Rise of the Red Harbinger

by Khalid Uddin

  “Fine. He can come. You said two more. Who is the last one?”

  Vasher felt nervous. He knew Baltaszar would be a difficult sell. “Well, if lightning can defend us, then so can fire.”

  “No.”

  “What?”

  “No Baltaszar. As it is, Marshall does not understand Ashur. We cannot afford to have two people who have no concept of this land. At least Marshall has fighting skill. Baltaszar controls fire. The last thing we need is for him to burn down a city because he panics at an angry mob.”

  “Have you sat down and ever spoken to him? Baltaszar isn’t built that way. Besides, we have all studied and learned from you about the cultures of Ashur. If you are that good of a teacher, then Baltaszar should be fine.”

  “I still disagree. Look, Vasher, I like the boy. Baltaszar is polite and very low key, but he is new to Ashur, untested with his manifestation, and therefore, dangerous. We do not have the time for unexpected complications on this mission.”

  Vasher pushed his frustration back and focused. He focused so hard on Savaiyon’s response that a few moments passed before he realized the melody flowing through him. “I can vouch for him. Baltaszar has already been to Vandenar, Khiry, and the City of the Fallen. That’s more than many other Descendants who have been exposed to Ashur for their whole lives. Trust me, Savaiyon. Baltaszar works well with all of us. He is on the same page as the rest of our circle. He is the one you want defending you when things get out of hand.”

  Savaiyon seemed confused for a moment. “That makes sense. I see it now. It makes perfect sense.” Vasher released his manifestation slowly, only to be filled with guilt. He regretted manipulating Savaiyon, but he knew Savaiyon was wrong, and this was the only way to get things right. Lately, none of his victories truly felt like victories. Vasher took it as a poor omen that so many situations were turning out to be bittersweet.

  “When do we leave?” He asked Savaiyon hesitantly, unsure of whether the Maven was aware of what just happened.

  “Two days. I have to speak to Kadoog’han. And everyone needs time to prepare and set their affairs in order. There is no telling how long this mission could take. Since you selected the team, I will give you the responsibility of telling them all, with the exception of Kadoog’han, of course. Do so tonight. It is still early enough that no one should be sleeping. Then again, tell Lincan first, if he is still awake. That boy takes naps at the strangest times.” A yellow outline formed and spread into an opening, leading to one of the common rooms on the first floor of the House. Vasher followed Savaiyon through. The idea that he was shaping this mission was exciting, yet terrifying at the same time. If anything went wrong, it would be his fault.

  ***

  Horatio still didn’t understand why they needed to bring so much. The packs were one thing, but horses seemed excessive. Even if they were each going to different cities after Vandenar, it couldn’t be too difficult to find a horse. He wasn’t angry about it, though. If anything, he loved horses. But the only explanation was that it was winter now, so bringing horses would help if they needed to move quickly. It made no sense. He turned to Baltaszar, who brought up the rear behind Savaiyon, Vasher, Kadoog’han, Lincan, Desmond, Badalao, and Marshall. Horatio would have made a few different selections for the team. You’d think they would have asked a girl or two. Man. “You think this will be any fun? Vasher sold it to me as an opportunity to travel and see my home. Honestly, I don’t really need a reason to get a break from that place.”

  “You don’t like it at the House? You sure look like you’ve been enjoying it for the past seven months.” Baltaszar walked while a fireball hovered ahead of him. It was rare to see Baltaszar without a fireball somewhere close to him anymore.

  “No, I didn’t mean that. I guess I could just use a break is all. It can feel a little tight on the island at times.”

  “Yeah, I can relate to that. And that’s exactly why I’m here. I suppose I couldn’t have said no to Vasher anyway, but Marlowe promised me that I could make a trip back to Haedon once I finished reading The Book of Orijin. I finished it a few months ago and he’s always got another excuse for why I can’t go.” Baltaszar nodded to him and lowered his voice. “As soon as Vash mentioned Vandenar, I was in. At some point while we’re here, I’m going to sneak away to head home.”

