The Exercise Of Vital Powers

by Ian Gregoire

  Kayden was astonished to discover the number of Sanatsai in the Order exceeded thirty thousand; that was considerably larger than any single army of the Nine Kingdoms. She could not say for certain, but she suspected their combined armies did not total thirty thousand men. “Are you telling me that the Order has more manpower at its disposal than the Nine Kingdoms has soldiers?”

  Fay chuckled, slightly, at that. “Only if you underestimate the number of men-at-arms the kingdoms can call upon,” she said. “But you are right to point out that the Order is a sizeable force; one to be reckoned with.”

  The two horses began the steady descent downhill towards Temis Rulan. What awaited them once they got there, Kayden could only guess at.

  CHAPTER NINE

  What The Future May Hold

  As the group made their approach to the southern gate, Kayden was still awestruck by the sheer numbers of Sanatsai she had observed while traversing the streets of Temis Rulan. She never imagined ever seeing so many in one location, and someday soon, she would be rubbing shoulders with them—as one of their number—calling the city her home, too.

  The journey through the city also highlighted just how well known a figure Fay Annis was. Numerous men and women had given warm salutations as they witnessed her passing by. She wasn’t just a highly regarded Sanatsai of the Order; evidently, she was also a genuinely much-loved person.

  They were admitted through the gate without hindrance, allowing Kayden her first real look at the grounds of the Order. It was like a grand rural estate—usually the preserve of the nobility of the Nine Kingdoms. She could see well manicured lawns crisscrossed by grey brick pathways leading to and from several imposing buildings. The most impressive structure lay at the heart of the complex several hundred yards in the distance. She concluded that the building must be where the Council was to be found. As a young child back in Astana she had seen the royal palace in the capital, Shali, on more than one occasion, and while the building she could see ahead of her wasn’t nearly as ostentatious, it was certainly similar in scale. It was five storeys of beautifully constructed, palatial manor house built from grey masonry.

  Dora then Tobin dismounted their horse in quick succession.

  Fay peered back over her shoulder at Kayden. “You can dismount now,” she said.

  Doing as instructed, Kayden dismounted the horse, quickly followed by Fay herself who handed the reins to one of the Sanatsai sentries on duty at the gate. She watched as both horses were led away in the direction of the stables situated to the east of the grounds.

  The group proceeded a short distance on foot along the grey brick path, coming to a halt when met by a dozen Sanatsai accompanying an elderly Jaymidari standing at the forefront of the welcoming party.

  “Welcome back,” the Sister greeted Fay with affection.

  She was a short, old woman with long, grey-white hair, a warm smile upon her wrinkled face, and a fetching amethyst pendant hanging from the chain around her neck. Kayden guessed her to be in her eighties, possibly even older.

  “Thank you, it feels good to be back,” said Fay, embracing the Jaymidari.

  Dora said, “Tobin and I will be stopping in at the communal hall for a while. I presume you’ll be taking care of whatever business you have here, right away.” Fay nodded in the affirmative. “In that case, if you are free this evening maybe you can join us in the mess hall for dinner; we can catch up some more.”

  “I would like that.”

  Fay gripped Dora by the forearm, then bid both her and Tobin farewell before they departed, making their way to the communal hall.

  The Jaymidari turned to address her Sanatsai escort.

  “You may leave us,” she told them.

  They dispersed in compliance, leaving her alone with Fay and Kayden. She turned around to face the direction she had arrived from then held out her left arm, silently gesturing for Fay to take hold of it. Without hesitation Fay looped her own arm through the offered limb.

  To Kayden’s surprise the woman indicated that she should take hold of her right arm, now held out to her. She flashed a quick glance towards Fay, looking for guidance.

  “Come, child,” said the Sister, with no hint of condescension, “let us be on our way.”

  Kayden looped her arm through the woman’s waiting arm then the three of them walked leisurely along the grey brick path leading to the main building at the centre of the sprawling complex. She supposed they must look like an odd spectacle to any onlookers, given the disparity in height of the trio. Both she and Fay had eight or nine inches on the short Jaymidari confidently guiding them onwards.

