“I’ll t-try.”
“Then good night—for now. Gyo,” Yuko said, putting his hand on Gyo’s shoulder, “I know how hard this is. Just make your parents proud of you, lad.”
Gyo nodded and Yuko left. Karik stayed where he was, feeling rather numb by the enormity of what lay in front of them. “I’m sorry,” Gyo said quietly. Karik looked at him as Gyo raised his head. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I know this is harder for you.”
Karik hugged him. “It’s n-not a competition. C-can we stop talking about it?” He was exhausted now, and there was really nothing more to be said or gained from going over it.
Gyo let Karik hold him a little longer but then indicated he wanted to be set free. He got up and walked around the room, over to the window. “Everything comes back to the war,” he said quietly. “Before last year, I hardly knew a thing about it, and now my Ma, your Ma, your parents...even Yuko, and Arman.... Isn’t that strange?”
“It wuh-was a big thing. Changed l-lives.”
“I wouldn’t even exist if it wasn’t for the war. Maybe you’d have been raised here in Utuk. Are you sorry you weren’t?”
“No! I love Ma and P-Pa! I just want to go h-home.”
“I don’t know what I’ll tell Pa about this. Or your Pa. It’s like a nightmare, Ka-chi. Only we’re awake and it’s not stopping.” His voice broke and a tear fell, only to be hurriedly scrubbed away. “Sorry. I don’t want to cry any more. What do you want to do now? You’ve had less sleep than me—I’m not tired, yet but I’ll watch over you if you want to go back to bed.”
Karik could probably have done with the sleep, but he just couldn’t, not yet. Besides, there were people coming up to see them. “You should j-just relax. Rest.”
Gyo nodded, but then surprised Karik by coming over to him and pulling him into a tight hug. “I’m so sorry. I promise I’ll do whatever I can to help your Ma and Pa.”
At those words, Karik found it very hard to keep his composure. Gyo was such a good friend. He couldn’t imagine never seeing him again. Still, if they tried to force him to stay in Utuk, he would leave the second he was an adult. If Jembis was right, no one would have any claim on him once he was eighteen, and he could come home. He said as much to Gyo, who peered at him earnestly. “Two years? Could you bear it, Ka-chi?”
“I-if I could come h-home then, I could.”
“Then maybe it’s not so bad, even if Arman can’t help?”
“No, it’s n-not.” He sighed and Gyo set him free. “I’m g-going to read.”
“Good idea. But if you want to talk some more...I mean, I won’t be here tomorrow.” Karik held his hand up to make him stop. They’d been over this. “I know. You read your book. I’ll be in the washroom.”
Karik wondered what Gyo was up to, but he found the book he had been reading and forced himself to concentrate. If he didn’t, he’d get worked up and he just didn’t dare let himself go.
The room grew darker so he lit a candle, and then a lamp. A short time later, a meal was brought. Karik had no appetite at all, but Gyo, who had finally emerged from the washroom, picked at it. To encourage him, Karik forced himself to eat a little too. Not long after that, the healer came and examined both of them. Karik told him about the nerf leaf, which was new to him entirely. “I find it hard to recommend a narcotic which hasn’t been tested and approved by the academy,” the man said. “And I don’t know how we would get supplies of it at such short notice. I’m afraid I can only recommend the remedies we use now, but I can make sure the ship’s apothecary has a supply of pijn, and that he issues it to you if you get very ill. As the journey is of such short duration, I think that it will be safe to do so. The main thing, young man, is to make sure you keep up the ipo tea, made as I’ve directed.” The healer turned to Karik. “Those bruises—how did you come by them?”
“In the sh-ship. I got th-thrown about.”
“Then, Gyo, you mind that you avoid that. You don’t want to break an arm. Stay in the bunk, strapped in as you were this time.”
Gyo gave Karik a guilty look and Karik realised Gyo hadn’t known that Karik had not been able to secure himself as Jembis and Karik had done for him. But it hadn’t been possible to secure both of them in the bunk. “You sh-should just sleep as m-much as you can,” he told his friend.
“Yes, that’s good advice. You sound as if your mother has taught you well, Karik. When you finally get home, please tell her that Ado of Ai-Kislik sends his regards,” he said with a wink as he stood. “I met her in Darshek many years ago when we were students. She was in the class behind ours. Such a spirited young lady, she was. Clever too. I often wondered if she would end up at the academy as an instructor.”
