by Ian Gregoire
Ari dropped the knapsack he was carrying in his left hand beside one of Fay’s upholstered armchairs. “I’m sorry to hear that.” He removed the second knapsack from his back and placed it on the chair.
“And at the risk of causing further offence, Master…” Kayden trailed off. She decided it was more prudent to avoid putting her foot in her mouth again.
“At the risk of causing further offence?” queried Ari as he turned around to face the apprentice.
“Well… Um… Truth be told…” She might as well just say it, she realised. “You don’t look anything like I expected, Master.”
“Oh, I see.” Ari didn’t look offended, that was a good sign. “I guess I should probably explain. I’m only half Karlandrian; my father was Yantashan. He was one of the lucky few who made it across the ocean after the fall of the Ajunti Empire, settling in the Kingdom of Darmitana where he eventually met and married my mother.”
If she hadn’t already made a hash of her initial introduction to Master Ari, Kayden would have questioned how his father could possibly have been one of the refugees who escaped the notorious pogroms that followed the fall of the Ajunti Empire. It had been over a century since the Jurundi Empire had conquered the Ajunti Empire—once hailed as the greatest civilisation in the known world, encompassing almost two thirds of the continent of Yantasha, at its peak—prompting an exodus of the nobility and royalty of the fallen empire as they tried desperately to flee the massacres targeting the former holders of the reins of power.
“You misunderstand me, Master,” said Kayden. “It’s not your heritage that took me by surprise. It’s just that I assumed… Well, I expected you to be older…much older, in fact.”
Laughing heartily at that, Ari replied, “Why, thank you, Kayden. I will take that as a compliment. But don’t let my seemingly youthful appearance deceive you, I can assure you I’m a lot older than I look.” He clasped his two hands together. “Now, before you make an old man blush any more with your flattery, perhaps I should explain why I am here.”
Yes. That would certainly be appreciated, thought Kayden, though she was still more concerned with why she was there.
“I am about to embark upon a hike to the north of the island,” continued Ari, cheerily, “and I would very much like for you to accompany me.”
“Yes, Master,” Kayden replied. It wasn’t the explanation she had anticipated hearing, but then, she didn’t know what she had expected to hear. She frowned slightly. “If I may ask, Master. Why?”
“Truthfully, your master has told me some very interesting things about you, Kayden.” Oh no! That can’t be good. The thought came to her unbidden. “So, now, I would like to take this opportunity to spend some time getting to know the apprentice who has made such a profound impression on Fay.”
“Just the two of us, Master?” What had she done to warrant the personal attention of the leader of the Order? she wondered. Or more to the point, what had Fay been telling him about her?
“Yes, just the two of us.”
Kayden’s excitement at the prospect of spending time alone with Master Ari was tinged with trepidation. She couldn’t help but be concerned about what ‘interesting things’ Fay had imparted to her counterpart. “When do we leave?” she asked.
“I’d like for us to be on our way immediately.” Ari turned away, heading straight for Fay’s bedchamber. “But first, let’s get you into the bedchamber and out of those clothes.”
Kayden’s eyes widened—aghast. This couldn’t be happening. Surely the legendary Ari Shinadu hadn’t come to Fay’s quarters hoping to take advantage of her; there was no way Fay would have approved of that. She was relieved when Master Ari halted abruptly in his tracks, turning back around to face her. His face was the picture of embarrassment—certainly not the look of a lecherous old man wanting to lay with her.
“I just realised how wildly inappropriate that must have sounded,” said Ari. “What I meant to say was, you shouldn’t be hiking across the island in your ceremonial uniform.” He gestured at her garb with a casual wave of the hand. “You and Master Fay are pretty much the same height, similar build. You should change into one of her spare uniforms. I know she won’t mind.”
Kayden’s relief was complete. She didn’t know what she would have done if Master Ari had proved to be another Kassano. As it was, she followed him into the bedchamber and watched him open one of the closets she had rummaged through earlier, pulling out a Sanatsai uniform from within.
