by Cully Mack
Several footsteps echoed up through one of the tunnels. Not the sound of guard boots but of soft padded slippers. Their quickening pace and hushed whispers told Nate that Shemyaza had returned. Tomorrow the testing would begin.
He turned and pulled the covers over his bronzing skin but sleep refused to come. Worry spread its tendrils from the pit of his stomach, winding its way up through his tightening chest until it reached his mind. He saw Mirah’s mortified face as she stood on the platform, horrified that he’d implied they’d been intimate in the darkened shaft.
A horror, he realised, which would only come from someone who’d never been kissed.
What had possessed him to do that? He thought back to how she’d watched in awe at the women in the city with their loose fitted garments and painted faces. He remembered how her full lips had parted and how he’d imagined the sounds she’d make if he ever parted them more.
He turned and stared at the star gleaming through the rock hole and wondered how she’d managed to slip through his defences.
❊ 6 ❊
Mirah’s room was the last in a row of six along a tunnel carved out of the rock. Plaster, painted light blue and decorated with a range of colourful flying birds covered the walls. Someone had cut a circular hole in the rock and a pink glow of evening light flooded into the room over a royal blue rug.
She looked out of the opening, the city of Hermonial spread as far as she could see. Opulent houses clustered around fruit bearing trees, their white boundary walls now covered in a rosy pink light, and beyond, the reed covered tower houses were no more than ruddy red mounds.
From here she could see many areas of devastation where temples once stood dispersed between dwellings and stony canals. How many gods had Shemyaza destroyed?
In the distance, coursing streams sliced through marshes and fields crisscrossed in shades of gold, greens and browns and to her right the winding river shimmered like the colour of washed away blood.
She leaned through the opening and found a level plateau jutting out from the mountainside beneath her. How was it possible to create a whole city? So overwhelmed by its design and sheer size, she retreated from the opening and focused on her chamber.
Her bed was not cut out of the rock as at home. This bed had a wooden frame, and a mattress made from straw. A blue robe lay over silver silk fabrics with blue embroidery draped over the bed.
On the far side of the room, she found a recess. Mirah peeked inside and saw on a lower level a pool of water. She tested it and found it warm. Rushing back, she picked up the robe, returned to the recess and after stripping off her clothes, lowered herself into the blissful pool.
As she lay there, she realised this was the first time since boarding Nate’s ship she’d been alone. She closed her eyes and drank in the silence. A lonely tear ran down her cheek and was soon joined by an uncontrollable flow. Her sobbing brought forth memories of her Ma and Gabe.
Her Ma was gone. She would never see her joyful smile and those adorable dimpled cheeks or watch her graceful hands as she attended to the sick. What would become of Gabe? Older sisters were supposed to be there for their brothers and she was on the other side of the world.
She cried until her eyes stung and her throat dried. She’d never known such brutality existed. Why would they do such an evil thing? Why steal her innocence and immerse her in a world that isn’t her own?
Emptiness, mind numbing emptiness filled her soul. She lay there watching goose flesh pimple on her sunburned skin until her fingers whitened and crinkled. Something within her clicked, a change which she didn’t yet have a name for.
She cupped water in her hands and washed away her tears. They wouldn’t help her survive.
Laid out by the pool were an array of small green perfume jars with black geometric designs. She inhaled their scents, preferring one smelling like violets. After washing the salt and dust from her hair, she found a fine ivory comb adorned with pearls and lapis lazuli gems.
When Mirah re-entered her room, someone had left a jug of sweet water and food. The fruits and cheese she recognised, but the meat was unfamiliar and covered in spices. She ate it anyway, at least it wasn’t fish.
When she finished, she wasn’t sure what she should do. She considered going to see the others but anxiety prevented her from opening the door. After tidying her clothes into a pile in the corner of her room, she dripped a few droplets of oil from one of the least complimenting perfumes over them to cover their stench.
