Mortals & Deities

by Maxwell Alexander Drake

  Spooning up more of his food, the Mah’Sukai held it just in front of him and nodded. “It is not Ma’s. Yet, it will fill your stomach.”

  Pulling out a chair from a nearby table, Arderi Cor sat down between them. “Nix. I had eggs and ham already.” The big grin on his face clashed with the frown on the Mah’Sukai’s. She thought it must mean something, though she had never understood Human interactions very well.

  “Oh, aye. And I guess a big, cold glass of honeyed-milk to wash it all down, as well?” The Mah’Sukai shoved the spoon into his mouth.

  Arderi Cor’s grin widened. “As a matter of fact…”

  The Mah’Sukai grunted and shook his head.

  Yes. There is something going on between them. She just does not understand what.

  Swallowing, the Mah’Sukai picked up his cup of water and took a drink. “Did you get what we need?”

  “Aye, plus something we did not.” Arderi Cor shifted in his seat. Nervousness she had been trained to spot, and Arderi Cor practically reeked of it. “Ragnor De’haln is here with me.”

  His chair slid back as the Mah’Sukai started to stand. Then, looking about the room, he pulled the chair back and sat down. “Is this one of the men who sent you after me?”

  Sighing, Arderi Cor put his elbows on the table. “Aye. He would not let me leave once he found out you were my brother.”

  “You told him!” Glancing around the room, he lowered his voice. “Arderi! How could you do that? You said they are hunting me!”

  “I know. Though I think he just wants to help.”

  This did not look like it calmed the Mah’Sukai down. If anything, it agitated him more. “You think? So, for all you know he is here to kill me?”

  She had heard enough. Slipping her hand behind her back, she withdrew her Ratave staff from its sheath. “Point this man out to her.”

  Holding up his hands, Arderi Cor waved them to remain seated. “Just wait. I am sure he is not here to do anything like that. There is no need to get upset.”

  Even if he spoke true, Elith kept her staff in her lap. In these close quarters, even the time it took to draw the weapon could be too long. Sizing up the room, she took inventory of what she could use to her advantage—and what she should avoid—if a fight ensued.

  The Mah’Sukai shoved his now empty bowl to the center of the table. “Where is he now?”

  “He is waiting across the street in the stables with our horses. We have enough supplies to last the trip.” Lifting up a small pouch on his hip, Arderi Cor bounced it. The sounds of coins jingled. “And I have enough coin to see us even further if need be.”

  “I do not like this, Arderi.” The Mah’Sukai leaned forward. “Did you tell him where we are headed?”

  “Hmm.” Shaking his head, Arderi Cor looked puzzled. “Now that I think on it, he never asked.”

  Clenching his fists, the Mah’Sukai looked ready to strike his brother. “Mayhaps because he never had any intentions of going further than this inn!”

  It made sense. If Arderi Cor had been stupid enough to tell the man who had sent him to kill his brother that they were now together, then the man very well could be using him.

  “Well, it is too late to pull the honey from the milk now. I doubt he will try anything with so many people about. Mayhaps we can lose him somehow.” The Mah’Sukai stood and shook his head. “I cannot believe you let him come.”

  Arderi Cor stood as well. “I am sorry, Alant. I did not see any other way.” Grabbing onto his bother’s arm, he nodded once. “Besides, I trust him.”

  “Fine.” The Mah’Sukai pointed at Arderi Cor. “Yet, if he kills me, you have to explain it to Ma.” Turning, he headed for the stairs. “Let me get my things and we will go.”

  Once the Mah’Sukai left, Arderi Cor looked down at Elith. “Um. So. I guess it is just you and me.”

  As he sat down, she stood. “Wait here for the—your brother.” When he moved to stand once more, she placed a hand upon his shoulder and held him firmly in his seat. “Wait for your brother. She needs to retrieve something.” She did not release him until he nodded. Then she turned and walked out the front door.

