An Emperor's Fury: Most Favored

by Paul Heisel

  Emerging from his room, Rayu hopped and pulled on his slippers, thinking the floors were rather cold. It was well past sunrise and he wondered why he didn't smell breakfast. Perhaps Iristi had slept in. Poor thing. Her responsibilities were so great, and she had to take care of her old uncle. In a few days she would be off to Hiru, leaving the council and him to fend for themselves for a month or so. He passed by the decorated walls of the city hall and descended flights of stairs. Through the hallways he went, and he emerged into the kitchen. Not a soul was in sight. Rayu scratched his head and plodded back upstairs to Iristi's room. Rayu, breathing hard, knocked and opened the door. He never had the patience to wait for her to respond. "Iristi…"

  The room was bare except for the stuffed mat on the floor. All of Iristi's meager possessions were gone. Rayu stood there stunned, as she wasn't supposed to leave for several days. He rushed into the room, taking another panicked look at his surroundings. Why had she left? Why had she taken everything? He was about the leave the room, thinking he could catch her if he took a horse, when he saw a note tacked with a nail near the window. The outside of the note had his name on it written in Iristi's beautiful calligraphy. It was what she had been writing yesterday.

  #

  Rayu

  #

  Note in hand, he dashed out of the room and fled to his own, shutting the door behind. Rayu went to his mat and sat down cross legged. He pushed the rumpled blankets aside and unfolded the note, then dipped his face close so he could read the text. Damn his failing eyes!

  #

  Dear Uncle,

  You are certainly wondering why my room has been emptied. The answer is simple - my task in Hiru is far more important than you, or anyone else knows or has imagined. You understand what I must do to regain the honor of our great city. My responsibility is to our people, and with that goal, I go forth to Hiru to face my destiny. I will not be returning to Hou.

  Do not come after me, do not follow, you have to help the council run the city.

  You may find it hard to comprehend, but I have made my decision. I won't change my mind. The union of Hiru and Hou will be a great one. I will send word once I have arrived.

  With all my love,

  Iristi

  #

  Rayu put the note aside. He felt empty - how could she do this? It was a last resort, a strategy no one had considered unless Hou became too desperate. Why would she offer herself to Hiru, to be one of his many courtesans? Perhaps Iristi thought Hiru would take her as his wife? Was that what she meant? Was that what Hiru wanted? Was that what she meant by union? It wasn't unheard of for there to be political unions, but not his Iristi! Where would she get such a notion?

  Rayu grumbled, discarded his bedclothes, and grabbed short pants and a jerkin. He flew down the stairs, pulling on the simple clothing as he went. This was madness! How could she do such a thing? At the door he pulled on his shoes, which took more time than he wanted, and he bolted through the courtyard, bypassing the ancient cherry trees and well-kept gardens of the city hall. Early morning merchants were setting up in the square as Rayu rushed by, his knees aching from the effort. Everything appeared to be getting back to normal, except that Iristi had left Hou for good! There was a stable nearby and he knew the keeper of it would lend him a horse for the morning. He had to catch her so he could reason with her. Offering herself to Hiru wasn't a solution! This was crazy! The city alarm sounded in the distance, sending waves of apprehension into his stomach. Bells tolled in response in other areas, indicating help would be coming.

  Despite his creaking knees Rayu ran, trying to guess which direction Iristi had gone, twisting from lane to lane as fast as he could go to get to the stables. The city bells continued to sound, clanging and clanging. A minute later he passed by the militia headquarters, stopped, backtracked, and came to a halt outside the building. Soldiers were heading out the door in response to the bells, shouldering pikes and spears. Rayu's spirits dipped. It couldn't be. Not another one. Rayu followed the militia back toward the center of town, his sense of responsibility returning. Distant in the town square, Rayu could see a conflagration. The fire moved on the edge of his sight and it made him numb. Another horse demon was here, searching for people to kill, and along the way, it was striking structures. One of the local merchant buildings was on fire, black smoke pouring into the air. It was only a matter of time and more buildings would be involved.