  “Seriously? I don’t think that’s smart. They’ll be angry about that. Maven Savaiyon is creating a doorway for each of us. How are you going to avoid that?”

  “I will leave before we get to that point. Trust me, I have to do this.”

  Horatio didn’t really understand Baltaszar’s desperation, considering that he’d made it clear that there was nothing left for him in Haedon. “What is so important about going back? I thought you said your family was gone.” They stepped through Savaiyon’s doorway and onto the road leading to Vandenar’s gates.

  “Three things. The man in charge of Haedon is still there and I need to speak to him. I need to know about my father, and my mother if he knows anything about her. I want to see if my house is still there. I doubt it, but I still want to check. And…there is Yas.”

  Horatio shook his head. “You’re still stuck on her? That girl must be worth a haul of fish for you to be still thinking about her. You do realize we’re going to see Anahi in a matter of minutes, right?” Horatio sympathized with him. He’d never actually loved a girl, but having seen how tormented Baltaszar was, he knew that what his friend had with Yasaman was more than just love. “If ending a relationship means feeling how you do right now I think I’d rather do what Lao does. No chance of getting hurt when you’re just having a go all the time.”

  “It’s not all bad. What we had before things got bad was incredible. And that’s why I have to go back. I owe her that much before I move on. Anyway, yeah, I have no idea what I am going to do about Anahi. You think she’ll understand about my situation? I mean, it’s not like I had time to go and get closure before.”

  Horatio looked at Baltaszar sideways, “Wait, are you planning on doing something with Anahi while you’re here? Tasz, I didn’t think you had it in you!”

  “Shh. Calm down, fool. I’m not planning anything. At least not until I know definitively where I stand with Yas. I’m just saying that I have not ruled out pursuing Anahi in the future. What I meant was that I hope she doesn’t think I’m ready for that right now, because I would feel bad.”

  “Oh, well that makes sense. And after you finish your business in Haedon and with the Augurs, you could always ask Maven Savaiyon to bring you back here to see Anahi again. Assuming Marlowe allows it. That’s just like when my brother was in love with this girl in the next town…wait, was that Leonard?” He was no longer sure whether that situation involved his brother or someone else. Horatio hated that his memory could be such a confusing thing. He glanced sheepishly at Baltaszar, “I’m sorry. I really thought that was going somewhere.”

  “No big deal. I know how frustrating it must be for you.”

  “Thanks.” Whenever this happened, most of his circle of friends would be short on patience with him. Lincan and Baltaszar tended to be better at hiding their frustrations.

  Horatio hadn’t realized they were walking down Vandenar’s main avenue. Sunset neared and most vendors were packing up their wares for the night.

  “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m ready to get drunk as soon as we get there,” Lincan shouted from the front.

  Savaiyon promptly responded, “No. First is business. When we arrive at the inn, we get ourselves and our rooms situated, then we go to the Augur.”

  “The what?” Marshall apparently hadn’t known their formal titles.

  Horatio snickered, “The Blind Man.”

  “Oh.”

  Savaiyon continued, “As I was saying, once we talk to Master Keeramm, we can return to the inn and relax until tomorrow. Remember, our first priority is prophecy. Tonight, we will all go together so that everyone knows what questions to ask and understands
the etiquette. Most Augurs are friendly and are open about their blindness, but if you happen to anger one, they have been known to refuse your company for life. So again, it is critical that you pay attention and understand the nature of this mission. Either Desmond or Baltaszar can do the introductions, or both. After that, Vasher and I will do the talking. Understood?”

  The rest of them, even Kadoog’han nodded in agreement and mumbled some form of affirmation.

  “What did you say his name was?” Lincan was always asking people’s names. Then again, he was always remembering people’s names. Horatio wondered if Lincan would make an attempt at talking to the Augur.

  “Keeramm. Munn Keeramm.”

  “You mean like two animals? His name is Monkey Ram?”

  All of them laughed, save Savaiyon. “Munn. Keeramm. First name, Munn. Last name, Keeramm. It is that simple. Understood?” Lincan nodded. Savaiyon turned to Vasher, “This is why you chose these people?”

