.Ch "A knight of the Dahars"
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm going to diiiiie…!
.Em
.P
The cry, loud and desperate, rose from the clamor of the battle, soared
to the top of the dungeon, and made the young Dashvara
grimace painfully as he leaned against the battlement.
.P
.Bm -t penso
This is chaos,
.Em
he thought.
.P
Chaos as he had never seen. It wasn't the first time that the dungeon of Xalya
was besieged by the Shalussis. It wasn't the first time, either, that the Essimeans
attacked it. Nor that the Savages of Akinoa scorched it. But, as far as he
knew, it had never happened that the Shalussis, the Essimeans, and the Akinoas
attacked together. That was unthinkable. However, apparently, their chieftains
were capable of thinking the unthinkable.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Who would have imagined that these savages would collude to destroy
us? By the Eternal Bird! The blood of all of them is already
far too stained with dishonor for me to be surprised. Yet,
what interest did they have in attacking lands as little
covetable as ours? They will plunder them, they will take
everything of value and then leave behind them nothing but a
graveyard.
.Em
.P
Dashvara glared at the distant catapults and the columns of smoke, he contemplated
the desolation that more than a thousand enraged men had left in their
wake, and a grimace of disgust distorted his face, already twisted by tension.
.P
.Bm -t penso
What to do or not to do in a lost battle?
.Em
he thought, stroking his beard.
.P
They might still survive another two days. Maybe. Or maybe only some
hours. It all depended on the Xalyas' morale.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Morale,
.Em
he pondered then, smiling gloomily.
.Bm -t penso
What morale can we hope for, surrounded as we are by monsters? We are
already dead men. Maloven was right. We should have at least found a safe
place for the children and the women. The Xalyas are tired of all of this.
Tired of fighting, tired of killing. Tired of dying.
.Em
.P
Nevertheless, however much they were tired of all that, they were not going to
surrender. Not to ruthless savages. That would have been like surrendering to a
scale-nefarious army.
.\" nefarious-scale
.P
.Bm -t penso
We will die killing.
.Em
.P
The Xalya soldiers were well known throughout the steppe for their courage and
their skill in wielding sabers. During those last two decades, every Xalya
man in the dungeon had had the honor of receiving intensive training… and
most of them had been also honored repeatedly with actual field practice.
But still, two hundred starving men could not fight a thousand.
.P
A howl of pain rang out—the frightening howl of a dying archer, who fell over
the wall screaming at the top of his lungs. Dashvara shuddered. Recalling the
desperate shout of the one who had foreseen clearsightedly his own death, he
joined both hands on the battlement with a bitter certainty.
.P
.Bm -t penso
You won't be the only one to die, brother.
.Em
He looked at the gates, which miraculously held on under the assault.
.Bm -t penso
Many will die. All of us will die. Don't forget that, demented savages:
Xalya soldiers do not surrender.
.Em
.P
Dashvara knew that, as soon as the gates fell, his death
would be sealed. The firstborn of the Dungeon Lord would not
be allowed to live. Perhaps the savages would let his two
sisters live if Lord Vifkan did not kill them both before so
that they wouldn't be used as slaves, but in any case, no
savage chieftain would let a male of a hostile family alive.
The next-to-last lord of the steppe had seen it for himself
twenty years ago. And the last lord of the steppe would see
it very quickly.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Father, if you had let me guide these men, I could have died honorably
alongside my comrades.
.Em
.P
He rolled his eyes at the thought. Die honorably, huh? There was no honorable
death in a battle against savages. Each death caused by an Akinoa deserved the
massacre of his whole clan of brainless monsters.
.P
Suddenly, the crackles of catapults and the shouts died away and a sepulchral
silence reigned. The Essimeans had stopped their machines, and now the only
visible foes were the Akinoas in front of the walls, shaking like bloodthirsty
beasts. It was said that their tribe came from the north. They were tall and
strong men with black skin, all brandishing giant two-handed
axes. A ten of them were grabbing chains and holding a huge,
hairy troll. Lord Vifkan had always admired the
blacksmithing skills of the Akinoas, as well as their skill
to tame monsters. Actually, Dashvara's father was a great
admirer of anything that filled his son with repulsion.
.P
Dashvara turned his eyes away from the wavy, dry lands, and gazed at the blue
sky. Did they intend to wait until the night fell before resuming the
attack? Or was the alliance between the Essimeans, Akinoas, and Shalussis
dying so soon? Lord Vifkan had sent secret agents to reach an agreement with
the Essimeans, but no one had returned, and the officers had assumed that they
had been slain. However, the doubt would still subsist; an honorable man would
have at least sent their heads back—but what honor could those savages have?
.P
He looked back again at the wall walk and the soldiers. There were fewer
and fewer of them, but he could have bet that there had been more casualties on
the other side so far. Certainly, that was a cold comfort since the
adverse faction was five times stronger.
.P
Footsteps clacking against the stone stairs warned him that someone was
approaching—probably a guard coming on Lord Vifkan's orders to request him to shelter
himself into the Dungeon. He was his
firstborn, after all, the heir of the family, and his safety was a priority,
was it not? Such consideration irritated Dashvara as there were so many
wounded soldiers who needed at this moment more help than he did. Wasn't a knight
supposed to fight side by side with his brothers to protect the Xalya clan?
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dashvara of Xalya,
.Em
pronounced the shaard's authoritative voice, behind him.
.P
.Sm -t penso The… priest?
Dashvara thought, startled. He turned around and made a face of
confusion. Before him, four soldiers of Xalya were standing behind Maloven. The old
wise man had been serving the family forever. He was the only shaard guested in
the Dungeon, and as far as Dashvara knew, he was also the last priest of the
Eternal Bird in the whole Rocdinfer Steppe.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Maloven. Can you tell me what happens?
.Em
he asked. The shaard had never ever been escorted by four swordsmen.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The Dungeon is going to surrender,
.Em
the old man explained.
.Bm -t dia
We're going to avoid a massacre. And your father asks you to escape as a
Shalussi prisoner. To this end, you must put on these handcuffs.
.Em
.P
For an instant, Dashvara was so shocked he wasn't even able to react. He would
have felt the same if Maloven had asked him to kneel in front of a dark orc
and pledge allegiance. The shaard cleared his throat, and he was going to
break the silence again, but then Dashvara recovered himself, and he roared.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'd chop your head off for saying that if you weren't who you are,
.Em
he warned.
.Bm -t dia
My father will never surrender.
.Em
.P
The shaard sighed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I knew it. Cooperate, Dashvara, or I will have no choice but to persuade you
by force.
.Em
.P
Dashvara's eyes widened at such an offense.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Try to put these handcuffs on me, Maloven, and your corpse will end up feeding
our pigs.
.Em
.P
The shaard turned slightly pale, but he easily regained his composure. He
looked at the four soldiers, and these pounced as one on Dashvara. After a
second of astonishment, the young man shouted:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Treason!
.Em
.P
He leaped back, and skimming along the parapet, pulled the
dagger from his belt and the dagger from his boots.
.P
.Bm -t penso
I am an idiot.
.Em
.P
He had left his two sabers in the room, downstairs.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What are you doing, Maloven?
.Em
he snarled while trying to stay away from the four soldiers. These
guards were quite old, and Dashvara had not worked with them in any patrol,
but still, he knew their names. They were supposed to be men of the
.Sm Dahars
who did not betray their Eternal Bird. And now they wanted to surrender and
have a humiliating death? Damned cowards. He hissed.
.Bm -t dia
You're gonna pay for this.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't resist,
.Em
replied the shaard.
.Bm -t dia
I want to save your life. I just want to avoid a massacre. Calm down and
listen to reason.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You madman!
.Em
Dashvara shouted.
.Bm -t dia
They will kill us all anyway!
.Em
.P
For an instant, he thought of throwing himself over the parapet. Soon, he
reasoned and judged it foolish. No doubt it was better to die trying to kill
these traitors. He attacked one, but this one reacted fast: he hit his hand
with his saber and made him lose a dagger. Dashvara screamed in pain and rage.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You've just soiled the blood of your family with your vile treason, soldier!
.Em
he spit out.
.P
He saw the man hesitate, and he took advantage of it: he pushed him, trusting
that the guard would not impale him, and he got away from the circle. He ran as
fast as he could toward the stairs, praying that no one would have knives to
throw. Of course, they weren't supposed to try to kill him but rather
humiliate him by helping him escape.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Damnation, stop him!
.Em
ordered Maloven.
.P
They caught up with him when he began to go downstairs. Dashvara threw his dagger to
one of them, who miraculously avoided the strike. Perhaps forgetting Maloven's
intentions, another soldier attacked seriously. Dashvara saw the saber blow
coming, and the traitor would have probably slashed his chest if he hadn't
fled in an unexpected manner. While he was backing on the stairs, one of
his boots stepped on nothing. The young man lost his balance and began to roll
down the stairs, protecting his head as much as he could. Once down, he felt
as though all his body had been crushed under a huge rock. A throbbing pain
pulsed in his back and in one leg. Moreover, he noticed that his right
shoulder was dislocated. Fortunately, he was still conscious.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Excellent diagnosis,
.Em
he grumbled mentally with derision.
.Bm -t penso
And now: run.
.Em
.P
He stood up and hobbled into the dungeon, hearing hurried footsteps from the
stairs. In the room, he grasped his two sabers, which he had left on a corner
of the table; or rather he tried to.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Oh, how I hate traitors.
.Em
.P
Growling a curse, Dashvara finally decided to leave the second saber back,
understanding that his right arm wasn't in any condition to fight. Trying to
ignore the pain, he ran to the door, which led to the upper floor of the
dungeon. He turned the knob. Locked.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Ha. Nice going. That's all I need. Brilliant, Maloven.
.Em
He swore under his breath.
.P
He heard the soldiers entering the room, and he punched the thick wood door with
his bloody fist before turning and facing the four attackers like a trapped
wolf. The soldiers stopped apprehensively. They knew the qualities of Lord
Vifkan's son. He was said to wield the saber as fast as a red snake, and
that's why he was called the Prince of the Sand.
.P
The old shaard arrived behind them, breathless.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Maloven!
.Em
Dashvara roared.
.Bm -t dia
You who have always preached honor, faith, integrity, and virtue… you! You dare
betray your own clan? Is this how you put into practice everything you taught me
as a child?
.Em
.P
The old coward did not dare approach any closer than the soldiers had; he
answered calmly:
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you were a man of honor, you would save the families of these soldiers, your
brethren, and everyone who trusts you to do everything for
their good. Your duty is to save them,
.Em
he insisted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So that they serve savages?
.Em
Dashvara laughed loudly, enraged, and looked into the eyes
of the man who had hesitated just before.
.Bm -t dia
Are you going to surrender and let the savages decide the future of your wife,
of your sons and daughters?
.Em
He glared at the soldier who had almost killed him, and he noticed the
small burned mark on his cheek. He grinned fiercely.
.Bm -t dia
Munderef, would you betray the son of the man who, despite the fact that you
were a fugitive slave of the Essimeans, gave you safety and allowed you to
become a free member of Xalya?
.Em
.P
None of the soldiers gave him an answer. He hissed, and Maloven spoke.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The escape is already prepared, and Lord Vifkan has decided to negotiate the
surrender.
.Em
.P
Dashvara gritted his teeth, his ears seething at the mere word “surrender”.
.D
.Bm -t dia
There is no way my lord father has accepted the surrender,
.Em
he bellowed.
.Bm -t dia
It's just impossible.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
A shaard never lies,
.Em
affirmed Maloven.
.P
Dashvara looked him straight in the eye. The old man was
convinced he was acting correctly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Then, that means Lord Vifkan went mad just like you,
.Em
he said finally, and he studied the five traitors' faces, one by one.
.Bm -t dia
You want me to surrender? I won't. So if you are already dogs of the
Shalussis, kill me here. Now. At least, I will die as a Xalya.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
Well, well, Dash, I love when you act in such a lofty way,
.Em
a small inner voice murmured ironically. Maloven shook his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't be ridiculous. Sometimes the time comes when surrendering may be
the right thing to do, Dashvara. To surrender because you're facing an
unavoidable outcome is not to surrender but to act wisely. Now put this
saber down.
.Em
.P
Dashvara glowered at him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you giving me an order?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Just a piece of advice. Don't pretend to be a knight, Dashvara. You're still a
child. You're not even twenty. You can't go against your father's decision.
He wants you to escape. And you shall escape, even though this means you have
to pass yourself off as a Shalussi prisoner. Put on these handcuffs, and I
will lead you to Lord Vifkan.
.Em
He paused.
.Bm -t dia
Are you going to disobey your father?
.Em
.P
Dashvara's heart was burning with rage. Rage because he simply could not send
the Shalussis, the Essimeans, and the Akinoas a thousand leagues away. Rage
because he could not protect anybody. And rage because his father did not even
let him try anything.
.P
Suddenly, he dropped his saber, and one of the soldiers moved forward almost
with reverence to manacle him with the handcuffs. They replaced his dislocated
shoulder, and Dashvara saw stars. Then they took off his blue headscarf
and tousled his black mane. Under his deadly look, they
ripped his white shirt, soiled him, and gave him some old and black Shalussi
pants. These seemed to have belonged to a real Shalussi until recently. In
a matter of minutes, Dashvara felt as if he had suffered the worst humiliation
in his life.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Death is preferable to that,
.Em
he groaned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Disobeying a father is worse than surrendering to an enemy,
.Em
Maloven replied.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you want me to cooperate, it would be better for you to shut up,
.Em
Dashvara hit back.
.P
The old shaard shut up. He opened the door, and they went right to the Dungeon
Lord's chambers, walking through corridors barely illuminated by the
arrowslits. When the shaard knocked at the door of Lord Vifkan, this one
opened almost instantly. A strong man with a certain age and sharp features
appeared in the doorway. He wore a leather armor and the white tunic of war.
.D
.Bm -t dia
When I asked you to shake him a little, I didn't believe you would really
dare do it, Maloven,
.Em
he said.
.Bm -t dia
He looks perfect,
.Em
he added as he saw Maloven turn pale. He stepped aside.
.Bm -t dia
Come in, son. I have a few minutes to talk to you. After that, we'll go
out to deliver you with the Essimean prisoners. And during these few minutes
please don't speak. I need you to listen to me.
.Em
.P
Dashvara shut his mouth reluctantly and limped into the room. This one was simple
without being rudimentary. It smelled of incense, courtesy of the Dungeon Lady.
Dashvara's mother was not especially refined, but she did like perfumes.
And she also liked collecting the skulls of the hostile chiefs that her lord
spouse had defeated. Dashvara averted his eyes from the shelves. That did not
mean he feared death, not at all—he had seen it so many times—but he could not
completely understand the point of such a collection.
.P
His lord father turned to look at him as soon as he closed the door.
.D
.Bm -t dia
All right, son. Today you have to be the strongest man of all,
.Em
he pronounced.
.Bm -t dia
When we deliver you, you will survive, and we will die. But do not think I
let you live by some weakness of the heart. I govern the Xalyas with honor and
dignity. I would never let a son of mine be humiliated for anything if there
wasn't a good reason to do so. My son, I entrust a mission to you. And you
mustn't fail. You mustn't.
.Em
.P
He loomed over Dashvara, glancing at his firstborn with an intimidating and
earnest expression.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I command you, as a man of Xalya and my son, to kill all the chieftains
who caused the fall of the Xalya Dungeon with that perfidious alliance.
.Em
His black-as-night eyes sparkled.
.Bm -t dia
Kill them all without exception. You know their names, don't you?
.Em
.P
A heavy sadness overwhelmed Dashvara. He nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I do.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Lifdor, Qwadris, and Nanda, of the Shalussi tribe,
.Em
recited Lord Vifkan.
.Bm -t dia
Shiltapi of the savage Akinoas. Todakwa of the Essimean clan. Kill them all,
.Em
he repeated, and he growled showing his teeth:
.Bm -t dia
But before killing them, son, kill their families. Dishonor them as much as
you can.
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked him in the eye, not knowing how to respond to this.
However, there was only one possible answer. His father was not mad: he was
just acting like a hopeless man thirsty for a revenge he could not
complete. For a moment, he was about to ask him why he did not demand this
disgraceful sacrifice from one of his three younger brothers and let him die on
the field with his family, with his father. Showag was sixteen. He could also…
.Sm -t paroles Today you have to be the strongest man of all.
Dashvara had no doubt: what Lord Vifkan was ordering him to do was much harder
than dying. He was ordering him to let his family die and join the hostile
faction in a surreptitious and shameful manner. He was ordering him to kill
the clan chieftains. Not to defeat the clans on a battlefield. He was ordering
him to renounce the code of the Eternal Bird to carry out a vindictive and
traitorous justice. He expected a bloody vengeance.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If that is what you want, father,
.Em
Dashvara whispered in a dying voice.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's what I want and what I command,
.Em
Lord Vifkan replied.
.P
He put his hand on his son's shoulder, and only a slight shivering informed
Dashvara of all the tension that the lord of the Xalyas was keeping hidden.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your name is Odek of Shalussi,
.Em
he claimed.
.Bm -t dia
You have neither wife nor children. Your parents are dead. You belonged to a
family that was annihilated by Xalya bandits. You were captured when you were
stealing in the Xalya lands and you were jailed a month ago. You hate the
Xalyas, you don't like the Essimeans, and you don't trust the Akinoas. You're a
typical Shalussi: savage, unreliable, someone who works and betrays for money
and who doesn't even know the meaning of the word ‘honor’. You're a damned,
freaking Shalussi,
.Em
he spit, and a dreadful smile appeared on his face when he fingered at
his son's heart.
.Bm -t dia
But deep down you will always be Dashvara of Xalya, son of Vifkan of Xalya and
Dakia of Xalya, knight of the
.Sm Dahars ,
Prince of the Sand, and fighter of the Wind. Answer me. Why does your father
force you to live, Dashvara?
.Em
.P
Dashvara did not look away as he answered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
So I can kill the chieftains of the Akinoa, Shalussi and Essimean clans.
.Em
He bowed his head and added:
.Bm -t dia
So I can avenge the Xalyas.
.Em
.P
It was probably then that his father was convinced of how well Dashvara had
understood what he was ordered to do. Making a gesture he had not made for
many years, Lord Vifkan held him with an arm and embraced him with tenderness.
.D
.Bm -t dia
There is no dishonor in this revenge,
.Em
he whispered.
.Bm -t dia
If they attack assembling their armies against one clan alone, there is
no rule, no mercy that can stop you. The chieftains of these clans are
vile. And their children will be too. Don't hurry. Infiltrate into the
Shalussis' lines and act like them. Learn their combat techniques and don't
show yours. Learn to be clever, my son. Be cautious like a snake. And when
the time has come to kill, do it.
.Em
.P
He stepped back, and after regarding his son for the last time, he went to
open the door. Maloven was awaiting there with some guards.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Deliver the prisoners,
.Em
he declared to the guards.
.Bm -t dia
And put the shaard in jail. You can insist all you like, Maloven, but
cowardice is neither part of my flaws nor of my men's. We are not going
to surrender. We'll feign negotiate by delivering the prisoners. If we must
die, friends, we will die stylishly. If you want to live as a slave, it is
your problem, but then it would be better for you if they find you in a cell
when the dungeon falls.
.Em
.P
The old priest went extremely pale. He did not answer, and a guard led him
away. Turning to Dashvara, Lord Vifkan slightly inclined his head, and his
eyes glowed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
All the Xalyas trust you… Lord of the steppe.
.Em
.P
Dashvara could not think what to say. He was surrounded by the Xalya guards,
who looked wan and tense but unquestionably dignified. In such a company, he
went to what seemed to him to be a death in life.
.salto
The charge led by Lord Vifkan out of the dungeon inspired respect even in the
savages. They went out and rushed forward with all the cavalry, desperately.
First, they endured the catapult rocks. Then, they suffered the arrows. The
horsemen were about a hundred, and a certain number fell before reaching the
front line of the Akinoas. However, once there, they caused
a lot of casualties.
.P
From the Shalussi tent intended for the injured, Dashvara stared at the battle
with an expression as fixed as that of an inanimate statue.
His brother Showag's red helmet lay on the battlefield near a catapulted rock.
His lord father, unhorsed, was fighting among his loyal warriors, waving his
two sabers against the huge war axes. Dashvara saw him die, and he saw how all
the Akinoas and the Shalussis hastily ran to the broken gates of the
dungeon, howling savagely. Immediately, screams and shrieks of horror started
to pierce the evening. With the eyes wide open, Dashvara swallowed a deep
breath of air. He understood that, even though there were no more warriors in
the dungeon, the Akinoas weren't going to stop until the last Xalya soul
ceased to exist or surrendered. A frozen fire was burning within him.
.P
The Dungeon was already taken by the savages when unexpectedly the Essimeans
began to withdraw. Didn't they want to get a part of the ruin they had left
behind? Dashvara soon gave up on trying to find a reason for anything.
.D
.Bm -t dia
They tortured you a lot, didn't they?
.Em
suddenly asked the healer who had healed his wounded hand. Her gaze was…
merciful?
.P
.Sm -t penso Impossible ,
Dashvara thought.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Damned Xalyas,
.Em
he only said. He staggered, and he fell awkwardly to the ground, before the
healer's tent, on the dry grass.
.Bm -t dia
Damned, freaking Xalyas,
.Em
he muttered, his mind on fire.
.P
The healer shrugged.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You'll get well—unlike the people inside the dungeon. I doubt that
they'll ever get well, if it reassures you.
.Em
.P
For a moment, he thought about ripping out that Shalussi
woman's tongue so hard that he believed he had stood up to
do it.
.Bm -t penso
Lifdor, Qwadris, and Nanda, of the Shalussi clan. Shiltapi of the Akinoa clan.
Todakwa of the Essimean clan.
.Em
Like a litany, he repeated these names over and over.
.Sm -t paroles Be cautious like a snake.
It was getting dark, and the red sun covered with blood the white stones of
the Xalya dungeon. Gazing at the sky, with his thoughts petrified, he came to
the conclusion that life was a cursed illusion. A dream which breaks at the
slightest sound. All the rest was emptiness.
.P
Later, he looked away from the dusky sky, and he saw several lines of
prisoners going out of the Dungeon, escorted by the Shalussis and the Akinoas.
There were men among them, but most were women and children. After all that
bloodbath, it was a solace to know that, at least, the savages intended to
take prisoners.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Maybe one day they'll manage to escape,
.Em
he thought hopefully, straightening. He batted his eyelids.
.Bm -t penso
Perhaps we should have surrendered before, like Maloven said. He is a wise man,
and he was usually right about a lot of things…
.Em
He repelled the thought. Lamenting now was utterly useless. And it was
useless, too, to want to tell Lord Vifkan that his hopeless charge would
have been more proper to a pack of beasts than a group of Xalyas. And that
this vengeance was more typical of a crazy man than of an heir of the steppe.
All in all, when a man sees death coming, he is no longer a Xalya, nor a man,
nor anything. And when a man has lost everything that
matters to him, he is even less than that. And if he has a
final wish he can cling onto, he clings onto it. Because that
is all he has left.
.P
The lines were divided and distributed. Some Shalussi men approached, pushing
forward a queue of prisoners only made up of women. When Dashvara discerned
among them a very familiar face, he felt dizzy, and he did not even know how to
react. They had captured Fayrah, his eighteen-year-old sister. They had robbed
him of everything. His patrol comrades. His parents. His family. His dreams.
His entire life. And now they seized Fayrah.
.P
He let himself fall onto the ground with a feeling of complete, endless, and
terrible emptiness. He was finally utterly convinced that he had changed into a
cold and dead statue. He didn't know how long he stayed there, lying on the
ground, gazing at the sky without seeing it, letting the pain overpower him,
crush him, and freeze his blood to death. Afterwards, strong hands gripped him
and led him into the healer's tent. He let the savages guide him as one guides
a lost child.
.Sm -t penso That is what I am ,
he thought. He was not a knight of the
.Sm Dahars
anymore. He was not a Xalya of the Eternal Bird. He was Odek. A savage.
.P
A damned Shalussi.
.Ch "The caravan of death"
.D
.Bm -t dia
You've done a good job, boys,
.Em
captain Zorvun commended as the Xalya patrol arrived breathlessly on their
horses. On the nearby hill, the scaled corpses of the creatures were starting to
spark, and soon, they would explode, leaving only ashes behind.
.P
Recovering his breath, Dashvara patted his horse's neck and glanced at his
comrades. They had spent three weeks following the trail of a nadre herd that
had devastated a Xalya farmhouse; the relief of all of them at seeing these
beasts vanquished was almost tangible. At last, they would be able to return
to the dungeon.
.P
The first nadre exploded. Lately, some of them burst as soon as they died; that
is why the captain had ordered to spatter them with cold-oil using a trap
before attacking. The fight had turned out well: no warrior had gotten serious
injuries… Well, his cousin Miflin, one of the Triplets, had twisted his wrist.
These three boys certainly didn't lack guts or enthusiasm, but they still had
so much to learn. Especially Miflin.
.P
Suddenly, a fresh breeze rose. Awaking from the torpor after the battle,
Dashvara gave a heavy look at the west. The sun was disappearing beneath the
horizon, painting in red the Rocdinfer Steppe.
.P
When the last explosion died away, the captain got off his horse, and all of them
did the same. They set up the camp, cleaned their injuries, and prepared
dinner. This night, the captain was gloomy. Something worries him, Dashvara
guessed, as he was sitting by the fire. It wasn't so hard to know what
troubled him: they had had no news of Sashava's patrol for a week. But Sashava
has more men than us, he thought. Nothing bad could have happened to him,
could it? Makarva recalled him from his reflections when he put his katutas
board on a reversed pot.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who's up for a game?
.Em
he asked.
.Bm -t dia
Lumon, of course. What would we do without your damned good luck? Dash? You
too, right?
.Em
He pulled an innocent face as he continued:
.Bm -t dia
Sigfen? No? Sure? Oh! You're not intending to abandon us, are you? With four
people, it is funnier,
.Em
he protested.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have not forgiven you your dirty tricks yet,
.Em
Sigfen grumbled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Bah! I hope you're not talking about the pawn I moved by accident, huh? I
just wanted to know if you were paying attention, that's all. I promise you I
will be a gentleman this time,
.Em
Makarva swore. His mischievous smile didn't inspire confidence in anyone at
all. He sighed.
.Bm -t dia
Yuck. You're as stubborn as a stone, Sig. Placid! Sit down and play. This
time you won't escape. Where are the dice?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have them,
.Em
Dashvara said as Boron the Placid settled down, smiling calmly. Makarva
craned his neck to inspect the dice.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Which have you brought?
.Em
he muttered.
.P
Dashvara smiled and threw the dice on the board. One and five.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The normal ones,
.Em
he answered.
.Bm -t dia
Don't you see I haven't got two six?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Aw man. Do you have the others? I think I've lost them.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I bet my hair that a red nadre had run off with your dice,
.Em
Miflin intervened, installing himself with his two brothers to follow the
game. The bet was an old silly joke: out of the three triplets, Zamoy and Miflin
were born hairless; on the contrary, Kodarah had a black and impressive mane.
.P
Dashvara replied:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Bah, red nadres don't cheat, cousin. Sigfen must surely keep them for the day
he decides to take his revenge.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Or it can be Lumon,
.Em
this last one hazarded with an uninterested grimace; he was
sitting not far.
.Bm -t dia
It's not for nothing that he is said to be lucky.
.Em
.P
The targeted person smiled mysteriously.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Since when to be lucky is to cheat?
.Em
he replied.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Since you play katutas with us,
.Em
Makarva gave back without hesitation.
.P
They started to play. Soon, Boron the Placid began to yawn, and Dashvara
copied him unconsciously. Makarva complained:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Eternal Bird, stop yawning!
.Em
And he yawned too. Zamoy said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Kodarah, I bet my breakfast that the next to yawn will be the Placid.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're on,
.Em
Kodarah accepted. Zamoy grumbled when Dashvara yawned again without even
doing it on purpose. The Maneman giggled.
.Bm -t dia
You've lost your breakfast, bro.
.Em
.P
The games of katutas were usually that chaotic.
.P
The Placid was moving a piece and just capturing a Dashvara's pawn when a
sentinel warned that a rider was coming. This one emerged from the night
riding faster than it was safe. He dismounted and headed straight to the
captain.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's your move, Lumon,
.Em
Makarva reminded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yeah, I know…
.Em
this one said, lowering his eyes.
.P
As he would be the next, Dashvara focused his attention on the game while the
captain and the messenger were talking quietly. Bad news, he predicted.
.P
The captain confirmed that quickly when he went toward the two fires and
barked boisterously:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Break camp! The savages are marching towards the dungeon.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised his eyebrows. Another attack? Lately, the savages had
definitely developed a taste for the Xalya lands. He stood up with
promptness. If Dashvara had learned one thing during these six years of being
a patrol, it was to obey the captain's orders without question. To be
sure, he was the firstborn of Lord Vifkan, but to the captain and his
companions, the fact was irrelevant: he was still a Xalya like everyone else.
With efficiency, they kept the katutas, took their effects, and extinguished
the fires. The horses snorted restlessly, guessing that the workday had not
finished yet.
.P
They were climbing onto their mounts when Lumon asked the messenger:
.D
.Bm -t dia
How many are they?
.Em
.P
It was the captain who answered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
About a thousand.
.Em
.salto
During the days following the massacre of the Xalya Dungeon, Dashvara
pretended to heal.
.P
There were disorders between the Akinoas and the Shalussis to distribute the
Dungeon and the lands. Moved by a foolish ambition, Qwadris of Shalussi
tried to betray the Akinoas and slaughter them during the night, but
eventually, he became the one betrayed: before dawn, two tens of mercenaries
changed to the side of the Akinoas after murdering Qwadris and his captain in
his own tent.
.P
.Bm -t penso
One less,
.Em
Dashvara thought as he walked slowly through the barren steppe of Xalya.
He was following a caravan of Shalussis without saying a word. After
distributing the part of the gained plunder, the clan decided to go back home
and let the Akinoas and the betrayers barricade themselves in the dungeon:
apparently, they judged that the Xalya lands were no longer useful.
.P
.Bm -t penso
You miserable rats. Damn thieves. Assassins…
.Em
His mind reviewed all the possible synonyms that might describe the horror
these savages had perpetrated. At least the Essimeans had only assaulted with
their catapults and hadn't taken anything. Who knew if they had done so to
honor their Death God or simply to annihilate those who represented, because
of their blood, the tyranny of the last king of the steppe.
.P
Dashvara felt empty. He had cried during the nights, but crying did not
relieve his suffering. He had promised himself he would stand up and kill
the Shalussi chieftains once and for all. But then he always recalled his
father's words. He had to not hurry. He had to be cautious. He had to be
dignified. Anguish and hatred were finally replaced by a deep emptiness and an
icy anger.
.P
It took two days until they went into the Shalussi territory and another
two days until they arrived in Nanda's village. At the beginning of the
journey, he didn't speak with anyone. He responded to the comments only with
grumbles. He received the meal as if they were giving him poison. His Xalya
life was over, and although he knew that he was still the son of the lord
those warriors had killed, he did not manage to identify with this rather
macabre and sarcastic young man of ironic nature and strict principles.
The little of his childhood that might linger had vanished. Two days later,
when a woman offered him more decent clothes, he refused them with a rude
gesture.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're not totally right in the head, are you?
.\" you're not quite all there, are you? o lo contrario, no sé
.Em
she said. Her deep dark brown eyes looked at him naughtily.
.Bm -t dia
But it doesn't matter. This ripped shirt suits you amazingly,
.Em
she teased, moving her face closer to the Xalya. She smelled strong of
flowers. A shiver ran through his body as the woman added in the same teasing
tone:
.Bm -t dia
I'm Zaadma. And you?
.Em
.P
As he did not answer, she smiled and said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you weren't blinking, I would think I'm talking to a wall.
.Em
.P
She moved away in her red dress with a flashy walk, and Dashvara made a face
of repugnance as he realized what this woman was doing in the middle of a
troop of Shalussis.
.P
.Bm -t penso
You bloody savages.
.Em
.P
All of them were. The Essimeans were fanatics of the Death God. The Akinoas were
barbarian warriors who had been wandering for years in search of a land to
defend with the blows of their axes. As for the Shalussis, they were the
savages of gold. They were capable of selling everything for this metal,
except their weapons. It was even said that they were capable of selling their
wives and children to the merchants who came from beyond the Dazbon Republic.
The Shalussi men sold their honor at the price of the grass. And it seemed the
women did the same.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Savages,
.Em
he thought again, his heart as lifeless as a stone.
.P
That Zaadma spent all day watching him intently. Dashvara shot her deadly
glares, but she did not get scared.
.P
When the sun set and the armed caravan halted, Zaadma left him in
peace. The campfires were lit, but instead of approaching them,
Dashvara sat down, leaning back on the wheel of a carriage, and he lifted his
gaze to the sky, where a shining Moon was gleaming. Soon, the healer woman
came to bring him the dinner, a bowl full of hot rice; surprised that they
had not forgotten him, Dashvara nodded silently as he took it. When the woman
left, he looked at her. She was relatively older than Zaadma, and there were
gray locks in her black hair. He saw her talking lively with some warriors; at
some point, she let out a laugh, and some men smiled. They seemed to treat her
with respect, he observed.
.P
He glanced at the farthest tents, where they kept the hostages. Where
they imprisoned Fayrah. What if he managed to save her? he wondered. What if
he managed to free her and steal a horse, and then he galloped to the south,
to the city of Dazbon? It was said that it was doable to hide even a whole clan
there. Two people could easily hide. He ought to be cautious like a snake,
yes, but snakes were also effective.
.P
However, first, he needed a saber.
.P
He put on the ground the bowl not even touched, and he stood up. Even as he
began walking, he heard the soft clearing of a throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Know what? You look like a dead man who has just been buried.
.Em
.P
Dashvara snorted and turned to look at Zaadma. The young woman sat on the rear
of one of the wagons, her arms folded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Come on! You'll never say anything?
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
You'll never leave me alone?
.Em
he replied mentally.
.P
He turned his back and walked toward the fires.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're a Shalussi hard to convince, aren't you?
.Em
Zaadma commented. She was following him.
.Bm -t dia
You look like you had lost a battle. You're supposed to have won one, all of
you, right? Aren't you pleased to be free? Or perhaps you have always been
that talkative? Hold on a minute… Hell! Have the Xalyas ripped your tongue out?
.Em
.P
Zaadma blocked his way, and Dashvara stepped backwards abruptly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Get back!
.Em
he hissed.
.P
The mindless stupid girl laughed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
One point for me: you still have a tongue. Now I just need to…
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Get lost,
.Em
the Xalya coldly rumbled.
.P
Something in his voice frightened Zaadma, but she recovered herself quickly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You have a bad temper, Shalussi,
.Em
she noticed. While Dashvara kept walking, she continued:
.Bm -t dia
Around the fires, there are plenty of boys ready to offer good coins in return
for my favors, you know that? And all of them have the purses full… and you
haven't. Tell me, what's your name?
.Em
.P
Dashvara would have gladly gagged her, tied her hands, and put her in a cart
until the dawn.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Odek,
.Em
he answered finally under his breath.
.Bm -t dia
Odek of Shalussi.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Odek!
.Em
she cried, smiling.
.Bm -t dia
I knew an Odek in Dazbon. He was my first true love. A saint. But he died.
You don't know how I envy these Xalyas,
.Em
she sighed.
.Bm -t dia
Dazbon is a dream city. I should have never fallen in love with that
Shalussi. That one wasn't an Odek, but an Aldek.
.Em
She laughed softly.
.Bm -t dia
What funny names you have, you Shalussis. So, the thing is that Aldek
took me to his village to live together as husband and wife. And after not
even a few months, he died too, in a stupid duel, and he left me alone in the
middle of nowhere, with some goats and a mud hut smaller than a wagon.
.Em
.P
Dashvara stroke his beard thoughtfully while Zaadma was prattling.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So they're taking them to Dazbon?
.Em
he whispered.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You mean the Xalyas? Yes. Well, Nanda will intend to sell them to a slave
trader, a foreigner from Diumcili, you know, the federated state, in the
south. The federates pay mountains of gold.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
Well, at least they are expensive slaves,
.Em
Dashvara wanted to reply sarcastically. He stopped.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And exactly what does that trader want to do with them?
.Em
he inquired.
.P
Zaadma raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you really care about it?
.Em
.P
Dashvara glanced at her annoyingly. He wanted to say:
.Bm -t penso
You ask me if I care? Not at all: I will free the Xalyas before that scum
can even see them
.Em .
But he just said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I just ask it to talk about something.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh! Don't worry, you don't need to talk about anything with me. Truth to
tell, I've already wasted enough time. One cannot live on curiosity alone.
Have a good night, Odek of Shalussi,
.Em
Zaadma said, waving at him with mocking deference.
.P
Dashvara saw her going toward the fires, and he kept in his mind the troubling
image of her beautiful dark brown eyes. After glancing at the prisoners' tent, he
looked again at the Moon.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Don't hurry.
.Em
.P
First of all, he had to learn to act only after thinking deeply about the
consequences, as captain Zorvun did. One mistake might cause not only his
death, which honestly no longer scared him that much, but also the assassins'
impunity. He had to concentrate on that, he repeated.
.P
Deep down, he fervently wanted to grasp some sabers and use them in that
camp to death. But that, besides being idiotic and barbarian-like, wouldn't
punish the Akinoas and the Essimeans. Dashvara sighed.
.P
.Bm -t penso
All right, father. You ask me to revenge ourselves on the chieftains. Okay. But
what do the children have to do with all that? Don't you think it is, er,
well, I don't know, to act just as roughly as the savages?
.Em
.P
He had no doubt that Lord Vifkan was a man of the
.Sm Dahars ;
but he belonged to another generation, and he did not always have the same
view of honor as his son. Actually, there were a lot of things both of them
had never agreed about.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't think about them,
.Em
he whispered. And he tensed up, suddenly realizing that he had spoken in
Oy'vat, the Wise Tongue, the speech of the Ancient Kings. If the Shalussis
caught him speaking so, he would survive in this camp as long as a spark.
.Bm -t penso
Keep calm. You will go only so far if you lose your sanity and your
self-control, Dash.
.Em
.P
He began to walk toward the tent where Fayrah was, without sabers or any
other weapon, and without any idea about what he was going to do. There were
two guards before the tent. Not even a sound came out from this one, as if the
prisoners were gagged, asleep, or… dead. But that did not make sense, he
reasoned: there was no way they would kill them after
forcing them out of the dungeon to sell them.
.P
One of the guards looked at him up and down.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What the hell are you looking at?
.Em
he inquired finally.
.P
Dashvara gazed at him, shrugged without even blinking, then let out:
.D
.Bm -t dia
How many are they?
.Em
.P
Both guards exchanged a glance.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Man! It's none of your business, is it?
.Em
replied the same who spoke before.
.Bm -t dia
You're the Xalyas' prisoner, aren't you? You won't receive even a grain of
gold. You didn't take part in the assault. Nanda is the one who sent us to
capture the girls, and only those who work for him will get a bounty, is it
clear?
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
It is clear, you ignorant pig.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded silently, then wordlessly turned around and moved away. He
would not free Fayrah that night. Anyway, he could not save her without saving
the others. These were Xalyas too, and he bet that some of them had attended
Maloven's lessons in childhood, as he did. He would not abandon them.
.P
He went back to the wagon next to where he had left the bowl. The rice was cold
now, but he ate it regardless. One after the other, the names of the assassins
went through his mind.
.Bm -t penso
Lifdor and Nanda, of Shalussi. Shiltapi of Akinoa. Todakwa of Essimea…
.Em
He closed his eyes. They were four. Only four. That did not make up for the crime,
but did that actually matter? His father had ordered him to do it. And he
would. He opened his eyelids and gazed at the cold Moon of the night; then, he
lowered his eyes to his hands, and a fierce grin twisted his lips.
.P
.Bm -t penso
For the sake of the Xalyas, of my father and my family, I swear that I,
Dashvara of Xalya, will kill you all.
.Em
.Ch "The White Hand"
The next morning, when he awoke, lying next to the food wagon, Dashvara
found a black shirt painstakingly folded beside him. It was the same one
Zaadma had brought to him the day before. Sighing, he took off the ripped white
shirt and pulled on the other. This one was not new, but it looked clean and
was in much better condition. There was also a traditional Shalussi black
headscarf, and he only wavered a little before adjusting it around his
head. When the caravan resumed the march, he noticed Zaadma's gentle, knowing
smile. Dashvara would have gladly cast her in the prisoners' wagon.
.P
When they penetrated the Shalussis' territories, the warriors began to
disperse in groups. Lifdor, the most important Shalussi chieftain, headed
for his village, followed by his warriors and his stolen horses; while all of
these were drawing away, Dashvara looked at them with a frozen heart then
followed the wagon with the prisoners, led by Nanda of Shalussi. From what
a warrior said, Nanda did not want to make the Xalyas walk. Considering the
greed and the ambition of these people, perhaps the Shalussi chieftain merely
didn't want his wares to lose value by getting sick or sunburned.
.P
Dashvara had no trouble identifying that evil bastard. And not for the
clothes, since these looked quite similar to his men's: Nanda wore a
dark tunic, black boots, loose-fitting pants, a belt, and a saber… But his
belt was adorned with silver, and the saber had precious stones on its hilt;
two big necklaces of pure gold hung around his Shalussi thick neck.
.P
.Bm -t penso
A Xalya could never have such bad taste,
.Em
Dashvara thought.
.P
When they crossed a large, shallow river, he realized that they were very close
to Nanda's village. They saw farmhouses appear, and the landscape changed
abruptly. There were no longer plains covered with dry grass and sand soil,
sprinkled with stunted plants. Now there were holm oaks, carob trees, bushes,
and big shrubs with blue berries and leaves with a strong scent. The
Shalussis' lands were rich. That was why the Xalyas had always trusted that
their own lands would never attract the Shalussis or the Essimeans. Of course,
for decades, they had had to confront the savages, the bandits, and the
steppe creatures; for centuries, they had endured the plagues, the summer
droughts, and the dry winter cold. The Xalya people had survived everything
but greed.
.P
As they progressed, some farmers approached the caravan and received money,
the selfsame treasure that had been plundered in the Xalya Dungeon; Dashvara was
surprised to see the sudden generosity of the warriors. The cattle breeders
and the peasants left, carrying money, jewels, and others stolen goods,
not giving anything in return. And the warriors seemed satisfied.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You look surprised.
.Em
.P
Dashvara jerked up slightly; when he turned, he saw two big, dark brown eyes.
He grunted but didn't answer.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't your people offer gifts to the food makers in return for their work?
