by Den Patrick
‘He exiled me the last time I was here,’ replied Kimi, not taking her eyes from the entrance to the royal tent. ‘The time for subtlety is over.’
The shocked silence signalled that those inside the royal tent were unsure who had arrived or what trouble they brought. One of the guards disappeared inside.
‘Are you sure the staff is the right tool for the job you have in mind, Highness?’ asked Chulu-Agakh.
‘I’m sure,’ replied Kimi. ‘I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.’
Finally Tsen-Baina Jet emerged from the royal tent, adopting a look of outrage, though the pretence slipped as Flodvind reared up, casting a shadow over the Xhan and the handful of royal guards surrounding him.
‘How dare you insult me in the seat of my power! You are nothing but a vagabond and a—’
‘Shut your mouth,’ said Kimi, stepping forward. ‘You poisoned our father in a deal with the Solmindre Empire. A deal that would keep our people safe and put you on the throne.’
‘Lies!’ spat Tsen. ‘Where is your proof?’
‘I have none,’ admitted Kimi. ‘Save for the word of a renegade Vigilant now gone to his rest.’
‘Take your reptile and crawl back to the wretched town that spawned you,’ replied Tsen. The rebuke, while well crafted, faltered in his mouth and Kimi knew he was struggling to compose himself.
‘It is clear to me you are not fit to rule,’ said Kimi. ‘And so I have come to teach my little brother a lesson.’
‘You are no sister of mine!’ Tsen-Baina Jet gestured to his soldiers. ‘Kill her immediately.’ The royal guards started forward before a low growling deterred them from taking another step. The terrible sound could be felt in the soles of everyone’s boots, in their bones and in their hearts. Flodvind lowered her head and yawned, revealing ranks of blade-like teeth. ‘I said kill her!’ shouted Tsen, his face flushed with anger. The guards turned to their Xhan with looks of fear and apology, but not one of them drew their weapon.
‘I said kill her,’ screamed her brother again. One of the soldiers jerked forward, training and obedience overcoming common sense. He lunged forward with sword drawn but Kimi smacked his sword hand with the staff. The weapon spun from his grasp and the soldier swore and clutched his numb fingers.
‘Remember this day,’ she said to the guard. ‘This is the day Kimi Enkhtuya spared you.’ The soldier backed away, head bowed in shame. ‘Perhaps my brother can summon the courage to fight his own battles?’
‘You?’ Tsen sneered. ‘Challenge me? Only a Darga may challenge a sitting Xhan. You of all people should know that!’
‘So you admit I’m your sister then?’
Tsen-Baina Jet looked at the delegation as if he’d just been dealt a mortal wound. The officials and advisers shared knowing glances and many shook their heads with disapproval writ large across their elderly faces.
‘I, Chulu-Agakh, Darga of Bestam, challenge Xhan Tsen-Baina Jet. I name Kimi Enkhtuya as my champion.’
More and more of the encampment drew close, a wordless wonder in their eyes, barely daring to believe what was unfolding.
‘This is horseshit,’ said Tsen. ‘No one has challenged a sitting Xhan in over a hundred years. The custom is ancient, antiquated.’
‘I second the challenge,’ said a member of the delegation. He was a grim-faced old man in red robes and heavy-lidded eyes.
‘As do I,’ said a woman in vibrant blue silk robes, one of the watercleansers. Tsen-Baina Jet turned his back on them and made to enter his tent when the growling began again. The Xhan froze in his tracks.
You have been challenged according to the custom of your people. Either fight the challenge or step down. Flodvind extended her wings, and the shadow she cast grew until she eclipsed the setting sun.
‘And when I win, then what?’ Tsen threw up his hands. ‘Surely you’ll avenge your rider and murder me in a heartbeat?’
You mean if, not when. And if you win I will honour the challenge and depart.
Tsen looked from the azure dragon to Kimi, and then at the three officials who had trapped him in this predicament.
‘So be it.’ The Xhan shrugged off a ceremonial robe and kicked off his jewelled slippers. ‘I will fight.’ He drew his sword and his hand drifted towards his dagger for moment before he thought better of it. ‘This won’t take long.’
