the gap, form a line.’

  The Kellach ran off, arranging themselves between the wagons as the leading Rahain crashed into them. In places they held, but in the centre the horses barged through the Kellach shield wall. The Rahain shot down with their crossbows, while the Kellach loosed arrow after arrow into them from the wagons.

  A pair of horses charged close to where Killop stood, a few yards ahead of their wagon. One was rider-less, while the other bore a black-robed Rahain. Killop drew his sword, and ducked behind his shield as the rider shot a crossbow bolt at him. It embedded itself into the shield with a loud thud, and Killop sprang forward. He raised his sword and swung it at the passing Rahain, cleaving through his left arm and side, and knocking him off the horse.

  He glanced up to see the line of Kellach shields had re-formed. Beyond them, the Rahain were retreating back towards the low ridge, leaving half a dozen dead on the sodden ground.

  Killop gazed down at the bodies of the three Kellach slain in the skirmish as they were laid out on blankets.

  ‘Send a message up to Bridget,’ he said to the scout. ‘Tell her there’s been another attack, but we’re still moving. Ask her to send me a signal as soon as she reaches the river crossing.’

  ‘Aye, Chief,’ the scout said, and sprinted off towards the front of the long convoy of gaien-drawn wagons.

  ‘Hush, hush,’ he heard Daphne say. He turned. She was standing holding the reins of a tall white horse, stroking its flank with her left hand. Karalyn was strapped to Daphne’s back, sitting in the carrier that Bedig had made, after it had been adjusted to account for her growth. She was smiling at the horse and laughing. Killop sheathed his sword and walked over, staying out of reach of the great beast.

  ‘Isn’t he beautiful?’ Daphne said.

  ‘It’s not the word I’d use.’

  ‘We should keep him,’ she said. ‘He could come in useful.’ She turned to him, a light in her eyes. ‘And I’m not feeling sick from the smell of him. It must have passed.’

  They moved a few paces to the left to allow the wagon to trundle past them, as the rear of the convoy got underway again.

  Daphne grinned, and unstrapped Karalyn from her back. ‘Could you take her? ’

  Killop nodded, and picked up the child. He watched as Daphne led the horse off into a clearer space. She was speaking to it the whole time, her eyes never wavering. She gripped the reins, placed her left foot in the stirrup, and leapt onto the back of the beast. The horse reared, then stamped its feet down, but Daphne held on. She laughed, kicked her heels, and the horse raced off.

  ‘Be back soon,’ she yelled as the horse bore her away.

  Killop shook his head. He ran up to his wagon, and climbed aboard, lifting Karalyn up onto the forward bench. As he sat he felt the child’s mind enter his, and a knot of worry passed from her to him. He closed his eyes, and Karalyn took their minds through the air, reaching Daphne in seconds.

  She was laughing.

  I’ve missed this so much.

  Killop looked out from Daphne’s eyes. The land was flying past, the horse racing at a heart-rending speed. Daphne was clutching the reins and keeping her head low, her battle-vision helping her ignore the freezing wind.

  He felt her deep joy, and loved her for it. For a moment their three minds melded together, then they separated, and he blinked his eyes open.

  He looked down at Karalyn, who was sitting next to him swathed in blankets. The little girl smiled up at him. She was looking less like a baby with every passing day, which was normal for Kellach children around the age of one, while Daphne had expressed to him her bewilderment. In the Holdings, she had said, Karalyn would pass for a three year old.

  ‘Mama likes the horse,’ she said.

  ‘Aye, wee bear. She does.’

  When the scout returned several hours later, he wasn’t alone. Two men, short next to the scout, walked alongside him, one young, the other older. Killop glanced back down the road, but there was no sign of Daphne.

  ‘It’s your Uncle Laodoc,’ Killop said to Karalyn. She burrowed her head into his winter cloak.

  ‘Chief,’ the scout said as he arrived at the wagon. ‘Herald Bridget reports that they have reached the ford, and have begun crossing the river. That would be an hour ago now, Chief. She said to keep going, and try to cross before nightfall. They’re going to build a camp at the first available site on the road west, and she hopes to see you there this evening.’

  Killop nodded. ‘Thanks. Go back and find the camp, let her know we’re coming. Then get yourself some rest.’

  ‘Aye, Chief,’ he said, and ran off.

  Killop turned to the two Rahain men standing by the halted wagon.

  He reached down and helped Laodoc climb up, while the younger man followed. Laodoc sat on the bench, and the wagon driver spurred the gaien on.

  ‘Good to see you,’ Killop said.

  ‘And you, my boy,’ Laodoc said. ‘And might I say, you are a splendid chief. I know about your doubts, yet you stayed true to your duty to lead the clan despite them. They’re fortunate to have you, just as I’m fortunate to be escaping this wretched land with you. My heart has been broken by the torme
nt my people have endured, and I cannot stay any longer. There is no place for me here. Like the Kellach Brigdomin, I have been rejected by all sides in this conflict.’

