by Paul Heisel
Across the room, with a woman on his arm, was Trey-da-Sode-Keme, the Most Favored of Shisaru. He was tall and looked fit, Owori guessed he would be strong. His green robes were embroidered with gold and had golden lions on the sleeves. His dark hair showed signs of age with a sprinkling of gray. With him was a lovely older woman, his wife Owori presumed, with short brown hair. She wore a dark green dress, not the same color as Keme’s robes, but similar. It was flattering for her figure. To Owori she looked like a woman who would dismiss servants for a wrong glance. There was a hostile quality about her.
Talking with them was a person introduced as Scar-ur-Kenji-Niki, the Most favored of Hikimi. The man was ghastly, had pale skin and was extremely fat. Every part of him was round, eyes were small, his nose flat and dwarfed by his rosy cheeks. One cheek had a dark red scar. Graying dark hair. He was wearing a silky gray outfit, and the slippery fabric clung to him in the wrong places. An emblem of a spear was on his shoulder. The woman next to him was dressed in a gray robe. Without seeing the tattoo, Owori knew this woman was a Fury. No self-respecting wife would let her husband out of the house looking like Niki did.
Owori took her eyes from those assembled and looked at the list again. There was Feln’s name. Feln-en-Xialao-Narneth. She wondered where the Narneth came from? She tracked down the next name on the list. Xian-er-Ku-Hiru. She found him speaking to Yuki. Hiru was handsome, chiseled from head to toe and wearing a dark green uniform with stalks of grain made of golden yarn that adorned the shoulders. He had blue eyes and wavy hair sprouting from underneath his stylish hat. He was expressionless while he talked to Yuki, and it looked to Owori as if he was trying to keep his emotions in check. The name on the list next to him was Iristi Matsuda. No formal name, so not a Favored One. She took a gander at Hiru’s companion.
One thing Owori was sure of – this woman was not a Fury. She was wearing a sky-blue dress that accentuated every contour of her supple body, and it was slit up the sides nearly to the top of her hip. When she walked, her tanned legs were exposed, and for good reason, they were flawless. She was curvy but not too round in any one place, and her face was radiant. She wasn’t just good looking, pretty or sexy – she was every flattering description Owori could think of. Her dark hair was twirled up into a simple style and held together by a pearl hair clasp. Two long locks of hair framed her perfect face. With the dress, how she looked, her hair, and everything else, Owori thought this woman had to be one of the loveliest women that she had ever seen. Iristi joined the conversation with Yuki. The Most Favored of Emesia glanced her way, catching her eye, then Iristi looked over to her and smiled. Owori thought Iristi looked as if she had heard the most wonderful news.
Owori broke off the eye contact and found the next group of four. There was a man there, old, as old as anyone she had ever seen, and looked to be near death. Alle-ar-Nomu-Yunoso, Most Favored of Furawa, was the name on the list. When he spoke, he shook and he had ticks in the eyes and mouth. His clothing was made of black silk and across his chest was a large red tree. He was thin and wrinkled, his wispy gray hair stuck out from underneath a simple skull cap. Attending him was a woman of middle age, who stood idly by and listened to the conversation. Owori though it could be a consort or companion, or maybe a family member. Daughter perhaps.
With them was a middle-aged man. He wore elegant but simple robes adorned with symbol that looked like a temple. The robes were in several layers, and it was hard to tell what he looked like underneath. His long hair was tied back in a ponytail, a few grays accented the jet-black braid. The stubble on his face seemed appropriate. This was Erise-na-Yokai-Iwaku, Most Favored of Ashimo, the province she had come from, where the Furies were marked on Salt Island. With him was a middle-aged woman who had a cackling laugh. She looked fit and younger than her age, and she wore robes that were complementary to Iwaku. They looked like a couple.
