by Renee Travis
“I’m going to dinner myself; you two don’t get into any trouble,” she warned before disappearing down a gray Biri hallway.
“That sucks.” I groaned, ripping the sunglasses from my face and crushing them beneath my foot, and then began to scratch my arm, which was no use since the itching tingling had to do with Biri and not my skin.
“Yes, but there’s nothing we can do. It is Ishtar’s lot to bear now.” Mash shook his head.
“Wait. Where did all that crap about a revolution come from? How did you know it would work?”
“Because I know Mare. I knew she’d see it as something she could work with. It’s easy to say no to pleading and tears. My argument was a true one.”
“But you wouldn’t really go through with it, would you?” It was like he wasn’t even my brother. When had he grown up and become a man?
“Yes. I am the first born, how do you think it makes me feel to know that I’ll be sent to some estate and forgotten about? It’s about time that Salas be turned into three individual kingdoms instead of one.” I could tell he wanted to say more but we both heard a noise behind him, looking I saw there was a girl standing in the shadows.
“What are you doing here Aya?” Mash’s voice went from harsh to kind in less than a second.
Aya, my brother’s companion, was not as powerful as us so it must have been almost painful for her to be in the hall. Aya had been with my brother since they were toddlers, always at his side, in his shadow. She held powers similar to his, just less potent; I had watched her bloom even the deadest of flowers. She was a lovely thing; thin, blonde and glowing.
“Waiting on you Shamash, I did not like that you left Nannaru.” Musical notes, that’s what her voice reminded me of.
“Well come on, you must hate it here.” He frowned at her and with one last smile at me they both ran off to the golden carpets of the Nannaru wing. Rolling my eyes I made my way to where Namtar was left standing. Quickly, I informed him of what had occurred.
“Your poor sister. I cannot imagine them trying to force you into such an arrangement.” His laughter was full of sarcasm, just how I liked it.
“I know, I know,” wrapping an arm around his waist we made our way to the East Wing dining room. It was just about time for me to meet up with Nergal for dinner and I was looking forward to it.
“Do you think there is something going on between Aya and my brother?” I wondered as we stopped in front of the emerald colored doors that led to the dining room. Nam suddenly looked like he was choking on something, eyes watering he gasped for air. I pounded him on the back.
“What?”
“Of course! It’s all most of the staff have been gossiping about for a month, I’m surprised you didn’t know.” Nam wiped tears of laughter from his eyes and straightened up.
“Really?”
“Yes. They were seen snuggling in the Sun Room last month, apparently it has been going on for some time now, but they are keeping it very secretive.” Namtar shrugged.
“Oh, well at least now he can take her to the Nannaru Estate and they might be happy together.” I was a little shocked. First, that Mash would date someone beneath his station, that wasn’t like him, and second that I hadn’t had a clue. Maybe Aya would be as good for him in the wife capacity as she had in the companion one.
“Enough of this, I’m starving.” We entered the room and found Nergal and Ekur both already sitting, plates filled with food, goblets with drink.
“Oh, I am so sorry, are we late?” I exclaimed rushing to the table and taking my seat; Nam sat next to me much to their surprise.
“No, we are early, but once we sat down your kitchen staffed served us.” Nergal explained.
“Excuse me, I do not mean to be rude but, your servant is allowed to eat at the table with you?” Ekur’s question made Nam bristle next to me.
“There are not very many people I could eat with in the East Wing, and Nam is more a friend than a servant, he could leave any time he chose. So yes, he dines with me.”
“Ah, this is how we are as well; everyone eats together no matter their station.” Ekur looked proud of his people and it made me think better of them as well. As I finished my thought, platters were brought out filled with Namtar and mine’s favorite foods, plus a glass of chilled pomegranate wine. A staple in Aduran cuisine.
“How do you like the castle?” I asked between bites.
“Your garden is beautiful. Some of the plants you have only grow this close to the Biri border. We can keep them thriving in Bet Pagri, but they do not grow naturally or reproduce well.” Nergal sounded wistful.
