by David Weber
“So, Kerry, is this after being only for those with formal invitations, or can just anyone be dropping in?”
She shook her head, unable to make herself quite believe what she was seeing, and stepped out through the chapel doors two of the Quaysar war maids had swung wide. The temple courtyard seemed impossibly crowded by the score or so of coursers and wind riders behind Bahzell. Most of the wind riders were still mounted, interposing with their coursers between the remainder of the Quaysar Guards and the chapel. Two of them weren’t. Baron Tellian of Balthar and his wind-brother Hathan had dismounted behind Bahzell, and Kaeritha shook her head in disbelief as she realized that over half of the still mounted “wind riders” were hradani.
“Bahzell,” she said in a voice which even she recognized was far too calm and remote from the carnage behind her, “what are you doing here? And what are you—or any hradani—doing with a courser, for Tomanak’s sake?”
“Well,” he replied, brown eyes gleaming with wicked amusement, “it’s all after being the letter’s fault.”
“Letter?” She shook her head again. “That’s ridiculous. My letter won’t even arrive at Balthar for another day or two!”
“And who,” he asked amiably, “said a thing at all, at all, about your letter?” It was his turn to shake his head, ears tilted impudently. “It wasn’t from you, being as how it’s clear as the nose on Brandark’s face that you’ve not got the sense to be asking for help before you need it. No, this one was after coming from Leeana.”
“Leeana?” Kaeritha parroted.
“Aye,” Bahzell said a bit more somberly. “She’d suspicions enough all on her own before ever you came back to Kalatha from Thalar. She’d written a bit about them to her Mother, but it was only after you and she spoke that she was sending the lot of her worries to the Baroness. I was away—I’d a bit of business in Warm Springs as needed looking after—but I’d had a hint as you might be after needing a little help. So when I returned to Hill Guard, the Baroness showed me Leeana’s letters.”
He shrugged.
“As soon as ever I read them, it was pikestaff clear as how I’d best be on my way to Quaysar. I’m hoping you won’t be taking this wrongly, Kerry, but charging in here all alone, without so much as me or Brandark to watch your back, was a damned-fool hradani sort of thing to be doing.”
“It was my job,” she said, looking around for something to wipe her blades on. Tellian silently extended what looked like it had once been part of a temple guard’s surcoat. She decided not to ask what had happened to its owner. Instead, she simply nodded her thanks and used it to clean her swords while she continued to gaze up at Bahzell.
“And I never once said as how it wasn’t,” he replied. “But I’m thinking you’d be carving bits and pieces off of my hide if I’d gone off to deal with such as this without asking if you’d care to be coming along. Now wouldn’t you just?”
“That’s different,” she began, and broke off, recognizing the weakness of her own tone as Bahzell and Tellian both began to laugh.
“And just how is it different, Kerry?” another, even deeper voice inquired, and Kaeritha turned to face the speaker.
Tomanak Himself stood in the courtyard, and all around her people were going to their knees as His presence washed over them. Wind riders slid from their saddles to join them, and even the coursers bent their proud heads. Only Kaeritha, Bahzell, and Walsharno remained standing, facing their God, and He smiled upon them.
“I’m still waiting to hear how it’s different,” He reminded her in gently teasing tones, and she drew a deep breath as His power withdrew from her. It left quickly, yet gently, flowing back through her like a caress or the shoulder slap of a war captain for a warrior who’d done all that was expected of her and more. There was a moment of regret, a sense of loss, as that glorious tide flowed back to the one from Whom it had come, yet her contact with Him was not severed. It remained, glowing between them, and as He reclaimed the power He had lent her, she found herself refreshed, filled with energy and life, as if she’d just arisen in the dawn of a new day and not come from a deadly battle for her very life and soul.
“Well, maybe it’s not,” she said after a moment or two and with a fulminating sideways glower for Bahzell. “But it still wasn’t Leeana’s place to be telling you I needed help!”
“No more did she,” Bahzell said. “All she wrote was what she suspected—not that it was after taking any geniuses to know what such as you were likely to be doing about it if it should happen as how she was right.” He shrugged.