.Em
Zaadma asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The food makers?
.Em
Dashvara echoed, raising an eyebrow.
.Bm -t dia
You mean those who work the land?
.Em
.P
Zaadma's eyes narrowed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes… Indeed.
.Em
She cast a mild smile at him, and without adding anything, she walked away
with an odd expression on her face.
.P
Dashvara got troubled.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Something I said has surprised her,
.Em
he guessed. Something that had made her think that Odek of Shalussi didn't know
things he was supposed to know. A small, silly voice inside his mind advised
him to kill Zaadma, but he didn't listen to it.
.P
.Bm -t penso
I'm not a savage. If I have to kill, I'll do it to survive, not because of
vague suspicions,
.Em
he decided.
.P
They arrived in the village before nightfall. It was a hamlet on a hill,
with white houses and courts as there were in Xalya. They were scattered,
surrounded by grass, soil, and sheep flocks. At the foot of the hill, the
same river they had crossed slid to the southwest, stroking stones and
reflecting the last rays of the evening sun.
.P
A cluster of children ran downhill from the village to greet the warriors, and
these embraced them, laughing and singing a triumphal tune. Three children,
however, stayed away with solemn and grave faces, searching for their fathers,
to no avail. A bit surprised, Dashvara saw Nanda approaching them and patting
them on the head with a fatherlike hand. It seemed as if… as if the Shalussis
of this village formed a united family, like the Xalyas'.
.P
The Shalussi chieftain did not utter a word, but at that instant, Dashvara
felt a shadow of compassion for those children. All in all, they were humans,
even though they were savages.
.P
All the queue dispersed, and each Shalussi man went back home. The wagon
carrying the Xalyas was led to the top of the hill, escorted by Nanda and
another five warriors who must be his most loyal men.
.P
.Bm -t penso
I'll probably have to kill these too,
.Em
Dashvara thought as he followed them, barely looking around.
.P
The wagon stopped in front of a two-storied house. Dashvara saw the prisoners
go into the building without putting up any resistance. Did they have
renounced freedom so soon? he wondered sadly. Unconsciously, he stepped
forward, and one of the guards turned to him and stood in his way. He was the
same he had talked to in front of the tent, last night.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where are you going?
.Em
he snapped.
.Bm -t dia
Do you think that Nanda will take care of you in his own house only because
the Xalyas have imprisoned you? Come on, my friend, move on. Get yourself
home, wherever you come from. I'm sure you have a family that cares for you.
Move along,
.Em
he persisted.
.P
Dashvara looked at the man's belt. He bore a saber and a dagger.
.P
.Bm -t penso
I could snatch your weapons and make you shut your mouth, you savage rat,
.Em
he growled inside his mind.
.P
He may not have as much war knowledge as Zorvun, the Xalya captain
and master-at-arms, did, but with a saber, he could
cause terrible ravages. However, acting rashly seldom brings
any good.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You look more sluggish than a sheep in a desert,
.Em
the Shalussi taunted.
.Bm -t dia
Hey, Walek! Wait, you're not planning on going home now, are you? Come back,
let us help this poor boy and see if he perks up. Come on, son, come with us.
.Em
.P
He had approached him, laying a hand on Dashvara's shoulder; the Xalya
stiffened but hesitated to react. He could not make a mistake now. He
remembered that his father had ordered him to act like the Shalussis so as not
to arouse suspicions.
.P
.Bm -t penso
What an excellent piece of advice, father, but I wonder if you yourself would
be able to act as one of these savages.
.Em
.P
When the second Shalussi, Walek, took hold of his other shoulder with a kind
expression, he let them draw him to a building different from the
others, with a picture of a white hand painted on the door. As soon as he
entered, he regretted not having resisted. He was immediately overwhelmed by
smothering smells of strange herbs, which made him dizzy instead of “perking
him up”. A slow-paced piece of guitar music was gliding
lazily in the stifling smoke that shrouded all the room.
Right after they had gone in, the music stopped.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What the hell is that smoke?
.Em
Dashvara coughed. He blinked. The establishment danced before his eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why, he can speak!
.Em
Walek laughed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Take a good breath, boy,
.Em
the other said, following his own advice.
.Bm -t dia
These are herbs directly imported from Diumcili. That's how gold and glory
smell after a battle.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
Yeah sure! This place is rather a bloody den of vipers,
.Em
Dashvara thought. He confirmed it when he saw a smiling, rosy face coming into
view, through a green smoke spiral.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Silkia! Fima!
.Em
the woman called loudly.
.Bm -t dia
They're back!
.Em
.P
Dashvara stopped dead and struggled with both warriors' arms to get free.
He would have never imagined that the Shalussis would be so “refined” to
appreciate a foul air corrupted by drugs. As far as he knew, it was a
pastime for the south people.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, you're already perking up a bit, but now stop shaking!
.Em
Walek complained without releasing him.
.Bm -t dia
Let me buy you a drink. I'm sure you will cheer up after breathing this air
for some minutes.
.Em
.P
Dashvara had no intention of staying here a second more. He
perceived footsteps coming from the stairs as well as two
women's voices. With a pull, he finally wrenched himself
free of the two warriors.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Go deep to hell!
.Em
he rumbled.
.P
He moved backwards to the door, and Walek and his companion shrugged. The
latter replied:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Go to hell yourself, boy. That's too bad for you.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
He seems to be as boring as Zefrek,
.Em
Walek gasped, sounding amused.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Waleeek!
.Em
one of the three women yelled in a voice filled with emotion.
.Bm -t dia
You don't even imagine how much I missed you!
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh! My dear Silkia!
.Em
the warrior laughed happily.
.Bm -t dia
I missed you too.
.Em
.P
Dashvara was getting out of the establishment, walking backwards, when he
suddenly hit a thing as hard as a stone. He turned and stood amazed. In front
of him was a rock of flesh. A human being taller than seven feet, with iron
muscles and a steel jaw, was looking at him, half-closing his small eyes.
.Sm -t penso Oh, no, no, wait, is this really a human?
It was huger than Arvara, one of his patrol comrades.
.P
With his mouth open, Dashvara gaped at him and drew another breath of that
disgusting substance that was floating in the whole store's air. He coughed
and tried to go around the well-built beast, but this one blocked him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No one leaves without paying. It's the rule.
.Em
.P
It seemed to Dashvara that his voice made even the earth quake. He blinked,
dazed. Then, he looked down and saw an enormous paw presenting its palm.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Paying?
.Em
he echoed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let him go, Shamvirz!
.Em
said a woman voice.
.Bm -t dia
He hasn't even drunk anything.
.Em
.P
The said Shamvirz knitted his eyebrows, and without moving back his hand, he
suddenly gripped Dashvara by the collar and pulled him closer to his own face.
The Xalya swallowed hard.
.P
.Bm -t penso
By the Eternal Bird, this beast could crush me with only one hand,
.Em
he realized.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And why did you not drink?
.Em
Shamvirz asked.
.P
In a corner of his mind, Dashvara thought that the brain of that colossus was
very likely inversely proportional to his mass. With a twisted smile on his
face, he tried to answer in the most concise way not to breathe more than it
was absolutely necessary.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't feel like it. I only want to leave.
.Em
.P
Shamvirz shook him, squinting his small eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't hear you. Speak louder!
.Em
.P
Dashvara winced and attempted to get free, without success: Shamvirz's
grip was as iron as a steel hook. He glared at him. He was starting to feel
seriously furious.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Don't get upset,
.Em
he admonished himself, clenching his jaw.
.Bm -t penso
Just don't breathe.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let him go, Shamvirz!
.Em
a woman said.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Wait, no!
.Em
said another one.
.Bm -t dia
Bring him to me, Sham.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
What? Silkia!
.Em
Walek exclaimed indignantly.
.Bm -t dia
Get him out of here, Shamvirz. He wanted to leave, in any case.
.Em
.P
Silkia said something about how stupid the jealous men were, while Shamvirz
correctly put Dashvara down back to the ground with an expression of
uncertainty on his face.
.Sm -t penso Keep hesitating, big boy…
The Xalya made use of the opportunity: he pushed himself forward in a rush of
despair, passed by the colossus… and crossed the threshold. He
filled his lungs with clean air, then staggered and ran downhill, followed by
the surprised looks of a knot of children. When he arrived at the river, he
fell on his knees and spit out:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Shalussis.
.Em
He washed his face, trying to rub off this stinking smell that was
dulling his senses.
.P
Walek was a murderer. As well as all the comrades with whom he had returned.
He had killed Xalyas. As all of them had. And he did not even feel a precious
little regret.
.Bm -t penso
Of course he doesn't, how could he feel it? He is a savage.
.Em
.P
As the sky darkened, Dashvara looked up at the top of the trees and their
twisted branches. In the dusky silence, he pronounced:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Lifdor and Nanda. Shiltapi. Todakwa.
.Em
His jaw clenched when he added:
.Bm -t dia
Walek. And all the other warriors.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
And all the murderers of the whole Hareka, while you're at it… And the last on
the list will be you.
.Em
.P
Obviously that wasn't reasonable. But, in a certain way, it was more impartial
than his father's revenge. Sure, it was the clan headmen who had set up the
attack. But each warrior who had assaulted the dungeon had taken part in the
massacre. All of them were guilty. All of them had profited from the bounty.
.P
.Bm -t penso
True, but in a battle against the savages, people kill and plunder, what do
you expect? It's the main rule, after all. To kill, live, and win. Or to kill,
die, and lose. The only solace is that, at the very end, everyone must die.
.Em
.P
The thought didn't especially cheer Dashvara, and it didn't even help him
soothe the rage that was consuming him. He knew that the uncontrolled wrath was
counter-productive, but he couldn't help it: after spending entire days with a
heart as cold as death, he felt as though the flame of life was resurrecting
inside him; however, by then, the flame cried only for vengeance. His fists
clenched around invisible sabers.
.P
.Bm -t penso
I'd better try to calm down a bit,
.Em
he thought, breathing quickly.
.Bm -t penso
A red snake doesn't get overexcited like that, and it attacks when one expects
it the least.
.Em
He had always been a cautious man, not very patient, but not very given to
act foolishly either. He had to get over all that had happened and become
again the same Dashvara as before. One did not fight well with confused
thoughts.
.P
Night fell, fresh under the soft wind gusts. Dashvara drew away from
the river and returned next to Nanda's house. He wondered in which room the
prisoners were being kept. He wanted to see Fayrah again, with her funny and shy
smiles. He knew her well. She was two years younger than him, and both had
played together when they were little, along with their brother Showag. They had
shared secrets and tales, discovered the dungeon secret passages, and attended
Maloven's long lessons. Later on, when he had been fourteen winters, his lord father
had named him as a patrol. Thereafter, Dashvara had spent more time in the steppe
and the neighboring farmhouses than in the dungeon. Soon, he had realized that
their childhood was over. Fayrah had become a shy and lovely girl, more
ingenuous—if that was possible—than when she was eight. As for Dashvara, he
had met a Steppe Thief, whipped bandits, fought monsters, and cut off the head
of a criminal before Lord Vifkan's merciless eyes.
.P
They both had followed very different paths.
.P
.Bm -t penso
I need someone to talk with,
.Em
he suddenly told himself.
.Bm -t penso
I need to stop thinking and remembering.
.Em
.P
He wanted to go into Nanda's house and talk to Fayrah. He wanted to tell her
that things would get better, that she was not alone, and that he would take
care of her come what might. Nevertheless, something kept him from even
attempting to talk to her. It wasn't a fear of being discovered. Actually, he
was afraid that his wish to put her in safety would utterly destroy the
anger simmering inside him. He needed to control that anger and
kindle its fire to keep going. He needed it so that his hand
wouldn't tremble when the time came.
.P
Like a shadow, he sneaked away from Nanda's house and slipped downhill again.
He avoided a watchman, and suddenly realizing he was weary, he sat down against
the bark of a tree and fell asleep.
.Ch "The chain link"
Lifdor, Nanda, Shiltapi, and Todakwa just unsheathed their sabers and were
looking around nervously in the barren steppe. Their eyes glowed with fear.
His two sabers in hand, Dashvara was moving furtively under the Moon rays. He
could see all the chieftains with a diurnal clarity. His face was not smiling,
but within him, his heart was laughing just at seeing them exchanging
suspicious glances, not even imagining that a shadow was going to kill them
all. He raised a saber, and he hit the first throat. He jumped away even
before he heard the gurgling sound of a man choking on his own blood, and
he killed the next. Lifdor, Nanda, Shiltapi… All of them died. Dashvara turned
as fast as a bolt, dodged Todakwa's mortal blade strike, and leaped at the
Essimean. A black moon appeared on the last throat. Todakwa collapsed to the
ground, soundlessly. The Prince of the Sand drew himself up before the four
murderers. A cold wind blew in the Rocdinfer steppe. All of them had died.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Wake up, you sleepyhead brat!
.Em
.P
Dashvara woke up in a start and raised his hands to ward off any possible
attack. Right after, he realized that he had no saber, and he gazed at Zaadma
with an annoyed face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What did I do to you to suffer such a pursuit?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
A pursuit?
.Em
she replied briskly.
.Bm -t dia
For your information, this olive tree is
.Sm my
olive. It has never happened to me before that someone has fallen asleep in my
yard. Get up,
.Em
she commanded.
.P
Dashvara complied, glancing around with a surprised look. It was already
daylight for maybe two hours. He was on a small elevation, not far from the
river. About forty paces away, he saw a nice, white stone house surrounded by
multicolored flowers. The jasmine fragrance was so strong he didn't quite
understand how he hadn't suspected anything when he had fallen asleep under
that olive tree.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You have nowhere to go, do you?
.Em
Zaadma inquired, folding her arms across her chest.
.P
Dashvara moistened his dry lips. He was thirsty.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm going to drink water,
.Em
he declared.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't bother going to the river. I have a good wine from the Dazbon Republic.
Don't you want to try it?
.Em
.P
Dashvara turned to look at her with surprise. Why did she continue charming
him and being so nice to him when it was clear as water he didn't have even a
damned gold coin?
.D
.Bm -t dia
As long as you don't ask me anything in return—
.Em
.P
Zaadma burst out laughing.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You amuse me, young Shalussi. In return, I only ask you to like the wine and
to be less rough. Come with me.
.Em
.P
She turned away, and the Xalya followed her into the house. As soon as he went
in, the inside captivated him. It was simple but beautiful. There was a kind
of rhombus-shaped canvas with lilies on the wall. The floor next to the window
was crowded with pots and flowers. In the middle, there was a golden carpet,
and on the left, a large bed. Dashvara averted his eyes and met Zaadma's
teasing gaze.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sit down, young Shalussi.
.Em
.P
Dashvara sat as she got a bottle out of a basket.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It was a friend of mine, a wine merchant of Dazbon, who gave it to me.
I once used to like wine, but not anymore, so—
.Em
She handed him the bottle.
.Bm -t dia
I have five bottles, and none of them has been opened yet. Of course, I never
dared say to my friend that I actually no longer drink them. Giving me
presents makes him so happy…
.Em
She smiled, and after putting down a glass in front of the Xalya, she sat down
on the carpet too, very formally.
.P
Dashvara looked at her with a raised eyebrow, glanced down at the wine, and
finally opened the bottle. It smelled intensely. He filled the glass silently
and took a sip.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well?
.Em
Zaadma inquired.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's not like I have tasted a lot of wine in my life,
.Em
he admitted,
.Bm -t dia
but it seems quite good to me.
.Em
.P
Zaadma nodded wordlessly. They both kept a silence, which was neither
embarrassing nor altogether peaceful.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You call me young Shalussi,
.Em
Dashvara said suddenly.
.Bm -t dia
Does it mean that you are not a Shalussi?
.Em
.P
Zaadma let out a crystalline laugh.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Me? A Shalussi? No! Otherwise they wouldn't let me do what I am doing in this
village.
.Em
.P
Dashvara frowned, failing to understand, and Zaadma explained:
.D
.Bm -t dia
The Shalussi women get married, have children, take care of the house, and
work in honest jobs.
.Em
.P
Dashvara breathed out in disbelief.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That is if men don't sell them.
.Em
.P
Zaadma looked confused.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sell them? Men are lucky that women don't sell them,
.Em
she joked.
.P
Dashvara clenched his teeth. The more he spoke, the more he betrayed his own
ignorance, he realized.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of course.
.Em
.P
Zaadma smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It seems that you don't come from a typical Shalussi village. Which doesn't
surprise me, actually. There aren't Shalussis only in the Shalussi territories.
Proof of that is that Dazbon has a street called the Shalussi Road. Do you
come from a hamlet? No, now that I think about it, you seem to be a nomad man.
Do you come from the steppe or from the desert?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
From a… zone rather in the middle,
.Em
Dashvara replied.
.Bm -t dia
I don't want to talk about myself.
.Em
.P
Zaadma made a bored face and let the silence drag before adding in a
brighter voice:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Okay, so let us speak about flowers. Do you know I managed to plant a moon
narcissus? In Dazbon, it grows like weeds, but here, everything is deader than
an aknosaur fossil. These plants are marvelous. I took with me some seeds when
I departed with Aldek, to sow them, but sadly, I couldn't see them grow up. And
when this merchant friend of mine arrived, I begged him, I implored him
whether he could bring me a special moon narcissus with a black stalk. This
variety is very expensive because the black narcissus takes a lot of time to
flower. Mine will flower soon, I hope. What do you think about it?
.Em
.P
Dashvara gazed at her, puzzled. For days, he had been only thinking about
killing murderers after losing all his family and all his clan, and now that
Dazbonish woman was talking to him about flowers? Oddly enough, a smile began
to creep up his lips.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you smiling?
.Em
Zaadma exclaimed as though she had just seen a miracle.
.Bm -t dia
I can't believe it!
.Em
Suddenly, her lips twisted, and her eyes narrowed into slits.
.Bm -t dia
Do you think my flowers are a stupidity?
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at the flowerpots that were inside. There were white and red
petals, as delicate as a water drop. It reminded him of the botanic garden
some Xalyas used to maintain on a terrace of the dungeon.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No,
.Em
he said finally.
.P
Zaadma cleared her throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your eloquence is amazing. By that ‘no’, do you mean you like flowers?
.Em
.P
Dashvara held back an exasperated sigh.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I suppose.
.Em
.P
He drank the wine in one gulp and pointed at the bottle.
.D
.Bm -t dia
May I?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of course you may, young Shalussi,
.Em
Zaadma whispered seductively.
.P
The Xalya rolled his eyes and filled his goblet.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It is really good,
.Em
he pointed out after swallowing the second drink.
.P
Zaadma looked as if she was trying to conceal a smile, without success.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you are not accustomed to drinking, a third drink may be excessive,
.Em
she ventured.
.P
In fact, Dashvara was starting to feel the wine effects. He shrugged.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A Xa… Shalussi man suffers neither hunger, nor sun fire, nor the bloody
water,
.Em
he pronounced solemnly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Wine isn't exactly bloody water, but it doesn't matter. Drink as much as you
want. You still have four bottles,
.Em
she bantered.
.P
She watched him pouring himself another drink, and she added:
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's a pity because you seemed to be able to have an
interesting conversation. But talking with a drunk man is
likely to be less exciting.
.Em
.P
Dashvara was about to lift his third goblet, but then he stopped.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Wine helps not to think.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
True,
.Em
Zaadma approved.
.Bm -t dia
And perhaps this way you will be somewhat less rough. I don't deny it. I
suppose you're just attempting to forget what those Xalyas did to you in your
cell.
.Em
.P
Dashvara cast a fuming glare at her.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What do you know about my pain?
.Em
.P
The woman didn't answer, and after a discomforting silence, Dashvara almost
regretted having been so harsh. And the thing was that, looking at these
delicate flowers and that golden carpet, smelling those perfumes of jasmines
and emzarreds, he had the impression he was in a goddess's house. He could not
feel aversion for this young woman. She, after all, had killed no Xalya.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why do you no longer drink wine?
.Em
Dashvara suddenly asked.
.P
Zaadma lifted her eyes with a pensive face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't want to talk about me either.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded gloomily.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I understand.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, really?
.Em
A dangerous glint appeared in her eyes.
.Bm -t dia
I doubt that you could understand.
.Em
After a silence, her face softened, and she smiled when she added:
.Bm -t dia
I suppose our little traumas will eventually heal in time, don't you
think?
.Em
.P
Dashvara gazed at her, and he suddenly arrived at a deep certainty: sometimes it
was cheering to know that not all the beings of the world shared your pains.
Some were even able to call them “little traumas”. He swayed his head, feeling
strangely relieved. After another silence, he looked at the flowers, thought
about those soft, tanned hands that had given life to them, and he could not say
anything else than:
.D
.Bm -t dia
That place is… very beautiful.
.Em
.P
Zaadma's smile had been slowly disappearing, but it came back when she heard
his words.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thank you. It's an awful lot of work, trust me. I have to go to the river
every day to fill the buckets and water the flowers because, in these lands,
you never know when it rains. Well, aren't you going to drink this wine glass?
.Em
.P
Dashvara shook his head. Zaadma raised an eyebrow, and after a short
hesitation, she leaned toward him, showing her generous cleavage, took the
goblet, and poured its contents into a pot of white flowers. Seeing the
Xalya's surprised face, she pointed out:
.D
.Bm -t dia
These flowers were a little lazy. This way, perhaps they will brighten up.
.Em
.P
Dashvara responded with a mere smile, and then he wondered what the hell he
was doing here. He stood up and bowed politely.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thanks for the wine.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You leaving so soon?
.Em
Zaadma complained.
.Bm -t dia
Are you going to go back to your home?
.Em
.P
Dashvara darkened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
So why wouldn't you stay here? You have nowhere to sleep, right? Look, I
propose you a deal. I let you stay in the other room, which I never use. And
in return, you get a job, and you give me half of your profits. What do
you think about that?
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
That you have mistaken me for an idiot,
.Em
Dashvara thought. He shook his head negatively.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I've got to find a weapon, and I will never get it if I give you half of
my profits.
.Em
.P
Zaadma sighed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of course. You're an irredeemable weapon lover. Good. I promise you that I
myself will put up money to buy you a weapon if the deal turns out well for,
say, an indefinite time.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
An indefinite time!
.Em
Dashvara laughed sarcastically.
.Bm -t dia
Do you also come to that kind of agreements with the Shalussis of the village?
Perhaps you promise them some powerful miracle, and in return, they worship
these so pure graces of yours from afar?
.Em
.P
Zaadma's eyes widened, and she got up with an irate face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Get out,
.Em
she snapped.
.P
The Xalya nodded calmly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I didn't mean to wound you. You have already wounded yourself enough on your
own. Anyway, thank you for the wine.
.Em
.P
He turned his back on Zaadma, crossed the threshold, and moved away from the
house. After a while, he began to regret his words. At the end of the day, if
Zaadma wasn't a Shalussi and had ended up in this village against her will,
what sort of rogue could reproach her for her behavior?
.P
.Bm -t penso
Bah, stop thinking over and over again about trifles, Dash.
.Em
.P
He went uphill. While walking up, he saw two little girls running after
a young boy while screaming a song in laughs. He also saw an old woman and a
mother cradling her infant in her arms; they were animatedly chattering,
sitting on the grass. More and more confused, Dashvara went past two
old men that were walking slowly, and he heard them talking about the past
in calm and good-humored voices. The Xalya breathed quietly while advancing.
This village wasn't as he would have imagined it a couple of weeks ago. People
didn't look at each other suspiciously. None of the Shalussis he saw bore
weapons. They were cheerfully living their own lives. Seemingly, old
men weren't eliminated because of their incapability of working or wielding a
blade. According to Zaadma, the Shalussi women weren't sold, and men regarded
them. The Shalussis had definitely a less advanced technology, they probably
were all illiterate, and they did not really know what honor was, unlike the
Xalyas, and yet, they weren't as awful as he had always thought.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Wine is affecting me more than I expected,
.Em
he guessed, worried.
.P
He sat down in the shade of an acacia and observed the village intently. For
some reason, he wanted to know what the Shalussis' everyday life was like. A
woman got out of her house, holding some carpets to shake them. A man sat down
not far from Dashvara and kept carving a wooden bowl. A boy that must be not
more than fifteen was fixing the hinges of a door while
seeing that his younger brother didn't go too far.
.P
After a while, the village livened up even more. Dashvara began to hear a
drumlike noise, and he stood up to see what was going on. A group of women
and men were rhythmically beating seeds in large mortars with a pestle. They
were speaking in a chaotic and joyful babel, and a gray-haired woman just
struck up a song to keep the pace. No doubt: the Shalussis behaved like
humans.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Nooo, what makes you think so?
.Em
he thought ironically.
.Bm -t penso
They are humans, after all, Dash, or do you have yet to
realize the village you are in is not inhabited by trolls?
.Em
.P
At that point, a metallic tapping caught his attention. He went around the
hill and found the smithy. It was large and had no wall all along the way;
thus, the inside was in full view, with its machines, its forge, and its
blacksmithing tools. There, a strong and sweaty man was just withdrawing a
piece of hot iron with a pair of tongs to put it onto the anvil. Dashvara's
eyes twinkled. As befitted a good Xalya, he had learned blacksmith arts, and
he had forged his own sabers. He knew all the steps for crafting a bladed
weapon.
.P
.Bm -t penso
If this man could only give me a steel bar and the tools for working it…
.Em
.P
When the man started tapping his work with a hammer, Dashvara stayed there,
his hands at his back, wondering how he could convince that Shalussi to
grant him the permission to forge the sabers before returning the favor. One
saber, he corrected. He could not forge two, otherwise he would arouse
suspicion: Xalyas were known for being two-handed fighters. Very few Shalussis
abandoned their shield to pick a second saber.
.P
He spent a long moment staring at the working blacksmith. After
shaping the cleaver, the man plunged it in a cold water bucket, and a steaming sizzle
followed the red sparks. Dashvara noticed that the Shalussi was looking
sideways at him while approaching the sharpening wheel. He saw him run the
pedal, and he began to hear a metal-stone grating noise.
.P
He was so focused on the blacksmith and on his own thoughts that he didn't
notice the thud of hooves until it drew near. As soon as he turned, his
face hardened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why, if it isn't the boy we left in the White Hand!
.Em
Walek cried, on his horse's back.
.P
Two horsemen followed him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No way! Are you really expecting Orolf to gift you a saber just to
please you?
.Em
Walek mocked.
.Bm -t dia
But he may get infected by the silkian madness, who knows. I have
talked with Silkia; she asks you to meet her tonight,
.Em
he explained.
.Bm -t dia
If she's really willing to give you a night for free, you shouldn't think
twice. Gee up!
.Em
he yelled to his horse.
.Bm -t dia
Have a good day, Orolf!
.Em
.P
Dashvara saw the three horsemen riding downhill to the river, stirring up a
dust cloud in their path. They crossed the river and galloped toward the
southwest.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you really looking for a saber, boy?
.Em
.P
Dashvara jerked up slightly; then he noticed that the wheel had stopped making
noise. Orolf stared at him, playing with his long beard. The Xalya nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I need a saber since the Xalyas stole the one I owned.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Fair enough. But depending on what metal you want to use, it can be a bit
expensive. It costs five gold coins to forge a good dagger. And for a simple
saber, about twenty.
.Em
.P
Dashvara didn't despair.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That is… more than I have.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
And how many do you have?
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked him straight in the eye; he hesitated and then confessed:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Nothing more than I have with me, that is, nothing. But you wouldn't need to
forge the saber. I can forge it on my own.
.Em
.P
Unexpectedly, Orolf grinned, and his thick lips revealed his white teeth. The
blacksmith approached and went under the sunlight. An intense smell of metal
slapped Dashvara.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're the prisoner who's been saved in the Dungeon of Xalya, aren't you?
.Em
Dashvara nodded.
.Bm -t dia
Well, I guess you must hate them with all your heart. Am I right?
.Em
.P
Dashvara clenched his jaw.
.D
.Bm -t dia
With all my heart,
.Em
he confirmed.
.P
Orolf shook his head as though he felt sad.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Now you can leave that hatred behind. Why do you want a saber?
.Em
.P
Dashvara snorted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you always ask your customers about what they intend to do with the weapons
you craft?
.Em
.P
Orolf gave a shrug.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not always. But when I see a broke boy who ends up in a village he doesn't
even know, of course I do ask him. I think you have higher priorities than
trying to get a weapon. For example, working and earning the esteem of the
villagers. If they all see you lazing around, no one will want to feed you.
Maybe, just maybe, they will give you the leftovers.
.Em
.P
Hearing him talking about food was a hard blow. Dashvara hadn't eaten anything since
the noon of the day before, and now that he was starting to forget effectively
his hunger, that blacksmith turned up and reminded him of it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A wise word of advice,
.Em
he said, however.
.Bm -t dia
I am a nomad Shalussi. I don't know much about the customs of the sedentary
Shalussis. For me, a saber is a synonym of food.
.Em
.P
Orolf raised his eyebrows.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Did you hunt animals with the saber?
.Em
He squinted his eyes.
.Bm -t dia
Or did you hunt humans? Were you a bandit?
.Em
.P
Dashvara made a face.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Don't play the poet, Dashvara. The less you invent, the better.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No,
.Em
he answered.
.Bm -t dia
I was not a bandit. But my family and I used to protect our goods from the
Steppe Thieves and from bandits. With the saber.
.Em
.P
The blacksmith was still holding the cleaver he had just forged. Barely had he
made a slight movement toward Dashvara when this one jumped backwards through
pure reflex. Orolf looked thoughtful while bearing the knife horizontally with
his two hands.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How well do you know smith art?
.Em
he asked.
.Bm -t dia
Have you ever forged a saber?
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you know how to forge daggers?
.Em
The young man nodded again.
.Bm -t dia
Cleavers? Horseshoes? Rakes, cooking pots, spoons, nails?
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
A Xalyas' firstborn doesn't forge nails, Shalussi.
.Em
He swallowed his proud words, just thinking that a nomad Shalussi who had
somehow managed to forge his weapons must have also forged his cooking pots.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why are you asking me all that?
.Em
he replied without answering, implying that he was obviously able to forge
anything so long as they gave him a bit of metal.
.P
Orolf rocked his head side to side thoughtfully before saying:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't know you, and I don't know whether I can trust you. But I want to verify
whether what you say is true or, as I think, your pride gives you invisible
wings. Come. You will forge some links.
.Em
.P
Dashvara could not repress a snort of disbelief. Still, he followed the
blacksmith to the furnace. Orolf relighted the fire, and he showed him where
to find the iron. Dashvara took a bar and put it into the fire with the
tongs. He broke out in a sweat.
.P
Links, he repeated mentally. That was going to be a fiasco, for sure. He
met Orolf's encouraging look, he gulped, and he got down to work. When
the iron melted, he started shaping it. He was the Prince of the Sand,
certainly, and he was a good saber forger… but he was no blacksmith.
.P
At some point, Orolf left, declaring he was going to eat lunch and cautioning him
not to take a break. As soon as Dashvara saw him moving away, he had the
temptation to take another iron bar, abandon this damned chain, and forge a
saber, but he noted very soon that the blacksmith lived just in front of the
forge and that the man was glancing repeatedly through a window.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Bloody Shalussis,
.Em
Dashvara muttered.
.P
He had pulled off his shirt, and he was sweating profusely. He continued
tirelessly. Forging chainrings was a subtle work that required all his
concentration. He took advantage of the situation and sneakingly stole a metal
bar from a crate full of debris. Rough but useful in case of emergency, he
considered, after hiding the object in one of his boots. It was quite improbable
that Orolf would notice the theft.
.P
When he finally had no more iron to shape, he was exhausted, and he sat down
awkwardly on the workshop floor, panting and opening and clenching his fists
with the impression that his hands had become as numb as iron.
.P
Soon after, Orolf came back, and he smiled when he saw him fallen and
exhausted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let's see the work.
.Em
.P
He examined the chain, stroking his beard. After keeping an exasperating
silence for a long time, he concluded:
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's a criminal job. It hardly looks like worked iron. Look at that, that link
is stuck, and it needs to be molten again. Besides, one never ends a chain tip
like this.
.Em
.P
The murderous look Dashvara cast him made him smile jokingly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're not skilled enough, I'm sorry. But today you have shown me that you are
a tenacious boy. I like that. I will help you find a job in which you don't
waste my iron. You'll repay me, and when I think the time has come, I myself
will forge for you the best saber you've ever seen.
.Em
He held out a friendly hand.
.Bm -t dia
My name is Orolf.
.Em
.P
Dashvara sighed, and he swallowed his dignity by force before standing up and
shaking his hand.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am Odek.
.Em
.P
Orolf looked amused by his so tensed attitude.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Follow me, Odek. I will introduce you to the old Bashak. He's an expert at
guessing vocations. I warn you: if he decides that you have no vocation,
none of the villagers will respect you, and they will chase you out of here,
so… Try to make a good impression.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
As long as he only guesses the vocations,
.Em
Dashvara sighed.
.Ch "Bashak"
Bashak lived in an isolated small house near a mutsomo
wood, on the opposite side of where Zaadma lived. When Orolf and
Dashvara sighted the old man sat in front of the doorstep,
the blacksmith waved at him and invited the young man to go
on.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If Bashak says that you've been born to become a blacksmith, I will think he has
gone blind,
.Em
the blacksmith just added, and he began to walk back to the village, whistling
an unknown song.
.P
Dashvara scratched his forehead before going up the gentle slope to the house.
Bashak was the oldest man he had ever seen. Or at least the wrinkliest. He
had a black turban on the head, the way the Steppe Thieves wore it. In his hands,
he held a piece of wood and a knife with which he was sculpting.
.P
Dashvara stopped a few steps away from Bashak.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good day, old man,
.Em
he pronounced.
.Bm -t dia
Orolf advised me to go see you to get a job.
.Em
.P
Bashak raised pale eyes toward him, he looked at him quietly, as if he had all
the time in the world, and he finally nodded, smiling.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, son,
.Em
he answered in a quivering voice.
.Bm -t dia
Come and sit down.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
If my lord father could see me now speaking with an old Shalussi man…
.Em
But Lord Vifkan was dead. He could not hear him, nor see him, nor advise him
against anything. Dashvara went into the shade of the house and sat down on
the dry ground in front of Bashak. The ancient was still carving the piece of
wood.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What are you carving?
.Em
Dashvara asked, curious, after a moment.
.P
The old man moved aside the knife and lifted the wooden piece before
Dashvara's eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What do you think?
.Em
.P
Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You have just started the work. It doesn't have a concrete shape yet.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
What's concrete?
.Em
Bashak asked.
.P
For a moment, Dashvara believed that the old man had never heard the word
“concrete”. Then he realized that it was not the case.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well. Concrete is an object that you can identify,
.Em
he responded.
.Bm -t dia
Something you can name or feature. Something you can see and touch.
Something that has a recognizable shape. And that,
.Em
he added with a gesture,
.Bm -t dia
is only an unfinished piece of wood.
.Em
.P
Bashak smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dragons exist, but I've never seen or touched one. Therefore, a dragon isn't
concrete, and yet it exists. Is it that what you meant?
.Em
.P
Dashvara got troubled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Air exists,
.Em
Bashak continued.
.Bm -t dia
You breathe it all the time. But would you know how to recognize its shape?
Would you know how to identify it by seeing it? This piece of wood,
.Em
he said further,
.Bm -t dia
has a shape and can acquire any shape you want in a few days. It can be a
lynx. A snake. A scorpion. A spoon. Or a piece of wood to which you can give a
unique name.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
Keep raving, grandfather. Go on. It's not like I didn't need twenty gold
coins to forge my saber.
.Em
.P
Bashak was still smiling.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What if I told you that this piece is finished? What if I told you that this
is what the Ancient Kings were seeking for generations and that they named
it the Jewel of Gold? Then it would be a little more concrete, don't you
think?
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded ironically.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Besides, that would explain why they haven't found it yet,
.Em
he replied.
.Bm -t dia
I bet that a lot of kings have died searching trees for gold.
.Em
.P
Bashak's face wrinkled even more when he raised his eyebrows.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The same happens with feelings,
.Em
he went on.
.Bm -t dia
And with attitudes. Insolence, vanity, and pride, all are truly concrete
ways. They can be easily identified, and one can almost even see them without
using eyeglasses.
.Em
.P
Dashvara breathed out, amused, but didn't respond. Bashak put the wooden
piece and the knife on the floor.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That is one of the Shalussis' big flaws. They are too proud, and they're
convinced that they can understand everything on their own. Okay, young man.
If you're a real Shalussi, you should also learn to correct your flaws.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
Proud? The Shalussis?
.Em
He almost let out a guffaw of disbelief. He frowned, however.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm sorry if I've offended you, old man, but patience isn't one of my virtues.
I know I have faults, as anybody has, but I assure you that my pride is not
among them.
.Em
.P
Bashak joined his both hands before him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The education is concrete too,
.Em
he observed.
.Bm -t dia
And stubbornness. Not to mention that you speak clearly, without hypocrisy.
All these things are virtues.
.Em
.P
Dashvara lifted an eyebrow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is stubbornness a virtue?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes, it is, to a certain extent. It allows you to do a job that may seem to
you laborious. And that may be a positive point. All the food makers are
stubborn. They have to struggle to safeguard their farms
against dryness. They hoe, cultivate, and don't give up in
face of plagues.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Warriors don't give up either.
.Em
.P
Bashak leaned his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's true enough. Warriors don't give up either. Some, at least. You must
have given up if the Xalyas imprisoned you.
.Em
.P
Dashvara remained as expressive as a rock.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I assure you I didn't give up,
.Em
he whispered coldly.
.P
There was a silence in which only the rustle of mutsomo leaves could be
heard, stirred by the breeze. Then, Bashak recovered his smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So you want me to tell you what you have to become?
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised his eyes to the heavens.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I know what I have to become, and I know what I am. I am a warrior. What I
do not know is how to earn money to buy a weapon.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
If a warrior doesn't know how to earn money to buy a weapon, how could he
possibly know how to fight?
.Em
Bashak kindly mocked.
.P
Dashvara stared at him, and after several seconds, he stood up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I think I got it. I'll manage alone,
.Em
he declared.
.Bm -t dia
Thanks for your time.
.Em
.P
He turned his back on Bashak and began to walk, sloping down.
.D
.Bm -t dia
They're convinced that they can do everything on their own,
.Em
the old man's voice said quietly behind him.
.P
Dashvara took a pace forward… then stopped.
.D
.Bm -t dia
All right,
.Em
he muttered, not even turning.
.Bm -t dia
Do you intend to give me twenty gold coins so I can pay a saber? Or are you
going to give me magic powers so I can pull knives out of my hands like the
King Lanandar of the Steppes?
.Em
With a joyless grin, he twirled around to face the sitting old man.
.Bm -t dia
Come to think of it, you look like a prophetic wizard.
.Em
.P
Bashak laughed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Learn to hold your tongue, and it will be already a big step forward! Let me
tell you one of the most known sayings in our village: the
child plays, the youth works, the man orders, and the elder
speaks. Don't grow older too early, boy. Go to Fushek's
court, next to the high hawthorn,
.Em
he added.
.Bm -t dia
There's where warriors train. Tell Fushek I send you. If you are smart
enough, you'll learn soon to be humble and follow whatever Fushek will
order you to do. He's a good man, and he'll probably give you a chance.
Now go.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thanks.
.Em
.P
He left Bashak and returned to the main hill, with a confused mind. This
old man had inspired something in him, something that no Shalussi technically
should have inspired. Dashvara shook his head.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Begin respecting your enemies, and you will end up forgiving their atrocities,
.Em
he reproached himself.
.P
The sun was burning pitilessly, but Dashvara could tolerate heat rather
easily: as a patrol, he had spent a lot of hours riding through the steppe
under a deadly sun. He found the hawthorn not far from the White Hand and
Nanda's house. He scanned his surroundings and realized
the village was still and drowsy at this time of the day.
Fushek's house had a large, empty court on one side. In
front of the building door, an old woman was sweeping
quietly with a broom. Dashvara saw her stop to look at him
while he was crossing the court.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Does Fushek live there?
.Em
Dashvara inquired.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He does,
.Em
the old woman nodded.
.Bm -t dia
What do you want with him?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Bashak sends me.
.Em
.P
The old woman stretched her lips thoughtfully, and then she called in a
powerful voice:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Fushek!
.Em
.P
She tilted her head to one side, as though sharpening her ears, then she kept
sweeping. A tall, short-haired man with bushy eyebrows appeared on the
threshold, rubbing his eyes as if he had just woken up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What happens?
.Em
he asked.
.Bm -t dia
Who are you?
.Em
.P
A bit apprehensive, Dashvara looked up at that big head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Bashak sends him,
.Em
his mother explained, laconic, before straightening and entering the house.
.P
Frowning, Fushek lowered his gaze to the young man.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And what has Bashak told you?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
That you'll give me a job,
.Em
the Xalya responded.
.P
The Shalussi pushed out his lips and then slightly smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A job, eh? I'm a master-at-arms, child. Are you sure you haven't mistaken the
name?
.Em
.P
Demons! Since when was a twenty-year-old man called a “child”?
.Bm -t penso
I have made no mistake, big fellow,
.Em
Dashvara growled mentally.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You are a master-at-arms, and I've come to ask you to hire me,
.Em
he pronounced.
.Bm -t dia
Someone once told me that victory or defeat doesn't care about sizes. That
you are taller than me doesn't mean I cannot beat you.
.Em
.P
Immediately, Fushek grinned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why does Bashak always bring me all the most stupid boys that live in our
village?
.Em
he said.
.P
Dashvara blushed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am not from this village,
.Em
he corrected him.
.Bm -t dia
As for the stupidity, I suppose we each have a point of view about that
question.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I see. Did you come alone? Don't you have a family?
.Em
As Dashvara darkened, Fushek added:
.Bm -t dia
No offense meant by these questions: just answer.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have no family. But I need a job.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
So you plan to stay in this village?
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded sharply.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So far, yes. Otherwise, I would have already left.
.Em
.P
Fushek raised an eyebrow. Apparently, the answer seemed to him not explanatory
enough. Dashvara looked him in the eye.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'll work like ten men if you promise me that you'll pay me decently.
.Em
.P
Fushek appeared to think thoroughly. He examined Dashvara with a piercing
look, and finally moved aside, on the right, picked up two saber-shaped
sticks, and declared:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Show your paces.
.Em
.P
He gave him one of the sticks, and Dashvara stepped away from the house and
placed himself in the middle of the court. He nearly assumed a typical Xalya
position; he managed to control himself and then shuddered, unsure.
.Sm -t paroles Learn their combat techniques and don't show yours ,
his father had advised him. But, in that case, what techniques could he show
when all those he had practiced were Xalya?
