by C. R. Daems
"That was impressive." He looked down at her for a moment. "Will she return to us?" He asked, watching me intently.
"In time. She's in a wonderful place and will be in no rush to leave."
"My captives claimed you're a wise woman. Are you?"
"I'm trained to be an advisor."
"Then you're trained to be wise."
"No, I have been trained to see what is, not what I would like or want."
"You do for the duke what Witch Ayria does for me—tell me the truths I do not want to hear." He laughed, probably at some hidden incident in the past.
"No. She has bias. She cares whether you live or die."
"You don't care about the duke?" He frowned and shook his head.
"That would make my advice biased. I merely state what I see. The decision to agree or disagree is his, because he's responsible for the consequences—not me."
As Negozi stood silent, worrying his lip, Ayria began coming back to full consciousness. She took something out of a pouch at her waist, sprinkled it on her arm, and wrapped a cloth around it before speaking.
"I understand, Witch Nisha. I've always used the power outward, never inward."
"I'll leave you...and your warrior untied, so long as you do not cause trouble," Negozi said as he returned to where he had been sitting.
"You have our word."
Negozi nodded to someone and two women returned with bread, a soft cheese, strips of meat, and water. "I'm sorry for the poor food, but the land is hard and we are not rich."
"It's more than adequate. What should I call you?"
"Negozi will do. Since I can't torture you to talk, will you talk to me without torture? I have many questions."
"Yes. I will be as honest with you as you are with me," I said, believing there would be information he wouldn't want me to know and maybe not even his war chiefs or Ayria. He laughed.
"A good answer. So, how did you know I had set a trap for your dog-soldiers?"
I explained how the timing of the raids suggested he sought the Scepter, with the hope it would lead to someone like Duke Wenrich assuming command.
"Yes. Simple when one is thinking clearly and does not want revenge or favor one duke over another. I begin to understand your training. What have you advised your duke, or is that a secret?"
"I advised Duke Sandar and Duke Tebos to stay home and to send only a small number to scout the Sands. By now, they know of your traps and have an estimate of your warriors."
"I should kill you for all the trouble you have caused me." A small smile touched his lips. "If I understand you, your school trains women and then sells them to dukes and kings. Then there are many women like you in your kingdom?"
"The Qi'temple was created long ago. They admit many…hands of young children and provide them training. Most are returned to their parents smarter but not Qi'advisors. Of the few that become Qi, most are weak." I looked to Ayria. "I'd imagine each tribe has a witch, yet there are none as strong as the Witch Ayria."
"You're right. Witch Ayria is the strongest witch in several generations."
"Those with weak Qi are usually advisors to the wealthy to teach their children and give advice on small matters. Those few with strong Qi are sought after by the dukes and the king, although there are not enough for all that want one. Those that get a Qi'advisor pay money to the Qi'temple for their services. However, Qi'advisors aren't slaves and are free to leave if they choose."
"Witch Ayria serves without pay."
"Does she? Is she not given a special place in your tribe? Does she not have special privileges? Is she not served and respected by all members of the tribe? And would you not pay another tribe for her services? Like the Qi in our kingdom, she is respected and paid well for her service."
He raised his eyebrow and snorted. "Enough for today. I'm sure you still tire easily after your ordeal. Tomorrow when you're rested, we will talk again. Do not abuse your freedom. We may not be able to cause you pain, but we can kill you."
Ayria led the way back to a small tent, ready to provide support if I needed it. One of the two guards held open the flap for me. Irmak was already inside and jumped up went I entered.
"Qi'Nisha, what happened? What did he want? Are you all right? You didn't tell him any secrets, did you?" The questions poured out of her.
I stood in the entrance, watching as Ayria strode away before I closed the flap on the two guards.
"Sit and try to relax, Irmak. I'm all right. No one touched me. And I don't know any secrets. The soldiers they captured have already told them everything I know and more. How do you think they knew we were out there and possibly had a Qi'advisor along? Their leader, Negozi, is more interested in Qi'advisors than Rhybac. And before you ask, I don't know what will happen to us. Yesterday it looked like we would be tortured to death, but we are alive today. So, let's concentrate on each day as it comes."
