by Paul Heisel
They discovered by speaking with a guard, who was more than happy to talk to Iristi, that the manor to the left was Hiru's, the palace itself was Chang's. Other Favored Ones lived in the area, though most had their own lands throughout Emesia and were rarely in the capital city except when Chang called them together.
"It's thousands of years old," Iristi said, pointing to the high towers. The detail of the construction was impressive. Each stone had been painstakingly cut, carved, etched, and placed.
"I'm astonished at the size and the complexity of the defenses." Feln studied the surrounding avenue, seeing additional areas where the defenders could hide and gain surprise against an attacking force.
They walked up a set of steps that the other subjects were using and followed the crowd to the front door of the palace. It was stout. The whole palace was impenetrable. He wondered if the palace had ever been taken, and if not, how far invaders had gotten. It reminded him somewhat of Borgard, a castle that had never been taken. He wondered, what was happening with the monasteries? Had they survived the Borgard attack on Sabrin? Were Owori, Gargam, TeBroo, and Kara alive?
As his thoughts wandered, so did his feet, and it took him to an open laneway that went to the side of the palace. A gardener, who paid him no mind, tended to dark green hedges that blended with the stone. There was a stone bench. Feln sat down. From here he could see where they had come from. He decided that no force had ever taken this palace. It was inconceivable that an enemy could do it without bringing unimaginable numbers. Iristi sat next to Feln and leaned close to him. Since the encounter with the Fury, she had been clinging to him at every opportunity. Thankfully she hadn't pushed the boundaries of their friendship and was respecting his wishes for her to behave. So far.
"What are you thinking?" she asked.
"I'm nervous," he said. "I don't know what to expect."
"You'll do fine. Remember, you're a Most Favored. No one can ignore a command you give, and no one, not even Chang, can tell you what to do. You can reject anything they say or ask you to do. They can't force you. You must be confident."
"I have lots of questions," Feln said.
"I know you do. But putting those forth will cast suspicion. It may give them reason to make things more difficult for you."
"What do we do now?"
"We must see if we can get an audience. There will be layers of bureaucracy, so we'll have to be patient." Iristi rubbed his leg. "Don't worry, you'll get through this. Then we can be off to Safun."
Feln stood and gazed around. The land below was full of life and activity. The air smelled clean and fresh here. Merchants for the most privileged were hawking their wares. In the distance were stout manor homes, probably for the more prominent persons in all of Emesia who were not samurai. This indeed was the seat of power. He looked up at the palace, the main structure towering and standing out. The main floor looked to be well fortified - most of the windows were small and could be barred or covered easily. The second floor looked to be high up, gables and dormers were spaced evenly around the entire perimeter. The third floor seemed to blend with the second, and part of the roof for the third floor was actually the roof for the second floor as well. The way it intermingled made Feln blink - the construction wasn't possible. For a builder to craft the walls from stone, make the roof blend over two massive levels, and make it all look elegant took genius. The fourth and fifth levels, higher up, were where the balconies overlooked the area. People could step out on stone balconies and view the sights below. Feln imagined the view was incredible. The sixth and seventh levels were smaller and high up. He guessed, that was where Chang would be - up high, protected by all of that stone and dozens of hardened guards.
And Furies, he presumed.
They walked around the palace grounds proper, taking in the sights of gardens, trees, and fountains. As they walked farther away from the palace toward the back, they discovered a wide open area situated amongst hills. The hills eventually gave way to a massive wall, sheer rocks, and the long rolling foothills of the steep mountains in the distance. No army would approach the palace from that direction. Small buildings dotted the open area. A worn track went from a long building, stables, and various gates went to unknown areas. The buildings here looked like cottages, perhaps where servants might stay. In the distance, nestled against the rocky beginnings of the hills, was a solitary tower. It had its own strong gates as well and Feln could see guards. A prison perhaps?
