by Paul Heisel
“Want to spar?” Suun asked.
“No,” he answered. He sheathed the blade and set it aside, then turned. Suun sprang at him and he blocked the anticipated attack. His counterattack landed a solid kick to her side. They separated, both bouncing on the balls of their feet.
“You’re getting too good at this,” she said. “You’re going to make yourself too valuable to be just the Most Favored. We’ll have to put you on one of the teams.”
This went on for many minutes, both trying to get the best of the other in hand-to-hand combat. They were evenly matched, but Feln knew that with a weapon in her hands, Suun would have bested him. She was so precise with her sword attacks that it amazed him, and her speed was unmatched. Caleth collected them for supper, soup that wasn’t half bad, and as the night deepened, so did the chill. They gathered around the fire and told stories until they grew weary and had to bed down for the night.
Feln thought he was dreaming. There was a dragon talking to him, but he couldn’t make out the words. He opened his eyes and saw the waning fire was glowing orange with coals, and across the clearing a massive beast had intruded on their camp. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, staring into the darkness at the dragon, wondering if he was still asleep.
“Sli?”
“Yes,” the dragon replied.
Suun and Caleth stirred at the booming voice. Feln stayed their movements with his hand, as both had weapons ready.
“This can’t be good,” Suun said, sitting up and staring at the dragon.
The presence of Sli had Caleth speechless. Feln stoked the fire and put additional wood on it. The fire brightened and illuminated the grand beast, the light reflecting off Sli’s deep red scales.
“Sli, this is Caleth, a Favored One under my command,” Feln said. “Do you remember Suun?”
“Of course,” Sli said. The dragon dipped his head closer to the fire as if to warm himself. “Suun. I’m glad to meet you Caleth.”
“Likewise,” Caleth spoke, fumbling to get the word out.
“I’m bearing terrible news,” Sli said. “The Emperor of Pyndira is dead.”
“What? How did this happen?”
“I was away from the palace when it happened, so I only know what I’ve been told. He was on a trip into the country and there was a forest fire. All of them were exposed to the elements, no shelter, and when he came back he was carrying a sickness. It overtook him and he died only days ago. The Chamberlain, Wotako-al-Nutahi-Yan, manages the Empire until the new Emperor comes into power.”
“I thought Yuki would be the next Emperor?”
“He is, and he will be,” Sli said. “What complicates the matter is that Yuki is the Warlord of Pyndira, and Pyndira cannot be without a Warlord. Yan will rule in his stead until the new Warlord has been determined, then Yuki will become Emperor.”
Thinking back to his conversations with Yuki, the Warlord of Pyndira wasn’t a position a person was entitled to, it was a position fought for. With this news, he was sure there were going to be many challengers for the position, which could take weeks or months to resolve.
“Why have I been summoned?” Feln asked.
“All of the Most Favoreds are to come to Daiwer-dar. All have been requested to take up residence in their manor houses in Amuyakin and await the funeral. After a new Warlord has been found, they will make Yuki the Emperor, and they will have the funeral for his father.”
This would delay him getting to Safun to see Owori. He wondered if he could send a representative to Daiwer-dar. No, he thought, that wouldn’t be acceptable no matter what personal pact he had made with Yuki. Maybe Sli could go and get Owori from Safun.
“Are we to come immediately?” Feln asked.
“My instructions from the Chamberlain were clear. I’m to bring you to Amuyakin when I find you. All the dragons are gathering the Most Favoreds. No delays.”
“I’m bringing Suun and Caleth with me,” Feln said.
“As long as they don’t complain,” the dragon spoke firmly. “I’ll dump them off my back if they do!”
“Neither of them will, I promise.” Feln surveyed the camp. They had horses and supplies to take care of. “My good dragon, would it be possible for you to find us when we are more conveniently located in a city? So, we can find a home for these horses and not turn them out into the wild?”
Sli laughed, a snort of fire came out of his nostrils. “You don’t want me to eat them?”
“No,” Feln said. “I’d rather not see that.”