.P
He sighed when he realized that he had put himself just facing the sun.
Exactly what did Fushek have said about stupidity?
.P
.Bm -t penso
Focus.
.Em
.P
He narrowed his eyes when he saw the Shalussi moving forward, and he took
some hesitating steps to the left. Would that master-at-arms be able to
recognize a gesture or suspect anything?
.P
.Bm -t penso
If he discovers you, you're dead. But, if you keep moving like an old and
useless beetle, shame will kill you.
.Em
.P
The Shalussis didn't fight like the Akinoas nor like the Essimeans. The Akinoas
charged headlong; the Essimeans planned all their acts carefully and didn't
like battles in open fields unless they had set a good trap. The
Shalussis were a blend of Akinoas and Essimeans. Less cautious than the latter
and less hotheaded than the former, they relied on their shields to protect
them from the mortal blows, and they didn't seem to be as much attracted by
the Dance of Sand as the Xalyas were. But obviously, with such a weight and
size, it was difficult to move as agilely as a snake and
have as much endurance as a wolf.
.P
Fushek attacked. Instead of bending down, dodging, and striking back, Dashvara
blocked the blow, and he felt as though an anvil had impacted against his arm
at the speed of an arrow. He leaped backwards, breathing out loudly, but Fushek
didn't leave him time to damn the Shalussis. He parried a series of blows, and
he was so focused on avoiding any Xalya usual movement that he not only
didn't attack but also received some blows on his shoulder, flank, and arm.
When he saw that Fushek was getting bored, he got alarmed.
.P
.Bm -t penso
He is going to tell me to buy a wooden saber and play against the bushes,
.Em
he guessed.
.P
In fact, Fushek seemed about to say something when Dashvara lunged forward and
started to attack. He narrowly avoided making a Xalya feint, and he
transformed it into a more common Steppe Thieves' attack. He involuntarily
moved too swiftly, but well, the Shalussis moved as well, didn't they?
Besides, he was a nomad Shalussi. Not an ordinary Shalussi.
.P
He was just about to reach his opponent's chest when Fushek performed an odd
maneuver, whirled, and struck him in his stomach with the saber point.
Dashvara let out a painful growl, and the Shalussi smiled, lowering the
training weapon.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have to admit that, at first, I felt as if I were fighting against a
ten-year-old child. But, if I consider only the end, I think you have good
potential. You must have the same level as Rokuish. You'll train with him,
and you'll work with him. The boy is your age. He's as placid as a donkey,
and he's not very talkative, but I'm sure you will get along very
well.
.Em
He took back Dashvara's wooden saber and leaned both weapons against the
wall.
.Bm -t dia
You both may come here to practice when you want.
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at him, pleasantly surprised.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So you hire me.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I give you an opportunity; that is not the same. Don't expect me to talk about
wages. The village will feed you, as they do with the other warriors, but
it is Nanda who gives the money. Until he decides to hire more men, you won't
receive any coin.
.Em
.P
Dashvara restrained a nervous tic as he heard him mentioning Nanda of
Shalussi. He nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's okay. But at least you will give me a weapon, won't you?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
If I send you out of the village as a sentinel, yes. But, for now, you'll just
do what Rokuish does: cleaning the stables, taking care of the horses, and
going up to the watchtower at night. You will find your new companion just
downhill, next to the corral with the horses.
.Em
.P
While speaking, he walked to the door then paused for an instant on the
threshold.
.D
.Bm -t dia
By the way, what's your name?
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
Dashvara of Xalya, firstborn of the Xalyas, knight of honor, Prince of the
Sand, and fighter of the Wind.
.Em
.P
The young Xalya cleared his throat and just answered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Odek.
.Em
.Ch "Shalussi life"
He found Rokuish sleeping and snoring, leaning back on the fence that enclosed
the horses. The sun was already falling to the west, and the stable kindly shaded
the sleeping young man.
.P
The Xalya rested his arms on the fence and looked at the enclosure. In all,
there were fifteen beasts, and half of them seemed more like draft animals than war horses.
Among them, there was a black one. He snapped his lips, and the animal lifted
its head, shook it, and approached the fence docilely. Dashvara smiled when he
caressed its nose. It was a good beast, and it reminded him so much of
Lusombra, the mare he had ridden for the previous five years.
.Bm -t penso
At least, no Shalussi, Essimean, or Akinoa will be able to ride her,
.Em
he told himself. Four months ago, Lusombra had been stolen by a Steppe Thief.
Well, not exactly “stolen”, actually. The Steppe Thieves didn't usually steal
horses, and truth to tell, they just didn't steal. The so-called thief had
been found by captain Zorvun and his patrol in the Xalya territories, and as
he had no horse, or water, or weapons, it was decided to bring him to the
dungeon. Finally, after spending several days speaking with the prisoner,
Dashvara had committed one of the so many crazy things that drove his lord
father to despair: he had helped the Steppe Thief to flee, offering him his
own horse. He could still remember the final words the mysterious steppeman
had pronounced:
.Sm -t paroles I will repay you for that, Xalya.
He had raised his fist to his heart and ridden off like a bolt into the
dark of the steppe. The two patrol comrades that were on guard duty that
night had just shaken their heads without sounding the alarm: it was said,
after all, that, if a Xalya defended his freedom tooth and nail, a Steppe
Thief defended it to death.
.P
Dashvara smiled. For some reason, among all the clans and tribes he knew, he
had always respected the Steppe Thieves more than any others. According to
that Steppe Thief that he had saved and whose name he did not know, the first
priority of his clan was to protect the Rocdinfer Steppe from the avaricious
hands of the “civilized people”. That was not easy at all.
.P
A snore louder than the previous one drew his attention to the Shalussi. The
black headscarf of this one had fallen smoothly forward off his head, and now
his face was barely visible.
.P
Dashvara sat down in front of him, on the grass, and he glanced at the sky.
The sun was already setting. After a while, as he saw that Rokuish didn't wake
up, he stood up and went into the building. All the horses' stalls were clean.
He noticed a table placed beside a wall, with two benches, and on this table, he
saw a slice of cheese.
.P
Immediately, Dashvara salivated. He glanced around him, as though he were
going to commit a terrible theft.
.P
.Bm -t paroles
You shall flog the thief who robs your neighbor,
.Em
the shaard Maloven once said, in his usual grandiose voice.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Flog, huh… Well, I've already flogged three bandits with my own whip, Maloven,
but one thing is to steal, and another thing is to eat,
.Em
he reasoned.
.P
His thought drew an ironic smile on his lips, but that didn't prevent him from
taking the cheese and swallowing it with delight. It was goat cheese. When he
went out of the stable, Rokuish hadn't moved an inch.
.P
.Bm -t penso
As placid as a donkey, huh?
.Em
.P
Dashvara snorted mentally.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If only all the Shalussis were like you,
.Em
he whispered.
.P
.Bm -t penso
And if only the Xalyas could sleep as quietly as you do,
.Em
he added gloomily, in silence.
.P
Then he turned and went to the river. He drank water in large gulps: he felt
as if forging those damned links had left him as dry as a sunned canvas.
.P
He tossed his head up abruptly when he heard a lively tune of guitars.
Frowning, he looked at the hill, rose to his feet, and began to ascend. On the
square before Nanda's house and beside the watchtower, was a Shalussi group
with guitars, calling all the inhabitants. The neighbors had gathered, and now
they were sitting in a circle around a man with gold necklaces. Nanda of
Shalussi.
.P
Dashvara stopped in the dusky darkness, several steps away from the ring of
light shined by the torches.
.D
.Bm -t dia
People of Nanda!
.Em
the headman exclaimed, and the inhabitants fell into an expectant silence.
.Bm -t dia
As you all know, a week ago, the last bastion of the ancient steppe
realms has been destroyed. The Xalya Dungeon has fallen, and the Xalya
warriors who were threatening our lands have been defeated thanks to the
Shalussis, thanks to our warriors!
.Em
.P
He leaned his head respectfully in some direction, and a pale Dashvara sighted
the warriors who had traveled with him to the village.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And thanks to our chief!
.Em
a voice yelled out among them.
.P
This one was Walek's comrade. Nanda smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
We are not so damn greedy as the Xalyas were,
.Em
he continued.
.Bm -t dia
We don't want to dominate the whole steppe: we only want to live in peace in
our lands, without worrying about conquests and oppression. The dignity of the
Tyrant's spawns is dead. You are free men, Shalussis. Our people's revenge has
finally been settled, and led by me, Nanda of Shalussi!
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
If I ever had qualms about killing you, you have just removed them all, Nanda
of Shalussi,
.Em
Dashvara spit mentally while the villagers were accompanying Nanda's shout
with acclaims.
.Bm -t penso
There's a great difference between avenging the death of your family and
avenging the oppression of a people caused by a tyrannic king who died two
hundred years ago. Or is it that your point wasn't as much about avenging as
it was about hoarding gold, you scoundrel?
.Em
.P
Finally, Dashvara sat down on the ground so as not to draw the attention, and
he concentrated his efforts on calming down his heartbeats.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yet, also, let us weep,
.Em
Nanda pronounced,
.Bm -t dia
because we have lost five brave men. Three were married and had children. Two
had parents who had educated them to be honorable Shalussis. Let us weep, my
brothers, for our dead.
.Em
.P
The warriors didn't exactly weep, but they kept a respectful silence. Nanda
moved closer to a child who was crying silently, and he laid a hand on his
head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Cry, child, for tomorrow you shall be a strong man.
.Em
.P
He straightened and concluded:
.D
.Bm -t dia
The bounty of this fight has been generous. The food makers will double
their efforts, and we won't have to go hungry this year.
.Em
He smiled.
.Bm -t dia
The merchants of Dazbon will come in two weeks. We will sell our prisoners,
and a part of the profits will be shared between all the inhabitants as a sign
of my generosity. Now bring on the party!
.Em
.P
The villagers let out high-pitched screams of gratitude, and the guitarists
began to play music again. Everybody rose and continued to howl like raging
lunatics. Dashvara shook his head, amazed.
.P
.Bm -t penso
This is clear proof of who the Shalussis are in fact, don't you see?
They are savages capable of committing the worst monstrosities for a fistful of
gold coins.
.Em
He paused abruptly, fixed his gaze on the square, and shivered.
.Bm -t penso
No way! Are they really going to dance?
.Em
.P
The Shalussis, still screaming rhythmically, raised their fists to the sky and
danced in a ring, smiling at each other.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Eternal Bird,
.Em
Dashvara whispered. And he sealed his lips, cursing himself.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Fine. Everybody is happy because my people have been hacked to death. What a
great joy. Seriously, can't they find other less macabre reasons for
celebrating?
.Em
.P
They were absolutely repulsive. He stood up, and he was going to move away
when Orolf emerged from the crowd, calling him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Odek! How did it go with Bashak?
.Em
.P
The blacksmith was smiling and holding hands with a little
girl with tangled hair, who had just put a soiled thumb in
her mouth.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Er,
.Em
Dashvara said, lifting his eyes.
.Bm -t dia
Very well. I'm going to work as a warrior. With a certain Rokuish.
.Em
.P
Orolf vigorously clapped him on the shoulder.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So you'll have to start training and eating more. Come to have dinner with
us. My wife is a wonder at cooking.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
Come to have dinner with the ones who have robbed you of the blood of your
blood,
.Em
translated the macabre part of Dashvara's mind. A shiver coursed down his
spine.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, thanks, Orolf. I am not hungry.
.Em
.P
The blacksmith frowned, surprised; then he glanced in one direction, and he
seemed to understand something.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't go to the White Hand tonight,
.Em
he whispered.
.Bm -t dia
Walek will be waiting for you there to kill you if you approach that… woman.
He is a warrior with a confused mind. Everyone tells him to get married and
forget that Silkia, but it seems that that snake has chained him. That house
is a poison to the village.
.Em
.P
Dashvara listened to his words, interested.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So Walek wants to kill me.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't believe he wants to. He just doesn't want you to approach that woman.
If you are not totally dumb, boy, don't approach that den.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
If nobody likes it, why is it still open?
.Em
the Xalya asked.
.P
Orolf made a face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I never said that nobody likes it. Actually, it was a sort of ‘present’ gifted
to Nanda by an important Diumcilian lord to maintain good commercial
relations. You see, Nanda sells prisoners and salbronix grains, and Arviyag,
the envoy from Diumcili, gives him gold. Though, honestly, I haven't seen
Nanda enter this house, not even once. Our chief gets drunk more easily with
gold than with Diumcili smoke,
.Em
he joked.
.Bm -t dia
Believe me, young man, don't approach that woman, and everything will go
well.
.Em
.P
The blacksmith waved his hand, and with his daughter, he went back to the feast.
The guitarists had begun descending the hill. Behind them, flourishing the
torches, the villagers danced, and from time to time, they let out a long
burst of jubilant screams that pierced the night.
.P
Dashvara watched them as they moved away. They were celebrating the victory.
Their victory. And the death of his father. Of his family. Of so, so many
people… It nauseated him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What are you doing out there, my darling?
.Em
a distant and sensual voice suddenly asked.
.P
Dashvara looked up at the White Hand and distinguished a pale face at a window
on the second floor. He breathed out noisily, and he was going to move away to
find a place where he could sleep, but then he stopped short. He reflected.
What if Walek really intended to kill him if he approached this woman?
What would happen if he killed that Shalussi in self-defense? No one could
accuse him of murder, right?
.P
But he needed a saber to defend himself, and he wasn't quite sure that Walek
would be knightly enough to give him one in case of a duel. Yet, he had not
forgotten the metal bar hidden in his boot. Depending on the situation,
he could use it effectively.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Be cautious like a snake. And when the time has come to kill, do it.
.Em
He shuddered on recalling Lord Vifkan's words.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Has the time already come, father?
.Em
he asked. He shook his head and glanced at Nanda of Shalussi's house. He
could not spend his whole life in this village of savages, waiting day after
day for his father to answer: “now”. His lord father would never answer
him anymore, neither would captain Zorvun. Now it was up to him to choose
the best way and assume the consequences of his acts, be these good or bad.
.P
He took a deep breath and walked toward the White Hand, keeping his senses
cautiously alert. He expected to see, at any moment, a shadow popping up from
one corner, a saber in hand. He could disarm him if he was dexterous enough.
And then he would kill him.
.P
He was so concentrated that, when a voice sounded behind him, he jumped from
the ground like a crazy demon:
.D
.Bm -t dia
There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere! You tell me you'd
come tonight, and I find you here, in front of the White Hand door?
.Em
.P
As he turned, his eyes caught the glimpse of a form just moving behind a
brush. Another human figure was crossing the square, looking like a woman
scorned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Zaadma,
.Em
Dashvara muttered, narrowing his eyes. Argh, what had gotten into her now? She
went on complaining out loud:
.D
.Bm -t dia
You who promised to love me till death, you jump into the arms of someone
else so soon?
.Em
.P
Window shutters suddenly clapped, and Zaadma chuckled wickedly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You are an idiot,
.Em
she added in a lower voice while coming close to Dashvara.
.Bm -t dia
There are two men hidden behind a brush, waiting for you to kill you if you
get near the door.
.Em
.P
Dashvara tried and failed to swallow his anger.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Damned bastard,
.Em
he hissed.
.Bm -t dia
I already knew that.
.Em
.P
Zaadma stopped short. A smell of flowers began to float on the night air.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh. So your purpose was to die. Good. Great. Go ahead. If you insult me
like that, I have no qualms about delivering you to those men. All in all,
you're just like the others. Hey, Silkia!
.Em
she called out all of a sudden in a more normally pitched voice.
.Bm -t dia
I was kidding. This fellow is an ingenuous good man. I'm sure he has fallen
in love with you. I'd even bet that he would gladly bring you a treasure full
of gold coins only for you. Silkia! Hey, Silk—!
.Em
.P
She stopped yelling when Dashvara grabbed her by the shoulders and began to
shake her as if she were a maraca.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let go of me!
.Em
.P
Dashvara let her go, suddenly feeling ashamed. He had never in his life shaken
a woman.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm sorry. And I'm sorry I called you a bastard. I didn't mean to.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
I can't believe it—are you seriously apologizing?
.Em
Zaadma stared up at his eyes. Her own were glittering as if she was ready to
cry.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Go to hell,
.Em
she snapped. She turned her back on him and swiftly strode away.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is what Zaadma said true?
.Em
Silkia asked far away.
.P
Dashvara drew a deep breath and exhaled loudly. He didn't respond to
Silkia. Two armed Shalussi warriors were too many. He could not disarm one of
them while being attacked by the other.
.P
Abruptly, he started running. He caught up with Zaadma downhill.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Wait!
.Em
he said.
.P
The woman turned and rumbled noisily before she went on walking.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Now you're pursuing me, Shalussi?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Before,
.Sm you
were pursuing me,
.Em
Dashvara replied, keeping pace with her.
.P
As she said nothing, he continued:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Orolf, the blacksmith, warned me of Walek's scheme. That's precisely why I
wanted to pretend to go into the White Hand—to force him to reveal his
presence.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
And why should I care about all this?
.Em
she retorted.
.P
For a moment, Dashvara stayed speechless, not knowing what to answer.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well… Actually, I suppose you shouldn't care. But still, you came to
warn me. Making a scene.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Making a scene?
.Em
Zaadma stopped not very far from the olive tree and her house.
.Bm -t dia
I was just trying to convince Silkia to let you be. She is one of the worst
vipers and the most ambitious of all. She has even succeeded in driving
Walek mad. Ever since he met her, that fool isn't the same.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You wanted to save my life,
.Em
Dashvara murmured.
.Bm -t dia
Just like Orolf.
.Em
.P
Zaadma let out a brief, sarcastic laugh.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, come on! Why would I want to save the life of a shameless scamp
who tells me over and over how brazen-faced and bastard I am?
.Em
.P
Dashvara saw Zaadma entering her house like a whirlwind and
shut herself in with her flowers. She quickly withdrew a
curtain, adding:
.D
.Bm -t dia
And don't even think about sleeping beneath my olive!
.Em
.P
She tugged the curtain close, and the light of a candle lit up the inside. Dashvara
sighed. He didn't know exactly why he felt so bad, whether because he had
let pass the opportunity of getting rid of Walek or because Zaadma, on
pretending to be an honorable woman, was messing his mind up.
.P
He sat down next to the olive and listened to the distant music of the feast
while his eyes were peering at the flickering light beyond the window. When he
heard footsteps approaching, a naughty smile twisted his mouth. He stood up
and got in the way of a young and beardless Shalussi that was not only
somewhat drunk but was also following the wrong path.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Go away, knave,
.Em
Dashvara pronounced in a low voice.
.Bm -t dia
This is a decent home.
.Em
.P
The youth blinked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What are you talking about? She told me to come today.
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave him back a disgusted face, and without thinking twice, he
drove his fist precisely straight in his stomach. The boy doubled up, out of
breath, incapable of screaming.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who told you what?
.Em
the Xalya asked in a mild voice.
.P
Some seconds later, he helped him to his feet and kindly steered him away from
the house. Finally, as the Shalussi dropped himself down again on the grass,
he advised him:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't come back around here, understood?
.Em
He saw him nodding mutely, the eyes wide open, and he smiled.
.Bm -t dia
Good boy.
.Em
.P
He drew up and came back to the olive tree. He let himself down against the
rough bark and gazed at the Moon, cold and distant. Like a litany, he repeated
inside him the names of the clan chieftains, over and over. He finally fell
into a fitful sleep.
.P
He had a dream that was different and yet always the same. He saw his father
falling on his knees before him with an Akinoan axe wound in his stomach. He
whispered something to him, something important, but Dashvara could not hear
him. And his father vanished. Then, he saw his brothers, and his mother, and
Makarva, Boron, and all his patrol comrades. Inexplicably, all of them
were smiling. Like a sand mermaid, Fayrah emerged from a light ring and
appeared in front of him; her dark eyes were gleaming with tears, but
inexplicably, she was also smiling. Why the devil were they all smiling?
Dashvara asked himself. When he saw Walek, he spun and dashed toward him, his
sabers unsheathed; he leaped as lightly as the wind and whirled like a red
snake; a sunbeam flashed in his blades, and then…
.P
He woke up in a start when he received a water bucket right on his face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Whoops!
.Em
Zaadma covered her mouth while the Xalya was spitting water and rubbing his
bloody forehead.
.Bm -t dia
I didn't mean to throw the bucket. Did I hurt you?
.Em
.P
Dashvara was completely soaked. He sighed and shook his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Then answer my question, you insolent rascal!
.Em
Zaadma exploded.
.Bm -t dia
Can you tell me what did you do to this poor Fatiek? He didn't come last
night. It's the very first time someone missed one of my dates, do you know
that? Well, almost the first time. Now answer,
.Em
she hissed.
.P
Dashvara moved his hand away from his forehead and realized that this one was
bleeding significantly. He lifted his eyes to the red dress, then to the
cleavage, the neck, and finally to the clenched lips and to the dark brown eyes,
which, right now, were sparkling dangerously. He opened his mouth and uttered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you mean that child who came yesterday evening to visit you?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
He is eighteen, Odek. He is only three years younger than me. So he came and
you didn't let him pass.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I told him this house was a decent house, and I helped him find the right way.
That's all.
.Em
.P
Instead of shouting, Zaadma kept silent and didn't respond right away.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A decent house?
.Em
she echoed. And suddenly, she gave out a loud laugh.
.Bm -t dia
Did you really tell him that? You're such a rascal, Odek. I tell you not to
sleep beneath my olive, and here I find you. And what's more, you meddle in
my affairs. I have lost three gold coins because of you.
.Em
.P
Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm sorry. I believed you wanted to become an honorable woman.
.Em
.P
Zaadma gasped but kept smiling.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You sure love making fun of people, eh? I don't know what to think of you,
.Em
she confessed.
.Bm -t dia
Sometimes, I get the impression that you're keeping a terrible secret inside,
and I'm dying to know more things about you. And other times, I just want to
forget about you and let these Shalussi warriors thrash you as soon as you open your
mouth and say one of those brilliant ideas of yours. And now come in so that I
can control the bleeding.
.Em
.P
Dashvara got up and followed her into the house, confused.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You don't speak like a Shalussi,
.Em
he said abruptly as Zaadma was setting a water bowl and a white rag on
the golden carpet.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, as I already said to you, I am not a Shalussi,
.Em
she replied patiently.
.P
She drew nearer, softly touched his forehead with the wet rag, and then
withdrew it. She wet another corner and used it again on the wound. If he
had not felt so confused, Dashvara would have at once taken care of cleaning
his wound alone, but… something kept him from taking the rag from Zaadma's
hands.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Since you always repeat that you're sorry, I'll also tell you that I'm sorry,
.Em
she said, not looking very guilty.
.Bm -t dia
I never meant to throw you the water bucket. Only the water. But as you can
see, I'm very angry at you. Who's going to pay me now these three gold
coins I lost forever?
.Em
she lamented, very sad.
.P
Dashvara caught her eloquent look and shook his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yesterday, Fushek hired me—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Great!
.Em
Zaadma exclaimed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
—But he said he wouldn't pay me with money until he gives me some more
important works… so I'm afraid you'll have to survive without those three gold
coins. I feel for you in your sorrow,
.Em
he taunted, holding his hand up to his chest.
.P
Zaadma glared at him and threw the bloody rag to his face before scrambling to
her feet. Dashvara laughed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dignity costs much more than three gold coins, woman. The punch I gave to
this brute was priceless.
.Em
.P
Zaadma folded her arms. Her face reflected a mix of incredulity and
exasperation.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How can it be that, whenever you cross the threshold of my house, I always
feel the urge to kick you out of here?
.Em
.P
Dashvara made a pensive face as if pondering seriously upon the answer.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Perhaps because we are too much different?
.Em
.P
Zaadma drummed her fingers on her elbows.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Perhaps,
.Em
she admitted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And still, we may have something in common,
.Em
Dashvara added.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Don't speak more than you should, or else you will regret it…
.Em
.P
His words, however, had already aroused Zaadma's curiosity.
.D
.Bm -t dia
We are both human, is that what you mean?
.Em
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Apart from that. You want to take revenge on Walek.
.Em
.P
Zaadma looked annoyed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Walek? What do I have to do with that man?
.Em
.P
Dashvara narrowed his eyes.
.Bm -t penso
Maybe my instinct leads me on a wrong path. Or maybe not.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Walek betrayed you, didn't he? You hate that man.
.Em
.P
Zaadma frowned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't hate him. Hatred doesn't bring any good. Besides, a man cannot betray
me as long as he pays well.
.Em
.P
Dashvara noticed a slight quaver in her voice. He shrugged without responding
and passed the rag upon his forehead. It was scarcely bleeding now.
.P
Zaadma growled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And what if he did betray me?
.Em
she said finally, sitting before the Xalya.
.Bm -t dia
In that case, it wasn't his fault but mine, for believing that a Shalussi
warrior would really marry me. For a wonder, after so many disappointments, I
believed what that fool told me.
.Em
A wry smile stretched across her face.
.Bm -t dia
Sometimes my stupidity amazes me. It was my fault,
.Em
she kept on talking.
.Bm -t dia
And I already got my revenge: now he is with that Diumcilian woman, that
Silkia, and because of her, he is going crazier than he already was. That
viper will manage to send him to find the Hidden Treasure of the
Ghost-Pyramid. Well,
.Em
she sighed. She lifted a curious gaze at the Xalya.
.Bm -t dia
In conclusion: you want to take revenge on Walek for some reason, and you want
me to help you.
.Em
She laughed teasingly.
.Bm -t dia
Dream on: I won't help you.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I only want you to give me twenty gold coins to buy a saber,
.Em
Dashvara pronounced.
.P
Zaadma shook her head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Even if I had the money, I wouldn't give it to you as a matter of principle. I
don't want you to harm anyone. Don't you think there have been enough dead men
for this year?
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at her, surprised.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, of course,
.Em
Zaadma continued.
.Bm -t dia
Perhaps it has been a good thing for you that the Xalyas died and the
Shalussis saved you. But for my part, these absurd wars do not make me laugh
at all. You are right, Odek. We are very different. You're a Shalussi and a
dignified warrior. And I'm sure you have already killed some man in your life.
As for me, I'm a bastard, and I raise flowers. To be honest, I prefer my
situation. And now, if you don't mind, leave me alone. I've got to water my
plants and fill the bucket I have thrown to you.
.Em
.P
Stunned, Dashvara saw her standing up lively. He took a deep breath.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm not aiming to kill Walek.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm glad you aren't,
.Em
Zaadma said in a level voice as she grasped up the empty bucket.
.Bm -t dia
Would you be so kind as to leave?
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded silently, pulled down the bloody rag onto the bowl, and stood
up. A hint of a smile curved his lips.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How can it be that, whenever I cross the threshold of your house, you want to
kick me out of here?
.Em
he asked.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Stop talking and leave,
.Em
a more serious voice commanded.
.Bm -t penso
Go out, steal two sabers, kill Nanda, take a horse, and disappear. And leave that
Walek alone: he is not the chieftain; he is just a mercenary. Go away…
.Em
.P
Zaadma's dark brown eyes reflected a slight surprise.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you want… do you want to stay here?
.Em
.P
Dashvara jerked up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No!
.Em
he said. Then, realizing that his refusal had been too rude, he added:
.Bm -t dia
I'm not… I mean. Never mind. I'm off.
.Em
.P
He was crossing the doorway when Zaadma said in an affable tone:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Stay if you want. I offer you again the same deal as before. A room to
sleep in. Which you may not find so easily elsewhere unless you have
already got along with some family. A room and good meals…
in return for half of your future profits.
.Em
.P
The deal was generous and, therefore, suspect. What did Zaadma earn by
suggesting that kind of deal to a person who was not likely to get more than
a gold coin once in a while?
.P
Dashvara ignored the small voice of his conscience and preferred not to think
about tricks. He needed a bed to sleep in, and he preferred a thousand times
more the house of a lady of easy virtue who was horrified by war to that of
a Shalussi family full of murderers. He turned to Zaadma and half grinned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is the indefinite time still valid?
.Em
.P
Zaadma grinned back.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It most certainly is.
.Em
She held out the bucket.
.Bm -t dia
Take it, start working now, and bring me the water. Later, you'll attend to
what you have to attend.
.Em
.P
Dashvara shrugged, took the bucket, and went to the river to fill it. It was
the right decision, he told himself. It would be ridiculous to keep sleeping
in the open. When he went back, he heard a melodious and
joyful song.
.Bl -t verse
.It Ho! I came to pick a carnation
.It in your eyes, sweet girl, in your eyes!
.It I got lost in the sea of your mouth,
.It 'cause I thought it was blossom and light.
.El
.P
The Xalya stopped for an instant, amused, before extending the bucket through
the window. Zaadma stifled a scream.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you crazy? Next time, enter with the bucket through the door. And don't
you dare touch even one petal of my flowers while staying here. Do you
understand?
.Em
.P
Dashvara breathed out.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I do understand. Have a good day.
.Em
.P
Zaadma looked surprised and responded falteringly when the Xalya was already
leaving:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Likewise.
.Em
.P
When Dashvara arrived at the stable, Rokuish was already working. Apparently,
Fushek had informed him that he had a new comrade, because he greeted him at
once, calling him by his name, and smiled friendly at him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The last time I saw you I couldn't say hello,
.Em
Dashvara mocked.
.Bm -t dia
I said hello to the horses, though. Well, what do I have to do?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Technically, the same as I do,
.Em
answered the warrior apprentice.
.Bm -t dia
Right now, I was cleaning the saddles. Do you know how to clean saddles?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of course I do,
.Em
Dashvara affirmed.
.P
He and Rokuish sat down at the table from where that famous slice of cheese
had disappeared, and they began working. As Fushek had warned him, Rokuish was
not very communicative, but Dashvara did not mind. Actually, it was better that way.
It would have been much more annoying to stay beside a prier asking him about
the past and forcing him to improvise.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you like horses?
.Em
Rokuish suddenly asked.
.P
Dashvara smiled. That was the kind of question worthy of conversation.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A lot,
.Em
he nodded.
.Bm -t dia
Especially if I know them. As a matter of fact, it is pretty much the same
for humans.
.Em
He twisted his mouth.
.Bm -t dia
And what about you?
.Em
.P
Rokuish smiled frankly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My mother says that the very first word I pronounced was ‘Breeze’, the name of
my father's horse. My father was a warrior.
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked sad.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Did he die?
.Em
.P
Rokuish shrugged.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes, he did. The Xalyas killed him.
.Em
.P
He added nothing more, but his words struck Dashvara like a frosty stab. He
inhaled soundlessly to calm his breathing, and he said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I share your pain.
.Em
.P
Rokuish smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thank you. But it happened fifteen years ago. I barely remember him.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded silently with his head and pretended to focus his attention on
cleaning the saddle while recalling a maxim of the Ancient Kings:
.Sm -t erare "Skia distalur hunás kay vayhatur gas distalur askalonat duk" .
Revenge yourself on your enemy, and you will discover that he was taking
revenge on you.
.Ch "Training"
He spent all morning in the stable with Rokuish, and at lunchtime, he saw
the Shalussi wave with his hand, go out of the building… and come back, peeping
his head through the door.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hey, Odek, by any chance, wouldn't you want to eat with us?
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised his eyebrows.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Me?
.Em
He hesitated, and then he smiled.
.Bm -t dia
With great pleasure.
.Em
.P
The Shalussi smiled back, and they both headed for his home.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you married?
.Em
Dashvara inquired.
.P
The question seemed to amuse him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No. I live with my family. I have a sister and two older brothers. The oldest,
Shuwaga, is indeed married. To our chief's sister.
.Em
.P
He fell silent, as though he was surprised to speak so much. He gave
Dashvara another smile and pointed to a house near to which a white-haired
Shalussi was hanging up clothes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Rokuish, my son!
.Em
she greeted him.
.Bm -t dia
Who's your companion?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
He is my new workmate, mother,
.Em
the young man explained.
.Bm -t dia
I have invited him to eat… May he?
.Em
.P
The mother nodded instantly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of course he may. Go in. Your brother Andrek will come soon, and we will be
able to eat.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thank you,
.Em
Dashvara said, slightly bowing his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And he is polite as well!
.Em
The Shalussi woman smiled, pleased.
.Bm -t dia
Come on, come in, I've almost finished.
.Em
.P
Rokuish and Dashvara went into the house. The inside wasn't very large. There
were some carpets and a big, iron cooking pot steaming on a slab of stone. The
bowls were already set thanks to a shy-eyed, graceful young woman who was
wearing a simple but practical dress.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let me introduce my sister, Menara,
.Em
Rokuish said.
.Bm -t dia
He is Odek, my workmate.
.Em
.P
Dashvara briefly bowed his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My pleasure.
.Em
.P
He sniffed the meal. There was a smell of wheat and mint.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's semolina with beans,
.Em
Menara said shyly.
.Bm -t dia
Water is almost completely evaporated. Had a good morning?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Excellent,
.Em
Rokuish replied.
.P
Suddenly, an exclamation came from outside:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Rok, I just learned you've been saddled with the stranger—!
.Em
.P
The voice of the new arrival died abruptly when, on crossing the threshold, he
noticed who was inside.
.P
Dashvara tensed. He knew this man. It was Walek's friend, the one who had led
him into the White Hand. He had also taken part in the fight against the
Xalyas. How many of them had he killed? Dashvara instantly regretted having
accepted the invitation.
.P
Embarrassed, Rokuish attempted to fix his brother's blunder.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Andrek, this is Odek. He was a nomad Shalussi. And he knows a lot about
horses.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Pf.
.Em
.P
Andrek, making a face not easy to interpret, advanced and sat down beside
the cooking pot, giving a simple nod to the guest. The mother had followed
him, and she promptly went on and on in a cheerful voice while Menara was
serving the meal in the bowls.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So, you're a nomad Shalussi?
.Em
the mother said as they were eating.
.Bm -t dia
One of those who spend their time going up and down the steppes? That sounds
very interesting. And how come you're not with your family?
.Em
.P
Dashvara swallowed the semolina and the beans. They were delicious. However,
he would rather have eaten them alone.
.D
.Bm -t dia
They were killed by the Xalyas,
.Em
he replied in an even voice.
.P
The mother opened her mouth and closed it; an expression of sympathy appeared
on her face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
They also killed my husband. These swines thought that they could hand out
justice everywhere with everyone. Now I understand why you're out to become a
warrior. Are you going to train with Rokuish this afternoon? A little of
training would be good for both of you, don't you think?
.Em
she added, directing a meaningful look at his son.
.P
This one blushed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes, mother. We will train this afternoon.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's perfect,
.Em
she approved with satisfaction.
.P
They didn't speak much more. Dashvara thanked them for the invitation, and when he
praised the meal, the mother exclaimed that he could come back anytime.
Dashvara would have smiled before her kind welcome if he hadn't met Andrek's
contemptuous look.
.P
.Bm -t penso
How many Xalya soldiers did your saber stab, Shalussi?
.Em
he wanted to ask. And another troubling question came to his mind.
.Bm -t penso
How many Shalussi men were executed by Xalya sabers?
.Em
He frowned. What of it? The Shalussis were still existing whereas the Xalyas
were now a mere shadow of sand.
.P
Joyfully, Rokuish said goodbye, and they both went uphill to Fushek's house.
When they got to the court and picked up the wooden sabers, the Shalussi
cleared his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My mother is right. I should train more often. I guess you think I don't
know how to fight.
.Em
.P
Dashvara shook his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Never think that the adversary doesn't know how to fight before making sure he
actually doesn't,
.Em
he smiled.
.P
He attacked. He knew that Rokuish had probably never seen a Xalya fighting,
but even so, he didn't lose his concentration: any Shalussi might be watching
them. Fushek might be watching.
.P
Even moving like a lame horse and attacking straight, he defeated
Rokuish easily. The young Shalussi was panting, out of breath. He was clearly
not accustomed to training.
.Sm -t paroles "You must have the same level as Rokuish" ,
Fushek had said. Only now he realized that his words weren't particularly
flattering. Dashvara straightened and looked at the Shalussi.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You know what you should do?
.Em
the Xalya reflected out loud.
.Bm -t dia
Run every day. Do stretching exercises. And acquire agility. Right now, you
look like a turtle trying to defend itself, but the difference is that you
have no shell.
.Em
.P
Rokuish made a face and sighed loudly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I know. I warned you. I'm afraid you won't learn much by training with me.
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't worry about what I learn; just focus on your own learning. If you don't
train, you won't progress.
.Em
.P
As the young Shalussi was nodding and drawing himself up again, a burst of laughter
rang. Dashvara turned around and saw Andrek and Walek coming up with their
own sabers unsheathed and their shields.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A novice teaching another one! This is a first!
.Em
Walek pronounced nonchalantly.
.Bm -t dia
Can we keep you company? Andrek and I want to train here too.
.Em
.P
Dashvara guessed that their point wasn't so much to train as to annoy them.
And looking at Rokuish's sudden paleness, he saw they had apparently
succeeded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sure, you can,
.Em
Dashvara said, keeping calm.
.Bm -t dia
The field is large.
.Em
.P
Both warriors took position a little farther away and began to fight.
They moved swiftly; their shields clashed; their footwork was precise and
correct. Dashvara shot an expecting glance at Rokuish, but this one was so
occupied gaping at his brother that he didn't take the hint. Dashvara cleared
his throat, and with the training weapon, he gently hit his arm to awake him.
The Shalussi jumped.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Never let anything distract you in a fight, or else you will die,
.Em
the Xalya uttered.
.P
He charged, and they both got into a fight during which Dashvara gradually
noticed the numerous mistakes his adversary was making. He was also aware
of his own mistakes, some of them made on purpose.
.Sm -t paroles "Never show your enemy what you can do" ,
said captain Zorvun's authoritative voice.
.Sm -t paroles "But still, don't pretend to be weak before your sworn enemy" .
.P
He leaned aside, easily dodged a blow from Rokuish, and knocked him on the
back with the flat of the weapon. Dashvara damned himself as soon as he saw
Fushek watching them with interest from his threshold.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He fights like a Xalya,
.Em
Walek's voice suddenly spit.
.P
Dashvara moved away from Rokuish and glared at the warrior.
.D
.Bm -t dia
This is a Steppe Thieves' technique,
.Em
he hissed.
.Bm -t dia
Not Xalyas'. The Xalyas only attempt to copy them, without success.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well said,
.Em
Fushek approved as he approached.
.Bm -t dia
The boy is right, Walek. Our young nomad Shalussi seems to have learned
to fight from a Steppe Thief.
.Em
.P
Andrek breathed out.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Pfui. The Steppe Thieves are nothing more than females who stab in the
back.
.Em
.P
Dashvara let out a sarcastic, restrained laugh.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Tell me. Have you ever seen a Steppe Thief fighting?
.Em
.P
Andrek shrugged.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No. But I've heard stories.
.Em
.P
With a lingering dark smile, Dashvara approached him, brandishing the wooden
saber to make it more dramatic.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The Steppe Thieves move like the wind,
.Em
he told.
.Bm -t dia
At some point, you believe they are in front of you, and the next second, you
find two of them right behind you. They are like lynxes running on soil and
sand. They use two sabers, as the Xalyas do, but when they fight, it seems
as if the air itself tells them their adversary's secrets.
.Em
He murmured:
.Bm -t dia
They know… exactly… what their next move will be.
.Em
.P
He lowered the point of his saber and came back to Rokuish as Andrek and
Walek looked at him, frowning.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Wait,
.Em
Walek said then in a taunting voice.
.Bm -t dia
If what you say is true and if you have learned their techniques, you must be
a master fighter.
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled and replied humbly:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have only learned from them by observation. I'm very far from being a Steppe
Thief.
.Em
.P
Walek approached, holding his saber.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Take these two sabers of wood. And try to wield them. Show us how those Steppe
Thieves fight. Go on! Or is it that a nomad Shalussi fights as poorly as Rok
the snorer?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Walek,
.Em
Andrek warned him.
.Bm -t dia
Don't bother my brother.
.Em
.P
Walek shrugged without turning away his eyes from Dashvara. This one glimpsed
at Fushek, who seemed to be more willing to watch than intervene.
Sighing, he took the wooden saber from an expectant Rokuish, and Walek and he
stepped away from the others.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'll put a protection on the saber not to hurt you,
.Em
Walek smiled mockingly, doing what he was saying.
.P
Dashvara looked at him with irony.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You didn't have such qualms yesterday, before the White Hand,
.Em
he whispered.
.P
Walek raised an eyebrow, surprised, and then he declared in a low voice:
.D
.Bm -t dia
As long as you don't approach Silkia, we are in peace.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That seems fair to me.
.Em
.P
Walek let a chortle out and positioned himself.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So you prefer the bastard?
.Em
he asked, very amused.
.P
He attacked, and Dashvara jumped backwards, perplexed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Bastard?
.Em
he echoed.
.P
Walek's smile widened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Didn't she tell you? This witch is the bastard daughter of a senator in Dazbon,
.Em
he explained. And then he lunged at him in earnest.
.P
Dashvara set aside all the thoughts when he saw the shield blow coming. This
time, he did not control himself as much as before. He was trying to copy
the movements of the Steppe Thieves, and since he did not know them very well,
he moved awkwardly enough not to impress and nimbly enough not to get blows.
.P
Truth to tell, he had never fought against the Steppe Thieves, but captain
Zorvun had taught him some techniques of them, and Dashvara knew that, if
he had had to contend with a Steppe Thief, he would have probably ended up
feeding the vultures.
.P
He leaped sideways and counterattacked. At some point, he almost made Walek lose
his saber, but then this one executed an unexpected movement. It was the same
that Fushek had made the day before. The only difference was that this time
his rival had a shield. He banged him in his side, and Dashvara was violently
ejected to the ground. He lifted his head, frustrated. He would have been able
to get up in one bounce, but he didn't.
.Bm -t penso
I am not here to fight Walek,
.Em
he remembered.
.Bm -t penso
Calm down and let this big boy relish his victory.
.Em
.P
The Shalussi, in fact, looked quite satisfied.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not a bad fight, boy,
.Em
he recognized.
.Bm -t dia
Not all the Shalussi warriors last so long against me. But still, you didn't
hit me even once. You have to attack, Odek. And not dance in the wind,
.Em
he laughed.
.P
Dashvara saw him turn his back and leave with Andrek after saying goodbye to
Fushek. This one went back into his house, half stifling a yawn.
.P
.Bm -t penso
The more I know the Shalussis, the more I am in a puzzle,
.Em
he admitted. Walek did not look as cruel as at the beginning. However, he had
killed people.
.P
.Bm -t penso
But I have killed too. Or is it that now I'm going to become a sainted hermit of
the Eternal Bird?
