Sacrifice

by Christopher Mitchell

  Daphne frowned. ‘I said he could stay, but I’m not sure I want him too close, not yet at any rate.’

  ‘I thought he was telling the truth?’ said Killop.

  ‘He was,’ said Daphne. ‘All the same, let’s keep him at arm’s length for now.’

  Celine turned to Karalyn. ‘What did you think of the Rahain man, little bear?’

  ‘Karalyn sleepy.’

  Celine put down her drink and took the girl from Killop’s lap. ‘Bedtime for you.’ She stood. ‘I’ll get to my own bed as well, I want to be fresh in the morning.’

  ‘Night, then,’ Daphne said, kissing Karalyn.

  Celine carried the child to a curtained-off section at the rear of the tent.

  Daphne glanced at Killop and Chane. ‘Commanders,’ she smiled, ‘we need to discuss tomorrow.’

  Killop refilled their mugs with ale.

  ‘Get the map,’ Daphne said, and Chane reached into a chest by her camp-bed. She unrolled a large scroll, displaying the region in fine detail.

  ‘Is that new?’ Killop said.

  ‘I made it,’ Chane said. ‘I was so bored just lying about all day. I put it together from all the routes the scouts have been marking out, along with some older charts I found.’

  Killop examined it, bringing a lamp closer to read the neat script.

  ‘It’s beautiful.’

  Chane laughed. ‘It’s a map.’

  ‘Still, I’ve never seen one like it.’ He pointed. ‘We’re here, aye?’

  ‘Yeah.’

  He glanced at Daphne. ‘And the Emperor?’

  ‘Over there,’ she said, tapping the other end of the map. She picked up a pouch, and began to place small pebbles on the map to mark the different locations. ‘I think our next base should be at the mouth of where these two valleys split. It should take us two days to get there, so we’ll stop off halfway for the night.’

  Killop nodded. ‘Shall we leave in the morning?’

  ‘Yes, although I want you to stay here with a couple of squads. Make sure no one finds the path we take.’

  ‘Send me a signal when you arrive,’ he said, ‘and we’ll pull out. We’ll cover the distance to the new camp in a day.’

  ‘I’ve ordered the other detachments to move as well,’ Daphne said, laying out more pebbles. ‘These are their current positions, and these are where they’re going. Annifrid’s unit will cover the gorge over here to watch our flank.’

  Chane shook her head. ‘Every time we relocate, the Emperor gets a little bit closer to the mages.’

  ‘I agree,’ said Killop. ‘Next time we move, we should push everyone westward, including the mages.’

  Daphne nodded. ‘I’ll send out scouts to find some suitable locations.’

  Chane sighed. ‘It’s a game, isn’t it? A fucking game. Can the Emperor’s army catch us before they run out of food and supplies? No offence, Killop, but your raiding squads haven’t made much of a dent in their numbers.’

  ‘That’s not their purpose,’ he said. ‘They’re to sow fear and confusion. The more the enemy doubt themselves, the sooner they’ll want to go home.’

  ‘But the Emperor will just force them to stay.’

  ‘I don’t think he can,’ Killop said. ‘We know he’s powerful, and stronger than any normal mage, but he can only be in one place at a time. I want to speak to Baoryn about this, but from everything I’ve seen, the Emperor is running the army on his own, which is fine when he’s on the battlefield, but in these mountains? We keep hitting the Rahain, and some units are going to desert, and run home.’

  ‘You sound confident,’ Daphne said.

  ‘Back in Kell,’ he said, ‘the Rahain were a different army. They had discipline, and a rigid command, with officers everywhere. This lot are a rabble. Half have no boots or winter coats, and most seem never to have fired a crossbow before. In the patrols we’ve hit, there never seems to be anyone in charge, no sergeants, or anyone who looks like they’ve seen a day’s training. I don’t know how the Emperor raised them, but he scraped the bottom of the barrel with this lot.’

  ‘How’s your elite squad coming along?’ Daphne asked.

  ‘I’ve taken over a hundred out on raids now,’ he said, ‘and I’ve made a list.’ He pulled out a scrap of paper from his pocket. ‘Fourteen names so far.’

  ‘Good. Select them as part of the force that stays here in the morning. As usual, we’ll keep this to ourselves until then, and issue the orders at dawn.’

