Rise of the Red Harbinger

by Khalid Uddin

  The chubby maid responded, “Yer hand was burnt black an’ ya got an arrow through yer thigh. Yer friend brought ya here an’ we took ya in. Soren had us tendin ta ya the moment both o’ ya walked through the door. ‘Twas smart on yer part ya wrapped yer leg. If ya hadn’t, well either you’d be dead or usin’ a wooden leg the rest o’ yer life.”

  Baltaszar knew he’d been hurt, but felt a certain shock about the direness of what had actually happened. “So I’ll be back to normal soon?”

  “Ye’ll be fine, dear. Just stay in bed a while an’ let us care fer ya. Soren will make sure we all cater ta yer every need. Ya can bet on that. In fact, now that yer awake, we’ll have the cooks bring ya up some breakfast, though actually it’s about time fer lunch. What’s yer fancy, dear boy?” The woman had a jolly nature to her, as if she was always seeing the upside to everything.

  “Fancy? I…I don’t really know. I’m sure I’ll enjoy whatever you bring. Wait, you said time for lunch? How long have I been lying here?”

  “You an’ yer friend showed up early in the evenin’ yesterday. Ye’ve been lyin’ here ever since. Sleepin’ most o’ the time. That boy yer with, the handsome fella, he came in ta check on ya in the night, but yer snorin’ made it clear not ta wake ya.”

  “Oh. Have you both been here with me the whole time?”

  “We’ve been takin’ turns, me an’ Vera here.” She nodded to the slender woman to her right. “My name is Shara, we’re sisters. Our other sister Cara has been helpin’ as well. Cara’s been very anxious ta help, givin me an’ Vera lots o’ breaks. She’s more yer age, an’ most o’ ya Shivaani don’t come this far west. Usually ya go ta the City o’ the Fallen, but don’t come up this way. Even the Black-liners don’t come here anymore.”

  “Shivaani? I’m no Shivaani.”

  Shara chuckled. “Sure ya are, boy. Sure, yer a bit light-skinned, but ya still look just like them brown-skinned folks from Shivaana. Only people in Ashur that look like that.”

  “I swear. I’m from Haedon, up north past Vandenar.”

  “It’s probably just the herbs messin’ with yer head. Or maybe ya lost too much blood. Only thing north o’ Vandenar is the Never. An’ people don’t live in that place. Just monsters”

  How many people am I going to have to convince? Baltaszar was too tired to keep arguing. “Fine, fine. Believe what you want. I’ll take that breakfast now if you don’t mind. You can both leave now. I’ll be fine.” Vera eyed him skeptically. “Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. Besides, I wouldn’t be able to move fast enough to get far.” Satisfied with that, Vera followed Shara out the door to the right of the bed.

  Baltaszar sat up and hung his left leg over the side of the bed. Shara was right; now that his blood was flowing, his leg had started to throb. He wondered if they had any medicine to help with that. His hand also throbbed and burned now that he’d sat up. Baltaszar wondered what Yasaman would have thought of all this. He imagined her watching him now, and wondered if she’d be worried about him or maybe impressed that he had made it this far. At times Baltaszar wanted to stop thinking about her, but other times he couldn’t get himself to stop. Meeting Anahi hadn’t made him stop loving Yasaman, but it did make it obvious to Baltaszar that he and Yasaman were no longer together. He wasn’t completely sure what he wanted to do, but Anahi was right. At some point, he would have to go back to Haedon and confront her. In the meantime, he would just continue on to the House of Darian.

  The door opened and Horatio walked in followed by a girl who looked like a younger and shorter version of Vera. While Vera had been pleasing to the eyes, this younger version was much prettier. She was carrying a tray that held a mug and what seemed like a slice of dark brown bread or cake.

  “Is that my breakfast?” Baltaszar had never seen anything like it before. Steam billowed from the mug and whatever was in it smelled strong and somewhat nutty.

  Horatio sat at the foot of the bed, already smiling. “Cara’s sisters came down and said you were awake. She had just finished making this cake for you, so we figured we’d come up together and bring you some food.”