.Em
.P
He was going to stand up when he realized that his metal bar had nearly
slipped out of his boot. Slightly pale, he put it back furtively as he rose up
from the ground, and he held back the wooden saber to Rokuish.
.D
.Bm -t dia
For my mother's sake, you've been impressive,
.Em
this one said, enthusiastic.
.Bm -t dia
You almost beat Walek! He is one of the best warriors in the
village. Along with my brother.
.Em
As Dashvara was rubbing his painful side, he proposed:
.Bm -t dia
Let's take a break.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded, and they both sat down in the shade of a line bent with
hung clothes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Tell me, Rokuish, with whom did you use to train before?
.Em
.P
The question seemed to embarrass the young Shalussi.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well… Sometimes with Fushek. And with some friends.
.Em
.P
There was a silence; then he rectified:
.D
.Bm -t dia
To be honest, I barely train, actually. My old friends that wish to
become warriors don't want to train with me because, in their opinion, I don't
make any progress. Fushek is the only one who sometimes tries to teach me some
lessons, but… I myself don't insist quite much that he teach me. Andrek says
that Bashak mistook my vocation and that it was my mother who dictated the old
man what he had to say to me.
.Em
He smiled, but with no joy.
.Bm -t dia
Bashak and Andrek can say whatever they want, but Fushek is the
master-at-arms. He will decide whether I'm good at something or not.
.Em
.P
Dashvara stayed silent for a bit. He was beginning to like Rokuish, he
realized. And that wasn't a good thing.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If Fushek is the master-at-arms, why didn't he take part in the assault of the
Xalya Dungeon?
.Em
he asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh.
.Em
Rokuish looked surprised.
.Bm -t dia
Didn't you notice? His shield arm is crippled. He can't
fight on a battlefield. But he's the son of the old
master-at-arms, and he knows more combat techniques than
anyone.
.Em
.P
Dashvara perceived in his voice a distinct hint of respect. He nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I see.
.Em
He got up.
.Bm -t dia
So it will be better for you if you take the training more seriously because
I'm not a patient man. I promise you that, if you do your best, you will
progress.
.Em
.P
Rokuish made a face but rose to his feet.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Okay then. I'll do what I can.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You shall do what you must,
.Em
Dashvara replied, and as the young Shalussi raised an eyebrow, disconcerted,
he smiled and moved away to the training field, thinking:
.Bm -t penso
Know what, Dash? Just say to yourself what you must do, and let the others
do what they can, okay?
.Em
.salto
.P
When he returned to Zaadma's, it was already getting dark. Rokuish had assured
him that, that night, it wasn't their turn to go up to the watchtower and that
there were several warriors who usually took turns. Their own night's watch
wouldn't be until a few days later.
.P
Dashvara stepped close to the house door, falteringly. Now that he was
starting to put things into perspective about the indiscriminate hatred he
felt toward the Shalussis, he wondered whether he had acted correctly agreeing
to sleep in her house. But, on reflection, Zaadma had demonstrated a good
heart by guesting him even knowing full well that he hadn't the slightest
piece of gold. As the ancient steppe wise men said:
.Bm -t paroles
Don't repel the person who, instead of abandoning you, gives you bread, and a
bed to sleep in.
.Em
.P
Whispers came from the inside. Dashvara sighed and withdrew his hand that
was about to knock on the door. He turned back, sat down beneath the olive,
and spent his time gazing at the Moon's twinkling reflection on the river.
This one was hardly one foot deep. He bet that, in periods of prolonged
droughts, it probably diminished down to a brook.
.P
He waited a long time before hearing louder voices and the creak of an opening
door. Hidden behind the olive tree, Dashvara discerned the figure of a man… He
rolled his eyes. Of course it was a man, what could it have been? His eyes
widened when he recognized him. It was Nanda of Shalussi.
.P
He could hardly keep himself from rising up and rushing at him. He was alone,
far from the village—it was the ideal moment.
.P
He let him pass. He could not believe what he was doing. He growled lowly when
the Shalussi's footfalls died away. It was one thing to be cautious, and
another to be a coward. And he had the tremendous impression that, just right
now, he had acted like a bloody coward.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Think a bit. If Nanda has come, he will come back again. You just have to
ask Zaadma to warn you when he comes back. You kill him, steal a horse, and
leave this place. You have already hesitated too much.
.Em
.P
He stood up and crossed the doorway, which Zaadma had left open. The candle
lit the inside. A scent of jasmine floated in the air. And Zaadma was singing
to herself while slightly squashing the soil of a pot with white flowers.
Dashvara observed her.
.P
.Bm -t penso
This woman has just offered herself to the man who allied himself with the
Akinoas and the Essimeans to destroy my family. And, unbelievably, I accept her
hospitality. Where did my honor get lost?
.Em
Dashvara shook his head.
.Bm -t penso
Demons. If you really want to know, your honor got lost in the Xalya Dungeon,
Dash. Anyway, it is too late to get it back.
.Em
.P
He set aside the thought with a snort, and Zaadma started, just noticing his
presence.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ah! Odek. Come in. I have prepared your bedroom—
.Em
She stopped speaking on seeing the Xalya's expression, and then she smiled
playfully.
.Bm -t dia
Did you see him leave? You didn't dare punch that man to conserve my dignity,
not him, eh, did you?
.Em
.P
Dashvara clicked his tongue.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How can you joke about dignity? Don't you have moral values?
.Em
.P
Zaadma took a loud breath and raised her eyes to the heavens.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Demons, Shalussi. I see you have your prejudices well embedded in your
mind. My values are in good health, thanks. Okay, well, do you want us to
philosophize or do you want to have dinner?
.Em
.P
Dashvara had to acknowledge that, after so much training, he was hungry.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let's have dinner,
.Em
he declared.
.P
Zaadma smiled with amusement and gestured to the cold plate of vegetables and
figs that was set on the golden carpet.
.D
.Bm -t dia
This is the meal that you should have eaten this afternoon,
.Em
she cleared up.
.Bm -t dia
I prepared it with all my dedication and all my heart, and I waited, waited…
I waited like a married woman for you to return, but you didn't return. So I
decided to keep it faithfully for you and make sure not even the smallest fig
will be missing when you come back.
.Em
.P
Dashvara stared at her, not knowing at all how to take her mocking response.
He apologized:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm sorry. I didn't think to inform you. I ate with Rokuish's family.
.Em
.P
Zaadma sat down and crossed her arms.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I suppose I have to be happy that you haven't eaten at the White Hand.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow. He sat, and he replied:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I thought about you and about the terrible jealousy you would feel, and I
decided not to approach that house.
.Em
.P
Zaadma smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thanks for your understanding. Would you want me to warm up the vegetables? I
have a heating slab made in Dazbon. It still runs like a charm.
.Em
.P
Dashvara shook his head negatively.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, no, really, couldn't be better. Thank you,
.Em
he added, and he took a spoonful of vegetables.
.P
When he finished the plate, he realized that Zaadma was looking at him. He
frowned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What?
.Em
.P
Zaadma shrugged and smiled shyly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't know… It has been a while since I have had someone to eat with. Well,
I already had dinner. I mean, it has been a while since…
.Em
She gestured.
.Bm -t dia
I'm sure you see what I mean.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Er, not quite, honestly,
.Em
Dashvara mocked.
.P
They exchanged a gaze. Outside, only an utter silence could be heard. Zaadma
cleared her throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your room is there,
.Em
she pointed.
.P
Dashvara nodded and stood up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thanks for taking me in. And thanks for the dinner.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Stop thanking and apologizing, and go to bed,
.Em
Zaadma replied.
.P
Dashvara paused beside the curtain that separated both rooms.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You don't expect another visit, do you?
.Em
he asked a little sharply.
.Bm -t dia
Because, in that case, I would rather sleep beneath the olive tree.
.Em
.P
Zaadma puffed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't worry. This night I will sleep like a saint. Good night, young Shalussi.
And, by the way,
.Em
she added,
.Bm -t dia
I hope you're not still thinking about taking revenge on Walek, are you?
.Em
.P
A sinister smile twisted Dashvara's face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No. Don't worry, I won't kill Walek. Good night.
.Em
.P
He withdrew the curtain and felt his way to his bed. The chamber was small,
but it had a window, and if one drew the curtain, one could see the Moon's
light reflected on the river. He took the headscarf off, removed his boots,
and then glanced to the other room. The candle was still lighted.
.P
He lay down, feeling agreeably tired. Even so, he could not deny it: as a
fighter, Rokuish was a disaster, and what had exhausted Dashvara most had been
to repeat recommendations in order to prevent him from making the same
mistakes again and again. All in all, he had wielded a saber, yes, but it was
a wooden one. And he would not kill Nanda with a wooden saber.
.P
He made a wry smile in the darkness. Zaadma had already quenched the candle.
He heard cloth murmurs, and then the silence. He closed his eyes and sharpened
his ears. He listened to Zaadma's quiet and rhythmic breathing. He listened to
the light breeze. And, finally, he fell asleep.
.P
He woke several times during the night, with a feeling of being lost. Oddly,
he did not dream that he was murdering the savage chieftains, nor that he
lost his family. He dreamed that he was fighting against red nadres with his
patrol comrades. Makarva, Lumon, Sigfen, Boron, and the Triplets… and Captain
Zorvun. All of them were well alive, and their faces were impressively clear.
At some point, they began playing katutas.
.P
He wrinkled his nose when he awoke in the dead of night. So much perfume
befuddled him and kept him from sleeping deeply. The sun was scarcely peeking
over the horizon when he got up. He pulled the headscarf on, put on the boots,
and left the bedroom stealthily. The window curtain was half drawn, and a
morning light faintly illuminated the inside. The sunbeams reddened the petals
of the emzarreds, beautified the immaculate white kalreas, ploughed the firm
earthy floor, slid onto the blanket, and caressed Zaadma's back, half bared
under the sheet.
.P
Dashvara looked at her, wondering how such a beauty could have chosen a so
little appropriate way of life. But maybe it didn't seem to her
inappropriate, who knows? He shook his head as though he wanted to awake
himself utterly, and he stepped to the door. Silently, he went out and walked
directly to the training field before Fushek's house. The village was still
half asleep, but it seemed that it would get alive before long.
.P
He settled on the court ground, and after a while, he surprised himself
drawing in the sandy soil with one of the wooden sabers. When he realized that
he was stupidly writing his name in Oy'vat, he quickly removed the trace.
.Bm -t penso
I will never cease to surprise myself,
.Em
he sighed, glancing around nervously.
.P
Rokuish didn't show up. After waiting in the court for a good while, Dashvara
finally stood up, and he was going to put the wooden sabers back when his eyes
suddenly fixed on something that was slithering toward a group of three
children sitting on the ground, before a house.
.P
It was a red snake.
.P
For a second, Dashvara was petrified. Then he remembered his father's words:
.Bm -t paroles
But before killing them, son, kill their families.
.Em
.P
Dashvara wavered. How many possibilities might there be that one of these
children was a son of Nanda of Shalussi? Very few. And besides… He shook
his head, astonished at his own thoughts.
.P
.Bm -t penso
No, father. I don't kill innocents.
.Em
.P
And he rushed forward.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't move,
.Em
he commanded as he saw the three children turning toward him.
.P
When it was a question of giving orders, Dashvara gave them as Zorvun and Lord
Vifkan did. The children didn't move. In any case, they rapidly realized what
was happening.
.P
Dashvara approached the snake cautiously. The reptile wasn't very long, but
its venom was lethal, and its body moved at the speed of a bolt. Dashvara
aimed with one of the wooden sabers, getting ready for any attack from
the snake. A wrong move could cost his life.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Nimble like the wind. Subtle like the sand. Strike.
.Em
.P
Dashvara struck, and he made no mistake. The snake's head was crushed in the sand
soil. Good. He twisted the stick and jabbed the head, assuring himself it was
completely, utterly dead. Losing their silent expectation, the children burst
into joyful cries and surrounded him to thank him. One of them squatted to
grab the dead snake's tail, and he dashed downhill, shaking the dead reptile
like a trophy.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A red snake!
.Em
he was crying.
.Bm -t dia
He's killed it! He's killed it!
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He will manage to awake even Rokuish if he keeps screaming like that.
.Em
.P
He heard the laughter of the little girl who was grasping his sleeve, and he
suddenly realized that her face looked quite familiar.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My, my, you're the daughter of Orolf, the blacksmith, aren't you?
.Em
.P
The girl nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And I am her brother,
.Em
said the other child, who seemed to be even younger.
.P
Dashvara made a smiling face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you aware that, if that snake had bitten you, you would have died in a
matter of minutes? Always beware of your surroundings, kids.
.Em
And as both of them were nodding, gaping at him as if they were eating up his
words, his smile widened.
.Bm -t dia
Go on. Go home and tell your father to give you a saber to defend yourselves
next time.
.Em
.P
He saw them run to the blacksmith's house, and he cloaked a laugh by clearing
his throat. It was getting harder and harder for Orolf to refuse him this
blessed saber he had promised.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Well,
.Em
he thought, looking around.
.Bm -t penso
Where did you get lost, Rokuish?
.Em
.P
He was supposed to be here now. Dashvara put down the wooden sabers, went
downhill, and as he was passing before the Shalussi's house, he saw his sister
Menara taking clothes off the line; he greeted her.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is Rokuish still sleeping?
.Em
.P
The Shalussi woman denied with a shake of her head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No. He said he was going to train. He's been gone for a while, now. Didn't you
see him?
.Em
.P
Dashvara gestured to reassure her.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, but maybe he was in Fushek's house. Don't worry. I'll find him.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Come to think of it,
.Em
Menara suddenly said when Dashvara was already moving uphill again,
.Bm -t dia
he didn't go toward Fushek's court but the river.
.Em
.P
To the river? Raising his eyebrows, the Xalya thanked her, returned to
Fushek's court to take the training weapons, and went to the river.
When he arrived, he glanced at both sides, he looked straight, and… he let out
a guffaw. Leaning sideways against a mutsomo bark, Rokuish was doing
stretching exercises. Dashvara crossed the river and stopped before the
Shalussi. This one was so focused on trying to lift his leg as much as he
could that he did not even notice his presence.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Exactly what are you doing, Rokuish?
.Em
Dashvara inquired, hardly suppressing his laughter.
.P
Rokuish jerked up, and he almost lost his balance.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Odek! You nearly scared me to death,
.Em
he gasped.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Does that mean you are learning to walk diagonally?
.Em
Dashvara persisted, amused.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Nope,
.Em
Rokuish replied, lifting both hands toward the sky.
.Bm -t dia
I'm doing as you advised. I have run, and now I do stretching exercises.
That is what you told me to do, isn't it?
.Em
.P
Dashvara was grinning broadly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, more or less, yes. I'm glad you take the training so seriously. Where
there's a will, there's a genius.
.Em
He raised one of the wooden sabers.
.Bm -t dia
Look at this.
.Em
.P
He stepped backwards, stretched his saber-arm, and bent it; he lifted one boot,
quickly spun around, and leaned backwards up to the point that a common man
would have fallen; he supported himself on the ground with one hand and
immediately propelled himself up, jumping aside and sweeping his saber.
.P
Rokuish was laughing.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I may go diagonally, but if you really fight throwing yourself onto the
ground… well, I can't tell if you're going forward or backward. Nevertheless,
it was not bad at all. I wish I had your agility.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, you just have to practice then.
.Em
Dashvara smiled.
.Bm -t dia
And now that you're stretched, there's nothing like practicing against an
adversary.
.Em
As Rokuish was nodding, he added:
.Bm -t dia
And this time, Rok, it's your turn to attack.
.Em
.Ch "The Dahars"
The news about how the new arrival had saved three Shalussi children from a red
snake spread all over the village, and when Dashvara and Rokuish returned at
midday, half bent by tiredness, they found Orolf the blacksmith talking with
the master-at-arms in the court.
.P
They put down the training weapons, and as the blacksmith beckoned to Dashvara,
this one came up, intrigued.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hey, young man,
.Em
the blacksmith began.
.Bm -t dia
Fushek and I have been thinking about it, and I consider you need a true saber.
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave them both a half-smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Only one?
.Em
.P
Fushek cleared his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The young man uses the combat techniques of the Steppe Thieves. He fights with
two sabers.
.Em
.P
Orolf looked surprised.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh. Fine. Two sabers, then.
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at them, lost in thought.
.P
.Bm -t penso
So that means your children's lives are worth far more than two steel sabers,
.Em
he mused. That made him reconsider a lot of prejudices. But, to be honest,
he had already begun to reconsider almost all of them.
.P
The blacksmith kindly clapped him on the shoulder.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I count on you to erase all those ugly snakes within three leagues of here, at
least.
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thanks.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thank
.Sm you ,
.Em
Orolf replied.
.Bm -t dia
You will have your sabers in two weeks. And I'll carve a red snake on them.
They will be great.
.Em
.P
He pressed his shoulder with his big hand, and he left.
.P
.Bm -t penso
In two weeks?
.Em
.P
Dashvara breathed in and tried to calm his impatience.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Two weeks is nothing. I can deal with that.
.Em
.P
Fushek was looking at him with a thoughtful expression.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I didn't make a mistake. You have potential. And you seemed to have taught
Rokuish more in two days than I have in one year,
.Em
he observed.
.Bm -t dia
If you keep behaving like this, you might become a Shalussi warrior faster
than you expect.
.Em
.P
He bowed his head briefly and went back into his house. Rokuish whistled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're only in the village for three days, and you've already gotten its
regard. And Fushek's respect. If only I had gotten the opportunity to save
three children from a red snake…
.Em
he smiled.
.P
Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bm -t dia
More like: if only you had been there if I myself hadn't,
.Em
he corrected him.
.P
Both of them ate at Rokuish's house, but this time, Dashvara had the decency
of stopping by Zaadma's house to warn her. However, he didn't find his host
anywhere, and he walked back to Rokuish, intrigued, wondering where she might
have gone.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't quite understand why, of all the houses, you've chosen this one,
.Em
Rokuish murmured, as they walked up the path to his house.
.Bm -t dia
I could ask my mother to guest you. I'm sure she will accept.
.Em
.P
Dashvara remembered the small house where Rokuish's family lived… and he
thought about Andrek. He shook his head negatively.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm fine there, honestly.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
That will get tongues wagging,
.\" cause some tongues to wag
.Em
the Shalussi warned him.
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
There are already tongues wagging because of the red snake. If they like, they
can also gossip about how I'm guested by a…
.Em
—he was going to say, ‘Bastard of Dazbon’, but he contained himself, and he
concluded—:
.Bm -t dia
foreigner.
.Em
.P
Rokuish cleared his throat loudly while arriving beside his house.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If she were only a foreigner…
.Em
he whispered eloquently.
.Bm -t dia
But I see quite clearly that it doesn't bother you.
.Em
.P
At this meal, Andrek behaved more friendly. The mother talked endlessly,
Menara glanced at Dashvara repeatedly, with an innocent gaze, and the Xalya
ignored them both as he was too concentrated on eating and on thinking about
his sabers.
.P
Right when they went out of the house, Rokuish and Dashvara returned to the
stable to work and take care of the horses. The young Shalussi looked a little
more willing to chatter, though his mother certainly had a good head start
on him in this area.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Whose is the black horse?
.Em
Dashvara inquired at some point, leaning against the fence.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Nanda's son's,
.Em
Rok answered.
.P
Dashvara felt a chill.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I didn't know he had children,
.Em
he continued after a silence.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Mm, well, he does.
.Em
.P
Dashvara waited some seconds, and as he saw that the Shalussi didn't
continue, he thought:
.P
.Bm -t penso
If I had got a Rokuish with his mother's spirit, I would probably be aware
of all that happens in the village. But with Rok…
.Em
.P
He cleared his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's a good horse. And this one? Does it belong to a Nanda's son too?
.Em
.P
Rokuish's head was gradually falling to his chest. So much training in the
morning had got him exhausted, Dashvara guessed. However, the Shalussi made
an effort to lift his eyes and look at the horse he was pointing at.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh. Not this one,
.Em
he answered.
.Bm -t dia
This is my brother Andrek's. Actually, Zefrek is the only adult son of Nanda.
The other son is twelve, and the daughter is fifteen. But women don't ride,
.Em
he smiled. And he yawned.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Zefrek. So this one too.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
How long has he been your chief?
.Em
Dashvara inquired.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Nanda? Since he killed Memfared in a duel. He challenged him, and he
killed him. It happened about, well, about twelve years ago, I think.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded thoughtfully, looking at the black horse. A twelve-year-old
son and a fifteen-year-old daughter. Did his father want him to kill them too?
Just thinking of it made him feel repulsion. But still… deep down in his
heart, he knew that his three brothers had died. Showag was sixteen and had
gone to fight: he had died like a soldier. The others were even younger; but
being who they were, it was very unlikely that a band of savages would have
left them alive. As for Fayrah… Dashvara looked down to the ground. His sister
Fayrah had been left alive, but actually, perhaps her future would be even
worse.
.P
In one week, the caravan from Dazbon would come to get the young Xalyas. They
would pay a fortune for them; and then who knows what they would do with them.
In one week. And Orolf wouldn't give him the sabers before two weeks.
.P
Dashvara clenched his teeth.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Rok, that Zefrek, does he live at Nanda's?
.Em
.P
As he didn't get a response, he slightly turned and noticed that Rokuish had
fallen asleep, leaning back on the fence. He half-smiled bitterly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sweet dreams, Rokuish.
.Em
.P
He stepped away from the fence, opened it, and went into the enclosure. Slowly,
he approached the black horse. This one looked at him with his dark eyes and
let him come nearer. The Xalya gave the animal gentle slaps on its shoulder.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't know your name, but you remind me of Lusombra,
.Em
he whispered.
.Bm -t dia
I'm sure you have the same noble soul as she has.
.Em
.P
The horse nickered as though flattered, and Dashvara grinned. After pampering
the beast a bit more, he went out of the enclosure and decided to take a walk
in the village neighborhood. He passed not far from Bashak's, and when he saw
the old man carving his piece of wood in front of the door threshold, he smiled
and went closer.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is it getting now a concrete shape, grandfather?
.Em
he asked, greeting him.
.P
Bashak shrugged with his everlasting amused smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Please answer yourself.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow and sat down. He took the piece of wood and
examined it with dramatic attention. It had the unmistakable shape of a
Shalussi man, and in truth, the piece was perfectly sculpted and seemed to be
finished. The visage expressed a solemnity and a pride superbly rendered.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Okay, well,
.Em
he said,
.Bm -t dia
what I see is… a wooden jewel carved by the hands of a wise man.
.Em
.P
Bashak laughed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You really don't see anything else? What does your imagination tell you?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
My imagination?
.Em
Dashvara echoed.
.Bm -t dia
Imagination kills, good man. Because it often shows wrong paths.
.Em
.P
Bashak shook his head, looking sad.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What does your heart tell you?
.Em
.P
Dashvara gazed at him.
.Bm -t penso
My heart was shattered into pieces the past week, old man. What do you expect
me to answer?
.Em
.P
The old Shalussi tilted his head to one side and insisted:
.D
.Bm -t dia
What does it evoke in you?
.Em
.P
Dashvara sighed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Eternal Bird,
.Em
he whispered.
.P
He looked back at the piece of wood and its Shalussi's solemn face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I see a proud man who looks at an empty future and struggles not to
yield.
.Em
He shook his head, amused by his own, bitter words.
.Bm -t dia
That's what I see, old man.
.Em
.P
Bashak had frowned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
An empty future?
.Em
he repeated.
.Bm -t dia
That not exists but for the people who are dead or those who don't have a
will. A proud man cannot have an empty future.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, really?
.Em
Dashvara smiled with no joy.
.Bm -t dia
And what if the proud man were a dead person? A man with a heart as still as
wood? What kind of future does a branch of a fallen tree have?
.Em
.P
He got up while Bashak was reflecting on his words, and he handed his
sculpture back to him. Bashak shook his head and said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I had hoped to have carved a more cheerful thing, but things are as they are.
Keep this dead-hearted man. And try to revive your own heart, young Xalya.
.Em
.P
Dashvara was about to move away, but his last word made his blood run cold.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What… what did you call me?
.Em
he articulated, glaring at him.
.P
With his serene, wrinkled face, Bashak was smiling.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Only the Ancient Kings and their descendants, the steppe lords, swore by the
Eternal Bird, young man.
.Em
Dashvara went ashen white, just realizing he could not have blundered more. The
old man resumed in a quiet voice:
.Bm -t dia
No Shalussi, no Essimean, no tribe that came later to occupy these lands and
to expel the lords adopted their religion. The Eternal Bird, for many, is a
synonym of domination, slavery, and repression. It's the bloody eagle of a
dark past. Since when does a Shalussi swear by the divinity that repulsed him
to the most arid zones of the steppe for centuries?
.Em
.P
While he was speaking, Dashvara stared at him in dismay. His reason told
him he ought to kill this old man, but his heart cried in pain at the mere
thought of it. An old wise man who smiled at him so sincerely…
.P
He suddenly snarled and approached the old man, his fist clutching the
sculpture. His voice trembled when he spoke:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Repulsed? The Xalyas that were destroyed last week didn't repulse anyone
ever. They were living quietly in their lands, even though these were more
arid and inhospitable than yours. They were living in peace,
.Em
he hissed.
.Bm -t dia
You can't call a man who leads a few hundreds of people a steppe lord. The
Xalyas you all destroyed were honorable men. They were decent men with an
education and a way of life a great deal more advanced than this village of
savages. And the Eternal Bird, fool old man,
.Em
he added with a pulverizing glance,
.Bm -t dia
is not a bloody eagle. It's the symbol of what we called the
.Sm Dahars ,
which implies dignity, trust, and fraternity. That's what
you have destroyed,
.Em
he stammered.
.Bm -t dia
That is what I've lost.
.Em
.P
He remained standing, staring at the old man with the eyes wide open, and
suddenly, he knew he wouldn't kill him. He wouldn't commit the atrocities he
condemned. He was a man of the
.Sm Dahars ,
as Maloven had taught him. The shaard's words he learned as a child still
resounded in his mind:
.Bm -t paroles
Any action that forces you to commit shameful crimes against the Eternal Bird
is shameful, and you must avoid it,
.Em
he had said. Dashvara bowed his head.
.Bm -t penso
My hand will be stained only with criminal blood…
.Em
.P
But according to the tradition of the Xalyas, he also had to obey his Lord
Father, and this one had commanded him, as a final wish, to kill the
chieftains' families. All their members. Regardless of sex or
age. Dashvara hadn't obeyed his father all the time. He had been recurrently
at odds with him, and that was why they had never completely gotten along.
But, this time, it was different.
.P
He raised his eyes to the old man. If Bashak didn't keep his mouth shut, that
meant he was able to kill a man just because he was a Xalya; and, in that case,
he deserved to die. But if he kept his mouth shut…
.P
.Bm -t penso
Am I really going to trust the goodness of a savage?
.Em
.P
He drew a deep breath, and he took a step backwards. As if the move had
recalled him from his self-absorption, the old man slowly got to his feet and
approached him. For a moment, Dashvara thought he was going to get hold of a
hidden dagger and stab him traitorously, but the ancient only opened his arms
and embraced him in a fatherly hug. For some seconds, Dashvara stayed stunned.
Then, he wanted to resist, but… the old man's sadness was unmistakably
sincere.
.P
.Bm -t penso
This man,
.Em
he thought, moved,
.Bm -t penso
is a wise man indeed.
.Em
.P
Suddenly, the pain that burdened his heart spurted, cracked, and shattered
into shreds. Dashvara felt tears trickling down his cheeks, and he felt a little
more alive. He made an ironic face as he was crying.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Oh… excellent. Who would have thought that the last steppe lord would end up
crying on the shoulder of an old Shalussi. It is almost romantic.
.Em
.P
He drew away before, blushing and passing a sleeve on his eyes. Bashak
gave him a friendly slap on the shoulder and said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have been living for one hundred and twenty years now, and I long ago
decided to give up trying to understand why humans act the way they act. But
what I actually know is that it's no use drowning yourself in your memories…
even though it is impossible to forget them. Go with peace of mind,
.Em
he pronounced.
.Bm -t dia
I judge men by what they are and not by what they represent. Don't fear. I am
a man with concrete ideas,
.Em
he smiled.
.P
Dashvara gave him back a faint smile and inhaled noisily.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thank you. I, too, am a man with concrete ideas.
.Em
He took a surprised glance at the sculpture he was still holding in his hand;
he saw the proud composure of the figure, and unconsciously, he straightened.
.Bm -t dia
Thanks for the present.
.Em
.P
Bashak nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Whatever your future holds, I trust that you will find the right way. Let me
advise you, however,
.Em
he added while the Xalya was taking a step backwards.
.Bm -t dia
Don't stay among the Shalussis. One day, you will accidentally swear by the
Eternal Bird again, and I prefer not to think about what Nanda and his
warriors could do to you then.
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled, recovering his good mood.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will try not to stay here too much longer,
.Em
he promised.
.Bm -t dia
And, if Nanda and his warriors turn against me before I leave, I assure you I
won't let them kill me easily.
.Em
.P
He held up a hand, and he walked down the gentle slope with a strange
lightness in his heart. For some reason, he desired to trust this old
Shalussi. After all, he who doesn't trust anyone can't expect others to
trust him. Avoiding the village, he went straight to Zaadma's house. The sun
was already setting, and the sky was turning red. He heard a joyful song
inside the house.
.P
.Bl -t verse
.It Bom, bom, bom!
.It The flowers, in spring,
.It smile like princesses;
.It all straighten and sing:
.It Bom, bom, bom!
.El
.P
Dashvara smiled, amused, when he saw Zaadma watering her flowers with a lovely
love.
.Ch "When a hand trembles"
The next week, Shalussi life became a routine. Dashvara spent his days working
and training with Rokuish, and although he knew it wasn't a good thing, he had
begun to consider the Shalussi a good comrade. He had not a warrior spirit, he
was a terrible fighter, but his conversations were far from being hollow.
During the breaks, both of them philosophized about the combat art and about
life and death; they talked about concepts, which, from what Rokuish assured,
had brought him more mockeries than friendships in his life.
.D
.Bm -t dia
People mock what they don't understand,
.Em
the Xalya said to him.
.P
Dashvara returned to Zaadma's house exhausted, but his heart grew more and more
alive with every passing day. He could not complain about his hostess: she
set the dinner and didn't ask him to do much more than fill water buckets
in the river. On the second day, as they were talking about plants, Zaadma
expressed her surprise that a nomad Shalussi had heard about
photosynthesis and morjas, the vegetable energy. Dashvara noticed the
curiosity that was gleaming in Zaadma's eyes, and without losing his
self-possession, he answered with the sharpness of a proud Shalussi that, if
he had heard about it, that didn't mean at all he had any interest in her
damned plants. That was possibly what damaged the relation and diminished the
exchanges down to a few words of courtesy in the following days. Dashvara
could not have found a better method to calm her curiosity. On the sixth
day, however, Zaadma broke the silence to ask him to have a bath since his
“smell of wild horse” seemed to her stronger than the scent of flowers in her
house.
.P
The sun was already set when Dashvara went out with, in the hand, a sponge
that was stinking of flowers. He went to the river and
walked along it, upstream. When he arrived near a shrubwood,
he undressed and stepped into the black water; this one did
not even reach his knee. The Moon was dying, and the stars
were lighting the night softly.
.P
Through the shadows, he discerned the distant forms of several people that
were cleaning themselves in the river like him. Dashvara frowned, wondering.
Usually, the Shalussis did not have modesty enough to wait until the sunset
to take a bath. Soon, he got out of the water, put his clothes on, and crossed the
river before going downstream stealthily. There were five people. Five women.
They had just got dressed and were now whispering to each other
on the bank. A few steps away, Dashvara sighted two Shalussi warriors
standing guard.
.P
.Bm -t penso
My people,
.Em
he realized, shivering.
.P
With eagerness, his eyes looked for Fayrah's face. But the night was very
dark, and all the figures seemed alike.
.P
.Bm -t penso
It is better if she doesn't see me,
.Em
he insisted mentally. 
.Bm -t penso
Anyhow, I can't save her yet.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Quit chattering,
.Em
one of the guards suddenly said.
.Bm -t dia
Let's go back.
.Em
.P
The young women immediately fell silent and followed the two guards uphill—up
to where they were imprisoned, in Nanda's house.
.P
Dashvara closed his eyes briefly. When he reopened them, he saw the face of a
young woman turning to the river as though by reflex. Dashvara tensed up.
.P
.Bm -t penso
It's her.
.Em
.P
He felt powerless when he saw her turning again to the shadows. He let her
leave. A knight with honor wouldn't allow anyone to sell her. A knight would
save her after killing Nanda, and he would take her to a safe place before
going on with the revenge.
.P
.Bm -t penso
You said, “the revenge”? And what have you been doing this week, oh Prince of
the Sand? How many criminals have you killed to restore the balance? How many
Xalyas have you avenged with your philosophical exchanges with this Shalussi
“friend”?
.Em
.P
The only thing he had done was hoard as many dried fruits as possible,
anticipating the flight after the murder of Nanda. But he did not know yet
how he was going to kill Nanda: his house was always guarded by at least two
of his most loyal warriors, and unless he managed to steal two sabers from two
sleeping warriors, he could not do anything but… hoard dried fruits.
.P
Dashvara sighed and took the way back, thinking that Orolf had promised to
give him the first saber the next day. With one saber, he could kill a man.
.P
Zaadma's house was already dark when he arrived. With a darkened expression,
he went around to get in through his room window as silently as possible.
.P
At least, this week, he had not had to sleep beneath the olive tree. And he
had not had to punch anyone else. It nearly seemed he was
being housed in a decent home. Dashvara smiled while
contemplating the ceiling.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Tomorrow, I will get my saber.
.Em
.P
His smile widened in the darkness, and he said in a whisper:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Tomorrow, I will leave this village avenged.
.Em
.salto
When he got up the next day, he was surprised to find Zaadma awake. The woman
was braiding her long black hair with nimble fingers; she
smiled at Dashvara when he left the bedroom.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You smell much better,
.Em
she approved.
.Bm -t dia
Now you smell of clean horse.
.Em
.P
Dashvara snorted but didn't take offense.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you say so…
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Trust me. Let's see how long it lasts. How's the job going? Are they ever
going to pay you?
.Em
.P
Dashvara made a face, perceiving her interest.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It doesn't matter,
.Em
Zaadma went on, not letting him answer.
.Bm -t dia
Today, if everything goes well, the caravan from Dazbon will arrive. Did you know
it?
.Em
.P
Dashvara had turned pale. He did know, of course he knew. Nanda had sent the
prisoners to clean themselves to sell them as soon as the merchants came.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, I had no idea. How long they will stay?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not much. They will sell what they can and buy what they're interested in.
And they will come back to Dazbon.
.Em
Zaadma opened her mouth again, hesitated, and then closed it.
.Bm -t dia
Well. I suppose today you'll keep working with the horses.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I won't come back tonight. I have the next watch.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
And, if I'm lucky, I won't come back ever again,
.Em
he added mentally.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ha, what a coincidence,
.Em
Zaadma smiled.
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A coincidence?
.Em
.P
Zaadma seemed to doubt before declaring:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Nanda of Shalussi promised me he would come tonight. As you asked me to warn
you, I warn you. But as you will be outside, I suppose it doesn't bother you.
.Em
Her smile broadened to a grin.
.Bm -t dia
Besides, I'm sure he will come with the hands full of gold after selling the
Xalyas.
.Em
.P
She frowned on seeing Dashvara's glacial expression.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So it's perfect,
.Em
the Xalya said in a voice that was almost quivering in emotion.
.Bm -t dia
I will be in the watchtower. Of course it doesn't bother me.
.Em
.P
He noticed Zaadma's startled look before turning his back on her and stepping
toward the exit.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Have a good day, Zaadma.
.Em
.P
Zaadma didn't respond.
.P
The first thing Dashvara did when he began to climb the village hill was
go to the forge. There, he met Orolf, whose attention was totally focused on
the red snake shape etched in the second saber.
.D
.Bm -t dia
But you've almost finished the second one!
.Em
Dashvara exclaimed, surprised.
.P
The blacksmith lifted his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't hurry. The sabers are finished, but the sheaths are not. Besides, the
artistic touch is still to do. If all the weapons were identical, everything
would be very impersonal.
.Em
.P
Dashvara rumbled lowly and seized the finished saber. He tore the air with a
precise movement. The curved blade was perfectly balanced. A feeling of
exaltation streaked through him as he suddenly felt able to defend himself.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Today, Rokuish and I would like to train with true weapons. Do you mind
if I take the sabers? They are just perfect.
.Em
.P
In fact, Orolf's saber was even lighter than those he had forged himself.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I do mind, boy,
.Em
Orolf replied.
.Bm -t dia
Don't be impatient. Perhaps I finish it tomorrow. Put this saber back.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Please, Orolf,
.Em
Dashvara insisted.
.Bm -t dia
With those wooden sabers, I feel like a child playing at being a warrior.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
A little humility will be good for you,
.Em
Orolf argued.
.P
Dashvara felt the urge to tell him he could go to the deepest hell with his
artistic touch and to explain to him that he actually needed those sabers to
kill his chief, but he kept his mouth shut. After a silence in which he
examined the saber blade and the red snake etched in the steel, he said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
At least give me this one. It is finished, isn't it?
.Em
he muttered as he saw that the blacksmith was unresponsive to his words.
.Bm -t dia
You asked me to drop by here today to pick up the first saber.
.Em
.P
After a silence, Dashvara gave a shrug.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So I take it.
.Em
.P
The blacksmith raised his head. Unexpectedly, he was smiling.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're more insufferable than a west wind, son. Bah. Go with Rokuish to kill
snakes, and let me concentrate.
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled, waved goodbye, and went away with his saber, very pleased.
.P
He found Rokuish in the stable giving hay to the horses, and he showed him the
weapon.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Light like the wind… and fast like a red snake,
.Em
he declared with a wide grin.
.P
The Shalussi made an amused face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I see you woke up in a good mood. But, er, reassure me, you're not thinking
about training with true weapons, are you?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
And why not?
.Em
Dashvara replied, strapping the saber to his belt before helping to feed the
horses.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The last time I trained with a true weapon, I spent a whole week at home
because my arm hurt me so much I was unable to move,
.Em
Rokuish answered.
.P
Dashvara looked at him, startled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Someone hurt you?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not at all. I hurt myself with my own saber.
.Em
.P
For a moment, Dashvara stayed baffled; and then he burst into laughter.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No kidding! Is that true?
.Em
.P
Rokuish sank the pitchfork in the ground, looking embarrassed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hum, yes, it is. I see it makes you laugh like the others.
.Em
.P
Dashvara cleared his throat, trying to suppress his smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, I'm sorry, I mean—
.Em
.P
Rok smiled and grasped the pitchfork again.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I called me an idiot for a good month. And my mother made me promise I
wouldn't touch a true weapon until I don't win a duel with a training saber.
.Em
.P
Dashvara reflected for a moment.
.D
.Bm -t dia
This promise is stupid. Training duels aren't won. You only win when the
adversary dies well and truly.
.Em
.P
Rokuish made a face, and after a silence, he muttered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I suppose you're right. You have the spirit of a warrior. And I, the spirit
of a… horse feeder,
.Em
he smiled.
.P
Dashvara leaned on his pitchfork, and his gaze fixed on the black horse.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's what you think? Well. Maybe. Or maybe not. But, for now, let these
horses eat alone, and let's go to train.
.Em
.P
Rokuish sighed but didn't complain.
.D
.Bm -t dia
On the contrary, you seem to have swallowed a black crow at breakfast,
.Em
Dashvara observed.
.Bm -t dia
See you on the other bank of the river, as usual. Get your saber. Today I'll
teach you the lynx's eye technique.
.Em
.P
He saw Rokuish going back home, and he strode to the river. By mutual
agreement, they both had left Fushek's court and preferred to train far away
from prying looks. Rokuish seemed to fight better when nobody was watching
him.
.P
.Bm -t penso
An attitude tremendously useful for a warrior.
.Em
.P
Truth to tell, Dashvara didn't learn much during those exercises, but they
helped him to keep fit, and they reminded him of the long duels with the
Xalya warriors and with captain Zorvun.
.P
He was almost at the river when he heard neighs, and wheel creaks
against the dry soil. He slightly widened his eyes, and struck into a run,
straight to the river. Soon, he saw the queue of wagons. There weren't many:
in all, there were five, drawn by horses and guided by some merchants. From
what Dashvara had studied, Dazbon was located in the seashore of the Pilgrim
Ocean, about five days away from the Xalya lands on horseback, riding fast.
According to Maloven, to arrive there, one had to cross a wasteland maze of
rock. Dashvara peered, shielding his eyes from the sun. These men from the
port city looked weary, as though they had spent the whole night traveling.
.P
The village had awoken sooner than usual. A cluster of children welcomed the wagons
with screams and smiles. The Shalussi warriors went out of their home, armored
and armed, to make a good impression. Shalussi women were coming up with their
baskets, craning as if they were able to see, through the canvas, the wares
inside the wagons.
.P
The caravan crossed the river and stopped at the foot of the hill. A noise of
voices spread rapidly over the whole area. Dashvara drew nearer to browse the
caravan. The Dazbonish merchants were strange. They wore colorful
dresses and brightly colored turbans, and among them, Dashvara saw one with
long, pointed ears, scaled eyebrows, and slanting eyes. He looked at him
fixedly. As Rokuish was just arriving with his saber unsheathed, Dashvara
grasped his sleeve, and with the other hand, he pointed at the weird being.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is that an elf?
.Em
.P
Rokuish shook his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, I think it's a tiyan.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
A tiyan? Nonsense!
.Em
a voice protested right behind them. Dashvara turned around and saw Andrek,
Rokuish's brother.
.Bm -t dia
He is a ternian. Don't you see he has claws at his hands?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't wonder he can't see them, Andrek,
.Em
Walek replied, approaching.
.Bm -t dia
Your brother is as blind as a bat. Actually, perhaps that's why he wields the
saber like a—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Walek,
.Em
Andrek growled, cutting him off as Rokuish slightly blushed.
.Bm -t dia
We'd best move on. Nanda wants us to escort them here.
.Em
.P
With conflicting feelings, Dashvara saw the two warriors walking away up the
hill. On one hand, he was glad that Nanda intended to sell the Xalyas. That
way, the Shalussis wouldn't be able to revenge themselves on the young women
after losing their chieftain because of a Xalya. But, actually, if everything
turned out well, nobody would know that the culprit was a Xalya… except for
the old Bashak.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are we going to train, or do you aim to buy something?
