Pyforial Games

by B. T. Narro

  It was a struggle for Shara to keep her eyes open on the soft mattress, but she needed to speak to Neeko.

  “You seem sad,” she said as he removed his shirt before lying beside her. “Must be strenuous helping Shara all day.”

  He flashed a smile. “I don’t mind it.”

  “Then are you not pleased with what we’ve done?”

  “I think I will be once the war is over.”

  So that was it. He still felt the same as before. It saddened her, for he deserved more than anyone to feel happy.

  *****

  They spent a week in Tramberr waiting for news. She ate heartily, read hungrily, and seemed to spend more time in bed with Neeko than outside of it, sometimes sleeping and other times very much awake.

  It was a relief when she finally could hobble along without a crutch. They strolled around the Southern city visiting street merchants and stores until they had more clothes and books than they could fit in their bags.

  Neeko seemed more restless the longer they waited, as if he’d forgotten how to relax. Whenever she woke during the night, he already was awake. The most alarming thing, though, was how he would leave the inn for hours at a time for what he said was “a walk,” and then he’d always come back in a forlorn state.

  Someone came to their door eventually to tell them Jaymes wished to speak with them. The messenger brought them to the encampment in a hurry, as if the news was urgent.

  Shara was pleasantly surprised by the company within the grand tent. She curtsied immediately, then smacked Neeko when she realized he was standing there gaping like a fool.

  “Oh.” He gave a cursory bow.

  Queen Wendi excused him with a slight laugh. “Neeko never bowed when he came to my quarters. I certainly don’t expect him to now.”

  “You never bowed to the queen of the South?” Shara put her hand on her forehead. “I should’ve told him before he flew in your window, Queen Wendi. I apologize.”

  “It’s fine, Shara. It’s I who should be lowering my head.” To Shara’s amazement, the queen curtsied.

  “The Southern king has been dead a week,” the commander said. “Prince Cain is to be crowned when he reaches adulthood. Until then, Brimber has complete control over the army and the kingdom, and he has sent Wendi here with a treaty contract. I’m to take her to our capital so that our king may sign it and put an end to this war.”

  No doubt Wendi is going personally so she can see Quince. “That’s wonderful news.”

  “I’m taking Cedri and Laney back to the castle with me,” Jaymes said. “One of my officers will take charge of our troops here until the treaty has been returned to the South. Both of you will come with us. King Quince will want to speak with all of you.”

  “We’ll gladly go,” Shara said.

  *****

  There were many miles between Tramberr and Glaine, but they made good time along the Southern roads. Their horses were swift and their supplies plentiful.

  They sat in roofed carriages that were unmarked to hide the queen’s identity. Though everyone they passed seemed to know their group was of some importance, gawking in wonder.

  Neeko remained laconic as he looked out the carriage window. Shara wanted him to open his thoughts to her, but she couldn’t seem to find any time alone with him. They shared a carriage with Laney and Cedri, who seemed to have become close during their time together.

  Both women had decided they would accept Jaymes’ offer to stay with the army even though the war was going to end. Cedri was the only psychic and Laney the only pyforial mage. They would be teachers to both themselves and others. It seemed like a wonderful life for them.

  Jaymes tried to convince Shara and Neeko to remain in the army as well, though there were too many other paths Shara would rather take. Neeko told Jaymes, “I’m not sure what I want to do yet, but I don’t wish to remain in the army.”

  She let him brood in peace until they reached Lanhine. As soon as Neeko set down his bag in their room, Shara opened the door and beckoned. “Come on, I’m taking you somewhere.”

  He didn’t object, though he offered no curiosity or excitement. She walked with her arm tucked around his. The night air was crisp, so those without homes huddled around fires on the street.

  “The Southern army took away their homes, and we stopped the soldiers from doing any more damage,” Shara said. “You should be proud.”

  “I know.”

  She didn’t press, silently taking him onward.

  “Do you recognize this?” she asked when they arrived at the largest field of ash and debris in the city.

  “You brought me here soon after we first met to show me how dangerous it would be to travel to the capital on my own. Soldiers were loading carriages with the dead.” He took a breath. “I watched two of them try to free a body from the rubble only to pull off a charred leg.”

  “What else do you remember?”

  “You were holding my arm just like you are now.”

  She slid her arm out and stepped away so as not to distract him. “Forget about me for the moment. What did you see and what did you feel?”

  He shut his eyes. “There were two carriages, one for dead army men and one for dead citizens. The bodies on both were just an unrecognizable heap. I doubted more than half of them would ever be identified.” He looked at her with sad eyes. “It was when I realized war had just begun and there would be many more deaths.”

  “Did you want to stop it?”

  He chuckled. “No. Who was I to do anything about a war? I didn’t even know why the two kingdoms were fighting. All I wanted was my house back.” He lifted an eyebrow. “Did you know then that you wanted to stop the war?”

  She let out a laugh. “No, I was just like you. I wanted nothing to do with it.” She waved him onward. “One more place to see.”

  She felt a flutter in her chest as he took her hand by his own volition for the first time in days.

