by Brad Stucki
Javin could tell he still wasn't sure. Massaging his bruised neck, he decided that trust breeds trust. This, after all, was the man the princess had risked everything to find. He needed to know as much as Javin could tell.
"Look, let me tell you how I know of her. I'll warn you right now you're going to think this is really crazy."
He started from waking up in the middle of the tall grass, to the giant lizard, to the chameleon man, to the temple, almost all of it. He didn't mention anything about the crystal residing above his breast, nor the fact that they'd dubbed him one of the legendary Mulda’ fi. He wasn't sure he believed any of that himself.
Javin watched Sauros closely. Only his eyes widened slightly as the tale progressed. Javin saw his jaw clench when he told of the fight and capture of the princess, and anger again flared in his eyes with the mention of the audience with Tranthra' Joh.
"So, the princess is here and safe . . . at least for the moment." It was a statement filled with resolve. Sauros looked around the cell, as if willing some way to escape.
There was silence between them for a time. Finally, Sauros spoke.
"Your story is truly amazing. I'm not sure I understand it, much less can I say I truly believe. But, for some reason, I have a feeling you have spoken true.
“That the princess is here, I have no doubt. There's been a subtle change in the guards, as if anticipating something, and now I know the reason."
Javin nodded.
Standing, Javin walked around his small cell again, looking it over then peering out through the bars at the posted guards. They still ignored them knowing there was no escape. But there had to be a way!
He sat back down near Sauros. "You sure we can't find a way to bust out of here?"
"Believe me, I've tried. You're welcome to see for yourself."
"Not right now," Javin said, again glancing at the guards. They could talk freely as long as they kept it low.
"Look. Maybe you can help me out a little. I’d like to know a little something about your planet here . . . I mean, your world."
"What do you wish to know?"
"That's a good question. Since I don't really know anything, start off with telling me about the cities, and the people. Are all the people like yourself, or are there different races?"
"Races?"
"Yes. Different, like . . . like the Chameleon men." Javin could tell Sauros didn't understand the term. It must not translate well. "You know, the people who attacked you, the 'Pontu’ Gi.'" He remembered the name given them by the Keeper.
"Oh, I see. Till now, I had known of no other types of people other than us -- Including the 'Pontu’ Gi.'” There was a slight sneer to his voice. "Until attacked, I had only heard the legends regarding the Pontu’ Gi, never seen them. I just figured them as myths and didn't worry about it."
"I see," Javin rubbed his chin. "Tell me about your cities. How many are there? Where are they located? I figure that with the armies and guards all around, you must have trouble between them."
Sauros hesitated a moment as if gathering his thoughts. "You ask quite a bit, but I'll try to answer what you ask if you'll slow down your questions enough for me to answer."
"Okay," Javin said. He made himself comfortable.
"First," Sauros started, keeping his voice low, but taking on a tone of voice that said he was deep in thought, trying to make sure of what he was saying. "For as long as anyone can remember there have been seven cities of the Miernah’ foh, my 'race' as you put it. Our cities have been evenly spread across our world to occupy all the space we know of. Each city spaced within 20 days of travel to the next closest. Those closer are more known to us. Still, over the years, there have been disagreements and disputes. There have also been times when the ruler of one city would think he or she knew best and take more than her own city under rule through intrigue or force of arms.
“Sometimes they have been successful for a time then it would always work out somehow that the rule would eventually return to the native people of the city.
"So yes, we've had wars between cities. Rarely does it involve more than two cities fighting back and forth. The other cities keep out of their way, not wanting to get involved and leave them to their own ends. At the same time, there has never been a time when the cities were truly united in peace. That had been a hope of my father. A hope I'd shared. Part of that hope was going to be realized with the wedding of the princess and me." Sauros' Bho grew quiet for a time before continuing.