  Out of the corner of his eye, Baltaszar could feel the girl, Cara, staring at him the whole time Horatio was speaking. Then she spoke up. “Horatio had just come back ta the inn an’ I came over while Soren was talkin’ ta him. We got ta talkin about ya an’ he said ya haven’t seen much o’ Ashur. So I thought ta make this cake fer ya. It’s chocolate. He said ya likely hadn’t had it before.”

  More strange food. First elephant. Now chocolate. At least it smells good. “No I haven’t. What is it? Chocolate? And what’s in the mug? It smells…interesting.” Baltaszar put his good leg back on the bed and took the tray on his lap.

  Cara sat next to him on the bed, closer than Baltaszar was comfortable with. “Chocolate…it comes from a bean that’s only found in Galicea. It’s bitter by itself, but it is wonderful if ya mix it with milk an’ sugar. Khiry an’ the City o’ the Fallen are the only places ya can find it outside Galicea. Same fer the coffee. That’s what’s in yer mug. Also comes from a bean, but we roast the beans an’ grind ‘em ta make a drink, an’ then mix it with milk an’ sugar. This one ya got was roasted with hazelnuts. It’s unfortunate fer that wall between Galicea an Fangh-Haan, else yer country might be able ta get it too.”

  “I can’t wait to eat. Wait…my country? This again?”

  Horatio cut in, smiling, “I tried to tell her, Baltaszar, but it was, well…difficult for me to explain.”

  Cara looked confused. “Yes yer country…Shivaana? Yer Shivaani, ain’t ya? What else could ya be with that skin color?”

  Baltaszar was growing frustrated at these presumptions. “What is it with all of you? I’m not a blasted Shivaani! I come from a town called Haedon, north of Vandenar. I’ve never been to Shivaana. I don’t even know where it is!” Cara stood and moved to sit at the foot of the bed next to Horatio. Baltaszar felt guilty at the outburst. He couldn’t tell if he’d angered or offended Cara, or both. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s just, since leaving Haedon so many people assume I’m from this Shivaana place that I’ve never even heard of. And the people who do actually ask me where I’m from don’t even believe that Haedon is a real place. It’s like everyone thinks I’m crazy or a liar or something.”

  Cara’s expression softened. “I can understand that. But ya don’t have ta get so angry with me. Yer too cute ta be huffin’ an’ puffin’ an’ such. Now eat yer breakfast before everythin’ gets cold.” Horatio looked at her with a somewhat stern look that Cara understood immediately. “Oh don’t start cryin’. What are ya, a baby? Yer a handsome fella too. There, ya happy now?”

  Horatio pursed his lips and shook his head. “You’re just saying that now to make me feel better.”

  Cara leaned in closer to Horatio, “O’ course I am, dear boy.” She kissed him on the cheek and then walked to the door. “Enjoy yer cake an’ coffee Baltaszar. An’ if ya need anythin’ else from me, anythin’ at all,” she glanced at Horatio then back at Baltaszar, “just let me know.” Cara winked at Baltaszar and left the room.

  The moment the door shut, Horatio’s head swiveled back to Baltaszar. “Before your head swells up, well before both of your heads swell up, she was flirting with me the same way downstairs.”

  Baltaszar chuckled, “I wasn’t going to say a word.” He bit into the massive slice of cake. “Wow. This is amazing! What did she say it was called? Chocolate?” He then sipped the coffee to wash it down. “By Orijin, that’s even better! Chocolate and coffee. How have I not known about these things my whole life?”

  “You were so busy being ‘too cute’ up in Haedon.”

  “Just wait until I’m better, ‘handsome fella’. I’ll push you off your horse.”

  “Yeah, tough words for a man laid up in bed. Take on some soldiers next time we’re in trouble. Then you can talk.”

  Baltaszar gulped down more coffee and nodded emphatically. “Oh, you’re going
to bring that up, huh? Lucky for you…I’ll save the threats for now. Maybe next time I’ll do it on purpose. Then I can have Cara to myself when you’re out of the way.” Baltaszar couldn’t help but laugh at his own threats. “And I’ll have all the chocolate and coffee I want.”

  Horatio pursed his lips, “I don’t like the coffee anyway; you can have it all. I did try the chocolate when I was traveling west through Galicea. It is pretty damn good. And who do you think Cara likes better? The one lying in bed because he couldn’t defend himself or the one who can take down dozens of soldiers with lightning?”

