The Sword

by Bryan M. Litfin

Ana surveyed the landscape. “If that’s the Troll’s Valley, then we—”

  “We’re standing inside Vulkain’s north face!”

  “Whoa.”

  “Yeah.”

  Ana let out a long sigh. “I’m so tired, Teo. I wish I were a bird. I’d hop off this cliff and fly away to my cozy nest and leave all these dangers behind.”

  Teo glanced sideways at Ana as she looked out at her beloved Chiveis. Beautiful, sweet Ana. He sensed she had just said something important, something that had spontaneously welled up as she struggled against burdens too large for her. He didn’t pity her; she was far too strong for that. Yet he knew she was only human, a woman with desires and dreams and longings that may or may not come true. For some reason, it moved Teo to think of it, and he felt compelled to offer comfort. He slipped his arm around her shoulders. “I’ll fly with you, little bird,” he said.

  “Seize the intruders!”

  Ana shrieked. Teo whirled, drawing his sword awkwardly from under his monk’s habit. Four eunuchs with curved short swords faced him, advancing slowly. Behind them, the commander sat on horseback, holding a bright torch. He bore a wicked grin.

  Teo pulled Ana close. He understood right away: only one of them was going to escape.

  “Put down your weapon!” the commander ordered.

  “Come and get it!”

  Teo handed his rucksack to Ana, speaking quietly to her. “Follow me when I move. Ready? One . . . two . . . three . . . Go!”

  He charged to the right side of the passageway, swinging his sword in an arc and forcing the eunuchs to dodge left. The move cleared a lane into which Ana could run. Barreling directly at the mounted commander, Teo launched himself with his fists extended. The impact against the commander’s body hurled him from the saddle. Knowing the four attackers were right behind him, Teo spun just in time to parry a stabbing blade. Two more joined the attack, seeking to encircle him. He forced them back into the side passageway.

  “Grab the torch, Ana! Into the saddle!”

  She snatched the firebrand from the ground and jumped onto the horse’s back. “Come on!” she screamed.

  Teo danced from one attacker to the other, staying out of their range, neither advancing nor retreating, but simply holding them at the mouth of the corridor to the window. They couldn’t get past him. It was a stalemate.

  “Let’s go!” Ana was desperate.

  Teo knew it was impossible. The men had their own horses in the main tunnel. Unless he held the attackers in place, they’d give chase, catch up, make the arrest. He would have to remain behind so Ana could get away.

  “Ana, you have to do this yourself! Listen to me! Maurice hid the scrolls in a toolbox in the barn. Get them, and go hide with your parents!” Teo lunged at a eunuch who had gotten too close.

  “I won’t leave you!”

  “I’ll catch up! Run!”

  “No!”

  “I love you, Ana.” Teo smacked the horse’s rump as hard as he could with the flat of his blade.

  Rosetta, Lina, and Lewth sat on the edges of their seats in the chalet as Ana recounted her story. She told them everything—the discovery of the secret powder factory, the ride up the tunnel in the wagon, the sky explosions, and the attack by the High Priestess’s servants.

  “I galloped down the tunnel by torchlight, praying to Deu the whole way that the door would be open at the bottom!”

  “Was it?” Lina could hardly stand the tension.

  “No. I had to bluff my way through as a poor servant girl who had been dragged up the tunnel by a cruel monk trying to scare me. The guard got a laugh out of it, but he let me into the mill to resume my duties. I went through the outer wall and came straight here. Of course, I left the other horse up there for Teo. He’s probably . . .” She paused. “He must be, um, you know . . .”

  The little group fell silent and wouldn’t meet her eyes. Ana told herself to be brave, but dread gripped her soul. She rose from her chair and went to the window, her hand upon the glass. Come to me, Teo! Come to me like you said you always will!

  Through the forest, a horse approached the chalet. Ana sucked in her breath as a joyous surge of relief swept over her. The rider emerged from the charred trees. No. It was Shaphan, returning from the barn with the satchel of scrolls Ana had sent him to fetch. Her face fell as the weight of anxiety settled onto her shoulders again. In her heart she knew: if Teo was free, he would have arrived by now.

  Shaphan entered the chalet. “I found them.” He held up the satchel.