  Chane and Killop nodded, and the map was put away, Daphne sliding the pebbles back into the pouch.

  ‘I think I’ll have one last smoke, then get to sleep,’ Chane said.

  Daphne glanced at Killop. ‘Want some fresh air?’

  ‘Aye.’

  Killop pulled on his boots and they left the tent, nodding to the guards at the entrance. They walked through the bottom of the valley, among the trees and lines of tents. Many soldiers were still up, sitting round small fires smoking, or drinking rum from mugs. Daphne and Killop came to the edge of the cliff, and she took a narrow path upwards, their way illuminated by the glow of the campfires. They reached a quiet spot, and halted, gazing into the darkness of the mountains. Above, the seven stars shone bright and clear. Killop put his arms round her, and she leaned back into him.

  He kissed her on the neck.

  ‘I love you.’

  ‘I love you too, Killop.’

  They stood a moment in silence.

  ‘Daphne,’ he said, ‘this war…’ He paused, unsure how to form his thoughts into words.

  She remained quiet .

  ‘I think I’m…’ he went on.

  ‘What?’

  ‘Changing. When I led the slave revolt in Rahain, I used to kill unarmed soldiers who’d surrendered, I didn’t even think about it, I just did it. But when I saw the Sanang slaughter hundreds of prisoners outside the gates of the Rahain Capital, my heart broke, and I swore I’d never do it again. Today I killed five unarmed prisoners, one of whom was injured, while the others were on their knees, begging for mercy. I wanted to shield the squad from having to do it. They’re so young, Daphne. I looked at them, and I remembered what I’d been like, before the wars started. So I killed the prisoners myself.’

  He paused, closing his eyes. ‘I remember my sister used to say that I was self-righteous, that I thought I was better than everyone else. Maybe I did back then, but now I know it’s bullshit. I’m not a good man.’

  She turned in his arms to face him, her body close.

  ‘Killop, what are you fighting for?’

  ‘You,’ he said, ‘and Karalyn. And for the hope that one day we might be able to live in peace.’

  She leaned up and kissed him. The fingers of her right hand traced a scar down his cheek, and her green eyes gazed up at him.

  ‘We will, Killop,’ she said.

  Chapter 23

  Trading Secrets

  S ilverstream, Imperial Rahain – 29 th Day, Last Third Autumn 507

  ‘How much longer do I have to fake it, do you think?’ Laodoc said.

  ‘A while yet, I’m afraid,’ said Agang, sitting by the old man’s bedside. ‘It’s only been nineteen days since you broke your leg.’

  ‘And eighteen since you healed it.’

  ‘Would you rather I hadn’t?’

  Laodoc shook his head. ‘No, I’m grateful not to be in pain. It’s just that I’m not a good liar.’

  ‘I thought you used to be a politician?’

  The old man frowned. ‘That’s completely different. When I was a city councillor I may have exaggerated, reinterpreted, or even twisted the truth on occasion, but it was still the truth. I never used to tell flat-out lies.’

  Agang raised an eyebrow. ‘I lied all the time as king, and as chief before that. Sometimes the Sanang people weren’t prepared for the truth. For example, I was never honest about my plans to free the slaves. If I had, I probably would have been lynched.’

  ‘But, my friend,’ Lao
doc smiled, ‘you were lynched by Keira. ’

  ‘Eight-thirds, she used to call me,’ he glowered. ‘That’s how long my reign lasted.’

  ‘Maybe being more honest would have helped?’

  ‘Against the fire witch? No. Only one thing would have worked against her. Running.’

  There was a loud cheer from outside, and they paused to listen.

  ‘I wish we could see what was going on,’ said Laodoc. ‘This damnable house, so cramped and lightless. How I long for some fresh air.’

  ‘We all do,’ Agang said. ‘You might be stuck in this bed, but we’re all stuck in this house. It could be a lot worse, I suppose. It’s clean, we have our own rooms, and the food’s plentiful, if not particularly appetising.’

  He picked up a mug of water and took a drink.

  ‘The Rakanese do like their spices,’ Laodoc said, ‘and admit it, the burning sensation at least hides the fact that we’re eating river slugs and grasshoppers.’

  Agang grimaced.

  ‘So,’ the Sanang man said, ‘how do you think she’s doing?’

  ‘I’m optimistic,’ Laodoc said, ‘judging by that cheer we heard.’