“Anything in particular” Nam asked, he too had a fondness for the gardens.
“Yes, the Lullaby Lilies.”
“My prince has always found semi sentient beings fascinating,” Ekur chuckled. Lullaby Lilies were dark blue flowers that sang when hungry, lonely or during pollination season. If allowed to sing too long their song would put you into a sleep that eventually killed you. The only way to stop their song was to offer them a drink, usually blood and usually your own. They only did well in family groups of three or more.
“Not my favorite flower in the garden.” We had other more deadly and prettier, that caused much sweeter destruction.
“You also have a great library and the cemetery has very beautiful architecture,” Nergal said, between bites. I enjoyed watching him eat; he took his food like he was savoring every bite. It was creepy how much I enjoyed staring at his mouth.
Forcing my eyes away from his lips, “so tell me about your home Nergal.”
“I cannot even begin to tell you the beauty of Bet Pagri. You must come, Ereshkigal, and see it for yourself.”
“That might be something I can arrange in the future, especially now that my sister is to be married.”
“It is a shame that she was not allowed to choose her own mate,” Ekur commented.
“She’s a princess to be queen,” Namtar looked confused.
“Alus are allowed to marry whomever or whatever they choose,” Ekur gave me a pointed look. Blushing, I glanced down at my plate. Dinner resumed with minimal chit chat for the next half an hour.
“We are turning in for the night. Would you care to break your fast with me tomorrow morn, alone?” Nergal stood up, his eyes catching mine and holding them.
“Yes, of course.”
“Then I shall see you tomorrow. Ekur?” Ekur stood and they left, swiftly and quietly.
“Ooooh, he like likes you,” Nam nudged me, joking.
“Oh, shut up, I’m going to my room.” Scowling I got up and began to leave.
“Dear Diary, today I met the most handsome demon ever,” Nam followed close behind, mocking me. I swiveled and stopped him dead in his tracks.
“You’ll pay for that.” I hissed. He squealed like a girl as I launched myself at him, tickling him, he fell to the ground, laughter filling the East Wing.
When I was done torturing the poor boy he and I went to our own rooms. I was a little out of breath, but humming to myself, happy. Entering my room I saw Puabi hanging upside down from her new silver perch next to my bed, her pink wings draped around herself.
Did you have a good afternoon? Her sweet voice filled my head.
“Yes, actually.”
I heard from the chatty little maid, your sister is getting married. She peeked out a head to stare at me as I got into my pajamas.
“Yes, not much I can do about that.”
You smell like my home. Did you see Nergal?
“Uh huh…. We’re having breakfast together tomorrow.” I couldn’t keep the grin off my face.
Be careful. Bet Pagri has been having problems. They think you are their only hope and the solution.
I took a moment in the bathroom to process her words. Brushing my hair I considered how nice it would be to have something else to do. While, yes, of course, it bugged me that Nergal might only like me because he thought I could help with something. He might also need m
e. I might be useful for once in my life.
“That might be a fun adventure, Puabi, don’t you think?” Walking out of the bathroom, wrapped in a black silk robe, I plopped down on the bed.
Hmmm. Your home is a sort of cage, isn’t it?
“Yup, one I can’t be in for long if Ishtar gets married. I need a plan. Didn’t you like your home?”
Oh yes… But travel has been fun too. We wouldn’t go there to stay for always, would we?
Laughing, I leaned back against the dozen or so pillows on my bed and wrapped a scarlet blanket around me, “Of course not. “
Good, because I am much too used to my own space now. I cannot go back to sleeping with all 12 of my brothers and sisters.
And with that thought of hers in my mind, I fell into a peace filled sleep.
Chapter 4
I awoke to screams and panic. Puabi was staring at me, her red eyes unblinking as I tried to shake off my groggy state.
“What time is it?”
Early, seven or eight.
“That’s not really early.”
