by Shannah Jay
Benjan spat on the floor. 'Who wants to talk of what happened? Festering pesthouses, those shrines. They scorn the poorfolk, but Those of the Serpent are carrion. I'd rather have a giant lenril come at me head on than one of those Initiates. I killed him, though.'
'Who?'
'One of the Masters of the Inner Shrine.'
Jonner whistled in admiration. 'Tonight?'
Benjan nodded, his expression fierce and triumphant.
'How?'
Benjan took a knife out of his jerkin. 'With this little beauty.' Jonner examined it with the eye of a professional, whistling again as he caught sight of the crest punched onto the top of the blade.
'You can't beat a throwing knife made in Jan-Halani,' Benjan said, in the tone of a lover. 'Took me months to save for this little lady, it did, but she's saved my life three times now.' He grew angry at the memory of the shrine and words burst from him. 'It sickened me, that place! Most animals only kill for food, and you don't find poorfolk torturing one another for sport, however hungry they get. Have you seen that girl's back? Have you seen what those devils did to her?'
Jonner shuddered eloquently.
'An' how old would you say she is - fourteen, fifteen?' It wasn’t often Benjan was moved to speak in more than monosyllables; now the words poured out of him like bile.
'She's thirteen, actually. Heard her father say so.'
'Thirteen! What's the world comin' to? Me, I've lived in the Shambles all my life. I've stole things, aye, an' killed folk too, but I've never whipped a little girl's back to shreds, let alone egged a crowd of men on to rape her!' Benjan beat his clenched ham of a fist on the floor, scowling over to where Carryn lay.
QUEST Shannah Jay 156
'She been sacrificed in one of their shrines, then?' queried Jonner, trying to find his way through this torrent of vituperation.
'What do you think?'
Jonner shivered. 'No one said for sure.'
'Who'd want to talk of it? How must her father feel, poor sod?'
Silence lay heavily between them, then Benjan growled, 'You leavin' with them?'
'I reckon so. Why?'
'Think they'll need another guard? I'm strong an' I’d not ask for much, not if I had a chance to fight against them.
Once I've made my promise, I stick to it. I'm a Hashite, Third Rank.'
'Third, eh? Don't you fancy assassinations? That's where the money is these days.'
'No. I don't like killin' for no reason. Anyway, it's too dangerous. I had a young sister to look after, so I stuck with bodyguard assignments.' He changed the subject before Jonner could ask what had happened to his sister. 'So, d'you think they're going to need anyone else?'
'You'll have to ask them. I never know what they're going to want next.' Jonner stared at the three leaders with a rather hostile expression. He disliked being kept on the edge of things.
The conference finished at last and Davred asked the two men to join them. Herra and Aharri were now arguing about whether it was safe for Herra to rejoin her companions or whether she should be got out of the city at once.
'It's not safe for you to stay anywhere in the city,' insisted Aharri. 'The sooner we get you out, the better.'
'I will join my companions first, I think.'
'But . . . '
'Enough! I have made my decision.' She turned to smile at Benjan. 'I haven't thanked you properly yet, my friend.
We'd have been lost without your help tonight.'
Benjan seized his opportunity. 'I was hired to do a job an' I did it.'
'As your promise was made,' said Aharri, almost chanting the words.
'So my promise was kept,' finished Benjan in the same tone.
'You've truly earned your silver and upheld the honour of your guild.' Aharri handed over a pouch.
Benjan tucked it away quickly then turned back to Herra. 'Did I hear that you was thinkin' of leaving the city, lady?'
'We are to take some wagons and go as traders.'
'And - are you plannin' to do somethin' about them devils?'
'We intend to continue our fight against Discord, if that's what you mean.'
'Discord? What does that mean? I want to do my bit against Those of the Serpent, if that's your Discord. Maybe I can't do much - one man, like - but I'll get rid of a few of them before I'm through!'
Aharri judged it time to re-enter the conversation. 'Benjan's younger sister vanished a few months ago, taken by Those of the Serpent. She's not been seen since. That's why I knew we could trust him today.'