  Ana collapsed onto a chair, tears rimming her eyes. “Read me something, Shaphan. I need Deu’s words now more than I ever have.”

  “Yes,” Lewth agreed. “Read us something, quickly! Our sister is in pain. We’re all afraid.”

  Shaphan dug into the bag. “How about the twenty-third hymn? It seems fitting: ‘When I walk in the valley of death’s shadow, I won’t fear any evil, because you are with me.’”

  Lewth nodded. “A good choice.”

  Shaphan began to read the hymn in a steady voice. As he did, Ana felt a sense of peace return. Though she was still afraid, the holy words of the Sacred Writing reminded her that Deu was on her side. When Shaphan read the final words, “I will live in the Eternal One’s house until the end of my days,” Ana closed her eyes. Oh, Deu! Will it turn out like that for me? Will there be a happy ending to all this? She prayed there would be.

  Setting aside the scroll, Shaphan lifted his hands toward the ceiling. “Let’s unite our hearts as one,” he said. Everyone held out their palms and looked upward. Shaphan prayed fervently for Deu to protect Maurice and Teo from evil, then interceded for each member of the house community by name.

  “Thank you, Shaphan,” Ana said when he was finished. “You’ve helped us remember that everything is in Deu’s hands.” She handed him Teo’s rucksack. “Would you keep this for me? It contains some important books Teofil wants. Guard it well, and give it to him when” —she gathered her strength—“when you see him again.”

  “I’ll do it, Anastasia.” He took the rucksack from her and gave her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. Then, looking to the group, he said, “Much has happened in the past few days. Let’s take a moment to celebrate how Deu has been faithful to us amid all our recent trials.”

  The remaining members of the house community took turns sharing their stories. Rosetta told of the great fire, with Lina adding the details of Shaphan’s efforts to save the chalet. Lewth described his preparations for his new role as Prince Piair’s tutor, which he would begin in a few days. He also reported that Valent and Sucula were on the official presumed-dead list at Vingin, since they hadn’t been seen and their chalet had been consumed by the fire. A sadness descended on the group at the news. Ana considered speaking up to clarify the matter but decided against it. She realized some things, even if true, didn’t need to be repeated. When it was her turn to report, she briefly recapped her trip to the temple and the discovery of Astrebril’s secret fire. Rather than bringing relief and confidence to the group, the story seemed to frighten everyone.

  “Child, I think it’s time you found refuge someplace else,” Rosetta said. “The High Priestess might come after you! I’m going to pack you some food. Shaphan can get you to the hiding place where your parents are.” The rest of the community stared at Ana and nodded in agreement.

  Ana straightened in her chair. With sudden clarity, she realized she was at one of those junctures in life where her choices would have profound consequences. Resolve steeled her heart. “Listen, everyone. I’ve been trying to deny it, but it’s time for me to admit that Teo has been arrested. Otherwise he would be here. If Teo and Maurice are in the High Priestess’s hands, I am not going to run away and leave them. I refuse to hide anymore. It’s time somebody stood up to that witch.”

  “Don’t be foolish, child!”

  “Ana, what are you saying?” Lina’s tone was urgent. “You can’t take on the High Priestess!”

  “Perh
aps not directly. But we can’t let her do whatever she wants! Chiveis is a civilized land. On what legal grounds is she detaining Teo and Maurice? I’m a citizen of the realm. I have recourse to the law courts. I could . . . I could lodge a protest with the magistrates!” The idea had just popped into her head, but as she thought about it, it made a lot of sense.

  Shaphan didn’t think so. “The magistrates are afraid of the High Priestess,” he warned. “They do her will.”

  “Even so, there’s no actual law against adopting alternative religions. Maybe I can sway the crowd at the courts. It might put pressure on the magistrates to do the right thing.”

  Lewth’s expression was grave. “The real power in this kingdom lies with the religious authorities, not the people or the courts. Your course of action is too risky, Anastasia.”

  Ana didn’t reply. Instead she bent to the satchel of Shaphan’s scrolls and found the one she wanted. Untying its red string, she unrolled it and read, “The Eternal One is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Eternal One is the support of my life. Whom shall I dread?” She lowered the scroll and gazed at the faces surrounding her.

