Women of Power

by C. R. Daems

  "Quiet, Bolaha," Ayria said, staring her to silence. "You're a fierce warrior, but you speak before you think." She turned to Negozi. "I've spoken with the duke of Hala, and he's willing to talk. However, qi'Nisha believes Duke Sandar should be part of the discussions. I urge you to wait until she can contact him. Delay costs nothing but could work to our benefit."

  "Why wait? They can't stop us," Idowu said. Others began talking among themselves until Negozi raised his hand.

  "There will be war, my impatient warriors. Many will die. Until then, enjoy your wives and children. Hala is contained and cannot escape, nor can they afford to attack us without heavy losses. Wenrich is too weak to attack us in strength. If he's foolish enough to try, Rhybac will soon fall to us. Qi'Nisha offers a chance to build alliances and the possibility of eventual peace rather than endless war. Nevertheless, you'll get your chance to kill dogs. We're merely discussing which dogs." Negozi looked at me.

  I said nothing, unsure what he expected. He spoke the truth. War was inevitable. Multiple discussions erupted, which went on for hours, although the decision had already been made, but each war chief wanted to be heard. When they tired, Negozi spoke.

  "Qi'Nisha, I'll allow you three hands of days to bring back Duke Sandar or someone who can talk for him. You'll notify Duke Tebos that the meeting will be held three hands of days from tomorrow, a short run south of where the Kiwaq and Ajax Rivers meet. That's neutral ground. I promise that we'll not attack either side for two days regardless of the outcome—unless attacked."

  Negozi's decision sounded reasonable, and he had, so far, kept his word, although this would be an excellent opportunity to kill two dukes. I thought that would be tragic but would only build a solid alliance against him and, therefore, contrary to his best interest.

  "I don't know if you planned to take Sobek anytime soon, but they might try to close the pass to Ferox, in which case we will not be able to reach Duke Sandar." I sat quietly waiting his decision. He grinned at me.

  "You're an interesting person, qi'Nisha. You never tried to make decisions for me, or, I would bet, the dukes. But your observations drive one toward a logical decision. If my warriors could learn that, we could save days of arguing. I'll send enough warriors with you to hold open the pass."

  * * *

  I returned to our camp that evening. Javaid and Irmak were there to meet me before I could dismount.

  "What happened?" Javaid asked. "The troops have been very nervous surrounded by so many warriors. I can't say I enjoyed it either.

  "We'll leave tomorrow. We've three weeks to reach Xihu and return here, with or without Duke Sandar."

  "What if we encounter Wenrich's troops, and we can't reach Xihu, or we're killed?" Irmak asked. A legitimate concern considering what happened on our way to Hala.

  "Negozi's sending warriors with us for our protection. He can't delay indefinitely and is doing what he can to ensure we can return in the time he's allotted. Because if we don't, Ferox and Hala will be enemies." I understood his position. He was the tribes' leader, but only as long as he had the support of the war chiefs. They would wait, but not indefinitely.

  * * *

  At dawn the next day, we moved out of camp, with the warriors who had been watching us, around a hundred, following. I wondered what had happened to Ayria. I had thought she would accompany us and wondered if Negozi had insisted she stay. She was important to him, both as a Qi'advisor of sorts, a long-time mentor, and a trusted friend. But around noon, we heard a drumming sound like marching but louder, and an hour later, hundreds of warriors came into view.

  "My god! We're being attacked!" Javaid said, looking at the fast-approaching horde of warriors.

  "Don't do anything foolish. If they have come to kill us, we'll die regardless of what you do. If not, acting aggressive may provoke an attack. I suggest we wait and see what's happening."

  Javaid exchanged looks with Irmak, who shrugged.

  "Sergeant Volos and Boain would be alive today if they'd listened to her."

  By then, I could make out the Witch Ayria in the lead on a desert horse, Shani behind her followed by his warriors. Minutes later, the warriors slowed and Ayria made her way to us.

  "Negozi decided to send a few more warriors with you when I explained the trouble you had entering Zeno territory."

  When I looked around our group, except for Irmak, everyone had their hands on their weapons. I nudged Windrunner to her side, and together we rode west toward the Sobek Pass. Soon everyone fell in behind us.