They completed their circle of the grounds, coming back to where they had started. There were more people milling about now, the men dressed in expensive robes and the women in exquisite dresses. Some of the women were wearing what Feln thought to be outlandish costumes with high collars and bright colors. Others wore strange hats. The men were more conservatively dressed, wearing colored robes and dark blue overcoats with matching pants. Feln took Iristi's arm at her urging, and he thought, definitely, they blended in.
Questions flitted about. He was curious about Kara and her tattoo, why was it the same as the Fury's? Was Kara from Pyndira? He admitted that he didn't know much about her history. When he returned to Malurrion, he would have to find out. He didn't even know, though, if they had lived through the cave in? On his mind as well was how to return to his home, how could he use the belt to do that? Perhaps a person here would know the secret and tell him. He had questions about Safun, his home, and why the provinces were fighting each other. Not even Iristi had a good explanation. The provinces had been in a state of conflict for a long time. He thought this was a good starting place. If he was going to get any answers, this was his first opportunity, and he may as well take advantage of it. If only those alarms hadn't sounded in Borgard castle! He would have snuck out of the castle and rejoined the army, or he would have gone back to the monastery to search for his companions. Why did they sound the alarm? How could have anyone known he was coming? No one saw him!
Then it hit him, the obvious answer locking into place.
The alarms sounded because of Owori, Kara, TeBroo, and Gargam! The Borgards found them! They made it to the castle alive then, and that meant they could have survived. Feln's spirits soared and he pulled Iristi forward, nearly causing her to trip.
Once inside the palace, a cavernous atrium opened to them. Red tapestries, milky white alabaster sculptures, and colorful paintings filled the room. The marble floor sparkled and radiated perfection. Along the sides were guards, each with spears, standing rigidly at attention. Ahead was a set of stairs thirty feet wide leading up to a mezzanine that looked back on the atrium and the entrance. To the left and right were groups of people talking, others walking through the doors, and the rest going up the stairs to destinations unknown. There were several bureaucratic looking people greeting everyone, all dressed in the same crisp dark green uniforms. Feln figured everyone had access to the entrance, but any higher up than a few floors you would have to have an invitation from the people in the green uniforms.
They spent the next hour querying the bureaucrats, trying to get a message to Chang or one of Chang's advisors that they had arrived. Everyone was polite, but no one could help them. Appointments with Chang were impossible, particularly those who had just walked in with no credentials or an official invitation to such a meeting. The castle staff wasn't useful either, and they kept moving along with their tasks and ignoring their questions. The other guests didn't seem to care what they wanted or needed, but a few of the noble men cast Iristi an ogling eye.
Feln found one of the bureaucrats who had told them that unless they had a decree of substantial importance to show him, he couldn't help. His name was Sesa. Feln and Iristi returned to him and waited patiently for the people in front of them to move along. Sesa was a short squat man who must have been living a comfortable life within the palace. Unlike the other bureaucrats, he didn't have gemstone rings and gold necklaces. His accoutrements and manner were simple, complementing his round cherub face. Feln thought Sesa might be reasonable to approach a s
econd time.
"So Feln, you have returned," Sesa said. "What can I do for you?" He smiled.
"My name is Feln-en-Xialao-Narneth, Most Favored."
Sesa smiled and nodded. "Of course, how could I forget?"
Feln unbuttoned the fasteners on his robe, revealing the fighting clothes and the golden gilded belt beneath. "Is this proof enough?"
"Wonderful craftsmanship," Sesa said. "That is the best replica of a Most Favored belt I have ever seen. You do know there are harsh penalties for those who make false belts. And harsher fates for those who wear them and can't prove they are genuine."
"Sesa, what is the penalty for a bureaucrat who disobeys a Most Favored?"
Sesa laughed and threw his hands into the air. "As if I haven't heard that before. Threats. Listen, you best be on your way. Most Favoreds travel with guards and Furies. You travel with," he seemed to appraise Iristi, "a concubine or your…long lost…cousin."
"Last chance."
"He is a Most Favored," Iristi added.
"Leave before I call the guards. That would be most embarrassing for you."