"We had hoped that we could unite our two cities, if not politically, then at least make an alliance that would foster trade and exchange of culture and ideas. And then we could reach out in the same way to other cities. Start to make it so each city would become familiar with the other. Open more trade and travel between all the Seven Cities.
"Now, a person can't easily travel between cities without fear of being set upon by strangers from another city. Each constantly has roving patrols out for defense. It has been senseless!
"Don't get me wrong. We are not constantly at war with one another, but we are not at peace either. We cannot travel freely from one city to another without an official purpose or envoy." Sauros smiled, his canine teeth showing. Javin hoped it was in humor.
"These questions should be directed to my younger brother. It is he that has the lust for travel and has visited all the seven cities."
"You have a brother?" Javin asked.
"Yes," Sauros breathed a deep sigh. "At least I hope I still have a brother."
Javin was silent.
Sauros continued.
"He was with me on our expedition to come help the princess while her mother was sick. When the attack began, I could quickly see we were so outnumbered, it was hopeless, and I ordered him to leave immediately to get help. He argued, but I gave him a direct order he couldn't refuse. Sohorkon set off just as the battle became most dire. I can only hope he made it.
"Just as he departed, I saw two of the Pontu' Gi, chasing after. He is a good fighter, but with those tracking, I don't know."
Javin let things sit between them for a time before asking another question.
"What about your cities. There are only seven? Don't they grow? What about increases in population? Do they all stay within the city, or do the cities just increase their boundaries?"
Sauros tilted his head in apparent confusion. "Our cities always have stayed the same. The population varies but little. I don't think I understand. Why would we want to increase our borders or make more cities? They are as they always have been. We have known nothing else."
"You mean there are no records of fewer or more cities than just the seven?"
"That's all there has ever been. It’s part of our tradition that there be no fewer nor more than the Seven Cities of the Miernah’ foh. As far as the number of people? That varies, but not much."
"Do you limit the number of children then?" Javin asked.
"No! We would never dream of doing such a thing -- at least in my city."
"You mean to tell me that the population just is steady in and of itself?"
"I don't know what you mean, but we do nothing to limit births."
Javin thought over that for a moment, before asking his next question.
"How far back do your records go?"
"Our histories go back for a thousand years." Sauros replied, a touch of pride in his voice. There is a group of Keepers in every city, grouped under the Chief Keeper who maintains all the records. We have lost nothing of our history.
"In fact, that is the only group, the Keepers that is, that actually correspond between the cities. They can freely travel back and forth. Their role is a sacred duty, and they share back and forth between cities freely. We all have copies of the histories of the other cities."
"Why?" Javin was starting to wonder about this world. Perhaps it is artificial after all.
"That is our way. I don't question it," was Sauros' reply.
"Is there a history, or evide
nce of people here before the Seven Cities? What about the ancient city I told you about?"
"I know nothing of other cities. Perhaps they are in the areas that are forbidden to us."
Javin was really starting to get interested now. "Haven't your people ever explored those 'forbidden areas'? Why are they forbidden?"
"They are forbidden! Why would we go where we should not?" Sauros replied, his eyes wide in surprise.
“As to why they are forbidden, I don’t know. Nor have I ever wondered. It is foretold that someday those areas will be opened, and they will reveal marvels beyond our comprehension.
Javin was puzzled. “That’s a strange legend. Usually those types of legends guarantee people will wander into those lands.”
“That is all I know,” Sauros said.
Sauros paused a moment. Then looked at Javin closely. “We are told that if we go into those areas before they are opened. It could spell the end of our world. Nothing more is said, and my people do not want to risk it.
“You say that you have been to one of these cities of which I know nothing. Perhaps you have been into one of the forbidden areas and you have found one of those marvels. This gateway you have spoken of. Perhaps that is one of these. And maybe the time is rapidly approaching where it will be opened. What think you?”
Javin shook his head. “I wish I knew. I wish I knew half of what I think I need to know, but right now, I don’t have a clue as to what is going on. Maybe more importantly why all this is happening.”