  ‘Unless it was to announce her execution.’

  ‘No, surely not. Shella told us that the town had dropped the charges against her.’

  ‘But speaking with them may have re-opened the wounds.’

  ‘I hope not,’ Laodoc said. ‘I think it was a very brave thing for her to do. And the work she put into preparing for it was admirable. Studying the Rakanese language day after day, and practising her speech. At least it’s taken her mind off Bedig for a while.’

  ‘I hadn’t realised how intelligent she was,’ Agang said.

  Laodoc smiled. ‘Bridget’s sometimes robust demeanour has fooled more than one person. I suspect that showing off is frowned upon by the Kellach Brigdomin, unless one has the bravado of a Keira to carry it off.’

  ‘You taught her the Rahain language, didn’t you? In your academy?’

  ‘Not exactly,’ Laodoc said. ‘I hired a professor to do it. At the time, I was still a little standoffish with them. Bridget, Killop and Kallie were my captives after all, and I was worried what the other councillors would make of it. Nevertheless, I read the reports that were made for me, and kept up with their progress. While the other two showed reasonable intelligence, Bridget was outstanding, and her appetite for learning seemed insatiable. She devoured difficult books on history, and science, and poetry. It would have been wonderful to have seen where it could have led, had fate not intervened.’

  ‘You sound proud of her, my friend.’

  ‘I was, and I remain so. Bridget is a born leader, Agang, and one whose heart is as steadfast as they come.’

  Agang bowed his head. ‘Then I was right to choose her.’ He shook his head. ‘That choice still preys on my mind, my friend. I can only imagine how she feels.’

  Laodoc nodded.

  ‘How are the rest of our travelling companions?’ he said. ‘With the exception of yourself and Bridget, not many have visited me in a few days.’

  ‘They’re fine. Bored, mostly. Dyam and Dean niggle each other constantly. She nags, and he glowers. I don’t know how she keeps it up, that boy’s obstinacy and bad manners make me want to give him a good slapping. You know, he’s the only one I regret bringing. He should have stayed in Kell, then Dyam wouldn’t have to waste all her time nannying him.’

  ‘We brought him because he’s a mage.’

  Agang snorted. ‘He’s yet to show any evidence of that. It’s a pity we can’t leave him here when we go.’

  ‘You’re being a little hard on the boy. What about Lola?’

  ‘Keeps to herself. Stays in her room, getting drunk.’

  ‘Has Tara come to visit her?’

  Agang shook his head. ‘Only Shella and Bridget’s language tutor have entered this house since we got here.’

  Laodoc frowned. ‘Poor Lola. ’

  ‘She’s mourning her lover, just like Bridget,’ Agang said. ‘She needs time.’

  ‘At least they’re getting some here, away from the fighting and troubles elsewhere.’

  There was a tap at the door, and Bridget came in.

  ‘Hello, boys,’ she said.

  ‘Well?’ said Laodoc, looking up. ‘Sit down and tell us how it went.’

  Bridget walked over, plucking a jug of Rakanese spirits from the table as she fell into a seat. She poured herself a tall measure, and exhaled.

  ‘They didn’t kill me,’ she said, and took a large swig of the clear spirit. She pursed her lips, and Laodoc caught a spark in her eye.

  ‘And your speech?’ he said. ‘It was received well?’

  ‘It wasn’t a speech,’ she said, ‘it was an apology.’

  ‘Of course,’ he said. ‘Was it accepted?’

  She grinned. ‘Aye. Pyre’s cracked nipples, I’m glad that’s over, but. I’ve never been so nervous in my life. Standing up there in front of hundreds of Rakanese, each of them staring at me with their great big eyes. Shella helped. She stood right next to me the whole time, and made sure I got the words right. I fucked up a few transitive verbs, which was annoying. They’re back to front in Rakanese, and I can’t get my head around them. Anyway, when I was done they had a vote, and they agreed to absolve me of the guard’s death. They accepted it was an accident, and that I was remorseful.’

  Agang nodded. ‘That took courage.’

  She shrugged. ‘It had to be done. I regret killing that lassie. Did ye know her family were in the front row when I was up speaking?’ She paused. ‘That was hard.’

  Laodoc leaned forward, putting a hand on her arm. ‘You did well, Bridget.’