  “Ana, please don’t do this!” Lina looked terrified. Rosetta began to cry.

  I am your light and your salvation. Do not be afraid. The voice that spoke to Ana wasn’t audible, yet it was real. It flooded her with assurance and conviction. It was time she took a bold stand. How could she doubt it? Deu was her salvation. He would spread his wing over her.

  “I’ve made up my mind,” she said firmly. “I’m going to the Citadel.”

  Lina and Rosetta were distraught, and Lewth covered his forehead with his hand. Shaphan signaled for attention. “Since Deu has called our sister to do this,” he said, “let’s pray for her.”

  The chains on Teo’s wrists pinched his flesh unmercifully. He glanced around for something he could use to pick the lock. Nothing. He tried pulling the chains out of the wall, but they were fixed tight. What good would it do anyway? The only window in the cell was too high to reach.

  Had Ana escaped? Teo had heard nothing to indicate she’d been arrested. He desperately hoped she wasn’t chained up in the dungeon somewhere, alone and afraid.

  It was hard to tell how many hours had elapsed since his capture. After Ana galloped away in the secret tunnel, more eunuchs arrived, surrounding Teo until they wrestled him to the ground. They took his sword, his knife, his belt, even his leather jerkin and linen shirt. The air in the cell was cold on his exposed skin.

  Out in the hall, Teo heard footsteps approach. A key rattled in the lock. The door creaked open, and the High Priestess entered the cell. Teo stared at her. White face. Pitch-black hair. Painted lips and eyes. Voluptuous body. And always, that commanding presence, her mysterious aura of power.

  Don’t let her fool you, Teo.

  “I’ve done nothing wrong. Release me.” Teo’s tone was matter-of-fact.

  The High Priestess stood a few paces away, sizing him up with her hands clasped behind her back. She smiled. Why is she smiling like that?

  “Such a handsome man,” she remarked. “The Kingdom of Chiveis needs men like you, Captain Teofil, men the people can look up to.” She slid closer to him, and Teo caught the aroma of black powder. “The people need heroes to admire, men who will demonstrate our cherished virtues. Obedience. Patriotism. Loyalty. Piety.” As she uttered the last word, her eyes narrowed.

  “I am loyal to the realm.”

  “Are you, Captain?” The High Priestess stared into his face. “Then what is this?” Her tone became savage as she whipped her hands from behind her back. Teo heard the metallic sound of a blade being drawn from its sheath. The High Priestess laid the tip of Teo’s sword against his chest. Slowly she increased the pressure, twisting as she pressed. He remained still.

  “The sword of Armand. A famous blade! The king shouldn’t have given it to you. Such a mighty weapon in the hands of one so—rebellious.”

  Teo clenched his jaw as he felt the sword’s tip flick across his chest. Warm blood trickled down his belly.

  “You think you’re so clever, don’t you, Captain Teofil? Perhaps you think you can use this sword to destroy me, hmm?” She held up the blade, its tip glistening red in the shaft of light from the window.

  “The only thing I intend to destroy is the power of evil.”

  Scowling, the High Priestess went to the door of the cell and spoke to the men outside. She turned back to Teo, her eyes aflame with malice. “I think you need a lesson in the true power of evil.”

  A Vulkainian guard heaved a shirtless old man onto the floor. In the silence, the man groaned as he rolled over. It was Maurice, bloody and bruised.

  He was dying.

  “The stubborn fool wouldn’t agree to deny Deu in front of the people. Consider whether you wish to end up like him.” The High Priestess exited the cell and slammed the door shut behind her.

  “Master Maurice!” Teo struggled against the chains that pinned him to the wall. “It’s Teo! I’m here with you!”

  “Teo . . . my son.” His voice was weak.

  “Deu, help him!” Teo was in anguish, but there was nothing he could do.

  “My breath . . . is failing. I’m going to Deu.”

  “Don’t say that! Crawl to me so I can reach you!”

  “Teo . . . listen!” Maurice spoke with such gravity that Teo knew it was time to hear his master’s words. Maurice panted for several moments, his breath coming in ragged gasps. “Deu will come . . . to Chiveis. I was the breeze . . . before the storm. It’s enough. I’m . . . at peace.”