Feln scowled at Sesa, the frustration mounting. "A messenger came here, probably two or three days ago, bringing news of a Furawan attack. The messenger's name is Ruchi. I sent him from the small town where a Fury tried to murder me and my…betrothed. In the message, I had asked for an audience with Chang. Or have you heard that one before as well?"
Iristi blushed. It was the first time Feln had seen such a reaction from her.
It must have registered with Sesa because he turned pale. "I think you need to speak with someone else. Please, follow me."
#
By the time they reached their destination, Feln was hopelessly lost. He was certain Sesa wound them through various corridors on purpose so they would become disoriented. The interior of the palace was more ornate and decorated than the atrium. Exotic hardwood furniture and lavish furnishings, hand sewn carpets and expensive woven rugs, gilded mirrors and colorful paintings adorned the floors and walls. They were taken to a massive set of double doors guarded by two experienced looking warriors. These men were older, and Feln could tell they had seen battle. Both looked at him with suspicion, as they should.
"Wait here," Sesa said. He slipped inside the double doors.
Minutes later Sesa returned. His face was white, drained of color.
"Well?" asked Feln. His patience had run out.
"The Chamberlain will see you before any potential meeting with Chang," Sesa said. He bowed several times. "You may enter. Please introduce yourselves properly."
Feln, stone-faced and expressionless, walked toward the door, which was opened a sliver. Iristi followed. Finally, he thought, they were moving in a positive direction. As they approached, the two guards stepped in front of them and crossed their spears, barring the way.
"Remove your weapons," a guard said. "We will take good care of them."
A fire lit inside Feln, his teeth clenched. He was already angry about waiting this long in this stupid fashionable outfit. This was a dangerous world he had been swept into and he wasn't about to give up his weapons to anyone. Besides, he was a Most Favored. He should be able to do anything he wanted.
"My name is Feln-en-Xialao-Narneth, Most Favored of Pyndira. What I carry into that room is of no concern of yours." Feln put his hand on one of the spears and pushed it up and away.
The other guard removed his spear and stood rigidly.
"Let it be known if you brandish a weapon in there, Most Favored, I will be the first to run you through with this spear, the Xialao will be without their Most Favored again."
Feln didn't respond to the statement. He looked the old warrior in the eye and saw respect there. He was starting to understand what he needed to do. He needed people to respect him for his abilities and new found station, not fear him.
"What's your name?" Feln asked.
"Heng," the warrior said. "You will suffer, I promise you, in the worst way. I've taken my position here seriously for the past twenty five years."
"I believe you, but you will find I'm not an easy kill." Feln went through the door, pulling it shut after Iristi came through. The chamber was large, cavernous. To the left there were dark wood tables and matching chairs arranged so meetings could take place. In the corner were tall bookcases filled with countless books. To the right were several soft leather lounges and exotic stuffed chairs. Feln stared at one odd creation, wondering how someone would sit in such a contraption - it looked like sitting in it would be impossible. The light brown wooden floors sparkled brilliantly and long woven carpets with dragon designs stretched the length of the room, ending at a desk. Lanterns and candles brightened the room, illuminating the paintings and tapestries. A fireplace large enough for a man to walk into was dormant this time of year. Behind the desk was a man. He looked older, frail and thin. He wore black robes and had a black cap fit snugly on his head. Thin silvery white hair streamed from underneath. The man was writing in a journal.
Feln and Iristi approached. Iristi put her arm through Feln's and squeezed it. "I'm nervous," she whispered.
"It'll work out."
"You made a mistake back there."
"What?"
"You announced yourself as the Most Favored of Pyndira. I'm sure the Emperor would have your head for that. You are the Most Favored of Safun. The guards didn't know any better. You were lucky. Don't make the same mistake again."
Feln grumbled. As they approached, the man looked up from his writings. He stood and greeted them with a formal bow. Around his skinny waist was a belt of a Favored One.