Giving her room a closer inspection revealed another smaller recess filled with a choice of gowns and bodices in various colours like the ones she’d seen the women wearing when she’d arrived. The garments were all beautiful, and she sat studying the fabrics and their exquisite embroidered designs.
Darkness crawled across the sky and no one had come so she climbed on the bed. The soft, silk fabric felt smooth against her sun-beaten skin. She lay staring out through the hole in the rock at the world outside until the stars burst into existence along with thoughts of Nate.
Who was he?
In his eyes she often saw elements of contradiction but he guarded his truth so tightly. Neviah accused him of lying but what if Neviah was wrong?
There had been glimpses of kindness, of another person held deep within. He’d cared enough for Jabril to risk the wrath of death in the next world and he’d tried to warn her about the Dagani. Surely it wasn’t just for the sake of the tithe. And why when she’d asked about him serving Shemyaza had he refused to look her in the eyes?
Tired of listening to her doubts, she curled up her knees, cradling the weight of confusion. In the darkness, the silence sent nothing, and she reminded herself that even thorns die in the dark.
Discarding her puzzled thoughts of Nate, she thought back to their arrival. The people she’d seen were joyful and filled with celebration. They didn’t look like an oppressed people, even the labourers seemed passionate as they prepared to rebuild the city, erasing memories of the gods she didn’t know. A flicker of hope ignited as she drifted into the place of dreams.
Whatever it is which gives the awareness of being watched, forced Mirah to awake. Disorientated, she was alarmed to find a shadow cast across the floor of her room.
‘It’s me,’ said a voice she recognised. ‘I came to make sure—Well you were already asleep.’
His silhouette hovered in the doorway.
‘I should go. I just wanted to apologise for earlier. The kiss and tell thing. Here, it’s a familiar joke.’ His shadow bounced across the wall and he turned to leave. ‘I just want you to know that if I could have found a way, I would have… I mean…’ He sighed.
‘Wait.’ She flew off the bed and the scent of perfumed oils and a hint of beer filled her senses on reaching him. ‘What is it? What are you afraid to tell me?’
He reached up to brush away straying strands of her hair but hesitated. ‘Whatever the outcome of the testing tomorrow, please remember to hold on to yourself.’
As he slipped from the doorway his words lingered. She’d once heard something similar from a dying man to his whimpering son. Desperate words, filled with regret, no time, not enough, never surrender. That man had been her father.
❊
Mirah awoke to sounds of hoarse grunts and snarls which erupted into an escalating deep-throated roar. She threw herself off the bed and ran to the hole in the rock. Four enormous beasts now occupied the arena below.
One crouched low in a submissive pose, its head turned at an angle with fur-lined lips curved upwards displaying serrated edged fangs. Another standing rigid over the first, veins in its thick neck expanding, as it let out another roar.
They looked like lions, except instead of a fiery mane they had black tipped quills and protruding from their ribcages were two golden feathered wings. Feeling satisfied it had won, the victor stalked away exposing a flesh piercing spikey tipped tail. There would be no attempts to descend the mountain.
Over the arena, the di
stant sun breached a peach streaked sky, lavishing the city’s red mud-bricked buildings in an amber glow. She could see the river rippling like silk as it meandered past Nate’s ship still tied to the pier. Today would be a warm day.
Mirah walked to the recess and gaped at the garments. She wasn’t sure what she should wear. She opted for a silver fabric which reminded her of the flowing water.
‘Good choice,’ said a woman coming in through her door with flat raisin cakes on a tray.
She was about the same age as her Ma with silver streaks blending into her long dark hair. Hair which curled around her plump, round face and warm brown eyes. She placed the tray on to the table.
‘Here let me help you,’ she said, taking the garment from Mirah. ‘First, eat and then we’ll get you ready.’
To Mirah’s relief, the woman helped her into a matching bodice which overlaid the draping fabric. The woman laced up a blue ribbon at the front and proceeded to brush Mirah’s hair. Her efficiency, softened by her gentle touch.
