Way Walkers: Tangled Paths (The Tazu Saga)

by Leigh, J.

  “And there are ones in all the capital cities across the continent as well,” Jathen added between bites. “In Kidwellith, our Great Gate is solid gold, and it sits in the center of the city, at the entrance of what used to be the old dome.” Looking around at the stones, he asked, “You really think that’s what this is?”

  Mikkal nodded. “It is possible.”

  “Do you think that’s why you couldn’t Veil-slide us before, because this old magic caused interference?”

  Mikkal considered him for a few heartbeats. “It could explain such a thing.”

  Jathen felt his stomach sink. “So what exactly are we going to do now that we’re here?”

  “Wait,” Neek replied.

  “For what?” Jathen asked. “Are the Near-Siders going to come throw us a party?”

  Neek shot him a pitying glance. “Perhaps this is a lesson in faith for you, Jathen.”

  He sighed. “We’ll see.”

  Ass’shiri shrieked as a blast of whipping wind hit them. A dark shadow began creeping over them from above.

  “What the bloody hell is that?” Ass’shiri yelled over a loud whirring noise. He raised his crossbow but seemed uncertain where to aim.

  A half-hysterical laugh burst from Jathen’s lips. “I know what it is.” Jathen put a hand on the front of the crossbow and pushed so Ass’shiri would lower it. “That’s Charmed Wind!”

  A cyclone of wind and leaves kicked up as the dirigible dropped its brake panels and cut low, descending toward them. Pallotos shinnied down the rope ladder. Jathen was surprised to see Cy’shā and Hkym descend next.

  “How on the ruddy continent did you find us?” Jathen shouted.

  “Premonition,” Cy’shā shrugged.

  Pallotos bear hugged Jathen. “After we got the ship up and running, we decided to see if we could still catch up to the three of you. We found a waterlogged Hatori and Jephue, along with these two, just off Pilgrims’ Road yesterday morning. The lady here said she knew where to find you, so here we are.”

  “What about Esop and Setsu?” Ass’shiri asked.

  “Esop broke his elbow trying to get the elefil out of the river.” Cy’shā shook her head. “The animal not survive, but Esop and Setsu are well. They’re waiting up at the road with the others, eager for word.”

  “What I want to know is how you got down so far.” Pallo whistled, shaking his head as he looked about the ruins. “It took us almost a day to get here at full speed.”

  “A fair question,” Ass’shiri said. “Wish we had an answer for you.”

  After introductions all around, the group was ready to be underway. Mikkal decided to take Pallo up on a ride back to the road. “I’ve never been on a dirigible before,” Mikkal said. “And I can’t help but feel a certain desire to see you two the rest of the way. I did promise, after all.”

  Jathen turned to Neek, a little sad to see her go. “You’ll be all right heading back by yourself?”

  “More than, Jathen.” She smiled then bestowed a kiss on his cheek.

  Ignoring Ass’shiri’s playful whistle, Jathen told her, “Thank you again for everything.” He couldn’t quite place it, but something about Neek seemed familiar. Leaving her, he was struck harder by the sensation, almost as if she were the shadow of a person he’d known for years. Unable to voice his emotions, he simply squeezed her hand.

  She looked at him in understanding. “It was an honor. We are Iki after all, Desmouleins’s chosen, sworn to health, hearth, and hospitality. I could do no less.”

  “Heh, you’re definitely an improvement over other Desmoulein Walkers I’ve known.” Jathen chuckled, thinking fondly of Petalith for the first time in an age.

  “Good luck, my Tazu friend.” She stepped back, letting go of his hand.

  He waved to her and boarded Charmed Wind. He kept his gaze on her until the two circles of standing stones faded into the distance, swallowed by the rising green of the jungle.

  “I have to say I’m rather relieved to see you alive,” Hatori said when they reached the travel station that night. “I really was not looking forward to penning the letter to your mother, telling her I had lost you.” Chann looked well, but Jephue was nearly hysterical, clinging to Jathen and Ass’shiri in turn with relieved abandon.