  Ahead of him he could see fighting. Rayu came to a halt and watched as the militia battled the horse demon. Five or six soldiers were already dead, and he couldn't tell exactly how many because the demon had ripped the men to pieces. More came to help, most to fight the demon, the rest to put out the fires and safeguard defenseless residents. He rubbed his knee and went to help, to do what he could, the thought of finding Iristi had vanished from his mind. Perhaps she was right. They were that desperate.

  Chapter 10 - Iristi

  Tero was a small village, just as quaint as the traveling merchant had described. As Feln approached, he could see timeworn ruins and evidence of an older, larger city having been there long ago. More distant was the present town. Tero was nestled in a sumptuous valley along the river, with large rolling hills to either side. Farms and terraced land dotted the main town on both sides. Farmers had diverted the river into smaller catchments and used simple waterwheels and aqueducts to distribute water to their crops. To his left along the hard-packed, dirt road was a sizeable inn and what appeared to be a store across the street, farther down was a blacksmith and smaller businesses that didn't look open. There was a shoemaker, a tailor, and a small tavern that looked abandoned. A bridge crossed the river, splitting the road into two. There was a track that went from the bridge and into the hills. It was a crossroads, giving a choice of taking the road through the hills or the road along the river through the wilderness beyond. There were homes up and down the avenue - most looked occupied, the remainder looked vacant. In the distance he could see larger homes on top of the hills, they didn't look like farms, and stout fences ringed each estate. Banners flew from the tops of the homes, the flag designs unfamiliar to him. Down the street he could see small children playing and throwing rocks at one of the vacant buildings and chasing small furry dogs - puppies? A handful of people were out and about, all the other people he saw were working in the fields.

  Feln stepped into the inn, called the Amber Tun, his throat dry and his robes dusty. He was still wearing the fighting clothes underneath and had all of his weapons secure and safe. The wonderful smell of soup and beer filled the air. To his left was a great room sixty feet by forty feet, filled with wooden tables and chairs. The patrons looked up, found the monk uninteresting, and returned to their food and drink. Ahead was a long serving bar, a solitary patron at the end amongst eight empty chairs, and the innkeeper was there drying freshly washed bowls and stacking them in neat rows. A set of stairs led up to the second floor. Accommodation, Feln thought. Behind the innkeeper was the kitchen and what he presumed was an on premises brew house. He had smelled the hops on his approach.

  "Welcome," the innkeeper said. He stacked more bowls and flung a white cloth over his shoulder.

  "Well met," Feln said, bowing politely as he had seen many people do during his travels. The man in front of him seemed kind and had a gentle smile. Still, Feln was unsure of what he should ask. He had no money.

  "Drink?"

  "No, not now. I'm a pilgrim," he said, remembering what one of the merchants had called him today, "just passing through. I need to sell some of my possessions. Perhaps you can help me?"

  The innkeeper looked at him, as if he were measuring him. He grabbed the towel from his shoulder and rubbed his hands with it. His expression had hardened. "No, I can't help you," he said. "You may rest your weary feet, though, pilgrim. But don't linger unless you intend to buy something. Enough of you scoundrels come through here wanting charity." The innkeeper stepped to the side and lifted part of the bar, stepped through, and replaced the ba
rrier. He led Feln across the room and pointed to a table deep in a corner. "There, you may rest at that table. Cause any trouble and you'll be out in the street." He departed, swinging by another table and picking up an empty bowl.

  Feln sat down on a bench and leaned forward, resting his chin in his hands. He felt tired. Reaching in his robe, he pulled out his last apple and brought it to his lips. Feln ate it quickly, and when he finished, he set the core aside for collection. He caught the eye of the innkeeper, who was staring at him, and Feln figured it was time to go. When he stood up to leave, though, he realized a man was walking over to see him.

