A New Dawn

by J. J. Johnson

  “When Eloy appeared to me, he warned me of something… a danger that was coming. It’s them Titus. Can you not see that?”

  “What I know, Geralt, is that you claim to have seen Eloy. All you heard could have been from a wild binge the night before.”

  Even as the words left his mouth, he regretted them. “Geralt, I…”

  “It’s fine, High King. Let us go. I only hope I am wrong.”

  Titus watched as Geralt stomped into the crowd of people, guilt his instant companion. What was he to do? Leave these men and women to die or wander until the end of days? Deep down, though, he couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that Geralt may be right.

  7

  Imari

  The obsidian stone was cold beneath his palm. He gazed at the small inscription above the sarcophagus. Imbaku brother of Khosi Imari, defender of Khala, Honorary Title: The Rescuer. The deep ache in his heart had never vanished. The last year was a whirlwind that kept his pain at bay, but now, in the stillness, the sorrow that once haunted him from a distance felt ever present.

  “I miss you, brother,” were the words that fell from his lips. He patted the cold stone once more before he took in one last view of the royal tombs. He found a slight comfort that Imbaku and his parents could rest together, their tombs only a few feet apart. So much loss, and for what? Sahra’s ancient claim to the city? Was it worth his family’s life for a piece of territory? He choked back the resentment growing within.

  His journey to Sahra was today and bitterness had no place if he wished for successful negotiations. Stealing one last glance he turned to leave, ascending the stairs into the palace courtyard above. Impatu, now the captain of the Bomani, Imran, the commander of the city guard, and his sister awaited him. Each exchanged with him a look of solace.

  “My time to depart has come,” Imari said to them.

  “I still don’t like you going alone,” Khaleena muttered.

  “Are you sure I cannot accompany you, Khosi?” Impatu asked.

  “I am sure my small escort of guards will work just fine. Besides, I need my finest leaders here in my absence.”

  None of them looked convinced, but they held their tongue regardless.

  “Brother, may I have a word?”

  He nodded and allowed Khaleena to pull him aside.

  “Why do you insist on leaving again when such strange things are transpiring in the Kingdom? Sahra has abandoned us at every turn. Why invite them to a seat at the table now?”

  He fought to keep his anger in check. “I don’t just go to aid Sahra, sister. If these men have visited them, Sahra may have a powerful new ally. Besides, it wasn’t just Sahra that left Islandia to her fate. In fact, Nabila even sent her own blood to fight beside us on that dreaded night.”

  Her face grimaced at the insinuated insult. She moved to speak again but chose to turn away, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Imari regretted his words even as he spoke them. He needed her as an ally, yet he found himself pushing Khaleena away more and more. For what purpose? Yes, she held resentment toward Sahra, but it was because of her love for Khala that she had endured so much.

  “Khaleena I…”

  “Save it, Imari. I know what you think of me.”

  “Khaleena, can we mend this thing between us?” he asked, lowering his voice so the others might not hear.

  “Another time, perhaps, but now you have a journey to take,” she said coldly. With that she turned to Lombaku who awaited her beneath the shade of a nearby pillar. Together they ascended the palace stairs.

  “I don’t like seeing you both like this,” Impatu said as he drew near.

  Imari let out a sigh. “Neither do I, friend. Perhaps it will change, just as it did with Imbaku.”

  He tried to give a reassuring smile but felt no room for joy. Impatu placed a hand on his shoulder. With a sorrowful heart he watched his sister disappear from sight.

  “In the meantime, have the Bomani keep an eye on her and her Masisi.”

  “You want us to spy on her?” Impatu asked in a hushed tone.

  “It’s likely nothing, but too many uncertainties abound. I cannot take any chances.”

  “I don’t like this, Khosi.”

  “Neither do I, Impatu.”

  He gave the captain of the Bomani one last embrace before moving toward Imran. He could see the unease on Impatu’s face as they departed for the long journey ahead. He hated asking this of him, but the list of those he trusted grew thin and he feared unrest in Khala was only a small distance away.