.Em
Rokuish asked impatiently.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Buy something? I'm out of money, how could I buy anything?
.Em
Dashvara replied, absent-minded.
.P
He was taking glances towards Nanda's house, waiting for the Xalyas
to arrive. Rokuish sighed, but he followed him when he approached one of the
wagons. There were spices, salt, dates, and tens of articles to which Dashvara
wasn't able to give a name. For as long as he could remember, the Dazbonish
merchants had never traveled to the Dungeon of Xalya. The Shalussis had always
blocked their way, and they were the ones who resold the products to the
Xalyas for a fortune.
.Sm -t penso Savage people, but smart ,
Dashvara thought.
.P
At one moment, he leaned over a kind of big, black fruit, and as he noticed
a merchant's piercing look, he drew back and passed to another wagon. In this
one, there were wine barrels.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Truly, you're so, so charming,
.Em
a familiar voice was saying to an older, long-bearded man.
.P
Holding a bottle of wine, Zaadma was giving the merchant a strained smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'd like to give you something more,
.Em
the Dazbonish man said.
.Bm -t dia
I owe you a thousand years of servitude for having saved my wife.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh!
.Em
Zaadma breathed out, sincerely touched.
.Bm -t dia
You're so kind, Shizur. But you've already brought me the moon narcissus. Do
you know it has flowered? I water it every day. And every day, when I water
it, I think about you, your wife, and your sweet children.
.Em
.P
Shizur smiled, though Dashvara noticed a slight frown.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Heh. It's flattering. Does it mean you want to ask me another favor?
.Em
.P
Zaadma made an innocent face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Er, actually, yes.
.Em
.P
She lowered her voice, and Dashvara could not hear what she said, but he saw
surprise on the wine merchant's face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, I dunno if—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Please,
.Em
Zaadma pleaded, joining her both hands and making a soulful face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Okay, okay,
.Em
the merchant yielded.
.Bm -t dia
If that's what you want—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're the best man I ever knew!
.Em
Zaadma exclaimed, and she jumped onto the wagon to embrace him as he laughed.
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes, and when he met Zaadma's gaze, this one winked at
him and vanished among the crowd.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hey, Odek!
.Em
Rokuish called him from another wagon.
.Bm -t dia
Look at that!
.Em
.P
Dashvara approached and took a casual glance at a very well-crafted, white,
small trunk. Next to it, there was a bracelet with a red light that was going
around the metal piece.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Magic,
.Em
he gasped.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Harmonies,
.Em
corrected the merchant sitting on the wagon bench. Dashvara lifted his head and
saw that elf-tiyan-ternian man looking at them with a serene gaze.
.Bm -t dia
The red light turns when it perceives water around.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow, skeptical.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Interesting,
.Em
he just said.
.D
.Bm -t dia
This is a unique piece,
.Em
the merchant went on, raising his voice so that the others would hear him.
.Bm -t dia
A magara that will save your life when you find yourself in the middle of the
desert.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
If it could summon water, I would buy it,
.Em
Dashvara replied, and he moved away because he had just seen the Xalyas
arriving in front of two other wagons. They were ten, dressed in Shalussi
golden tunics, and they were bound and chained. For an instant, it occurred to
Dashvara that this chain could be the one he had helped to forge in the
smithy the last week…
.P
He let out a low snort, and he went around the Xalyas to place himself
behind them, among some Shalussis who were curious to see how the transaction
would turn out. Next to the wagon, Nanda was talking to a tall merchant with
an elegant bearing and piercing eyes. As soon as Dashvara saw him, he abhorred
him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A hundred gold coins for each?
.Em
Nanda looked offended.
.Bm -t dia
But they are the last Xalyas in all Hareka!
.Em
he exaggerated. Dashvara knew full well, as he had seen them, that there were
some more Xalyas distributed among the clans.
.Bm -t dia
The last ladies of the steppe,
.Em
Nanda insisted.
.Bm -t dia
All of them have education, and all know how to write. They each are worth
at least four hundred coins.
.Em
.P
The Diumcilian trader, not turning a hair, passed along the prisoners,
examining them without touching them. The young Xalyas, including Fayrah,
fixed the ground with their eyes. Dashvara swallowed the fury that was
simmering inside him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How can I be sure you are not cheating me?
.Em
the Diumcilian man said.
.Bm -t dia
You, the Xalyas and the Shalussis, have the same features.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't insult me, trader,
.Em
Nanda snapped lowly.
.Bm -t dia
And give a fair price.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
They are ten. If I take the lot, I give you twelve hundred coins. Not any
more.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Two thousand,
.Em
Nanda thundered.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Fifteen hundred,
.Em
the merchant conceded.
.P
A wry grin contorted Nanda's face, and he seemed to be about to accept,
but then he repeated stubbornly:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Two thousand.
.Em
.P
The Diumcilian trader assumed a thoughtful expression and replied in a
teasing voice:
.D
.Bm -t dia
One thousand seven hundred. And that's my final offer.
.Em
.P
Nanda was about to repeat his price, Dashvara saw it, but then, he thought
better of it and offered his hand. The Diumcilian foreigner shook it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That kind of deal calls for a celebration,
.Em
Nanda grinned fiercely.
.Bm -t dia
I invite you to taste the best mutsomo liquor.
.Em
.P
The merchant thanked him for the invitation, commanded his partners to bring
the Xalyas into the shade, and followed the chieftain uphill. When Dashvara
saw them passing by only a few steps away, he felt very clearly the weight of
his saber fastened on his belt, and he thought of the first attacking
movement, fast as a snake…
.P
.Bm -t penso
Eternal Bird! Calm down,
.Em
he ordered himself.
.P
Brusquely, the Xalya grabbed Rokuish's arm and hissed:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let's go training.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
At last!
.Em
Rokuish sighed. Obviously, he considered the trade exchanges even more boring
than the training.
.P
When they arrived at the training field, beyond the river, Dashvara lifted his
saber and fought stronger and quicker than usual, so much that, at one moment,
he caught himself pointing his saber to Rokuish's throat after executing a
Xalya movement. A frightened light flashed in Rokuish's eyes. Surrendering, the
Shalussi dropped his saber to the sandy ground. Dashvara drew a deep breath,
and slowly, he moved the blade away.
.D
.Bm -t dia
This is the lynx's eye technique,
.Em
he explained, expiring air.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You win,
.Em
Rokuish coughed.
.Bm -t dia
Again.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You only win when the adversary dies well and truly,
.Em
Dashvara repeated.
.P
Rokuish looked at him with an apprehensive smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Lucky that you are on my side and not on the enemy's, eh?
.Em
he joked.
.P
Dashvara made a contracted, crooked grin.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What's the enemy's side for you?
.Em
.P
Rokuish stooped down to pick up his saber.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well… I dunno. Now that the Xalyas are gone, I suppose the Akinoas are the
most dangerous tribe. They are sheer savages. They are said
to kill mercilessly and lawlessly.
.Em
.P
Dashvara's smile contorted even more.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's funny. I bet that the Akinoas called the Shalussis savages too. After
all, all of us, in the steppe, are heartless savages, don't you think?
.Em
.P
Rokuish frowned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, I don't think so. I, at least, am not like that. I have a heart, and I
even wonder whether I'd be able to ever kill anyone. And you… Have you
ever killed?
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded, and Rokuish got troubled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I should have guessed. And… didn't you feel guilty, afterwards? Didn't you feel
disgusted with yourself for having put an end to the life of a sentient
being?
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave him a teasing look.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Haven't you ever killed a fly, Rok? Or are your hands as clean as a baby's?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Flies don't think, Odek.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ha! Who told you they don't think?
.Em
he replied.
.P
He caught the Shalussi's bored look, and he sighed, more serious.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I didn't feel guilty,
.Em
he continued.
.Bm -t dia
I killed a bandit who murdered a whole family to steal food. Maybe he was
hungry, and maybe the family refused to feed him, possibly, but let me tell
you I don't repent of having killed him.
.Em
.P
Rokuish breathed out and sat down on the ground, meditative.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Technically, he isn't the only one I've killed,
.Em
Dashvara completed silently.
.Bm -t penso
One day, my patrol also wanted to capture a Shalussi thief in a Xalya farm. He
got aggressive. I wounded him. And he died from his injuries. But I think,
Rok, that speaking about one dead is more than enough for you.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I wasn't talking about such cases,
.Em
the young Shalussi said finally.
.Bm -t dia
I was talking about cases such as the Xalya Dungeon. When the warriors kill
each other to take hold of more pieces of land or… to exterminate a dominant
family. You will probably take me for a coward, but I wouldn't be able to act
like my brother Andrek. I wouldn't be able to obey Nanda just because he gives
me a fistful of gold. I would feel cruel and stupid. In the end, we're all
humans, aren't we? Why wouldn't we be able to reach an agreement without
shedding blood everywhere?
.Em
.P
He closed his mouth, as though he feared he had talked too much. He lowered
his eyes, ashamed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Call me a coward, if you want. You won't be the first, so don't worry.
.Em
.P
Dashvara stared at him, speechless. A thing was clear: perhaps the Shalussi
warriors that worked for Nanda had stupid and cruel fits, as Rokuish said, but
in this village, there were people that really worshiped the Eternal Bird,
even though they didn't know It.
.P
Deeply moved, he squatted down beside Rokuish, laid aside the saber, and put a
hand on the shoulder of the one who, without a doubt, had proven himself to be a
man of the
.Sm Dahars .
.D
.Bm -t dia
He is no coward who refuses cruelty or stupidity,
.Em
the Xalya murmured. He felt that Rokuish lifted his head in surprise. He sat,
crossing his legs, assuming the same wise posture as Bashak.
.Bm -t dia
Someone once taught me that every action that forces you to commit shameful
crimes is shameful in itself. If you want to kill a criminal and you have
to kill innocents for it, you have to give up killing him or choose another
way. If you doubt before an innocent, you are not a coward. If you doubt
before a criminal, you definitely are.
.Em
.P
They kept silent for some seconds. Rokuish seemed to think hard about his
words. Then, a joking smile lit up his face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I just feel like I've been freed from a heavy burden. Next time Andrek calls me
a coward, I will know what to answer.
.Em
He clapped Dashvara on the arm.
.Bm -t dia
Thanks, brother.
.Em
.P
He stood up, and Dashvara did the same, grasping the saber more tightly
than needed.
.P
.Bm -t penso
You're welcome… brother.
.Em
.salto
The merchants of Dazbon were entertaining the Shalussis the whole afternoon,
and when Dashvara and Rokuish went up to the watchtower at night, they could
still see the torches burning around the wagons.
.P
Dashvara rested his elbows on the stone edge of the tower and cast at Rokuish
a sidelong glance. Incomprehensibly, he felt guilty. He had forced him to
train for much longer than usual, and now, the Shalussi was burned out. He
had not complained, not even once; Dashvara had to acknowledge it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have the impression that tonight I will stand guard with an eye closed,
.Em
Rokuish admitted.
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't worry, I'll watch over you as the Moon Tree watched over the Sleeping
Princess.
.Em
.P
Rokuish, however, leaned over the edge beside Dashvara and gazed at the stars.
After a peaceful silence in which Dashvara began to wonder whether it
wouldn't have been better to tire him a bit more, Rokuish spoke:
.D
.Bm -t dia
The old Bashak says that the stars, for the Xalyas, are feathers with eyes of
their bird-god that watch over their believers. I wonder why they think so.
.Em
.P
Dashvara breathed in silently and patiently. He wanted to answer:
.Bm -t penso
The Eternal Bird, Rokuish, is an internal ideal each Xalya has; it's a way of
life, not a god with just one body like the one the Essimeans adore.
.Em
But he kept silent. He knew that the Shalussis had no god and that they
simply adored Nature and, more than anything, beautiful and valuable
things. As the concept of beauty was subjective, their
culture had developed an intense adoration of gold. It
would have been more logical to adore something that could
be eaten. Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Perhaps it is nothing more than a poetic tale to make people dream,
.Em
he said.
.Bm -t dia
I guess children like to look up toward the heavens and think that, up there,
there are feathers with eyes gazing at them from the inside.
.Em
.P
Rokuish seemed to like the explanation, because he did not answer.
.P
.Bm -t penso
If you don't get asleep by yourself, Rokuish, I will have to give you a good
punch, and we both will regret it deeply.
.Em
.P
Trying to hide his nervousness, Dashvara turned his eyes toward the torches
beside the wagons. They were already burning out, he noticed. Then, he saw
Nanda's door opening. The elegant merchant of Dazbon went out. He didn't
return to his wagon; instead, he entered the White Hand. Dashvara narrowed his
eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who is this slave-trader?
.Em
he asked. He didn't try to conceal his repulsion: the Shalussis—even though
they took prisoners—sold them but never used them as slaves themselves. At
least that was something.
.P
Rokuish made a face while stepping away from the wall to sit down on the
ground of the small tower.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He's a guy called Arviyag,
.Em
he answered.
.Bm -t dia
He comes from far away, from Diumcili. He is the owner of the White Hand. He
settled his three workers five months ago, with Nanda's consent, and some
warriors seem to be delighted, but… as for my mother, she scolded my brother
Andrek many times for hanging out at that house. She says he'd better be
more wisely, stop his pranks, and get a true wife from our village.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So I take it you never went in there, did you?
.Em
.P
Rokuish choked on his saliva.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Me? Well… they pushed me inside once. I was distracted,
.Em
he justified himself.
.P
Dashvara shrugged and kept silent, getting more and more nervous. He was
sorely tempted to ask him whether he needed some lullaby to help him sleep.
He contained himself and said no word.
.P
Rokuish had leaned back on the base of the parapet. At first, he seemed to try
keeping awake, but as soon as he closed his eyes, he didn't last long: the
somnolence overcame him, and his breathing became steady.
.P
Dashvara let out a sigh of relief. He felt both tight and light. Soon,
everything would come to an end. He looked at the dark sky, at the terraces,
the White Hand house, and the smithy… He had spent not much more than a week
in Nanda's village, and he already knew he was going to miss quite a few
people: Orolf the blacksmith, even though he had probably forged sabers that
had been used to kill Xalyas; the wise Bashak, the peaceable Rokuish, and even
his mother's endless talk, and Menara's kind glances. And, of course, he
could not forget Zaadma either. After all, she had lodged him, fed him without
anything in return, and she had proven herself to be a kindhearted person.
.P
Dashvara shook his head and set aside all his reflections and doubts.
Nonetheless, he would never miss anything more than his people. He invoked his
memories and Zorvun's lessons.
.P
.Bm -t paroles
To kill by treason is shameful. If a man hurts you, challenge him to a duel to
the death.
.Em
.P
He awaited. He did not have to wait much: soon, Nanda left home, holding a torch.
Behind him, his son followed; he was probably the eldest son, given his
height, though he could not perceive his face. Dashvara guessed he was asking
his father where he was going; gesturing authoritatively, Nanda ordered him to
go back home. Zefrek went back into the house, and when the chieftain found
himself alone, he began to walk downhill.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Now,
.Em
Dashvara told himself.
.Bm -t penso
Cautiously.
.Em
.P
With a fluttering heart, he bent over Rokuish. The Shalussi had removed his
saber to sleep more comfortably.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Sweet dreams, friend.
.Em
.P
He took the weapon. Or rather he stole it.
.P
.Bm -t paroles
He who steals to survive doesn't dishonor his soul,
.Em
Maloven's lenient voice sounded inside him. The Xalya made an ironic smile.
.P
.Bm -t penso
I assure you I only try to survive the Xalyas' revenge, shaard,
.Em
he thought.
.P
Maloven certainly would have disapproved of any slaughter. He would have even
certainly succeeded in forgiving the Shalussis, Akinoas, and Essimeans for their
crimes. Maloven could be a wise man in some ways, but in others, he was a
damned coward… or a visionary.
.P
Anyway, he had no time to care about details of honor.
.P
He went downstairs and left the tower, scanning the shadows. He followed Nanda
through the deserted path and abandoned the hill, moving stealthily. At some
moment, Nanda looked over his shoulder, lifting the torch, as if he had heard
something or as if he wanted to make certain his son wasn't following him.
Crouching close to the ground, Dashvara stayed immobile in the darkness. The
Shalussi chief, looking not anxious at all, resumed his walking. They reached
Zaadma's olive tree, and Dashvara immediately frowned, startled on sighting
one of the Dazbonish wagons in front of the house. Nanda paused, as though
surprised too.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Are you intending to wait till the Shalussi goes into Zaadma's house to kill
him, you bloody fool?
.Em
he suddenly asked himself.
.P
Silently, Dashvara unsheathed Rokuish's saber. He laid the scabbard on the
ground and took a step forward, ready to kill. Now his body was moving with
the slowness of a snake that awaits the opportune time to strike.
.P
.Bm -t paroles
To kill by treason is shameful,
.Em
thundered Zorvun's voice in his memories.
.P
He clenched his teeth.
.Bm -t penso
And why should I care? The Shalussis killed the Xalyas by treason, forming
an alliance with the Essimeans and the Akinoas. They are the real murderers.
Nanda is the murderer. Besides, if I want to leave this place alive, I can't
make an uproar that sounds all over the village.
.Em
Hadn't his lord father said that there was no rule and no mercy that could stop
him?
.P
Suddenly, the door flew open, and Zaadma appeared into view, holding a flower
pot in her arms. The young woman stopped short on seeing Nanda. Dashvara
crouched in the shadows.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why, I… I didn't expect you so soon,
.Em
Zaadma apologized.
.Bm -t dia
I'm just, er—
.Em
.P
She fell silent, and stepping a little forward, she laid the pot in the wagon,
in which there was already a good heap of plants. Dashvara's eyes widened.
Was she going somewhere?
.P
Nanda had become tense.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What's that?
.Em
he demanded to know loudly.
.Bm -t dia
You're not intending to leave, are you?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Me?
.Em
A troubled smile curved Zaadma's mouth.
.Bm -t dia
Not at all. Well, I do, but…
.Em
Her characteristic self-confidence seemed to have vanished. Dashvara got
worried when Nanda went closer to her.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You won't go anywhere,
.Em
the Shalussi hissed.
.P
Zaadma's skin turned red.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Go find another apothecary, or show your warriors who you truly are,
Shalussi!
.Em
she replied briskly. She closed her mouth.
.Bm -t dia
I mean,
.Em
she went on in a honeyed voice.
.Bm -t dia
I'm grateful for your protection and your money, but as I already told you,
if the pain that afflicts you has become stronger than my potions, there is
nothing I can do.
.Em
.P
She fell silent again, but this time it wasn't because of indecision but
because her eyes had just met Dashvara's.
.P
In any case, Nanda was too upset to notice anything. He stepped forward and
squeezed Zaadma's arm roughly. Dashvara moved and sneaked forward.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Bring back these plants home,
.Em
the Shalussi commanded in a threatening voice.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let go of me!
.Em
Zaadma protested.
.Bm -t dia
I can't do anything more for you. I'm sorry.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I've killed a lot of men,
.Em
Nanda growled.
.Bm -t dia
I've given you my gold. I've given you everything you asked for. I've
protected you from the other warriors. What do you want from me, woman? Do
you expect me to kneel before you? I'd sooner kill you and kill myself after.
You have asked me too much. Give me that potion and those plants!
.Em
he barked out.
.Bm -t dia
Answer and tell me which of them is the remedy. Answer at once!
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
There is no absolute remedy, Nanda!
.Em
Zaadma cried.
.Bm -t dia
I'll give you the remedy's secret. But promise me that, then, you will allow
me to leave and you won't kill me.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You want me to leave you alive, woman bastard? Despite all you know?
.Em
.P
Zaadma breathed out, daunted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's a disease, Nanda. You don't have to feel ashamed of that—
.Em
She gave a muffled scream of fright and hurried backwards when Dashvara crept
up on the Shalussi leader and put a saber on his throat and another on his
back.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You move, I kill you, Nanda,
.Em
he whispered; his voice was so bitterly cold and calm that he even scared
himself.
.P
Nanda gasped but recovered his composure with a promptness worthy of respect.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who are you?
.Em
he croaked.
.P
Dashvara grinned fiercely. Zaadma, half sheltered in her house, gagged herself
with both hands not to scream. At least she didn't run away to alert all the
villagers. Dashvara licked his lips, and he murmured:
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you really want to know, I'm Dashvara of Xalya, son of Vifk—
.Em
.P
He did not finish his sentence. Scarcely had Nanda given a hint of a desperate
movement as he realized he would not come out alive when Dashvara gave a clear
cut and let the Shalussi tumble down to the ground. In his dreams, he had felt
happy and free after accomplishing his revenge. But seeing Nanda dead, he felt
nothing. Only a vast emptiness.
.P
He stared at Nanda's torch flame, he squatted, and he put it out rubbing
it against the soil. Only the candlelight inside the house kept them away
from the complete night darkness.
.D
.Bm -t dia
.Sm -t erare Aswua masjak tarnatar ,
.Em
Dashvara pronounced lowly.
.P
Shadows do not deny death, the Ancient Kings said. But they were able to
hide it.
.P
After a silence, he noticed Zaadma's uneven, quick breathing.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why did you do it?
.Em
the young woman finally stammered.
.Bm -t dia
Did you really intend to save my life?
.Em
.P
Dashvara breathed in and out several times before looking up at her.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Save your life? Well, er… Why not? I mean, yes,
.Em
he rectified, embarrassed.
.Bm -t dia
I did. But not only.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
But not only,
.Em
Zaadma repeated in a whisper. She had dropped to her knees, on the threshold,
dead scared, but she managed to get to her feet.
.Bm -t dia
Are you really who you said you are? Dashvara of Xalya? The steppe lord?
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave her a dark look.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am no lord. I only came here to avenge my family.
.Em
.P
Zaadma lowered her gaze at Nanda's corpse; her lips quivered slightly, and
then she shook her head slightly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Come to think of it, that makes a lot of sense. Your strange behavior, the
things you did not know… Demons, I should have suspected. Know what? I'm glad.
I'm glad I've let you stay at my house. Without you, Nanda would have probably
killed me. He couldn't stand the thought of depending on a foreigner.
.Em
.P
A chill went up Dashvara's spine, and he withdrew his eyes from the corpse.
Speaking in such an unpleasant place made him shiver quite a bit.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So. He was ill?
.Em
.P
Zaadma nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He had chronic spasms, and in my opinion, he wasn't going to live much more
than a couple of months. My potions didn't quite neutralize the disease
symptoms anymore, and that was driving Nanda terribly mad.
.Em
She paused.
.Bm -t dia
Even if I had told him what ingredients the potion has, he
wouldn't have been able to make it by himself. The remedy I
administered to him was a celmist potion that required
brulic and essenciatic energy.
.Em
.P
For an instant, Dashvara forgot Nanda and looked at Zaadma, stunned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're a wizard?
.Em
.P
Zaadma smiled faintly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am a celmist. In a way, I'm an alchemist. And now, if you don't mind… Well,
actually I was thinking about leaving tomorrow with the merchants after having
convinced Nanda to let me leave, but
.Em
—she cleared her throat—
.Bm -t dia
it would be better if we move away right now, because when the warriors find
Nanda, I guess they will not appreciate so much what you have done.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
An alchemist,
.Em
Dashvara thought in a daze. According to Maloven, the alchemists were capable
of doing wonders with plants. He dropped a perplexed gaze to Nanda of Shalussi.
This man… had been at the mercy of Zaadma's remedies. Who would have thought?
.D
.Bm -t dia
Odek!
.Em
Zaadma rushed him.
.P
That jolted Dashvara out of his thoughts. They dragged the corpse behind a
bush so that it could not be seen easily from the hill in daylight, and when he
saw Zaadma hurrying to and fro, carrying her plants from her house to the
wagon, his face screwed up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What the hell are you doing?
.Em
he inquired, bemused.
.Bm -t dia
I hope you're not plannig on bringing all these plants with
you, are you?
.Em
.P
Zaadma gave back an arrogant look.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's exactly what I'm planning to do,
.Em
she replied.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you mad?
.Em
Dashvara sprung in disbelief as he followed her.
.Bm -t dia
If you leave and I leave too, they won't know who has killed him. If they
think you are guilty, and if you run off with all that stuff, they will catch
you.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, what a smart boy, I didn't even think about it,
.Em
she responded sarcastically as she was putting a big pot full of kalreas in
the wagon. She turned to Dashvara, arms akimbo.
.Bm -t dia
If you cared so much about my safety, you could have killed
him somewhere else and not in front of my house. Now would
you quit complaining and help me take the bare necessities?
Hitch the two horses to the carriage.
.Em
.P
Dashvara had planned to take, from under his bed, the bag he had prepared, run
to the stable, steal the black horse, and leave. He hadn't planned to flee
with a crazy woman in a wagon full of flowers and barrels. He felt
overwhelmed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What horses?
.Em
he asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Those that are tied behind the house. They're Shizur's, you see, the wine
merchant. He lent me one of his wagons for the way back.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
The way back?
.Em
Dashvara echoed weakly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Quit asking, will you?
.Em
Zaadma's voice grunted from the inside of the house.
.P
Dashvara sighed. He put the sabers in the carriage and walked around the
house. When he found the horses, he drew their reins and managed to guide
them to the right place. Right after, he cast an inquisitive look at the front
of the wagon. He had never tied a horse up to such a big wooden contraption.
.P
So he just tied them clumsily to a pole so that they wouldn't move, and he
entered the house to pick up his bag and the blanket. When he went out, Zaadma
was carrying her splendorous and flowering moon narcissus with both hands as
if she were holding the world's soul. She got on the wagon with an expression
of intense concentration, and she put down her treasure between two barrels.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You will be fine here,
.Em
she smiled.
.P
Dashvara put his bag on a barrel, and he was about to explain his problem with
the horses when Zaadma growled:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't put it there. If it falls, it will crush my narcissus!
.Em
.P
Dashvara sighed loudly and placed the bag farther.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is it fine here?
.Em
he inquired, exasperated.
.Bm -t dia
Good. Now, tell me, how would you hitch the horses to the carriage?
.Em
.P
The woman looked at him, glanced at the horses, and then lifted her eyes to
the heavens as if pleading for mercy.
.D
.Bm -t dia
We are going to go very far harnessing them like that, for sure.
.Em
She got down and hitched up the horses promptly as she commanded:
.Bm -t dia
Get these torches, but don't light them.
.Em
.P
Holding back a reply, Dashvara fetched the torches. Then, he went where they
had laid Nanda, and averting his eyes from the face, he commandeered the
sheathed saber, the belt, and the coin purse. When he came back to the wagon,
Zaadma had just finished fastening the reins. She looked at him gloomily.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You have… looted a corpse?
.Em
.P
Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I've already lost my honor tonight by stealing the saber of a friend.
.Em
.P
Zaadma raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, well. Let's get going, then.
.Em
.P
She shook the reins, and the horses started to advance. They went far around
the village, going upstream along the river before crossing it and jogging the
horses through the dry, dark earth. Now a Gem's blue beam was gleaming in the
sky, replacing the Moon almost dead, but the light was so dim they could
scarcely see where they were going.
.P
After a silence, Dashvara let out a deep sigh.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So I have killed a man who was about to die in any case. That's kind of
ironic,
.Em
he mumbled.
.P
Zaadma kept her eyes fixed ahead. She seemed to have recovered from all this
mess a great deal faster than Dashvara.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If that may reassure you, besides killing a man, you have probably saved my
life,
.Em
she said after a pause.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Wait just a couple of days before affirming it,
.Em
Dashvara replied.
.P
He glanced back. He could see nothing. There was no burning torch.
For all that, he barely managed to relax. He was not foolish enough to dream and
hope that the Shalussis would let the murderers of their chief live. They were
savages, yet they had honor.
.P
Dashvara breathed in the night air.
.P
.Bm -t penso
I can't die,
.Em
he told himself.
.Bm -t penso
Not yet.
.Em
.Ch "A tear of gratitude"
When Dashvara awoke, the first thing he saw was a silver flower with two
blue antennas hanging a palm away above his eyes. He stiffened and
sneezed violently. When he sat up, he more or less shook all the jungle
that was surrounding him. After noticing that one of the white petals had
fallen from the flower, Dashvara took it and shoved it into his pocket with an
innocent face. Then, he frowned on noticing a detail. The wagon wasn't
moving.
.P
Zaadma was crooning at the rear of the carriage. Dashvara saw her watering the
flowers with a water bottle, and he grumbled lowly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How long have we been stopped?
.Em
he asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good morning, sir Xalya,
.Em
Zaadma greeted him without answering.
.P
Dashvara straightened, forced himself to be patient, and stepped out of the
wagon. The landscape was more similar to that of the Xalya lands: sparse
grass through and through, and endless hills. There was no tree in view. He
stroked the heads of the horses. He had to admit that both had deserved a good
rest.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you going to drain all the water we have?
.Em
Dashvara inquired, moving to the rear of the wagon.
.P
Zaadma shook her head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
We only have two water bottles. I'm using wine.
.Em
.P
For an instant, Dashvara remained confused, and then he grasped it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of course. The wine merchant. So aside from the cart and the horses, he gave
you his merchandise.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Only one barrel. This one has my belongings. And that one is empty.
Besides, he didn't ‘give’ them to me. Shizur lent me the wagon and the horses
this night so I could put the plants inside. I was supposed to travel back
with him the next day…
.Em
A light of guilty flickered in her eyes.
.Bm -t dia
I fear our friendship is going to suffer a hard blow after all this.
.Em
.P
Again, Dashvara's eyes swept around. The sun had risen about one or two hours ago,
he estimated. Over their heads, the sky was blue, but the northeast was dark.
Dashvara narrowed his eyes, observing the phenomenon with a nasty premonition.
The clouds were approaching fast.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Zaadma,
.Em
he pronounced.
.Bm -t dia
A storm is about to burst upon us.
.Em
.P
She looked where the Xalya was pointing at, and her face became thoughtful.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I think this wine doesn't pick the flowers up. We have an empty barrel. We
could put it outside.
.Em
.P
Dashvara stared at her.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And wait calmly until it gets full while the Shalussis are searching for us?
.Em
He shrugged.
.Bm -t dia
I'll go untie a horse and keep going alone. If you're longing to die, no
problem, I will leave you alone with your plants and your barrels—
.Em
.P
Zaadma grumbled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Okay, okay! We will set the wagon tilt backwards. If it doesn't blow too much,
we will be able to go on and fill the barrel with rain at the same time.
.Em
.P
Dashvara made no objection, and while Zaadma slightly untied the hood and
opened the water barrel, he got up again into the wagon, glancing darkly at
the black clouds. He encouraged the horses with the reins, and they continued.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where exactly are we going?
.Em
he asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you really care about such a trivial matter now?
.Em
.P
Dashvara took another glance at the clouds.
.D
.Bm -t dia
All night, you've gone straight to the southwest,
.Em
he observed.
.Bm -t dia
I guess you plan to cross the Rocky Maze to go to Dazbon.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
The Rocky Maze?
.Em
Zaadma repeated, amused.
.Bm -t dia
Is it how you, the Xalyas, call it? Come on, there are signals indicating
the way. It's impossible to get lost.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow but didn't answer. For now, the most important
thing was to leave the Shalussi lands behind as far as it was possible.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Now only three are alive,
.Em
he thought cheerfully.
.Bm -t penso
Lifdor of Shalussi. Shiltapi of the Akinoas. Todakwa of the Essimean clan…
At this rate, if I don't die, I will kill them all within a year, and what
then?
.Em
.P
A sudden wind began to blow, and the first raindrops fell. No thunder could
be heard, and no bolt could be seen, but the rainfall lasted long. The rain
got stronger, and Zaadma grew livelier, looking each second at the inside of
the barrel to see how it was getting full. At one moment, she even had the
idea of keeping the water with the wagon tilt, and she untied it completely to
bind it again so as to let the water flood into the barrel. The wind was
getting up, and Zaadma was swearing and growing more upset
against the gusts by the minute. When Dashvara heard a louder scream beyond the gale, he
turned, exasperated, handling the reins with one hand and clutching a bench
edge with the other to keep his balance. He breathed out loudly when he
noticed that the wagon tilt had blown away through the grassland, and he let
out a loud guffaw.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My plants!
.Em
Zaadma shrieked despairingly.
.P
She embraced several pots, trying to protect them from the gusts, which were
growing more and more violent. Dashvara pulled at the reins when he saw one of
the horses taking a step aside, pushed by the wind. It sure would have been a
pity if the animal got hurt. He got down, bending against the wind, and he
scanned the plain, searching for the wagon tilt. This one had flown away to
the ends of the world, he determined. Besides, the wind was still dragging it
farther away. He shrugged and approached the horses to calm them.
He whispered some peaceful words in their ears, and when he heard Zaadma utter
an exclamation, he wondered with amusement whether the same technique would
work on the alchemist too.
.P
Finally, the wind slowed down, and the storm blew itself out, leaving behind
an unquiet breeze, a smell of wet soil, and an odd silence.
.P
The horses snorted. Dashvara gave both of them a friendly slap on their
nose, and he went back up to the wagon, soaked. Zaadma was hugging her
narcissus, her eyes closed and her braid tangled. Tears were trickling down
her cheeks, and Dashvara felt concerned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Zaadma? Zaadma! Are you all right?
.Em
.P
When Zaadma opened her eyes, her terrible look made him fall silent.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I myself am fine,
.Em
she said. She paused, and then sobbed:
.Bm -t dia
But my flowers…
.Em
.P
Dashvara furrowed his brow and glanced at the moon
narcissus. It seemed it had survived. Then he glanced at the
rest, and he made a face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I see. What a mess.
.Em
.P
All the stalks were completely flattened, and the wagon floorboard was covered
with petals. Zaadma took a deep breath as if trying to recover her
self-possession. She seemed so shocked that Dashvara instinctively drew
closer to comfort her. Zaadma jolted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't come any closer! The narcissus is now all I have.
.Em
.P
Dashvara desisted and kept silent for a moment. Finally, he said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, shall I throw these pots away?
.Em
.P
The murderous glare Zaadma gave back recommended him not to go on talking
about her plants.
.D
.Bm -t dia
All right,
.Em
the Xalya muttered.
.P
He went back to the front, and he was just about to spur on the horses when
Zaadma complained:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why did I ever have to remove the wagon tilt?
.Em
.P
Dashvara glanced at her over his shoulder. After a hesitation, he smiled and
pronounced:
.D
.Bm -t dia
In life, you have to take a lot of decisions, and sometimes you're wrong.
That's all.
.Em
.P
He shook the reins, and the wagon started moving. It passed maybe an hour
until Zaadma decided to come and sit down beside him. She seemed to have
recovered herself.
.D
.Bm -t dia
At least my narcissus has survived,
.Em
she said, putting things in perspective.
.Bm -t dia
You don't know how many wonders you can do with a moon narcissus. The ancient
alchemists said you could even cause resurrection with a lot of practice.
Well, they are just legends, you know, but I assure you that you can do
wonders with a moon narcissus.
.Em
She paused, and then she added in a trembling voice:
.Bm -t dia
And with my kalreas I'd be able to concoct a remedy against intestinal
infections…
.Em
Her voice cracked, and she sniffed loudly.
.Bm -t dia
With that invention, I'd be able to get the consideration of the most important
alchemists in Dazbon. Wait—what am I saying?
.Em
she sighed sharply.
.Bm -t dia
What I really needed was a remedy against stupidity.
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled as Zaadma was adding in a whisper:
.D
.Bm -t dia
We'd best have brought Nanda's corpse with us instead of…
.Em
She sighed again, noisily.
.Bm -t dia
Come to think of it, maybe it would have been a better idea.
At least it wouldn't have been blown away as my flowers were.
.Em
.P
Dashvara's smile widened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Indeed,
.Em
he answered,
.Bm -t dia
all we needed was to travel with a corpse buried among pots. Now, now! Don't
distress yourself.
.Em
He touched his drenched headscarf and added:
.Bm -t dia
Know what? I'm glad to see your interests are not limited to money. You could
have told me you were an alchemist.
.Em
.P
Zaadma put a proud face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And so you would have thought better of me? Just for a matter of job? In Dazbon,
I was an alchemist apprentice. But I was such a foolish girl. I used to carry
out forbidden experiments that led to nothing but more problems; I ran away
from the Celmist Citadel to go into the gambling houses; once, I even
pretended to be a healer when I was sixteen. As a student, I was a complete
disaster. Believe you me. And then I got into trouble, and when I fell in love
with that Shalussi, Aldek, I made the most tremendous mistake a sajit can
make in his whole life.
.Em
.P
Sajit, Dashvara repeated to himself, thoughtful. He remembered that Maloven
sometimes used the term sajit to refer to an ensemble of races that included
humans but also elves, ternians, dwarves, tiyans… However, all his childhood,
Dashvara had never seen anything but steppe humans. And he was not accustomed
to hearing the word “sajit”. Unlike Zaadma, he observed. Naturally: she was a
republican.
.D
.Bm -t dia
When those savages captured me, those who made me hate wine, everything changed,
.Em
Zaadma proceeded, absorbed.
.Bm -t dia
Two goodhearted Akinoas found me. They took me to their village when I was
half-dead, and when I recovered… I convinced myself that it was less dangerous
to stay on the steppe than to return to Dazbon. In Dazbon, I got in a little
trouble, you know,
.Em
she explained evasively.
.Bm -t dia
So I spent several months traveling from village to village, and from farm to
farm. And one day, some women kicked me out of their house. I left quite
injured and without water and that. And then, I bumped into Walek. He really
saved my life, because I had already resigned myself to death. He took me to
Nanda's village, he lodged me, and he took care of me like I'd been a little
girl.
.Em
Tenderness relaxed her face.
.Bm -t dia
He fell madly in love with me. I can't deny that, at first, I seduced
him on purpose so that he would continue to protect me. The poor man has a
heart more tender than a petal of siseliad, though he sure is ‘a Shalussi with
honor’,
.Em
she teased. She sighed, gloomy.
.Bm -t dia
In the end, his family told him that our wedding was unacceptable because I
was not a Shalussi. Obviously, he bent to the wise people's will. Believe me,
among the Shalussi customs, there are some ones very worthy of respect, but
other ones are deadly ridiculous.
.Em
.P
She cleared her throat and continued:
.D
.Bm -t dia
The next day, Nanda came personally to tell me he offered me a house if I
leave Walek alone. As if I had been the culprit of everything! Walek took it
like a punch in his stomach, and small wonder he did: his chief was trying to
keep us both apart with the obvious purpose of turning me into his lover! The
devils know how much time it took me to console him. He swore he was going to
kill Nanda, and I made him swear he wouldn't.
.Em
She gave Dashvara a vague look.
.Bm -t dia
I long ago realized that you, the steppe people, settle everything by stabbing
each other.
.Em
.P
Dashvara said nothing, and she went on more cheerfully:
.D
.Bm -t dia
So you can imagine what happened next. I realized that Nanda had spasms and
that he had breathing disorders. I offered to help him, not for compassion, but
for blackmailing him. He was a hypocrite man, greedy to the bones, but he
was rich, and I could get from him what I wanted as long as I gave him what
he asked for. I had a hold over him, and he had a hold over me.
.Em
She paused, and then she smiled.
.Bm -t dia
That foolish barbarian was superstitious. Ever since I made up the potion for
him, he was afraid of me because he had taken me for a Witch of the Darkness,
you know, those whom the Essimeans adore.
.Em
She giggled.
.Bm -t dia
I never enlightened him. Well, I believed that after some time his health
would get better: he was young, he was scarcely fifty years old. I believed
that, one day, he wouldn't need me and would let me come back to Dazbon with a
good reward.
.Em
.P
Zaadma fell silent. Dashvara had been furrowing his brow as she spoke. He was
getting the impression that this woman was as cunning and devious as a witch.
She seduced Walek, then blackmailed Nanda… On reflection, would it be so
unlikely if she was in fact the culprit of that damned disease the Shalussi
chieftain suffered from? Nonetheless, it was clear that she had not been very
fortunate in her life, and Dashvara knew that any person, if desperately in
need, was likely to turn into a blessed demon.
.P
After a long silence, Dashvara whispered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
But his health didn't get better, and he didn't allow you to leave.
.Em
.P
Zaadma nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That damn fool was convinced that I knew the absolute remedy for his disease and
that I was keeping it for myself.
.Em
Tears came into her eyes, and her jaw tightened.
.Bm -t dia
‘I've protected you from the other warriors’,
.Em
she pronounced in an ironic voice, repeating the Shalussi's words.
.Bm -t dia
This man lied more than he spoke. Yet, to be honest, I was the one who seduced
voluntarily several Shalussi warriors to obtain their protection, because… you
know, I wanted to go back to Dazbon. So, at first, I drew up a plan to coax
some strong warrior, tell him about Nanda's disease as soon as I could trust
him, and then convince him to kill Nanda. But I never dared put into practice
my project because I was scared of being uncovered by Nanda. You can't imagine
how happy I am that you killed him.
.Em
.P
Dashvara felt uneasy. He kept his gaze fixed toward the horizon. Why the devil
was Zaadma telling him her story with all the details?
.Sm -t penso Because she is a compulsive talker, perhaps? ,
suggested a teasing voice in his head. After a silence, Zaadma let out a
chuckle.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, well, who would have guessed that a savage would take me to Dazbon?
.Em
.P
Dashvara half suppressed a grimace.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My purpose is not to go to Dazbon.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
But this is my wagon, and the narcissus, the wine, and these horses will go
where I want them to go,
.Em
Zaadma warned him.
.P
Dashvara gave a hint of a smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's Shizur's wagon, not yours.
.Em
He glanced over his shoulder and confirmed:
.Bm -t dia
Anyway, I don't intend to steal your wagon nor your horses.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, really?
.Em
Zaadma frowned suspiciously.
.Bm -t dia
So you will travel on foot?
.Em
.P
Dashvara's smile widened while looking at the dust cloud on the horizon.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not on foot,
.Em
he answered.
.Bm -t dia
On horseback.
.Em
.P
Zaadma followed his gaze and turned pale.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The Shalussis? They are pursuing us?
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded and slightly held back the reins.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why, what are you doing?
.Em
Zaadma objected, her voice trembling in panic.
.Bm -t dia
If you slow down, they will catch us!
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Two horses with a wagon cannot go faster than a band of Shalussi horsemen,
.Em
Dashvara explained calmly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So we're going to die,
.Em
Zaadma sighed after a pause.
.P
Dashvara smiled sadly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you afraid?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Me?
.Em
Zaadma gulped.
.Bm -t dia
Aren't you too?
.Em
.P
Dashvara kept smiling, even though, deep down, he had to admit that, despite
the fact he had spiritually died about two weeks ago, he felt apprehensive.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Could you do me a favor?