  The man was tall and lean, dressed in gaudy silks and bright pantaloons. His hat had a wide brim, shielding his bald head and body from sun, rain, or whatever else might come from the sky. Chilling blue eyes set amongst a round face and a wide nose, were in contrast to the slight smile he had on his thin lips. He sat down opposite Feln as if this wasn't a chance meeting. "Well met pilgrim," the man said. "My name is Oka."

  "I'm called Feln."

  "You're not from this district. You have a different accent. Where are you from?"

  "Where I come from is of no consequence. What can I help you with?"

  Oka smiled. "I overheard that you have a need to sell possessions? I would like to take a look at what you have. This once was a larger town that has become a small town, and inventory of foreign items is hard to come by at times. All the interesting stock goes to Hou. Not Tero. And you're a pilgrim, so you've traveled the lands and I'm sure you have come across rare items. Am I correct?"

  Feln reached into his robe and pulled out his mother's ring. He didn't want to do it, but he had to. He rolled it in his hand for a moment, then he put it on the table. The white gold was in deep contrast to the dark wood. The small diamond sparkled.

  "Exquisite, I have never seen such beauty," Oka said. "May I?"

  "Of course."

  Oka took the ring and examined it with a knowledgeable eye. He scrutinized every detail. "The inscription is from your family?"

  "Yes it is."

  "I'll give you one hundred silver for it." Oka put a pouch on the table, shielding it from view with his hands. It jingled slightly.

  Feln grasped the pouch and opened it. The coins inside were small, thin silver disks each embossed with the image of a dragon. He shook his head, closed the bag, and handed it back. The ring disappeared into his hands. "I must be on my way," Feln said. "Thank you for your time."

  Oka reached out and directed Feln to remain sitting. "Please sit."

  "I must be on my way. There are others who would pay a reasonable price for this ring. I'm sure the merchants in Hou would see their way to offer a better price."

  "I can see that you are no fool, nor are you a simple pilgrim. What do you want for it?"

  "Four hundred."

  Oka choked. "You must be joking. That ring better come with bracelets and a necklace too!"

  "I'm not joking."

  "Few rings are worth that much, even if they are of high quality gold and have gem stones. Bah, forget it." Oka stood.

  "Sit down," Feln commanded. "Three hundred then. That's my final offer."

  After sitting down, Oka said, "I can offer you two hundred and no more. Two hundred is my final offer. That is more than fair." Oka brought out another pouch, counted coins, removed a few, and slid it toward Feln, trying to hide the transaction with his hands. His eyes darted to either side while he waited for Feln to decide.

  Feln took the pouch. "Deal." He wasn't sure if he or Oka had won the negotiation. At least he had coin now.

  #

  The food the innkeeper sold was rather good and the beer, amber ale, was excellent as any he had tasted. Feln enjoyed his meal, savoring every bite until he was sated. He struck up a conversation with another person who was passing through as well, and he confirmed the traveler's story that this area was just on the edge of the more dangerous parts of Emesia. Bandits preyed upon the unprotected, mainly attacking those on the road that went through the wilderness, and their hideouts were in the ruins of the hills and forests. The other road went toward the mountains and the border with Furawa, much safer, but had typical problems. Though he tried, Feln never found out what these typical problems were.

  Evening was encroaching and Feln inquired with the innkeeper about the general store. The innkeeper said it would have everything he required for the journey - food, parchment, and writing materials. Feln told the innkeeper he would be back to stay for the evening. For the entire meal, beer, and a night's lodging, Feln had spent one silver. He had plenty of money. Still, he felt as if he had received too little for the ring. It didn't matter now, what was done was done.

  Outside the inn, a breeze came from the north along the river. It was refreshing and cool, grass and earth replacing the faint remnants of brewed hops, and Feln stretched his arms high into the sky. On the horizon, orange and purple hues stretched out for as far as he could see. The red moons above were already shining brightly. The sky was alight and gorgeous with a swirl of dramatic colors. The store, his destination, was just down and across the street. Feln headed that way, his eyes set on the entrance.

