by John O.
He reached the cemetery a few minutes later and disembarked. With a shovel, he dug two graves side by side and proceeded to gently place his mother and sister in one each.
To his mother’s corpse, he said, “It is known that you were a great woman in your generation. Words cannot begin to express how it makes me feel to know that I will never see you on earth again. My only hope is that there is indeed a life beyond this earth, such that we will meet again someday.”
He turned and held his sister’s face. “Maya, my sister, friend and confidante. Of them all, you were closest to me. Who will help steer me when I’m going astray?” He wiped a surprising tear from his cheek before continuing. “Imagine my awe when you found the strength to keep on living despite suffering what is perhaps the most horrific experience for a woman. Your forgiving and fighting spirit has made a lasting impression and I will do my best not to let you down. Rest assured, Maya, the one who took you will not live long as a freeman. This is my word to you. Rest well now, dear sister; for you belong to the better world in which you now live.”
With a heavy heart, he proceeded to bury them neatly before leaving the cemetery.
Surita narrowed her eyes to see clearly. Was that a Spyinme hanging from a window pane? Heavens that must be Loila making a run for it! With rage-driven energy, she began to run towards the backyard of the Helesp in an attempt to catch up with the fleeing villain.
Loila let go and fell to the ground with a thud. With urgency, she immediately gathered herself and began to run as fast as she could.
Ron Riten wondered what was keeping Rahel. Loila was either present or not, so why hadn’t Rahel emerged? Curious, he decided to open the door to take a peek. What he beheld was an unconscious Rahel who lay on the floor with no one else in sight. He quickly made his way towards the slumped figure and checked for a pulse. To his relief, she was alive. He then bolted back to the hall in order to raise an alarm.
“Everyone to the backyard now! Apprehend Loila Even on sight. I repeat, apprehend Loila Even on sight!”
The officers didn’t understand what was going on, for Loila was one of their own. They looked at each other to ensure they had heard Ron right.
“What are you waiting for?!” he thundered with such force that everyone present sprang to carry out the order.
Having gotten across to them, he quickly bolted for the window in order to see where Loila must have gone. As he looked out, he finally realized who the woman the strange man referred to was.
“Hello there, Loila,” a stern-looking Surita called out to the fugitive Spyinme. “Where might you be off to?”
Loila figured if she didn’t get rid of this persistent colleague who stood in her path, she would be done for in a matter of counts. She suddenly launched two darts towards her adversary who aptly dodged them without issue.
“Come on Loila, you should know by now; you’ll have to do better than that to get rid of me.”
“You don’t disappear easily, do you?” Loila replied as she rolled her eyes in resignation. “It seems this can’t be helped.”
She cleared her throat and began to sing an eerie song with words Surita couldn’t make out. The song seemed to have a hypnotic effect, for Surita suddenly wasn’t sure of where she was. Then came the blood, which dripped from her nose. What in the world was this power? She tried to launch a knife towards Loila only to find it wobble past the mark such that Loila didn’t even have to dodge. Was this her end? Surita wondered as she felt herself slipping further and further away.
She was almost gone when an image of Sido came to her mind. No! she resolved. The goddess would not claim her on this day. With a loud scream of defiance, she launched her remaining four knives simultaneously as she summoned an explosive amount of strength from within. A nonplussed Loila watched as two struck her, one in the shoulder and one in the thigh. She screamed in anguish upon impact; for the pain was so severe that she lost grip on her altered form.
The onlookers, for the Spyinme and Leades in the hall and even Sido were now gathered around the scene, watched in horror as the Spyinme’s face morphed while she fell to her knees. The woman reached for an amulet and was about to chant an incantation when an arrow from Rensy struck her above the ankle. The pain which followed could not be contained, causing Loila to shut her eyes and let out a shrill cry. She opened her eyes moments later, only to see Surita standing above her.
“I’ll only ask this once,” Surita began. “Where is Julya?”
Loila spat in Surita’s face and laughed in derision. “Even if I knew, you think I’d tell you? Rot for all eternity, Spyinme Stone.”
Surita twisted the arrow, causing Loila to cry out once more. After repeating the twisting action one more time, she pointed to her necklace and replied, “It’s Minabi, you traitor!”
She watched Loila languish in pain, savoring every single moment. When she was satisfied, she proceeded to deliver a punch which rendered Loila unconscious. To Leade Rosi Lite who stood closest, she shrugged and said, “She’s all yours, Leade.”
With that, the Surita walked towards her husband, who stood with a broad smile and open arms.
28
Zach Sen watched as the Ispris and her escorts approached the home of the bereaved healer. How convenient that she arrives so soon after their deaths, he thought to himself. He was about to set out for the Helesp, but he decided to abide for a little while longer, lest he should miss out on an opportunity to observe her reaction.
The women alighted from their horses while Prisca led them towards the entrance.
“Leade Zach!” the Ispris exclaimed in surprise upon opening the door, “I didn’t expect to see you here”
“Neither did I,” he replied with an unreadable expression.