  Baltaszar knew Horatio was joking, but he took some of those words to heart. He’s right, I do have to start learning how to use this damn manifestation. Baltaszar finished the cake and coffee and set down the tray beside him. “Just wait until I’ve had enough practice. Then we’ll see. Anyway, when are we leaving this city?”

  “I’m going to buy some things at the market today. We’re out of supplies and Soren, the owner of the inn, has offered to finance whatever we need. I spent all of my coin before I got to Vandenar. Figured you didn’t have any either. We’ll stay tonight and leave tomorrow.”

  “Why would he do that? Pay for us? Does he think you’re handsome too?”

  Horatio laughed. “Everyone thinks I’m handsome. They can’t help it. Soren is a strong supporter of Descendants and does whatever he can to help any of us. And the truth is we really need some things if we’re going to make it to City of the Fallen and the House of Darian.”

  “I’m not arguing. Do we even have horses?”

  “We took one of the soldier’s horses. Don’t you remember?”

  “I don’t really remember anything after getting hit.” A sense of relief seemed to wash over Horatio’s face. Baltaszar grew curious. “What’s that look for?”

  Horatio’s face flushed. “It’s…nothing.”

  “Oh come on, man. Tell me.”

  “No, it’s just…it was sort of awkward having to ride on the horse together because I had to ride sitting right behind you and make sure you didn’t fall off.”

  “Oh. Well. Yeah that’s a bit awkward. But still, you only did it because my life was in danger. I’m glad that you did.” Baltaszar laughed, “I’m also glad that I don’t remember any of it.”

  Horatio loosened up at that, “Yeah, lucky you.”

  “Anyway. I want to go with you when you go to the markets.”

  “No way, you have to stay here and rest up. You need your strength for when we leave tomorrow.”

  Baltaszar eased his legs over the side of the bed. His right thigh was throbbing and burning from the movement, causing Baltaszar to grimace. It took all of his will power to subdue the winces and groans that moving caused. “Look, you might be right. But the only way my leg is going to get better is if I use it.” He stood and put pressure on his left leg to maintain balance. Baltaszar then took a step to see how his right leg would hold up and he quickly had to recover by shifting his weight.

  “See what I mean? You can barely walk.”

  “Shut up. I just got up after lying in bed for a whole day. Let me get used to it. Go work your charm on Cara some more and when you’re ready to leave for the markets, come get me. I guarantee that I’ll be able to walk.”

  Horatio rolled his eyes, but listened. “Fine. It’s still early enough in the day. You have a few hours to figure out how to walk before we leave for the markets. I’m going back to take a nap.” He arose from the foot of the bed and left the room.

  Baltaszar was relieved at the solitude. Once Horatio was gone, he sat back on the bed and rubbed his thigh. It throbbed, burned, and ached. Baltaszar wasn’t even really sure why it was so important for him to go with Horatio and Soren. It would have been best for him to stay in bed and rest. He would feel foolish finally arriving at the House of Darian with a severe limp and unable to walk properly, if at all.

  But deep down, Baltaszar felt embarrassed. Although Horatio was joking, the truth was that in his first experience in battle, Baltaszar had had absolutely no impact. Now he was being pampered and waited on because of it, even though he hadn’t done anything heroic. He was tired of being a victim. He wouldn’t survive in Ashur if everyone always had to take care of him.

  Baltaszar gingerly got up again and limped considerably while his leg got used to the pressure. He gritted his teeth and let loose a few guttural growls as he hobbled laps around the room. The pain was severe but he could get used to it. In time it would be tolerable. Baltaszar realized now that he didn’t need to do this to prove anything to Horatio or Cara or anyone else. He needed to prove to himself that he was strong and resilient.

  Baltaszar was fully awake and energized now. He was physically and mentally ready to get used to the pain. It would take a great deal of practice, but he had hours to do so. All he needed was the will power. And perhaps more chocolate cake and coffee. He peered through the door and yelled out for Cara.

  Chapter 12

  Hunters

  From The Book of Orijin, Verse Thirty-Six

  You shall all endure pain and suffering. Man cannot truly appreciate joy without suffering. But We shall not bestow upon you more pain than you are capable of overcoming.

