by John O.
As for the matter of the Kawachi, she understood the magnitude of the risk she had just taken. The Kawachi leader himself was a just and reasonable man. He, therefore, should understand how to treat those who failed woefully in their missions. However, the pertinent question was whether or not the lives of his men were hers to take. She would have to figure out a way to appease him, she concluded. The Great Cause was not to be compromised again. They had waited too long to be stopped by mere squabbles between friends.
Sighing resignedly, she decided to take care of other business.
7
“And it is yet another tie,” Roy Ni said as the third and final round of Strag between Rahel Ni and Zach Sen came to a close. “Rahel you are truly an amazing woman. I have never seen anyone play like this.”
“Enough flattery, Roy. Remember that I have not won today. If we play one last round, I am sure to lose, for this man over here seems to be on the verge of discovering my pattern,” she replied, her eyes fixated on Zach in admiration.
“Perhaps you do not understand. Those of us who work closely with Zach can attest to the fact that no one rivals him in things intellectual. And now you have come along!” said Karl Izzy, implicitly agreeing with Roy Ni’s compliments.
“Is it so hard to believe that a woman can rival a man in things such as this?” probed Rahel.
“This is not about you being a woman. It is about you as a person in equivalence with the great Zach Sen,” Roy replied.
“And what does this great Zach Sen have to say about this?” asked an anticipatory Rahel.
Everyone turned to look at Zach who had been somewhat reserved since the end of the game. Instead of participating in the conversation, he had been focusing intently on the board. Worried that he might be abashed at his failure to win, Rahel endeavored to change the topic while slightly increasing her voice, “Zach, we will play again soon, I hope.”
“Forgive me for I have not been listening. I’ve been replaying the game in my mind to see if there was anything I could have done differently. Though I am still at a loss, I’m sure there is a pattern somewhere, and when I find it, I’ll be sure to teach you your place,” he said with smile.
“Your place, Leade Zach, is beneath me. You will not even come close to me when next we play.”
I think I always want to be close to you though, he almost said aloud. Discomfited by this stray thought, he only smiled in return, for he did not trust himself to give a proper reply.
Noticing his discomfort, she reverted back to idle talk. “My skill at this game is not really as a result of me having a sharp mind. My father, who has bested Joni Thorne many times over, taught me the tricks of the game. I merely follow his instructions as I play. His formula has hardly ever failed me.”
“Didn’t Joni Thorne recently win the Strag’s Contender, after having come second to Healer Sim Hans who won the Glory?” Karl asked.
“Yes he did. Meanwhile, where in the world is Rosi Lite? He should be here to witness the humbling of Zach Sen,” Roy Ni as he looked around.
Zach decided to take the opportunity, “He is away on a critical mission. To be exact, he went to warn the HN of a possible trap as he returns through Cemetery Street.”
The slight fleeting shiver on Roy’s countenance did not go unnoticed by Zach, who watched him intently.
“Oh I see. A permanent solution is needed for the outlaws who plague that route. I hope Rosi makes it in time,” Roy said as he tried to recover from his shock at Zach’s blatancy.
Rahel Ni, who had finished gathering the pieces and packing up the board, also noticed Roy’s poor attempt at concealing his guilt. This man had better not jeopardize us, she thought. The haste with which he and his brother jump at every opportunity to undermine the Nation was too great a risk, for such impetuousness could someday expose them.
“I must be on my way now,” she said while smiling softly at Zach. “Duty calls.”
“Same for me,” he replied as he rejected every impulse in his body urging him to bid her stay.
As soon as she departed, Zach looked directly at Roy and asked, “Hasn’t your brother been feeding his birds for too long? How is it that a man spends so much time with his birds that he forgets to eat his own lunch?”
“I may be his twin, but that does not make me his keeper,” Roy replied curtly.
“Leades, why don’t we all proceed to the yard where Remy is supposedly feeding his birds?” Zach beckoned to the general room.