Herra patted Benjan's arm. 'I'm sorry to hear that, my friend. And yes, we shall be continuing the struggle - though our way will not necessarily be to kill our enemies. If you joined us, you would have to follow our ways.'
'As long as we're doin' somethin', not just sittin' on our arses, prayin'!' His eyes lingered for a moment on the still figure of Carryn, then he looked straight at Herra. 'So am I to come with you, then? You'l need guards, surely?'
'You must fol ow your own heart in that, my friend.'
QUEST Shannah Jay 157
Benjan swore and slapped one great muscular fist into the palm of the other. 'Riddles! Bloody riddles! Why can you Sisters never give a straight answer to a straight question? How's a plain man to understand what you mean?'
He had caught her full attention. 'In truth, friend Benjan, I meant to set you no riddle, only to say that you must make your own decision. If you wish to join us, we shall be happy to have you, but it is, it must be, by your own choice.'
He was determined that there should be no misunderstandings. 'Even though I've been a thief?'
'Even so.'
'And - even if I've killed a few people here and there?'
'That's harder to accept, for we of the Sisterhood do not kill, if we can help it. Have you killed in malice, or in anger, taking pleasure in the act?'
'Pleasure! Where's the pleasure in it? I've killed to save my own skin, lady. It's as simple as that. I'm no assassin. I hire out to protect people, not kill them. I've stayed in the Third Rank of the Guild on purpose. There's no pleasure to me in kil ing.' He breathed deeply and scowled at Herra. 'You Sisters have it easy. You can still people if you're in trouble. I've seen you do it. And you don't have to worry about food. People give things to you. In the Shambles, in the hungry years, it's kill or be killed. And I'm still alive.'
'Speak with courtesy to the Elder Sister!' exclaimed Aharri, shocked by his tone.
Benjan looked him squarely in the eyes. 'I speak the truth. I'm of the poorfolk, but I'm also of the Hashite Guild.
I've had no time to learn your fancy ways of talkin', but I have my pride. Hashites don't lie.' He gave Herra an awkward bow. 'Not that I meant any disrespect, lady.' He hesitated, then said in a rush, 'I served you well tonight. You said so yourself. I went into that place with you and stuck by you, didn't I? So I've earned the right to say my piece, haven't I?'
'I wish more people would speak to me as honestly as you do, my friend. I think I've been cloistered for too long behind the walls of the temple.'
Benjan's gaze was that of a pet seeking to understand its master's wishes, but puzzled by the complexity of the orders. 'So am I to come with you, then?'
'Oh yes, my friend. If that's what you truly wish to do, it wil please me greatly. The only condition is that you continue to speak honestly to me.'
He looked at her sideways from under heavy brows, not sure whether she meant this. 'People like you don't usually want poorfolk like me to say things straight out to 'em.'
'I've been shut up inside a temple for most of my life. I had,' Herra smiled reminiscently, 'a very brief period out in the world, but even then I was most lovingly protected. And after a few years, it was necessary to return to the Sisterhood. I need you to speak honestly to me now, Benjan, so that I will understand what ordinary people are thinking.'
He shrugged. 'That's all right with me, lady. Makes it easier, if you mean that.' He smiled at her, though his smile only
briefly lifted the serious expression that sat upon his heavy features as if chiselled there. 'So long as I can get a few pokes in at them murderin' devils an' have a bit of fun now an' then, I shan't complain.'
Davred looked at him curiously. Benjan was a new type to him as well as to Herra. 'Is that all you seek in life?'
'What else is there for a man like me?'
'We're seeking wisdom. That's the purpose of our Quest, to find out how to make a better world for everyone.'
Benjan laughed openly. 'Who am I to look for wisdom? What's this wisdom of yours, anyway? I'd not know it if it stared me in the face. Though I try to do right by folks. That I do try. No, I'll leave the wisdom and the thinking to you an' the Sisters, an' I'll serve you with my body.' He went to stand squarely before Herra. 'I'll make my promise now, if you please.'
'It's a small ritual,' Aharri explained. 'They have certain customs in the Shambles. If a Hashite is promised to you, then he or she will guard you faithfully, even unto death.'
