by Paul Heisel
“Always straight to the point – no time for pleasantries? There are reasons to have manners and to show respect to your superiors. I don’t know how Caleth puts up with such insubordination.”
“What do you need?”
“Well, despite your lack of decorum, I’ve come to ask you something. I want you to consider an undertaking for me. Let me explain first. Of course only if you have the time.”
Truth be told she didn’t have time for this, but that didn’t matter because Kara was going to charge right through and get her points across. Every moment that passed dealing with this rubbish was another moment she could be searching for Feln. Owori crossed her arms. She wanted no inviting body language.
“You may know this already. We have additional Accord of the Hand personnel arriving in a few days to relieve us,” Kara said. “We aren’t suited for the administration of this castle,” she added.
“Speak for yourself. I think I’m doing just fine.”
“Don't misunderstand me. They’re coming, and not because we aren’t doing a good job, but because we’re needed elsewhere. Now, for the reason I came here. Since you are direct, I’ll be direct as well. Despite our obvious dislike for each other, I want you to consider your future.” Kara scooted into a chair and sat down. It took her a few moments to straighten the bodice so it fit correctly while she was sitting.
Owori sat down behind the desk. “What do you know about my future? Nothing.”
“Please listen to me. When we took the king, you saw how I created fire with my magic.”
Owori nodded. “So what? All of the Accord of the Hand knows that magic exists to varying degrees. It doesn’t make you special or preferred or elite, if that’s what you’re thinking. Can your fire stop a blade from piercing your heart?” If you have a heart, she thought.
“Are you always filled with such vitriolic words?”
“Only for those who deserve them.”
Kara paused. “You see, I’ve been able to create fire all of my life. It began with small things like starting a fire or lighting a candle. About a year ago I learned how to harness my magic, and now I can use it as a powerful weapon.” Kara put her palm out and upon it a flicker of fire grew into a controlled ball of flame.
“I thought you were going to be direct. Why are you here? I don’t care about your magic. What does it have to do with me?”
“I see. You’re not impressed and you didn't make the connection.”
“Oh no, on the contrary,” Owori said, her voice slathered in sarcasm. “This has been the highlight of my week, seeing a ball of flame in your hands. Incredible. I’m going to write a letter to the Grand Master extolling the wonders of your abilities. What the hell do you want?”
The ball of flame winked out of existence. Kara crossed her arms. Her face became dark.
“What the hell do you want?” Owori repeated.
Kara took a soothing breath, as if her patience was gone and she was finding courage to continue. “Despite your terrible attitude, I want you to join my monastery in Bora. We can teach you to expand the gift you have. I took my magic from creating small flames to what you saw me do in this castle. You are unique. Never have I seen – or heard of – anyone using their magic to disappear.”
“I can’t disappear,” Owori said.
“I saw you disappear when you were going up the stairs, just before you got captured. Also in the tunnels beneath the city…”
“It was the shadows, a trick of the poor lighting.”
“I know what I saw,” Kara said. “So don’t deny it. We can teach you how to exploit your magical gift, hone it, and show you applications you never thought of.”
“You expect me to believe that your monastery can improve this gift of magic that I have? If I even have it?”
“Think about this logically. You would learn how to expand your gift, and you would learn more about magic and how to apply it. All you have to do is come to Bora and we’ll teach you.”
“Even if I could do what you say, the answer is no. I have a great teacher in Caleth, so that will have to suffice.”
“He’s an infant. He can’t teach you about applying your chi in other ways, nor can he help you reach your potential. You’re wasting your time in Waskhal. I can make arrangements through the Grand Master to have you transferred. Waskhal, I'm afraid, is slowing you down.”
“And you bash me for uttering words of disrespect. Caleth holds the same title as you. He’s not an infant. He’s a great leader.”
“Yet I think he would be harsh on you,” Kara said, “if you put the same words to him that you have put to me these past weeks. I have tolerated your attitude because I understand your potential. I’m willing to forgive you if you’ll consider coming to Bora. If you come to Bora, we can start our relationship anew. All debts owed or perceived will be forgiven.”