  The night hadn’t been as quiet as Garrison would have liked. Insects hummed and buzzed throughout the forest, as well as the screeches of owls and bats. Garrison crouched atop a high branch in a tall, leafy tree. Yorik and Marika had done the same in separate trees. Yorik had insisted that he would keep lookout first while Garrison and Marika slept, but Garrison refused to sleep when he knew the arrival of more soldiers was imminent. He doubted that Marika slept either.

  The air remained thick and humid despite the sun having set hours ago. Garrison saw it as a boon, considering they didn’t dare start a campfire. He had argued with Yorik and Marika about whether to continue on or hide. The Taurani implored him to keep riding, but Garrison knew that the only way they would have a chance against the king’s soldiers would be the element of surprise. If the soldiers had caught up to them while on the run, there would be very limited options for the three of them. But waiting in the trees in the dark brought certain advantages. The moonlight penetrated the forest enough to see on the ground, but the trees were too dense for Garrison and the Taurani to be noticed.

  Garrison had explained his plan to the two Taurani and they hesitantly acquiesced. They’d ridden throughout the day and there was no concealing that all three were tired, as were their horses. The Taurani agreed that it would be foolish to continue riding while there was a risk of any of them dozing off or losing focus. Hiding in the trees, whoever saw danger first would whistle out to the other two. At least if any of them fell asleep, they wouldn’t be exposed. And Garrison had given Yorik and Marika each pouches of Red Dust, which would be the first element of surprise. If anyone was sleeping, the boom of an exploding tree would wake them up.

  Garrison groped the pouches in his pockets at the thought. He had given Kavon all of the Yellow Dust. Garrison hadn’t regretted it, but the Yellow was his favorite and would surely be useful against soldiers in the dark. Once he reached the House, he would promptly make more.

  He briefly thought of Kavon and regretted losing him. Yorik and Marika expressed no sadness, or any emotion for that matter, regarding Kavon. Garrison supposed that they’d understood that death was a possibility on this journey. Garrison refused to entertain that notion, however. He was simply too stubborn to accept it as a possible outcome. He shook his head and returned his focus to the ground below.

  Garrison felt the warrior in him returning. Although he personally hadn’t killed any soldiers earlier in the day, he’d been in the middle of conflict and had kept his head level. It was a reassuring sign that he still possessed what was necessary to reach the House, no matter what. He’d felt no regret about the soldiers’ deaths. In truth, a part of him welcomed the challenge of the chase. The soldiers would all underestimate him, he knew. He’d led so many of them to hun
t down and kill Descendants over the past few years and most of the time it had been a relatively easy task, to the point that the soldiers had grown arrogant and pompous. By the time Garrison had become fed up with their conceit, he’d already stopped taking part in the hunts, so he’d seen no point in informing the soldiers that they’d only been so successful because of Donovan’s, Wendell’s, and his expertise and tactics. Without the three of them developing plans and strategies, most Descendants would have destroyed the battalions quite easily.

  Let them come. Let them think they can defeat me. A whistle came in the distance from Garrison’s right. Yorik. Garrison looked eastward. He couldn’t see anything, but the ground softly rumbled. They are smart to not have torches. The rumble grew louder and in moments Garrison could see shadows moving from the east. Garrison began to distinguish the sound of barks and yelps from the rumble. Dammit. Dogs. Marika had encouraged them to leave the horses a good mile ahead and then walk back. That would likely buy them several minutes of going undetected. Enough time to watch the soldiers’ movements and wait until the precise moment to strike.

  Despite the thick foliage of the trees, the dogs would eventually sniff out Garrison and the Taurani. But with the horses hopefully far enough away, the dogs would need a few moments to specifically locate Garrison, Marika, and Yorik. It would prevent each of them from acting too quickly. Judging by the rumble of the ground, Garrison estimated that this squadron was about half the size of the one that had attacked them earlier in the day. With any luck, they could dispose of these soldiers without any serious injuries.

  Shadows raced across the ground beneath Garrison. For nearly a minute the dogs raced from tree to tree. Another whistle came from the right. Yorik had been spotted. Seconds later, about the same time the barking started at the base of his own tree, Garrison heard a whistle from his left. All three of them had been found. Garrison had instructed Marika and Yorik to wait until soldiers had surrounded their trees. If any of them had acted too hastily, it would only leave them with dead dogs and exposed to the soldiers.