An Emperor's Fury: Most Favored

by Paul Heisel

  They didn't stop, nor did they talk until they had walked four miles into the foothills, across the brook, and into the hill man's territory. It had been an hour and a half since they had left the camp, more than enough time for the Furawa army to find them. Still, they needed to keep moving until they made it to where he had put the horses and supplies. Instead of going to the rocky outcrop where the hill man had lived, they went north along the stream and only stopped for brief periods when the light of the moons disappeared. Feln sensed that Iristi was at the end of her strength and sanity, and though he didn't want to admit it, so was he. They followed a trail through the rolling hills and sparse trees, coming to an open meadow where a camp had been set up. Two horses waited there, as did a shelter and blankets. They had made it.

  "We can rest here for the night," he said. "At first light we must get moving. Sorry, we can't risk a fire."

  Iristi nodded wearily.

  Feln went to her and unbuckled the weapons belt, removed his weapons, and set it all under the shelter for easy access. After he sat down on the blankets, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath in the hopes his magic would return. Moments later he looked to Iristi, who was still standing in the middle of the camp. She pulled the cowl of her robe back, revealing her beautiful face. She looked more at ease. Iristi came forward and descended into Feln's arms, half falling half pouncing. He felt her body crash into him awkwardly, her knees landing on his leg and her elbow smacked his shoulder. Her hands came up and gripped his face, rubbing the stubble along his jawbone.

  "Thank you," she whispered. She kissed him on the mouth.

  He pulled away from her. "Iristi…"

  "Shush," she said, her voice deep and rough.

  "We can't do this."

  "I don't care if the Furawa army is after us. You came back for me. I would rather die than miss this moment."

  "That's not what I meant. Iristi, I…"

  Her hand came up and her fingers touched his lips, silencing him. "No more talking."

  Chapter 14 - Fury

  The weather cooperated with Feln and Iristi for their needs, keeping any attempts to follow them difficult. It had been raining since their departure from Kojo three days ago, the persistent storms not letting up one moment. The roads were better traveled, and it was hard for Feln to understand that the merchants they met didn't believe that a huge army had cut off the road to the south. There were few villages along this stretch of road, and on the fourth day they found a small village where they received rest and good food as the guest of a local farmer. Because of the rain they were constantly soaked, and they were thankful to obtain an extra set of clothing that they convinced the farmer to part with in exchange for some silver coins. They kept the spare clothes rolled up and dry inside a leather bag, hoping to find a larger town where they could dry out, rest, and send word ahead of them to Hiru about the invasion.

  Often they discussed Iristi's rescue and she was sure that his actions had confused Kojo. He learned from Iristi that taking an enemy's head as a trophy was a normal practice in Pyndira, so by Feln returning it to Kojo would have been an insult. Most heads, he learned, were taken to leaders to collect a reward or bounty. The actions implied that Kojo was going to give him a reward for the man's head or the man wasn't worth receiving a reward. Iristi didn't think that Kojo would be scared of Feln because of it; he would just take the incident as being an insult. There were going to be repercussions, Feln knew that, but Kojo would have to find them first. He doubted the whole army would come after them, so it would be a small party of soldiers they had to look out for. Thus far, no one had caught up to them.

  The rains continued down as they traveled toward Hiru with a group of merchants, the muddy track slowing progress to a crawl in areas where the road was soft. As they rode, Feln wondered if Kojo was behind them, advancing his army toward the capital or if he was headed south to Hou, or perhaps marching to another yet unknown destination. If they had any advance information on the area, they would know that Hou was in a weakened state, so they would go there. It would stretch their supply lines thin, though. What remained was the question, what was Kojo's goal?

  Merchant wagons passed them and headed south despite their claims of an invasion, and only a few turned back. It was a bit cooler here, and with the rains coming down in a steady stream they were constantly wet and cold as the storm system lingered against the mountains. It was lush and green here, and according to the locals it rained here all year long. Days with sunshine were limited. Crops grew nearly year round, though, and the plentiful trees supported a great many lumber operations. Farther north, where the mountains disappeared, there would be a reprieve, as the weather systems would be moving east into Furawa and Ashimo.

  The past several days Feln had gotten to know Iristi better. She was an only child of a long established family that had always been involved in politics and the running of Hou and the surrounding lands. At young age, her parents had died in an attack while they were traveling along Emesia's borders, victims of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Since that time, she had lived with either Uncle Rayu or other family members, but primarily Rayu. Though her family had status, they weren't regarded as samurai.

  Iristi was an intelligent and playful woman, and Feln discovered it bothered him. Initially she was hurt by his admonition that he wasn't interested in her as anything more than a friend, yet as the days passed she accepted it as challenge - she was determined to finish what she had started that night they had escaped from the Furawan army. They were still proceeding with their plan of speaking with Chang, and if he had to pretend, he would pose as her betrothed to get an audience. Thoughts of Owori made him feel guilty even though nothing happened. Iristi, reborn after escaping a terrible fate, wasn't shy about displaying affection for him when they were alone. She was confident and held herself with more strength now. The encounter with Kojo had steeled her nerves and her determination. The worse aspect of it was she was resolved to make him interested in her, no matter how many times he told her that he was spoken for. Though he hated to admit it, as he became familiar with Iristi, he found an inkling of attraction. He would stay faithful to Owori, that was his promise to himself. Difficult it would be, as he could still feel Iristi's touch, her body, and her lips from when she had pounced on him. The briefest of touches had been too memorable, an incident he wished he could forget.