  The Sister glanced up at Kayden. “Forgive me, my dear,” she said, “I’m afraid your master has neglected to give your name.” There was a note of mild amusement in her voice.

  “Idelle, this is Kayden Jayta,” Fay offered succinctly.

  Kayden almost stumbled at the name. She was aware that Idelle was the name of the head of the Sisterhood, and if this Jaymidari was the same person, she was also a serving member of the Council, the ruling body of the Order.

  “And she is the reason for your visit, yes?”

  “She is.”

  “But you still don’t wish to tell myself or the rest of the Council why.”

  That’s strange, thought Kayden. She had been led to believe that Fay had important business to discuss with the Council.

  “For the moment the problem does not require the immediate attention of the Council,” replied Fay, guardedly, “and I would prefer not to burden you with it before absolutely necessary.”

  Kayden realised that if Fay was describing her as ‘the problem’, then the notion that she had been brought to Temis Rulan to receive some kind of special commendation had just flown right out of the window.

  “I take it you plan to burden Ari with your problem?” Idelle’s question was obviously leading. “And that’s why you requested to see him?”

  Again, Kayden almost stumbled, this time at the mention of yet another familiar name. Ari Shinadu was the Sanatsai who founded the Order in the aftermath of the Great War seven decades ago. He, too, was a serving member of the Council. Had Fay brought her here to meet Master Ari?

  “Yes,” Fay conceded. “He has prior experience that I hope will negate the need to formally bring the matter to the Council.”

  “As you wish.” There was no disappointment or annoyance in Idelle’s voice. “I know he’ll be thrilled to see you. Your absence these past three years has been greatly felt by many, myself included.”

  They walked in silence for a brief spell until Idelle, once again, glanced to her right to address the apprentice. “So, Kayden,” she began warmly, “how has your training been progressing?”

  Kayden briefly contemplated giving a humble answer, but false humility wasn’t in her make-up.

  “The pace of my progress is barely satisfactory, Sister. Despite everything I have learned thus far, I do not feel as though I am being adequately challenged. As of this moment I’m already a level seven apprentice, though only into the fifth year of my apprenticeship, yet I feel like I’m being held back unnecessarily; a situation I believe isn’t helped by my having no peer among my fellow apprentices.”

  Kayden noted how Idelle cast a quick glance at Fay—presumably none to impressed by the immodest response—before returning her gaze back, to reply,

  “Well, you’ve certainly made quite an impression on your master, she wouldn’t have brought you here otherwise. I don’t imagine another apprentice will ever be brought to Temis Rulan—certainly not during my lifetime.”

  “I imagine not.” It was the only thing Kayden could think to say.

  Smiling up at the apprentice, Idelle’s eyes were searching. “I hope you will not object to my saying so, Kayden,” she said, “but if you should prove to be as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside, you will be a great asset once you are inducted into the Order.”

  Kayden flushed in spite of herself. She was
accustomed to being told she was beautiful—usually by people who wanted something in return for such compliments. But she knew Idelle neither wanted or expected anything from her in return. In fact, Kayden had the odd sense that the Sister had just imparted some sage advice.

  She hesitated before responding.

  “I appreciate your kind words, Sister,” she said, in an uncharacteristic, self-effacing manner. “I will do all I can to make them true.”

  For the next few minutes Kayden walked silently, taking in the sights of the grounds while listening to Fay and Idelle making small talk about Fay’s duties as the administrator of Antaris campus.

  “As it happens,” Fay was saying, “I have recently become aware that I have a problem with one of the Sisters serving under me at Antaris.” Kayden knew she was referring to Sister Daria. “I’ve not yet had the opportunity to speak with the Sister, to hear her side of the story, so I won’t go into details now. However, once I return to Antaris and discuss the matter with her, it is likely I will have to report it to you so that you may take whatever action you deem appropriate.”