  Vasher shrugged as if to imply that it wasn’t his fault. He replied, sarcastically, “I barely know them.”

  They finally arrived at The Happy Elephant as the sky was transforming from blue to pink and orange. Horatio was surprised at how well he remembered the inn. It had been about seven months since he’d met Baltaszar for the first time. When the innkeeper, he’d forgotten his name, told Horatio that there was another Descendant staying there, he was beside himself. It had been the first time he’d actually met another one in his travels. They tied their horses out front and entered.

  As they walked into the common room of the inn, everyone’s eyes turned to them. “Maybe we should have told them we were coming,” he mumbled to Savaiyon. Baltaszar shouldered his way in front of Horatio and stood in the middle of everyone. “Are you hiding? I don’t even see her in the room. There’s hardly anyone in here except a dozen people sitting at the counter. Calm down, man.” The others all turned to glance at Baltaszar. Horatio mumbled, “Sorry.”

  Truthfully, he hadn’t really scanned the whole room, but he didn’t see Anahi anywhere at first glance. The innkeeper hurried to them from behind the counter. “Desmond! How ya doin’, boy? Yer the last person I woulda expected ta see here! An’ ya brought yer friends! Oh I recognize some o’ ya! Let’s see, uh…Horatio, right? An’ is that Baltaszar back there? Sorry, I don’t know the rest o’ ya, but yer all welcome in the Elephant! Just tell me what ya need!”

  Savaiyon stepped to the front. “Thank you, Cyrus. I am Maven Savaiyon. We appreciate your hospitality, especially in these tenuous times. If you have rooms that accommodate two each, we will require five, as there are nine of us.”

  “Ah, that’ll be a tough push. We only have two rooms with two separate beds. I can give ya singles, but I dunno if I can afford ta give ya all fer free this time. Got an unusually high number o’ people stayin’ here. If there were less of ya, I …”

  Savaiyon cut him off, “That is not a concern. We have plenty of coin to pay you and I will not allow you to give us anything free.”

  “Nonsense, I take care o’ Descendants! I would be ashamed if I couldn’t do somethin’ fer ya! How ‘bout ya pay fer half the rooms?”

  “Seriously, friend. We do not want to stretch your profits thin. We have no trouble with paying our way. You obviously have many finances to manage.”

  Horatio could see this conversation going back and forth for a while. He wondered if Vasher would step in and use his manifestation to persuade Cyrus. Just as the thought passed through his mind, Lincan actually spoke up. “How about we pay for rooms and we drink for free? We will only be here for tonight and tomorrow, so that wouldn’t make a significant difference.”

  Cyrus nodded, “Yes. That sounds fair. But don’t feel guilty about enjoyin’ yerselves. Drink as much as ye’d like!”

  Savaiyon acquiesced. “Very well. I can agree to that.” Lincan had a way of setting things at ease. Horatio sometimes thought of Lincan’s manifestation as symbolic to his personality. Although he could physically heal people, Lincan had a way of healing situations as well. At the same time, he also knew how to talk people into getting his way or agreeing with him. Horatio wondered how powerful Lincan could be with Vasher’s manifestation instead. Maybe he would be too dangerous with it. Maybe the Orijin knew better.

  Cyrus turned to the girl behind the bar counter. “Wenda, can ya grab the other girls an’ get some rooms prepared? The two doubles an’ five regulars. An’ anythin’ these boys need, make sure ya get it fer ‘em!” Wenda left and walked up the stairs on the other side of the room.

  Savaiyon extended his hand, “Thank you Master Cyrus. We know that you appreciate the Descendants and the House of Darian. But understand that we also appreciate you and anyone who goes out of their way to protect us. That is why I insisted on paying, to show you our appreciation in return.”

  Cyrus laughed, “Seems there’s lotsa respect ta go around the room, huh. I’m proud ta have ya here. Can I have dinner ready fer ya once yer done settlin’ down?”

  “Perhaps later. We would like to see Master Keeramm as soon as we can. We will assuredly be hungry upon our return, though.”