“Here you go,” he said, handing the attire to Kayden. “I will wait outside while you get changed. Once you’re ready we’ll be on our way.”
Kayden watched Master Ari vacate the room, closing the door behind himself. She ambled to the four-poster bed, laid Fay’s uniform upon it then quickly began to undress. Standing in her undergarments, Kayden hesitated as she reached for the black and three shades of grey garb. The past five years of her life had been devoted to earning the right to wear the uniform of the Order. Now that an opportunity to do so had been presented to her, early, it somehow didn’t seem right. But she pushed her misgivings aside; there was no doubt in her mind she was worthy of donning Fay’s clothes, and before she returned to Antaris campus she was going to prove it.
Picking the outfit up off the bed, Kayden walked purposefully to the tall mirror. She proceeded to get dressed in a slow, measured manner, all the while her gaze shifting constantly to her reflection in the mirror. Her languid demeanour in getting dressed as a Sanatsai was in stark contrast to the haste in which she got undressed as an apprentice.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Set In Motion
Standing in a quiet alcove of a deserted third floor corridor, Fay awaited the arrival of Sister Nelda whom she had arranged to meet there. She had made her way there shortly after a brief meeting with Idelle to relay the details of Turan Kodi’s misconduct towards Kayden, and her suspicions that numerous other girls and women had likely been victimised. She had chosen not to share the specifics of how Kayden had blackmailed the unscrupulous Sanatsai after his attempted assault on the apprentice had ended in failure. Idelle promised to convene a meeting of the Council the following day to discuss the allegations.
Fay had been waiting several minutes for Nelda by the time her thoughts drifted to Ari, and how he would fare upon meeting Kayden for the first time. After the conclusion of their meeting in his quarters, Ari had announced his intention to go to her quarters to introduce himself to her apprentice. While she would have preferred to accompany him to make the initial introduction, Ari insisted that he needed to make Kayden’s acquaintance before she knew who he was.
Alone in the alcove, Fay couldn’t help but worry about all the ways in which Kayden could have made a terrible first impression on the head of the Order. But there was nothing she could do about it now.
The sound of approaching sandal footsteps finally snapped Fay out of her reverie. Looking down the corridor she saw Sister Nelda drawing near, the statuesque Jaymidari was walking in her characteristically graceful fashion. As soon as she arrived at the alcove she immediately embraced Fay, planting a kiss on both cheeks.
“Greetings, Fay. I received your summons.”
“Nelda, thank you for coming,” said Fay, looking up at the taller woman. “I apologise for the secrecy but I require some assistance for which discretion is of utmost importance.”
“Understood. So how may I be of assistance?”
Fay spent the next few minutes outlining what she needed from Nelda. She would be leaving Temis Rulan that night to complete an assignment, the successful completion of which required certain things to be put in place first—arrangements she would not be able to see to herself. It was up to Nelda to make them, and ensure knowledge of Fay’s plans went no further than the individuals involved. It was imperative no other Sanatsai learned of them, as it could jeopardise the outcome of her endeavour, and failure was an unacceptable outcome.
“Consider it done,” said Nelda, once Fay had f
inished explaining. “I will take care of things right away.” She fell into step beside Fay as they left the alcove together, walking slowly down the corridor. “I hope you realise you’ll still need a healthy dose of luck to pull this off. There is a lot that can go wrong with a scheme as elaborate as the one you are proposing.”
“If your Sisters do their part, I will take care of mine.” The only variable completely out of her control was Kenit.
“I had the opportunity to meet your apprentice earlier today,” said Nelda, changing the subject. “She is an intriguing young woman.”
“That’s certainly one way to describe Kayden,” replied Fay with a hint of mirth.
“I must confess to being more than a little curious about her presence here.” Nelda was obviously hoping to tease an explanation out of her.