Karik smiled. It was nice to be reminded of his Ma—his real Ma.
To their surprise, Yuko returned just as the healer was leaving, with a young woman at his side. “Lads, this is one of our clerks, Misi. She’s our mind-speaker. Misi?”
“Your mother would like to speak to you, Karik,” she said, sitting down on the chair beside him.
Karik had hardly time to be surprised before she took his hand, and then his Ma’s voice was in his head. “Karik?”
“Ma! Oh, Ma, have they told you what’s happening?”
“Yes, my dear, they have. I’m so sorry. Arman and Kei told us what they knew a couple of hours ago and since then I’ve been talking to Lord Meki, and then to Ambassador Yuko. How are you, Ka-chi?”
“I’m fine. No...I’m not,” he said, his eyes filling. “Ma, I’m so scared. I want to come home. I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.”
He saw Yuko take Gyo by the shoulder and usher him out of the room. “I know you’re scared, Karik. We want to be there to help you but we can’t. You know Arman is coming down—he’s leaving in the middle of the night to come to Utuk.”
“Yes, I know. Ma, who is this Senator Mekus?”
There was a pause and Karik wondered if the connection had been somehow broken. But finally, she said, “He’s a dangerous and evil man, so whatever you do, don’t cross him, don’t trust him and don’t give him any excuse to hurt you. If he does, Arman will rip his lungs out but I’d rather you were safe, do you understand? You do whatever you need to do to stay safe. Say what you have to, agree to what you have to. No one will blame you if you have to make compromises or agreements—and if you give your word to those bastards, it means nothing, do you hear? It’s all under duress. Do what you have to do to survive. Trust Arman and Yuko, and no one else.” Karik shivered. He’d never heard Ma sound so cold and ruthless before. “There’s something else you need to know. Mekus is married to Mayl.”
“Yuko told me. Will I have to meet her?”
“Probably. You won’t...stay with her, will you?” Even in her mental voice, Karik could hear her fear.
“No, never. I swear. Ma, I’m just so scared.”
“I know, I know...oh Karik, I’m so sorry we sent you away. I wish we’d kept you with us and never let you go.”
“It’s not your fault, Ma. It’s Jembis—really his father more than him.”
Ma asked him to explain what had happened, and as Karik did so, and described the practical aspects of the trip like Gyo’s seasickness, he found he had a hold on his emotions again. “Gyo was very lucky you were there to help him. Well done, my dear. That only proves to me that you will come through this because you’re sensible and brave.”
The praise went a little way towards easing the knot of worry in his chest. “Is Pa all right?”
“He’s worried sick about you as we both are. He’s listening—hold on.”
Karik waited, and then he heard his father’s deep ‘voice’. “Karik? Son, your mother’s right—you do what you have to until you come back to us. Be damn careful what you say to that Mekus bastard, and don’t give him any information if you can help it. Lie if you have to. I know that goes against all we’ve taught you, but the rules don’t apply to someone like him. Now, tell me—how’s Gyo holding up?”
“Good. I know you boys are facing a hard time. I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for not waiting to send you to Darshek until I was fit.”
“No, Pa!”
“No, son, it’s my fault. We both knew you might be at risk from the Prij, although we didn’t think it would be this way. I failed you but I won’t fail you again, and I swear we won’t rest until you come back. Arman’s told us to sit tight until he sees what he can do, but if I have to, I’ll come to Utuk myself to fetch you back, Arman or no damn Arman.”
“Pa, don’t! I don’t want you to be caught too.”
“Reji, this doesn’t help,” Ma said in a calmer tone than she’d used up to now. “Karik, dear, we probably won’t be able to do this again after tomorrow, so if you want to talk about anything now, we’re listening.”
Karik just wanted to be there with them and safe, and couldn’t really think of much to say but that. Pa gave him some news about the beasts, and Ma told him about Lori falling off his father’s roof and turning his ankle. Karik told him more about Kei’s plans for him, and how much he loved the academy, and even about the menagerie. He also told her more about nerf leaf and how that might be useful to Kei, and for a little while, it was almost like being home, talking about one of his plant finds.