  Shara brought him to where her small house used to be. She’d never had many belongings, but now there was absolutely nothing but shallow pools of ash.

  “I don’t expect you to remember—”

  “Your house,” he interrupted to her surprise. Then he pointed. “We ran out of the city this way and went up that hill. I followed you because you were wheezing and slow. I thought you could use help, and no one else seemed to be offering.”

  “It didn’t take long for me to realize you had a good heart.” She put her palm flat on his chest. “In fact, I felt as if I’d known you for years. We shared the same loss of our homes. We were both alone. We wanted the same thing.” She let her hand drop. “But recently I can’t tell what you’re thinking, and I don’t know why you won’t tell me.”

  He sighed. “It’s because I don’t understand it. I still feel the same way, Shara. The exact same way! Nothing has changed.” His frustration was palpable. “I still feel like there’s something missing and I don’t know what it is. When we got back to Tramberr, I kept waiting for it to pass. When it didn’t, I thought I just had to wait until the end of the war was certain. Then that came and I still felt no different. Now I’m telling myself that when the treaty is signed and the war is actually over I’ll finally feel better. But I know that’s not the case.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me this?”

  “Because I can see the same thing didn’t happen to you. You’re finally at peace with your past. I’ve been trying to understand why stopping this war fixed you and not me.” She thought she caught some jealousy in his tone.

  She hugged him firmly and they didn’t speak for some time.

  “Terren was right,” he said. “He told me I would be disappointed when I managed to do everything I set out to do. I refused to believe it until now. I still feel the same hatred toward Swenn even though he’s dead. I’m still angry at King Marteph for this war even though he’s dead. I’m even still angry at the red priest who led the attacks on our cities and killed Cedri’s sister, even though he d
ied before everyone else. I constantly feel as if there’s a task I’ve put off and it’s gnawing on my conscience. It’s why I can’t sleep. There’s something I need to do, but I don’t know what.”

  “Neeko, you just need to find some purpose again.” She looked him square in the eyes. “We should go to Ovira.”

  His mouth twisted. “I don’t think teaching pyforial energy is going to help me, but have you decided that you want to go?”

  “I have, and I know it will help because just getting there will be a challenge. That’s what you crave, Neeko. Can’t you see it? The mundane makes you restless. We’ll be the first Sumar-born people to go to Ovira. The land has a rich history and there are creatures unlike any here. Think of how much there is to see and experience. Imagine the books we could write when we’re older, the stories we can pass on. We can always return to Sumar.”

  “Maybe I’m just eager for the next chapter of my life.”

  “That’s exactly it!”

  “I just expected this to feel different. I was happy at first with what we did, but it faded when I realized I still felt the same way. I thought ending this war would…” He chuckled and shook his head. “I suppose I thought it would make me happy for the rest of my life.”

  “You expected too much!” Shara couldn’t contain her excitement at seeing the old Neeko again. “Do you think I’m going to be satisfied for the rest of my life because of what we did?”

  “Well…not anymore.”

  She grabbed his cheeks and kissed him. “It’s easy to forget how young we still are. We have so much more life to live. How can we possibly do anything at this point that will satisfy—” She gasped. “Two hells, I just realized my birthday passed a few weeks ago. I’m seventeen now.”

  “Mine was about a month ago.”

  “And you remembered?”

  “Not until now.” He shrugged in response to her gaping mouth. “What?”

  “I’m shocked you don’t seem to care that we missed our birthdays. We’re going to celebrate tonight!” She took his hand and started back to their inn. “I’m getting Laney and Cedri, and we’re going to drink and dance.”

  “I don’t do either of those things.”

  “You will tonight!”

  It only took a little more convincing to change his mind. They celebrated until sunrise, knowing they could sleep in the carriage the next day. She saw a side of Neeko she hadn’t before as he laughed and danced long after she was too tired to join him. Laney acted like a madwoman, jumping on tables as she danced and pulling men up from their seats to join her. It got them thrown out of a couple taverns, but the laughs were worth it.

  Even Cedri shocked Shara by sharing some childhood stories of her sister and some man named Lennar. Shara couldn’t quite figure out if he was Cedri’s father or not, but she didn’t want to pry and possibly ruin Cedri’s good spirits.

  Often Cedri made herself laugh halfway through her tales and “needed another beer” before she could bring herself to finish.

  “When we get to Aylinhall, make sure I visit my mother,” Cedri directed abruptly.

  Shara happily agreed.

  Eventually all the taverns closed. Laney had somehow obtained a flask that got passed around between them as they walked out of Lanhine.

  They sat on the same hill overlooking the city where Shara and Neeko first learned each other’s names. She put her head on his shoulder as they watched the sunrise.

  CHAPTER FIFTY

  NEEKO

  To Neeko’s surprise, the celebration had made him see their accomplishments differently. Ending the war was something amazing, as Shara had said many times throughout the night. He’d never felt the pride until then.

  Unfortunately, he knew this satisfaction wouldn’t last. But at least he now understood why. He could wait for his next challenge, as long as it came soon.

  They stopped in each city on their way to Glaine. At Cessri, Neeko brought Shara, Cedri, and Laney with him when he visited Kayren’s house to check on her. Jonen wasn’t there, which partly made Neeko feel relieved but also disappointed.