"Why did you ask me to give my word not to cause trouble? Don't you want to escape?" Her voice had lowered to a whisper.
"Want has little to do with it. If we cause trouble, we will be killed or tied to poles again. Do you think we could get our horses and make it across the Sands with thousands searching for us?"
"Well, no."
"So agreeing not to cause trouble means you're still alive, aren't tied to poles, and are reasonably comfortable." I smiled. Again, a demonstration in yang and yin—fight verses embrace—soldier and Qi. "Let's get some sleep. Tomorrow promises to be interesting."
* * *
At sunrise, I was invited to breakfast with Negozi, his war chiefs, and Ayria. The meal was simple, interesting, and tasty. Although I could only identify a few of the grains, plants, fruit, and nuts in the bowl I was given, I found them quite good.
"Now that you have eaten, qi'Nisha, we will talk true," Negozi said.
Ayria walked over to me and put her hand on my head. When she did, I could feel her Qi beginning to engulf me. I didn't want to embarrass her, so I gently pushed her Qi away.
"You work for pay, so I will pay you to advise me. Tell me how we should proceed against the dogs...Rhybac."
Dogs? I pondered the expression. Then I realized he wasn't comparing us to dogs but to animals that live underground in burrows or dens—like castles.
"That's not what a Qi'advisor does. We're not military advisors. We listen to what you plan and comment on what we hear and see. We help by pointing out potential problems or alternatives."
"So, you want to listen to us develop a plan, and then you will tell us if you see a potential problem."
One of the chiefs shouted something, pointing a knife at me. Negozi was silent for a moment before responding.
"We will speak dog so that she can understand us. I am interested in Rhybac's wise women."
"She will betray us," the same war chief shouted, looking like he wanted to throw his knife at me. It was obvious from the outburst the chieftains could all understand and speak the generic Rhybac language.
"War chief, could you leave this camp if Negozi didn't want you to?" I waited a minute while he wrestled with an answer. He knew he couldn't but didn't want to admit it. I solved his dilemma by continuing. "Then how could I?"
"You will just agree with us and tell us how smart we are, so we believe you're wise," Bolaha said.
I nodded in her direction. "But then I'd be of no value and Negozi would have no reason to keep me alive."
"What will you tell us, then?"
"If I knew what I would tell you, my talk would be of no value," I said. A silence descended upon the circle. Finally, Negozi nodded.
"I understand. I'm interested. Let's make our plans, my war chiefs. Speaking dog is good practice, and I want the dogs' advisor to hear the words of the great warriors of the Sands." The confusion, shock, and horror were plainly etched on their faces, but no one said anything. Ayria removed her hand and went to stand behind Negozi. I suspect only Negozi knew Ayria's magic didn't work on me. Everyone agreed the plan to destroy a sign
ificant part of the Rhybac army had failed—because of me. And that I ruined any chance of Rhybac sending a larger force up the Iovis path because they now knew another trap waited and, worse, the size of the Sands warriors. At that point, they all wanted me tied to a pole and mutilated before I died. Only Negozi's presence stopped them.
Reluctantly, they disregarded the next steps in the original plan, as that had been predicated on destroying a significant part of the Rhybac army. After much arguing, they decided to go down the Castor Corridor, destroying Turret, Varma, Carne, and Komi, and to siege Taal, Sobek, and Inari. That would give them free rein of the fertile lands of Iovis and most of Zeno and Castor.
"Well, Ayria, what say you?" Negozi asked, when the details had been agreed upon.
Ayria looked at me and then the war chiefs.
"It's a wise plan. We do not have the strength to besiege every castle. But they don't have the strength to attack us in force. As each castle falls, Rhybac becomes weaker, and over time we will rule."
"Well, Qi'advisor. What do you say?"