  The sun was bright after being in the darkness of the inn and Elith shaded her sensitive eyes so she could see better. In dim light or darkness, her eyes gave her an advantage. In sunlight, they hindered. With half the morn wasted waiting on Arderi Cor’s arrival, the streets were already packed with Humans. Glancing around, she spied what she sought and stepped onto the cobblestone street just behind a passing sedan-chair. Crossing the street, she entered a large barn-like structure. The smell of horse mixed heavily with manure here, though she ignored them both. Two scrawny men—boys really—stood holding the reins of four horses while a large man, darker than any of her countrymen, stood taking his ease against a stall.

  She dismissed the two stablehands. Her focus rested on the black man. He stood off to one side. A well muscled man with a curved blade hanging from his left hip. He glanced at her as she entered with a look that the untrained or unaware would think was one of dismissal. Yet, she knew in that brief moment, he had sized her up, and though he no longer looked directly at her, watched her every move.

  This one should be able to handle that sword of his, then.

  As she moved deeper into the stable, one of the stablehands handed the reins he held to his partner and stepped toward her. “Greetings, and well—”

  Her backhanded blow caught the young man just behind the jaw, whipping his head to the side, and he collapsed to the floor without a moan. Not pausing in her actions, she snapped her elbow toward the black man’s head. It impacted the arm he flung up for protection, though she had already launched her follow-up attack. Twisting, she lifted her back foot and drove it into his mid-section. The man took the blow well. Before she withdrew her leg, he wrapped both his hands around her ankle. Snapping her hand behind her, she withdrew her staff and smacked it against his head before spinning and flinging the weapon at the second stablehand who ran for the door. The Ratave staff slammed into the back of the scrawny boy’s head, sending him face first into the dirty hay, well inside the building.

  Her victory was short lived when stars burst into her vision from a blow landed by the big black man. The punch broke open the skin of her cheek, split her lip and drove her to the floor. Blood filled her mouth and she felt it running freely down the side of her face.

  It was glorious!

  Looking up at the man, she smiled.

  The man opened his mouth to say something. When he saw her grin, he snapped his mouth shut even as he reached for the hilt of his sword. Springing forward, she wrapped her right hand over his before he could draw the weapon. His muscles flexed as he tried to overpower her and draw his blade. Pulling his left arm back, he struck at her, though this time she saw it coming. She caught his fist in the palm of her other hand just before it struck her jaw. The man’s eyes widened when his fist stopped mid-punch, then widened more as he struggled to pull his fist away. Regaining his composure quickly, he glared at her as his body shook under the exertion. Neither of his arms moved.

  Pulling his left arm forward and down while yanking his right from the hilt of his sword, she crossed his arms at his waist, bringing his face closer to hers. His scowl deepened and he continued to struggle, trying in vain to break free of her grip. “She will spare your life this day. If you follow us, however, she will not be so kind on the morrow.”

  “What manner of creature do you be?” His voice strained as he continued to try and free himself from her hold.

  Elith knew this man would not give in so easily. Slamming forward, she cracked her forehead into the center of his face. Blood ran freely from a split on the bridge of his nose and she knew she had broken it. Releasing the hand that had held the hilt of his sword, she struck the side of his head with her elbow several times in rapid succession. Whe
n she released him, he slumped to the floor, his face a broken mass of blood and bruises. She was surprised he remained conscious, though his head lolled to one side and his arms hung useless. “You are more trouble than she had hoped.” Reaching down, she grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled him to the back of the stables. Sliding him into an empty stall, she flipped him over to his stomach, easily batting away his half-hearted attempts to stop her. A length of rope hung from the opposite wall and she used it to secure his hands behind his back. She then pulled his feet up behind him and tied them to his hands. A towel hanging from the back of the black man’s belt made for an adequate gag, and she secured it into place after stuffing much of it into his mouth.

  Returning to the two stable hands, she added them to the stall with the black man, though she did not bother tying them up—by the look of them, they would both be unconscious for some time.

  Leaning down to the black man who had regained much of his sensibility, she ripped off the corner of his silk shirt. Standing, she wiped the blood from her cheek and lip before dropping next to him. “Do not feel bad. You fought well for a Human. She was impressed.”