  Teo wanted to rush to Maurice’s side, to comfort him, to heal him, to make things right again. He strained forward, but the unyielding chains held him back. “Deu, you can’t let this happen, not like this!” Teo clenched his fists and thrashed in his bonds, desperate to stop what was happening before his eyes. “No!” he cried. “You can’t take him from me!”

  Maurice’s eyes opened, and he lifted his head. Teo met his gaze in the dim cell. They communed with their eyes, master and disciple sharing their final moments together.

  “Understand, Teo!” Maurice’s voice grew strong. “I gladly lay down my life to stand for Deu! It isn’t for us to fight against his will. His ways are good. He can be trusted. Always yield to his plan. When he calls you down a path, walk it.”

  Maurice laid his head on the stone floor. His respiration was erratic now.

  Deu! No!

  “I love you . . . Teo . . . my son.” Maurice exhaled a long, steady breath, and then his broken body lay still.

  The courthouse at the Citadel bustled with lawyers, merchants, bureaucrats, and magistrates, all conducting the necessary business of the realm. Ana felt conspicuously small in the presence of such important officials. She had arrived the previous afternoon and requested an appointment. The clerk gave her a time the following day, and she spent the night at a nearby inn. Now she waited for her opportunity to speak.

  Sitting in a quiet anteroom, Ana took a moment to collect her thoughts. A quiet confidence had calmed her nervousness. Her peace was more than she could understand. It seemed to guard her heart from fear.

  Ana’s mind went to Teo. Where was he now? She could only assume he was alive and imprisoned; the alternative was too much to contemplate. And what of poor Maurice? Was he suffering? Or did he have Deu’s comforting presence? Ana reminded herself to be strong for the sake of these two noble men.

  Outside the window of the anteroom, the citizens of the realm passed back and forth. Ana noticed one lawyer in particular, a younger man obviously just starting his career at the bar. He greeted his pretty wife and scooped up their laughing toddler in his arms. The wife carried a lunch basket, and she kissed her husband with a warm smile as the threesome headed outside.

  A shadow darkened Ana’s thoughts. Why? she asked herself. Why must I walk this road? The mental stress of what she was about to do in the courtroom became too much for her, and she fled from it into
the comfort of fantasy. She imagined a rose-covered cottage. It was near Edgeton, though not too close. The kitchen was an inviting place, and Ana was making dinner. Delicious aromas permeated the room. Footsteps sounded on the porch, and then a man filled the doorframe. He was tall, dark-haired, wide in the shoulders, narrow at the waist. Glad to see her, he showed it with a passionate kiss. After the meal, there was a quiet evening in the candlelight. Down pillows . . . a thick duvet . . . warm bodies . . . romance . . .

  Why not that road? That I could handle! You ask so much of me, Deu! Too much!

  The clerk poked his head in the door. “The magistrates are ready for you, miss.”

  Ana rose from the bench in the anteroom and took a deep breath, her heart pounding. Holy words came to her mind—from where, she didn’t know, but she let them come and whispered them aloud to Deu: “I am your servant; let it be done to me according to your will.”

  The courtroom was a spacious stone hall lit by skylights. Five elderly magistrates in black robes and white wigs sat behind an imposing wooden table. On the floor, the citizenry vied for the best seats. Law was entertainment in Chiveis. Everyone loved a good courtroom drama.

  Ana was introduced by the clerk, and she stepped to the podium in front of the magistrates. She wore a light blue gown borrowed from Lina, and her hair was done up around her head in a fashionable style. Makeup and polished-stone jewelry completed her attire. It was an important occasion requiring a dignified appearance. Strangely, her heart wasn’t racing anymore.

  The crowd was unsettled, but Ana waited until they grew silent. The chief magistrate, who sat in the center of the five and held a gavel, regarded her with a penetrating stare. “What is your business with us, Anastasia of Edgeton?”

  Ana’s voice rang out in the packed courtroom. “Esteemed magistrates of the realm, and good people of Chiveis, I am here to protest the illegal actions of the High Priestess!”

  The crowd burst into an uproar. “Order! Order!” The judge pounded his gavel on the table until the crowd quieted.