Godstones?
Asta had certainly never heard this. She listened intently.
"Who will go with me to find the godstones--someone that the gods could trust," continued Sindke.
There was general assent, though no volunteers.
Asta felt she should act, volunteer somehow but she wasn't even a member yet. She didn't want to arouse any suspicion.
But to let this opportunity slip away was unthinkable. The godstones. If nothing else, it would be an invaluable archeological find. But even more important was the belief that the Garrans had in it. What would happen if they found these stones and took it as a sign that the gods would help them destroy all the Chanden? That couldn't be allowed to happen. The Agency would deem this to be critical.
Then Molot stood. "I will go," he said. "I will help search for the godstones."
Sindke nodded. "It will be difficult."
"Yes," said Molot. "And with me, I will bring the Shaheak Te'jaste of Shing River Clan. She is god-touched. I have seen it." He sat down.
Asta stared, dumbfounded. Sindke's gaze fell on her. "Come here, child," she said.
She couldn't have asked for a more gracious and eloquent introduction and, even though it was just what she wanted, she could scarcely move for fear.
She felt conflicted. Was this right?
At last she stood and went over to the old woman, who studied her, looking into her eyes.
"She is not of the Clan Conclave," said Molot, "But I have brought her to you from Wanthe where she asked and the gods sent down the mountain waters again."
This brought some talk from among the others.
"And she has a holy ooluk--Jir'cata," continued Molot.
This impressed the crowd who looked with wonder at Asta.
"Show me the sword, child," said the old woman.
Asta feared showing it here in front of these people; they could take it from her. But something in the old woman's eyes compelled her to obey. She unsheathed the sword and held it aloft. The crowd hushed to silence.
"You have wielded this ooluk?" asked Sindke.
"Yes," said Asta.
"And you communed with the gods in Wanthe?"
"Yes," she said, and realized it might not be a lie.
The old woman studied her silently for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. She will do."
Asta put her sword away and went back to sit by Molot, who was grinning, as always. Her heart pounded. She could scarcely believe that this had worked. She had gained entrance into the council, and would go on the quest for the godstone. She felt a little self-satisfied as she imagined Ruben's reaction to this.
Surely the search for the godstones was the heart of the rebellion and the Conclave's activities. She could learn everything, and obtain these godstones for the Chanden.
Others volunteered but Asta scarcely noticed as she was caught up in her own thoughts. As she watched, in a bit of a daze, she thought she heard the music from the mountain off in the distance.
^ ^ ^ ^ *
In the morning, in the privacy of her own room, Asta used her radio to check in with the Agency and tell them of the godstones. She did it silently using the code transmitter; the response back as in code. 'Go after the godstones' came the message. 'Mission priority.'
So, the Agency agreed--the godstones were valuable. And significant. The Garrans believed they contained the souls of the gods. If such an item got into the Garran's hands, and they believed they were blessed somehow, then a real war could ensue. If nothing else, the Chanden could prevent that kind of hysteria from breaking out and causing violence.
Asta hoped that this was right. It felt so dishonest, especially to use poor Molot this way, who stood up for her and whose tendency to endless talk had finally worked in her favor. Was it fair to Molot to betray them? Even if it were for their own good--they would hardly see it that way. But by stopping the rebellion, she would be saving lives, wouldn't she?
She pushed these doubts out of her mind and got ready to go.
Molot led her down again to the Clan Conclave hall. Molot and his cousins would all come on the trip, and for that Asta was glad. She'd gotten used to Molot and his company. At least she understood him. Some of these others--mindless barbarians some of them--she couldn't get along with at all.
On entering the hall, she was disappointed to see two of the rough looking men from yesterday--Jarvaine and Rouvidinn, who had called for the death of all Chanden--among the godstone hunters. There was also a woman, Kodinn, who seemed a little more gentle. If the group was this wild, how would Asta ever hold her own, especially if it came to a fight?