Herra stood quietly in front of Benjan, a tiny figure of immense dignity. She smiled slightly as the large man took her QUEST Shannah Jay 158
hand, raised it briefly to his forehead and said simply. 'I make you my promise. I will be your man.'
Something seemed to be expected from her. She concentrated and words came to her. 'I accept your promise. It's more binding than silver, more precious than gold.'
He raised her hand again. 'I am your man now, lady. To the death, if necessary.'
Aharri leaned towards Davred to whisper, 'That makes it the most binding oath possible, on both sides. How did she know that response?'
Davred shrugged.
Herra was stil clasping the large hand in both hers. 'I welcome you to our group, Benjan the Hashite.'
He released her hand and nodded as if satisfied, then his face settled into its former stolid expression and he stood back to await orders from his new mistress.
#####
Chapter 26: KINDRED OF THE GOD
As the small party made its way across the city all three moons were shining in the sky and there was more light than any of them would have wished. Benjan was again holding Carryn, seeming scarcely to notice the extra weight of the slender body lying against his chest. She was breathing with the long, slow rhythms of slumberbane. He could see how her lashes curved on her cheeks, just as his sister's had. He hoped Delly had died quickly and painlessly. He hoped she hadn't suffered as this child had. He vowed to himself that if he could help Carryn survive, he would.
Those of the Serpent were still searching desperately for the desecrators of the shrine. Several times they had to wait in the shadows for one of Benner's patrols to pass by. Twice Herra deflected guards who would have blundered into them. A curfew had been imposed on the city following the riots, a measure greatly resented by the populace, Aharri told them. The few people they saw breaking curfew betrayed only panic at the sight of their group, and made haste to get out of sight and hearing.
Within an hour they were approaching the entrance to the secret tunnels. Here Herra took over and cast a few moments of oblivion over all her companions save Davred. Under it, the others stumbled along like automatons, obeying her instructions as to when to turn or stop. She didn’t lift the oblivion until they were deep in the tunnels.
Aharri whistled in surprise. 'Merryan never spoke of these.'
'The tunnels have always been a closely-guarded secret.'
'A wise precaution. You're right to keep people in ignorance of your hidden ways. I’d have found it hard to resist taking advantage of so spacious a shelter for some of my less respectable goods, if I’d known of them.'
By the flickering light of the candle they’d brought with them, Herra led the group towards the emergency chamber.
'As soon as I give the word, follow me inside the cave,' she ordered. 'The entrance won't stay open for long.'
Jonner gasped aloud as the wall shimmered, but Benjan nodded in satisfaction, proud to be protected by Herra's magic. The stronger the powers of the group, the greater the chances of them overcoming their enemies.
Then they were inside the chamber and the wall was forming again behind them.
Katia ran forward and threw herself into Davred's arms, totally ignoring protocol and earning a glare from Cheral.
As always, the world seemed to shift into a truer focus when the two of them were together. 'I missed you,' she said softly in his ear.
'And I you.'
QUEST Shannah Jay 159
Cheral started to fuss over Herra, exclaiming over her dirt-streaked face and begging her to go and wash herself in the pool. 'If only we had some way of heating the food!' she mourned. 'There's nothing like a nice bowl of soup for soothing the spirit.'
Benjan stepped forward into the light and Cheral saw the burden he was carrying. She was at his side in an instant.
'Who's this? How is she hurt?' She gasped as she uncovered Carryn's back. 'Brother of life!' Then her practical nature took over. 'Lay her down over here, on my pallet. Gently! Gently! Whatever happened to the poor child?'
'Those of the Serpent captured her and used her in the shrine,' Benjan explained, seeing that no one else was paying much attention to him and this old dame.
'A young child like that!' While Herra was arranging the final details with Aharri, and Davred was engaged in a low-voiced conversation with Katia, Cheral deftly began to strip the bloodstained rags from the girl's back. By the time Aharri came to say farewell to his daughter, the Novice Mistress was gently bathing the torn flesh.