“All right,” Kaeritha said after another pregnant moment. “But that still leaves my other question.”
“And which other question would that be?” Tomanak asked.
“The one about him and him,“ she snapped, jabbing an index finger first at Bahzell and then at the huge stallion who stood regarding her over her fellow champion’s shoulder with what could only be described as an expression of mild interest. She glared back at him, and then her eyes widened as she Saw the glowing tendrils of blue light that linked the immense stallion not simply to Bahzell, but directly to Tomanak. She opened her mouth, then changed what she’d been about to say. There were some questions, she thought, that needed to be discussed in private first.
“The question,” she said instead, “of what a hradani—any hradani, but especially a Horse Stealer hradani—is doing with a courser? I thought they, um, didn’t like one another very much.”
“Ah, now, I don’t think it’s my business to be telling that particular tale,” Tomanak told her with a slow smile. He chuckled at the disgusted look she gave Him, then turned his head, gazing about the temple courtyard. There were dozens of bodies lying about, Kaeritha realized—all that was left of the corrupted members of the Quaysar Guard who’d tried to prevent Bahzell and his wind brothers from fighting their way to her aid. Tomanak gazed at them for several seconds, then shook His head with a sad sigh.
“You’ve done well, Kaeritha. You and Bahzell alike, as I knew you would. I believe this temple will recover from Shigu’s interference, although you’ll still have your work cut out for you in Kalatha. My Sister will be sending two or three of her Arms to aid you in that work, but this is still a matter of Justice, and so falls under your authority … and responsibility.”
“I understand,” she said quietly, and he nodded.
“I know you do. And I know I can count upon you and Bahzell to complete all the tasks you’ve been called to assume. But for today, my Blades, enjoy your victory. Celebrate the triumph of the Light you’ve brought to pass. And while you do,” He began to fade from their sight, His face wreathed in a huge smile, “perhaps you can get Bahzell to tell you how a Horse Stealer became a wind rider. It’s well worth hearing!” He finished, and then He was gone.
“Well?” Kaeritha turned to her towering sword brother and folded her arms.
“Well what?” he asked innocently.
“Well you know perfectly well what!”
“Oh,” Bahzell said. “That ’well.’ “ He grinned toothily at her. “Now that’s after being a mite of a long story. For now, let’s just leave it that while you’ve been off enjoying your little vacation in Kalatha and Thalar, there’s some of us as have been doing some honest worka bit closer to home.”
“Work?” Kaeritha repeated. “Work? Why, you hairy-eared, overgrown, under-brained, miserable excuse for a champion! I’ll give you work, Milord Champion! And when I’m done with you, you’ll wish you’d never—”
She advanced upon him with fell intent, and Bahzell Bahnakson demonstrated once again the sagacity and tactical wisdom which were the hallmarks of any champion of Tomanak.
He took to his heels instantly, and despite the carnage all about them, Baron Tellian, the other wind riders, and every member of the Order of Tomanak burst into laughter as Kaeritha paused beside a planter only long enough to snatch out a handful of ornamental river stones suitable for throwing at him before she went speeding off in
pursuit.
The Gods of Norfressa
The Gods of Light
Orr All-Father
Often called “The Creator” or “The Establisher,” Orr is considered the creator of the universe and the king and judge of gods. He is the father or creator of all but one of the Gods of Light and the most powerful of all the gods, whether of Light or Dark. His symbol is a blue starburst.
Kontifrio
“The Mother of Women” is Orr’s wife and the goddess of home, family, and the harvest. According to Norfressan theology, Kontifrio was Orr’s second creation (after Orfressa, the rest of the universe), and she is the most nurturing of the gods and the mother of all Orr’s children except Orfressa herself. Her hatred for Shigu is implacable. Her symbol is a sheaf of wheat tied with a grape vine.
Chemalka Orfressa
“The Lady of the Storm” is the sixth child of Orr and Kontifrio. She is the goddess of weather, good and bad, and has little to do with mortals. Her symbol is the sun seen through clouds.