  “No trouble at all. Ya can leave yer packs here. I’ll tell the girls ta bring ‘em ta yer rooms.” Cyrus turned and scampered to the staircase where Wenda had ascended, yelling the whole way. “Anahi! Anahi! You an’ the girls come down an’ help these gentlemen with their things!”

  Horatio nudged Baltaszar’s arm and whispered, “She is here.” He couldn’t help but smile. While he felt bad for his friend, Baltaszar’s awkwardness was too much to not enjoy. Though if Baltaszar knew Horatio was enjoying this, he’d likely punch him.

  “There is no need for them to exert themselves. We can put our things away.” Savaiyon turned to the rest of them, “Kadoog’han and I will share a room. Any volunteers to share the other double?”

  “Lao an’ I will take it. It’ll keep Lao on his best behavior in my town anyway.” Desmond flashed a mischievous grin at Badalao. “The last thing I want is Lao sleepin’ with any girl I grew up with.”

  “Good. That was easy. We’ll put our packs away and then meet back down here in within a few minutes.” Cyrus attempted a protest but Savaiyon walked past him and up the stairs. Horatio and the rest of them followed.

  On the second floor, Savaiyon, Kadoog’han, Desmond, and Badalao were led all the way to the end of the hall by Wenda and another young girl. As the six of them walked away, Horatio noticed Anahi walking toward them. She waved her hand in a circular motion at three doors on one side and two on the other. “These are yers, lads. Nice ta see ya again, Horatio. Choose which ever ones suit yer fancy, but they’re all pretty much the same.”

  Horatio smiled back at her, “You, too.” Anahi watched as they all sorted out their rooms. She had a certain glow to her that he hadn’t noticed the last time he saw her. He was somewhat taken aback that she hadn’t greeted Baltaszar. Maybe the awkwardness is on both sides. He walked into the room next to Baltaszar’s. This is going to be fun. Horatio dropped his pack on the bed, not bothering to open it. I can change when we get back. We’re going to see a Blind Man, for Orijin’s sake.

  He stepped back into the hallway to see Lincan doing the same. Before Lincan could walk away, Horatio stopped him. “Linc,” he whispered and pointed to Baltaszar’s door. Lincan looked at him curiously and scratched his head. Horatio put a finger to his mouth and then leaned against the door. Lincan did the same. Horatio could only hear muffled voices. She’s definitely in there. They’re not talking very loud. At least no one is angry.

  The conversation went on for another minute or two before he heard Anahi raise her voice. He was almost certain she’d said, “Then when!” Baltaszar said something in response, but he was talking too low and too fast for Horatio to understand. Then there was silence. The door opened too quickly for Horatio and Lincan to be able to hide or pretend they were doing something else. Anahi saw the two of them and glowered before storming off. Definitely no glow that tim
e.

  Baltaszar exited the room as well, but seemed more relieved than angry to see the two of them. “You two were listening the whole time?”

  “It was Raish’s idea.” Lincan pointed his finger at Horatio while looking at Baltaszar.

  “I just wanted to make sure everything was going well. And I was kind of nosy, too.”

  Baltaszar shook his head, “It’s fine, I’m not mad at you two.” He continued walking and Horatio and Lincan followed. “I guess I should have expected it though. She was angry that I haven’t spoken to Yasaman yet.”

  “Did you tell her that you want to, though? Does she at least know how you feel?”

  “I told her, but who knows if she believes me. She got quiet when I told her that I would come back here as soon as I spoke with Yas. She was trying not to cry. She didn’t look at me after that. That’s when she rushed out.”

  Lincan spoke up as they descended the stairs. “I thought you were done with Yasaman.”

  “Well, I am and I’m not. I mean, I don’t know. That’s the problem. I haven’t been back home in almost eight months. I don’t really have a clue about what we are. I thought once my father died, I would continue being angry with her, but I’m not. I’ve kind of missed her this whole time.”

  Horatio was confused. “So you’re saying that if you can salvage what you have with Yas, you’ll stick with her?”

  “Maybe. Probably. Who knows? I suppose I’ll find out when I see her. I honestly won’t know how I feel until I see her face to face. And that’s the biggest reason I need to see her again.”