  They told Kayren that Wendi Mallen was on her way to King Quince to deliver a treaty. After Kayren’s initial shock, Neeko couldn’t refrain any longer from asking about her and Jonen.

  “He has my trust again, but I made him promise he would call back the order to kill you. Have you been attacked since you left?”

  “No. Where is Jonen now?”

  “Somewhere in the city. He’ll be back later tonight. You must have questions.”

  “Only one. Do you know what the PCQ will do now that the war is ending?”

  “I know they’ve never wanted to fight. I don’t imagine they’ll initiate any battles.”

  Cedri scoffed. “Until the weather changes and they believe the gods are responsible.”

  Kayren frowned. “I suppose that’s a small possibility.”

  Soon they said their goodbyes. After Kayren closed the door behind them, Laney couldn’t seem to wait another moment to share her thoughts.

  “Jaymes should send the army into Quosae so we can rid Sumar of the PCQ filth.”

  Cedri showed her a look of rebuke. “They may be misguided, but they mean well.”

  *****

  When they reached Aylinhall, Neeko thought it would be safer to stay out of the city. Shara wanted to wait with him, but she’d promised to force Cedri to visit her mother. In Shara’s eyes, this meant bringing the psychic to her childhood home and actually watching her enter. Neeko knew Shara would find some way to be invited in so she could meet Cedri’s mother and gush about her friend.

  He waited with Queen Wendi, her son, and her retinue of guardsmen as Jaymes and the rest of them purchased supplies to get them to the next city. Neeko took the opportunity to ask Wendi something that had been bothering him.

  “Will the army support Brimber’s decision to end the war, or will there be a rebellion?”

  She smiled at Neeko as if he were an innocent child. “Most army men aren’t like you, Neeko. They join for money. Brimber’s men will still get paid. Some of the more religious soldiers might disband. There might be enough for them to form their own army, and yes, they might wish to rebel. But it would take years for them to grow strong enough to do any damage, and by then we will have Quince’s troops ready to assist us if needed.”

  “Then may I ask a question of a personal nature?”

  “You may, but I may not answer.”

  He clasped his hands, knowing he was prying, but his curiosity was too much to bear. “What will happen with you and Quince?”

  “We will discuss the terms of the treaty, and I will ask him to come at least to Lanhine with me so he can meet Brimber halfway and finalize the agreement.”

  She seemed to be avoiding the part Neeko was most curious about. He thought of how to ask, but she spoke again before he could.

  “Answer something for me, Neeko. Did Quince really send you all the way to the Southern capital because he told you he loves me?”

  What had he brought upon himself with his stupid questions? He’d give anything to have Shara there to answer for him.

  “The truth is what I want, Neeko.”

  He didn’t believe that. “Quince did send me. And he does love you.”

  Of course Quince had never told Neeko this. But he could see the man had no feelings for his current wife, and Neeko believed the history books he’d read that implied Quince could never love anyone like he did Wendi. After everything with Shara, Neeko empathized.

  Wendi blushed, appearing shy for the first time since Neeko had met her. “But he is married, and I have a child with his enemy king.”

  “I don’t think his love is a choice.”

  She looked straight at Neeko and smiled. “You are wiser than you let on, aren’t you?”

  “Not in the least.”

  She laughed and surprised him by kissing his forehead.

  *****

  Neeko knew he should stay
out of Antilith like he did Aylinhall. The merchants and citizens he’d refused to fairith with knew nothing about what he’d done since then, and the guards might have orders to detain him. But he couldn’t resist the temptation to check on Rao. He compromised and convinced Shara to look in on the child.

  Shara returned at the end of the day. “You should’ve seen the little runt’s face when he first saw me.” She cackled. “I’ve never induced terror like that before. It’s what he deserves, the little thief.”

  Neeko’s teeth clenched. Perhaps sending Shara wasn’t the best idea. “I thought you’d forgiven him.”

  “Oh, I have. I just enjoyed scaring him. As soon as that was done, his cuteness got to me. He’s quite charming for a boy. He—” She stopped as she looked into her money pouch. “He stole ten silver from me!”

  “What? He wouldn’t.”

  She giggled. “I tease. I gave him the money although he probably didn’t need it. He’s staying with a family he loves. They have a big house.” She tossed her hand. “He’ll be fine. He told me to pass along his thanks and tell you his friend is happy living with another family nearby.”

  “I’m glad to hear it, though I’m sure anywhere would be better than Lord Crall’s mansion.” Neeko still felt as if the man deserved more punishment than simply losing his crossbow and gem-encrusted shield.

  “Sometimes I wonder what my life would’ve been like if Lord Heon in Lanhine had taken me in,” Shara mused. “After speaking with Rao, I consider myself fortunate that didn’t happen, even if my lineage of parents were all terrible. At least none of them treated me like a slave. When I went hungry it was because they couldn’t feed me, not that they chose not to.”

  He offered a hug. “Your childhood was worse than mine.”

  “But you had Swenn. Hunger can’t compare.”

  “I suppose that’s true.”