  He bit into his gag and mumbled something that did not sound polite while he thrashed around the floor.

  With a last smile, she nodded to him before returning to the front of the stables. She spotted the brothers standing on the front steps of the inn looking up and down the street. Taking the reins of the four horses, she walked out of the building and over to them.

  Arderi Cor saw her first and stepped toward her. “Where is Ragnor?”

  “He is no longer an issue.” She held out the reins of one of the horses to him.

  Instead of taking them, he brushed past her. Dropping the reins, she grabbed his arm as he passed. “He is not dead, if that is what you fear. Still, his bindings will not hold forever. You must leave now if you are to avoid his interference.”

  He stared at her for several moments before taking up the reins. “Fine. Let us go then.” Taking the lead, Arderi Cor pulled his horse through the crowd toward the main gates of the city.

  The Mah’Sukai approached and took the reins of a second horse. “You did not have to do that. Arderi said the man meant me no harm.”

  “Did you really wish to take such a foolish chance?” Picking up the reins of the last two horses, she walked next to the Mah’Sukai as they followed after his brother. “If she has overstepped her authority, she is sorry.”

  “Nix, it is not that.” Letting out a sigh, he shook his head. “Forget it. I just want to get out of this stinking city.”

  The walk through Mocley went, for the most part, uneventful. The horse Arderi Cor led became spooked and bolted when a wagonload of chicken crates fell over, sending the winged beasts scattering across the Bazaar. Arderi Cor started to give chase until the Mah’Sukai wisely informed his brother that they had a spare mount, and to let it go.

  At the main gate, Arderi Cor stopped and asked one of the guards direction to a villa owned by a man he named Rohann Vimith. She paid little attention to their conversation, however, as she felt it more important to keep a watchful eye for any dangers that may present themselves toward the Mah’Sukai.

  Once outside the massive walls of the city the air cleared, and for the first time since arriving, Elith breathed without filling her nostrils with stench.

  The Mah’Sukai spoke true. It is a stinking city.

  Following Arderi Cor’s lead, they walked through the buildings that sat outside the main gates—more of a small city than just a collection of buildings—and headed down the main road. Placing a foot in the stirrup, Elith swung herself into the saddle of the beast she led and trotted ahead. Looking over her shoulder, she noticed that both men still led their horses by the reins, walking side by side. Unsure of whether this was another Human custom, she slipped from her saddle and stood until they caught her up. She then fell in behind them.

  She had assumed their destination must be near since neither mounted. However, after walking along for some half an aurn, she decided she was mistaken. Less people traveled the road, and the countryside held fewer buildings the further they traveled away from the city. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw that the city walls had been swallowed by the rolling hills and were no longer visible. Picking up her pace, she came in line with the brothers who had spent much of the time talking quietly while they walked. “Pardon, Mah’Sukai.” She bowed her head so as not to offend him. “She would like to know if you intend to walk the entire time. She has seen others on horseback, and does not think it would be improper to ride now. Not that she is questioning you.” Her statement caused Arderi Cor to laugh, though she did not understand why.

  Arderi Cor reached over and clapped the Mah’Sukai on the shoulder. “She is really smitten with you, Alant!”

  Clenching her jaw, she fought the urge to reach out and grab him by the throat. It took much self-control to ensure she did not. It was apparent the Mah’Sukai did not want this man dead.

  “Give over, Arderi.” Punching his brother on the arm, the Mah’Sukai turned his attention to her. “Elith. I know we will need these horses if we are to travel league upon league cross-country. However, neither my brother nor I know how to ride.”

  Stopping in the roadway, she reached out and took the reins from him. “This is a good place to learn, then.”

  “What? Here?” Both men spoke over each other.

  Waving a hand around to indicate the area, Elith looked from one to the other. “There is hardly anyone out here. Can you think of a better time to learn?”