“You’re by no means the only one, I’m sure.” There was little doubt that Kayden was certain to be the main topic of conversation within the Order for the next few days. “But if you must know, I brought her here to meet Ari.”
Nelda looked sideways at Fay. “Is it really that simple?”
“There’s nothing simple about Kayden, I’m afraid.”
The pair continued their slow walk, making small talk for a while longer, until they went their separate ways, Nelda departing to make the arrangements for Fay’s plan, while Fay decided to head back up to her quarters.
Fay hoped she still had time to catch Ari before he left Temis Rulan with Kayden. She just needed one final moment to speak to the apprentice, to press home the importance and seriousness of the excursion with Ari. Whether or not she could do so without actually giving away that Kayden’s life depended on it, remained to be seen.
Upon entering her quarters, she was disappointed to discover Ari and Kayden had already left. It couldn’t have been long ago so it was probably worth making a dash to the northern gate to catch up with the pair before they were out on to the streets of Temis Rulan. She hurried down to the ground floor, then exited Kassani House via the north entrance. Outside on the grounds she fixed her gaze on the path leading to the north gate of the perimeter wall of the complex. Half way along the grey brick pathway she could see two figures making their way towards the gate. Even from behind, she knew that the taller, hooded Sanatsai was Ari, while his companion—despite the recent change of uniform—was obviously Kayden, if the distinctive long, raven ponytail was any indication.
“Ari!” said Fay, materialising behind the pair in the blink of an eye. Both Ari and Kayden peered back over their shoulders at her. They halted in their tracks and turned around. “I’m glad I caught you before you left.”
“Is there a problem, old friend?” inquired Ari.
“No,” she replied. “I was hoping to have a moment alone with Kayden.”
“Of course.” Ari glanced at Kayden. “I will wait for you at the gate. Meet me there once you’re done here.”
“Yes, Master.”
Ari shifted his gaze back to Fay. “Do let me know how things work out with the young Kai when we return,” he said. “And good luck.”
“And to you,” Fay replied earnestly, as Ari departed down the grey brick pathway, leaving her alone with Kayden.
“What is this about?” asked the apprentice.
“I don’t want you to leave,” began Fay, “without knowing my reason for bringing you here.” Kayden silently stared back at her, expectantly. “I wanted you to meet Master Ari, as I have recently come to realise he is better equipped to guide you than I am. I can’t say that I know exactly what he has planned for you today, but I do know his purpose in taking you away with him is to get to know you—to discover who Kayden Jayta really is.” Fay hesitated. “Maybe even help you learn some things about yourself.”
“That’s it?” queried Kayden, seemingly nonplussed by the revelation.
“I strongly advise you to be open with Master Ari. Whatever questions he may put to you, do not hide anything from him. Answer him as truthfully as possible.”
The clock tower bell began to chime, promptly joined by the distant sound of other bells from the city beyond the perimeter wall. The din signified the arrival of Nineteenth Hour, which meant the evening meal was ready for those who resided within the walls of the Order’s headquarters.
“I should get going,” said Fay. “So should you. Best not to keep Master Ari waiting. Farewell, Kayden.” She turned around to walk away.
“Wait!”
Kayden’s call stopped Fay in her tracks. She immediately turned back to face the apprentice who appeared hesitant.
“You’ve been acting strangely ever since you intervened in the fight this afternoon,” said Kayden, warily. “And right now, it feels a lot like you’re saying goodbye. Is this goodbye?”
Fay was unsure how best to answer Kayden’s question. That moment, standing there on the grey brick path, could very well be the last time she saw Kayden if Ari decided the apprentice was a lost cause. And if the worst did come to the worst, she would not be able to bring herself to see Kayden one final time before the end.
“I’ll be leaving Temis Rulan tonight,” began Fay, “I—”
“What do you mean you’re leaving?” Kayden interrupted. Was that a hint of alarm Fay detected in her voice? “Where are you going?”