Chesmirsa Orfressa
“The Singer of Light” is the fourth child of Orr and Kontifrio and the younger twin sister of Tomanak, the war god. Chesmirsa is the goddess of bards, poetry, music and art. She is very fond of mortals and has a mischievous sense of humor. Her symbol is the harp.
Hirahim Lightfoot
Known as “The Laughing God” and “The Great Seducer,” Hirahim is something of a rogue element among the Gods of Light. He is the only one of them who is not related to Orr (no one seems certain where he came from, though he acknowledges Orr’s authority … as much as he does anyone’s) and he is the true prankster of the gods. He is the god of merchants, thieves, and dancers, but he is also known as the god of seductions, as he has a terrible weakness for attractive female mortals (or goddesses). His symbol is a silver flute.
Isvaria Orfressa
“The Lady of Remembrance” (also called “The Slayer”) is the first child of Orr and Kontifrio. She is the goddess of needful death and the completion of life and rules the House of the Dead, where she keeps the Scroll of the Dead. Somewhat to her mother’s dismay, she is also Hirahim’s lover. The third most powerful of the Gods of Light, she is the special enemy of Krahana, and her symbol is a scroll with skull winding knobs.
Khalifrio Orfressa
“The Lady of the Lightning” is Orr and Kontifrio’s second child and the goddess of elemental destruction. She is considered a Goddess of Light despite her penchant for destructiveness, but she has very little to do with mortals (and mortals are just as happy about it, thank you). Her symbol is a forked lightning bolt.
Korthrala Orfro
Called “Sea Spume” and “Foam Beard,” Korthrala is the fifth child of Orr and Kontifrio. He is the god of the sea but also of love, hate, and passion. He is a very powerful god, if not over-blessed with wisdom, and is very fond of mortals. His symbol is the net and trident.
Lillinara Orfressa
Known as “Friend of Women” and “The Silver Lady,” Lillinara is Orr and Kontifrio’s eleventh child, the goddess of the moon and women. She is one of the more complex deities, and extremely focused. She is appealed to by young women and maidens in her persona as the Maid and by mature women and mothers in her persona as the Mother. As avenger, she manifests as the Crone, who also comforts the dying. She dislikes Hirahim Lightfoot intensely, but she hates Shigu (as the essential perversion of all womankind) with every fiber of her being. Her symbol is the moon.
Norfram Orfro
The “Lord of Chance” is Orr and Kontifrio’s ninth child and the god of fortune, good and bad. His symbol is the infinity sign.
Orfressa
According to Norfressan theology, Orfressa is not a god but the universe herself, created by Orr even before Kontifrio, and she is not truly “awake.” Or, rather, she is seldom aware of anything as ephemeral as mortals. On the very rare occasions when she does take notice of mortal affairs, terrible things tend to happen, and even Orr can restrain her wrath only with difficulty. It should be noted that among Norfressans, “Orfressa” is used as the name of their world, as well as to refer to the universe at large.
Semkirk Orfro
Known as “The Watcher,” Semkirk is the tenth child of Orr and Kontifrio. He is the god of wisdom and mental and physical discipline and, before The Fall of Kontovar, was the god of white wizardry. Since The Fall, he has become the special patron of the psionic magi, who conduct a merciless war against evil wizards. He is a particularly deadly enemy of Carnadosa, the goddess of black wizardry. His symbol is a golden scepter.
Silendros Orfressa
The fourteenth and final child of Orr and Kontifrio, Silendros (called “Jewel of the Heavens”) is the goddess of stars and the night. She is greatly reverenced by jewel smiths, who see their art as an attempt to capture the beauty of her heavens in the work of their hands, but generally has little to do with mortals. Her symbol is a silver star.
Sorbus Kontifra
Known as “Iron Bender,” Sorbus is the smith of the gods. He is also the product of history’s greatest seduction (that of Kontifrio by Hirahim—a “prank” Kontifrio has never quite forgiven), yet he is the most stolid and dependable of all the gods, and Orr accepts him as his own son. His symbol is an anvil.
Tolomos Orfro
“The Torch Bearer” is the twelfth child of Orr and Kontifrio. He is the god of light and the sun and the patron of all those who work with heat. His symbol is a golden flame.