  Idelle signalled her assent with a muted ‘hmm’ before bringing the two younger women, on either arm, to a halt outside the main building of the complex that she informed Kayden was Kassani House—named after the river where the Order was founded. They were a few paces short of the stone steps leading up to the main entrance, its large oak doors wide open. Kayden could see a smattering of Sanatsai and Jaymidari congregated on the steps as well as a few more loitering near the doors at the top. At ground level there were a number of wooden benches lined up along the wall of the building. She took particular interest in a male Sanatsai sitting beside a young Sister on one of the benches to the right. He was whispering something in her ear, she was blushing with a demure smile on her face.

  “I do have a more serious matter that I wish to bring to the attention of the Council,” said Fay, drawing Kayden’s focus away from the flirting couple nearby. “It concerns deeply troubling allegations of misconduct made against a fellow Sanatsai. Given the nature of the allegations, the sooner the Council can investigate the veracity of the accusations the better.” She was referring to the revelations about Master Turan, Kayden realised. “I’d like to get Kayden settled in first, if that’s all right, but I shall seek you out later this evening to present you with full details of the alleged offences.”

  “As you wish,” replied Idelle, simultaneously releasing her hold on both Fay and Kayden. “Will you be wanting to see Ari immediately?” She raised a hand to signal the nearest Sanatsai, gesturing for him to approach. “I can have a message sent to him right away.”

  “If you could just let him know I’ve arrived, and that I would be grateful for a few minutes of his time whenever he is ready, that will be fine.”

  The Sanatsai signalled over by Idelle stopped in front of the trio of women. “How may I be of service, Sister?”

  “Would you kindly convey a message to Rendai Shinadu? I believe he’s in the orchards.” The Sanatsai nodded in the affirmative. “Please inform him that Danai Annis has arrived,” Idelle continued, “and she wishes to see him at his earliest convenience.” Addressing Fay, she added, “Would you like Ari’s return message sent to your quarters? I assume you’ll want to go there now.”

  Kayden’s stomach growled audibly, intruding on the conversation. She looked down, self-consciously, at her feet as Fays eye’s turned to her.

  “No,” Fay said in reply to Idelle, “I’m going to take Kayden to the mess hall.” To the Sanatsai messenger she added, “You may bring Ari’s response to me there.”

  “As you wish, Danai.”

  He nodded in acknowledgement then marched purposefully away, following the path leading around the west wing of Kassani House, en route to the orchards and gardens located in the northwest of the grounds.

  “Now that you’re here, please don’t let me keep you both from a meal,” said Idelle cheerily. “I shall return to the Council’s chamber.” Addressing Fay, she added, “If you should require anything from us during your stay, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

  She shifted her focus to Kayden, affecting a more sober tone as she took hold of the apprentice by both hands. “Heed well the lesson you will learn here, Kayden. Do so, and your lovely face will grace Temis Rulan for many years to come.” She released her grip on Kayden’s hands then took her leave of master and apprentice.

  Kayden watched the elderly Jaymidari float up the stone steps towards the entrance of the building. Her stomach growled noticeably once again.

  “Can I assume,” began Fay, “that not only did you miss lunch, but you also skipped breakfast too?”

  “That would be a safe assumption.”

  “Follow me.”

  Falling into step alongside the Sanatsai, Kayden followed Fay as she led them away from the front of Kassani House. The mess hall catering to members of the Order was situated about a hundred yards east of the building, in easy walking distance. They made their way around the corner and Kayden was treated to her first glimpse of the mess hall. She was amazed at the size of it. Not only was it considerably larger than the one back at Antaris campus in terms of the area it covered, it was also three storeys tall.

  “That is the mess hall?” she exclaimed in wonder. “It’s huge!” She noted there were four separate entrances in total—that she could see.