  Making his way to the side of his horse, Arderi Cor put a foot up into the stirrup. “I have to agree. There is no time like now. We will have to ride eventually. That is the reason I went and got these things. Besides, how hard can it be?” With a grunt, he stood in the stirrup and tossed his leg over. Once in the saddle, he clung onto the horn like a vise as the horse danced around in a circle.

  Taking the reins he left dangling from the horse’s mouth, she slipped them over its head and handed them to him. “You will need these, Arderi Cor.” When she felt sure he would not fall off, she helped the Mah’Sukai into his saddle.

  Over the next aurn, she instructed them in the basics. Riding a horse at a walk on level ground was relatively easy to master, and with only a few minor issues, they were riding adequately enough as they made their way down a small cart path to a large villa that sat well off the main road. The house appeared empty as they rode up. However, once they entered the cobblestone courtyard an elderly man came out of a side building and hobbled over to them.

  Lifting a leg over the side of his horse, Arderi Cor stumbled and fell, landing on all fours in front of the old man. “By the Twelve! Are you all right, young sir?” The old man bent down and helped Arderi Cor to his feet.

  “Aye. Just not my pride.” He brushed off his shirt and pants before looking up. “Is Master Vimith in?”

  “I am sorry, young sir.” The old man shook his head, a look of concern still on his face. “You missed him by a few days now.” His eyes lit up and he jabbed a finger at the sky. “They have gone on a grand expedition!”

  “Aye. I am aware of his trip. We were hoping he would employ our swords.”

  Eyeing the boy up and down, the old man chuckled. “My Master could have used you, I am sure.” He placed a hand upon Arderi Cor’s shoulder. “Are you sure you are well? That was a nasty fall.”

  This made Arderi Cor laugh. “Aye. I am fine.” Looking up at the Mah’Sukai, the two exchanged a look that Elith assumed was some sort of unspoken communication before he turned back to the old man. “Do you know which way they headed? Mayhaps we could catch them up.”

  He reached up and rubbed his bald head. “Well. I am not certain, mind. Yet, I know they left away from Mocley. I think they headed down to Diamond Point. Though, I remember Master Timms complaining about crossing
the Asgarthian Plains. I am not certain how the two relate. Never been further than Mocley, myself.”

  With a last glance at the Mah’Sukai, Arderi held out his hand to the old man. “My thanks to you. We shall be fine.”

  Once the old man shook his hand, he took a step back. “Fare well. May Alza’Dysta lend you his hunting skills to find them, and his brother Maja’Kasta bring you to their side safely.”

  Mention of the gods made Elith twitch. Cutting her eyes at the Mah’Sukai, the Father’s words came back to her. ‘Find him and bring him safely to me as you have been trained.’ Guilt filled her as she sat on her mount. How could she have been so disobedient? She knew what she should be doing. She should kill Arderi Cor and subdue the Mah’Sukai right now! It would be easy. Now that she had spent time with them, she knew neither was a match for her.

  Well, mayhaps the Mah’Sukai. Still, if I strike quickly enough.

  Of its own volition, her hand drifted to her Ratave staff. Arderi Cor had remounted. In doing so, his horse shifted, turning his back toward her. If she struck now, he—

  She flinched at a touch on her thigh.

  The Mah’Sukai had ridden up to her other side and stared at her with a look of concern. “Are you well, Elith? You look, more…pale than usual.”

  Removing her hand from her weapon, she tilted her head to the side. “Yes. She is well.” Pulling hard on the reins, she spun the horse around. “She is well trained in the layout of the land and in the art of tracking. If they are crossing the Asgarthian Plains, it should not be hard for her to find them.” Without waiting, she dug her heels in and her mount launched down the path away from the villa.

  Elith did not understand why the event disturbed her so. She had not lost her memory—had not forgotten who or where she was. Yet, what she had felt troubled her even more. Did the Father just try to reach out and seize her mind? Another moment more and she would have killed Arderi Cor, she was certain. It was not the killing—she cared nothing for the boy—it was the fact that she would have done it without control over herself! As if she was in someone else’s body. This worried her more than losing her mind. Even during those times when she lost her mind, she had remained in control.