by Reece Dinn
'I'm sure it'll be adequate. Please, lead the way.'
She ducked back inside. Koma did as well, shutting the window and pulling closed the curtain.
They rolled on for a few minutes then jerked to a halt.
The doors opened on either side of the carriage and the two Guards were there to help them down. They'd dismounted and held onto the reins of their burma with their other hand. Koma climbed out of the carriage, refusing to take the Guards' hands, and landed with both feet flat on the ground, like always.
The village elder's house was only slightly bigger and longer than the other houses in the street, if at all. It was a one storey building with a slanted roof. It had a small porch with several wooden chairs resting against the wall of the house. A musty aroma wafted out from the two open windows at the front. The four Koku-swords were already claiming the chairs for themselves. The previous two nights they'd slept outside, and it appeared they'd be doing the same tonight.
Koma heard talking around the other side of the carriage and went to join them. She found the village elder, and the two villagers with him, speaking with the Monster.
'...and I have had a trobaam calf slain and is cooking as we speak. It should be ready in little over an hour. It's not much, but it's the best I can do on such short notice,' said the elder.
'It will be more than enough,' said the Monster. 'Thank you for allowing us to use your home for the evening. Will you be joining us, or are you staying with the other villagers tonight?'
'I'm sure you'll be needing your privacy, but I shall stay with you until after we have eaten, if that is good?'
What could he have said, really? 'Yes I'm going to spend the night with you. This is my home and I'll do as I like?'
'Of course. Please, lead the way,' said the Monster.
The elder and the other two villagers, led them into the house. Barren remained outside to speak with the Koku-swords. 'I hope your day wasn't too harsh,' Koma heard him say as she went inside, which made her smirk.
The house's interior was one big room with a large, white furred rug lain out in the middle of it, and surrounded by wooden chairs, one of them coated in white fur too. By the right hand wall was a firepit that burned under a chimney, the fire's black smoke billowing up it. The fire was still fresh and filled the room with its heat. There was a small room to the left, the elder's bedroom Koma suspected. There were no windows at the back of the house, but there was a windowless door. Through the cracks she could see another fire burning outside. Judging from the mouth watering smell coming from it it was where their food was being cooked.
The other two villagers went straight to the back door, and exited. Koma caught sight of the fire as it opened, but not the food cooking over it.
'Like I said,' said the elder, 'it isn't much.'
The two Guards clinked to opposing corners, and stood to attention.
'Guards, if you want to go and bathe, or just go and rest, you may. I'm sure I'll be fine on my own,' said the Monster.
'We can't leave yer unattended,' said the female Guard, although Koma didn't see which one that was. The girl Guards always look so mannish.
'One of you stay, then when you're done you can switch.'
'Yes, Sabu. Thank yer.'
'They can use the small stream on the far side of the village,' said the elder. 'Just go right out of the front door, head down the road. At the end make a left. The stream is near the edge of the field there.'
The Guard nearest the door made a girlish sound and left without discussing if it was okay for her to go first.
Koma sat down on the white fur covered chair. It was surprisingly uncomfortable so she sat down on the rug instead. The Monster sat down beside her, closer than she would have liked. The elder clearly looked like he wanted to sit on the fur covered chair, but seeing Koma and the Monster on the floor made him think twice about it, and reluctantly he sat down on the floor opposite them. They made small talk while they waited for their food. News of the Raginarsaru invasion of Zanaidu had not yet reached the village. In fact, the elder had no idea who the Raginarsaru even were. He'd heard of Zanaidu, but had no idea where that even lay. Sad to see that there's even stupider savages infesting this land. I guess these ones serve a purpose in the grand scheme of things at least
He had heard of the Olsap plateau, of course. His father had died in battle thirty years before, during one of the major conflicts with Benigrada. He'd been a soldier himself, briefly, but he'd injured his leg during training and had been released from duty. He'd never gotten to see the Olsap plateau.