But it couldn’t last. It was getting late, and he realised Gyo and Yuko had come back into the room. He must have spent an hour talking to his parents, which was a dreadful waste of the mind-speaker’s time. “I better go, Ma.”
“Yes, I know, dear. Remember what we’ve told you, and remember this also—whatever happens, you are our son. Our son and no one else’s. And we love you more than life, Ka-chi.”
“Yes, Karik, we do. Just come home when you can. If you can get messages to us somehow, then do so, but if you can’t, we’ll understand. Arman will keep us informed, he said. Be brave, son. Know that we love you.”
“And I love you, Pa, Ma.” He held the tero stone as he said the words. “Please don’t worry too much about me.”
“Oh, my dear son, that’s the one thing I can’t promise you. Now, good night, Ka-chi. Sleep well and try not to fret too much.”
“Good night, Ma. Pa, don’t get kicked again.”
He heard his father laugh a little. “I’ll do my best, son. Good night.”
He blinked and the room came back into focus. Misi gave him a smile. “Th-thank you,” he said politely.
“Glad to do what I can—did it help?”
“Yes, it did.” And it had. In some ways, he felt worse, but knowing his parents knew, and that they were right behind attempts to rescue him, was reassuring. He couldn’t help but be worried by all the warnings about Mekus, but his parents wouldn’t have issued them lightly. He’d need to be on his toes. But he was good at being unobtrusive, and he planned to be as meek and mild-mannered as he knew how. If his stutter fooled them into thinking he was a half-wit, as it did with so many people, all the better.
“Are you all right, Karik?” Gyo looked worried.
“I’m fine. It wuh-was good to talk to them.”
Yuko nodded. “Good, I hoped it would ease your mind a little. I’ll send what information about you I have to Jena as soon as I get it. We’ve got nearly all of Darshian involved in this, you know. All the mind-speakers wanted to help. Your mother is very popular—and none of them like what’s happening to you.”
“Oh.” Karik flushed in embarrassment, but it was warming to know so many people were ready to help him. “Th-thank them for me?”
“Naturally. Right, lads, it’s getting late. Gyo knows about the arrangements tomorrow, and I would strongly suggest you both go to sleep. It’s an early start for you. Someone will come to wake you with your breakfast. Thank you, Misi. Now, if there’s nothing else? I’ll see you both in the morning.”
~~~~~~~~
Karik’s exhaustion caught up with him quite suddenly and he barely remembered getting into bed. He was quite startled to have Gyo shake him awake while it was still dark and tell him that breakfast had been delivered. Someone had set a lamp out, casting the room into dimly lit relief. He struggled up and rubbed his eyes—he hadn’t thought he would sleep at all. Then he looked at Gyo, already getting dressed. “Did you sleep?”
His friend grimaced then shook his head. “Not much. We have to hurry. At least...I have to hurry.”
Gyo was only holding onto his composure by his fingernails, and if he let go, Karik would be set off too. He got up and looked for his clothes, feeling sluggish and disoriented, not quite believing that today would hold so much grief for them. By the time he’d dressed, Gyo was waiting patiently for him to join him in the outer chamber where the food and a lamp were waiting on the table. Gyo picked up some bread but made no attempt to eat it, his mouth turned down miserably.
“G-Gyo, you need to e-eat,” Karik said gently.
“I can’t. This is wrong.”
“Yes, but you p-promised to be b-brave. P-please?”
Gyo gave him a stricken look, but then bit into the bread roll with all evidence of distaste. Karik knew how he felt, but forced himself to eat a little himself. His own stomach felt like lead. He wondered what time it was—the sky outside the windows was still completely dark.
It was only a short time later that there was a knock, and the ambassador and his assistant, Urso, came in. “Oh, good, you’re up. Gyo, did you rest?” At his headshake, Yuko sighed. “Not surprising, really. I’m sorry. Are you finished? We need to get you down to the ship.”
Gyo put his plate down, dusted his hands and stood up. “I’m done.” Karik stood as well, glad the farce of a meal was over.
“Well, boys, it’s time to say goodbye. I hope it won’t be many weeks until you’re reunited, and Gyo, I’m sure the mind-speaker in Ai-Tuek will pass news to you. You need to trust us that we won’t abandon Karik.”