“I’ll come to you when you take your belt on and off three times in a row. Until then, I’ll await your signal. When I get there, you better be ready. If you have horses, I will eat one of them because you are delaying me.”
“Thanks Sli.”
The dragon stood erect, his full features obscured by the darkness and shadows. The dragon vaulted into the air and shook the ground, magic and the wings propelling him up. The air buffeted their camp, scattering blankets and snuffing out the fire. They were left in darkness.
“What do you make of all this?” Feln asked, putting more wood on the coals.
“I don’t know the Warlord, soon to be Emperor,” Suun answered. “He’s rumored to be a ruthless man.”
“I’ve heard that as well,” Feln said. No one needed to know of his personal pact with the Warlord of Pyndira.
“The competition for Warlord of Pyndira will be long and drawn out. There will be warriors lined up outside of the palace, all willing to take their chance to be considered. It could take many weeks to find the new Warlord.”
“That’s my assessment as well,” he said. “We could be in Daiwer-dar for a long time. Maybe Sli would bring Owori to me. Do you think he would do that?”
“Who knows,” she answered, “I doubt any other Most Favored would have such consideration from their dragon. Don’t give up hope, you’ll see Owori in time.”
“Yes, I know.” He wanted to add more commentary, but it wouldn’t help him any. Frustrated at the delays, Feln put his face in hands and rubbed his eyes. As soon as Sli dropped him off, he would ask the dragon to go to Safun and bring Owori to him at the manor house. She had to be in Safun by now.
#
Owori was in her room, feeling hollow and sad. Despite her heroic efforts, the Emperor was dead. Exposure to the elements and the cold took a greater toll on him than anticipated. All the healers in the palace couldn’t make him well. Yuki delivered the news to her personally, thanking her again for what she did to save their lives. It didn’t make her feel better, many good men, women, and children died that evening, including the Emperor’s guests whose families were saddened and outraged there was no good explanation for what caused the deadly forest fires. Their secret would unravel in time, but hopefully not before they found the culprits.
The palace was mourning the Emperor’s death. In two days, his embalmed body would be on display in the middle of the palace grounds and remain there until the new Warlord of Pyndira was named. They were building a wooden structure to hold the body, constructing gates and fences to control the crowds, and recalling troops from the countryside to the capital city to assist. News was spreading throughout Pyndira that the Emperor died peacefully in his sleep from a deadly illness. Yuki told Owori that the Most Favoreds of the families would be coming immediately, as well as his distant family, friends of the Emperor, and other important persons in Pyndira, nobles and such. Many would be Favored Ones, the others would be the scholars and inventors, and prominent merchants. There would be a funeral and a celebration to remember the Emperor’s life, then he would be cremated. His ashes would make its way back to the family cemetery, while a ceremonial marker would be erected on the palace grounds.
Though she was happy at the prospect of seeing Feln, it made her nervous. What would he think? What did Pearl tell him? Would Pearl come with him? The magic of being bound had softened her objections to being in the service of the Emperor, and the whole ordeal at the cottage made her resolve
d to punish whoever orchestrated the attack. They would find who had organized the attacks and do what they must to set things right. Grabbing towels and new clothes, she headed for the palace baths. Though not as modern as the ones in Bora, the baths were acceptable and were a way for her to relax. She remembered days in Bora, soaking in the hot scented water and washing her cares away. It would do her body good to have deep soothing heat. She dipped into the large tub, it was made of a white material fired from kilns – she imagined the kiln to do this job had to be enormous. The edges showed signs of wear and years of use. She called for more hot water, which was brought by servants in buckets. The palace didn’t have the sluice system like Bora. She wondered if Yuki would consider making alterations to the palace, or better yet, add a dedicated bathhouse to the palace as a separate facility. They had plenty of room behind the walls and could make it the most modern bathhouse ever devised. The servants departed, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Owori slid into the water and let the warmth fill her, relaxing her sore muscles. These past days she had trained harder, pushing her body to its physical limits. Soon, she thought, I’ll be strong enough to handle anyone who tries to harm the new Emperor.