As they all moved towards the yard, Roy hoped beyond anything else that Remy had somehow returned in time to keep up his act. If he had not, he would be charged with a lot of explaining, especially because the planned ambush was no longer hidden. It was a good thing Roy had realized Remy’s intentions early enough, and had successfully warned him that Zach was on to him. However, if Remy was nowhere to be found, and the surprise attack was successful, he would have no alibi. Zach would waste no time in charging him with treason, and that would seriously compromise the twins’ ability to achieve their higher objective. Roy held his breath as they approached the section reserved for pets. To his utmost relief, he saw his mirror image sitting idly and watching the birds fly freely.
Turning to look at them, Remy said, “Brothers! I am happy you have come to keep me company. I was becoming bored watching these silly birds that have refused to return to their cages. While they eat and play, I starve!”
Concealing his disappointment, Zach replied, unenthusiastically, “You had us worried. The least you could have done was to notify me that you would be here awhile.”
“Apologies. I got carried away,” Remy explained.
“It’s fine. Now please go and eat something. I will help watch the birds while you all return to the hall.”
Understanding that Zach intended to inspect the immediate surroundings for clues that would expose Remy’s ruse, Roy volunteered, “I think it is better that I watch them. I look like my brother well enough for the birds to think I am he. They would more readily return to me than they would you.”
Zach acquiesced rather reluctantly, for he realized he had been bested. Leaving Roy behind, the Leades made their way back to the hall.
Rahel Ni’s shift ended shortly after the matches with Zach Sen had come to a close. It was now her free time, and, as usual, she preferred to read old scripts in the Conclave during this period. A nagging feeling had plagued her since she observed the new HN address his Leades earlier. It was the typical feeling that helped her identify the perpetrator of a crime, after having observed the crime scene. This time around, the feeling linked the new HN to the scene of her grandfather’s assassination. Could it be that it was he who had slaughtered the Aishe and his guards on that horrible night? She had long since buried the memory due to the sleepless nights it caused her. But having seen Yosi Sint, her old memories had come flooding in all too vividly…
She had just left her grandfather’s manor when she heard the clash of swords within. Alarmed, she rushed back to the entrance with all the speed she could muster. The image she saw upon opening the door was one she had repeatedly tried to wish away ever since. Before her was her grandfather with a gaping slit in his throat. There were other slain men around him, however all she could see was the red fountain that flowed copiously from his neck. As she was about to scream, a hand fell over her mouth and a strong odor filled her nostrils, followed by darkness. Opening her eyes roughly thirty minutes later, she hoped she had just woken from a nightmare. But as her vision became clearer, she realized that it had all been real. The only notions that were different from what she had seen before losing consciousness were that the red fountain had ceased to flow and her dress was matted with congealing blood.
Recoiling from the memory, she thought of the similarity in speed between her grandfather’s assassination and Marc Even’s execution, according to Maya’s account. It had to be him. This feeling had never led her astray before and it definitely wasn’t deceitful towards her now. The only
thing that didn’t add up about that day was that her life had been spared. If only she had seen this Yosi Sint before Ruki Sen decided to make him his successor. She could have warned Ruki that this man was an assassin. Now that Ruki Sen was gone, there was no one she could tell that would believe her.
Regaining herself, she thought, Need I be bothered whether or not this assassin lives? This Nation is doomed to bow to Norwaland anyway. Perhaps it was because she was born in Lionea that she began to feel somewhat attached. Her mother had raised her as a Sejuit and more so, continually begged her to succeed where she had failed. Wisdom demanded that she aligned with the winning side, and it was probably best that she started focusing more on her mission. “Focus!” she whispered harshly to herself.
“What’s bothering you, Rahel?” asked Maya who had been watching her since she entered the Conclave.
“Nothing really. I was just thinking about Beau Even and how she must feel right now. The hurt on her face was so tangible that I cannot help but feel sorry for her,” Rahel improvised.