Kimi opened her mouth to reply but Tsen charged at a flat sprint. The delegates and officials fell over themselves in their haste to avoid the Xhan’s fury. Kimi circled the staff above her head, dropped to one knee, and deftly swept the feet from under her brother. He smacked against the dust road, one side of his face and shoulder hitting the ground first. A gasp sounded from the crowd, part shock, part wincing from the force of the blow.
‘I think this will take longer than you think, little brother,’ replied Kimi as Tsen staggered to his feet.
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Steiner
Despite their differences Kimi and Steiner ruled their provinces with a deep trust and a wisdom far beyond their years. At least that’s what people said. In truth the wisdom came from simply listening to those around them and not trying to do everything alone.
– From the memoir of Drakina Tveit, Lead Librarian of Midtenjord Province
Steiner rode at the head of a column of horses. His greatcoat, which had seemed prudent when setting out from Port Kjellrunn, now stifled him in the close and sultry air of Izhoria.
‘It’s good to be travelling again,’ he said. ‘Sitting through council meetings really doesn’t suit me.’
‘And yet you’ve been attending them faithfully for ten years,’ replied Kristofine with a knowing smile.
‘Ten years already?’ He shook his head incredulously.
‘Some might even say you’re good at it,’ added Kristofine.
‘Never say that again. Please.’
‘Besides,’ continued Kristofine as if she hadn’t heard him. ‘Felgenhauer is more than capable of running the province for a month in your absence.’
The horses continued to plod along and Steiner stared up at the sky, where Stonvind glided a few miles ahead. Ten years. Had it really been so long? Ten years since losing his father. A decade since Kjellrunn’s ascension. And through it all he’d missed Silverdust’s reassuring presence.
‘This is going to be an emotional reunion,’ said Steiner. ‘The dragons have barely seen each other since the Empire fell.’
‘And you?’ said Kristofine. ‘You and Kimi didn’t always see eye to eye.’
‘That’s true enough.’ Steiner remembered how angry she’d been with him when they’d first met on Vladibogdan, then at Virag, and finally in Khlystburg. ‘But she invited me here in the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation. New trade agreements, regular contact between the temples of Frøya and Frejna, a way to keep Yamal’s more militaristic ambitions under control.’
‘Trade and negotiation were never your strong suit,’ said Kristofine. ‘Even you admit that you got where you are by hitting things.’
Steiner looked down at the stone sledgehammer hanging from the saddle. His fingertips brushed the handle affectionately. ‘That’s why I brought you.’ He grinned. ‘You were always better at talking. Remember those brigands in Karelina?’
‘How could I forget?’ Kristofine rolled her eyes. ‘You only tell our children that story every night before they go to sleep.’
‘Oh.’
‘Did you think they wouldn’t tell me? Children ask questions.’
‘Come on.’ Steiner shook the reins. ‘I think I can see it.’
The town of Volknulim, as it was known, lay all around the base of a hill. It was a strange place to Steiner’s eyes, a melange of wooden houses on stilts, tents pitched at the base of the rise, and the occasional stone tower. The hill itself was home to a pale building flanked by young trees.
‘I can see the Temple of Frøya,’ remarked Kristofine as they approached the outskirts of the quirky town. ‘
But where is the Temple of Frejna?’
‘We’ll have to ask Xhan Enkhtuya,’ said Steiner, trying on Kimi’s official title for the first time. Overhead Stonvind released a huge jet of fire and circled around the town. Flodvind chased him across the sky, vast blue wings beating hard.
‘Those two seem pleased to see each other,’ said Kristofine.
‘I just hope they don’t accidentally set fire to anyone in their excitement,’ added Steiner frowning.
The town was equal parts meandering streams and homes. The roads, such as they were, consisted of linked wooden piers. A lot of hard work and planning had been lavished on the town despite the unfavourable location.
‘It’s a far cry from Port Kjellrunn,’ said Kristofine.
‘And yet new people are arriving all the time,’ said Steiner, pointing to a caravan approaching from the west.
Kimi waited on a stone platform with a handful of retainers. A tent large enough for Steiner’s entire column of horses stood behind her, rich purple fabric rippling in the breeze. Kimi herself was attired in a deep turquoise that complemented the colour of her skin and hair. Steiner dismounted and bowed in the Yamal way, right fist pressed into his left palm, eyes lowered.