"We will set out to find the godstones," said Sindke. "I will lead this quest," she said. "Asta will be second. And Jarvaine third … should we come to trouble." Her aqua eyes were clear and intelligent.
"Where will we find them?" asked Rouvidinn. "I've never heard that their location was known. And their existence was only a rumor."
"I don't know their location," said Sindke. At this, Rouvidinn and Jarvaine exchanged glances, as though doubting the whole mission. "However," said Sindke, "there was a place where the gods hid a map, showing the location of at least one of these stone--deep in a firecave near the Dry Sea between the Black Hills and the Dead Knolls. We will go there first. We set out today. Are there any questions?"
"How many godstones are there?" asked Asta.
"This is not known," said Sindke. "The Chanden killed the gods when they arrived. How many they killed before the godstones were made to house the souls of the gods were not known. I believe there are at least three. We will be lucky to find one."
Asta nodded. The group looked solemn. No one else asked a question. "It will be the beginning of a new and wonderful age on Garran," said Sindke. "If the godstones can be found."
Asta doubted that. But if anyone could lead them to the stone, the old woman could. Of that Asta felt sure. As they began to leave the hall, the old woman beckoned Asta over, bidding the others leave, even Molot. They waited a moment as the others filed out, her expression patient.
She's on to me, Asta thought, in a panic. She fought to maintain her composure. The fear was irrational. But there was something about the lady and her piercing gaze that made Asta feel as though she could see right through her soul.
"Child," said Sindke. "Why do you want to find the godstones?"
Asta stared at her, not sure what the right answer was--certainly not the truth. "For the sake of Garran," she said, not sure that it would satisfy her, but she felt that this, at least, was true.
For a long moment, the woman studied her and Asta was sure that she would see through the lie. Finally Sindke nodded. "Very well."
Asta breathed a sigh of relief. The wrinkled, old woman must not be as mystical as she looked, or Asta couldn't have fooled her. Asta left Sindke and headed out to get ready for the journey.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Smoke rose from Hobset. They saw the destruction before they even set down. Second hand reports that had come back to them were wild--hundreds of Garrans riding from the desert, killing indiscriminately.
Richt had sent out reinforcements from Sonthhe and Chiel. Still, that was less than 40 men.
Koethe flew out immediately with a squad of 100. His aide, Captain Fauke, accompanied him. Unfortunately, the visiting militia members also wanted to see this disaster. Something like this would have to happen when he was under review.
Nothing had happened like this since the Karther Rebellion. The Garrans suddenly rose up and began randomly attacking Chanden. Thousands of Garrans died before it was over.
Captain Demould, one of his lead Enforcers, would meet them there to report on Garran activities.
"The situation has stabilized. We have them on the run," said Chief Richt on the intercom when Koethe called for a status report.
They landed near several other Chanden transport vehicles at what appeared to be the temporary headquarters for the counterattack.
As so
on as Koethe left the transport, he was recognized by the men there. "What's happened here?" he demanded to the first man he saw.
"They came from the desert and attacked the town. Garrans," said the soldier, walking with Koethe as he headed towards the town.
"Is the city secure now?" asked Koethe.
"Yes," said the man. "I think so. The attackers fled, mostly north and east." The man had to hurry to keep up with Koethe.
Koethe nodded. General Godwin had landed with his ship. Koethe didn't wait for him or his men. He knew this unrest would reflect poorly on him.
A shock hit him when he got to the first street in the village and saw the bodies that littered the ground. He stopped, a knot settling in his stomach. Captain Fauke stood beside him.
He saw twenty or thirty corpses, nearly as many Garran as were Chanden. On the Chanden side, some were women and children.
He cursed.
Koethe had just arrived on Garran twenty years ago when the Karther rebellion had begun. He'd taken over the post as Commander on Garran during the uprising. It was a bloody time. He knew how the natives could be when they got riled up. Now, it was starting again.
"Captain Fauke," said Koethe.
"Sir?"