"Ayria's correct. Duke Wenrich has lost the chance to stop you moving into Rhybac or to lift a siege against Taal and Inari. But you will suffer a thousand cuts. You have Castor to your south, Eolus to your east, Hala to your north, and Ferox to your west. Packs of those dogs will be nipping at your heels day and night. You may win or not, but you will not be free to enjoy the land."
"Our prisoners have said Duke Wenrich wars against Ferox and Hala. Why would they support him and his allies?"
"They wouldn't normally. However, if Rhybac is threatened, they will come to his aid. Just as the tribes have united under you to fight Rhybac, in order to save the generation to follow." They were dying in the Sands and needed to move south into cooler and more fertile lands if they were to survive.
"Yes, I see why you're sought after. We see the easy defeat of the dogs because we are strong and have more warriors. We fail to see the dogs' response. You see both of us. I find it interesting that you would point out our weaknesses, when it could result in the loss of thousands of your people."
" I don't hate you or Wenrich. Nor can I stop you or him from doing what you will." I waited for Negozi to nod agreement. "He's a reckless fool who has given you an unnecessary advantage, and you will cause years of suffering for everyone. There will be no winners, only losers."
* * *
Two warriors stood guard outside our tent. When I entered, Irmak was sitting eating. She looked up with concern evident in her voice.
"What happened with Negozi and the war chiefs? I saw you and them, but my guards wouldn't let me approach."
I studied Irmak. Knowing her loyalty, this would not be an easy discussion for her. "They talked over their next phase of their war on Rhybac. I appear to have upset their original plan. They planned to siege Taal, Inari, and Sobek."
"They would never breach the wall without losing half their army."
"Not an attack, a siege."
"By the gods—famine, diseases, chaos…"
"Yes, much suffering."
"How can we stop them? We have to do something."
"It's not my place to stop them, nor is it within our power. But there is no need. I pointed out the obvious problems, and I think they will abandon that plan."
"Qi'Nisha, they'll develop a better plan." Her eyes widened with horror "You're helping them!" She jumped to her feet, hands gripped into fists.
I gently pushed her back down and held her there.
"Lieutenant, while I cannot stop people like Wenrich or Negozi from killing, I do not want to be the cause of people dying." I went on to explain the reason the tribes are waging war on Rhybac. "I hope more discussion can lead to a reasonable compromise, but I have to let it play itself out. A compromise that I hope will minimize the suffering and killing—including ours."
* * *
Again, the next morning, I was summoned to the war council. No one paid me any attention. I had the feeling they were intentionally ignoring me. All day they worked on a new plan. As before, they decided it best to concentrate their strength. This time they would take the western part of Rhybac and siege Hala and Sobek, essentially carving Iovis in half and giving them everything west of the Karp and Filat Mountain ranges.
"Well, qi'Nisha. What do you say to that?" Bolaha said when they had finished.
The first acknowledgment I had had all day. Negozi leaned forward on his elbows, hands steepled. Ayria smiled.
"That is certainly better, and that land should become yours after a hand of generations."
"It will not take generations to conquer that land. A hand of full moons at most. You're biased, thinking the dogs can stand against us for generations."
"You're right. It shouldn't take more than two hands of full moons to sweep through the Iovis Corridor and defeat Hala and Sobek. They're small and isolated. I've no illusions that the tribes aren't strong or your warriors brave. You have the numbers to win easily." I smiled at Negozi. "I speak of the generations to follow. The other provinces will know you intend to attack them once you have secured the west. They'll unite in self-preservation. And they must continue to attack to keep you from growing stronger. Of course, you're strong and will be able to keep them from winning. It will be a standoff. The wars will continue for generations, each side will have major victories over time, but there will be no winners. You will have to build castles and become like the dogs."
As I finished the last sentence, Bolaha and Idowu were on their feet, knives in their hands. I sucked Qi from the ground, extending it into a shield around me just as they lunged at me. Their combined force compressed the Qi until it felt like a violent storm swirling around me as they continued to drive forward. I bent my mind on containing it, knowing if I couldn't, it would kill or injure everyone in the circle, including Negozi. The result would likely produce another Great One like Wenrich, with disastrous results for everyone.