#
With the winds whipping by, Feln held on to the front of the saddle with his legs and arms. Behind him Suun had an unbreakable grip on him, sitting awkwardly on the back of the saddle. Behind her was Caleth. They were on the wing, speeding toward Daiwer-dar and the Xialao compound. Prior to leaving, he discussed with Sli about fetching Owori, and the dragon agreed with reluctance at first. Sli indicated it would only be a day to the capital city, a short trip, which he was thankful for. The lofty heights and cold gave Feln time to think. One thing he had forgotten was Narneth, Suun’s father, the gardener, Nar. He didn’t know how to explain to Suun that he was back from the dead and working on his behalf. There was no way to warn Nar ahead of time, so he would have to divert Suun so Nar could disappear and remain anonymous until the time was right. Feln thought about reintroducing them – he was sure Suun would be happy – but he wasn’t sure about Nar. It would be best for the family, for now, to leave things as they were. To leave him dead. There had to be a good reason, and Feln knew it was related to the family and Narneth's violent past.
Sli descended toward the capital city, gliding in a lazy circular pattern. Feln remembered this was what Sli did on his first journey to Daiwer-dar, and though it was for Suun and Caleth’s benefit, he still appreciated the view. This was a massive city, full of life. Below him the palace was darker, mourning the death of the Emperor. The black banners with the golden dragons on them were flying at half mast, Feln had heard of this tradition before, and it signified the Empire’s loss of their leader. Crews were busy building structures within the walls, far too many to be just for the funeral. It made him curious. Before departing earlier in the day, he had written in the magic book to his teams, telling them to spread the news that the Emperor had died. He had also written to the team in Safun, his own province, asking them to return to Yanekeni to find out what was going on with Owori. He guessed by the time the team got back to the capital, Sli would be there. Any news of her would be welcome. It was near evening when they arrived, the air cool against them as they landed with a lurch on the Xialao family compound. Sli’s claws tore up the ground as before, missing the stone pavers. Servants were coming out to greet him, in the lead was Emato. Feln scanned the area for Nar, didn’t see him, and walked up to the governor and bowed. Sli lifted into the air and flew away.
“So glad to see you master,” Emato said. “Poor circumstances though. Regardless, your return is always welcome.”
“Thank you Emato. I want to introduce you to my companions. This is Gatôn-et-Xialao-Caleth, a longtime friend of mine who travels with me. And here is Ella-en-Xialao-Suun.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Emato told Caleth. “Good to see you again Suun. It has been a long time since you have been here. Welcome back.”
“We’re here for the Emperor’s funeral and to pay our respects,” Feln explained, although he knew Emato had figured that out. “What have you heard about the Emperor’s death?”
Emato motioned toward the manor house and said, “We can talk while we head inside. There isn’t much to tell. He was away on a short trip, there was a forest fire that burned down the place they were staying, he came back deathly ill, and perished a short time later. Rumors abound that he was assassinated, but there isn’t anything to substantiate the rumors. People do get sick. It happens all the time.”
“Keep trying to find out additional details through your contacts,” Feln said as he walked inside the door. Already servants were scurrying around, taking the linen covers off the furniture and sprucing up the place. Feln went straight to his study and sat down in one of the comfortable chairs. It felt better than Sli’s tough leather saddle.
“I’ll get your rooms ready. Dinner will be in a few hours. I can bring food, ale, and wine in the interim if you’d like.”
“Please,” Feln said.
Caleth and Suun took seats opposite him. They looked weary but were in good spirits. Each of them were dirty and their clothes needed washing. Feln took off his outer robe and detached the Dragonfly blade. He sunk into his chair.
“I need a bath and an ale,” he announced.
Caleth and Suun looked at each other as if they were thinking the same thing.
“Do you need time alone?” Caleth asked.