Yuki was here with Qia. Owori was certain that soon after he became Emperor he would announce their marriage. Qia was dressed up, wearing a form fitting golden dress that accented her smaller curves. It was without sleeves, showing her orange tattoo. The color didn’t clash with her dress. Her hair was up and a box hat covered it. She was talking with Iristi and laughing. Again Iristi looked over and smiled. Owori raised her eyebrows when Iristi started walking over to her. What was this nonsense?
#
The palace was somber, maybe subdued was the better word, and Feln wondered what the mood would be at the reception. For much of the time he thought about Owori and seeing her, forgetting that he would see Hiru. Would their feud boil over in front of Yuki? He didn’t intend to cause problems in the new Emperor’s presence, so it would be up to Hiru if they coped with each other for the evening. The other Most Favoreds he didn’t know, but he was sure they probably hated his family just as much as anyone. He figured he would never have any friends.
He brought the Dragonfly blade, which he gladly handed over to the guards for safekeeping. There was a collection of blades on display, but not as many katanas as he would have thought. He didn’t need his blade anyway, not with Suun by his side. With or without weapons she was deadly, and he was certain she had a knife hidden on her body. They went into the room where a crier announced them. Everything stopped and all eyes went to the entrance. Already it felt unfriendly. Feln scanned the room, trying to find a familiar face. There was Yuki and he came forward.
“Welcome,” Yuki said. He bowed.
Feln greeted him. While bowing, he noticed Hiru talking to a tattooed woman in a sleeveless dress – Fury – and Iristi. His heart went cold. At least he made the right decision bringing Suun. Both would remember Suun and what she did that evening in Hiru. Others came and introduced themselves, Feln was sure he wouldn’t remember any of the names. He was suddenly nervous. Hiru gave him a curt non-respectful bow. Behind him came Iristi, who locked him with a stare and a slight smile. She sauntered forward, the shifts of her dress accenting every curve. He felt flushed. He was about to give her a bow when she shuffled forward and threw her arms around him, as if they were long lost friends. As he recalled, they were no longer friends. The embrace was awkward at best. Iristi peeled away from him and took a step back, she looked like she was in intense pain. Then he realized what was happening. Suun had intervened. It looked like Suun was helping her, but she had managed to grab one of the Iristi’s fingers.
“Next time I break it,” Suun said in a whisper, then released her. “Stay away from him.”
Hiru stepped in, his face dark. “Is everything all right?”
“I just felt a little lightheaded,” Iristi stammered. “It’ll pass.”
Suun slipped next to Feln as if nothing happened. “Good to see you Hiru,” she said. “Last time we met there were a whole bunch of dead men at your feet. I hope you found a suitable replacement for your Fury. I hear that Furies who have a penchant for killing Most Favored Ones are hard to come by these days.”
Feln thought he should tell Suun to stop, but he didn’t want to. The bastard deserved it.
“I’m not here to have you create an incident over something that never occurred; it won’t work no matter how you try to lure me into causing a scene. Spin whatever lies you wish. No one will believe you.” Hiru offered his arm to Iristi. “Let’s get a drink, I’m parched.”
“I’m sure by the end of the evening everyone will hate me,” Feln said as Hiru and Iristi walked away. “Thanks for moving that along.”
“At least you’ll know where you stand with everyone and not have to wonder who your enemies are.”
“I thought your job was to protect me, not make everyone hate me more.”
“Well if I make enough people angry they’ll stay away from you, and I’ll have done my job. Distance is a good thing.” Suun smiled.
“Wonderful.”
Suun didn’t take her eyes off Feln. She reached up and straightened his collar. “On your right flank,” she said. “Watching from that curtain.”
“What?”
“Owori. She’s here. I’m certain it’s her.”
“Do you want to come with me?” he asked.
“I’ll watch from afar. Enjoy this moment.”
“If I can,” he whispered. Feln turned on his heel and strode toward the curtains. Owori was there. She was dressed in a red robe with a hood, beneath it looked like she was wearing a black fighting suit. He could see parts of red tattoos on her hands, but the remainder was covered. Her eyes were misty and it took all his strength not to rush over. Feln stopped just short of her. He didn’t know what to do. He bowed. “Well met.”