Sauros’ Bho shook his head in agreement. Then they both lapsed into silence.
***
Siri' Bhu's hand clutched Sohorkon's, and his teeth clenched while taking in a quick deep breath.
The man standing behind the desk stared at him, then back at the two Pontu' Gi flanking him.
"Never seen one of the Protectors before eh?"
Sohorkon wisely stayed silent. He could only pray neither of the two Pontu’ Gi would recognize him from being part of the party they'd ambushed earlier. Sohorkon knew one of them from the long white scar across his left shoulder. It was one of those he'd fought personally, given him the wound.
"They're here to help defend the city now. Prophecy fulfilled and all that." The man said, trying to sound sincere, but failed.
"State your business."
Sohorkon took a deep breath and squeezed Siri's hand for reassurance. "I'm here to see the King. I have been dispatched with an important message from a neighboring city."
"Let's have it then. No one sees the King. He's with his advisors planning for the coming Time of Trouble. I'll see that he gets it."
"I can't. I'm to deliver it in person." Sohorken hesitated a moment, watching the captain closely. A Time of Trouble? That has to do with prophecy! This is not going well. He hesitated a moment, then decided he had to push.
"I'm Sohorken' Bho, the King's son."
The captain's eyes grew wide and the two Pontu' Gi tensed. The one with the scar finally showed recognition. What will they do?
Then came a knock at the door and Cahl' Dho stepped in. The Pontu' Gi relaxed their stance and the captain sat back in his chair, trying to seem at ease.
"I've detailed my guard for their rounds, sir," Cahl' Dho said coming to attention. "I thought that since you don't know the Prince, I would come to provide escort. I'm sure the King will be most anxious to see his son and receive his report."
"Yes . . . I'm sure you're right." The captain hesitated a moment, his brows furrowed. "But take these two, here," he gestured to the Pontu' Gi, "as an honor guard so the others will know I've passed him." He turned and nodded to the Pontu' Gi on his right. The one Sohorkon knew had recognized him.
“Come,” Cahl’ Dho stood aside so Sohorkon and Siri could precede him. The Pontu’ Gi moved quickly forward in front of them and they all passed through into the broad avenue. Sohorkon was reeling and he could tell Siri was too. She hadn’t let go of his hand.
The Pontu’ Gi took positions out front. Sohorkon was relieved. This way he could keep an eye on them.
He watched to make sure they really were headed for the palace and not being routed somewhere else. One of the Pontu’ Gi recognized me! Sohorkon kept a wary eye on him as they made their way toward the palace.
On the way, Sohorkon tried to observe everything. Things still appeared the same, but the feeling was still different. Now he knew why. He’d been to many cities in his service. Each had a feeling . . . an aura that was distinct. Now his city felt . . . troubled.
Trying to explain this to someone else, they’d think him crazy, but he could sense the wrongness. Of course, being escorted by his enemies in broad daylight up the main avenue was definite evidence something had gone wrong. But he’d felt it before. When he first arrived, watching the city beyond the defense line. He’d known. He’d felt it but hadn’t followed on what his instinct was trying to tell him.
“What is happening?” Sohorkon watched the Pontu’ Gi as he whispered to Cahl’ Dho.
“They came not long ago, my prince.” Cahl’ Dho moved closer to keep his voice low. “They came with another being, all pale and hairless except on his head and face. I heard this being and a few of the Pontu’ Gi appeared in the main audience hall. Materialized out of nothing!”
Sohorkon turned his head to stare.
“It’s true. I’ve been on duty at the gate since before they came. They never came through. I checked the logs at both gates.
“The peltless one proclaimed himself Mulda’ fi and said he’d brought the legends, the Pontu’ Gi, to protect the city.”
Siri tightened her grip on Sohorkon’s hand.
“I was told the Keeper announced his claim true. A Time of Trouble was coming, and this strange being’s picture was in the Book of the World! How could that happen?”