“No. I’m tired. I want to have a normal day. It would be nice to get up in the morning and train, spend time with the guards, take a walk around the grounds – maybe the city – and enjoy the evening with the company of friends. I don’t want to worry about hill men or bandits, assassins or Furies. I want a normal boring day.”
“That life you had in Waskhal,” Caleth said. “Your normal routine. Things have changed. I think you’ve yet to figure out what is normal for Pyndira.”
As usual, Caleth was able to put things in perspective. He was wise, and was like a father to him, and now he was doing the same thing – being supportive. Feln thought it should be Caleth who was the head of this family. He would do a proper job, not like him, stumbling through everything like a gullible oaf. It reminded him of Iristi’s comment to him, you are so naïve. He had, though, the best of intentions.
Suun came forward and stood in front of him. “I know things are rough and you’re anxious to see Owori. Now we have more delays. You have done a great job of leading us thus far, don’t give up now in a moment of frustration. Have your bath, have your ale. Tomorrow will be a brighter day for all of us.” She bowed to him, leaned in, and kissed him on the cheek. “Get cleaned up for dinner.”
“We’ll see you soon,” Caleth said. “I’ll get cleaned up as well.”
“Please,” Suun said, rolling her eyes. “The dragon smelled better than you.”
“Oh and you’re sparkling?” was his retort.
#
Emato returned with platters, his disappointment apparent when he saw Feln alone. He set down the fruits and breads, then poured bowls of wine and ale. As always, he waited attentively.
“Is Nar here?” Feln asked as he lifted the bowl of wine first. Before Emato could begin speaking Feln drank deeply. It tasted wonderful. Now he felt better.
“He’s away,” Emato said. “He’s worked these grounds like no other. When he returns, do you want to see him?”
“Yes. When he comes back, tell him Suun, Caleth, and I have arrived, and for him to see me immediately.”
“I will do that. Is there anything else you require?”
“I’d like a bath.”
“Water has been heated and it’s awaiting you upstairs.”
With deliberate movements Feln stood, pushing hard on the chair until it felt like the arms of it were going to snap. His body was tense and tight, and he could hardly breathe. Forcing a breath, it calmed him, yet he couldn’t shake the panic he felt. The whole world was crashing down and he was powe
rless to do anything about it. He was on the verge of collapse and he didn’t know why.
“I’ll have clothes set out for you in your room,” Emato said. “Dinner will be soon. Please dress properly if you want to. There are new robes if you prefer more common attire of course.”
#
The hot water made him feel better and washing had more than a cleansing effect on his skin, as it calmed his insides. Feln had no idea what was happening to him, perhaps the responsibility of leading this family was too much. With the Accord of the Hand splintered, returning to his lifelong home was no longer an option. Pyndira was his only home now, this complicated, political, unforgiving land that he was beginning to explore. He wondered if he could give up the leadership of the Xialao family to another – would the belt allow him to do that? Reflecting on the mysterious magic, he guessed that you were bound to a family, either by blood or choice, forever, until you died. That wasn’t an option he would seek, ever.
On his bed were more robes and fighting clothes, apparently Emato found suitable monk clothing since the last time he was here. There was also a crisp Xialao uniform laid out. It wasn’t the uniform that bothered him, it was what it signified; giving up his old life. He couldn’t continue to be a monk in Pyndira guided by Accord of the Hand’s ways; he needed to be the Most Favored of Safun, what he was destined to do. In the coming months, maybe he could find a happy medium with his clothing. For now, he would give the uniform a try. At least one thing made sense and with a sigh, he put on the uniform and sought the place where those wonderful aromas were coming from.
#
When Feln entered the dining hall there were guards and attendants waiting, far too many people than necessary. He stayed his inclination to dismiss them. It was time for him to embrace this, or in the least, try it out. Once again, he thought about finding a way to hand over this responsibility to Caleth, but each time he tried to rationalize the decision, he kept coming back to the primary issue he had – it was running away from the problem. He was determined to make this work, and he was going to see Owori soon, and he was going to restore order to Pyndira.