  “About half a century ago the dining hall inside Kassani House was no longer able to accommodate the number of people present during mealtimes. It became necessary to build a dedicated mess hall big enough to cater for the ever-increasing population. These days the dining hall is used exclusively by the members of the Council, their attendants, and other senior figures within the Order.”

  They entered the mess hall together via the nearest entrance. Kayden was quietly impressed by the understated beauty of the interior. She imagined it to be akin to the dining halls of the nobility throughout the Nine Kingdoms. Silently she followed Fay’s lead down one aisle, observing as the woman nodded the occasional greeting to the small number of Sanatsai and Jaymidari they passed.

  “The evening meal is still a couple of hours away from being dished up,” Fay informed Kayden. “But I will ask the kitchen to rustle up a light meal for us.” She came to a halt at one of the tables nearest the serving counter outside the kitchen. She instructed Kayden to take a seat, before departing towards the counter.

  The two middle-aged women behind the counter wore plain clothing beneath their aprons. Kayden was unable to determine if they were Sanatsai or Jaymidari, though it was possible they were neither. She was now aware that not everyone living on the island was a wielder of Zarantar. A part of her was fleetingly disappointed when she noticed how the two women’s faces lit up radiantly as Fay came to speak with them. Even the kitchen staff are thrilled to see her? The observation was enough to cause Kayden to grudgingly question if she had badly misjudged the administrator. Surely a woman as beloved as Fay apparently was couldn’t be the horrid bitch she deemed her to be.

  A short while later Fay returned to the table carrying a tray laden with a steaming pot of tea, a jar of honey, a bowl of cane sugar, and two porcelain cups. She set it down upon the table then sat opposite Kayden.

  “Rina will bring some food out to us shortly.” She began to pour some tea into one of the cups. “Help yourself to some tea in the meantime.”

  Kayden inhaled the aroma wafting from the herbal infusion. “Camomile and spiced apple,” she exclaimed.

  “There’s nothing wrong with your sense of smell.” There was a joviality in Fay’s quip that Kayden was unaccustomed to hearing.

  “It’s my favourite blend.” Kayden took the teapot from Fay and poured herself some tea into the second cup.

  Fay fixed a penetrating gaze upon the apprentice. “It’s my favourite, too.” She proceeded to add a teaspoon of cane sugar followed by two teaspoons of honey. Kayden stared intently back at her while she stirred her hot beve
rage. “What is it?”

  The cadence of Kayden’s spoken words indicated surprise. “That’s how I have mine, too.”

  It had never occurred to Kayden that she and Fay might have anything in common. She’d certainly never contemplated the possibility of sharing similar tastes. But she was beginning to suspect that maybe she and the administrator were more alike than she realised. She also began to speculate that Fay was already aware of such likenesses—that perhaps she reminded Fay of herself in some way. And maybe that was ultimately why the woman seemed to take an instant dislike to her.

  She refrained from voicing those thoughts as she finished stirring her tea. She raised the cup to her lips then took a sip. Mmmmmm! Liquid paradise in a cup.

  One of the two women manning the serving counter, whom Fay had spoken with earlier, arrived at the table a short while later carrying a tray of food. Kayden guessed she must be Rina. The matronly woman promptly laid a plate of fish fritters with a side serving of creamy potato salad in front of Fay, then did the same for Kayden.

  “It’s not much,” said Rina, modestly, “but it should tide you over until the evening meal is served.”

  “That’s fine, Rina,” replied Fay. “Thank you.”

  “If you’d like I can bring you both a slice of apple and pear pie, with cream, in a little while.”

  “Yes please,” piped up Kayden through a mouthful of fish fritter.

  “That would be wonderful, Rina,” said Fay with a smile.

  With that, Rina trotted off back towards the kitchen, and Fay slowly began to eat her meal in silence while Kayden gobbled her own, hungrily.

  Eventually, Kayden looked up from her plate to question the Sanatsai.

  “Sister Idelle mentioned that I would be learning some kind of lesson while I’m here.” She took another sip of tea from her cup. “What kind of lesson are we talking about?”