  She took a swig. ‘And how have you been? Not gone mental from having to stay in bed for yet another day?’

  ‘It’s frustrating, I’ll grant you,’ he said. ‘It’d be nice to walk around the house, but one never knows who might come in. ’

  Bridget shook her head and laughed. ‘Yer being paranoid. No one’s going to know if ye take a quick five minute walk about the room once a day.’

  ‘I can’t take the risk,’ said Laodoc. ‘The only reason we’re still here is because I’m supposed to be healing my broken leg. If I were found out, then…’

  Bridget took another swig. ‘Come on,’ she said. ‘Get up. It’s time to stretch yer legs.’

  She stood, and held out her hand.

  ‘I’m not sure this is wise,’ said Agang.

  ‘Never mind wise,’ she said, taking hold of Laodoc’s fingers.

  He smiled.

  ‘All right,’ he said. He pulled back his cover, revealing a long white tunic that reached to his bony knees. A splint was attached to a lower leg, secured at ankle and shin. He swung his feet off the bed.

  Laodoc’s heart rose as Bridget smiled. He placed his bare feet onto the wooden floor, and put some weight onto them. He stood, his joints throbbing. Bridget kept a firm hold of his arm, and helped him edge forwards.

  ‘How does that feel?’ she said.

  ‘Sore, but good.’

  ‘Sounds like a summary of life,’ Bridget said.

  Agang laughed. ‘It should be our motto.’

  Laodoc gazed at his two friends, his love for both sharpened by their joy. He walked round the bed, stretching his limbs, Bridget at his elbow.

  ‘You fucking lying bastards.’

  Laodoc turned, his tongue flickering. Shella was standing in the doorway, glaring at him.

  ‘Wait, I can explain,’ Laodoc said.

  ‘I come here to give you some good news, and find this? You faked your injury to stay?’

  Laodoc glanced at Agang.

  ‘I want you all out of here,’ Shella said.

  ‘It’s time to be honest,’ Agang said .

  ‘It’s too late for that,’ Shella cried. She turned to go.

  ‘Please,’ said Laodoc. ‘Don’t leave. Come in and shut the door.’

  ‘It’s worth hearing,’
Bridget said, ‘believe me.’

  Shella paused for a moment, her face dark with anger. She slammed the door and folded her arms.

  ‘Okay,’ she said. ‘This had better be fucking good.’

  Laodoc sat on the bed. ‘I did break my leg, we didn’t lie about that.’

  ‘The fuck you did,’ Shella said. ‘There’s no way it could have healed by now.’

  ‘Unless…’ Agang said.

  ‘Unless what?’

  Laodoc tried to smile. ‘Do you know what Sanang mages can do?’

  Shella frowned, then stared at Agang. ‘You?’

  He nodded.

  ‘Prove it.’

  Agang glanced at the others. ‘How? Does anyone have any wounds?’

  Shella pulled a knife from her cloak, and slammed it down on the table.

  Laodoc raised an eyebrow.

  ‘Fucksake,’ said Bridget, leaning forwards and picking up the blade.

  ‘Try not to get any blood on the bed,’ Laodoc said.

  She glared at him, shook her head, then crouched before Agang. She lifted the knife, and ran it down her forearm, a line of red seeping from the cut. Shella furrowed her brows and stared. Agang put his hand onto Bridget’s arm, and within seconds, the cut healed. The Brig woman flexed her fingers, and wiped the blood away, showing smooth skin where the wound had been.

  Shella sat.

  ‘You still lied,’ she said.

  ‘We did,’ said Laodoc. ‘We’re sorry. We were desperate. You were going to send us away, after we’d journeyed so far, and lost so much. It was my idea to lie to you, but I was in considerable agony at the time, and I’m not proud of what I did. ’

  ‘My answer’s the same,’ she said. ‘I’m not leaving Silverstream. You’ve bought yourselves a few more days here, though.’

  ‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘May I ask why?’

  ‘Now that I know he’s a mage, I want him to attend the clinic and help out. He can cure the sick and injured, and pay the town back for the kindness they’ve shown you.’

  Agang nodded. ‘I am at your service.’

  ‘Good.’

  ‘However, I have one condition,’ he said. ‘No one must discover I’m a mage. Tell the clinic that I’m a doctor, and I’ll work my powers subtly.’