  “I suppose collecting the reward Kyanith would have given you out of gratitude would have glossed over the discomfort.” Jathen smiled.

  “True. But then I’d have had to listen to Jephue crying about it for the rest of his life.”

  Jathen chuckled. “No amount of money is compensation enough for that, Hatori Chann.”

  “Precisely.”

  They all had a good laugh, including Jephue. Stories of survival and premonitions were exchanged, as well as introductions and a good deal of speculation, especially about how the boys had managed to get so far afield. Hatori and Cy’shā got into a massive argument over it, while Ass’shiri and Jephue shook their heads and Pallotos shared a round of strong Lubreean rice beer with Esop and the riders. Mikkal was offered some as well, but the Clansman turned down the beverage.

  In the end, Setsuken said, “It’s just another one of those odd things that happens out here in the wild, I suppose. Remember that time we got too close to Emari wood on that silk trade run, Esop?”

  “Spirit help us.” The bear laughed, waving his right arm wildly. “We lost a good, what was it, fourteen hours? Had no idea where the time went or what happened in between. Strangest ruddy thing!”

  “Well, I suppose a thank you is in order,” Hatori said to Mikkal. “I’m grateful you happened by to help these two and took time away from your business to escort them back.”

  “No thanks are necessary,” Mikkal replied. “It was a pleasure. Your Jathen is quite the conversationalist, and it’s been an age since I met a kasior that I liked.” Mikkal seemed to slightly narrow his eyes. “Hatori Chann, is it?”

  Hatori tensed. “Yes.”

  “That’s what I thought.” Mikkal smiled, but the charm master didn’t relax. “I need to be on my way, so—”

  “Good,” Hatori interrupted.

  Mikkal’s smile grew wider. “Might I beg a private goodbye to Jathen before I go?”

  “Why?” Hatori asked, putting a hand on Jathen’s shoulder.

  Jathen raised an eyebrow. “Something wrong, Hatori?”

  “No, have your goodbye.” Hatori removed his hand. “But keep it short. We’ve got to rest up before we break camp in the morning.”

  Ass’shiri placed his crossbow on his lap in a not-so-subtle gesture of protection as Mikkal led Jathen away from the group.

  “You’ve very loyal friends,” Mikkal commented as they walked.

  “They mean well,” Jathen said. “Though I tend to think their paranoia is a bit of a Rheanic trait.”

  “One I know all too well. But not necessarily unfounded, at least not all the time. Am I correct in concluding you are the moot born of the Monortith line?”

  Jathen hesitated because of all the premonitions and feelings surrounding the Talent, but the man had saved his life. “Yes. You seem to be very well informed… and observant.”

  “I’m a political investigator, Jathen. It’s in my training to be so. As I’m certain one or all of my kinsmen have informed you.”

  “They have.”

  “I thought that might be the case. I always respect loyalty. It’s a fine trait, one sadly diminishing back home.” They reached the edge of the light and stopped.

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Jathen said.

  “It is no matter. I find myself oddly envious of you, young sir, and felt inclined to let you know so. It was nice to make your acquaintance, Jathen Monortith.” Mikkal inclined his head. “Do yourself a favor, and remember: What beats in the heart and flows in
the veins is not necessarily what breathes in the soul. In other words”—he winked—“never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do based upon your blood. Men are more than what biology has given us. We are our choices as well.”

  “But only what’s written in our life’s contract, right?” Jathen said with a smirk.

  Mikkal laughed loudly. “Let me tell you a grand secret from a man who’s lived for a little more than half a millennium by this point. I’ve never put much stock into such things and have always gotten along just fine without the meaningless trappings of faith. I do believe you and I might share such sentiments?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Thought so.” He nodded. “We’re men of logic, you and I. Builders of bridges and solid things, not the incorporeal of faith unseen. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, Prince Jathen. Your destiny is yours to shape, and no other hands can sway you unless you allow them to. Remember that.”

  “I will.”

  “Good.” Mikkal walked out into the trees and the night before the light gray of his coat shimmered and was gone.