Is to a bat. Now go find out what the noise is so I can sleep. With that she closed her eyes and buried her face back into her wings.
I got up and dressed as quickly as I could. My maid usually woke me and helped me dress. She was vacant this morning, which was unusual. I didn’t care for her, to be honest, a thin wispy little Kassaptu with almost no power. However, because I had no one to help me lace up the delicate intricate bodice my mother preferred I wear, I chose something more to my own taste.
A black tunic that came to my knees, sleeveless with a scooped neckline, around the waist a simple cinching corset that came under my breasts in a red that matched my eyes. I shoved my feet into black riding boots and grabbed a fur lined red vest.
A quick visit to the bathroom and my hair found itself pinned back, for some reason I had the eerie notion I would be outside a lot in the next coming hours. I opened my door and found Nam just about ready to knock.
“What’s going on?”
“Your sister, she’s missing.”
My breath froze in my lungs at his words, heart loud in my ears. Ishtar was missing? Impossible, no one could get through the castle’s protection spells, and who would want to?
“She ran away.” As Nam spoke, my breathing began again and I relaxed. If she ran away things would be so much easier.
“Why is everyone so frantic then? She probably went to the Biri Tea House or hid in the basement, pissed at mom and dad.” We began down the stairs towards the throne room, servants running by, everyone hectic and frazzled.
“They have checked all of Biri already. Your mother and father do not sense her; she must be in Nannaru or Adura.”
“Nannaru then, where’s Mash?” No way did my baby sister go to Adura, she was afraid of the dark, had been since she was three and stumbled in to the Adura garden and was almost lulled to sleep by the lilies.
I braced myself before marching into the throne room, hating that Nam couldn’t come in with me. Looking annoyed, Nam handed me sunglasses so I wouldn’t offend anyone.
The noise assaulted me first, there were over a hundred people present and most of them offering suggestions or condolences. Biri nobles of every persuasion crowded in around my parents. I found Mash standing to their right, made eye contact.
I made my way over to Mash and when people began to notice me the room fell quiet, a dark hush and it was then that I knew.
“She’s not in Nannaru?”
“I cannot sense her there.” I could tell Mash hated admitting defeat.
“Damn.” I swore this was bad; no way could my innocent sister survive very long in Adura. Adura was a place feared by anyone who was not born there and most of what people knew could fit in a very thin book.
“Ereshkigal, we believe your sister has fled to Adura. You must find out and if so, seek her.” Mother told me, her voice strained eyes puffy.
“I know.” I held up a hand and ripped off the glasses, the chatter that had started again stopped. Closing my eyes I reached for Adura and my sister. Darkness rose upon me, I felt encased in it’s cool foggy embrace, the delightful smell of earth, death and decay, sweet and heady filled the room.
I could hear the chilly ringing of the other worldly presences that were always in the background of the sweet dark that was my realm. The urge to destroy came at me urgently, I used my gifts so rarely, opening my eyes I saw the death of everyone in the room.
I could see when and how each life would be snuffed out; I forced myself to not look at Mash or my parents. Most of them were destined to live hundreds of years before death stole them, but no one is truly immortal. A hand slipped into mine, warm like fire, and I looked over. Nergal was holding my hand; trying to ground me, make sure I didn’t wipe out everyone with just a thought.
I saw his magic, dampened by Biri, but still gleaming around us.
“Your sister, my queen.” He whispered, I only took a moment to ponder why he’d used the phrase “my queen.”
Nodding I focused, thought of Ishtar, her silver light, her even temperament. My vision swam and then all was clear. I could see her form flickering in and out in my mind’s eye, watched her pack a bag and step outside the castle. Once past the gate into Adura, she paused at the first fork in the road. I silently begged her to go left. Left lay the less scary of the things she might find. There were towns, busy and bustling, good, yet dark people who would see her and care.
I watched as she tilted her head, listening to something. I wanted to scream at her not to listen, some things cannot be unseen or unheard. I could do nothing, these were shadows of what had already been, and my sister went right.