“That’s not important.” Fay realised immediately it probably wasn’t the most reassuring response. “But if you must know, I have a small assignment to complete. If things go according to plan I should be back early, tomorrow morning. Whether I will still be the administrator of Antaris campus upon my return… I do not know.”
Fay had no idea if the answer was to Kayden’s satisfaction, nor did she wish to hang around to find out. She immediately turned on her heels and briskly walked away. She couldn’t face the prospect of being asked why she might not still be the administrator in the morning. The truth was, she would relinquish the position if the Council decided to condemn the apprentice to death, and she had no desire to burden Kayden with that awful truth.
She did not look back. She was just relieved that Kayden refrained from calling out to her. She set a course straight for the mess hall where, hopefully, she would make the acquaintance of Kenit Darbandian.
In the wake of Fay’s rather abrupt departure, Kayden quickly rejoined Ari at the north gate. He displayed no inclination to know what had passed between herself and Fay, choosing instead to silently lead her through the gate, out of the grounds into the city. She noticed how he adjusted the hood of his cloak, further obscuring much of his face, as if he didn’t wish to be recognised.
“Are you worried about bumping into someone you know, Master?” Kayden inquired.
Glancing at her sideways, Ari replied with a smile, “No. I’d just like us to reach our destination before sunset. Being recognised walking the streets would not be conducive to that end; we’d likely be delayed, repeatedly, by people wanting to offer their greetings.”
“Sunset is about two hours away, surely that’s more than enough time to get there.” It suddenly occurred to Kayden that Ari hadn’t actually mentioned where he was taking her. “Where exactly are we going, Master?”
“To a place few people know about, and even fewer people ever go.”
It was a frustratingly cryptic reply. She considered pressing Ari further but figured she would be wasting her time. Wherever it was they were going, she would know in due course. She remained silent and switched her focus to the city streets they were traversing. The hustle and bustle she experienced during her arrival in Temis Rulan was greatly reduced—presumably most of the populace were now indoors sitting down for dinner, much like the inhabitants within the Order’s headquarters.
Ari adopted a swift walking pace that Kayden matched as she was guided steadily northward through the city. While she cast cursory glances at the buildings and structures they passed by, it suddenly dawned on Kayden that she had failed to notice, during her initial arrival, something that was now glaringly obvious. The architectu
re of Temis Rulan was not typical of any city she had ever been to before, which she thought very odd. Though her travels had been rather limited, it was well known that the Nine Kingdoms shared a monoculture; the people spoke the same language, Shintanese—although those not born and raised in Shintana insisted on calling it ‘the common tongue’ instead. They upheld compatible social mores, pursued identical pastimes, and enjoyed similar cuisine. It also meant the architecture of one kingdom was more or less interchangeable with another—to the extent that it was frequently said, ‘the unvisited places of the Nine Kingdoms are as familiar as the visited.’ There was only one thing Kayden could infer from the observation, something she had already speculated upon since she first emerged from the portal that transported herself and Fay from Antaris campus. Temis Rulan was located outside the Nine Kingdoms.
After several minutes walking, Master Ari still hadn’t said so much as a word to Kayden. For a man who supposedly wanted to get to know her better his efforts thus far left a lot to be desired. Apparently, he was in too much of a hurry to leave the city to talk.
“Master?” Kayden decided she might as well be the one to initiate discussion if Ari wasn’t going to. “I was under the impression the purpose of our excursion was to allow you to get to know me.” He glanced at her but said nothing. “How do you propose to do that if we do not speak to each other?”
“Patience, my young friend,” replied Ari. “We will speak soon enough, once we are beyond the outskirts of the city.”
Kayden’s anxiety spiked. The continued evasiveness—first Fay, and now Ari—was making her very wary once more. If their intentions toward her were benign, why all the secrecy? Why the cloak and dagger? She decided to suppress her concerns for the time being. She’d have to trust that Master Ari would be as good as his word.