‘I can do that,’ Mirah said, reaching for the comb.
‘Don’t you worry. You have such beautiful deep red hair and lovely golden highlights. It’s the colour of autumn,’ she declared, sliding the comb through Mirah’s hair. ‘We’ll have you fit and ready in no time.’
She pulled mussel shells from a pouch tied at her waste. They clinked together as she opened tiny silver hinges. Each one contained powders in different colour shades. She found one she favoured and discarded the rest on the ledge of the rock’s hole. ‘This will suit you best,’ she said.
Before Mirah could object the woman brushed the gold powder onto her eyelids with a carved ivory pin.
‘There,’ she said, stepping back to assess her creation. ‘The gold enhances the golden flecks in your pretty green eyes. My name is Sumer. Come, we need to leave.’
‘Where are we going?’
‘Trust me. There’s no need to be afraid. Nate won’t let anyone harm you.’
She found that hard to believe. This woman obviously didn’t know Nate had allowed the giants to slaughter her clan.
‘You know Nate?’
Sumer gave her a reassuring smile which lit up her face. She was about to ask what Sumer meant when she opened the door. Outside her room, Abela and Ayla stood in shades of optimistic lemon.
Mirah rushed over to Abela, checking her over as she did so. ‘Are you all right?’
‘I’m fine, better than fine actually,’ she said, smiling.
‘What did they do to you?’
‘They gave me some mixed herbs which tasted awful and a group of Azu chanted something I didn’t understand. I doubled over coughing, one of the worst fits I’ve ever had and then it lifted and I knew they had changed me.’
‘That’s all?’
Ayla put her hand on Abela’s shoulder. ‘I saw the whole thing.’
‘I wonder what those herbs were? I would love to know.’
Neviah’s door opened, followed by a woman with her face flaring and frantic.
‘I can’t believe they won’t give me my skirts back,’ Neviah grumbled. ‘I feel like I’m naked.’
Neviah had chosen a crimson pink which clashed with her auburn hair and she had no eye powder. Mirah guessed she’d won that round. Seeing Ayla and Abela, relief washed over Neviah’s face.
‘I’m fine,’ Abela said, before Neviah pressed her with a thousand questions.
They congregated in the passageway until Dara exited her room. Dark purple powder shaded her eyelids and her smooth dark hair flowed over a complimenting lilac fabric which somehow made her appear even taller.
‘You look wonderful,’ Mirah said.
Dara swept her hand over her dress in appreciation. ‘Thank you, so do you.’
Sumer ushered everyone together. ‘Follow me,’ she said, as she rolled on her heels and took off.
They reached the end of the tunnel and came face to face with some of Nate’s guards. Sumer busied herself giving instructions and sending the women who helped dress them on their way.
Neviah whispered to Mirah, ‘Have you seen those beasts?’
Observing Neviah’s tension, she smiled mischievously and said, ‘The loudest one reminded me of you.’
The guards became chaperones as Sumer cut across a network of tunnels winding their way deeper into the mountain.
Crystalline blues and silvers sparkled in the walls, highlighted by suspended torches and as pretty as it was an uneasiness coursed through Mirah’s body. She tried to calm herself but a gripping tightness, cramped against the muscles in her stomach. Were they being taken to Nate’s stepfather? A god, he had called him. And they were his tithe. She didn’t even know what that meant. What did a god want from them? What were his intentions?
She wanted to run, to escape, be anywhere but here. Still not believing it, she recited Sumer’s words over and over, Nate won’t let anyone harm you. It was pointless and stupid but the only thing she could think of to do. She studied Abela, a blaze of golden sunshine, filled with apprehension but no longer gasping for breath. Surely they wouldn’t heal her just to bring them to their deaths but what about the testing?