  We maintained a military pace, stopping only to rest the horses. By evening, we had covered over twenty leagues and were within two days of the Sobek Pass. As we sat around a small fire eating, Javaid and Irmak sat down next to me.

  "Why do you think Negozi sent so many warriors with us? Do you think he will use them to attack Xihu?" Irmak asked, leaning closer. Ayria pretended to ignore us.

  "There's no reason to whisper. If Ayria wishes to join our discussion, I'd welcome it. But to answer your question, Negozi's a very clever leader. He's taking advantage of our trip to Xihu, hoping that Wenrich's using Sobek troops to guard the pass, Inari troops to stop Ferox from trespassing on Zeno soil, or Inari troops have Xihu quarantined—better yet, all three."

  "Why?"

  "I don't know his reasons, but there are a couple of possibilities. His war chiefs are restless and want a fight. More importantly, every Wenrich soldier they can kill weakens the ability of Wenrich to attack. We could encounter several hundred or more if Wenrich has moved on Ferox. Negozi may also consider attacking Sobek as we return."

  Ayria bowed her head and clapped. "Qi'Nisha's correct. Negozi wants to ensure your safe passage. But it presents an opportunity to test and weaken Wenrich. Except for qi'Senka and qi'Nisha, Wenrich would have already weakened Rhybac beyond its ability to defend itself for long. The question is whether he has learned anything. We'll know before this trip is finished."

  "You could use our negotiation as an opportunity to attack Xihu," Irmak said, her face muscles tight.

  "True, Lieutenant. You could also use this or other occasions against us. For those with no integrity, it's a question of whether the advantages from loyalty are greater than the advantages of betrayal. What do you say, qi'Nisha?"

  "Fear as well as greed can motivate people to do things they might not otherwise do. The dukes have nothing to gain but much to fear. Negozi has little to fear but much to gain. I think you're right. Integrity will decide the outcome."

  * * *

  We reached the entry to Sobek Pass in the late afternoon of the third day. Shani's scouts awaited us to report no one guarding or scouting the pass. As it was late, we decided to wait until tomorrow to cross, since the pass was easy to defend because of the narrow trails and rocky cover. Shani sent a small party to scout the area so that we would know what we faced when we attempted to cross. Although I know it disturbed Javaid, Irmak, and Shani, I sat with Ayria each night helping her explore her Qi. The power she had, she developed on her own with little instruction from her former Witch mentor. Apparently, the Witches guarded their secrets and were in constant competition. Having a moderately strong Qi already, she learned quickly.

  "Why do you teach me these secrets?" she asked as we prepared to leave. "I'm grateful, but doesn't it concern you that I'm more dangerous with this knowledge? That I could use it against you or your...people?"

  "They're not secrets. At the Qi'temple, everyone is taught what's necessary to develop Qi and to be a Qi'advisor. But only a few succeed. To me, Qi's a beautiful gift that brings inner peace. I cannot imagine anyone as gifted as you using it for evil." I wondered for a moment if that was naïve and decided that was something I'd have to give thought later.

  We mounted in silence and entered the pass, as Shani's scouts had reported it clear. By the time our party exited the pass, Shani had already deployed his warriors. Using Negozi's tactics, I'd think he had sent a smaller group ahead, along the Nicon River, and a second gr
oup further to the north, leaving us with the main force. The smaller groups would tempt a larger patrol into chasing them when they appeared to retreat. But the retreat would be back to the main force. I felt sure Shani's three groups would stay inside Zeno until we reached Lake Vegas, hoping to find a patrol or two. If nothing happened, they would converge at Lake Vegas before crossing into Ferox.

  Nothing happened that day and we made camp not long after sunset. No campfires were permitted, so we ate a cold meal. Shani surprised me when he joined us. He bowed to Ayria and sat a few paces from me.

  "Qi'Nisha, how do you think my warriors can best protect you?" he asked, a small grin on his face.

  Ayria stared at him but said nothing. It was an interesting question given I had no way of knowing Negozi's true intention. I decided it didn't matter, since the people of Xihu could not flee the castle or city.