‘Xhan Enkhtuya, it has been much too long.’ Steiner did not look up, waiting for the Xhan’s response.
‘Thank you for making the journey.’ Kimi stepped forward. The years had been kind to her. She was still the tall, strong woman he recollected from the forges of Vladibogdan, yet there was a softness to her voice that had not been there before. ‘And for bringing your gorgeous wife.’
Kristofine bowed and smiled. ‘I could hardly pass up the invitation to see the rebirth of Izhoria.’
‘Rebirth.’ Kimi turned to her retainers with a wry smile. ‘I suppose it is.’ She turned to a handsome woman stood just behind her. ‘Allow me to introduce my wife, Sanakh-oi.’
Steiner bowed again, noticing that Sanakh-oi bore more than a passing resemblance to Marozvolk. It seemed Xhan Enkhtuya had a preference.
‘I am Chulu-Agakh,’ said an elderly man clutching a tall staff. ‘Please come this way for refreshments.’
Kimi looked out over the town. The lanterns resembled fireflies in the distance, and cooking smells drifted up the hill to where they stood. The cool evening breeze was welcome and Steiner was content that for once there were no landowners pushing for new laws to be passed and no dignitaries looking for trade concessions.
‘This is incredible,’ said Steiner. ‘To have created a settlement from nothing. You should be very proud.’
‘I am,’ replied Kimi. ‘Though I had plenty of help and goodwill. The best part of two tribes followed me up here when I first set out. We’ve tripled in size since then.’
‘Why here? A swamp is hardly the most convenient place to found a town.’ Steiner approached a long squat stone bench and made to sit down.
‘Don’t!’ Kimi reached out to him. Steiner froze and looked anew at what he had assumed was a seat in the evening light.
‘What is this?’
‘Once the stones formed a shrine to Frøya on this very hillside. Taiga hoped the shrine might protect us from Veles, but in the end we had to stand and fight.’
‘You fought Veles here?’ Steiner looked over his shoulder. ‘In this very place, on this hilltop?’
‘Yes.’ Kimi followed the direction of his gaze to the recently finished temple and the trees that had been planted around it. The wind moved through the branches and the sound of whispering leaves filled the evening air. ‘I fought him and killed him, along with thirty-odd gholes who hunted us. I honestly doubted any of us were going to survive, but Taiga was adamant the goddess was with us. It was the remade Ashen Torment that saved us.’
Steiner glanced down at the stones. ‘And the shrine?’
‘The shrine is now a sarcophagus.’ Kimi approached until she stood alongside him. ‘Marozvolk died on this hill, fighting for me, fighting to take down the Empire. Even in the jaws of Veles himself she didn’t stop fighting.’
‘So you built this town to honour her. Volknulim. What does it mean?’
‘An abbreviation.’ Kimi gestured, searching for the words. ‘“Tears for the wolf” is the closest translation.’
‘You lost so many people,’ said Steiner. ‘Your father, your brother—’
‘My brother.’ Kimi laughed bitterly. ‘It’s Taiga and Tief I miss the most, though they visit once a year, supposedly on temple business.’ Her face brightened at the thought.
‘I meant the people who died,’ added Steiner.
‘Marozvolk was a hard lesson for me. And then there was Namarii. I only knew him a matter of weeks but we shared a close bond.’
‘War has a way of making everything so much more intense,’ admitted Steiner. ‘Though it seems like a very long time ago now.’
‘People tell me that time heals all things.’ Kimi tilted her head to one side thoughtfully. ‘But I think of grief like a crow. Sometimes I see it at a distance and pay it no mind; other times I find it perched on my shoulder and there’s no avoiding it.’
‘Se and Venter,’ replied Steiner. ‘Watching and waiting.’ They strolled around the top of the hill, away from Marozvolk’s resting place, the quiet evening peaceful and companionable.
‘So, there’s a question I need to ask you,’ said Kimi finally.
‘The Ashen Blades disappeared along with Silverdust,’ replied Steiner. ‘As far as I know. Or perhaps they’re still in the palace. We sealed the whole building off. It’s a tomb now, a monument to the Emperor’s folly.’
‘That’s not why I asked you here,’ said Kimi, ‘though not entirely unrelated.’