  RemeIki, Jathen. Only time will tell. Jathen sighed and turned to walk back to the fire. He found only Hatori, Pallo, and Ass’shiri, the rest having retired for the evening. He sat beside Hatori. “So is now about the time I should mention that had we waited with Pallotos to have the repairs done, we’d be in about the same place we are right now and would have avoided all this mess?”

  “Shush with your smug mocking, boy. Yes, yes, I realize in hindsight we’d have covered the same ground in about the same time, but I’m no Precognitive, so I stand by my choice made when I made it. Besides, you’d have never met Ass’shiri if we’d done otherwise.”

  “True,” Jathen admitted. Since they’d found Charmed Wind, the likelihood of the two parties staying together would be minimal. Setsuken still had several of the other travel groups to convey safely to the Republic’s borders, and there certainly wouldn’t be enough room in the dirigible’s gondola for everyone. He turned to Ass’shiri. “I’m really going to miss you.”

  Ass’shiri looked as heartbroken as Jathen felt. “Yeah, Jath, I’m going to miss you, too. Sorry we have to part ways so soon.”

  Hatori nodded at Ass’shiri. “You know, boy, I’ve not made mention of this, but when we get to our final stop, I’m going to be working with some rather expensive pieces. I’ve actually already got a rather high-end commission, and I’m going to need to make a practice of having some additional… security around. That and, well, Jathen has proven himself to be a bit of a liability when it comes to fighting and staying out of trouble. Not that he’s completely incompetent, mind you, but I really can’t keep an eye on him at all times when I’m also running the shop, and I’m not of a mind to have to explain to his mother how I managed to lose the only grown Monortith heir. So I suppose, even though a kasior isn’t the most suitable of bodyguards, you’re at least a capable fighter and, quite frankly, rather indistinguishable from a good friend who might be hanging about our prince. I suppose you could do, if you’d like the job.”

  Ass’shiri’s eyebrows shot up. “So what you’re saying is you want to hire me to guard Jathen?”

  “And consult on some of the security I’ll need to have for the shop, yes.”

  “Really?” Jathen said eagerly. “He could stay with us?”

  “If he wants to.” Hatori nodded. “I can’t pay you what you’d make on the road, Ass’shiri, but I’m certain the job will come with its own rewards.”

  “I can bet.” Ass’shiri beamed. “Three meals a day and all the trouble I can ask for in a Lu’shun city? How can I say no?”

  “It’s decided, then.” Hatori stood. “Let’s get some rest. We’ve a lot of work to do tomorrow.”

  Another round of goodbyes permeated the morning. Setsuken and company were torn between being sad to see their companions go and wishing them well.

  “Don’t get killed,” Esop ordered Ass’shiri after ruffling his dark hair. He bopped Jathen in the shoulder with a balled-up paw. “And that includes you.”

  “We’ll do our best not to.” Jathen laughed, then accepted goodbyes from Cy’shā and Hkym.

  “Do not lose this one,” Cy’shā translated for her Tyr’sat husband as he held up a new throwing dagger.

  The knife was considerably nicer than the lost one, with a clean bone handle and a flawless blade. Jathen expressed his thanks to Hkym and was surprised when Cy’shā hugged him, her cinnamon skin warm and spongy against his cheek.

  She indicated Hatori and Jephue with a flick of her braided head. “Take care those two.”

  Hatori was haggling over prices with Setsuken, and Jephue was doing his best to avoid getting on the gondola for as long as he could, which meant he was encouraging the argument.

  “You can back out anytime you want,” Esop told Ass’shiri.

  “Not a chance, old bear.” He put a protective arm around Jathen’s shoulders. “This one needs all the help he can get.”

  The group laughed, and Jathen and Ass’shiri climbed aboard, leaving Hatori and Jephue to finish their drama.

  “This really is quite the setup,” Ass’shiri said, surveying the dirigible’s interior. He turned and looked over the side. “I’m thinking of tying one of those lead lines to myself and dangling over the side for a bit.”

  “Already done.” Jathen chuckled and secured what was left of his things in the luggage racks. “Overrated experience.”

  “You would have.” His friend poked him playfully with his foot before sticking his head out the window for a few deep breaths.