I dropped my magic and could feel everyone in the room breathe a sigh of relief; I know what I look like, eyes filled with hungry death, skin glowing palest white. A scary death goddess of old, like one of the Great Three, the Goddesses who created Salas.
“She is in Adura, and I will need help bringing her home. I do not believe she could have gotten very far.” Both my parents and my brother looked freaked. They had never been too far into Adura, they thought of nightmares and death. Which it can be, but not all the time.
“You will have anything you require, just go and bring her to us.” Father dismissed me and I ran from the room as swiftly as possible.
“Quick, someplace quiet,” I told Nam, Nergal and Ekur following us closely. We went to my library and shut the door.
“What didn’t you tell them?” Nergal asked. He’d never let go of my hand, his fingers tracing circles into my palm; I rather enjoyed the sensation.
“She’s been called by a P.O.T.” Ekur and Nam took a step back, Nam hissing through his teeth. Nergal suddenly took me into his embrace, wings and arms wrapping around me, giving me warmth and comfort. I laid my face against his chest, feeling him firm beneath my cheek. He smelled like fall. I couldn’t let myself take comfort from him for long, I had things to do, it was worse than I had told my parents, much worse.
“Which P.O.T.?” Nam questioned, I pulled out of Nergal’s embrace.
“I don’t know. They hide themselves too well for me. I’ll have to go to them.” A P.O.T. was a Place of Taint. Sometimes something so horrible happens somewhere and it leaves a scar on a place, makes it evil, forbidden and hungry. Adura was beautiful and I loved it, but because of its dark nature it had a tendency to make Places of Taint easier than anywhere else.
Even the natural inhabitants of Adura stayed away from them. P.O.T.’s liked to call to the unsuspecting, whisper things that you wanted to hear and lure you to them. Once there you couldn’t leave by yourself, not unless someone came and rescued you. All too often, though, that person was sucked in as well. It fed off your magic and life force until you died and then it went looking for a new victim.
The path to the right of the gate took you past two P.O.T.’s within some fairly dense forest. If you could get pass them you would reach normal Adurans, towns, busines
ses, farms etc... Granted you had to go off the main road to get to either, but they were just too close for comfort, most went the long way because they were not strong enough to deal with them. Or they just cut through and ignored the main roads, but that could be dangerous too.
I had been out to two of the four P.O.T.’s in Adura. They did not bother me much, sure they were creepy as hell but I could probably destroy them with a little effort. Nam was fairly comfortable around them as well, surrounding himself with illness to keep their inky tendrils of magic away from him.
“Your sister could not ignore them?” Ekur seemed confused.
“No. She has no experience with the dark, she may be able to resist a little, but her power is of love and life.” I began to pace.
“The fourth P.O.T. in Adura is near Bet Pagri, we had no problem taking the Right Road.” Nergal explained. I spun to face him.
“Will you and Ekur come with me then?”
“I would not let you go alone.” His eyes flashed at me.
“She’s not alone. I’ll be with her.” Nam sounded a little petulant.
“Of course Nam, that’s obvious.” I gave him our secret smile and he relaxed
“The sooner we get out there the better.” Ekur’s sentence made quite a bit of sense.
“Nam, go tell my parents we are leaving at once, on foot, and we’ll be back before dark with Ishtar. Then go by the kitchen and grab food and drink for the trip. Meet us by the gate in half an hour.” Nam was gone in a moment, knowing time was important.
“I knew this outfit was perfect for today. You guys better change into something you can easily walk in.” I said, looking at Ekur and Nergal’s thin and expensive looking clothing and boots, not very hardy walk-through-the-woods wear.
“Oh Princess, sometimes I forget how much you do not know about our kind.” Ekur rolled his eyes.
“Why don’t you show her, Ekur.” Nergal came to my side, placing a hand on my shoulder he leaned down and breathed in my ear, sending shivers up and down my spine.