“Are we done with your lecture, whatever this is?”
“Think about it. Proper training at Bora would make you reach your potential. That is what I’m offering you.”
“I’m happy serving Caleth in Waskhal. If I change my mind, I’ll let you know. Thanks.” Owori looked away and grabbed a stack of parchment, shuffling through them.
Kara stood up and gave a slight bow and took a step away. She stopped at the door and turned back. “May I see your hands?”
“Excuse me? What for?”
“Your tattoos. I’ve seen them and I’m curious.” Kara pushed up her right sleeve, revealing the detailed green tattoo of a snake. The greens were startling in color, bright and vibrant. The head of the snake was at her shoulder and the body coiled around her arms. It looked real. The color was that vivid.
Owori, realizing that she had crossed her arms to hide her hands, brought them forward. On the backs of both hands were the beginning of what looked to be tails, each colored red. The incomplete tattoos had faded with time.
“When did you get them?”
“I don’t remember. By the time I was old enough to start asking questions about them, everyone who knew me as a little child was dead. I’ve had them as long as I can remember, so I was three or four when I got them?”
Kara gazed at Owori’s hands.
“What are you looking for?” Owori asked. “What relevance are my tattoos to you?”
“I was just curious, that’s all. Tattoos are rare. At least outside of Bora they are.”
“Answer me this then, why do you have a tattoo?”
“It’s a sign of my devotion to my magic,” Kara said. “In Bora, those of us who have advanced their gift receive tattoos to signify our accomplishment. Besides vanishing, what else can you do with your chi?”
Owori crossed her arms, hiding the tattoos. She wished she would have worn her gloves. “I can’t do anything else.”
“That’s exactly why you need to come to Bora and learn from us. We can expand your abilities. We can find out what your talents are and maybe we can find out why you have the beginnings of tattoos on your hands. All I ask is that you come and stay with us. Live with us for a while and decide for yourself. Once you see the results, you won’t want to leave, and I will contact the Grand Master and make the transfer official.”
Owori said, “I’ll think about it, but my answer for now is no.”
“Please think on it. Have a good evening.” Kara went to the door and departed, shutting it behind.
Owori stood there lost in thought. It was true, she had wondered about her tattoos for years, why they weren’t finished and what they represented. They were tails of a scaly creature, like a reptile. Why had someone given her the tattoos? Why hadn’t they finished them? Why had they progressed the same extent on both hands and stopped? It made more sense to her that the artist would have finished one tattoo, then they would have gone on to the next. Hers were identical and unfinished to the same point.
She admitted, though she didn’t want to, that Kara’s offer had appeal. Magic was rare, an uncommon gift, and it was well known that few
could teach it, much less understand it. Bora would be a drastic change, and the prospect of learning more about magic was intriguing. Still, she didn’t like Kara and didn’t trust her. She was an aberration despite the pretty exterior, sweet voice, and promises of making her dreams come true. It would be a dark day in hell when she went to Bora. Damn dark day. Owori went to her desk where more reports awaited her attention. Later, she would tour the castle to make sure all was well.
#
Time passed and the Accord of the Hand teams replaced Owori, Kara, and Gargam with appropriate administrators, political advisors, and commanders. They were ordered along with the other monk warriors to return to their monasteries. Owori took a strong horse from the Borgard stables and made her way back to Waskhal – taking her time and getting there at a moderate pace. Much of the time she spent thinking about Feln. Hope motivated her, Feln had to be alive; he was in an inexplicable place, she just had to find where he went. She missed him, her best friend, her love. No matter what, she wouldn’t give up looking, nor would she give up hope.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 - Savior
Chapter 2 - Gallows
Chapter 3 - Scouts
Chapter 4 - Message
Chapter 5 - Past
Chapter 6 - Invasion
Chapter 7 - Retreat
Chapter 8 - Checkmate
Chapter 9 - Pyndira
Chapter 10 - Iristi
Chapter 11 - Proposal
Chapter 12 - Capture
Chapter 13 - Resistance
Chapter 14 - Fury
Chapter 15 - Hiru
Chapter 16 - Chang
The Frayed Rope (Preview)