Prisca knew that his presence here could only mean her vision was once again accurate. “I came here as soon as I could. My visions tell me something may have happened to people I care deeply about.”
Zach didn’t flinch or make any attempt to reply, for in truth, no question had been asked. Prisca let out a sigh and tried again. “Tell me, what happened here?”
“Perhaps your visions have told you. Sue and Maya Sint were murdered here a few hours ago.”
Although Prisca had already suspected it, the confirmation dealt a punch to her insides. The tears freely flowed as her Aisprises stood poleaxed. Prisca was devastated, for this had been her home for many years. Sue had come to be as a mother while Maya had become her sister for all intent and purposes. For the Ispris, a large chunk of her life had just been expunged by the cruel hand of a despicable scheme. Just what exactly was going on? The deaths had begun before even Ruki Sen came to power. The new HN was barely four days into his tenure and his family had already taken a hit. Her thoughts went wild at the realization that she would once again be a suspect. With a hopeless feeling of self-pity, she wiped her eyes and said, “I’d like to see my foster father now.”
Zach nodded and stepped aside to allow her in. He had known himself to be a good judge of character and, from what he just saw, her pain was genuine. Was he slipping up? Or was she truly innocent? If there was someone else out there, then it was plausible that the person would act with impunity in the face of an easy suspect. Perhaps Prisca was simply a distraction from the real target, who knew?
Prisca walked in to find the healer in his study. He regarded his notes with a blank look, his mind obviously trying to deal with the new reality. He looked up as Prisca approached and tears filled his eyes. In silence, they hugged each other and wept.
When they were both spent, Jorraine spoke: “Prisca, thank you for coming around. I still cannot understand what happened. One moment we were having a happy reunion, the next moment they were gone. I would have thought that my experiences with terminal patients would have prepared me for all forms of death. Apparently I was mistaken.”
“Father, it is only natural. Please take some time to mourn them properly. You can’t go back to work just yet. Leave these
notes and come with me let me brew something for you to drink.”
“I have a bottle of Korosh in my room. That is what I’d rather have.”
Prisca wasn’t sure whether to oblige him or not. She had heard of men who used the wine to dull their pain, only to become addicted in a matter of weeks. It would not help for such a great mind to be rendered ineffective as a result of such therapy. She decided it was best to lie. She would simply hide the bottle and claim she was unable to find it.
“One more thing, Prisca. I know my son asked the Leade to stay and watch out for me. Now that you’re here, that is no longer necessary. Please inform him that he may be on his way.”
Prisca nodded and did as she was bid. Zach had perfectly understood as she relayed the message to him. Watching him leave, Prisca’s mind reverted to the pending inquisition that would occur on the morrow. Would she hold up to scrutiny? Of course she would, for there was nothing to hide. The germane question was whether Yosi would still be interested in her, after this great loss. She proceeded to make her way up the stairs, hide the wine bottle and steal into the kitchen where she brewed a hot ginger drink.
Jorraine Sint was surprised when the cup was laid before him. “This isn’t what I−−”
“I found no such wine in your room,” Prisca interjected. “This ginger drink will make you feel better, I can assure. Death is a necessary end. Many a time, it matters not when or how it happens; for we will all die someday. Should those left behind ruin the rest of their lives on account of the departed? No. You shouldn’t let yourself degenerate to looking for solace at the bottom of a bottle. If I searched hard enough, I probably would have found the wine. But I know you will be fine without it. Now drink.”
Jorraine considered her words with a note of admiration. He had raised her well, he realized. Taking a sip, he asked, “Did you see Yosi on your way?”
“No I didn’t.”
“He must have used the Outer Main Road while you used the Inner. But how did you know about the deaths?”
“I saw it while praying.”
“I see. I sure am glad you came around.”
“Thank you.”
“I hope you will stay the night?”
“I would not even think to do otherwise, father,” Prisca replied with a smile.
The Helesp was alive with wonder and intrigue. Where had Surita Stone been all this while? Why exactly had Loila’s face changed? As a matter of fact, who was she really? The officers whispered these questions among themselves in an attempt to understand what had been transpiring without their knowledge.
There were four people in the meeting room: Surita and Sido Minabi, Rosi Lite, and Ron Riten. Loila had been locked up in one of the prison cells in the Helesp’s basement. The two Leades listened to the story of the Minabis’ ordeal; from the attack on Cemetery Street, to Surita’s eventual encounter with her husband’s mother, to the robbery at the Main Farm, to the proposal and finally, to the point where Loila was apprehended. The Leades were enthralled by the tale, for it was one of sheer courage, will, and, surprisingly, love. Surita had, on account of Sido’s advice earlier, decided that she would be forthright about what occurred at the Main Farm. It was not the Leades’ position to determine what the consequences would be, but they clearly understood what had driven the pair to do what they did. There was also the worrisome part about a possible Nukamchi uprising. If they could be believed, then the Island was in more peril than everyone currently realized.
“So you mean to say this woman divined Loila’s involvement through the arts?”
“My mother-in-law, you mean. Yes she did. However, what bothers me is, from Rahel’s account, she had said nothing to tip Loila off. Why then had she run? Did she think Sido was someone else?”