  "I'm no military advisor, but even to me some things are obvious. If Wenrich has Xihu under siege, then he'll have troops above Lake Vegas to guard the Sobek Pass. Another will be below the lake to stop them crossing into Zeno. In that case, you'd want a group of warriors to cross the Nicon River before the lake. Wenrich's force would be the smallest there. The larger force will be positioned after the lake to provide his forces easy access to Inari," I said, noting Irmak and Javaid giving me strange looks. I didn't understand why. Shani should already have figured that out. If he meant to catch Wenrich or invade Xihu or both, my observations wouldn't matter. Xihu couldn't do anything in either case. They had nowhere to run.

  "Thank you, qi'Nisha. You don't seem to be concerned that I may use that information to attack Xihu." A "cat playing with a mouse" comment.

  I snorted. "Was that anything you hadn't figured out?" I paused, waiting. He shook his head. "You didn't become the Tuare's war chief without being shrewd. You're just amusing yourself," I said, giving him a small nod.

  Ayria laughed. "Shani, you're a great warrior, but you're trying to bait a witch. She's ahead of us all."

  * * *

  As I suspected, Shani's advance warriors encountered Inari troops shortly after crossing the Nicon River below Lake Vegas. They retreated, drawing them back across the river and into Shani's main force, which outnumbered them over four to one. Caught by surprise, the Inari troops were disorganized and had nowhere to retreat and regroup. None of the six hundred troops Wenrich sent to siege Xihu survived. I wondered what Sandar and his forces were thinking as the Tuare became visible. One danger had been replaced by a greater danger. We followed in the warriors' wake.

  "Witch Ayria, can you keep Shani well back from the city? I don't want the duke thinking it's some kind of invasion and that Lieutenant Irmak and I are a ruse to gain entrance. They're certainly going to be cautious with this many warriors close to the city."

  Ayria rode off in the direction of the warriors, who were spread out over a quarter league and less than a league from the city walls and easily visible on the open plain. A short time later, the warriors began retreating back toward us, and Ayria appeared with Shani and several of his lieutenants. He was smiling.

  "Chief Shani will pull his warriors back to the Vegas River and wait our return," Ayria said while looking at Shani rather than me. He nodded. "He says we have a hand of days, after which he will consider Ferox to be at war with the Sands."

  Shani smiled before riding off toward the river with his warriors following.

  "He'll keep his word, because he's afraid of me. However, if I don't return, he'll use it as an excuse to disobey Negozi's orders. For now he's happy. He killed many dogs and lost fewer than one in a hand plus one."

  "Lieutenant Irmak, you should lead with your detail. The city's going to be on high alert and very nervous. Seeing you will at least get us inside the walls."

  It took nearly an hour to make the city wall. Irmak had wisely chosen to walk the horses to minimize the feeling of being invaded or us running from the warriors. She led the procession with Ayria and me following. Javaid and the Hala troops brought up the rear. It took another hour to gain admittance. The city guard wouldn't open the gate until the castle sent a twenty-man escort with Lieutenant Mastal in charge.

  "Welcome home, Irmak. Looks like you found the tribes, although I wish you hadn't brought them back with you. I see you managed to bring qi'Nisha back uninjured. Good thing, or father would have you cleaning the stables for the rest of your life." Mastal tried to sound lighthearted, although he obviously was dying to hear all the details.

  He demonstrated good judgment. If he hadn't acted like everything was all right, it could have caused panic in the city. While they talked, Ayria and I moved to join them.

  "Good morn, Lieutenant Mastal. I'd like you to meet my guest, Ayria," I said, leaving off her Witch title, since there were plenty of people within hearing. The title would only have increased the rumors and tension.

  "Welcome, Ayria," Mastal said, waving the detail and us in the direction of the castle. "Well, qi'Nisha, life is certainly not boring around you. Do you bring us good or bad news?"

  "That's for your father to decide. I merely bring observations."

  "I can't wait to hear those." He looked toward Irmak after a hard look at Ayria. "Where's Sergeant Mirce? What happened?"

  "He's dead. It's a long story. Interesting, but one I'd not like to repeat any time soon."

  People stopped to watch as we passed on the street, and stared at Ayria.