"Stop!" Ayria screamed.
The effect was impressive. Idowu stopped immediately, and Bolaha shortly afterward. I pulled the storm into me and rose several hands off the ground.
"Look, you fools. She's a sand storm ready to explode. She'll kill us all."
Everyone scrambled out of the circle except Ayria and Negozi. Three warriors had arrows nocked, waiting Negozi's signal. Slowly, I settled back to the ground but kept my Qi ready. It pulsed within me. I wished not to kill anyone but would use it to defend myself as long as possible.
"Xuldo," Negozi said, and the tension on the bows eased off. "Thank you, Ayria. My war chiefs act before they think. But I love them anyway."
"We should kill her. She wishes only to stop us from invading the dogs," Shani said. The others nodded agreement except Bolaha, who stared at me with her knife still drawn.
"Possibly. What do you say, Ayria?" Negozi looked to her, his expression and eyes warm. He trusted her. She stood silent for a long time.
"She pointed out real problems with our first plan. On the second, she agrees with us on the results of the attack, although many hands of war-bands of her people will be killed, and she agrees we can keep the land. Where we disagree is on the dogs' reaction to our conquest—that they will unite and we will face wars for generations. They may. We have united because of need." She turned toward me. "Do you expect us to believe you or that it matters?"
"No. Qi'advisors are hired to give their thoughts on what they see and hear, not to make decisions. I've shared my thoughts with you and do not care what you do. It's your decision to make, as it will impact your people's lives. No matter what you decide, it will result in the death of thousands—many hands of war-bands—and create hardships for generations. I do not envy you."
Before anyone could respond, Negozi spoke. "Enough for now. Each has been heard and spoken honestly. I must think on what has been said. Another day or two will not affect the outcome."
* * *
"What happened, qi'Nisha? I don't understand what the warriors are saying, but som
ething happened, and the camp's alive with talk."
"Two of the war chiefs tried to kill me, and they all want me dead. Other than that, it was rather boring."
Irmak's mouth dropped open. Her lips moved but nothing came out. She sat staring at me.
"You're not joking, are you?"
"About wanting me dead or that it was boring?" I took pity on her. It wasn't as humorous as all that. "Yes, they want Negozi to have me killed. I feel he and Witch Ayria aren't sure, yet."
"We could try to escape. We've nothing to lose."
"We could, but we wouldn't make it out of the camp. And you never know what tomorrow will bring."
"I'd prefer to die like a mountain cat rather than a lamb."
"I will fight along with you, Lieutenant. I'm not a mountain cat, but I'm not a lamb. How are the prisoners...other prisoners doing?" I smiled at the irony.
"Two died during the night. One sergeant and a lieutenant still live. They've learned everything they can from them and will probably kill them. Not that it matters. They won't last much longer without treatment. Before long, we'll be disposable."
I had to agree with her. Who needed an advisor they didn't trust or, conversely, whose advice they didn't want to hear? Although it would change nothing, I had a right to defend myself and would not die quietly. I settled into a meditation posture, preparing to spend the night in peace.
* * *
The next day, I was again summoned to Negozi's tent. This time only he and Ayria were present, if I didn't count the four guards with bows standing close by. They all looked eager for me to try something. When Negozi nodded to me, I folded into a sitting position. Ayria stayed standing, the scepter in her hand. I closed my eyes for a moment and could feel the Scepter. It felt alive with power. Interesting.
"You present a problem, qi'Nisha. My war chiefs want you dead. They argue we will kill you eventually, so why not immediately. Everyone agrees you're powerful and dangerous." He paused. I wondered if he waited for me to respond. What was I to say? They had expressed their feeling and had several good points.
After a few minutes of silence, he continued. "Ayria agrees you're dangerous. She tells me that you might have killed my foolish war chiefs and showed considerable restraint in not doing so. She has mixed feelings on whether your words are true." This time his statement felt more like a question.