"Take your men and make a sweep. Make sure the town is secure and post sentries. Then I want a body count."
"Yes, sir," said Fauke, moving immediately. He began giving orders to his men. He trusted Fauke. The man was a proven warrior, close to Koethe's age. They'd served together for many years.
Commander Koethe felt numb as he walked down the streets of Hobset and viewed the dead--both Chanden and Garran. How had it come to this? Even little children lay in the street, lifeless. A deep anger against these Garran barbarians welled up inside him.
A mob such as this had killed his wife, Nona. Her gray eyes contrasted her dark, flowing hair. She always teased Koethe because she was a year older than him. Asta adored her. Little Asta. He had to force these thoughts from his mind. Too many things needed his attention.
Halfway down the street, he saw an Enforcer giving orders. He must have been one of the Stealth Unit operatives. From head to toe, he dressed like a Garran in a dirty tunic and trousers. His unkempt long blond hair was only held in place by a ragged Garran headband.
If it hadn't been for the dark blue and gold officer's jacket, he wore, Koethe might have shot him for being Garran. The man didn't even bother to button his uniform.
"You," demanded Koethe, coming up beside him. "Who are you?"
The man turned to him. "Ruben Drake. I'm with the Agency."
"And where is Captain Demould?"
"Delayed, sir," said the man.
Koethe nodded. "I'm Commander Koethe," he said, not sure if he'd met Drake yet. The man stiffened slightly, recognizing the name. Koethe sometimes enjoyed the effect his name had on people. As commander, he was feared--which had its uses. But there was something more in this man's eyes--guilt. Koethe made a note of it.
"Commander," he acknowledged.
"How many were there?" asked Koethe.
"Maybe 200."
"200?" Koethe allowed his astonishment to show briefly, then he reined it in. Always show a calm face.
"Yes, Commander. Maybe more."
Worrisome news--worse than Koethe had anticipated. That was more than a random outlander raid. "What tribe did this? And why?"
The man took a breath. "It was the Sand Plain Clan, from what we can tell."
"The Sand Plain Clan." He knew this clan. They were peaceful. "I wasn't aware they were one of the clans in rebellion."
"They weren't," said the man matter-of-factly. "From what we can tell, it was the Red Sun Clan and the Upper Steppe who put them up to it."
"But … 200 warriors--that's half their whole tribe."
Ruben nodded. "Yes, it is. And most of the warriors, I'm sure--but some may have retreated. We'll track them."
A clan nearly wiped out. There would be repercussions.
"I killed their chieftain myself. His name was Ashtan."
Koethe nodded.
"As to why they did it--there has been a lot of unrest. Some of the clans are calling for a war with the Chanden."
"Can it be stopped?" asked Koethe.
The man hesitated, studying Koethe a moment. "We have agents that have infiltrated this rebellion. We are working on it. One … in particular." The man looked at Koethe. "Your daughter." Again the guilt shone in his eyes; he had not wanted to admit this fact. So, that was it.
"What? My daughter … what do you mean?" demanded Koethe. "She's not a field agent. She worked in an office in Urrlan." It embarrassed him that she never talked to him--that he had to hear news like this from subordinates.
"No," the man said, treading carefully. "She completed some intensive field training. She transferred a year ago to the Agency and joined our field Stealth Unit about a month ago. She is tracking a group that is searching for an ancient godstone."
"I don't care," he said. "Pull her out."
The man stared at Koethe. "She volunteered for this job and she's of age. She's done quite well, in fact."
"I'm the Commander here. I run the Enforcers. And I say--pull her out. Arrest her if she refuses!"
Still the man hesitated. He wasn't an ordinary soldier. An ordinary soldier would never have argued with Koethe, not when he was in a dangerous mood like this.
"The godstone is a religious symbol. If they get the stone, this could turn into a full out war. She could save thousands, maybe tens of thousands of lives," he said, in earnest.
And if Koethe pulled her out, kicking and screaming, she would hate him even more. As it was, she hadn't spoken to him in years. His resolve wavered.