Tomanak Orfro
Tomanak, the third child of Orr and Kontifrio, is Chesmirsa’s older twin brother and second only to Orr himself in power. He is known by many names—”Sword of Light,” “Scale Balancer,” “Lord of Battle,” and “Judge of Princes” to list but four—and has been entrusted by his father with the task of overseeing the balance of the Scales of Orr. He is also captain general of the Gods of Light and the foremost enemy of all the Dark Gods (indeed, it was he who cast Phrobus down when Phrobus first rebelled against his father). His symbols are a sword and/or a spiked mace.
Torframos Orfro
Known as “Stone Beard” and “Lord of Earthquakes,” Torframos is the eighth child of Orr and Kontifrio. He is the lord of the Earth, the keeper of the deep places and special patron of engineers and those who delve, and is especially revered by dwarves. His symbol is the miner’s pick.
Toragan Orfro
“The Huntsman,” also called “Woodhelm,” is the thirteenth child of Orr and Kontifrio and the god of nature. Forests are especially sacred to him, and he has a reputation for punishing those who hunt needlessly or cruelly. His symbol is an oak tree.
The Dark Gods
Phrobus Orfro
Called “Father of Evil” and “Lord of Deceit,” Phrobus is the seventh child of Orr and Kontifrio, which explains why seven is considered the unlucky number in Norfressa. No one recalls his original name; “Phrobus” (“Truth Bender”) was given to him by Tomanak when he cast Phrobus down for his treacherous attempt to wrest rulership from Orr. Following that defeat, Phrobus turned openly to the Dark and became, in fact, the opening wedge by which evil first entered Orfressa. He is the most powerful of the gods of Light or Dark after Tomanak, and the hatred between him and Tomanak is unthinkably bitter, but Phrobus fears his brother worse than death itself. His symbol is a flame-eyed skull.
Shigu
Called “The Twisted One,” “Queen of Hell,” and “Mother of Madness,” Shigu is the wife of Phrobus. No one knows exactly where she came from, but most believe she was, in fact, a powerful demoness raised to godhood by Phrobus when he sought a mate to breed up his own pantheon to oppose that of his father. Her power is deep but subtle, her cruelty and malice are bottomless, and her favored weapon is madness. She is even more hated, loathed, and feared by mortals than Phrobus, and her worship is punishable by death in all Norfressan realms. Her symbol is a flaming spider.
Carnadosa Phrofressa
“The Lady of Wizardry” is the fifth child of Phrob
us and Shigu. She has become the goddess of black wizardry, but she herself might he considered totally amoral rather than evil for evil’s sake. She enshrines the concept of power sought by any means and at any cost to others. Her symbol is a wizard’s wand.
Fiendark Phrofro
The first-born child of Phrobus and Shigu, Fiendark is known as “Lord of the Furies.” He is cast very much in his father’s image (though, fortunately, he is considerably less powerful) and all evil creatures owe him allegiance as Phrobus’s deputy. Unlike Phrobus, who seeks always to pervert or conquer, however, Fiendark also delights in destruction for destruction’s sake. His symbols are a flaming sword or flame-shot cloud of smoke.
Krahana Phrofressa
“The Lady of the Damned” is the fourth child of Phrobus and Shigu and, in most ways, the most loathsome of them all. She is noted for her hideous beauty and holds dominion over the undead (which makes her Isvaria’s most hated foe) and rules the hells to which the souls of those who have sold themselves to evil spend eternity. Her symbol is a splintered coffin.
Krashnark Phrofro
The second son of Phrobus and Shigu, Krashnark is something of a disappointment to his parents. The most powerful of Phrobus’ children, Krashnark (known as “Devil Master”) is the god of devils and ambitious war. He is ruthless, merciless, and cruel, but personally courageous and possessed of a strong, personal code of honor, which makes him the only Dark God Tomanak actually respects. He is, unfortunately, loyal to his father, and his power and sense of honor have made him the “enforcer” of the Dark Gods. His symbol is a flaming steward’s rod.