  He had grown accustomed to the long journey through the desert. There were endless dunes made of windswept sand. Despite its treachery one couldn’t help but fall in love with the breathtaking star-filled nights. Life in the desert was a deadly and wondrous combination. He did appreciate his life not being threatened at every turn this time around. Their journey by land had taken them to the familiar port city of Wahah. A place of memories he’d rather forget.

  Trade had once again resumed in the large plaza and, to his surprise, the place looked busier than ever. The cries of market vendors and travelers alike echoed in the crowded streets. Only this time, he did not hide amongst them. All manner of ships clogged the docks as they arrived to deliver and receive their goods from the capitol city of Sahra. It was on one of these vessels that he and his escort hitched a ride. They followed the red rock coast of the Sahra mountain chain westward. The jagged peaks loomed as a sinister welcome onto the high seas.

  He couldn’t believe his eyes as they passed one of the small islands off the coast of the mainland. Along the shores was the bustling activity of inhabitants living on its once destitute land. A small outcropping of towns now littered its rocky coast in an attempt at a new dwelling space.

  “Why would anyone choose to live there,” he wondered to himself.

  He soon found his answer. As their vessel pulled into Sahra’s port he could see that an enormous amount of growth had taken place since his departure little more than a year ago. The streets were lined with people, almost to the point of overcrowding. Even the envoy that traveled with him could not contain their shock.

  “How has Sahra accomplished so much?” he heard one of his men whisper.

  As they offloaded from the boat, a group of Sahra ambassadors greeted them.

  “Welcome, esteemed Khosi,” said one of the men as he bowed. His decorative robe jingled with small bells cleverly stitched into his ensemble.

  “Greetings, royal ambassador,” Imari replied.

  He couldn’t help but continue to gaze at the renovations made to the dock.

  “I see you appreciate the vast improvements to the empire,” said the ambassador.

  Empire? Imari mused to himself. Is this what you are creating, Nabila?

  “It seems Sahra has kept themselves busy,” he said to the ambassador.

  “Indeed. Our Queen Nabila has used her vast resources to improve the lives of many in Sahra.”

  “I am glad to see the royal treasuries at work for the people,” he said withholding his true feelings.

  “It did not all come from the coffers. The Queen devoted many resources in finding the deep source of water within the Nawafir Mountains. On discovery of a great aquifer, we have been able to do the work of ten years in one.”

  “It must have taken a lot of manpower?” Imari asked.

  “Oh yes, indeed,” confirmed the ambassador, “but with no wars or conflict we have been able to devote nearly all our manpower to such tasks.”

  Of course you have. While the rest of Islandia fought to keep the darkness at bay, you took advantage of our sacrifice, is what he wanted to say. Instead he found more considerate words.

  “I am happy to see Sahra has been spared the wrath so many have faced.”

  The ambassador blushed at his words, knowing full well the meaning behind them. “Well, I suppose you will wish to see the queen now.”

  “I suppose so,�
� Imari said with constrained resentment.

  Don’t allow the bitterness to overcome you, he repeated to himself.

  They were escorted down the road that led to the city. Endless streams of merchant caravans poured out in both directions. A route that would normally take less than half a day would now consume all the day’s light. He was grateful they traveled via a royal escort, enabling them to charge ahead.

  Again he found himself in awe as they approached the ancient city of Sahra. Behind its dark red walls, towers with golden domes and exquisite carvings littered the sky. From them water trickled down to fountains within the city. Water which had been the scarcest resource in Sahra was now a free commodity to the people.

  On top of this Imari could see the streets were full of life. No more did the cloud of dread and doom permeate the air. The watchful eyes of the Sycar had vanished and in their place freedom emerged. Trade was at an all time high, and Imari couldn’t find a beggar on the streets. All of this would have been overwhelmingly great news had it not come at the expense of all others in Islandia.