  Killop nodded.

  Laodoc gazed out over the barren valley. The wind and hail had eased, but the heavy clouds overhead threatened more. He looked old and underfed, and his eyes were full of bitterness.

  ‘I’m glad you’re coming with us,’ Killop said.

  ‘Where is Miss Daphne?’

  ‘Gone for a ride on a captured horse,’ he said. ‘I’m not sure when she’ll be back.’

  Laodoc frowned. ‘Do you mind if I wait here? ’

  ‘Of course not. Who’s your friend?’

  ‘I’d rather wait for Miss Daphne to return before I make introductions.’

  Karalyn poked her head round Killop to look at Laodoc.

  The old man forced a smile, but his eyes were cold.

  Killop kept his expression level despite his growing irritation at Laodoc’s attitude. He had to remember that the old man was in mourning.

  ‘All right,’ he nodded.

  Karalyn squealed.

  Killop turned his head. In the distance he could see a rider and horse approach.

  ‘Here she comes.’

  Daphne galloped the horse over the final stretch and pulled up by the wagon, a huge grin on her face.

  ‘That was amazing.’

  Killop smiled at her, then nodded at the two Rahain men.

  ‘Hi, Laodoc,’ Daphne said, as she trotted the horse alongside them. ‘Look at me. I don’t feel sick anymore, it’s fantastic.’

  ‘That’s very nice,’ Laodoc said. ‘I need to speak with you.’

  ‘Yeah?’

  Laodoc frowned.

  Karalyn stood and reached her arms out to Daphne.

  ‘You want up, Kara-bear?’ She lifted the girl onto the horse, seating her on the wide saddle in front of her. Karalyn laughed and jumped up and down. ‘She’s a natural,’ Daphne grinned.

  ‘I need to speak with you,’ repeated Laodoc.

  ‘Oh,’ Daphne said. ‘It’s serious?’

  ‘It is rather, yes.’

  A look of disappointment fleeted over her face, then she smiled.

  ‘Of course,’ she said, passing Killop the reins. ‘Could you tie these to the bench-rail?’

  ‘Aye, sure,’ Killop said.

  She passed Karalyn back to the wagon, then climbed aboard, sitting behind the bench under the protection of the canopy. She took a long drink of water from a skin, and lit a cigarette, watching the stallion as it walked by the side of the wagon.

  ‘As you are no doubt aware,’ Laodoc said to her, ‘the entrance to the Great Tunnel to the Plateau lies not far from here. A mere thirty miles or so, I believe.’

  Daphne nodded.

  ‘In fact,’ Laodoc went on, ‘this is the closest point in our journey to the tunnel. After we ford the river, we’ll be heading west, away from it.’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘This, then, is our only chance.’

  ‘Chance for what?’

  ‘Lady Douanna has been observed near the settlement that surrounds the entrance to the tunnel.’

  Daphne stared at the old man.

  Laodoc gestured to the younger Rahain man sitting on the driver’s bench next to him.

  ‘Here is our witness,’ he said. ‘Tell Miss Daphne your story. The same as you told me.’

  The young man nodded.

  ‘I was with the Old Free in the south during the rebellion,’ he said. ‘I used to assist some of the councillors in Calcite City, and saw Lady Douanna a few times. I travelled with them up to the capital during the coup, and fled when the New Free revolted and burned the High Senate to the ground.’

  ‘What job did you do?’ Daphne asked.

  ‘I was a servant, miss.’

  Daphne nodded. ‘Go on.’

  ‘When I got out of the capital, I ran all the way to Tahrana City,’ he said, ‘but it’s in ruins, with different factions fighting for control of the caverns. I decided to get out, so I tagged along with a group heading towards the Great Tunnel. It was only after a few days that I realised Lady Douanna was travelling with them, disguised as an old peasant woman. ’

  ‘It was definitely her?’

  He nodded. ‘I’m certain of it.’

  ‘She’s going to the Plateau?’

  The young man shrugged. ‘I don’t know exactly, but she’s smuggled herself into a convoy, and intends to enter the first stretch of the tunnel tonight or tomorrow.’

  Daphne chewed her lip. ‘Why are you telling us this?’

  He shrugged. ‘She’s mad. She’s completely lost her mind. I decided to see if I can buy my freedom by betraying her to you.’

  ‘How did you know we were here?’

  ‘I saw your convoy a few days ago as it moved down into Tahrana Valley, and recognised it as coming from the Slateford enclave. I took a chance that Chancellor Laodoc would be travelling with the rest of the Kellach Brigdomin. I knew that he’d be interested in locating Lady Douanna.’