Gyo nodded then turned to Karik. “Ka-chi, I...um....” He put his hand in his pocket, and pulled out something dark. “I...I wanted you to have something, just to remind you of me.” He took Karik’s wrist, and fastened something around it—a hair bracelet. Karik stared at it—his friend must have been working on it the previous afternoon, already planning to offer him this token of affection and friendship. “I know it’s not much.” He suddenly hugged Karik. “I’m really sorry,” he whispered.
“It’s all right,” Karik whispered back, burying his face in Gyo’s strong shoulder. How was he going to get through this alone? “Thank you.”
A gentle cough reminded him time was short. He pulled back, and on impulse, removed the tero stone on its cord from inside his shirt. “I wuh-want you to t-take this h-home.” He made Gyo bend down so he could put the precious thing around his neck. “K-keep it safe. T-tell Ma to g-give it back wuh-when I’m home.”
“Karik....” Karik had to hold him for a minute or two until he collected himself again. “I’ll look after it, Ka-chi. I’ll think about you all the time.”
“G-good. You h-have to go.”
“Come on, lad,” Urso said, taking Gyo by the shoulder. “The calash is waiting downstairs. Karik, the ambassador will wait with you.”
“Goodbye,” Gyo said solemnly, tears still wet on his face. “Don’t let these bastards hurt you.”
“I wuh-won’t.” He lifted his hand in farewell and then Urso ushered Gyo out of the door.
His legs felt weak all of a sudden, and he had to sit down. His neck felt naked without his stone, but he wanted it kept away from harm—like somehow he could keep his parents safe if the Prij couldn’t get their hands on it. It was silly. But looking at the carefully—lovingly—braided hair bracelet Gyo had given him, he understood tokens had their power too.
The bracelet was going blurry, and before he knew it, Yuko had pulled up a chair and put an arm around his shoulders. “Bravely done,” he said quietly. “You maybe should go back to bed—we’re not needed for hours and hours. I’ll sit with you i
f you want.”
Karik didn’t know what he wanted. Not being alone seemed like a good idea, but Yuko was no replacement for Gyo, or his parents. But the man’s arm felt solid and comforting and helped him stop being such a baby. “I think I’ll j-just read,” he said eventually.
Yuko insisted on staying with him anyway. The dawn rose about an hour later, and by then, the ambassador had ordered his own breakfast to be brought, with fresh tea for Karik. Gyo would be on his way now, Karik realised, and the last hope he’d had that some miracle would let him join his friend on the boat, finally died. With that hope gone, he found he couldn’t really muster any other stronger emotion. He just felt tired and dull, unable to really think clearly about what was about to happen to him. Yuko was a silent, patient presence for which he was grateful. “Wuh-when do we go?”
“In a couple of hours. When the sun is fully up and the nobles have had time to break their fast. I’ve arranged to get your clothes dried properly and mended. Ideally you should wear new clothes, but there’s no time for that. You should wash and groom yourself as best you can. The Prij put a lot of importance on appearances.”
As if he cared what the damn Prij thought of him. But his parents had impressed him with the need to cooperate, to make as little trouble for himself as he could, and if Yuko was advising him to groom himself, he would do that. He would do whatever it took to get home. “M-Ma said M-Mekus is evil.”
Yuko grimaced. “That’s putting it a little strong, but I wouldn’t argue against it. I’ve had more dealings with him over the last seven years than I’d personally like. He’s a very powerful man, Karik. He has her Serenity’s ear, and his son, who’s his father’s child in every way, is her husband. The family are all influential. His daughter died a few years ago, but she was once also close to the sovereign. Apparently she helped make the match between her brother and her Serenity. We simply can’t afford to ignore his wishes. However, he can only go so far, and trust me, we’ll do all we can to keep him to his limits.” Yuko leaned forward and touched his arm. “The Rulers won’t risk a war to save you. But that doesn’t mean they won’t save you. Every Darshianese citizen is valuable, and you have powerful friends. I know it’s hard, but see this as an opportunity very few people in our country have—to see the Prij from the inside. Knowledge is power, you know, and it may yet be useful to you. Get what you can from this experience, and leave the politicking to us.”
Falling From the Tree (Darshian Tales #2) Page 20