Sohorkon didn’t answer. He didn’t know.
Sohorkon began noticing the people on the street. They studiously avoided the Pontu’ Gi, but their eyes grew wide at seeing him. It was clear some wanted to come speak with him but didn’t dare.
Cahl’ Dho continued in a whisper.
“It was shortly after meeting with the King that a proclamation was made inviting the rest of the Pontu’Gi into the city. He approved the Mulda’ fi’s men . . . Men from Putra’ Fi Sorro . . . to take charge of the defenses. Others took charge of the palace guard. Those who’d been loyal for years were spread among other units and virtually all were detailed off to leave the city in garrisons the Mulda’ fi said were needed to protect other cities. He said it was to foster trust among all other cities, and stop the fighting, so all would be unified to meet the new threat that was coming.”
“My father wouldn’t do that!” Sohorkon hissed.
Cahl’Dho nodded, glancing again at the Pontu’ Gi. They hadn’t noticed anything . . . that they let on. Sohorkon was nervous about them too. They seemed entirely too calm. Especially since at least one of them knew who he was and that shortly word of their attack would come out.
“But it was done just the same,” Cahl’ Dho said. “The orders – my orders even – were signed in the hand of the King. Isn't that strange?” Cahl’ Dho’s voice dropped off. They were nearing the main entrance of the palace. Instead of the regular honor guard, Sohorkon noted they had been replaced by a detachment of Pontu’ Gi. People around the square were obvious in the way they avoided coming too near the gate. This square should be constantly flocked with people coming and going, many in and out of the palace. Now it was dead quiet. The entrance was empty save for the guard. No approaching, no passing by. The festive air that usually filled the square was painful in its silence.
“The King hasn’t been seen since the decrees went out.” Cahl’ Dho said, finally. “There hasn’t been any trouble . . . yet. The people are worried. Perhaps you can find a way to put them at ease.”
They all stopped before the gate. Sohorkon turned and Cahl’ Dho gave a salute that Sohorkon returned.
“Thanks for the escort.
Thanks for everything.”
Cahl’ Dho caught the emphasis and smiled before turning heel to return to his post.
Sohorkon turned to the palace entrance to find the guard moved aside and his escort patiently waiting to take them inside.
Moving through to the palace should have been routine. It was anything but. The first thing Sohorkon noted was the lack of retainers going about their usual duties. Strange guards milled about. All in black uniforms, boots and a yellow symbol over their breast. Condescending looks were thrown his way, only adding to his feeling of dread. It was like walking into the enemy’s lair. He had to speak with his father and put things right!
They reached his father’s private chambers. Pontu' Gi were again on guard. No familiar faces. The feeling of dread grew to a point he thought he’d burst. Siri’ Bhu continued to grip his hand. She must feel it too.
The door swung open and they strode in. The Pontu’ Gi stayed out.
Inside was another group of Pontu’ Gi spaced around the room. His father was at the far end sitting in his chair used for private audiences. Sohorkon could see his sallow appearance, his hunched frame sitting there as if it took all his strength just to remain upright. He quickened his pace. As he came from the entryway into the main room he noticed the others.
“Ah, my prince.” The city's Keeper came forward and bowed low. “I’d been passed word that you arrived."
Sohorkon blanched. How did he know so quickly? No runner was sent -- that I saw.
"What of the rest of the delegation?” the Keeper continued, rising from his bow.
The man was dressed in his usual robes of office but was acting strange. Sohorkon had very little contact with the man since he'd been in the guard. His father and brother handled all the affairs of state that dealt with the Keeper. There was no reason to distrust him. He’d been in his father’s service for as long as he could remember. It was hard to imagine him being involved.
Sohorkon ignored the Keeper and instead pointedly stared at the other standing next to him. Siri gripped Sohorkon's arm in a vice, her claws half extracting, indenting his skin painfully. He didn’t notice.