  The task ahead in Hiru concerned him as he would be out of his element. He would have to rely on Iristi for help, and that worried him further. He didn't know what he should be doing and he assumed that Iristi would. They had talked over a tentative plan, but there wasn't enough detail for him. He didn't like going into a situation ill-prepared, even if it was negotiating for a woman who didn't want to be married off. Taking Iristi's general approach would be like him walking into the Furawan camp and asking the nearest guard where Kojo's tent was. No, they needed a more definite plan, or in the least a strategy to get her free from Hiru.

  Relentless as the rain was, they still made it to a large town by nightfall, their feet covered with mud and their outer robes soaked. Even the wide brimmed hats they wore made little difference. Wet was wet. The city was beyond the foothills where the mountain range ended, it had fortifications and what looked to be a medium sized militia. Within the fortifications there were several estates; these sprawling parcels of land were hidden behind secure gates and high walls. What Iristi knew of the town, Dynou, was that because of its location it enjoyed a confluence of trade. As they walked farther into town, they came across numerous businesses, inns and taverns. They found a suitable inn called the Mossy Run that wasn't completely full, a three story wood structure that was on the northern edge of town near a heavy industrial area. Amongst the drenched air, Feln could smell sulfur, soot, and metal. The runoff showed signs of oil and ash, sluicing through open ditches toward the small river. There were at least five blacksmiths here and what looked to be a small wood mill. A huge log pile dominated the
ir view in the distance to the east.

  They left the horses at the stables nearby. Feln walked through the door of the Mossy Run, ushering Iristi inside out of the cold rain. Mud, grime, and water from the other patrons streaked the dark wood planks below them. Through an archway Feln could see a common room filled with travelers and city folk. The interior decor was wood, the walls looked to be thick wood timbers stacked one after the other, lacquered carvings of animals were set in the walls, and thick cylindrical columns supported the floor and ceiling above. There were wooden stairs leading ups and the second floor looked to have more tables. Lanterns fashioned like pinecones with bright red glass panels hung down, giving the room a peculiar glow. Patrons were drinking and eating, and a variety of smells filled the room. Stew was dominant. There was a trail of dirt and water straight towards where the innkeeper was standing.

  "I'm starved," Iristi said, removing the hat.

  "Me too."

  They acquired the only room the innkeeper said was available, which Feln was dreading having to share with Iristi. They went up two flights of stairs, and once inside the room, Feln deposited their things on the floor. Before he could leave the room, Iristi removed her outer robe and hung it up. The basic shirt they had purchased for her was plastered against her, the rain having seeped beneath the robe. He put his robe on a peg as well, he was soaked to the bone too, and he kept his back to Iristi. A deep breath went in and out. At least it was warm.

  "I'll be outside the door. When you're finished, I'll change my clothes."

  "I don't mind," Iristi said.

  Feln turned around to tell her he would wait outside. It was too late. Iristi had stripped off everything and was wringing out her shirt, the water cascading to the basin at her feet. He could see remnants of bruises - unfortunate blemishes on her flawless skin. The cuts she had suffered had healed rather well. She looked stunning, and when he came to his senses he turned the other way.

  "I'll be outside."

  "I told you that I don't mind."

  "Don't mind what?" he asked, reaching for the door's handle.

  "If you look at me. You don't have to turn away. You saved my life a dozen times over!"

  Feln opened the door and took a step out.

  "You're smiling aren't you?"

  Feln made no reply. Out the door he went and he shut it, standing there like a guard with his back to the door. He wished he had a horse demon to fight, as that would be easier than contending with a naked Iristi.

  "Why are you smiling?" she asked, voice muffled through the door.

  "I'm not smiling," he said.

  "You had the biggest grin on your face that I have ever seen. You're smiling!"

  "Change your clothes," he told her. "And hurry up, I'm freezing out here!"

  "People usually smile when they're happy," she said.

  He crossed his arms, determined to ignore her. This was what he had endured the past few days, her overt affection and no bashfulness, more brashness, playfulness, and directness. The door opened and Iristi tugged on his shoulder to let him know she was dressed. "You make me happy, if you want to know. I have never met a man like you. Even my Wafu wouldn't have walked right into a camp of Furawan soldiers twenty thousand strong to rescue me. You walked into their camp and stole me while Kojo was eating his dinner!"

  "That is not an army of twenty thousand," Feln told her. Each time the number grew from the original five or six thousand he had estimated. "Five or six thousand. Twenty thousand would have been too much to contend with. Sorry."

  "Still, you came for me. I owe you my life, and I must say that traveling with you has been wonderful. Even in this dreadful rain. There is not another man I want by my side."

  "You've been a good friend and companion," Feln said, and he regretted opening that door.

  "So why not explore the possibilities?"