"I am Dar-na-Ku-Ushisu, Favored One of Emesia, Chamberlain to Jun-ba-Ku-Chang, Most Favored of Emesia. Let it be known that in this palace, and in Emesia, I am an extension of his law and will."
Iristi squeezed Feln's arm.
"I am Feln-en-Xialao-Narneth, Most Favored of Safun." He bowed after he had emphasized 'Safun'. "This is my betrothed, Iristi Matsuda, a leader from the great city of Hou."
Ushisu looked at them, eyes scanning from one to the other. Feln could see from Ushisu's expression that he recognized Iristi's name. Iristi bowed.
"As you know, I have traveled here at the request of Chang," Iristi said, getting right to the point. "He sent a decree for me to come to Hiru. However, there are matters which complicate the details of his gracious offer. We want to discuss this with Chang, now."
Feln sensed Iristi was agitated and what she said had a negative effect on Ushisu. So much for small talk. He put his hand on her shoulder to keep her from talking further, squeezing once.
"I know of this decree from Chang," Ushisu said. "Please, let us retire to the lounge so we may discuss." He pointed toward the cushioned chairs across the room. "I will be gone but a moment." Ushisu walked briskly away and went through a side door not far from his desk.
Feln and Iristi did as asked. Feln set his katana aside, leaning it nearby as they sat on the lounges. He avoided the odd looking chair, still mystified how a person would sit properly. The lounges were comfortable and covered with dark, rich leather. Behind them were empty tables and wood finished walls adorned with paintings of mountains. Chang, Feln thought, must like mountains.
"What do you think?" Iristi asked.
Feln leaned closer to her and whispered in her ear. "I don't trust these walls."
Iristi nodded. She understood.
"I think these are fabulous," Feln said, patting the soft leather. "That chair," he pointed to the odd one, "is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."
"I'm not sure I like that one so much," said Iristi.
"Oh?"
"But if you like it, then I'm sure it's fine."
Feln put on a serious face, playing it up. "That's better. Remember who you're speaking with."
"Of course. Forgive me. Yes, forgive me my love."
#
Ushisu returned ten minutes later with several servants in tow. They were carrying trays of food; apples and
slices of an orange melon, brown and white cheese cut into thick slices, silver ewers of wine, and hot tea. They deposited them on the tables and began pouring bowls of both tea and wine. The servants gave Feln and Iristi the wine.
"To our good health," Ushisu said. He lifted the bowl and drank a sip. He lifted the bowl again. "To your upcoming union, may your marriage be blessed with numerous children."
The three drained the bowls, then they were offered tea. Feln dipped his face closer to the steaming drink, taking in the wonderful aroma. It smelled like apples and an unfamiliar exotic spice. They sipped the tea, it was hot, and everyone put their bowls on an iron table between them so it could cool. Ushisu sat in the odd looking chair, kneeling on a pad and sitting back on the elevated cushion. It looked as if he were floating in the air in the kneeling position. He excused the servants with a wave of his hand.
"Strange chair," Feln said as he watched the horde of people depart.
"Indeed it is a rare design. It keeps your back straight, as you can't slump. It's good for me." He patted his legs. "So, tell me a few things…"
"Excuse me," Feln said. "When will we get to see Chang?"
"We are making room in his schedule. We must be considerate of his guests who made appointments. Certainly as another Most Favored you understand we must follow protocol. And unfortunately, Chang is getting on in years and his health is not good. We must be respectful of his health, must we not?"
"Of course," Iristi said.
Feln grumbled. Another obstacle.
"First of all, no one has heard from a Most Favored in Safun in a long time," Ushisu said. "I wish to hear news of Safun."
Feln felt the bile rise in his stomach, the sip of tea turning sour. He had hoped the questions would be minimal so they could see Chang and be on their way. The longer this took, the less likely they were to succeed.
"I will brief Chang on those matters," Feln said. "In person. That way I can be assured there is no filtering of the information."
Ushisu kept the smile on his face, however, Feln knew this had upset him. "I speak for the Most Favored. For me to lie to him would be a death sentence. You should have no concerns in that regard."