“Sadly, she will never fully recover from her loss. Her sons are probably even more disconsolate. Those boys adored their father,” Maya agreed with a sympathetic look on her face.
Rahel, upon observing Maya’s pensive countenance, added, “Perhaps it is my turn to ask you what bothers you.”
“Pay me no mind. It’s just, I would have expected Ziri, Julya and Surita to have returned by now.”
“They may have stopped somewhere to relieve themselves.”
“Even so, they still should have returned. I find it somewhat odd.”
“Or it is just you being you, worrying about the rest of us like we haven’t been trained.” Rahel laughed, “Cheer up. They can take care of themselves.”
“I hope to the Almighty Spirit you are right, Rahel.”
Surita Stone followed the old woman into her home. It was a small house that that could barely fit four people. The walls were adorned with unconventional accessories such as animal teeth and bones. The house gave Surita an eerie feeling, as if it were the very heart of dark arts. Noticing her discomfort, the woman said, “I have worked hard to keep this house the way my ancestors kept it. My son, who is a half-blood, does not approve, just as I have seen that you do not approve.”
Careful not to offend, Surita replied, “It is not my place to approve or not. In fact, I don’t quite mind it. I am just not used to it.”
“Thank you for your kind words. My son should indeed learn some manners from you,” she laughed.
The woman, whose name was Osaio Minabi, wondered why her ‘guest’ was being hunted by the Nukamchi. She had divined that the moment she met Surita at the inn, but from their interaction thus far, she couldn’t fathom why. All she knew was that the Nukamchi were no friends of the Nimusha and it was necessary to ensure that this girl did not fall into their hands. The Nukamchi were bent on destroying the peace in the name of Icasa Supremacy. War was no pretty thing and despite their history, the Nukamchi had failed to realize this. Besides, nearly all the Icasa had been cross-bred with the settlers. If a war were to break out, would she kill her son in the name of Icasa? What fools the Nukamchi were.
“We better begin preparations if you are to welcome your son in proper form. He will be hungry, would he not?”
“Oh yes, he will. Come join me in kitchen dear, I know just the meal to prepare for him.”
There’s something alluring about this woman, Surita thought. Although a stranger, she somehow felt drawn to her as a daughter would a mother. It was not beyond the Icasa to use dark arts to create this effect. According to some stories, they were specialists in causing their prey to wish to be devoured by its predators, either through intimidation or allure. Determined to stay focused, she decided to elicit more conversation. “Your son, what does he do for a living?”
“He guards the caravans of merchants as they journey through perilous paths. His last job took him as far as the outskirts of the Reed province. He returns as we speak, two hours more I reckon.”
“How do you know this, I do not see any carrier pigeons around.”
“Some of us Icasa are born with certain abilities. I have the ability to communicate through mind only. As a result, I can tell when a familiar mind is around the corner.”
Amazed, Surita blurted out, “Two hours away is not around the corner!”
“I know,” Osaio laughed. “But he is my son. Having nurtured him all these years, I can feel him from deer-runs away, even if I cannot do the same for acquaintances.”
Surita suddenly realized that the woman’s lips had not moved with the last statement. She had just spoken to her through mind alone!
“How was I able to hear you?” Surita asked, astonished.
Smiling coyly, Osaio replied aloud, “If you stay with me long enough, you will be able to speak to me in return through your mind. This is a valuable skill to have, I tell you.”
Admiration transformed to fear in an instant. Surita guessed that if this woman could communicate through mind alone, then it was likely that she could read one. Had she read her mind? Did she know that she was a Spyinme?”
“Relax. It seems you think I can read minds,” Osaio guessed. “Sadly this is not the case, though I wish it were. It’s difficult to explain how this works. While I can speak through minds, I cannot directly read minds. I can, however, discern things about people, even things they do not quite understand about themselves. For instance, I can tell who hunts you, though I cannot tell why.”