"You can replace her. Send someone else."
"I can't," said Ruben. "It was a one in a hundred chance that she managed to get into their Clan Conclave. She's deep undercover in the desert now. We won't get another chance at this. There's no time."
Koethe stared at this man.
"She's in no immediate danger. She has been making regular reports. She's traveling with a small group of Garrans."
In his early days, Koethe had served in many stealth operations. He knew how dangerous they were. "I want you, personally, to give me regular reports on her status. Day or night."
The man nodded. "Yes, sir. I will."
Koethe moved on, staring at the signs of chaos and destruction around him. His daughter was in the middle of this? His heart sagged.
Nearby, he could see General Godwin approaching with his two chiefs, Nyan and Montani. They would have plenty of questions. This wasn't a meeting he looked forward to.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The Sand Plain Clan, what was left of them, traveled till dawn. They moved more slowly than Moorhen had hoped, but at least no one pursued them. Moorhen feared the other clans more than he feared the Chanden right now.
Towards dawn, Moorhen had the others start searching for firecaves--it would be much safer. The Chanden wouldn't be able to detect them using their flying ships.
They kept low along the hills, searching the rocks and crags for an opening. At last they found one--a cave of suitable size. They went in as deep as they dared--hoping it wasn't active.
Draiha insisted on first watch, letting Moorhen have a much needed rest. Exhausted, Moorhen lay down and removed his pouch. Only then did he remember the god-tablet. He had forgotten it--all this time.
Without the others seeing, Moorhen pulled it out, studying it by the dim torch light. The square tablet, slightly larger than his hand, was made of iridescent moonstone. Many ancient runes were carved on the front--a map of some sort. Moorhen put it back in his pouch--glad that he hadn't lost it. He had also kept his father's talisman and the other personal belongings. They must be taken back to the clan. A new chief would be appointed, as Ashtan's chosen successors were now all dead.
Moorhen slept restlessly, waking from time to time. The rock floor was hard and felt cold, despite the he
at wells. Odd sounds in the distance disturbed Moorhen. As night approached he took his watch. What path should they take now? He had led them to the southwest. This path was unknown to all of them, but Moorhen hoped that the other clans would not expect this of them, and find them.
He wasn't as familiar with the northern lands, having never traveled up this way, but he knew that to the west lay the Stony Dunes and to the southwest would be the Desert of Desolation.
But now Moorhen's group needed to turn east and south in order to get back to their own firecave, but the way was currently blocked by a tall butte. They'd left their tsirvak poorly defended. Most of the warriors had come on the raid to Hobset. Now only 19 warriors remained at home to defend 230 women and children. And two rival clans now knew that they were weakened.
Moorhen could go east, but the Upper Steppe and Red Sun clans lay in that direction. He decided to continue to the southwest, through the Stony Dunes.
Moorhen woke the others and they began the long journey toward home. They tried to navigate their way in the dark. The Stony Dunes were due west. He could see the endless expanse of rolling hills. They looked like sand dunes, but were made of stone. Sandstone. Water would be scarce there.
They navigated further south to avoid entering the Stony Dunes, traversing the edge of it.
The going was slow and hours passed. Deep ravines and sharp rocks blocked their path and caused them to double back more than once, losing valuable time. Their wounded brother didn't fare very well.
Very little lived up here. The only game Moorhen saw were sand-rabbits and dune-lizards.
"He can't keep this up," said Draiha.
"If we stop--they'll catch us," said Moorhen.
"At this rate, they'll catch us anyway," said Gudhel.
Moorhen nodded. They were right. There had to be another way. The light of dawn showed on the horizon. The wind had died down but now Moorhen wished it would blow again to cover their tracks."
"What about yithhe?" asked Moorhen. "Maybe there are some herds here? Maybe we can catch one."
"Not this high up," said Gudhel. "What would they eat?"
The Gods of Garran Page 12