  It wasn't a noise that made him aware, but a feeling. Feln twisted as an object whipped by him. The projectile passed by and disappeared into the distance. If it made a sound when it hit the ground, Feln didn't know. Around him everything moved slow and deliberate. Two men came from the shadows, blades brandished, dark scarves covering their faces. A third jumped down from the roof, throwing a dagger as he did.

  Bandits.

  Feln's katana shot out and scattered the dagger to the breeze. The two bandits attacked in concert, one slashing high, the other slashing low. With his agility and the magic of the belt, Feln jumped over the low attack and blocked the high slash. He shot forward, propelled by his legs and magic, his blade slicing one bandit across the chest, the blow nearly mortal. He spun, his foot finding the other attacker in mid strike, just in time, and sent him to the ground. By the time the third attacker arrived, Feln was moving again. The magic jolted him into action. The bandit's attacks, although expertly timed, did not land. Feln fended them off, counterattacked, and left him sprawled on the street with a nick to the shoulder.

  The two who were able limped away, pulling the one with the chest wound along the ground. They departed across the bridge, away from town, moving as swiftly as they could. Feln watched them go, making sure they had departed before proceeding. As he walked to the store, he figured the attack wasn't random. They had been waiting for him, and presumably a person had told them he had a good amount of coin or treasures, and was a visitor. Only two people knew that, Oka and the innkeeper. His fury rose. He would deal with that later when he went back to the inn, for now he had to track down Oka. Feln walked into the store, the door clanging shut behind him. There were many wares, trinkets, weapons, tools, supplies - a great variety of items were in stock. In front of him was Oka, smiling from behind the small wooden counter. He wouldn't need to search after all.

  "They'll be back," Oka said. "You should have finished them. Bandits in these parts are as ruthless as they are bold. The government won't mind if a few of them go missing."

  "How is it they knew I would be coming out of the inn?"

  Oka nodded toward the inn. "I'm sure a friend of yours in there had a hand in it."

  "And you didn't?" Feln asked.

  Oka removed his hat and held it across his chest. "Me? Rob people? I took care to make our transaction as discreet as possible. If you think I would do such a thing, please leave my store. I'm not that desperate, I don't need your business if you think I am a thief or associated with them."

  "I need parchment, quill, and ink," Feln said, convinced Oka was telling the truth. "What portable food do you have? Anything fresh?"

  The shopkeeper smiled and shuffled across the room where he opened a three foot wide storage chest. "Best food to take with you if you're traveling is a fish honey cake. Interesting
flavor and good sustenance, gives you energy. I have a dealer in Murahira down south that brings it in from other provinces. All the way from Murahira! Can you believe that? Good stuff, only the best. And it is fresh, stays fresh for a long time! Ah, here it is!"

  Oka brought out what appeared to be a leather bound book. It had a single buckle to keep the brown cover securely shut. Oka cracked it open and flipped the pages to show that it hadn't been written it. Feln could smell the paper, fresh and crisp. It was different from the parchment he was accustomed to seeing. This looked more durable.

  "I'll return with the food," Oka said, handing the book to Feln. "Oh, here." He tossed what looked like a stick into the air.

  Feln caught a small tube, cradling it gently in his palm. It was a writing instrument, far more sophisticated than a feather quill that required an inkwell. After playing with it a few moments, he was able to get it working. Inside the tube was the ink, and it flowed to a metal point by pressing lightly on a lever. It was ingenious!

  From the back of the shop came Oka with a small box filled with blocks of food encased in hard wax; these were the honey fish cakes. He portioned it out, organizing it into a small pack. He took the book and pen from Feln, placed it inside the pack, and cinched it all tight. "The wax peels right off the cakes," he said. "I recommend not eating the wax unless you want a candle coming out the other end."