'I've always wanted to go and see my father before I die, but I imagine he's long since been reincarnated,' said the elder.
Barren entered a few minutes later.
'My apologies,' he said. 'I was seeing to the needs of my fellow Koku. I've given them the last of our bread and cheese to eat, they're scions of Qwobed and don't eat meat.'
Why would scions of a water god not eat meat? Morals against eating the flesh of animals? Do they not understand where cheese comes from?
'That's okay. Are they well? They were walking all day?' the Monster asked.
'The Koku-swords are accustomed to long journeys. A moon's long walk is nothing to them.'
As opposed to city boys like you? Koma spread her legs out on the fur rug. I could do with a walk myself. All this sitting around is no good. Doubt I'd get to go walk alone though. Maybe after we eat I'll sneak away.
'Wise elder,' said Barren. 'Would we be able to purchase some food off you before we leave?'
'Of course. We don't have much to give, but what we have we'll happily sell. People are due back from Katimas with fresh supplies any day now.'
'I'm sure it'll be sufficient. Thank you.'
They made more idle small talk while they waited for their food. Koma lay back and stared up at the ceiling, hoping it'd fall down and free her from the tedium.
Eventually the food arrived. They were each given several shreds of meat seasoned with imona and a handful of various greens, served on small wooden platters. Koma bit into a piece of meat. It was tough and tasted only of the fragrant herb. It took all of her might to tear off a bite with her teeth. She chewed and chewed, but it was like chewing leather. By the time it was ready to swallow her mouth was full of saliva and her jaw ached. Reluctantly she did swallow, then put the platter down and sat back.
'It not to your liking?' asked the elder, displaying his mouthful of food as he spoke.
'I'm just not hungry,' she said.
The Monster chewed her food with her mouth open, making disgusting noises as she tried to grind up her meal. The two villagers who had cooked their meal sat at the back of the room by the door, eating quietly.
Koma sighed and leaned back again to stare at the ceiling. Ragi, if you're out there then please free me from this place. Please. Have I not suffered enough?
After what felt like hours they finished eating.
The elder rose. 'Well I shall leave you to your evening. If you need anything I'll be in the house next door on the left. Goodnight.'
They murmured their goodbyes and the elder and other two villagers left.
'We're taking the bedroom,' the Monster said to Barren.
'You and me?' squealed Barren, panicking.
'Not you. Me and Koma.'
What? Is she insane? 'Sabu, I'm not sure...'
'Nonsense. I need my favourite handmaiden to protect and comfort me.'
Koma glanced over to the tiny bedroom. The bed barely fit inside it, and the bed was a single too. She would be pressed up against her all night. Seriously. If you're up there, please, I beg you. Free me. 'I still don't think...'
The Monster eyed her curiously. 'Would you prefer to sleep out here on the floor with the Koku-bier?
'Sabu, I don't think that's what she meant,' said Barren.
'I'm just teasing her. Come on, Koma, it'll be fun. Like sisters spending the night together gossiping and playing with each other.'
> You've never had sisters. What would you know of them? 'Okay, Sabu. If you want.' Gods, kill me. Please. Just end this. Is it too much to ask?
'Goodnight, Barren,' said the Monster.
'Sabu, it's only just turned the twentieth hour. It's a little early,' said Koma.
'We'll be rising early, Koma. Besides, who said we were going to sleep?'
Gods, what do you have in mind? It better not be anything that involves touching. She nodded.
'Goodnight, Sabu,' said Barren, lying back on the fur rug.
The lone Guard remained standing in the corner of the room, rigid like a statue.
The Monster took Koma by the hand and lifted her up to her feet. Koma's skin crawled at the touch of the Monster's wet, clammy skin on her own, and the pit of her stomach churned. She took a deep breath.