They rounded a bend, and the floor sloped upwards and further along, the tunnel opened out into a cavern. Shards of lapis lazuli covered the walls and all around tiny golden discs glistened. Their patterning seemed familiar and Mirah realised she was looking at a replica of the night sky. So taken back, it was a while before she noticed Nate and an assembly of giants stood further inside. The other tithes were waiting nearby in their groups of six.
Neviah whispered, ‘Where is the girl they paired with us?’
‘She is no longer needed and has been removed,’ Sumer said.
‘Removed. What does that mean?’ Neviah asked a little louder. Her voice echoed around the chamber and some of the giant’s heads swung around.
‘Shh, no time for questions,’ Sumer said.
Sumer ushered the girls forward, leading them past the giants and Nate. She made them halt before an elevated golden throne. Three pairs of golden wings were mounted on the throne. They were positioned as if in flight, rising higher than the chamber ceiling with their wing tips folded over to fit in the room. Seated on the throne was Nate’s stepfather.
He appeared of human likeness but he was not human. In the light emanating from him, he had a man’s face and a flicker of something else, something feline.
Mirah could hear gasps coming from those around her but she couldn’t take her eyes off him. He rose and golden feathered wings spread out above him. He seemed to expand, rising taller than even the giants. The brilliance of a fiery furnace flared in his eyes and his outstretched arms gleamed like polished bronze. He was the most terrifying and the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
No one dared to move. He smiled a warm knowing smile and lowered himself back onto his throne. The light dissipated around him, his wings now folded, unseen. If it were not for his eyes Mirah would have thought him just a man.
His voice broke like the ocean waves.
‘I came through the clouds like a whirling storm and held back the powers of chaos. While Anu slept, I alone defeated the raging ones. I am Bel Shade—Lord of the mountain. I am Sahar—Day Star, Son of Dawn. My name is,’ he paused, waiting for effect before, ‘Shemyaza’ flowed like rushing water from his lips.
At the mention of his name the giants, Nate and everyone else in the chamber bowed their heads. Mirah and the others quickly followed if only to capture a moment of quick relief before Shemyaza continued.
‘It is I alone who brought mankind out of confusion. I offer to you the mysteries of my heavenly kingdom. I extend my mercy and offer you peace. My oath will not be broken.’
His eyes scanned over them purifying any doubts simmering beneath the surface. She couldn’t deny a god sat before them.
‘Welcome to my kingdom.’ Shemyaza said, before turning towards the giants. ‘Tonight we celebrate the gift of the tithes.’
As Mirah and the others were led away, she didn’t feel as though Shemyaza delivered her out of confusion. She’d just been sent deeper into a world which was not her own. Even Neviah was speechless.
❊ 7 ❊
‘I will show you back to your rooms,’ Sumer said, ‘and for the next few days, I will escort you until you are familiar with your surroundings. After that, you are expected to find your own way.’
Mirah noted the lack of guards on their return. Beast or no beasts were they foolish enough to leave them unattended?
‘You are free to go anywhere where no guards are posted. That is mainly this level and the one below. You may wonder at the lapse in vigilance. I can assure you it is not necessary.’
By midday everyone had congregated in Dara’s chamber. No one dared venture further. Her chamber walls were light pink and her silk bedding silver. A comfy grey rug with red floral patterns covered the floor on which Mirah sat kneading her fingers into its thick pile. Dara pulled out most of the garments from her recess and draped them over the bed.
‘What do you think is appropriate to wear to the celebration?’ she asked.
I have no idea,’ Ayla said, brushing her hands along a golden gown. ‘This one looks nice though.’
‘They’re all elegant,’ Mirah said. ‘I can’t imagine how they are made.’
Neviah huffed and tore her attention from whatever she viewed outside. ‘I can’t believe you’re all worried about clothing when we should be discussing Shemyaza, what his test will be or how to escape this place.’
Mirah realised she was right. They’d picked a safer option as though focusing on something so harmless would be a comforting distraction.