  Killop frowned but held his tongue.

  ‘I guess there’s a simple way to find out if he’s telling the truth,’ Daphne said. ‘When did you last see her?’

  ‘At dawn this morning.’

  Daphne stared into the young man’s face, her eyes seeming to haze over. For several moments, she held his gaze, then broke away, coughing.

  She glanced at Killop.

  ‘It’s true.’

  She turned back to the young man. ‘Thank you for this information. We’ll be sure to report it to the next band of New Free we run into. They’re swarming through the valley, so that shouldn’t take too long. They can deal with her.’

  The young man glanced at Laodoc, whose face was turning red, his tongue flickering.

  ‘Seems reasonable,’ said Killop.

  ‘Reasonable?’ cried Laodoc. ‘May I remind you, Miss Daphne Holdfast, that you made me a promise? You gave me your word that you would hunt down and kill Douanna. In fact you have assured me more than once that you would do it personally. The first time, I believe, was only a few days after Simiona had been butchered. You promised me you would kill Douanna as soon as you’d rescued Killop from prison. But you didn’t.’

  There was anger in Daphne’s eyes, but she said nothing.

  ‘And again,’ Laodoc ranted, ‘when I commissioned you to break the conspiracy of those plotting the coup. Not only did you fail in that matter, but you also failed to kill Douanna. And now, when fate has offered you a third, and surely final opportunity to fulfil your promises, you spurn it? Does your word mean so little? Have you no honour?’

  ‘That’s enough,’ Killop said. ‘I know you’re grieving, but you’ve no right to speak to her like that.’

  ‘It’s fine,’ said Daphne. ‘He’s right, I did give my word.’

  Killop narrowed his eyes. ‘You can’t seriously be thinking about agreeing to this?’

  Karalyn let out a soft wail, and gazed at her mother and father.

  ‘Don’t worry, Kara-bear,’ Daphne said. ‘Everything’s all right.’

  She turned to look at the old Kellach sitting in the rear of the wagon.

  ‘Could one of you look after Karalyn for a couple of minutes, please? Killop and I need to talk.’

  An old couple nodded, and the woman reached out with her arms.

  ‘She’s a lovely wee bairn,’ she said, taking Karalyn’s hand as the child was moved back to her.

  ‘Thanks,’ Daphne said, then looked at Killop. He frowned.

  ‘Come on,’ she said, and leapt off the wagon.

  Killop gave Laodoc a cold stare, then followed her. They walked a few yards away from the wagon, then kept pace with it as it trundled along the road.

  ‘Don’t get angry,’ she said, ‘but I think I should do this.’

  ‘Why? For revenge?’

  ‘To keep my word.’

  ‘Sometimes promises cannot be kept.’
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  ‘But this isn’t one of those occasions. Douanna’s only thirty miles away, on the stallion I could make that in a couple of hours if the road’s clear. Even if I’m delayed, I should still be able to return to the clan convoy in one or two days, at the most.’

  Killop bit his tongue, in case he said something he would regret.

  ‘Well?’ she said. ‘Tell me what you think.’

  Killop’s anger boiled over.

  ‘I think it’s stupid and selfish.’

  Daphne’s eyes widened, and a flash of anger crossed her face.

  ‘I gave him my word, Killop,’ she said. ‘I promised him, twice, that I would take care of Douanna.’

  ‘So you’re going to risk your life, risk leaving Karalyn motherless, over your pride?’

  ‘Did I not see you fighting the New Free a few hours ago?’ she said. ‘Were you not risking your life then?’

  ‘That was different. We were attacked and I was defending us. What you’re suggesting is completely unnecessary. Douanna’s reign is over. She’s finished.’

  ‘But she’s still alive.’

  ‘I don’t care.’

  ‘You don’t care if I break my word to one of our friends?’

  ‘I killed one of Laodoc’s sons. I don’t think he’s my friend any more.’

  She shook her head. ‘If it was your word, your honour that was being questioned, you’d do the same as me.’

  ‘I’d want to,’ he said, ‘but I would look at you and Karalyn, and realise that you matter much more to me than a promise I made in the heat of the moment.’

  ‘Are you saying that you and Karalyn don’t matter to me?’

  ‘I’ll judge you by your actions.’

  Daphne glared at him, but said nothing. He looked away, his anger assuring him he was in the right, while a small voice at the back of his head sounded a warning he ignored.

  Ahead, he could see the vast convoy of Kellach wagons beginning to bunch up, signalling that they were approaching the river crossing. To their left, two hundred yards away, the wide, slow river flowed south. Beyond was the road to Jade Falls, and then the route to the north along the ocean coast. So many days of travelling still to do, just to get out of Rahain.

  His temper faded. He turned to say something to Daphne but she had gone.