.Em
he replied without answering.
.Bm -t dia
Clear the floorboard.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Clear the…
.Sm what ?
.Em
Zaadma snorted, looking at him with a face of disbelief.
.Bm -t dia
Hey, wait! Please tell me you're not going to fight them.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
They come to kill me. We won't get a chance to negotiate, and I won't bow
down and let them kill me, so, have you a better idea?
.Em
.P
Zaadma did not answer, and after a moment of hesitation, she rose to her trembling feet
and went to put the carriage in order. Minutes later, Dashvara looked
back. Now he could make out dark shapes from afar, galloping at full
speed. He lowered his eyes and grunted under his breath.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I told you to clear the zone, not to arrange it.
.Em
.P
Zaadma glared at him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm not going to throw the pots out.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Okay, if you don't, I'll do it.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't you dare!
.Em
.P
They looked at each other, unfriendly. Finally, Zaadma opened the barrel with
rainwater and began throwing the pots inside along with the
plants. Dashvara watched her in astonishment.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I begin to doubt you haven't lost your reason far away,
.Em
he commented.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My reason is fine, thank you,
.Em
she retorted.
.P
Zaadma continued emptying and stacking pots. After a while, Dashvara was
able to calculate how many horsemen were pursuing them. They were five. He
had expected that there would be more men willing to avenge Nanda's death.
But perhaps that was only the advance party. Anyway, five were more than
enough to put an end to one man's life. Dashvara frowned. The Shalussis were
drawing closer fast. They would catch up with them too soon. He encouraged the
horses, and these set off at a trot. Then, he called Zaadma:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hold the reins!
.Em
.P
The alchemist was protecting her moon narcissus as best as possible, putting
it between the barrels. There were still several pots on the floorboard.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Forget this damned plant if you want to live,
.Em
Dashvara hissed.
.P
Zaadma snatched the reins roughly. Fear showed in her widened eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have a nasty feeling that we are going to die, and I hate this impression.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Make sure the horses keep pace,
.Em
Dashvara just said before jumping to his feet and grasping Orolf's saber with
one hand and Nanda's with the other.
.P
He went at the rear and took down the three wooden bows that had been holding
the tilt: they could only hinder him from moving his best, and the slightest
saber blow would have broken them anyway. He strained his eyes. The hooves
against the ground were thundering louder and louder. He could not recognize
the faces from so far away, but he easily recognized one of the horses.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Zefrek son of Nanda, you come to get revenge,
.Em
he understood with a shiver. The black horse was galloping ahead, leading the
warriors to a doubtless victory.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You can't kill them all, Xalya,
.Em
Zaadma said.
.P
Dashvara nodded gravely.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Probably.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Pfft, ‘Probably’ he says,
.Em
Zaadma mumbled.
.Bm -t dia
Crazy savage…
.Em
.P
Now he could clearly distinguish the faces of the two closest riders. One of
them was a man not much older than Dashvara, and he had the same Nanda's
rugged features. The other was one of the most loyal warriors of Nanda.
.P
Zefrek let out a Shalussi war howl when he was about twenty paces away from the
wagon. Dashvara saw him lifting his hand, and he rumbled, throwing himself
down onto the floorboard.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Zaadma, duck down!
.Em
.P
She hadn't time to move. Fortunately, the knife thrown by that damned Shalussi
wasn't aimed at her: it flew just over Dashvara's head and went to bury itself
into one of the barrels. Swiftly dropping one of his sabers, Dashvara drew the
knife back, and a jet of wine spurted out. He hurled the weapon at the other
rider. Thanks to captain Zorvun, he had trained his ability to launch knives,
but he had never stood out as he did with the sabers. That's why he was
taken aback when the knife lodged into the saber arm, and losing his balance,
the warrior fell down to the ground, yelling; soon, he was left far behind.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well done!
.Em
Zaadma congratulated him in a high-pitched voice.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Go faster!
.Em
Dashvara asked as he saw Zefrek about to overtake them.
.P
Zaadma shook the reins, and the horses doubled their efforts. The wagon wheels
were turning at breakneck speed. The slightest hole in the ground could cause
a full and unheard-of disaster.
.P
Zefrek rode closer, brandishing his saber, and Dashvara launched him one of
the removed wooden bows. On the other side of the wagon, Andrek executed a
twirl with his weapon, and Dashvara, seizing one of the pots, hurled it at him
with all his might. It did not hit him but the horse, and this one must be
in pain because it reared, and Andrek had to concentrate on getting control of
his mount. He was left behind. Dashvara felt sorry for the horse.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't throw more pots away, for the Divinity's sake!
.Em
Zaadma screamed.
.Bm -t dia
There are gold coins in them…
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised his eyebrows. At that instant, on the spur of the moment,
Zefrek foolishly launched himself from his black horse and nimbly landed on
the wagon. Zaadma let out a cry.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I've said nothing! You kill them all!
.Em
.P
Dashvara crouched hastily to pick up the second saber again. He met the
Shalussi's eyes, and he shivered.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You have killed my father,
.Em
Zefrek barked out.
.P
Dashvara gave him a thoughtful look.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I've only soothed his pains,
.Em
he corrected him.
.P
And he attacked. And he slipped and nearly fell: the floorboard was being
overflowed with wine because of the broken barrel, and the wood was getting
damp and sticky. He avoided a shield blow and regained his balance, praying to
the Eternal Bird for being fortunate enough to survive.
.P
Zefrek gave a savage shout. And he sprung on him.
.P
Dashvara dodged and counterattacked, but Zefrek blocked the blow with his
shield. Suddenly, the wagon turned to the right, and Dashvara hissed, not
daring to look backwards, but he guessed that Andrek was attempting to stop
the horses. Zaadma screamed, and for an instant, it seemed that the wagon was
about to overturn… Dashvara and Zefrek kept their balance, but not the broken
barrel, which fell over and began to roll toward the rear. Dashvara was
narrowly carried away. Gushing more and more wine, the barrel hit Zefrek, who
was trying to keep standing. Burdened with his shield, the Shalussi was so
focused on avoiding the cask he got distracted.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Never lose sight of your enemy.
.Em
.P
Zefrek received an empty pot right in the face that left him dazed. Dashvara
thrust at him, sabered his hand causing a deep slash, disarmed him, and pulled
him backwards against the edge boards, which were jamming the fallen barrel.
He was going to throw him overboard, off the wagon, when unexpectedly, Zefrek
woke himself up and banged him with the shield. Dashvara miraculously dodged
it and got puzzled when he realized that Zefrek had just dropped it. He had
scarcely time to perceive a metallic flash before the dagger stabbed his
side. He let out a painful roar, and he was going to deal a lethal saber blow
to the Shalussi when the boards suddenly collapsed, and they both fell down
out of the wagon. Dashvara violently jolted against the ground and rolled over
and over on the soil, gulping dust. A scream was heard, followed by a bang of
broken wooden mixed with a loud, explosion-like noise. When Dashvara felt he
had stopped rolling, he opened his eyes, dizzy, his side burning him like
fire. He had to get up if he didn't want to die, he reminded himself.
.P
That was much easier said than done. When he managed to pick himself up, he
thought he had just climbed at full speed all the stairs of the Xalya Dungeon
with a bag loaded with stones. He did not dare take a look at his wound, so he
lifted his eyes. And then he stared at the wagon, astonished. The front part
had vanished, so to speak. Zaadma was ridden one of the two horses and had
left the destroyed wagon behind her, as well as Andrek's moaning body lying on
the ground.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Try to arrive at Dazbon safe and sound,
.Em
Dashvara wished her. He staggered. His eyes blurred, and he blinked only to
notice that Zefrek was lying several steps away, his face and his hand covered
in blood.
.P
The clop of horses' hooves and a sudden scream ripped the silence. Dashvara
turned awkwardly, convinced that death in person had just called him. He
saw Walek and Rokuish on their horseback dashing toward him, one yelling like
a madman, the other one drown in dead silence. The Xalya didn't think twice:
he started running as fast as possible where he had lost his sabers. The
grassland danced before his eyes devoured by pain.
.P
.Bm -t penso
It's the end,
.Em
he thought. He wasn't going to make it to his sabers in time.
.P
Rokuish's horse got in his way and loomed over him. Dashvara backed and half
jerked to avoid being knocked over; he lost his balance. When he tumbled down,
pain shot through his side wound, and he groaned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Eternal Bird!
.Em
he stuttered, out of breath. He lifted a hand red with blood and laid it again
over his wound as if he could heal it just like that.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Life is so delicate and so beautiful,
.Em
he thought faintly.
.P
Walek roared:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Finish the boy off. I deal with the bastard!
.Em
.P
There was a thunder of galloping hooves. Dashvara averted his eyes from
Rokuish's horse and noticed that Walek had gone after Zaadma.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Damn it,
.Em
he grunted, and not knowing exactly from where he drew energy to shout, he
roared:
.Bm -t dia
Come back, Walek, Zaadma is innocent!
.Em
.P
The Shalussi ignored him. With trembling movements, he attempted to sit up,
but a saber point threatening his chest prevented him from doing so. He
looked up, met Rokuish's dark eyes, and lay down again on the ground, backing
away from the blade; his heart sank.
.D
.Bm -t dia
At least I will die in the arms of a friend,
.Em
he muttered to himself.
.P
Pure horror was twisting Rokuish's face. He was uncertain, Dashvara noticed
with surprise. They stayed immobile for a while, as tense as a bow string.
Dashvara could only hear both Andrek's panting and his own wheezing
breathing. He felt the weapon point sliding along his chest to reach his
throat. It was the second saber made by Orolf, he noted. It had a red snake
shape etched on the blade. He raised his eyes again to his Shalussi friend.
Rokuish's lips were quivering. Unexpectedly, Dashvara managed to give him a
faint smile, and he whispered hard:
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you doubt before an innocent, you are not a coward. If you doubt before a
criminal, you definitely are.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why?
.Em
Rokuish asked briskly.
.Bm -t dia
Why did you kill him?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Because my father and my people asked me to.
.Em
.P
Suddenly, a strange, peaceful feeling engulfed Dashvara. He hadn't done all
that his father had ordered him to, but he had tried. Rokuish widened his
eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What do you mean? Did Nanda command his men to kill your nomad family?
.Em
.P
Dashvara inhaled slowly, trying to forget his pain.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You ingenuous Rokuish,
.Em
he expired.
.Bm -t dia
I am not a nomad Shalussi. I am a Xalya.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
A Xalya!
.Em
Rokuish cried, amazed.
.Bm -t dia
It cannot be true…
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm the firstborn son of the last steppe lord,
.Em
Dashvara continued.
.Bm -t dia
And my duty as his son is to kill all the leaders that have taken part in the
treason against my people. However…
.Em
He swallowed, and a taste of blood overwhelmed his mouth.
.Bm -t dia
Now I realize that to kill them will not solve anything. Other men like
them will replace them, and the warriors will keep killing each other, and the
tribes will keep scorn for each other.
.Em
He looked at Rokuish, and he found it almost surprising that he let him talk.
.Bm -t dia
The warriors of my people killed your father, and the warriors of yours killed
mine. What's the point of all these absurdities, Rokuish?
.Em
he murmured.
.Bm -t dia
What's the point of all that stupidity?
.Em
.P
There was a long silence. Then, Rokuish said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Vika the healer examined Nanda's wound. She said you attacked him from behind.
.Em
.P
Dashvara felt his lips stretching in a gloomy smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A true Xalya would never act like that,
.Em
he replied. His energies were flowing away.
.P
Rokuish frowned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you have killed a Shalussi to avenge your father, I should kill a Xalya to
avenge mine.
.Em
.P
Dashvara saw the saber point going closer. He did not feel afraid, but sad.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I understand,
.Em
he only whispered.
.P
He noted how the cold steel touched his skin. Only then he began to fear.
Dying slowly was quite a bit worse because it let you think more than you
should.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Eternal Bird, forgive my disgraceful acts and shelter me under Your wing,
.Em
he prayed. And he added ironically:
.Bm -t penso
Who would have predicted that my killer would be a man who hardly knows how
to wield a sword?
.Em
.P
Rokuish withdrew the saber. Dashvara stared at him, astonished.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I can't kill you,
.Em
Rokuish stated, the jaw clenched.
.Bm -t dia
And not because of cowardice. I can't kill you because I know that, deep down,
you're a good man. Even though you're a Xalya.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow. And he smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
.Sm You
are the good man, Rok. But, anyway, I'm dying.
.Em
.P
Rokuish lowered his gaze to the wound and turned pale.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I see. Vika could heal you.
.Em
.P
Dashvara laughed, a lightning pain jolted through his trunk, and he spit
blood out.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Zaadma could save me. She is an alchemist. She says she can do wonders… If
you're not a coward, Rokuish, go after Walek and prevent him from hurting her.
.Em
He gargled, swallowing blood, and he added in a tiny voice:
.Bm -t dia
Zaadma is a good soul too.
.Em
.P
Torture kept him from going on. Before Rokuish's doubtful silence, Dashvara
closed his eyes.
.P
.Bm -t penso
What's the point now. Kill me, brother. Have the same mercy I had
accidentally with Nanda, and put an end to this hell.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'll take her back here, and she will save you,
.Em
Rokuish suddenly promised.
.P
He heard a few uncertain footsteps, then followed the clop of horse's
hooves that clattered inside his head like a drum dance.
.P
Dashvara half opened his eyelids, and through the mist of death, he saw the
blue sky. A tear, in his eyes, glittered under the burning sun before
vanishing. A tear of gratitude.
.Ch "A son's duty"
.D
.Bm -t dia
.Bm -t penso
You have disappointed me, son.
.Em
.Em
.P
The low voice flowed slowly, icy and frustrated.
.D
.Bm -t dia
.Bm -t penso
Didn't your patrol comrades call you the Prince of the Sand? I let you alive for
you to accomplish your duty. They injure you, and you die like a dog, lost in
the middle of the steppe! Is that all my heir could do? Kill an ill man to
protect a Shalussis' whore and let himself be killed like a miserable
rat?
.Em
.Em
.P
Dashvara bowed the head, remorseful. He was furious with himself. Furious at
his own powerlessness. He heard voices around him, but his
father's, wreathed in mist, was the strongest.
.D
.Bm -t dia
.Bm -t penso
I've tried, father.
.Em
.Em
.P
Lord of Xalya's misted face got closer, and his disappointed expression hurt
Dashvara more than any wound.
.D
.Bm -t dia
.Bm -t penso
Get up,
.Em
.Em
Lord Vifkan mandated.
.Bm -t dia
.Bm -t penso
I forbid you to die until you have accomplished your duty. Get up.
.Em
.Em
.P
Dashvara coughed, and an acute pain spun through all his mind to the point of
letting it off. He wanted to get up, but he couldn't. There was nothing more
than death. Only death…
.P
.Bm -t penso
Damn it, get up yourself,
.Em
he thought, irritated. His own wheezing breathing alarmed him. He had the
impression of having plunged down into a well full of bubbling water.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Will he live?
.Em
a voice asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He has lost a lot of blood, and the wound is getting infected,
.Em
another one said.
.P
Dashvara was still seeing the face of his father, who stared at him
imperiously, with a flare of vengeance in his eyes.
.D
.Bm -t penso
I will kill them, father. I will kill them,
.Em
Dashvara repeated. He moaned, and his breathing hastened.
.Bm -t penso
I haven't forgotten my duty.
.Em
.P
Like a bolt, darkness ripped the fog, and his father's face frayed like a
memory. Like smoke. Like life.
.Ch "The Tunnels of Aïgstia"
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't spit it, darn it!
.Em
Zaadma exclaimed.
.P
Dashvara swallowed, and then he coughed to force out the liquid that was
choking him. A shooting pain jolted through his stomach, and he blindly tried
to find a grip and cling onto it not to faint. He came across a hard stone and
then across a tight hand that moved his own away from the rock.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And now he's stabbing his hands. That's all we need,
.Em
Zaadma grumbled.
.P
Dashvara could not find out who had just held him: his vision blurred, and he
drifted into unconsciousness.
.P
When he came back to his senses, the first thing he saw was the young face of
the alchemist, leaning over him. She was frowning with a concerned expression.
Her presence calmed Dashvara a bit, and he blinked to look around. The place
was unimaginable. Gray rocky blocks, about forty feet in height, towered
above him. Recovering his breath, he asked in a whisper:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Am I alive?
.Em
.P
Zaadma twisted her mouth, worried.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It seems so. I don't know how much longer, though. I did what I could, but
I've never healed such an… ugly wound.
.Em
She hesitated.
.Bm -t dia
I know you said to Rokuish that I make miracles, but unfortunately, it's
false. It's flattering but false.
.Em
.P
Dashvara frowned when he saw a familiar shape appearing from behind a rock
holding a hare in one hand.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Rokuish!
.Em
he breathed out, surprised.
.P
The Shalussi smiled and crouched beside him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well? Does it still hurt?
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave back a silly smile that turned soon into a painful grimace.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My pride hurts,
.Em
he puffed.
.Bm -t dia
I made a mistake of beginners. I believed Zefrek was too
dazed, and I was fooled by him like a child. What are you
doing here, Rok?
.Em
he added.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Taking care of two crazy fools,
.Em
the Shalussi smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What a coincidence,
.Em
Zaadma said teasingly.
.P
Dashvara felt as if someone had forcefully pushed an anvil
spiked with needles between his ribs. It took him an
infinite effort to string together two rational thoughts.
However, a memory made him breathe out and speak with
difficulty:
.D
.Bm -t dia
What about Walek?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh. The great Walek has succumbed to my charms again,
.Em
Zaadma answered. Her playful smile twisted into a pout of sadness.
.Bm -t dia
I told him there were five hundred gold coins hidden in the pots and the
barrel. Walek is not as greedy as Nanda, but
.Em
—she shrugged—
.Bm -t dia
he's a Shalussi. He agreed to let both of us live in exchange for my gold, and
since Rokuish showed his worry about your health, I had him
help me carry you to the end of the steppe.
.Em
.P
To the Rocky Maze, Dashvara understood as he lifted a vague look again at the
blocks of rock. Then he frowned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Walek agreed?
.Em
he repeated, incredulous.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yeah, he did. I told him about Nanda's disease. You know how the Shalussis
are. Well, on reflection, perhaps you don't: when a disease strikes a chief,
this one is discredited as well as his descendants,
.Em
she explained.
.Bm -t dia
So Walek has spared your life on condition that you don't come back to the village
ever again, and he has proclaimed himself chieftain by giving an infernal howl. He's
gone back home with Zefrek tied up, and…
.Em
—she sighed—
.Bm -t dia
he's also gone away with my gold. But I still have my narcissus,
.Em
she informed, as if it was the happy touch that was putting an end to the
story.
.Bm -t dia
Do you want to eat something?
.Em
.P
Dashvara opened his eyes wide at the bare idea of gulping down food, and he
shook his head carefully.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No.
.Em
.P
Rokuish and she exchanged a look.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So rest,
.Em
Zaadma concluded.
.Bm -t dia
And try not to die while we wait for the merchants to pass by.
.Em
.P
Dashvara felt a soft breeze caressing his sweaty face, and he closed his eyes.
A thought forced him to open them again.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Zaadma, is it you who caused that… explosion?
.Em
he asked, with pain tensing his voice.
.P
The alchemist smiled slightly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It was the only potion I had. I untied the horses, mounted one, lit the fuse
of the flask, and threw it to Andrek when he got closer with his sabers.
Believe you me, I'm sorry for your brother, Rokuish. The odds are that the
damages will last for ever.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I would be more sorry if he had killed a woman,
.Em
the Shalussi assured.
.P
Dashvara smiled weakly and closed his eyes again. Whatever remedy Zaadma had
made him drink, he felt more lucid a while later. His head stopped boiling,
blood ceased throbbing against his temples, and a deep drowsiness overwhelmed
him. He sank into sleep.
.P
He found himself back to Zaadma's house, surrounded by flowers. The young
woman, sitting before him, was crooning a song, and as she was combing her
long black hair, she gave him occasional, captivating looks. Outside, the
ground was shrouded in shadows, even though the sky was bright and clear. The sun
was burning like a perpetual fire. Painful screams ripped the open air, and
the harmonic peace broke. The people of Xalya were screaming. His father, his
brother Showag, and captain Zorvun were fighting fiercely against the Akinoas
and the Shalussis while Dashvara was still sitting in a house only ruled
by tenderness and serenity. Why are they fighting? he asked himself. When
he could not stand the screams any longer, he knew doubtlessly why. He stood up
hurriedly, sprung the door open, and drew his two sabers out of their
scabbard. Zaadma begged him to stay, but Dashvara just gazed at her with
aversion. At this moment, Zaadma's face changed into his mother's, who smiled
at him and showed him a shelf full of skulls of defeated foes. She was
inviting him to fight. With barely a thought or a doubt, Dashvara went out to
defend his people, or at least to die with them. Shadows engulfed him. Cries
changed into howls of death. Dashvara lunged forward blindly and killed all
over the place, his heart seething with rage. And then, he had nothing: he was
alone. He had not even rescued his sister Fayrah. Shadows had caught her. Why
am I fighting? he asked himself. He dreaded even to think. He was simply
striking back, in return for the caused pain… He could not stop fighting or
they would think he had yielded.
.P
The shadows became denser. The figures disappeared, and the screams with
them. Now he was completely alone, he thought. He did not even have enemies.
Everything was silent. It seemed he had died. Or perhaps it wasn't only an
impression. Zaadma's house wasn't anymore. Nor the flowers, nor the song, nor
happiness. A thick smoke wreathed Dashvara, wanting to crush him, end
his soul, and strangle him for ever.
.P
.Bm -t penso
In life, you have to take a lot of decisions, and sometimes you're wrong.
But when it comes to not surrendering to death, you are never wrong.
.Em
.P
Dashvara repelled the thick smoke and saw the light of the sun. This one was
beating like a heart, lighting his eyes fleetingly. Dashvara opened his mouth.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Water.
.Em
.P
Someone gave him water. He slowly drank the warm liquid. His mouth was as dry
as a rock in the desert. He blinked and looked at the face of a man with
a garish blue turban and greenish scales on his eyebrows. He frowned when he
noticed the continuous rattle, and he finally understood. He was in a wagon.
The light of a big candle lit the inside.
.D
.Bm -t dia
More water?
.Em
he muttered. He was thirsty.
.P
The man gave him more water.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who are you?
.Em
Dashvara asked. He felt better. His body was exhausted, yet he felt better.
.P
Only then he recognized the merchant. It was this Dazbonish sajit who had
tried to sell him his magic contraption with the red light. He had claws at
his hands. Dashvara gazed fixedly at them, trying not to show his
apprehension.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My name is Aydin Kohor,
.Em
the merchant introduced himself, withdrawing the bowl.
.Bm -t dia
And from what your cousin told me, you're a certain Odek.
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at him, perplexed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My… cousin?
.Em
he repeated.
.P
Aydin Kohor got him wrong.
.D
.Bm -t dia
She is in another wagon, with master Shizur and your brother. I could not work
with them by my side. Don't worry about her, she's fine,
.Em
he assured as he saw Dashvara still gazing at him.
.P
.Bm -t penso
I just discover I have a cousin and a brother, and you tell me not to worry,
Dazbonish man?
.Em
Dashvara suppressed a snort and tried to sit up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Does it hurt you?
.Em
Aydin asked.
.P
Yes, it hurt, but Dashvara only grunted, glanced at the boy who was holding
the carriage reins in the front, and asked:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where are we?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Getting out of the Tunnels of Aïgstia, now,
.Em
the merchant answered calmly. He held out a plate with a
smooth piece of bread and dried fruits.
.Bm -t dia
In four hours or so we will arrive at the village of Rocavita.
.Em
.P
Dashvara frowned as he accepted the food. Rocavita. The name sounded familiar,
but he had spent the last six years riding and watching over the Xalya
lands, and the days when the shaard Maloven was teaching him geography were
long since gone… Not to mention that he had never been interested in learning
by heart the names of places he didn't even know.
.P
Then he remembered the huge blocks of rock he had seen before. Those merchants
came from Dazbon, and logically, they were on their way home after having sold and
bought goods. Therefore, Rocavita and the Tunnels of Aïgstia
were in the same direction they had taken.
.P
He left the plate almost full and lay down again.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are we far from Dazbon?
.Em
he inquired.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not so much. We'll arrive tomorrow about noon,
.Em
the merchant answered.
.P
Dashvara jerked up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Tomorrow?
.Em
.P
Aydin smiled and nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Tomorrow. It's only normal you feel surprised. You received a major stab that
didn't puncture the lungs by pure chance. You've been delirious for four whole
days. From what I can see, you don't remember a thing.
.Em
.P
Dashvara received the news with an impassive expression.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Four days, huh? And you're taking me to Dazbon, far away from the steppe, and
Zaadma appropriated the title of my cousin. If my father knew it, he would
turn over in his grave.
.Em
.P
But, obviously, Lord Vifkan was very likely in no grave. Dashvara slightly
shook his head and sat up again. He could stand the pain, he deemed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How long before sunrise?
.Em
he asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It must be about three o'clock after noon,
.Em
Aydin estimated.
.Bm -t dia
It is not nighttime yet,
.Em
he added as he saw Dashvara give him a confused look.
.Bm -t dia
As I was telling you, we are passing the Tunnels of Aïgstia. You'd better not
move or else the stitches will break,
.Em
he commented when he saw the Xalya dragging himself to the front.
.P
Dashvara avoided several rolled Shalussi carpets, and he stopped beside the
Dazbonish boy who held the reins. This one immediately stiffened and cast
an apprehensive look at him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Give me the reins, Hadriks,
.Em
Aydin suggested.
.P
The boy hastened to give up his place to Aydin. Dashvara sat on the bench,
perplexed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well… Do I look like a hungry dragon, and that's why he avoids me?
.Em
he asked.
.P
Aydin smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not quite, but the boy is still a newcomer, and he hasn't got used to the…
Shalussi customs yet.
.Em
.P
Dashvara frowned and began to understand.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you talking about what happened with my pursuers?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Somehow, yes.
.Em
Aydin shrugged.
.Bm -t dia
But since you, the Shalussis, are smart enough not to quarrel with the
Dazbonish, I don't care about your problems, be reassured.
.Em
.P
Dashvara finally realized that this man did not know who he was. He had
probably assumed he had killed the village chieftain out of some internal clan
matter.
.P
He kept silent for a long time, gazing at the tunnel and the torches of the two
leading carriages. The rock was uneven, and dark holes peered in the shadows.
Some appeared to be true tunnels, though narrower than the one they were
traveling through.
.P
He thought about Fayrah. His heart told him she was in one of those wagons,
only a few steps away from him. If he managed to save her before arriving at
Dazbon…
.D
.Bm -t dia
You should lie down,
.Em
Aydin Kohor said suddenly.
.P
Dashvara averted his eyes from a sort of big beetle that was moving slowly
near a rock, and he looked at the merchant. His claws had disappeared
inside his hands. His skin was unnaturally pale, and his eyes were green.
Dashvara had never seen anyone with green eyes.
.P
Aydin shifted on his bench as if nervous for being watched so blatantly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're not human,
.Em
Dashvara let out.
.P
Aydin raised a scaled eyebrow, and he smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am not. I am a ternian. Haven't you ever seen one before?
.Em
Dashvara shook his head.
.Bm -t dia
I suppose it's normal. In the steppe, there are only humans, aren't there?
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded, and as it seemed to him that Aydin was beginning to think
of him as an ignorant, he pronounced:
.D
.Bm -t dia
When I was a kid, I was told about the sajits and the various races. I know
what the ternians are. This is the first time I see one, though.
.Em
.P
Dashvara kept silent for a moment before adding:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why did you show the claws when I woke up and now you don't?
.Em
.P
Aydin looked at him sideways as though the question surprised him. He
shrugged.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I suppose that, before, I bared them instinctively. Sometimes I bare them when
I'm nervous or scared.
.Em
.P
Dashvara screwed up his face; Aydin gasped, and his voice changed when he said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Look, our cultures are noticeably different. I had never in my life healed a
man who, whenever he wakes up, repeats the words ‘I will kill them’ like a
fanatic assassin.
.Em
He cleared his throat.
.Bm -t dia
I just feel a little apprehensive, you know, about that.
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at him fixedly for a moment, and then he turned away his eyes
to gaze thoughtfully at the tunnel walls.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Well… Now I understand the fear of that Hadriks.
.Em
.P
He glanced inside the wagon. The boy, quite younger than him, was scrutinizing
him motionlessly. When he met his gaze, Hadriks immediately withdrew his eyes
to the wagon floor.
.P
Dashvara sighed, and he recalled some words he had said to Rokuish the day he
had killed Nanda:
.Bm -t paroles
After all, all of us, in the steppe, are heartless savages, don't you think?
.Em
.P
Deep down, Dashvara had always thought that it was not true. That the Xalyas
were different from the Shalussis and Akinoas. They were the heirs of the
lands reigned by the Ancient Kings. In Dashvara's veins ran the blood of
the steppe lords. The blood of a knight of the
.Sm Dahars .
.P
And still… the Dazbonish people seemed to see him as a savage. Without even
knowing the reasons for his acts. Yet, certainly, that hadn't prevented the
ternian from healing his wound and bringing him back to life.
.P
The Xalya looked again at the merchant and gestured his gratitude.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thanks.
.Em
.P
Aydin's face reflected surprise, and Dashvara specified:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thanks for saving my life.
.Em
.P
Aydin relaxed a bit.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're welcome. I was once a healer.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
And is that a reason for healing a ‘fanatic assassin’ you don't know?
.Em
Dashvara smiled. He began to think of Aydin as a sympathetic man.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And why aren't you a healer anymore?
.Em
.P
The ternian shrugged again.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well. Life and its decisions. I married the only daughter of a merchant
family. We inherited some wagons and commercial favors, and my wife convinced
me that healing poor people wouldn't help us pay the education of our
children.
.Em
He smiled.
.Bm -t dia
For all that, I still offer my services as a healer whenever possible.
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at him with increasing respect.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Have you saved a lot of lives?
.Em
.P
Aydin breathed out as if amused.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes. Quite a few. But I can only heal the physical wounds,
.Em
he added.
.P
Dashvara met his thoughtful gaze before the merchant turned it forward again.
.Bm -t penso
What wounds can't you heal, merchant? Do you believe I've lost my sanity?
.Em
The Xalya cleared his throat almost imperceptibly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The other wounds heal by themselves very well, given time,
.Em
he commented.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Maybe,
.Em
the ternian agreed.
.Bm -t dia
You should lie down and sleep or else you will end up ruining my bandage. Your
wound on the side needs rest and time too.
.Em
.P
Dashvara made a face but didn't reply. He got up with difficulty, he passed
by Hadriks giving him the hint of a smile, and he lay down again on the straw
mattress. No sooner had he shut his eyes than darkness dragged him far away.
.Ch "The combat of the feather"
He awoke hearing bells, and for a brief instant, he believed he was with
captain Zorvun and his soldiers, sleeping under the stars in Xalya lands, in
some pasture with flocks. He opened his eyes and came back to reality. The sun
illuminated everything, even through the thick tilt of the carriage. It was
stiflingly hot.
.P
The wagon was rolling slowly, and the wheels creaked and screeched. Aydin and
Hadriks were both sitting in the front, and they were whispering at each other
without breaking the calm of the atmosphere.
.P
Dashvara dropped a look at his wound. He was shirtless, and his skin was
sweating hard. A big, white bandage was tightening the top of his abdomen. As
he saw no blood upon it, he felt relieved.
.P
Hadriks laughed softly at some words whispered by the ternian, and he put up
an arm to point to one direction. As he did not want to interrupt them nor to
talk with them for now, Dashvara leaned his head again on what seemed to
him to be a folded carpet. A bag, on his right, looked familiar. Lying on it,
he recognized his shirt, still bloody, and his Shalussi headscarf. So he had
kept his effects, he observed gladly. He stretched a hand and opened the bag.
There inside, there was a piece of rope he had gotten from the stables, as
well as some rags, a clay bowl, and dried fruits. He also recognized the steel
bar stolen in Orolf's store. He wasn't the one who had placed it here, and he
supposed that someone else had retrieved it from his boot and put it in the
bag. He did not see the water bottle, though. At the bottom, his hand came
across the small, wooden figure that Bashak had given to him. He grasped it
from the bag, and for a long time, he stared at the serene solemnity of the
sculpted face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I forgot there was the Feast of Gifts in Rocavita,
.Em
Hadriks's voice commented.
.Bm -t dia
Do you think it would be worth trying to sell some magaras?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you want to try,
.Em
Aydin shrugged.
.Bm -t dia
But, as for the carpets, we will sell them in Dazbon.
.Em
.P
Dashvara put the small figure back in the bag and sat up. Immediately,
Hadriks, warned by some sixth sense, looked back at him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Master,
.Em
he whispered.
.Bm -t dia
He's awake.
.Em
.P
Aydin Kohor followed Hadriks's gaze, and he nodded briefly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How are you feeling?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Better,
.Em
Dashvara answered.
.Bm -t dia
Much better.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
We've almost arrived at Rocavita,
.Em
Aydin informed him.
.Bm -t dia
Once there, I recommend you should stay in the inn until the wound heals
up completely. I will tell a healer about you and he will change your bandage.
.Em
.P
Dashvara didn't reply at once. He had just neared the front of the wagon, and
the sight awed him into silence. At one side, there was a large field covered
with weird, twisted bushes. At the other side, a grassland stretched far away,
with several sheep flocks led by shepherds. And ahead, a small, rugged hill
was full of houses even whiter than those of the steppe people. They weren't
made of stone extracted from Padria Mountains but from the southern quarries
of Maeras, he guessed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's a big city,
.Em
he observed. Dashvara had never seen so many houses together.
.P
He noticed the ternian's slight smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
More exactly, it's a small town,
.Em
this one corrected him with a cheerful tone.
.Bm -t dia
It has two thousand inhabitants at most. Dazbon had sixty thousand.
.Em
.P
Dashvara quivered with a strange feeling of smallness in his heart. He knew,
thanks to Maloven, that Dazbon was thought to be one of the biggest cities of
the Pilgrim Ocean's shore, but he had never imagined that, one day, he would
find himself so close to it.
.P
Suddenly, the stillness was interrupted by exclamations of surprise and joy.
The two wagons heading the march stopped, and after leaning riskily over one
side, Hadriks cried with a wide grin:
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's Atisua's caravan!
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Atisua,
.Em
Aydin smiled.
.Bm -t dia
I haven't seen her for maybe a year! She's a very well-known magarist,
.Em
he explained to Dashvara as he halted the carriage.
.Bm -t dia
Hadriks, stick around. I'll be right back.
.Em
.P
Leaving a moody Hadriks, he got down and passed by the other wagons to greet
his coworker. Dashvara put on his boots, shirt, and headscarf, he took his
bag, and he got down too, carefully. Hadriks considered him with an unsteady
look.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Er—
.Em
he said, coughing softly.
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow once he had the feet on the paved road.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What is it?
.Em
.P
Hadriks shook his head wordlessly. The Xalya rolled his eyes, and he was about
to tell him he didn't intend to bite him if he dared speak when he saw
Zaadma getting down the following wagon, and he completely forgot the boy. The
Dazbonish woman had changed her red dress into a blue taffeta, puffed pants,
and a white tunic. She didn't look anything like her.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You shouldn't move, cousin!
.Em
Zaadma rebuked him, drawing closer.
.Bm -t dia
For the Divinity's sake, go up back. Why have we stopped, Hadriks?
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at her thoughtfully while Hadriks was explaining that they
would go on in no time. He opened his mouth, and Zaadma pinched his arm.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not now,
.Em
she whispered.
.Bm -t dia
How are you feeling?
.Em
.P
Dashvara's mouth twisted. He didn't understand what was the point of that
masquerade about cousins.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Marvelously,
.Em
he replied. He squeezed her arm and took her apart from the road, whispering:
.Bm -t dia
And now do me the favor of explaining to me why on earth you pretend to be
my cousin.
.Em
.P
Zaadma gnashed her teeth.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Please don't speak so loud.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am not speaking loud,
.Em
Dashvara retorted.
.P
Zaadma screwed up her face and glanced at Hadriks. This one was looking at
them out of the corner of his eyes with a curious expression.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Look,
.Em
Zaadma whispered.
.Bm -t dia
I—
.Em
.P
She fell silent when they both saw Rokuish getting closer with a jovial
expression.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Wow, you look just fantastic!
.Em
.P
Dashvara stared at him, astonished.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm glad to see you, Rok, but… exactly what are you doing here?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I've already answered that question some days ago,
.Em
the Shalussi replied.
.Bm -t dia
I'm taking care of two hopeless, crazy fools. And visiting the world,
.Em
he added, grinning broadly. He turned to Zaadma.
.Bm -t dia
Have you already explained your problem to him?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm on it,
.Em
she replied, and she took some steps farther from the road.
.Bm -t dia
Look, Odek. I apologize for taking the liberty of lying about that, but I had
a strong reason for acting this way. I'll get to the point. I'm the
illegitimate daughter of a senator from Dazbon called Sarfath Andeyed. Sarfath
is a man very upright that hates the uproars, and therefore, he hates me
because he is scared that I might mess up his career if I reveal the affair he
had with the Countess of Twach. When my mother died, I found myself out of
money and couldn't afford the enrollment in the Citadel. He offered me an
income of thirty gold coins per year, but he offered it in such a contemptuous
way that I didn't accept it out of my stupid pride. The last time I saw him, three
years ago, the Tribunal had shut me up in a monastery for an offense I
committed. My father told me that I would have been confined for five years
without his intercession. And as I ran away with Aldek…
.Em
Zaadma paused, took a glance at the wagons, and added quickly:
.Bm -t dia
If the guard or my father finds out that I am in Dazbon, they will order to
capture me because of my escape. But… we don't have to tell them anything
about it, right?
.Em
she smiled.
.Bm -t dia
If I pretend to be a pure steppewoman that travels to Dazbon with her two
cousins, no one will be able to find out who I am. From now on I am Zaetela
of Shalussi, Zae for you two. I hope… that you don't mind. Rokuish says
it doesn't bother him, eh? You don't have to do anything more than usual,
.Em
she assured.
.Bm -t dia
You even may return to the steppe whenever you like. Shizur, the wine
merchant, promised me he would help me find a job in an apothecary's shop
introducing me as Zaetela of Shalussi. Shizur is an awesome man. He forgave us
for having banged up his wagon. And, well, I just… I mean…
.Em
.P
She fell silent and swallowed under Dashvara's fixed look. This one was pondering
over the strange acts of Zaadma when Aydin beckoned them over. Several wagons were
already passing by, in the opposite direction, and the first wagon of the
Dazbonish caravan got going.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So. How do you feel about it?
.Em
Zaadma hurried him.
.P
Dashvara waved his hand.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will answer as soon as we arrive at Rocavita.
.Em
.P
Dashvara got up back to the wagon with his bag, and Zaadma and Rokuish returned
to their own. The horses kept advancing, and soon, they reached the first
houses of Rocavita. Dashvara clearly felt that his strength was failing him,
but he was sick of staying lain, and thus he settled himself near the front to
view the city. He had never seen anything like that. There were people
dressed in richly adorned, long tunics; others wore puffed or tight-fitting
trousers; and most of them had covered their head with bright colored turbans
and hats. The majority were humans, but not all. There were elves, tiyans, and
he even saw a little figure that he mistook for a child at first sight and
that turned out to be a halfling. There were paved streets, shops, and even
three-storied houses with engraved, stone columns, and artistic sculptures on
the doors. The Dungeon of Xalya had always been thought by the steppe people
as an imposing building with an ancient and tough architecture; Rocavita
wasn't imposing: it was beautiful. He rectified himself soon when they passed
through a square and he saw the statue of an enormous dragon built of white
marble. In awe before such a wonder, Dashvara felt his eyes mist up. He knew
that, in Dazbon and the neighboring cities, people were strong believers
in the White Dragon, which was also called the “Divinity”. No doubt the
artists who had built this sculptured White Dragon had succeeded in inspiring,
at the least, an utter respect for it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
This is amazing,
.Em
he commented.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ha!
.Em
Aydin laughed.
.Bm -t dia
If Rocavita seems to you amazing, Dazbon will seem to you a divine gift.
.Em
.P
The horses didn't ascend to the top of the hill: they passed around, crossing
a street, and stopped in the southern part of the town, before a high build
with open gates. They got in a court where six merchant wagons were already
lined up along a wall. Several cats, lying comfortably in the shade of a wall,
observed the sudden hustle and bustle with lazy eyes.
.P
As soon as the caravan stopped, Aydin went away to pay for the wagon space with
the other merchants. The village rumble was very different from the one
Dashvara was accustomed to. Curious to see more, he took his bag again, and he
was getting down when Hadriks, who had stayed on the wagon bench to stand guard,
asked briskly, as if screwing up his courage:
.D
.Bm -t dia
How did you get this scar?
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave him a surprised look.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Which of them?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
The one on the shoulder. Master Aydin says that this one couldn't be caused by
a weapon edge.
.Em
He averted his eyes and hastened to say very formally:
.Bm -t dia
Sorry for my indiscretion.
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled. For some reason, Hadriks reminded him of Saodar, his youngest
brother.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your master is right. A furient wolf caused me this wound when I was fifteen.
.Em
He leaned against one of the carriage lower boards and told:
.Bm -t dia
One night, I was standing guard when I heard the beast. As I was an utter
fool at that time, I did not scream right away, and I wanted to frighten away the
wolf by myself. I didn't know, then, that the furient wolves do not get
frightened even before a dragon. When it got too closer, I make my second
mistake: I turned my back on it, and I ran to the camp, screaming like a
madman. By chance, I was struck by a lightning of lucidity, and I turned just
in time to avoid being devoured by the wolf because it was just springing on
me. And I killed it.
.Em
He smiled before Hadriks's stupefied face.
.Bm -t dia
So from now on, boy, you know that you'd best never turn your back on a
wolf, and if you see one, go back cautiously, and scream.
.Em
.P
Hadriks nodded, open-mouthed. An amused cough sounded just beside the wagon,
and Dashvara turned. Zaadma and Rokuish had heard the story, and both were
looking at him with entertained faces.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Did you really kill it only by yourself?
.Em
Rokuish asked skeptically.
.P
A slight smile stretched across Dashvara's face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If I hadn't killed it myself, it would have killed me. My comrades would have
arrived too late.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
So the story is true?
.Em
Hadriks said, excited.
.P
Dashvara's smile widened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
As true as my scar. Is that the inn?
.Em
.P
The boy nodded and pointed out a door.