‘What is it?’
‘When I killed Bittervinge I used an Ashen Blade. It conferred all of his life force to me. His mastery over the arcane was channelled through the blade.’ She looked down at the palms of hands. ‘I don’t think I’ve aged a day since.’
‘You’re only thirty, Kimi. It’s not as if you’ve reached your twilight years.’
‘And you. You must see it. Kristofine ages normally while you are—’
‘The same scarred and wiry, hard-headed blacksmith’s son I always was.’ Steiner grinned. ‘I just have a bigger house these days.’
‘Not just the same but exactly the same. You’ve not aged a day. Of course you hold yourself differently now, walk differently, but it’s still you.’
‘Felgenhauer had me take lessons. Said I looked like a brawler squaring up for a fight every time I entered court.’
‘Chulu-Agakh had me take the same lessons,’ admitted Kimi with a slightly embarrassed smile, which quickly faded. ‘Steiner, I never thought I’d find myself asking this question, but when do you think we’ll die?’
‘And here I was thinking this would be a cheerful state visit, celebrating our prospering provinces.’
‘Steiner, I’m serious. You killed the Emperor because his unnaturally long life was an aberration, but aren’t we just the same?’
‘The Emperor killed to stayed alive, and he kept killing. We killed one person so that others could live.’
‘You killed one person; I killed a dragon.’
‘Same thing. If we were still using the Ashen Blades ten years later’ – Steiner shrugged – ‘then we’d be no better than Volkan Karlov.’
Kimi sighed with relief and some of the tension went out of her for the first time since Steiner had arrived. ‘Thank you,’ she said after a moment to reflect. ‘I needed to hear that, and I needed to hear it from you specifically.’
‘I can’t say I’m looking forward to watching everyone grow old around me,’ said Steiner. ‘Well, everyone but you perhaps.’
‘I’d like you to make this a habit,’ replied Kimi. ‘Visit once a year. I’m going to need a familiar face if I’m to keep myself safe from madness.’
‘Madness.’ Steiner shook his head incredulously. ‘What’s madness is that you never finished telling me how you defeat
ed your brother in single combat.’
‘It doesn’t have the ending you’re hoping for,’ Kimi replied.
‘Few stories do these days,’ replied Steiner. ‘But tell me anyway.’
CHAPTER FIFTY
Kimi
The Great Split, as it is known in Yamal, was a period of shocking change for a country and culture with such deeply held traditions. The consequences of that day will echo down the ages long after I am gone, perhaps even long after Kimi and Steiner themselves.
– From the memoir of Drakina Tveit, Lead Librarian of Midtenjord Province
‘You are not my sister!’ The Xhan spat blood in the dust and performed an impressive but ultimately pointless flourish with his scimitar. Kimi lunged forward, swinging hard, but Tsen ducked under her strike and lashed out, the steel flashing in the sunlight. The tip of the sword snagged against the shoulder guard of her armour but drew no blood.
‘You’re faster than you used to be,’ she conceded through gritted teeth, already raising the staff to block his next strike.
‘While you got slow.’ His blade struck again, knocked aside by her staff. ‘And fat.’ His sword careered from the angle of her block and Kimi backed away before feinting for his knee and driving the end of the staff up towards his elbow. Tsen didn’t bother to parry, just sidestepped beyond the range of the staff and grinned.
‘There wasn’t much food to get fat on in the forges of Vladibogdan,’ said Kimi, circling him at a distance. ‘Or in Khlystburg when we hunted Bittervinge.’
‘Lies. You are nothing more than a summer-meet charlatan.’
Kimi swung again, her hands on the middle of the staff. She stepped forward, then changed her attack and brought the other end to bear, slamming against Tsen’s parry. They leaned in close to one another, his sword biting into the stout wood of the staff.
‘You should not have come back,’ he whispered. Kimi lashed out with a foot and kicked his knee to one side, sending him off balance, then followed up with a strike to the back of the head. He stumbled and turned the fall into a forward roll, but dropped his sword in the process. Kimi lunged forward to finish the fight but Tsen unsheathed the dagger and threw it. Her hasty parry was not fast enough and the blade opened a cut along the side of her skull, stinging bitterly.