'Easier to do a healing on clean wounds,' she told him. 'You won't recognise her by tomorrow, Aharri Bel-Ashkaron.'
Eyes brimming, he bent to kiss his daughter, laid a hand very briefly on her head in benison, then stood up. 'I thank you for your care, Sister,' he said formally.
'We who serve the God also serve his people.' But Cheral's response was automatic, her attention all for her patient.
'Fiana, get me some more clean water, will you?' She barely noticed Herra deactivate the wal and take Aharri outside again.
Davred introduced Benjan and Jonner to the others, and by the time Herra returned, food had been found, beds made up for them and, most important of al , Carryn's back was ready for healing.
Cheral transferred her attention to Herra. 'I must say you don't look too exhausted, for all that you've been gone so long,' she admitted grudgingly. 'They must have looked after you properly. Now, when do you wish to heal this poor child's back, Elder Sister? Or shall you leave that to Katia? She's not bad at healing now, you know, and it would give you a chance to rest. You must be exhausted.'
'I'm not.'
Cheral looked sceptical.
'The healing will not exhaust me, Cheral.' Herra looked round the cave and clapped her hands for attention.
Everyone turned to look at her.
Using the formal mode of speech and chanting the words, Herra said, 'Rejoice with me, my Sisters, for I have attained Enhancement.'
Three gasps, then her Sisters began to murmur suitable responses.
Jonner plucked at Davred's tunic. 'What's all that mean?'
It was Herra who answered him. 'It means, my friend, that I am nearing the end of my life, but that the God has blessed me by increasing my powers. We call it attaining Enhancement.'
'You mean - you won't get weaker as you grow older, like everyone else?'
'No. Some of us get stronger towards the end. It's a very joyful thing, but not common.'
'How's that possible?' demanded Benjan, whose experience of life had taught him that things only got worse the older you became. He’d always dreaded the day when his great strength would begin to fail. 'Is it your magic?'
'Partly.'
'Why don't you let other people learn it, then? Most of us could do with a bit of that - what do you call it? -
Enhancement.'
Cheral breathed deeply at this impertinence, and waited in vain for the Elder Sister to reprimand
Benjan.
QUEST Shannah Jay 160
Herra only smiled gently. 'We're still learning about it ourselves, my friend. It's one of the newer Gifts.'
'Most folk'd be willing to take a gamble, given the chance.'
'It takes a long time. Our "magic", as others call it, is a rigorous training in difficult Disciplines. It takes many years to learn it.'
'It takes a long time to learn any skill, lady. How long do you think it took me to become a good swordsman, or to learn to throw a knife? Are these Disciplines of yours just for women, or can men learn them too?'
Herra looked at him thoughtfully. 'Men haven't usually been trained in our Disciplines, but they can sometimes acquire the skills. Lord Davred here is one who is learning them successfully, and Aharri exhibits a few Gifts.' She looked at Benjan. 'Would you like to try to learn them too, my friend?'
Cheral's mouth fell open in surprise.
Benjan ignored the old dame. 'Is that possible for someone like me? I've no schooling, except in using weapons. I've never even had time to learn to read. Too busy earnin' my bread.'
'I don't know whether it's possible, but we could try to teach you.'
'Well - I wouldn't mind tryin'. Why not? What've I got to lose?'
Cheral spluttered with outrage.
'Why should he not try, Cheral?' Herra asked, her displeasure evident in her voice.
'But - Elder Sister - he's a man! We're a Sisterhood.'
'The Lord Davred is also a man.'
'He was chosen! That's different.'
Herra stood stock still for a moment, then spoke in a wondering tone. 'Then I choose Benjan now. Times are changing, Cheral. We must change with them, or our Sisterhood will die. No, do not argue! The God is speaking through me, showing me how I must start to make the changes.'
'The God?' whispered Cheral.
'Yes.' Herra raised her voice, 'The God speaks!' One by one the others fell to their knees, and the Sisters realised that Herra was making another major prophecy as her voice began to echo from the cave walls.
'The God has whispered in my ear:
It is time to change this world.
The God has offered us salvation,
With a new turn in the path,