  Jathen turned back to the luggage rack, only to stop dead in his tracks. “I don’t believe it.” He gaped, staring at the object sitting neatly on the bench beneath the racks, placed as if left there for him to find.

  “What is it?” Ass’shiri asked.

  Jathen picked up the puzzle star. “Pallo!” he called up to the cockpit. “Where did you find this?”

  “Find what?”

  “This.” Jathen held up the star. “I lost this in the river when it flooded.”

  Pallo shook his head. “Wasn’t I who found it, Highness.”

  Jathen asked both of Pallo’s sons and the Lubreean riders, only to discover that no one on Charmed Wind had found and returned Seren’s little puzzle.

  Ass’shiri smirked. “Well, do you believe in Native Near-Siders now?”

  “I suppose I have to.” Jathen returned the star to its box. “Though it might have been Mikkal who left it, for all we know. Besides, if it was Near-Siders, I’d like to know why they bothered to take it out of the box.”

  Hatori climbed onto the deck with a moping Jephue in tow. “What did I tell you about Near-Siders? No one knows why they do what they do. When are you going to learn to have some respect and wonder for the mysteries of the world, boy?”

  “I’m getting there.” Jathen settled in beside Ass’shiri with a sarcastic grin. “Maybe by the time we make the Republic, I’ll be as open-minded as you are, Master Hatori.”

  “That might be going a step too far,” Pallotos joked.

  As Hatori grumbled and Jephue braced himself for the start of the charm-engines, Ass’shiri stared out the window with Jathen, grinning as the four dragon escorts dipped and dove in the sky. “Well, I’m looking forward to a whole country of blue-eyed beauties! Got to adore Lu’shun women, eh, Jath?”

  “I wouldn’t know, as I’ve never seen a Lu’shun before. At least, I don’t think I have.”

  “Really? Then the real question for you is: what will you, as a moot, see? A bunch of scaly Tazu or some human-looking people?”

  “I don’t know. I hadn’t considered that it might be different for me.”

  “Well, we’ll find out soon.”

  “That we will.”

/>   Charmed Wind sped over the vast emerald blanket of jungle.

  That I will.

  PART THREE:

  REPUBLIC

  Chapter 25

  Jathen saw Tazu.

  It’s as if I’ve come through the woods to emerge home once more, he scrawled to Thee, but the urban landscape is warped and wrong.

  The Republic was a smaller world, a tighter nation. The streets curled and wove in what felt like narrow brick tunnels through rows of blocky townhouses. There was no gold or jewels, no interesting takes on form, just the same square buildings with gabled slate-black roofs. The press of stagnant color unsettled Jathen’s stomach as their horse-drawn transport clip-clopped along, the blur of pinkish bricks and white trim making him feel claustrophobic.

  At least I haven’t caused any horses to panic. Yet. Jathen sighed, knowing it might be only a matter of time until some unknowing Lu’shun steered their mount a little too close to him. I’m going to have to be very careful.

  They’d been in the Republic for three days but only recently separated from Pallotos, as he had insisted Charmed Wind see them all the way to their final destination on the coast. The goodbye had been pleasant, though Jathen was still saddened to see the friendly moot go.

  “Whew! Look how clean everything is,” Ass’shiri said. “I haven’t seen a city this crisp since Tar’citadel.”

  “Lu’shun take pride in their homes,” Jephue informed them smugly. He looked dapper in a suit of crushed white silk with an azure vest, the ensemble a gift Hatori had purchased in a little town just over the border. “Ca’june is a beautiful city because the people take care of it and each other.”

  Eyeing a group of four Lu’shun women chattering and laughing on the corner, Jathen saw some distinction between them and the Tazu of his homeland. The Lu’shun had the scales and variety of colors of his brethren, but they lacked the height of a true Tazu. Two of the Lu’shun ladies boasted streaks of brunette and blond in their tresses, while another two had dyed their natural blue hair to blond. One trendsetter even sported a bright, candy-pink up-do. His chest ember started to emit heat with Jathen seeing so many Tazu, and the women’s gazes somehow made it worse.