  While Sahra thrived, Islandia fought to stay afloat in the aftermath of the Felled Ones. After pressing through the buzz of the city, the ambassador led them into the palace walls. A buzz of activity crisscrossed between them and the palace complex. Servants carried all manner of food and goods. Delicacies that Sahra had only possessed in tales of old now were displayed as trivial items.

  “Where has Sahra been able to grow such vegetation? I understand you have more water but these things cannot grow in the ground here,” Imari asked.

  “Very perceptive,” said the ambassador. “These fruits and vegetables I believe arrived from New Valkara not a day ago. Only the finest will do,” he said with a self-aggrandizing smirk.

  She’s trading with New Valkara? he fumed to himself. Is there no end to this evil?

  He put on a mocking smile to the ambassador, turning the man’s smirk into an uncomfortable frown. They found themselves being led into the throne room. Various streams of color painted the room from the mosaic glass above. The admiration Imari once held for the dazzling stained glass images above, now made his stomach turn. He realized the former glory they displayed had only been possible because of the labor his people endured long ago. Much like the sacrifices of Islandia had paved the way for the Sahra now before him. Maybe it was just the Sahra way.

  He took in a breath as they passed by the auburn stone fixtures of the room. Everything in the room, including the throne itself, had been carved from the mountain. Even the Nawafir peaks could not escape Sahra’s wrath. He knew his judgement was skewed, but his anger was getting the best of him now.

  Following the ambassador, they ascended the twisting set of stairs behind the throne until they reached the lone hallway that led to the chamber of the Sulta. Imari’s stomach churned. He wasn’t sure he wanted to see who the woman he loved had become. More malevolent than her father, yet just as sinister. The oak doors swung open to reveal the Sulta seated at the large stone table carved from the mountain. Beside her was an attendant fixed on Nabila’s words. As the door opened, a smile crossed Nabila’s slender face. Her sharp features and deep brown eyes gave no sign of malice at his arrival. Her dark olive skin and silky midnight hair were the same features as the woman he loved. The curves of her body fit tight in a red sari. She stood as they entered and gave Imari and those with him a formal greeting.

  “Welcome dear guests from Khala. I hope your journey faired you well,” she said keeping her smile. Her dark brown eyes fixed on Imari.

  “Thank you, my Sulta, it did. We can’t help but see how much the splendor of Sahra has grown under your rule,” he said not hinting at his true feelings. Still, he could see under the veneer of hospitality a slight twinge at his words.

  “It is marvelous isn’t it? Our workers have tirelessly slaved to grasp the full potential of the Nawafir water source. It has given us the freedom to stand on our own.”

  “Stand on your own? Interesting. I remember a whole host of men who stood on the ramparts of Kingshelm but none of them had the look of Sahra. Strange?” Before he could stop, the words had come tumbling out of his mouth.

  The veneer of a smile was gone now, only a cold and calloused frown remained on Nabila’s face. “I was told you came here for different reasons? Was I misled?”

  Imari could feel the uncomfortable shifting of the ambassador’s feet beside him. The guards at the corner of the room perked up at her words.

  “I apologize, my Sulta. My desire is not to start a quarrel. It… it is good to see your face again.”

  Nabila’s flushed cheeks faded and she coolly lowered herself back into her chair. “Have a seat then, Khosi. The rest of you, leave us.”

  Imari nodded to the others who had accompanied him, and in a blink they sat alone in the cold stone room with the city of Sahra visible from the window at Nabila’s back.

  “It all started here, in this room,” Nabila mused aloud.

  It had, and now Imari wasn’t sure what to make of the events of that day. Sure, Fahim was a cruel tyrant but that was obvious. Now, well, he didn’t know what Nabila was anymore.

  “It seems like so long ago,” he said.

  “That it does. What brings you all the way to Sahra, Imari?”

  Straight to business then, he thought.

  “Strange guests have visited us recently. Outsiders from faraway lands. I wanted to know if they had come knocking on your door as well?”

  “They have, not three days ago,” she said with an air of disinterest.

  It took all his strength to speak calmly, “And what did they say?”