“Probably so; an accomplice perhaps.”
“We may have to look through the register to see if there’s anyone else that looks like me,” Sido ventured.
“That will be pointless. Rahel only informed her of your height and hair. Believe me, there are many out there who are tall and dark of hair. Besides, there is a high chance that this person is undocumented. The only reason why even you, Sido, are documented is due to the fact that you were born in a province.”
Sido shook his head in exasperation as he replied, “How, then, do we find out more?”
“We question her,” Ron looked around the room as he spoke, “with intrusive means, if need be.”
“And if she doesn’t budge?”
Ron looked at Sido incredulously, “Trust me, she will.”
The sudden boom of Zach Sen’s voice calling for an assembly forced the deliberations to an abrupt end. One by one, they filed out to hear what he had to say.
As soon as Zach arrived at the Helesp, he went straight for the HN’s corridor without uttering a word to anyone. He glanced through the hall from the vantage point, loathing the fact that he was about to bring dour news to the eager beaming faces. He also noticed Surita and the strange man beside her. There was something there, he discerned. He would have to find out what it was later.
“Officers of this great Island,” he began, “when we decided to join this military force, there were no illusions as to the perils we would face for the rest of our lives. Despite this, we selflessly offered ourselves for the security of this Nation. A few hours ago, one of us rendered the ultimate service…” He paused for five counts before continuing, “It is with great reverence and quite frankly, sadness, that I announce the passing of Spyinme Maya Sint.”
It would have been futile to continue speaking amidst the gasps and cries of shock that followed. Zach paused, allowing the people some space to soak in what they had heard. After about thirty counts, when they realized he still had more to say, the sounds dampened until perfect silence reigned once again.
“Her mother, Sue Sint also passed on with her; for the two were assassinated in quick succession. The HN, as we speak, is either burying them or is already on his way back from that task. All appointments you may have had with him are therefore called off for the day. You should also know that the perpetrator is still at large, and we will do everything possible to apprehend this person. That is all for now.”
Zach Sen proceeded to descend down to the hall while the mourning began. As the officers speculated on what the recent occurrences portended, Surita came to hear of Ishe Fiten’s death for the first time. The fear that crept down her spine caused her to draw closer to Sido. The times were indeed perilous.
Yosi Sint walked in a few moments later, causing the hall to fall silent once again. He knew that they must have been aware, so he did not bother to share any words. With a straight face, he proceeded to his room to mourn in silence; his only regret being the emissary he still had to attend to.
The Kawachi agent was clad in a long red robe that was typical of merchants. In his hands were two boxes which contained different samples of ground leaves from which the Wesoan beverages were brewed. He had taken his time to lace the leaves with the indiscernible venom that would claim the HN’s life, if all went according to plan.
“Who are you?” Leade Dan asked as he saw the man approach.
“I’m Vyne Duron, an envoy from the Merchant’s Guild of the Foté Province. I am here on the HN’s request.”
“The HN is in no mood to see to strangers right now. Perhaps you may return on the morrow?”
“I’m sorry, Sire. But I won’t be available then. Please check in with the HN to see if he will accept me now as scheduled.”
Dan Thorne regarded the heavily scented man; a merchant, he must be. Why they had to put on so much scent was a mystery to Dan. Wrinkling his nose in disgust, he entered the Helesp hall to consult with Zach. Apparently, Zach was in the closed meeting room with Surita and her counterpart. He concluded that Ron and Rosi were probably with them too, so he decided to ask the HN in person. To his surprise, the HN had accepted the merchant visitor immediately. He had also asked for Rosi and Ron to escort the merchant in. Not one
to question orders, Dan did as he was bid such that a few minutes later, the merchant was firmly seated across Yosi, Ron and Rosi in the HN’s room.
“Tell me of these beverages you seek to import,” Yosi began without the etiquette of pleasantries.
“They are beverages made from exotic leaves, Lord HN. When soaked in hot water for a few minutes, they yield quite fine tasting extracts.”
“And these extracts are safe for consumption?”
“Absolutely Sire.”
“How did your guild establish relations with the Wesoan traders?”
“To be honest, we did not. As you know, that nation is largely insular. With their growing population and limited resources, they are gradually being forced to look for alternative sources of revenue. Notwithstanding, they still wish to maintain their close-knit culture and, as such, they reached out to one of their own, a childless wife of Aishe Foté, to explore options to export what seems to be abundant in their country.”
“Do these beverages have any side effects?”
“None that has ever been reported.”
Yosi was in no mood for a detailed inquisition. All he wanted to do was observe the forms, sanction the trade and recede into himself for the night. Having no other choice, he asked the trader to show him the leaves and educate him more on the drinks they could provide.
The trader retrieved a set of black leaves from the box. “These leaves give off a dark red brew known as Kucha. The drink itself appears tasteless. But when laced with sweeteners and a little ginger, it comes alive.”
“All you need to brew it is hot water alone?”
“Yes, Lord HN.”
“Very well. Any others?”