Taken aback, Surita couldn’t help but ask, “Who hunts me? I need to know.”
“You will have to stay here one more day if you want me to tell you. I’m sure you recall that I like a good bargain.”
Exasperated and nearly screaming, Surita exclaimed, “Why would you need me after your son is settled? I am on the run, trying to save my dear life and all you can think of is trade? You are unbelievable!”
“You will need to guard your tongue if you are to survive long. Besides, your best chance for survival is to remain here awhile. The people who hunt you mean great harm. If you dare show your face anywhere near them, they will take you without mercy.”
“At least tell me who these people are.”
“I won’t, at least not until I can figure out why they are after you. Time continues to pass, girl, off to the kitchen with you.” Osaio’s countenance clearly evinced that she brooked no dissent.
Loila Even snuck away from the Helesp to meet with her handler. She was anxious to discover whether the abduction was successful or not. She felt positive, for the three Spyinmes had not yet returned from the Ispris’ residence. As she rounded a bend and proceeded down the narrow path, she once again imagined what would be left of the girls, post-extraction. Why couldn’t she stop herself from thinking about this? She felt for them, and a minor part of her ached. Perhaps this entire ‘sister’ act had finally started to have a lasting effect on her. If this was the case, then she was treading down a dangerous path. Sentimental attachments could not be afforded in the game she was playing. Steeling herself, she knocked on the door of the familiar alcove.
“The words!” a voice within requested.
“The Cause shall be fulfilled,” Loila replied, accustomed to the routine.
The door clicked open and she entered to find him sitting in a somewhat tense manner. Oblivious, she took a moment to admire him as she always did. His sultry looks remained an aphrodisiac to her, and, once again, she was aroused by merely the sight of him.
It was only when she moved closer to him that she noticed his apprehension. “What troubles you?” she asked.
“We have suffered a slight setback. Only one of the girls, Julya Rose, was abducted. One died, while the other got away.”
Loila felt her head spin as she processed what she had just heard. If the escapee had found her way back to the Helesp, it would only be a matter of time until Maya figured out who must have notified the kidnappers of their itinerary. There was
also the matter of the Great Cause. They would now experience a delay in executing best-laid plans, due to the missing piece of information that could have been extracted from the girls.
“Which one of them escaped?” asked Loila.
“The one you described as Surita Stone.”
She’s the toughest of those three, Loila internally cursed as she theorized. Whatever Surita must be enduring at the moment, she may possibly survive and rear her ugly head at the most inopportune time. “This definitely jeopardizes my position in the Helesp. We must have sentries look for her, with orders to abduct on sight. If she comes too close to the Helesp, it would be impossible to abduct her, and the only option would then be to kill her instantly. You realize that if this is not done, my life will be forfeit.”
“Your life is the least of our problems.”
Livid at his lack of concern, she slapped him. Then slapped him again. On her third attempt, he caught her and pushed her on the bed. The struggle continued for a few minutes, before he forced her legs apart and took her. Overcome by pleasure, Loila gave in. He rode her fast and hard as if to punish her for her insolence, while she lay screaming passionately. When he was spent, he came out of her with haste and began to preen himself in a nervous manner.
Loila took a moment to adjust one of her cheekbones, for it had shifted to its original form during the height of pleasure. Grimacing at the pain, she looked up to find him staring vacantly.
“There is something else, isn’t there?”
“The High Priestess thought it wise to make an enemy of the Kawachi−she killed the abductors.”
This time, an icily crippling fear overcame Loila. No one made an enemy of the Kawachi. It was known. How could the Priestess have been so stupid? Perhaps it was time to shed ties with the Icasa, Loila contemplated, for the Kawachi were known to exact revenge on not only the offender, but on all who were affiliated with the offender. She was suddenly on the chopping block, as two lethal axes imminently loomed over her. If Surita showed up unannounced, Loila was dead. If the Kawachi discovered her link to the Great Cause, she was dead.