“Well met,” she replied, half laughing half crying.
Stepping forward he put out his arms, then she slipped into his embrace. The energy that rushed into him was euphoric and tears came to his eyes. Owori was trembling as well. They held each other tight. Feln tried to speak, but no words would come out. Finally, he found her, and he didn’t intend to let go. Moments passed and he released his grip.
“I’ve been looking for you,” Feln said, wiping away the tears. “Everywhere.”
“I searched and searched Borgard,” Owori said. “We didn’t know what happened to you.”
“I’ll tell you all about it.” He pulled her forward again and she melted into him.
“I missed you,” she said. “I need you.”
“I love you Owori,” Feln whispered.
“I love you too.” She started laughing and crying. “Please tell me you don’t know that Iristi woman.”
“I know her, unfortunately. I don’t know what she told you. There is a whole story, and it begins from when that tunnel collapsed. Give me the opportunity to tell you the story, then you can be the judge.”
“You and her…”
“I don’t want to know what she said. Let me tell you the complete story. Iristi was in the middle of this chaos when I arrived. Hiru was trying to implicate me in another Most Favored’s assassination. She happened to be there with me.” He could tell she was frustrated about this and Owori wasn’t one to pout.
“I spent my time looking for you,” she said. “When I didn’t find you, I threw myself into my training. But you and her…”
“I looked for you. Let me tell you the story.”
“Is this going to be an explanation?”
“Not at all. I’m not going to explain or make excuses. I’m going to tell you the story, tell you what I was feeling, and let you be the judge. For the last several months, everything I’ve done is to get back to you. That’s all I cared about. This is the most wonderful I have felt in a long, long time.”
Nodding, she motioned across the room. “Who’s Suun?”
“My bodyguard.”
“That little thing?”
“She’s about your size, don’t underestimate her.”
“Don’t underestimate me either,” she said. “You won’t believe what I can do.”
“Suun’s the most frightening fighter I have ever seen. I saw her dance through a room full of soldiers and a Fury, and before they knew what was happening most of them were dead.” He shivered. “Actually, she scares the hell out of me.”
At that Owori laughed. She gave him another hug.
“We’ll have to set a time so we can catch up,” he said.
“I’ll come see you. I’ve found out that you aren’t well liked nor is your family well liked, except for Yuki, who seems to be neutral, so it would be easier for me to come to you. If you come here, you’ll find nothing but cold shoulders and accusing eyes.”
“Can you come to my family manor tomorrow? I’m sure the palace can transport you there.”
“I’ll come by. Please, tell me there is nothing between you and her.”
“Whatever she told you was to hurt me, probably to hurt you too. Iristi and I traveled together for a time, and I helped her because I had to. You’ll have to make up your mind tomorrow when I can tell you the story. I love you Owori without reservation or condition.”
“People are starting to notice us,” Owori said. She wiped the wetness from her cheeks. “I better go. I’m not supposed to be here anyway. Yuki only let me stay after I pleaded that I wanted to see you.”
“I thought you were the Emperor’s Fury?”
“I am, but Qia over there is Yuki’s Fury. It's complicated. Once things have settled down, I could take on a different assignment, I don’t know. I’m bound to the Emperor’s belt, bound by the magic. We can talk more tomorrow. Your bodyguard is coming over.”
Suun arrived. Feln and Owori put more space between themselves.
“Feln, you’re going to miss the reception,” Suun said.
“Suun, this is Owori.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Owori said.
“Likewise.”
There was an awkward pause like no one knew what to say.
“You better get back over there,” Suun said. “Everyone but Hiru, Iristi, and Yuki are going to start asking questions why you’re so enthralled with this Fury. I’ll see Owori out of the room.”
“Of course. Until tomorrow.” Feln backed away and went to the first person he saw and asked them a question about their shoes.
“He loves you intensely,” Suun said.
“I know.”
“But he’s made mistakes.”
“Who is this Iristi?”