The Monster closed the door behind her as they entered the tiny bedroom. Up close the bed was even smaller than it'd appeared. No, the floor definitely was more appealing. The Monster lay down on the bed, her flowery dress splaying out all over it. In gradual stages, Koma lay down on the bed beside her, keeping as far away from her as she could.
The Monster rolled over to face her. 'So where did you grow up? You never told me.'
Oh no. Sharing. 'I don't know, Sabu. It was all a long time ago.'
'Don't be like that. I want to know.'
'I don't want to talk about it, Sabu.'
'Why not?'
Koma took a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling. 'It's not something I like to think about.'
'Were you abused?'
Are you going to make me come up with some lie? 'I said I don't want to talk about it.'
'Oh. Sorry. I didn't mean to offend you.'
Koma sighed. 'I know, Sabu.' She sat up. 'I'm going to go outside and get some air. I'll be back in a little while.'
'Oh. Yes. Of course. I'll be right here,' she said, her voice shrinking to a squeak.
Koma got up and left as swiftly as she could, closing the door behind her.
Barren sat up. 'You're not tired yet either?'
She ignored him, heading for the back door. All day I have to be with these damn people. Do they not understand the need for a little privacy? She opened it and stepped outside.
A brown tinted darkness stretched out before her. The moons and stars shone brightly up above in the cloudless sky.
I could run. No one would find me. By the time it was morning I could be long gone. What's to stop me? I could make it back home before the Shadows found out. I'd take mother and my sisters far away, where no one could hurt us.
Trobaam moaned from within the darkness. When she peered closer she saw the lights of their eyes reflected in the moonlight. They're too stupid to say anything.
She leaned against the wall of the house and took in a lungful of fresh air, and, unfortunately, the smell of manure through his nose. Gods, I forgot how bad the countryside could smell. She shivered, folding her arms. The night wasn't especially cold but suddenly she felt it. Why am I still here? Is it simply fear of the unknown? Not knowing what exactly will happen if I run away? Or do I actually feel it's my duty? It's so confusing. What do I owe the Ragi? What have they ever done for me? Or the Emperor? Although he's one of the Ragi too. I've given them everything. I've earned the right to go home. Haven't I?
Something flickered in the darkness, startling her. Her heart suddenly beat hard.
Another flicker, not too far away from her position.
Calm down. It's just your eyes. Nothing more. She took a deep breath, trying to slow her heart.
A cloud of glowing purple mist burst into existence in the middle of the field, illuminating the trobaam and area around them.
Koma screamed, scrambling into the wall.
Barren burst through the back door, followed by the Guard. 'What is it?' Before she could even answer he saw it.
'It's that thing they were talking about,' Koma shrieked.
The trobaam moaned loudly, lumbering out of its way as the glowing mist drifted towards them, its eerie glow bathing their bulky bodies. The trobaam whimpered.
'Shoot it,' Koma screamed at the Guard.
He looked at her, confused. 'The trobaam?'
'That mist.'
The mist's shape shifted, forming into what appeared to be some kind of hand. It stretched as it drifted, the fingers of the hand spreading out wide.
'What is it?' asked Barren, looking more fascinated than scared.
'Who cares? Stop it,' snapped Koma.
The Guard raised his rifle.
'What is going on out here?' the Monster cried, rushing through the door.
'Sabu, stay back,' said Barren, easing her back inside with an arm.
She screeched when she saw the mist. 'What is that?'
The Guard's rifle glowed yellow and it let out an almighty wail. A bullet beam shot out of it, the rifle recoiling in the Guard's hands. The beam shot past the mist, blazing into the darkness.
Koma's ears rang.
The Guard took aim again.
A trobaam came charging out of the darkness and crashed into the side of the house beside them, breaking right through it.
The Guard fired, but missed his mark again.
'I can't hear anything,' Koma screamed, her voice barely audible in her ringing ears.
Another trobaam charged out of the darkness and barely missed colliding with the elder's house, barrelling down the gap between the houses.
The mist drifted after the fleeing trobaam.