  Silence followed her remark. And no one talked for the rest of the trip. I noticed Ayria seemed to be enjoying the ride. She would have much to tell Negozi. At the castle gate, we encountered no trouble with Mastal in the lead. When we entered the courtyard, Duke Sandar, Mirza, and Sir Harkin waited on the castle steps. I knew from the looks on their faces that they would have liked to question us right there. They approached as we dismounted.

  "Welcome back, qi'Nisha," Sandar said. "I see you brought a guest?"

  "Yes, Your Grace. If you have no objections, I'd like her to stay with me in my room. She'd be more comfortable there." I wanted him to know I trusted her and would take responsibility. I didn't know what they would do otherwise. Probably put her under guard somewhere. They still might, but if they did, I intended to go with her.

  "I think I'd like to be brought up to date on your mission before we make any decisions. We'll meet in my conference room in three hours; that should give you time to refresh yourselves and eat." Sandar looked to Mastal. "Make sure qi'Nisha and our guest are comfortable and fed." He stood watching as Ayria and I headed for my room.

  Mastal walked along with us with two soldiers following. "I think you have father flustered. He doesn't know what to expect, although he admits you were right about him being needed here and not riding around the Sands. Wenrich sent troops to besiege Xihu only a few days after you left. Not enough to attack the city, but enough to restrict our movements."

  "The tribes have killed them," I said.

  "But now we're surrounded by the tribes, and they appear to have sufficient strength to create a real siege and maybe to attack."

  "These are troubled times. All will be made clear at the meeting."

  As we entered my room, Crina gave a small curtsy. Her eyes darted to Ayria, but she recovered quickly when I smiled.

  "Mistress, I've water being heated for you...and your guest. What would you like to eat? I can get your...and your guest's clothes cleaned if you wish," she said hurriedly.

  "Thank you, Crina. That's very considerate of you. This is Ayria, she'll be staying with me. Water to wash would be nice. It has been a long ride. My usual food would be sufficient for both of us. Perhaps the cook could provide a selection of cheeses, fruits, and breads for my guest to sample. As for our clothes, neither of us has a change of clean clothes. Would it be possible to have someone knock the dirt out of them without getting them wet?" I smiled. "Ayria, this is Crina. She takes good care of me."

  "Crina, it's good to meet you. Qi'Nisha's very lucky."

  As I began to strip
, Mastal took the hint and closed the door. I imagined the two guards stayed outside. Ayria shrugged and began removing her clothes. I found it interesting that Crina felt she needed to turn around while we undressed, whereas Ayria showed no embarrassment at being naked. She kept her belt, which had various beads, charms, and a knife. The ankle and wrist charms remained on. Crina grabbed the clothing and disappeared. A short time later, water and food arrived. The women tried not to look at us sitting off to the side as they placed food on the small table and water on the long narrow table used for that purpose. Crina managed the courage to look at me.

  "Mistress, your clothes will be done in an hour. Anything else I can do for you?"

  "No. As usual, you have taken good care of my guest and me."

  "She's very nervous and likes you very much," Ayria said as Crina scurried out of the room. "And you're treated like nobility. A large room to yourself, a servant, and people treat you with respect."

  "Qi'advisors are treated well because they are hired by important people like dukes and even the king, and they have their ear."

  We washed and ate as we waited for the appointed time. She and I shared stories of our early years and the types of training we received. Her training involved much more instruction in herbs and medicine, because she frequently treated the sick and wounded. The time passed quickly. Crina returned our clothes, which I was surprised to find relatively clean and fresh smelling considering we had gone seven days in the same clothes.

  Soon afterward, Mastal knocked.

  "The meeting will be starting soon." He led the way to the conference room one floor lower, with the two guards trailing behind. I didn't blame the duke. Negozi had had warriors watching Irmak and me during our stay. When we entered the room, it was full: the Duke, Sir Harkin, the three lieutenants, Mirza, and, to my surprise, the duke's wife and daughter.

  "That barbarian has no business here in this room and should be locked up," Harkin said.

  I gave him a level look. "The Witch Ayria is my guest and a representative of the tribes of the Sands. Your remarks insult her and me."