“No one. I wouldn’t trust that pretty wench or anything she said. If she spoke to you about Feln, it’s because she’s bitter. He resisted her, and by the looks of her, no man has ever said no to her. But Feln did. She betrayed his trust, you know how loyal and trustful he is.”
“What happened?”
“Feln will tell you.”
Owori took a deep breath. “Are you really his bodyguard?”
At that Suun laughed. “I’d rather be out doing what I was trained to do, but this is the best way to serve the family, for now. Feln will need my protection, as I think the situation in Pyndira is going to get worse. The Xialao family has been ineffective for twenty years, and many have profited from it. With Feln here, he’ll be hated. Just as his mother was. He’ll need my protection.”
“If you’re as talented as Feln indicated, then I’m sure you’ll keep him safe.”
“That I can do.”
“I’m sure I’ll see you again. I need to go.” Owori backed away and slipped along the wall until she came to a door. She took one last look at the room and departed.
#
The conversations were lively, as everyone was relaxing and the music was upbeat. Yuki invited everyone to sit down at the dinner table where they would be served. He went over the schedule for the next few days and weeks. Feln didn’t keep track of the details, but the timeline was clear. There would be a viewing of the Emperor for the next several weeks, where the public could come to the palace to pay their respects, then after a certain point in time he would be seen only by private appointment when the rest of the nobles, Favored Ones, and important Pyndirans arrived in the capital. After a new Warlord was found, his father would be cremated and the funeral would be held. Yuki assumed the Crypt of Warlords would open soon and they would begin the selection process. As of today, it remained magically sealed. Once a Warlord was named, Yuki would become the Emperor. In the simplest terms, they were going to be here for at least a month, if not more. Feln didn’t mind, as he would get to see Owori. A smile came to his face. Reaching for his wine, Feln turned to Suun. “I finally found her,” he said, lifting his goblet to her in a secret toast.
“You seem pleased with yourself,” Suun said.
“I feel better, and after I talk with her, I’ll be content no matter what happens.”
“Do you think she’ll forgive you?”
“I don’t know,” he answered. “I hope so. I have everything to gain.”
“Best of luck. I’m sure things will work out for the best. No one knows what fate has in store for us.”
#
The woman Iristi sauntered over, her dress shifting slightly aga
inst her curves as she made her way across the room. Without question, Owori thought, this was a beautiful woman. The dress seemed to amplify her looks and she showed enough of her body to be sexy, but hid enough to make men wonder what was underneath. Owori wondered why Iristi had a smile on her face. Despite the friendly look, Owori was wary.
“Hello, my name is Iristi, I’m Hiru’s betrothed,” she said.
“Owori, pleased to meet you.” Owori didn’t like this woman, not at all.
“Yes, I’ve heard of you. We have a mutual friend.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Feln. He and I traveled together from my home city of Hou to Hiru. He escorted me.”
Owori’s blood chilled. In front of her was a woman that she would prefer Feln to have had no contact with at all. Everything about her was near perfect, her skin was flawless and glowing, she was attractive, and her voice was confident and alluring. It was clear this woman could strip a man defenseless if she wanted to. The question was; what did she want?
“Feln and I are friends,” Owori said.
“He spoke of you while we traveled together. He thinks the world of you.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Well, I don’t mean to intrude, I’m sure he’ll tell you. You see, we became close while we traveled. Very close if you know what I mean.”
“I don’t know what you mean, and I don’t believe you anyway. If you have something to say, don't be so coy about it. Speak or take your leave.”
“Why would I lie?”
“I don’t know why you’re telling me this. Please take your leave.”
“He’s wonderful to hold, don’t you think? Strong. His kisses make you tingle from head to toe. I’m getting flushed just thinking about him. I can’t wait to see him.”
“Leave,” Owori said, teeth clenched.
“You know, he came back to rescue me. Twice. He could have left me for dead, but he didn’t. He rescued me from an army of twenty thousand men, and he risked his life to take me away from Hiru. So daring and dashing, too much man for you, I’m sure of that now that I've met you.”