More people had appeared around them. Some of the villagers had bows and arrows and were running into the darkness shooting at the mist.
Nothing seemed to affect it.
They can't let it touch them. If what the stories say are true then when it touches you you go mad.
The Guard fired again.
The mist shifted shape and the bullet beam shot past it.
Koma's heart pounding heart was all she could hear, which only made her panic more.
The mist changed direction, drifting towards the villagers firing bows and arrows at it. It was difficult to see but it appeared as though the arrows simply passed through it.
'DON'T LET IT TOUCH YOU,' screamed Koma as loud as she could, hoping they could hear her at least, even if she couldn't hear herself.
The villagers stopped firing and turned to flee.
The Guard continued to shoot at it. One beam skimmed the top of the mist.
The mist's light suddenly glowed fiercely, and then lightning flashed inside its form, sparks striking the ground beneath it. Koma could feel the air heat up. She found the hairs on her arms were stood on end.
There was a pop then the mist vanished without a trace.
Where did it go? She looked around, expecting it to reappear somewhere nearby. When it didn't she let out a deep sigh, leaning against the house, and taking in deep, panicked breaths. What in the name of the gods was that thing?
Chapter Fifty One
They'd left the village before sunrise, under the Monster's orders. She'd had no desire to stay in such a dangerous place for a second longer than they needed to. Koma had tried to tell her that the road would be no safer, but she'd not listened.
The villagers had still been trying to round up the trobaam as they'd left. The herd had scattered in all directions, breaking through several homes and injuring a couple of people. Barren and the other Koku had tended to those wounded. There had been no casualties, to their relief. The Guards had wanted to stay to protect the villagers should the mist return, but the Monster wouldn't listen to them. The Guard who'd been bathing had heard the rifle shots and came running, half naked. Rifle in hand. A trobaam had come charging at her and she'd shot it dead. They'd been about to shoot another before the villagers stopped them.
None of the villagers had either seen nor heard of the mist before. Every single one of them had been left terrified by the experience, fearing for their safety. And their future Saban left them to fend for themselv
es. A great display of her leadership qualities. Still, I can't disapprove, I didn't want to stay in that place a second longer.
Barren had allowed two of the Koku-swords to stay behind to help the village with the repairs and calm the people. Say what you will about their religion but they do at least serve their people. It probably would've been better if the supposed Koku-bier had stayed, but that's always the way with the higher authorities of anything, they always skimp away from their duties.
Dawn was breaking over the eastern horizon, golden light bathing the landscape, bringing its beautiful colours to life. It was like the mayhem of the evening before had been forgotten.
What was was thing? It chilled me to my bones just looking at it. Is that what's been attacking the farms in the north? Has it been attacking farms back home too? The Shadows were expecting it. They asked about it before it'd appeared here. They must know what it is. I'll get the answer out of them.
The carriage rumbled along, the trobaam moving faster than usual. It was difficult to tell if it was the driver making them go faster, or if the stupid animals were simply running of their own volition. Either way she wished they would slow down, the increased speed made for an even bumpier ride.
The little grebbin bounced up and down on the seat opposite her, its one big eye even wider than usual, like it was enjoying itself. Do they even have emotions? Barren sat with arms folded, looking as uncomfortable as she did. The Monster lay asleep on the seat beside her, seemingly untroubled by the bouncing carriage. If this is what the rest of the journey is going to be like then I should just jump out now.
They reached Kamitas before sundown. It was very different from Denistas, which rose up the mountainside. Kamitas was flat, save for a raised section in the middle with several tall buildings situated on it, the Tekan's and Noban's homes no doubt, as well as other notable places. From a distance the city looked much prettier than Denistas, to Koma's eyes at least. Its walls and buildings were made from the same white rock and covered in green vines, trees, and flowers, but set against the backdrop of green fields, as opposed to the white rock of the mountains, it was easier on the eye.