.D
.Bm -t dia
There's the lodging entrance. And, out of the court, you'll find the door of
the tavern. It's called the
.Sm -t nomlieu Cathoney .
It's a good place, and it's quite cheap for Rocavita. You can order a meal for
three people for the price of twelve dettas.
.Em
.P
Pleasantly surprised, Dashvara could notice the abrupt change of Hadriks's
attitude.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thanks,
.Em
he told him.
.P
As soon as they moved on, getting out of the court to go to the tavern, he
commented:
.D
.Bm -t dia
If my memory doesn't fail me, the dettas are silver coins, aren't they?
.Em
.P
They walked slowly, at Dashvara's careful pace. Zaadma nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Aye. A detta is a tenth of the dinars. And there are also the dragons, which
are gold coins.
.Em
She sighed.
.Bm -t dia
It will take me a while to get used not to seeing so many gold coins. With
those five hundred dragons I gained with the Shalussis, I'd be able to spend
ten years in Dazbon living rather comfortably and not even worrying about
money. But, hell, surprises in life are worthier than five hundred dragons,
.Em
she added, smiling.
.P
Dashvara and Rokuish exchanged an amused look. Jingles of cutlery came from
within the tavern, as well as a moderate noise of voices. The two steppemen
were going to enter when Zaadma held up a hand to stop them. She gave Dashvara
an eloquent look.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You still didn't answer my question,
.Sm cousin .
.Em
She made an embarrassed face and looked at them both with an honest light in
her dark eyes.
.Bm -t dia
I don't mean to get you into trouble, believe you me. But you'd do me a great
favor just by pretending to be my cousins, without doing anything more.
.Em
.P
Dashvara had reflected a bit about the matter, though the problem in itself
was easy to sort out. He joined both hands and said calmly:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't deny your reasons make sense. The only weak point in your plan is
that you assume that I will go to Dazbon.
.Em
.P
Zaadma shook her head vigorously.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dazbon is just a few hours away from Rocavita on horseback. And if you haven't
ever seen the City of the White Dragon, it would be nearly a sacrilege to turn
back now we are here, don't you think?
.Em
She gave him an innocent smile.
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes, amused.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let's go settle down. And if, by any chance, you have money, I would be grateful
to you for paying these four dettas for the favor of being called cousin.
.Em
.P
Zaadma grinned from ear to ear.
.D
.Bm -t dia
For my cousin, I would buy the whole inn if I could.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Haw!
.Em
Rokuish smiled.
.Bm -t dia
Beware, don't make promises that might tempt me.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I was speaking to Odek, not to you,
.Em
Zaadma retorted naughtily.
.P
Dashvara shook his head wordlessly. The pain of his wound had gotten worse
with the movements, and when they entered the tavern, he felt so dizzy that he
staggered and flopped down into the first empty bench he found. Rokuish and
Zaadma had to turn back, surprised.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The cousin is not quite up and about yet,
.Em
the Xalya explained.
.P
They both sat down at the table, and while Zaadma was reading to Rokuish the
daily special menu, which was written in chalk next to the bar, Dashvara let
a faint gaze sweep all around as he rubbed his beard absently. The
expressions passed before his eyes: smiling, half-asleep, naughty, or severe.
One old couple was playing cards at a nearby table; farther, some youths
with turbans were about to have dinner and were chattering calmly; in a
corner, two men with their faces hidden under a black scarf were scrutinizing
the customers, as if they were looking for somebody. Dashvara met the gaze of
one of them, and he furrowed his brow. He turned to Rokuish when he saw this
one shaking his head briskly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I must learn to write,
.Em
the Shalussi affirmed.
.Bm -t dia
It can't be that I'm not able to understand these weird drawings when they
seem to mean so many things.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I could teach you,
.Em
Zaadma suggested.
.P
Rokuish looked at her, agreeably surprised.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you seriously proposing it?
.Em
.P
Zaadma made a face as if she was musing on the matter, and she finally
confessed:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Mm. It depends. If it turns out that you're as useless at wielding a quill
as at wielding a saber as Odek said—
.Em
.P
Dashvara jerked up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I never said he was useless,
.Em
he protested.
.P
Rokuish had turned pale. Zaadma rolled her eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Perhaps you didn't say it, but it showed in your face whenever I asked how the
training went. What?
.Em
she added with a laugh as she saw them both embarrassed.
.Bm -t dia
Why, there's no reason at all to feel ashamed! In my view, it's not because a
man knows how to wield a saber that he seems more appealing or cleverer to me.
That's why I was never able to completely get along with Walek. Or with Nanda.
The two of them have always thought that the respect to themselves increases
proportionally to the number of defeated enemies. It's another culture—
.Em
She closed her mouth and glimpsed at the old couple at the nearby table.
.Bm -t dia
Ahem, I mean, technically, it's our culture,
.Em
she rectified,
.Bm -t dia
but I will never be able to understand it.
.Em
.P
Dashvara and Rokuish looked at each other and smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're absolutely right, Zae,
.Em
the Xalya commended.
.Bm -t dia
Killing doesn't produce respect. At most, it may save your life.
.Em
.P
Zaadma's expression changed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Or it may help carry out a revenge,
.Em
she whispered.
.P
Dashvara frowned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Or dispense justice,
.Em
he replied.
.P
At that instant, a dwarf with a colored tunic came up to them. He wore a
characteristic bracelet around his arm, and in hand, he held a small book
and a black graphite pencil.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Welcome to the
.Sm -t nomlieu Cathoney !
Come to have dinner?
.Em
he asked, and as the three of them nodded, he recited:
.Bm -t dia
Here's the daily special menu: paste of wheat with vegetables, pumpkin, and
fried eggs seasoned with premium-quality olive oil from Kwata. It would be
four dettas per each. Would you care for a special drink? We carry white wine
of Hikutia, black wine of Atalbella, and red wine from our best vineyards of
Rocavita,
.Em
he enumerated in an enjoyable voice.
.Bm -t dia
One bottle costs eight dettas. For the dessert, we also have fresh lemonade,
coco wine, goat milk, apple liquor, tea of—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, thanks,
.Em
Zaadma interrupted him, smiling.
.Bm -t dia
A bit of water with the menu will be fine.
.Em
.P
The dwarf performed a quick bow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Anything you want.
.Em
.P
Obviously taking his job with an exemplary happiness, the dwarf moved on;
Rokuish whistled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, this menu seems to be somewhat substantial.
.Em
.P
With a broad grin, Zaadma just said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's the way a republican menu is.
.Em
.P
Thoughtful, Dashvara saw the old couple at the nearby table withdrawing the
cards and getting up to pay for the beverages. All the people in the tavern
paid for eating. That was… a confusing idea. He himself had never cared about
money. In Xalya, after all, he had never had to pay for food or
lodging. In his lands, the commercial exchanges were rare, and the metals were
barely used but for making weapons or tools. What was the good of using money
when, all being brothers, they shared their products according to their needs?
It was true his ancestors had hoarded a considerable gold reserve in the
dungeon, and it was also true that this reserve had saved them a lot of
trouble when, ten years ago, a cattle flu had forced Lord Vifkan to part with
half of the gold to buy food to the Shalussi and Essimean merchants. The
other half, by now, had to be shared all over the steppe between the clans.
.P
.Bm -t penso
If only they had just settled for taking possession of the gold…
.Em
.P
Zaadma's voice recalled him from his thoughts.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So,
.Em
she said in a low voice, leaning over the small table.
.Bm -t dia
Now that our neighbors are gone, I'd like to ask you a question, Odek.
.Em
.P
At that instant, a movement drew Dashvara's attention: the two face-hidden men
had just got up on seeing a bearded man with a black turban come in from
the door leading to the lodging part of the inn. Dashvara hardly didn't bare
his teeth like a sanfurient wolf when he recognized him. This man was one of
Arviyag's guards, the slave-trader that had bought the Xalyas for one thousand
seven hundred gold coins. The one who imprisoned Fayrah.
.P
He forced himself to turn his eyes away and not to get upset.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Please call me Dash,
.Em
he said.
.P
Zaadma looked troubled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
All right. Dash then. Look, I'm dreadfully sorry for what happened to your
clan. I can imagine your despair and… well, I'd better not talk about it
because you're surely going to tell me that I'm not able to imagine something
so gruesome, so I simply wanted to know whether—
.Em
.P
Zaadma stopped speaking, nervous. Meanwhile, Dashvara saw the veiled men leave
the inn. They hadn't said any word to that Arviyag's man, but even so, he had
the certainty that it was his presence that had caused their sudden leaving.
They didn't look like bodyguards, but if Dashvara really wanted to save the
Xalyas and succeed, he had to make sure he wouldn't have any pursuer; and he
had to make haste, because he had no doubt tonight would be the best moment
to carry out his plan, before arriving at Dazbon.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Good. Now I've just got to elaborate a plan that will work and that will not
bring any problem to my sister and the others,
.Em
he reflected. He turned to Zaadma, and as he saw her still wavering, he
encouraged her:
.D
.Bm -t dia
What do you want to know?
.Em
.P
Zaadma gave a quick glance to Rokuish before going on:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Look, Rokuish and I have thought hard. If you really are the son of the
Xalyas' chief, that means your father delivered you as a false prisoner to
save your life. And he saved only you?
.Em
.P
Dashvara didn't answer at once because, at this moment, the dwarf came back
with a big, steaming tray that contained three large bowls with eggs, pieces
of pumpkin, and other vegetables put on a pancake.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Specialty of the
.Sm -t nomlieu Cathoney .
Enjoy your meal!
.Em
he exclaimed happily.
.P
They thanked him. Dashvara salivated: he was starving. When Rokuish and he
tilted their heads, examining the plate, Zaadma asked, startled:
.D
.Bm -t dia
What are you looking for?
.Em
.P
They both lifted their eyes and answered as one:
.D
.Bm -t dia
The spoon.
.Em
.P
Zaadma chuckled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You don't need a spoon to eat this plate. You take it with both hands, like
so, you fold the extremities, and you eat it like a sandwich.
.Em
.P
As she spoke, she had put into practice her own words, and she took the first
bite into her portion. She let out a cry of pleasure.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's been three years since I last ate a dinner so delicious!
.Em
she said, excited.
.P
Dashvara took his own sandwich, and when he began to eat, he had to admit it
was not bad, and yet… it had a taste really, really special. Soon, his mouth
was on fire. He snorted and cursed, hastily poured himself a water glass, and
drained it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
For my mother's sake!
.Em
Rokuish exclaimed.
.P
Zaadma burst into laughter as the Shalussi snatched the water bottle to
drink straight out of it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It must be the pepper,
.Em
the alchemist mocked.
.Bm -t dia
In the Most Illustrious Republic of Dazbon, almost all the plates carry pepper.
.Em
.P
Dashvara snorted again. He took some more bites of that treacherous fire, and
he finally left it on the plate and drained the remaining water of the bottle
while giving another glance around him. He noted that the Arviyag's man had
gone without having dinner. Laying the bottle again on the table, he guessed
easily that both Zaadma and Rokuish were waiting for him to speak.
.P
.Bm -t penso
What's the point now,
.Em
he thought.
.Bm -t penso
Let them know what I am and what my purpose is. Both of them have saved my
life.
.Em
.P
He leaned back on the wall that was beside the bench where he sat. The
pressure against his wound diminished a bit, and he felt more relaxed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You asked me why my father saved only me,
.Em
he started to say calmly.
.Bm -t dia
The reason is simple: it was because he thought I was the only one capable of
carrying through on what he ordered me to do. It would be easier for me to die
beside him than to watch from the enemy camp how a clan alliance was
massacring my own family and my people.
.Em
.P
He perceived a slight flinching movement from Rokuish, and he turned to
him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm sorry I lied to you, Rok. I lied to you when I told you my family was
murdered by the Xalyas. I stole your saber like the worst thief among all. And
then I half lied to you when I told you that a true Xalya would never attack a
man from behind. I apologize, as you have proven yourself to be a true brother
when you spared my life that day.
.Em
.P
Rokuish shook his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Zae told me how Nanda died,
.Em
he replied.
.Bm -t dia
Perhaps someone like Walek would not understand, but I would have acted the
same way you did… assuming that I'd have been able to gather enough courage to
carry out my revenge. Honestly, if I'd ever had the slightest clue about who
you are…
.Em
he blushed,
.Bm -t dia
I really don't know what I would have done then,
.Em
he admitted.
.P
Dashvara smiled faintly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You'd probably have wanted to make sure I was a Xalya by asking me directly.
And then you would have forced me to escape or to kill you.
.Em
.P
Rokuish rolled his eyes and quoted:
.D
.Bm -t dia
‘If you want to kill a criminal man, and you have for it to kill innocents,
you have to give up killing him or choose another way.’ You were the one
who said it.
.Em
He smiled.
.Bm -t dia
I know you wouldn't have been able to kill me.
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave him back an unsteady smile, amazed by his confidence.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Maybe not,
.Em
he admitted.
.P
His conscience would have prevented him from doing so, to be sure, but
sometimes even conscience wasn't able to appease a mind overwhelmed by
panic and by the thirst for revenge.
.Sm Hellish demons ,
he thought. An innocent's life was infinitely worthier than a murderer's
death. Letting the instincts lead him in acts that were likely to bring big
consequences was always not only dangerous but also completely foolish; and a
Xalya never bowed to anything, even to the passions of his own mind.
.P
His smile stretched.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Surely,
.Em
he added.
.Bm -t dia
Anyway,
.Em
he continued,
.Bm -t dia
my father did not let me alive out of compassion, and if I renounced to die
with dignity, it was only out of a sense of duty, because a Xalya son had to
obey the wishes of his parents and his ancestors. If it wasn't for Lord
Vifkan, I would have died to defend my family. Though I'm well aware that, in
that case, I would have acted like a coward for wanting to accompany them on
the road to death and avoid the suffering.
.Em
.P
Zaadma bit her lip, and she made as if to speak but Rokuish spoke first:
.D
.Bm -t dia
And, despite everything, when I nearly finished you off, you said that
Xalyas' revenge was pointless. So that means you have given up on killing
them all. Am I right?
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked him in the eye, stupefied.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You've hallucinated if you heard me say that I gave up on the revenge, Rok.
I said the greed of the Shalussi, Essimean, and Akinoan chieftains had
caused the death of my clan. And I said that, if they died now, there would be
others to replace them. But I've never said I gave up on anything. I am
the heir of the steppe lords, and my sabers will dispense the Eternal Bird's
justice.
.Em
.P
There was a brief silence at the nearby table, and he became aware that he had
raised his voice. Fighting against exhaustion, Dashvara stood up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to go to sleep.
.Em
.P
Zaadma nodded, and she stood up too. Anxiety showed in her eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes, I think you'd better go to sleep. I'll pay for a room
for three people. And I'll look for Aydin so that he will
examine your wound again.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded, and he was heading to the lodging door when he sensed
Rokuish's words:
.D
.Bm -t dia
We have to get him to reason, Zae. Or else he'll wind up killing himself.
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled slightly as he was moving away.
.Bm -t penso
Don't worry, Rok. I have no intention to die.
.Em
He passed by the men with turbans, and he saw them fixing his shirt still
stained with blood. He crossed the room without hurry, and he was pushing
the door when Rokuish reached him. Silently, they went into the lodging part
of the inn. The Shalussi looked as though he was struggling to find his words.
Dashvara stopped before the open door that led to the court, and he glanced at
the wagons. He counted them. There were nine. How to know whether the wagon
that had carried the Xalyas was among them?
.P
Rokuish laid a brotherly hand on his shoulder.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I think that what you need is to sleep in a good bed,
.Em
he remarked.
.Bm -t dia
After a good rest, you'll surely see the situation more clearly.
.Em
.P
Dashvara glanced at the sky. It was getting dark. Abruptly, some words came
to his mind, and he pronounced:
.D
.Bm -t dia
.Sm -t erare Sdatalon Ohode'l masja saari ilsiuatar .
.Em
He gave a glance to Rokuish and then remembered that this one was a Shalussi
and therefore could not understand the ancient language of the steppe.
.Bm -t dia
Fleeing sun's shadow never reaches the soul,
.Em
he explained. He vacillated and then added:
.Bm -t dia
Except when the soul dies.
.Em
.P
Rokuish stayed silent for a moment.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What's this language?
.Em
he inquired curiously.
.Bm -t dia
The Xalya?
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled. There was a small stone edge beside the wall, and he sat down
to rest while explaining:
.D
.Bm -t dia
In some way. It's the Oy'vat. The Wise Tongue. The language of the Ancient
Kings. In the dungeon, most of the books were written in the Wise Tongue.
.Em
.P
He smiled slightly on seeing the Shalussi listening with interest, and he let
his gaze stray to the shadows shrouding the court, absorbed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
There were… great wise men among the ancient steppe people, Rok,
.Em
he murmured.
.Bm -t dia
Each individual had a different view of life. But everyone shared the same
fundamental values. Everyone respected each other, and everyone gave an
essential relevance to dignity, to confidence, and above all, to brotherhood,
because it's the mother of all the True Life existing in this world.
.Em
He smiled, amused, when he saw Rokuish's fascinated expression, and he
resumed:
.Bm -t dia
One day, while we were training, I told you that the main combat is fought
inside oneself throughout the whole life. Perhaps you don't remember.
.Em
.P
Rokuish nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I do remember.
.Em
.P
Dashvara bowed his head briefly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The great wise people said that the combat consisted more or less in
keeping, with your willpower, a feather standing at the brink of the
abyss. When the wind doesn't blow, the feather stands easily, but it has
neither to get distracted even once nor to bend toward the abyss because,
as soon as the storm approaches, the feather will have to fight against the
wind if it doesn't want to be cast into the depths.
.Em
.P
Rokuish made a skeptical face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Er… How could a lone feather fight against the wind, Odek?
.Em
.P
Dashvara joined both hands before himself.
.Bm -t penso
Why the hell am I talking to a Shalussi about the Eternal Bird?
.Em
Life's mysteries, without a doubt.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's precisely the key,
.Em
he answered.
.Bm -t dia
A person who doesn't believe that a feather can fight against the wind will be
dragged believing that it's impossible to fight against the impossible.
.Em
.P
Rokuish shrugged his shoulders, frowning.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Uh. Fighting against the impossible seems impossible indeed.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Indeed it does,
.Em
Dashvara smiled.
.Bm -t dia
An impossible thing won't cease to be so, no matter how hard you're persuaded
of the contrary. But what if it was just very hard and not really impossible?
In that case, if the feather doesn't let itself be bent from the beginning,
it will be more likely to overcome the force that is threatening it,
.Em
he smiled, looking at Rokuish with a convinced expression.
.Bm -t dia
If you have no choice, it is better to be positive and think that your feather
can resist a gale. If you think it can, that may become true.
.Em
.P
Rokuish was pondering over his words when the door leading to the tavern
swung open and Zaadma appeared holding a key.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Room number ten!
.Em
she declared.
.Bm -t dia
It's on the first floor. Give me this bag, cousin, I'll carry it. Shizur says
he can wait one more day in Rocavita so that you can rest as much as you need
to, and so we will be able to travel by his wagon. He says that he has a friend
here and that he would like to pay him a visit.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded, and he stood up without giving her the bag.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's very kind of him to do that,
.Em
he said.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Shizur is the kindest man I ever knew,
.Em
Zaadma affirmed while passing them both to head for the corridor and open the
right door.
.P
The room turned out to be small, but tidy. Zaadma sniffed the air, pleased.
.D
.Bm -t dia
There's a smell of thyme,
.Em
she noticed. She turned to Dashvara with an authoritarian face.
.Bm -t dia
Well. Lie down at once, cousin, and rest how much as you can. And don't play
at being the hero. I'm going to recover my moon narcissus from the wagon. Rok,
don't move from here. I'll search for Aydin straight after.
.Em
.P
Dashvara observed her going out of the room with a mix of amusement and
exasperation.
.D
.Bm -t dia
She gives more orders than a captain,
.Em
he commented teasingly.
.P
After laying his bag on the floor, next to the bed nearest the door, he sat
down then pulled off his shirt to look over his bandage. No sooner had he
begun to remove this one than Rokuish lunged at him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What are you doing?
.Em
he protested, nervously agitated.
.Bm -t dia
You can't take off the bandage!
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
It doesn't seem to be
.Sm that
impossible,
.Em
Dashvara replied calmly without stopping.
.P
Rok stared at him, annoyed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If a catastrophe happens, don't come blaming me later.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No catastrophe is going to happen. Tell me, Rok, did you keep my sabers?
.Em
.P
The question surprised the Shalussi.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, well, I did, apart from Nanda's. Walek kept it. I have Orolf's sabers and
mine in Shizur's wagon. But what—?
.Em
.P
He fell silent when Dashvara, putting the bandage aside, bared the
poultice. It was half-transparent, and it could be seen through. The wound
looked well healed up, and Dashvara, who had enjoyed the privilege of
examining his wound before anyone, had to admit that Aydin had performed a
miracle.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Darn,
.Em
Rokuish muttered, impressed.
.Bm -t dia
It looks like completely healed. But looks can be deceiving,
.Em
he added.
.Bm -t dia
I remember that, five years ago, a man received a wound pretty similar. Vika
took care of him, and two days after being considered healed, the man died. So
don't cry victory, lie down, and stop thinking about your sabers.
.Em
.P
Dashvara lay down cautiously, and he judged that he had never tried a mattress
so comfortable. He joined both hands behind his head and said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I need answers. That Arviyag,
.Em
he clarified.
.Bm -t dia
He travels with the caravan. And he holds my sister, as well as nine Xalyas
that belong to my people. I have to stop him before he arrives in Dazbon,
.Em
he declared.
.P
Rokuish looked as though he had received a pot right on the head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
W-what?
.Em
he stuttered.
.P
The door opened at that instant, and Zaadma came in crooning and holding her
narcissus. A tender smile was lighting up her face. She laid the pot by the
window, and only when she turned her expression became stern.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You took off your bandage?
.Em
She hurried toward him to inspect the wound.
.Bm -t dia
For Divinity's sake! I didn't know Aydin was so skillful. It looks like it's
scarring over quickly.
.Em
She moved her face closer to sniff the product. Her nose screwed up.
.Bm -t dia
It stinks of Isakia flower.
.Em
.P
On seeing her inspecting him from so close, Dashvara made an embarrassed face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Please, Zaadma…
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Zae!
.Em
she corrected him, straightening.
.Bm -t dia
I'll call Aydin right away. And I'm telling him you have taken off the bandage
without my permission. Rok, keep an eye on him. Don't let him remove the
poultice.
.Em
.P
She lightened a candle to illuminate the room, and she left again, walking with
quick, long steps. When she closed the door, Rokuish flopped down into the
sole chair of the room, and he snorted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The Xalyas,
.Em
he whispered.
.Bm -t dia
Of course. I had completely forgotten about them. So your sister—?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is alive, and I swear on my honor that I will rescue her from the claws of
this slave-trader this very night,
.Em
Dashvara vowed.
.Bm -t dia
I've already waited too much time.
.Em
.P
Rokuish bit his lip, stunned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I dunno, Odek—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Call me Dash.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dash.
.Em
He smiled.
.Bm -t dia
I'll have to get used to it. Anyway—
.Em
He frowned.
.Bm -t dia
Dash, listen to me. Arviyag is a dangerous man. From what Andrek told me,
he is a relative or some favorite worker of a man known as the Master, the
one who leads all the traffic. If you annoy Arviyag, you'll be in trouble with
the worst people of Diumcili. If I were you, I would rather go back to the
steppe and kill the clan chieftains than annoy this trader,
.Em
he assured.
.P
Dashvara shrugged and looked up at the ceiling. The candle illuminated the
room, and shadows were dancing smoothly on the walls.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I can do both things,
.Em
he said finally.
.Bm -t dia
The shaard that educated me traveled to Dazbon, once, more than twenty years
ago. He told me that slavery was forbidden and severely punished. If that's
still true nowadays, Arviyag has probably taken the Xalyas to some secret
place.
.Em
He paused.
.Bm -t dia
That's what I am going to do: I'm going to get Arviyag to free the Xalyas or
at least to tell me where the girls are. And if he doesn't—but I doubt it—I
will free my people anyway. I only need you to do me a favor.
.Em
.P
Rokuish raised an eyebrow without changing his reluctant expression.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A favor, eh? And what do you want me to do? Hold you standing while you
threaten the trader, perhaps? You're recovering from a wound that nearly
killed you, friend. If I were you, I would wait some more days, and I would
think thoroughly about the question—
.Em
.P
Dashvara interrupted him briskly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have thought about the consequences. If I wait for Fayrah to go to Dazbon,
I'll probably never find her track in my life. I would be
pleased if you find out in which room Arviyag lodges, that
if he really lodges in this inn.
.Em
He hesitated.
.Bm -t dia
However, if you don't want to help me, I will understand. You just have to
tell me that's too much to ask of you.
.Em
.P
Rokuish stared at him fixedly for some seconds, and then he sighed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I suppose that, if I don't do it, you will.
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave him a twisted smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your supposition is right. Find out where the Xalyas are, if that's possible.
Ask Hadriks; perhaps he's aware of something. Hold on a minute, Rok,
.Em
he called him, as he saw him standing up. He nodded gratefully.
.Bm -t dia
Telling you ‘thanks’ wouldn't be enough. Trust me, after that, even if you ask
me to cut my own arm, I would do it.
.Em
.P
Rokuish made a grimace of disgust.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What the devil are you saying?
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave him an innocent face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Excuse me. But I really meant it.
.Em
.P
Rok shook his head in amazement, and while opening the door, he let out:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will do what I can. As for you: rest.
.Em
.P
Dashvara held up his forefinger to his lips and withdrew it with a solemn
gesture:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I promise.
.Em
.P
He waited for a time, and after a hesitation, he got up. He took on the
bloody shirt and left the room, closing the door without locking it. The
tavern was considerably noisier now than before; anyway, he did not go
there but to the wagon court. Outside, it was dark, and the portal was
closed. That probably meant that the boys who took care of the wagons had been
allowed to get out and have dinner, including Hadriks. However, when he passed
by Aydin's wagon, he saw the boy sitting on the bench, holding a still lute in
his arms. He was asleep.
.P
Dashvara went to the next carriage, and he got up stealthily, squinting at the
inside. Where might Rokuish have put the sabers? He searched several bags
full of dried figs, jarred on something metal that turned out to be a nail
badly spiked, and he finally stumbled on a blanket that wrapped three long
objects. Three sabers. Dashvara drew them, examined them in the dark, and
thought he recognized the red snake engraved in two blades. He put the other
one back in its place, and he was getting down from the wagon, bearing the two
weapons, when he spotted a quick movement on the right. Wanting to avoid any
brusque jump, he just raised his weapons.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who's there?
.Em
he grunted.
.P
He perceived a panting breathe.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's… it's meee, Shalussi,
.Em
a scared voice stammered.
.Bm -t dia
Please don't hurt me.
.Em
.P
It was Hadriks. Dashvara sighed and lowered his arms.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't fear, Hadriks. I'm just here to take my effects. Go back to sleep
without worries. I didn't mean to frighten you.
.Em
.P
The boy was half-hidden under his wagon. He went out, holding out his lute as
if intending to defend himself. Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hey, boy, you would defend yourself better playing your lute than using it as
a club. By the way, as you're here, tell me, do you know Arviyag?
.Em
.P
Hadriks got troubled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You mean… do I know who he is? Yes… He's a merchant. Why?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Does he lodge in this inn?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't think so. His wagon stopped by here, but after, it went away. He's
certainly lodged in some private house. He's a rich man.
.Em
.P
Dashvara peered at him, searchingly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He traded in people,
.Em
he whispered.
.Bm -t dia
Isn't that a crime in the Dazbon Republic?
.Em
.P
Hadriks squirmed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes, it is. But, please, Shalussi, don't ask me more questions about him. I
don't want to get into trouble.
.Em
.P
Dashvara narrowed his eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Denying a problem doesn't make it less real, and it doesn't make you wiser
either. Quite the opposite. Good night, Hadriks.
.Em
.P
He passed by him, and Hadriks embraced his instrument with both hands, as
if ashamed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are they all like that, in the steppe?
.Em
he asked.
.P
Dashvara stopped.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Like what?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Like you. I mean, the way you speak you don't seem like a savage, you know,
but even so, you kill people. And now it seems you want to start again.
.Em
.P
Dashvara meditated for a moment.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well… They're not all like me. Actually, I think that each soul of this world
is potentially capable of being unique and acting as such.
.Em
He strapped his both sabers to his belt, and he added:
.Bm -t dia
Don't worry, Hadriks. This night, I will not kill people. I will rescue them.
.Em
.P
He waved at him kindly, turned his back on him, and returned to the inn,
wishing with all his heart that his affirmation was right.
.Ch "The Faerecio"
No sooner had he pulled off his shirt and lain down in the bed than the door
opened again, and Aydin walked in. The ternian had changed his clothes and
abandoned his turban, and now black and curling locks of hair fell down around
his face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I feel a lot better, healer,
.Em
Dashvara declared, straightening before his visitor could say anything.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well,
.Em
this one smiled, sitting down on the chair with a glass in one hand.
.Bm -t dia
Your cousin explained to me that, if you die, it will be only because of
your foolishness, so I'm free of any responsibility. However, I think that it
would be better for you if you drink this.
.Em
.P
He handed him the glass. Dashvara didn't take it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What's that?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
A strong sedative. For a restorative sleep. I've given the recipe to Zaetela.
If you also take the beverage tomorrow, I think you'll be ready to resume the
trip the day after tomorrow. You don't have a fever, do you?
.Em
.P
He accompanied his words with a motion of his hand over his patient's forehead.
He looked satisfied, and he offered his glass again. Dashvara took it. It had
a water-like transparent color.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thank you,
.Em
he only said. He laid the glass on the bedside table under Aydin's frowned
look.
.Bm -t dia
I will drink it,
.Em
he assured.
.Bm -t dia
Are you going to get the poultice out?
.Em
.P
Aydin nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The wound is stitched. As soon as it scars over, ask any healer or any
apothecary master to remove the thread.
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave a nod without responding, and Aydin ordered him to lie down. He
cleaned the wound and put a sticky, cold ointment. When he finished, he gave him
a general look.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you want me to help you take off the boots?
.Em
.P
Dashvara put a surprised face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, thanks.
.Em
.P
Aydin vacillated in the silence of the room.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you going to drink the sedative?
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked him straight in the eye.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No.
.Em
.P
Aydin breathed out.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That doesn't make sense. It's only a sedative for you to have a good night. I
feel you are nervous. You should listen to me.
.Em
He paused.
.Bm -t dia
Bah, whatever. Do as you want, steppeman. I wish you well.
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm grateful for your attention. And please don't get angry with me. I've
never been a good patient.
.Em
.P
Aydin raised an eyebrow, amused.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No worries. You're not the worst patient I've had. May the White Dragon watch
over you.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Likewise.
.Em
.P
Aydin had already opened the door when he stopped, a teasing expression on his
face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How can you say ‘likewise’ if you're not a believer?
.Em
.P
Dashvara twisted his mouth funnily.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Considering that the White Dragon represents, in that case, good luck and
fortune, why couldn't I use the same metaphor?
.Em
.P
Aydin didn't look convinced.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The White Dragon isn't a metaphor, Shalussi. It exists.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're right, it exists in sajits' conscience,
.Em
Dashvara conceded.
.Bm -t dia
But, from what I read, the White Dragon you adore died thousands of years ago.
What you all adore now are its ideals and its great strength. Therefore, the
White Dragon is a metaphor. The symbol of your beliefs.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
The symbol of your Eternal Bird,
.Em
he completed mentally.
.P
Aydin, instead of getting offended, seemed to ponder over his words.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well. It's a possible point of view,
.Em
he admitted.
.Bm -t dia
But I still think the White Dragon exists.
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And you have all the right to believe it. Just as I have the right to use its
name as I feel.
.Em
.P
Aydin rolled his eyes. The conversation seemed to entertain him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good night, Shalussi.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good night. And, by the way, I am not a Shalussi.
.Em
.P
The healer, with a comical expression on his face, left the room, closing the
door.
.P
Dashvara waited. He knew that he still had about four hours to sleep and
recover energy before moving into action, but he could not relax. He still
did not know where he could find the Xalyas, or Arviyag, and he had not yet
worked out a precise plan of what he was going to do. If the slave-trader was
in a private house, this one surely belonged to the slaver network, and
therefore, it could occur that Arviyag had at his command not only his own
wagon guards but also those of partners and friends.
.P
The objective was simple: to free the Xalyas this very night. Preferably without
using the sabers since he could not completely trust his wound yet; even Rokuish
would have managed to beat him by just exhausting him. On reflection, his
aversion to Arviyag was a hundred times deeper than his aversion to Nanda of
Shalussi. What honor could have a person who was capable of buying prisoners
and reducing them to slavery? The Essimeans enslaved their war prisoners, and
for that, the Xalyas had always considered them the most savage, even though
these proclaimed themselves the most advanced clan in Rocdinfer and the chosen
people of the Death God. In short, the Essimeans were shockingly bad people,
but that “Master” of Diumcili was worse. He didn't even seem to worry about
the provenance of the slaves. Apparently, he had no scruples about enslaving
people that came from far lands.
.P
At some point, Dashvara changed his posture, and a sharp prick wrested a growl
from his throat. He stood to use the chamber pot, and then he lay down again.
His gaze fixed the candle, then turned to the narcissus, and he had all the
time to examine thoroughly its silver petals as well as its fine,
dark-as-night stalk. Sleep was about to drag him into the darkness when, at
last, the door opened.
.P
It was Rokuish.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well?
.Em
Dashvara interrogated anxiously.
.P
The Shalussi sat down on his own bed and began to take off his boots while
answering in a dispassionate voice:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Arviyag lodges in the house of a family called Faerecio, in the outskirts of
the town. Logically he must have brought the Xalyas with him.
.Em
He let the second boot fall, and he crossed his legs on the mattress.
.Bm -t dia
From what the cook I spoke to said, the Faerecio are a patrician family of
Dazbon. It's a very powerful family. They probably have a dozen mercenaries
standing guard.
.Em
.P
Dashvara meditated for a long time, and Rokuish finally lay down too and
let out a long sigh.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I understand you want to free your sister at all costs, but the Faerecio
support both Arviyag and this Master… I dunno, Dash, I don't think she's
treated badly. Maybe she will end up being happy. That's the only consolation
I can give you.
.Em
.P
Dashvara withdrew his gaze from the ceiling and stared at the Shalussi in
disbelief.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you doubt before an innocent, you are not a coward. If you doubt before a
criminal, you definitely are,
.Em
he quoted.
.Bm -t dia
These words never cease to be true.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't come with your philosophic lessons right now,
.Em
Rokuish mumbled, sitting up on his bed.
.Bm -t dia
The ten Xalyas are alive, and they will continue to be alive. And you, you're
going to charge headlong to a doubtless death only to remove some chains?
.Em
.P
Dashvara clenched his jaw.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Freedom, Rokuish. That's what I intend to give them back. I grant that you
may have a different view, but I want you to know that, for a Xalya, freedom
is worthier than life, and if they have to risk their lives to recover it, no
woman among the ten Xalyas will hesitate when I ask them to follow me, you
can be sure of that.
.Em
He fixed him in the eye.
.Bm -t dia
Think about it, Rok. What would you do if they were holding not my sister,
but Menara instead? Would you give up saving her just because some men hinder
you from doing it? Would you let fall the feather just because the gusts of
wind are stronger than what you think your principles can bear? It's all a
matter of confidence.
.Em
.P
Rokuish remained silent for a while.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of confidence, eh?
.Em
he repeated.
.Bm -t dia
Truly, I would like to believe it, but if you find yourself in front of five
warriors aiming at you with their weapons, what kind of confidence can you
have that you will get out alive? It's like jumping into a red snake nest.
There's not a chance of you getting out alive, Dash,
.Em
he articulated.
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will have confidence that nothing like that will happen. And the better the
evasion is planned, the more confidence I will have that everything will turn
out well, so
.Em
—he stood up and crouched down to draw the sabers from under the bed—
.Bm -t dia
the time has come to spy out the land. Did the cook indicate to you where the
house is exactly situated?
.Em
.P
Rokuish was staring at him, bewildered.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes… I mean, no. The fact is…
.Em
He gulped.
.Bm -t dia
Dash, why the hell did we save your life if your purpose is to lose it today
in all certainty?
.Em
.P
Dashvara attached the sabers to his belt, amused.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't be pessimistic, Rok. If I die, I'll let you curse my stupidity all you
want. But I trust I'm not going to die. The house,
.Em
he insisted.
.P
Rok breathed in.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Follow the road to the south. And after that, straight to the east. The cook
has talked about a way fringed by olive trees. You've gone totally crazy,
.Em
he added, slipping his boots on.
.P
Dashvara frowned on seeing him getting up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where are you going?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
To help you, naturally,
.Em
the Shalussi replied.
.Bm -t dia
I'll go and get my saber.
.Em
.P
Dashvara blocked his way. He couldn't believe it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No way. You have helped me find the house: you've already done more than
enough. From now on, I'll manage alone.
.Em
.P
Rok snorted, and he stood up to him. It was the first time Dashvara saw him so
determined.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you know why I left my village, Xalya? It was because, there, I've never
felt I was accepted by anyone. You were the only one who taught me that, even
though I am not a warrior, I have my qualities. So, you know, I will show you
these qualities. The first of them is that I am as stubborn as a mule.
.Em
.P
Suddenly, a voice behind Dashvara mocked:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is that supposed to be a revelation?
.Em
.P
The Xalya turned around and saw Zaadma entering, a pile of clothes in her
arms.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't want to be a pain but…
.Em
—her calm voice became hissing, and she glowered at Dashvara with a terrible
look—
.Bm -t dia
can I ask you why on earth you're not in bed and why you're holding those
sabers?
.Em
.P
Dashvara and Rokuish exchanged a glance. The former nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You can ask, of course you can. But, out of a respect for your nerves, I don't
know whether I should answer.
.Em
.P
Zaadma was really angry.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't you realize you were about to accompany Nanda in his peregrination
only four days ago?
.Em
.P
Dashvara tilted his head aside, thoughtful. He remembered that, in republican
believer's opinion, the soul, on dying, started a peregrination to the Holy
Mountain, where—hypothetically—the White Dragon lived.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I realized it very well,
.Em
he assured,
.Bm -t dia
but now the matter is quite different.
.Em
.P
Zaadma looked at him up and down, skeptical.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, really? When you use a saber, the result is often very similar, whatever
the reason.
.Em
.P
Dashvara slowly shook his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't expect to use the saber tonight.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh. Glad to hear it. So
.Em
—she sat down in the chair without averting her eyes from his—
.Bm -t dia
let's talk about that problem. What's it about?
.Em
.P
Dashvara hesitated for an instant, and then he went to close the door and came
back to his bed. Helped by Rokuish, he explained the problem in a few
sentences. Zaadma kept strangely silent.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So,
.Em
Dashvara concluded,
.Bm -t dia
without any intention to spoil your story about cousins, my duty to free my
people determined me to leave this caravan and to wish you best of luck.
.Em
.P
Zaadma crossed her arms. Dashvara had expected her to burst into a string of
curses and sermons, but actually, she only opined:
.D
.Bm -t dia
That sounds like an action worthy of respect. If you really intend to save
them, I promise you I will work night and day in my apothecary's shop to
pay for your funeral.
.Em
.P
Dashvara sighed.
.Bm -t penso
Another pessimist,
.Em
he thought. He was going to answer that she didn't need to
go out of her way to pay for his funeral when Zaadma went
on:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Since I know you, your behavior taught me that you know how to wait for the
opportune time without rushing. Well, I advise you not to rush now. Believe
me—I lived for eighteen years in Dazbon. If the Faerecio are accomplices in
the Master's slaver network and they catch you bearing sabers in their own
house, you will spend the rest of your life in jail, in the Cages, and this
only if they don't decide to kill you before to prevent you from revealing any
compromising detail in the remote case that the Tribunal Secretary summons
you.
.Em
She took a breath and made a vague motion of her hand.
.Bm -t dia
If Arviyag is planning to take the Xalyas to Diumcili, the best thing to do is
to try to stop him not here, in Rocavita, but in Dazbon. It's a big city, with
plenty of places where you can hide, and that also may be an advantage for
you. Arviyag will certainly have to wait several days before embarking the
Xalyas. There's no reason to hurry.
.Em
She joined her both hands and reasoned:
.Bm -t dia
What I recommend is that you stay in Rocavita for one more day. Rokuish and I
will go to Dazbon tomorrow with one of Shizur's horses. We'll find out
where the Xalyas are taken, and you'll come to Dazbon by Shizur's wagon. You
will wait to recover fully. And, meanwhile, we will find a good way to help
your friends. I myself would opt for acting through legal means. You prove
before the court that Arviyag is a slaver, and that's all. Though… it's not
that easy, I guess,
.Em
she admitted.
.Bm -t dia
And I suppose that, whatever you do, you will get into trouble anyway.
.Em
.P
Dashvara heard out her speech with extreme patience. Then, he cast Rokuish a
sidelong glance, and he rose to his feet.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your reasons are inspired by the confidence you have in that Tribunal…
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I do not have any confidence in the Tribunal of Dazbon,
.Em
Zaadma cut him off briskly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well. Neither do I, for I just don't know it,
.Em
Dashvara assured calmly.
.Bm -t dia
So, nevertheless, I still think this is the ideal night to move into action.
And now, if you please, I leave, because the night, just like a flower, isn't
eternal.
.Em
.P
He headed to the door, and Rokuish followed him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You crazy fool boys,
.Em
Zaadma grumbled.
.Bm -t dia
Wait. Don't go out dressed like that. Put on these clothes. You will draw less
attention, and that way, if they catch you sneaking in their gardens, perhaps
they will mistake you for some republicans with a certain status, and they
will think twice before slaying you.
.Em
.P
Dashvara took a glance at the pile of garments she was pointing to. He could see
two thin, loose-fitting pants, white tunics, and black, large veils that would
probably cover the whole trunk once on. There were even two belts, richly
adorned with strange, colored stones. He looked at Zaadma, perplexed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where did you get all that?
.Em
.P
A mischievous smile stretched across Zaadma's face, and she admitted:
.D
.Bm -t dia
From the market. There's the Feast of Gifts this week, and people gamble and
bet. A young aristocrat won these clothes in a bet, and I offered him a dragon
for it. He gave me the whole, and he even thanked me for allowing him to keep
gambling without being burdened. I couldn't imagine then that I would spend
this money for two men who want to kill themselves so soon,
.Em
she sighed.