  "Nothing more can come between us. I've already explained this to you that I'm spoken for. Let me change clothes and we can eat."

  "I'll head downstairs," she said.

  In no time, he was drier with the clothes wrung out and hung up to dry. The basin, full of water from their clothes, was overflowing. Feln dumped it out the window, adding more water to the already drenched streets. As he left the room and walked to the stairs, he strapped his katana to his waist and Kojo's superb blade to his back. Thus far he had been impressed with Kojo's katana. Without a doubt it was the finest blade he had ever laid his hands upon. Like his Most Favored belt, he didn't feel comfortable without it, and he was unwilling to leave Kojo's katana unattended in a room. He thought if he gathered any additional weapons he would need a wagon to transport it all.

  He wondered if he would ever find where he belonged. If he found Suun, would she be able help him? As soon as they were finished in Hiru, they would depart for Safun - that was the overall plan. It would be a long, arduous journey through wild lands, take them past the Emperor's territory, through another province, and finally into Safun. Travel wouldn't be easy, but at least they would be drier according to the locals. He didn't relish having Iristi with him for an additional month or however long it would take them to get to Safun. Although he had spoken to her about his situation and why they couldn't be more than friends, he hadn't told her the complete story of him and Owori. Iristi knew Owori was his best friend, but not that they were in love. Already he was regretting his indecisiveness despite his intuition telling him to not go into too much detail about Owori. Saying he was spoken for should be enough.

  At the top of the stairs, overlooking the common room two stories below, waited Iristi. She was dressed in loose commoner clothing that hid her curves and every perfect aspect of her womanly shape. As he approached, she smiled and put out her arm for him to escort her down the stairs. Without complaint, Feln obliged.

  "You have such patience with me," she said. "Anyone else would have gotten rid of me by now."

  "I need your help, just like you need mine. I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know where I am, or where I belong - or even if I belong."

  "You belong here." She took a deep breath as she stepped down the stairs, pulling him along. "You belong with me. If I have any say in it."

  "We can be no more than friends."

  "That's a start," she told him. "It always starts with being friends."

  "Nothing more can come of this, Iristi," he said, a huff in his voice.

  "What's wrong?" she asked. "You seem angry."

  "Owori is best friend."

  "That woman from your monastery? What does she have to do with this?"

  "We share a close relationship. When I say I'm spoken for, that's what I mean." His thoughts were jumbled, and he wasn't sure that came out correctly.

  They stopped at the landing, Feln one step above. He towered over her. The noise of the room below filtered up.

  "What do you mean by 'close'?"

  "Well, close."

  "You love her," she gasped. "Is that what this is about? You're already promised to her? This Owori? That's what you meant when you said that you were spoken for! I didn't know that's what that expression means, that you were in love."

  "Yes, we're together, in love. It's the reason I have to get back home, to see her. I'm sure she thinks I'm dead. They all think I'm dead. I have to get back to her, no matter what the cost. Please understand Iristi, I belong with her, not here with you. Whatever you think can happen, will never happen. I'm sorry that I wasn't more direct with you. I was being truthful…"

  Iristi ripped herself away and flew down the stairs without Feln. He watched her sit down at an empty table, her features dark. A pang of guilt rattled him more than he thought possible; he kept it inside and made no move to join her. Whether she was pouting or genuinely angry didn't matter. He had finally told her the complete truth, and that's all he could do. He hoped this would be the end of her silly notions. Telling her about Owori was a relief as well, a topic he should have told her in detail days ago instead of not being clear. Perhaps
Iristi would be bearable now that Owori was a part of their considerations and conversations.

  From below Iristi looked to the stairs, her smoky eyes gazing up at him. There were tears. She motioned him down, her hurt expression changed as she wiped away the tears from her eyes. Following her silent request, he padded down the stairs, not too quickly though. He didn't want any misinterpretation of anything that he did. "Are you upset with me? I understand if you are."

  Iristi didn't look at him as he sat down. "I'm not angry," she said, though her tone indicated otherwise. "I just…I just don't know how I should feel, what I should think. I thought you were happy… happy with me. You saved me from Kojo, that is a debt I can never repay, but I want to try. I want to give you everything, my heart, my soul, my body, my love, my kisses, my entire self. We've been through so much together."

  "You're a wonderful person, and now that I've come to know you, I consider you a good friend. What has happened to us doesn't change my past relationships, nor does it supplant the feelings I have for Owori. If I could go back to where I came from, I would. I miss my home. I miss Owori. I miss my life back home."

  "You lied to me. You should have told me about your relationship with Owori…this other woman who has, what did you call it? 'Spoken for you?'"

  Feln didn't like the tone. This was going nowhere fast. "I didn't lie to you. With everything that's happened, I didn't have time to tell you the whole story, nor did I think I needed to know anything except that I'm spoken for, that my heart belongs to another. But you kept pushing the boundaries of our relationship, and you found the breaking point upstairs. I'm sorry if I hurt you or if you feel that I misled you, I didn't mean to. Owori is the world to me, and if I did anything to betray her trust, she would be devastated. She will be devastated when she hears about all of this even though nothing has happened between us." He paused and didn't hold back his next thoughts. Owori's going to kick my ass.