  “Oh Imari you must have a better bargaining face than this,” she said with a smirk. “What makes you so eager to know what words they brought?”

  “Because it could threaten Islandia,” he said bluntly. “These men came seeking land to call their own from us. I assume they asked you the same? Did they proclaim to be refugees?”

  “Yes, they requested the same from us.” Her eyes stared down at the parchment filled table.

  “And?”

  Her eyes rose to meet his once more. She enjoyed toying with him. “Relax, my dear Imari, I told them there is no room in Sahra for outsiders. I am the same woman now as I was on that fateful day in this room. My aim is to make Sahra great, not expose her to outsiders.”

  “An empire,” Imari said.

  Nabila’s face soured. “Now where did you hear that from?”

  “Your loose lipped ambassador. I would advise you to find a new one. He revealed many things to me that I doubt you wish exposed.”

  “Do tell.” Her eyes were laser focused now.

  “He informed me you are trading with New Valkara. How could you do such a thing, Nabila? You know what kind of man Jorn is!”

  “You think me a monster? My people need outside resources to survive. We cannot grow our own crops. Khala has cut her trade with us in half. Kingshelm has stood in disarray and Leviatanas is no more. What am I supposed to do? Yes, Jorn is vile and wicked, but he has what Sahra needs and he is willing to give it. In case you didn’t notice, our population has grown dramatically. Without more resources my people would be starving in the streets.”

  A sound of rebuke dripped from her words. It was true Khala had cut much of its trade with Sahra. Not by any sanctions imposed by Imari but by the will of the people themselves. They had grown more than suspicious of Sahra caravans arriving at their doorstep.

  The truth of her words stung but he couldn’t shake the anger welling up within him. “Much of Islandia is in disarray because some of her kingdoms did not answer when their High King called.”

  “I thought you were going to avoid that topic?”

  “How can I, Nabila, when it has driven such a wedge between us?”

  Pity filled the Sulta’s eyes as she examined him. She bit her plump red lips in consideration of her next words. “Not just us but your s
ister as well?”

  He couldn’t deny it. “Yes, Khaleena and I… well, let’s just say, it is more than strained.”

  “I have a similar situation with my own blood,” Nabila said staring behind him.

  “Amira?”

  “Yes, whatever she saw in Kingshelm changed her. She isn’t as pleased with my policies as she once was.”

  “And this has not convinced you of my own plea?” Imari asked.

  “You have said it yourself. Sahra has regained much of its splendor of old. Water has never flowed so freely in our streets. We lack nothing, need nothing, and can defend ourselves. None of this would be possible had we gone and died in your battle. Besides, you won did you not?”

  “You cannot be serious, Nabila!” He rose to his feet. “Sahra needs nothing? That’s why you gain supplies from the most vile kingdom in Islandia. None of this would be possible? You are correct in that. If not for all the kingdoms who died in that battle, Sahra would be nothing but a waste by the army of the Felled Ones. Not that you would know the devastation they wrought.”

  A voice came from the chamber door behind him. “My Queen, are you alright?”

  “I am fine,” Nabila replied to the guard.

  “It seems this meeting of ours is over,” she said in monotone.

  Imari shrank as he realized his loss of composure. “I assume this means you will not join the council in Kingshelm on the matter of these outsiders?”

  A tiny flicker of anger and pain burned in her eyes as she looked at him. “Fear not, dear Khosi. You need not fret about us allying with these ‘outsiders.’ None outside our walls are welcome.”

  None, even him. The message was clear behind veiled words.

  “Nabila…”

  She called her guard back into the room and with a wave of the hand dismissed him. “Farewell, my love.”

  He left the chamber in silence. None of his escort dared to disturb him. The conversation rolled in his mind a thousand times. Each image flickered by. He wished he could change it all. This was his love. Could things not be mended between them? Was Sahra truly to blame, or did he project his own fear and pain onto their failure? Questions without an answer. He was pulled form his thoughts when a voice caught his attention as he passed through the throne room.