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes, and while Rokuish and he were getting dressed as
republicans, Zaadma went close to her narcissus. Dashvara wondered whether
she expected it to have grown during her absence. When he had put on the new
belt and the black veil, he noticed that the strap was designed to bear two
weapons.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Perfect,
.Em
he thought, pleased.
.P
He lifted his eyes, and when he saw Zaadma pouring liquid over her plant while
crooning, he made an embarrassed grimace.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Zaadma… I mean, Zae,
.Em
he rectified on receiving her warning look. He pointed to the glass.
.Bm -t dia
That what you just poured wasn't water, do you know that?
.Em
.P
Zaadma looked at him, startled, and she sniffed at the glass bottom.
.D
.Bm -t dia
For the Divinity's sake! It was the sedative made by Aydin, wasn't it?
.Em
she guessed. Dashvara nodded, suppressing a teasing smile, and she sighed
loudly.
.Bm -t dia
First, it was the wine, and then a sedative… If my narcissus survives after
this, I will sell it for one hundred dragons together with its historical
memoirs. At least someone has made good use of Aydin's kindness,
.Em
she added eloquently.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Someone?
.Em
Rokuish mocked.
.Bm -t dia
It's a plant, Zae.
.Em
.P
Zaadma laid the glass back on the small table, grumbling.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Plants are alive, and they can feel full well everything surrounding them,
young Shalussi,
.Em
she asserted. She looked at them both with calculating eyes, and a thin smile
appeared on her face.
.Bm -t dia
Now you have the eccentricity of two young, wealthy gentlemen. You look
perfect. Apart from the beards: they're completely disheveled—but I suppose
it's not important at all right now,
.Em
she added at seeing the bored expressions of the two steppemen.
.Bm -t dia
So! Well? Are we going to free your people, steppe lord?
.Em
.P
Dashvara saw her opening the door, and his eyes widened while staring at
her.
.Bm -t penso
What the demons! Is she really intending to come with me?
.Em
He let out a biting, short laugh.
.D
.Bm -t dia
.Sm I
will go to free it,
.Em
he corrected her.
.Bm -t dia
It's quite enough that Rokuish wants to get into that trouble because he's as
stubborn as a mule. But, as for you, you're going to go to bed and to sleep
like a saint feather.
.Em
.P
Zaadma laughed, and a cunning light gleamed in her dark brown eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You didn't listen to me, did you? I will repeat my question: are we going to
free your people, steppe lord, yes or no? And, for your information, I am as
stubborn as a wall, and by the way, I have nothing ‘saint’ inside me. Besides,
I know this region better than you two. So let's go. I can't believe I'm
doing this,
.Em
she added in amazement.
.P
She left the room with quick steps. Dashvara snorted, and he came to a
conclusion:
.D
.Bm -t dia
She's definitely worse than captain Zorvun.
.Em
.P
Rokuish smiled nervously. Dashvara was tempted to suggest again he
reconsidered his decision, but he thought better of it: the Shalussi was
master of his own acts, and he did not want to offend him by reminding him of
it. He used the old clothes to wrap his sabers to prevent any traitorous
reflection. Then, he attached the bag to his belt, covered the low part of
his face with the veil, and followed Rokuish out of the room.
.salto
The country house of the Faerecio was surrounded by a vast olive grove. Before
arriving on the way that led straight to the mansion, they got off the road
and kept advancing between the scattered trunks, getting their bearings thanks
to the crescent Moon's light.
.P
Dashvara did not feel the tiredness anymore: he had shooed it away as one
shoos a fly. Later, he would have all the time in the world to sleep. Now he
needed all his concentration.
.P
They arrived at the end of the olive grove, and they sighted a large, paved
court in front of a two-storied building. A blinding light was burning through
several windows and softly illuminated the arabesques engraved in the high
columns surrendering the construction. A white and large stairway led to the
main entrance. This one was lit with a big, red lantern, and Dashvara was
able to make out the armed figures that were sitting on a bench by the
entrance. They were awake, and at that moment, one of them got up to stretch
his legs.
.P
Zaadma, Rokuish, and Dashvara stopped in the darkness. They could perceive a
muffled, adjusted, instrumental music from within one of the lighted rooms,
on the first floor.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Now what?
.Em
Zaadma inquired in an ironic whisper.
.D
.Bm -t dia
First,
.Em
Dashvara murmured,
.Bm -t dia
I've got to find out where they are hidden. I'll go around the house.
.Em
.P
He was going to leave them when Zaadma grasped him by the sleeve, annoyed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And what about us?
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at them both. He scarcely distinguished them despite them
being so close.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You…
.Em
.P
He frowned. What might he ask them to do?
.D
.Bm -t dia
You stay here. I'll be right back.
.Em
.P
He moved on and began to go around the house, half crouching close to the
ground. The veranda that surrounded the whole building was in some parts
totally covered by vines. Once he arrived at the opposite side of where Zaadma
and Rokuish were, Dashvara noticed that, outside, there weren't more guards
than those he had seen in front of the main entrance. The other doors weren't
guarded; some of them were even open to let the fresh night air come in. Not
far from where he was, squatting next to a rock, there was a flowered garden,
and at the back, he could see another building, wide and looking rather like a
stable.
.P
Dashvara stayed immobile for a while, scanning his surroundings. Assuming
that the ten Xalyas were confined somewhere inside Faerecio's house, and
considering that he managed to free them without raising the alarm, where he
would take them? He had spent all the way asking himself the same question.
He had come to the conclusion that, since the lands were vast, hilly, and
covered with fruit trees and bushes, he could, with any luck, manage to
hide them and erase the track, and then walk to Dazbon ceaselessly until
arriving there, and pass unnoticed in the crowd. But, for succeeding in such a
plan, he was well aware that he would probably need the help of Zaadma and
Rokuish.
.P
A movement, on the veranda, drew his attention. As soon as he saw the two
hounds fastened with chains to a column, his heart sank. He damned under his
breath. If he had carried on just a little more to the south, the breeze would
have probably betrayed his smell. It would be impossible to get closer to the
house without them noticing his presence.
.P
Dashvara backed a bit, as silently as he could, and he turned back enough to
place himself straight in the east. He sat down at the foot of an olive tree,
and he paused to think. However hard he pondered, all led him to the same
conclusion: he could not get into the house without making an uproar.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Unless…
.Em
.P
Dashvara picked an olive hanging at some palms from his eyes, dropped the pit,
and swallowed the fruit thoughtfully.
.P
When arriving in Rocavita, he had seen cats. The idea that was infiltrating
his mind curved his lips into an auto-deprecating smile. It wasn't that
bad, though. Capturing a cat and carrying it to the mansion would not be easy,
but it could fix one of the most urgent problems. The objective was simple: to
get into the house without being suspected by the owners. Once close to the
veranda, when the dogs began to bark, Dashvara would wait for someone to go
out and find out what was happening, he would release the cat so that it
would rush away in full view of everyone, and he would glide himself through
one of the open windows without being noticed. It was a solution. And the only
one a bit elaborated that occurred to him at this moment.
.P
He stole another olive before half straightening and going around the house
northward. He found Zaadma and Rokuish where he had left them.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You've been long,
.Em
Zaadma muttered.
.Bm -t dia
Well? Have you found out something?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have a task for you,
.Em
Dashvara informed her without answering.
.Bm -t dia
Could you capture a cat in Rocavita and bring it to me?
.Em
.P
The Dazbonish woman stared at him, puzzled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A cat?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
A cat,
.Em
Dashvara confirmed, and he clarified:
.Bm -t dia
It's chiefly a distraction maneuver.
.Em
.P
Zaadma and Rokuish exchanged a perplexed look. Dashvara sighed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Trust me. You wanted to help me, right? Go to capture a cat and bring it to
me. Take,
.Em
he added, drawing some rags and his rope.
.Bm -t dia
Tie it with this. I mean it,
.Em
he insisted as he noticed that the expressions of both of them were still
showing disbelief.
.P
Dashvara fell into an expectant silence.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will bring you a cat,
.Em
Zaadma determined.
.Bm -t dia
But keep your damned rope. I would never tie a poor animal.
.Em
She got up.
.Bm -t dia
I'll be back in less than an hour.
.Em
.P
Dashvara saw her draw away between the olive trees, and then he gave
Rokuish an intent look.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Lend her a hand, Rok.
.Em
He handed him the rope and a rag.
.Bm -t dia
Just in case.
.Em
.P
The Shalussi sighed, but he took both objects and adjusted his veil.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I hope you know what you do, Dash.
.Em
.P
He moved away, following Zaadma; Dashvara rubbed his eyes. He had slept a
whole day, and even so, it seemed that the wound had drained all his energies.
.P
He clenched his teeth and went back close to the rear of the house. He spent
the next minutes peering at the lights inside the building and figuring out the
house plan using the location of the windows as a guide. He determined which
rooms were worth avoiding, and he had eaten more than twenty olives when his
gaze was drawn by a flight of small stairs leading down to a door situated in
the basement of the house. Was there a better place to hide a few slaves than
a cellar? He pondered. But, if they were really there, the door would be
surely locked. He still had in the bag the steel bar stolen from Orolf's smithy,
and he deemed it possible to try to force the lock. The problem was that he
could not be sure how much time he would need to open the door, nor whether
he would succeed. On the contrary, he didn't doubt that, as soon as the hounds
started to bark, not much time would pass before someone went out to see
what was going on. And this someone would see him quite easily if, instead of
getting into the house, he decided to try his luck in the cellar. In that
case, a cat wouldn't be so useful.
.P
Dashvara suppressed his apprehensions, and then he suppressed his fatigue.
He picked some more olives and began to make them burst, smearing their juice
over his skin and clothes. With any luck, that would delay the hounds'
reaction. He grasped the steel bar, hid the bag, and got up. He moved closer
to the end of the olive grove, and after lying down on his front, he began to
crawl toward a small circular structure enclosed with columns and roofed with
a dome, which stood about twenty steps away to his right.
.P
He was arriving next to the pavilion when a sudden snap made him flinch. A
door had just opened, and two figures passed by the half-sleepy hounds. They
went downstairs out of the veranda, hand in hand. Pale like death, Dashvara
tried to crawl back to the olive trees. However, as he saw the two silhouettes
going closer, he finally went as immobile as a stone, hardly
daring even to breathe.
.P
One of the figures was a man with a saber on his side. The other one was a
young woman dressed in a long tunic with glittering pearls shining under the
fine light of the waxing Moon. Dashvara saw them passing by and penetrating
the olive grove. They could have gone farther, but not at all: they stopped
only a few steps away, and Dashvara had to turn his head slightly not to lose
sight of them.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, Al,
.Em
the girl's sweet voice sighed.
.Bm -t dia
I feel that my father will break my heart tomorrow. You know his purposes.
He wants me to marry that man.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't cry, my princess,
.Em
the man's gentle voice whispered.
.Bm -t dia
I won't permit Arviyag to get what he's seeking. You're the light lighting my
way, Wan. And you will keep lighting it until you decide to left it in the
dark.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, Al,
.Em
she repeated, moved.
.Bm -t dia
I would never leave it in the dark. Never. But my father…
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't care what your father says,
.Em
the other replied.
.Bm -t dia
I only care about your wishes, Wanissa. We'll elope. I'll take you out of
the Republic, and we'll live for each other. What do you say?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, Al!
.Em
the girl said excitedly.
.Bm -t dia
Would you really do it?
.Em
.P
From then, the sweet nothings went on, mixed with passionate kisses. Dashvara
suppressed a sigh of pure tension. He believed that his situation could only
get worse if one of the lovers saw him, but he was wrong: at some point, the
house door opened again, and another two silhouettes went out of the mansion,
this time with an unhurried and moderate gait.
.P
For an instant, Dashvara believed they would catch that Al and that Wan
showing a relation that was obviously furtive, but then the young woman
murmured urgently:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Someone's coming!
.Em
.P
They moved farther between the olive trees, and Dashvara, hoping they wouldn't
look too much over their shoulder, grabbed hold of the very opportune seconds
of grace to straighten and step back. He had the luck to come across an olive
tree rather bushy, and he squatted. The voices became more and more audible.
They were approaching the pavilion. Dashvara forced himself to keep patient.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will propose it to her tomorrow morning,
.Em
a calm voice was saying.
.Bm -t dia
And tomorrow afternoon, I will send you her response.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I've gotten the impression she was a little unwilling to talk to me today,
.Em
the other voice commented. Dashvara recognized it with almost full certainty.
It was Arviyag's.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't worry about it. My daughter may seem like a girl a bit shy in society,
but, trust me, you will manage very soon to inspire her with respect and
affection.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I know. She's lovely. But that Almogan—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Forget Almogan Mazer. He's a good boy, and a family's friend, but he has not
a chance. He's just a secretary. My daughter is smart enough not to pay
attention to him. With some presents and more frequent visits to our palace in
Dazbon, the matter will be settled. I predict that both of you will have a
future full of happiness.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're so kind, Lord Faerecio. I, for one, will consider myself a fortunate
man if my relationship with your daughter prospers positively.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I trust it will. As for the other matter that has brought you here—
.Em
.P
Between the columns of the pavilion, both figures looked like two tall, gaunt,
black sticks. Lord Faerecio continued:
.D
.Bm -t dia
—I would like to know the provenance of these young girls.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
They are Xalyas,
.Em
Arviyag answered.
.Bm -t dia
As far as I am aware, the clan was annihilated less than a month ago by an
alliance of clans. They say it was the last clan of the steppe lords. There's
another caravan full of prisoners that will arrive in Rocavita in a few days,
of Essimean village provenance. I ask one of the chiefs to minimize the losses,
but according to what he said, unfortunately, it took a lot of time for the
Xalyas to surrender.
.Em
.P
Dashvara suddenly felt a nervous contraction that had nothing to do with his
wound, and he tried but failed to relax.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So the steppe lords have been defeated to the last,
.Em
Lord Faerecio said thoughtfully.
.Bm -t dia
Does it mean there won't be prisoners from the steppe anymore?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I doubt it,
.Em
Arviyag denied.
.Bm -t dia
All the sources are not exhausted in the north. There are still small
independent tribes likely to be captured. Like the Steppe Thieves. They have
an excellent reputation in Rocdinfer. They are great fighters. In Diumcili,
some buyers would certainly pay more than five hundred dragons for one of
them.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Five hundred dragons for only one?
.Em
Lord Faerecio whistled, amazed.
.Bm -t dia
If so, that would be a good investment.
.Em
He shook his head, and Dashvara, overwhelmed by the horror he felt for this
conversation, was sure to perceive a pleased smile on his face before he turned
toward the house. They left the pavilion.
.Bm -t dia
By the way,
.Em
he said,
.Bm -t dia
I was told by my informers that you have changed the store to hide the
prisoners. Now you hide them under the Temple, don't you? What's the reason?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh… There's not a particular reason. It's a matter of security, that's all,
.Em
Arviyag assured while following him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, you will have to change the place, Arviyag: it's a sacrilege to put
pagans beneath a Temple of the White Dragon.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of course. I will take it into account for the next arrival, Lord Faerecio.
.Em
.P
The voices faded out in the distance. Only then Dashvara realized that he was
holding his breath, and he inhaled slowly, casting a sidelong glance to the
nearby olive trees.
.P
He closed his eyes and opened them almost instantly. He could scarcely
believe such a stroke of luck. It was as though a luck-fairy had blessed him
and had brought him his most hungered answer. Now he knew that Fayrah wasn't
in Faerecio's mansion. Perhaps that would make the task easier.
.P
He heard a stifled noise behind him, and he turned around. Wanissa Faerecio
had just stopped between two olive trees, and though he couldn't see her face
clearly, Dashvara guessed that she had seen him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Al…?
.Em
her quivering voice let out.
.P
His lover, that Almogan Mazer the girl's father had talked about, emerged
from the shadows. He positioned before her, drew his saber, and aimed at
Dashvara about three paces away.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who are you?
.Em
he demanded, hissing.
.Bm -t dia
Are you a tramp? Answer me!
.Em
.P
From a short distance, his juvenile features were even more noticeable.
Dashvara, still crouching on the ground, answered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're obviously a knight, and between knights, I think we can reach
an interesting agreement. I don't tell anyone about your touching relationship
with the lady, and you act as if we've never come across
each other. A fair deal, don't you think?
.Em
he smiled.
.P
The republican, far from lowering his weapon, drew closer. Dashvara sighed. He
would have to guess that the man would try to make the brave in the presence
of the “light of his way”. Almogan declared:
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you're a knight, as you say, your own heart would prevent you from
betraying us.
.Em
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes, and he stood up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of course, my friend. I told you: I don't care a sand grain about what you do
or not do together. And now be a good boy, return this weapon to its
scabbard, and forget me. By the way, the olives of this place are delicious,
.Em
he added, before turning his back on them and moving away with long strides.
.P
He didn't worry that Almogan might attack him from behind: he was a knight,
and knights are not traitorous. Dashvara smiled, and he made a circle before
returning to the same place. The lovers had already entered the house. He
recovered his bag, put some olives into it, and after noticing that his oily
bath had given him a smell of olive stronger than he had expected, he
wondered how many actions in a person's life ended up eventually being
useless. He shrugged his shoulders and walked away to the place where he had
left Rokuish and Zaadma. He waited some time until he lost his patience,
and deducing that both of them had probably backtracked choosing the same way
as before, he drew away from the mansion, went back to the road, and began to
advance along its edge. He discerned the inn of the
.Sm -t nomlieu Cathoney ,
and he was about to go around it when he perceived a complaining meow. Not daring
to run because of his wound, he picked up the pace, though, and he crossed
the road, which was illuminated by festive lanterns. What he saw then made him
smile teasingly. A figure holding a bag was running after a cat across a small
square with a fountain. The feline disappeared at the speed of an arrow behind
a mountain of flax bundles.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No way!
.Em
Zaadma grunted, stopping exasperatedly.
.Bm -t dia
At this rate, it will get light before we manage to catch one.
.Em
.P
Rokuish sat in a small stone wall, panting.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I give up,
.Em
he wheezed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
To give up before the unavoidable isn't to give up but to act wisely,
.Em
Dashvara let out, and he sat down beside the Shalussi. This one had jolted,
and he stared at him with open wide eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What the—?
.Em
He swallowed.
.Bm -t dia
For my mother's sake, you nearly scared me to death. What are you doing here?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well…
.Em
Dashvara smiled with a playful expression.
.Bm -t dia
I only wanted to admire your cat hunter's talent.
.Em
.P
On hearing his voice, Zaadma spun around and crossed the small, earthy square
with a troubled expression.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Does it mean you have come to help us?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No. It means that we leave the poor cats in peace. I know where the Xalyas
are, and they are not in the Faerecio's house. They are under the Temple of
the White Dragon. I suppose you know where it is, right?
.Em
.P
Zaadma let her arms fall with the bag, and she sat down on the wall letting
out a snort of disbelief.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Under the Temple of the White Dragon? In the catacombs? Impossible! I don't
believe it.
.Em
.P
Dashvara made an impatient face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you know where these catacombs are?
.Em
.P
Zaadma nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
On the top of the hill. The temple has a main entrance. And you can go into the
catacombs through inner stairs. I only went in once, when a celmist master of
Dazbon made us visit it, to all the disciples, but that was… well, many years
ago. It was quite chilling,
.Em
she confessed.
.Bm -t dia
But I can't believe Arviyag has managed to make the Xalyas enter there without
a dragon seeing them.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
A dragon?
.Em
Rokuish echoed, startled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A priest,
.Em
Zaadma clarified.
.Bm -t dia
It could exist a secret entrance, but for finding out where it is, you would
need a divine revelation.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Unless the dragons are in on the deal,
.Em
Dashvara meditated out loud.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Impossible,
.Em
she affirmed without the slightest hesitation.
.Bm -t dia
The Dragon Brotherhood has probably some small flaws, but they would never
defend a man like Arviyag: they were the quintessential opponents of slavery
for decades.
.Em
.P
Dashvara took a soft breath, and he stood up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
All right. Thanks a lot for your help, you two,
.Em
he declared.
.P
He moved away, and he heard distinctive footsteps behind him. He didn't turn
to see Rokuish and Zaadma following him. He just said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
If anything happens to you, it will be only your fault.
.Em
.P
He didn't get any response. He smiled, amused, and kept climbing the hill.
.P
There was still music flowing out of some buildings. The heat had vanished,
replaced by a cold breeze. They came across some groups of people; some of them were
happy, others were drunk, and some people looked already half-sleepy. The
crescent Moon had advanced in the sky, and Dashvara estimated that, in two
hours, it would disappear completely, replaced by the Gem. So, after an
interval of deep dark, the blue brightness of the new celestial body would
light their way if they succeeded in fleeing… and it would also light that
of their potential pursuers.
.P
The Temple of the Dragon occupied all the top of the hill, and it was
separated from the rest of the houses by a rock platform about fifteen feet
in height and a white marble stairway. Whereas other streets of Rocavita were
still a bit lively, the Temple was lying in dead silence.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are there night guards?
.Em
Dashvara inquired as the three of them crouched down behind high bushes, at
the foot of the stairs.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Outside? No idea, but I don't think so,
.Em
Zaadma answered in a whisper.
.Bm -t dia
Inside, however, there surely will be. At the very least, there will be a
lookout. The inside of the temples have valuable objects, and they keep them
well. If you intend to get in through the main gate, I warn you straight now:
we would need a battering ram to bring it down.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded thoughtfully, and he examined the building narrowing his eyes.
Four svelte towers rose in each corner. In the middle, the temple was
roofed with a dome crossed by a long corridor that seemed to represent two
dragon wings. These went even beyond the limits of the outside walls,
at about one hundred feet high. The stained-glass windows adorning the
frontage were not only impossible to open without breaking them but also were
probably too narrow to slid inside. And they were also too high without a
ladder.
.P
Dashvara shook his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good. I have studied the White Dragon religion, but I would like a
confirmation, Zae. Isn't it said the White Dragon accepts any soul willing to
worship him?
.Em
.P
Zaadma set an expectant face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Indeed, it is,
.Em
she confirmed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And isn't it said the faithful have to help any soul willing to pray to the
White Dragon?
.Em
.P
Zaadma frowned and nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes, it is. But what are you driving at?
.Em
.P
Dashvara pondered.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I remember that Maloven, the shaard who educated me, talked once about the
republicans who went to the temples at night hours in an impulse of faith or
simply because of routine. Is that true?
.Em
.P
Zaadma nodded again.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's unfortunately true. I myself went only once into a temple at night, to
steal something. And everything turned out badly because of a pious who
caught my partner taking a small dragon figure.
.Em
.P
Dashvara stared at her for some seconds.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're a thief?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I was a thief. That's why I was confined in a monastery, what do you expect?
I already told you I'm not a saint at all. Well, are you going to explain to
us what brilliant idea you've gotten now?
.Em
.P
Dashvara preferred to comment nothing, and he came back to the main matter.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Look. Perhaps I manage to get these lookouts to open the doors if I tell them
I want to pray to the Dragon. With a little acting and luck, they will let
me go into one of their chapels. And as soon as they stop looking at me
suspiciously, I will go into the catacombs.
.Em
.P
Zaadma and Rokuish didn't know how to respond. Dashvara nodded thoughtfully.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's what I'm going to do.
.Em
.P
He stood up, and Zaadma reacted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That brilliant idea of yours leaves much to be desired. If I recall correctly,
the catacombs' entrance is situated in the main dragon. You would need the
lookouts to be blind if you don't want them to see you. Besides, unless you
intend to appear in the blacklist of the Dragon Brotherhood, I remind you
that you can't go in there with weapons.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised his eyebrows. Of course. He removed his sabers from his belt
and handed it to Rokuish.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Please keep them, Rok.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you crazy?
.Em
Zaadma snorted.
.Bm -t dia
What if you find yourself in front of an Arviyag's man?
.Em
.P
Dashvara waved vaguely.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will improvise. And this time, you definitely can't help me, so instead of
staying there arousing suspicion, I advise you to go to sleep. Tomorrow, you
will know if my attempt has been a success or a failure. Good night, friends.
.Em
.P
He was going to move away when Zaadma grasped him by the sleeve.
.D
.Bm -t dia
In the catacombs, everything is dark. Take this,
.Em
she grumbled as if unwillingly, pressing a cold object into his hand.
.Bm -t dia
At least it will light your way a bit. You have to heat it. Just rub it with
your hands: it will work.
.Em
.P
Dashvara squinted at the flat and circular piece of metal. He barely saw it in
the dark.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I hope it is not some object you don't want to lose, is it?
.Em
he asked.
.P
Zaadma muttered under her breath.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Maybe it is. But you won't lose it because I simply forbid you to do so.
.Em
.P
Dashvara bowed his head, feeling both moved and amused.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your confidence honors me.
.Em
.P
He gave Rokuish a brief nod, and he broke cover, going upstairs with
a remorseful expression. It was not hard to get the effect: his wound did not
hurt him, but his head was spinning. He knew, thanks to captain Zorvun,
that some grievous injuries could affect the nervous system, and he knew
personally the case of a soldier that, after being stabbed by a Shalussi, was
suffering unexpected and chronic faints. He could only hope that his
convalescence would not last and would leave nothing more than a scar.
.P
When he arrived before the door, he could check Zaadma's affirmation: those
gates, reinforced with metal bars, seemed to be even more resistant than
those of the Xalya Dungeon. Without giving himself time to think about what
he was doing, Dashvara grasped the knocker with a hand and he knocked. He
pricked up his ears. Did he ever expect to hear something through all this
amount of wood?
.P
Then, a sudden clap jolted him. A spyhole had just opened through a grating
fixed in the door. A tanned face with grayish eyes came in sight, softly
illuminated by a distant light.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who knocks at the Dragon Door?
.Em
he asked.
.P
Dashvara lowered his veil upon his face and answered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
A humble heart who feels the need to cloister himself for a night into its
bosom.
.Em
.P
There was a silence.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you drunk?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am not,
.Em
Dashvara replied patiently.
.Bm -t dia
I come with a clear mind. A doubt torments me, brother, and I need to
consult the Dragon right now.
.Em
.P
He stared at the lookout intently, signifying that to deny him access
to the temple would be contrary to the wish of the White Dragon itself. He
perceived a brief nod before the spyhole shut. He heard a noise of chains, and
soon, a small door set in the right-wing opened. Dashvara hardly suppressed a
triumphal smile, and he waited for the lookout to open the door fully before
walking in with a steady gait. The man who had opened was human and smaller
than he was. He bore a saber, and Dashvara didn't doubt he knew how to wield
it. He looked beyond. The hall looked rather huge. The scarce Moon's light was
infiltrating through the translucent dome, and with the flame of several wax
candles, it caressed shyly columns, sculptures, and glazed tiles.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Would you want me to guide you to a particular chapel?
.Em
the lookout asked.
.P
Dashvara had no idea whether there were chapels with specific names in the
temples. Anyway, he didn't want to arouse suspicions by asking he be guided to
the main dragon, so he improvised.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will pray in all of them,
.Em
he decided.
.D
.Bm -t dia
In all of them, brother?
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at him with determination.
.D
.Bm -t dia
In all of them.
.Em
.P
The lookout bowed his head respectfully.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The doubt that afflicts you must be profound. I will guide you to the Main
Chapel, and from there you will be able to go to the others.
.Em
.P
Dashvara bowed his head haughtily. It seemed as if this lookout had taken him
for some man with class. He certainly wasn't going to waste the opportunity.
The lookout shut the door, and Dashvara discreetly paid attention to the
mechanism. If he did not find another exit, this one might be a possible way
of escape, though not exactly very stealthy.
.P
Wordlessly, the lookout passed ahead. His steps resounded on the tiles of the
temple. Dashvara followed him silently, his inquisitive gaze sweeping around.
His eyes were attracted by large frescoes representing discrete periods
of the White Dragon's life. It could be seen jailed in a cavern, flying in the
sky, fighting against terrible monsters, smiling benevolently at its first
followers… There were figurines in precious metal, imitations of the eternal
pearls gifted by the White Dragon to its more generous worshipers… Whatever
his eyes looked at, it was a burst of the Dragon Brotherhood's wealth and
power.
.P
With all those painted lizards, how to recognize the main dragon? he asked
himself. His instinct told him that the catacombs must be somewhere at the
back of the halls. Behind a locked door, probably. If this lookout was the
only one in all the building, Dashvara had the feeling that he wouldn't last
long conscious.
.P
However, as he could notice, they weren't alone. A tall man with a candle in
hand was shaking a kind of aromatic maraca around a stone mound, at the
back of the hall. Dashvara realized pretty soon that this stone mound was
actually a dragon's huge head. He gazed at its glittering, black-as-obsidian
eyes. They looked almost alive. He had no doubt this one was the main dragon.
.P
The lookout bowed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
May the White Dragon guide you so you can appease your doubt,
.Em
he pronounced.
.P
Dashvara made a grateful gesture, and for a whole minute, he stood there,
before the dragon's mouth. He thought, at that moment, that he had forgotten
to ask Zaadma about a detail. How did the republicans pray? He knew there was a
specific ritual, but however hard he tried to remember Maloven's words, they
escaped him. So when he saw that the man who was scenting the hall began to
dart curious glances at him, he kept a stiff upper lip, and he improvised.
.Ch "Rescue"
What really made him take a decision was his tiredness rather than logical reasoning: he
headed for the column closest to the dragon, and he sat down, leaning back on
the cold marble. He immediately saw, from the priest's expression, that his
behavior wasn't standard, but he decided not to get alarmed. An annoying sting
had begun to spin through his wound, and he judged that the calming effects of
the poultice were probably starting to wear off. He assumed the most comfortable
position he could while the two lookouts were whispering at the opposite side
of the hall.
.P
.Bm -t penso
I hope I haven't committed a sacrilege by sitting down this way, because if
they call the guard now, I'm lost,
.Em
he pondered.
.P
He set a focused and serene expression, and he risked a glimpse to his sides.
Zaadma had said the entrance to the catacombs was in the Main Chapel. The
good point was that this one was the most lighted, thanks to the dome and the
candles. But this detail, in the long run, was also likely to become a bad
point.
.P
He used his time to study the place. The hall was slightly circular, and
the columns were bluish. These were engraved with endless artistic characters,
which surely formed sentences extracted from some holy book. Despite the dark,
Dashvara was pretty sure to recognize the Sagipse script, the common writing.
.P
His gaze lowered to the corners of the hall, looking for some opening. He
couldn't stop thinking that everything inside the temple oozed the splendor
of the Dragon Brotherhood. After a long time searching for an entrance, he
realized that the two lookouts were still whispering at each other. They
wouldn't have been chatting so calmly if they had wanted to wake some dragon
or some guard. Then, the whispers stopped, and there was the noise of a
grating opening. Dashvara saw the tall man disappear into an adjacent hall. He
was not a human, he thought. He looked like an elf, but his skin was golden.
An elfocan, perhaps, he supposed.
.P
He kept shooting inquisitive glances to the dark corners whenever he saw that
the lookout near the entrance wasn't looking in his direction. On both sides
of the dragon's huge head, there was a grating leading to a small chapel
plunged into darkness. In front of him was a wooden, thick table with some
receptacles that were reflecting the soft light of the three lit candles…
Suddenly, an infernal noise resounded in the whole temple, and Dashvara,
paralyzed, believed for an instant that the White Dragon itself had woken up
from its long sleep. The banging occurred again, twice. Dashvara was
shivering. He had no idea what all that could mean.
.P
He heard some footsteps approaching, and he lifted his eyes again. The lookout
emerged from the shadows and stopped before him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's the hour of the Blind Eye,
.Em
he announced.
.Bm -t dia
The dragons of Rocavita are processing to the temple, and they should arrive
any time now. Please, brother, I have to ask you to go to a minor chapel if
you haven't finished with your solitary prays.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded, swallowing his consternation. Apparently, at night, everybody
went to the Temples of the Dragon. Even the slave-traders, he thought bitterly. He
stood up, and he noticed that his muscles had become totally numb.
Instinctively, he held up his forearm to his ribs, and the lookout made a concerned
face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you ill?
.Em
he worried.
.P
Dashvara scowled at him, but he regained his composure. If the lookout thought
he was ill, perhaps he would suspect him less.
.P
He didn't answer, and he headed for the nearest open chapel walking proudly
as someone who doesn't want to let know his weaknesses. He nearly asked the
lookout how much time these dragons of Rocavita would be praying, but he
held his tongue. The less he talked to him, the better.
.P
He also nearly lunged at him to give him a good punch on the head. He
hesitated, and he tried to guess whether what was holding
him back was his common sense
or simple apprehension. He sighed, and he sat down in a corner of
the chapel, in front of a stone pedestal upon where there was a big, silver
cup. He pretended to be lost in thought, and the lookout moved away as soon
as psalms began to raise outside. Dashvara got up abruptly. If he managed to
find the door before the arrival of the prayers, he could disappear without
being seen. They would notice his absence, of course, but how could he
prevent it?
.P
.Bm -t penso
I should have gone in with those prayers,
.Em
he thought, biting his lower lip.
.P
Then, he saw the elfocan, who was descending some inner stairs, and he
realized that he himself had just walked out of the minor chapel. He gave a
sharp nod, and the elfocan responded quietly before heading toward the big
stone dragon. There was a metallic sound of chains, and the prayers overran
the temple. Dashvara felt even kind of happy about such an invasion. They were
more than forty. A ten was wearing white tunics, and a purple belt around the
waist. The others wore festive and proper clothes, and Dashvara guessed that
they were inhabitants of Rocavita who accompanied the procession.
.P
.Bm -t penso
And do they do this every night, or do they do it just today to provoke me?
.Em
the Xalya grumbled.
.P
Sitting down again in the corner of the chapel from where he could see part of
the Main Chapel, he saw all the faithful kneeling down before the dragon's
head without ceasing to chant. He had to admit that the scene was quite
surprising. But exactly how much time they had planned to stay?
.D
.Bm -t dia
Owrikasteir!
.Em
one of the prayers suddenly exclaimed, making Dashvara jerk up. A
half-dwarf-half-another-thing had just got up to his feet in front of the
dragon, and he joined both hands cloaked under the large sleeves of his
tunic.
.Bm -t dia
White Dragon of Goodness! You who saved us from hatred and death, you who
showed us the way of knowledge and who placated the fears of our ancestors! My
brethren and I bring you our souls tonight for you to purify them from the
lethal breath of the Black Dragon. Receive, in return, our mortal devotion.
.Em
.P
The psalms were by now extinguished, and a deep silence of respect and
adoration reigned over the vast hall. Dashvara suppressed a sigh of
impatience, and he leaned back again on the wall, caressing with a fingertip
the long, thin body of a red snake painted on the floor. Be patient, he told
himself.
.P
He was so patient that, when he heard voices, he opened his eyes realizing
he had fallen asleep. This simple observation filled him with disbelief and
irritation, but it was on seeing a figure dressed in dark blue clothes sitting
down beside him when he became fully awake. He made a motion to grasp his
sabers, but he stopped halfway through, remembering where he was. And then he
remembered that he hadn't any saber anyway. His eyes narrowed then widened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Aydin?
.Em
.P
The ternian smiled slightly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I see that my recommendations as a healer have failed badly,
.Em
he murmured.
.P
The prayers were now dispersed among the distinct minor chapels, Dashvara
noticed. How long had he slept? Surely no more than one hour, he deemed.
He held back an ironic grimace. With such efficiency, anyone would think he
had decided to rescue his sister by waiting until the time knocked down the
temple.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Can I ask you what a pagan does here, praying to a divinity he doesn't believe
in?
.Em
Aydin asked.
.P
Dashvara's mouth contorted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You can. Actually, I could ask you too why you pray to a dragon that is
supposed to have a good heart, and at the same time, you allow a man to buy
the life of ten people without even denouncing him.
.Em
.P
Aydin's pale skin lost the little color it had.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What are you talking about?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You know it full well,
.Em
Dashvara whispered.
.Bm -t dia
You have been there, in Nanda's village. You saw how ten young Xalyas were
sold to that scoundrel. You know they are in Republic's territory, in
Rocavita. And you don't denounce it… because of cowardice?
.Em
.P
A trace of pain showed in Aydin's face; however, unexpectedly, this one
smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I've never denied I was a coward.
.Em
.P
The glare that Dashvara cast him didn't wither him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have a wife and children,
.Em
the ternian whispered.
.Bm -t dia
My act of bravery is to accept my cowardice. My selfishness would be not to
accept it. Boy,
.Em
he sighed,
.Bm -t dia
please tell me you won't denounce Arviyag.
.Em
.P
Dashvara did not even hear the question. He had half straightened, and he was
trying to give some sense to that merchant's words.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You have a wife and children,
.Em
he echoed back at him.
.Bm -t dia
Is that an excuse to behave like a scoundrel? What kind of education can the
children receive when their father helps such a miscreants' trade?
.Em
Suddenly, all the scorn he felt towards that man vanished, and he blew out,
amused.
.Bm -t dia
I envy you, republican. My father would have rather killed all his children
with his own hands than renounce his honor. But, all in all, who knows what
the honor really is?
.Em
.P
Aydin's expression was startled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You've called me miscreant and scoundrel, and then you say you envy me?
.Em
He wiped a hand across his forehead, and Dashvara noticed he had the claws
out. He continued:
.Bm -t dia
I do wonder if the life of those unfortunate women won't be more fortunate now
than in your village full of savages. I didn't come here to argue, man of the
steppe,
.Em
he added when he saw Dashvara frowning.
.Bm -t dia
This is a holy place. If I came up to talk to you it was only because I was
curious to know what you were doing here. Now, for my family's sake, I prefer
to know nothing more,
.Em
he affirmed, rising to his feet.
.Bm -t dia
May the Dragon guide you.
.Em
.P
Dashvara watched him bowing down respectfully before the silver cup. He
didn't answer, and he waited for him to move away before standing up and
glancing at the main hall. The prayers were leaving the prayer rooms, and they
were gathering by the entrance, silently; the elfocan was putting out the
candles lit up in the minor chapels. As for the lookout, Dashvara saw him
walking toward the gates with a bunch of keys.
.P
The moment was ideal.
.P
Dashvara dashed for the Main Chapel, where only a candle was burning now,
just in front of the marble mouth of the dragon. He drew away from the light
furtively, went around the chapel behind the columns, frantically searching
for an opening or some stairs… He heard a grating of chains. The lookout was
opening the gates. Dashvara breathed in deeply, and he stopped in his tracks
when, on arriving at the back of the hall, he saw something he hadn't noticed
before: the Dragon White's head was hacked. A small corridor about one step
and half wide separated it from a wall richly adorned. Zaadma hadn't said that
the entrance was situated in the Main Chapel. She had said it was in the
dragon. In its head.
.P
With a sudden shiver, he glanced at the exit. The prayers were leaving in an
orderly way. The lookout would probably think he had left with them. The
elfocan was emerging from a chapel, and Dashvara knew that, if he had moved
then, the elfocan would have seen him in all likelihood. He waited, motionless
as a statue, until the priest turned his back toward him. Then, he rushed
forward. He reached the small corridor and found the door, plunged into
darkness.
.P
He was surely the man who thanked the White Dragon of
Rocavita the most and the best that night. He touched the
old wood, and he tried not to demoralize when he discovered
there wasn't a latch. A big lock was locking the two leaves.
.P
.Bm -t penso
No time to be sophisticated,
.Em
he thought. He seized the metal bar from his boot and glanced cautiously out
of the corridor. The last prayer was already crossing the doorway, and the
lookout was about to close the door…
.P
Just when the temple entrance shut, Dashvara, gripping the bar with both
hands, blindly smashed down on the lock. He didn't wait to check whether this
one had gotten broken, and when the lookout began to move the chains, Dashvara
hit again with all his strength. There was such a bang that, for a second, he
wasn't able to move. The lock had fallen to the floor, destroyed.
.P
He stretched a hand, yanked at the chain links, and shoved. Before the
lookout had finished setting the chains, he jumped down to the first step,
turned around, and quickly shut the door.
.P
.Bm -t penso
This time I sure am totally in the dark,
.Em
he thought.
.P
He rubbed Zaadma's metal disk hopefully, and he sighed in relief when he saw
light. It barely lit the next steps, but at least it lit a bit. Without
stopping to wonder how this strange object did work, he put his metal bar
back in one boot, and he started to go down.
.P
The stairs were made of white marble, and as he descended, Dashvara noticed
that the disk light was getting brighter. Up in the vaulted ceiling, there
were carved characters written in an elegant calligraphy, as well as finely
engraved sculptures. Dashvara just took a casual glance at it, without
stopping. When he arrived downstairs, he could make out, beyond the light
halo, big cavities in the rock. And in each one, there was a coffin.
.P
.Bm -t penso
My mother would have loved this place,
.Em
he thought.
.P
The Dungeon of Xalya had catacombs too, and to tell the truth, they were much
more stifling and gloomier than these. Instead of black rock, the catacombs of
Rocavita were covered with white and golden paintings, as if the dead could
care.
.P
Just where the stairs ended, there was a wide, perpendicular corridor.
Uncertain, Dashvara looked left, and then right. He sharpened his ears. There
was no sound.
.P
.Bm -t penso
If you don't know where to hit, feint and test the water,
.Em
captain Zorvun had advised him once.
.P
Dashvara shrugged, and he chose the right-hand path. Soon, he found stairs
again, also wide and white, but shorter. The next corridor led to a squared
room, and then to stairs again. For a moment, passing by coffins and more
coffins, he asked himself who those people were. The dead of Rocavita? Sure,
they did not look as old as most of the coffins that were lying under the
dungeon. Dashvara would have never imagined that catacombs could be so large.
.P
At some point, the white marble was replaced by gray rock, and Dashvara
suddenly thought he had just woken up from a dream. Walking among the dead was
not one of his most favorite activities. But at least he didn't need to
fight them.
.P
The corridor he was crossing now looked pretty much as if nobody had visited
it for decades. He was casting curious glances to both sides when, suddenly,
he came across a grating. Furrowing his eyebrows, he noticed that the iron,
though old, was very solid. He tried hopelessly to open it, but it didn't even
slightly move. He held out the lantern between the iron bars, attempting to
see what there was on the other side. Perhaps it was only a sort of grotto, he
reasoned. The light of the disk was fading away. Sighing, he rubbed it
vigorously, and the object gleamed intensely.
.P
From the shadows, a skull face popped up, smiling at him sinisterly.
.P
Dashvara promptly jerked backwards, shivering.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's okay,
.Em
he whispered to calm down.
.Bm -t dia
It's dead. Full dead.
.\" truly dead
.Em
.P
He moistened his cold lips with his tongue, and he turned around. He had to
choose another way. He was returning to one of the crossings when he heard a
loud, grating noise that made him turn deathly pale.
.P
.Bm -t penso
At this rate, you will have a heart attack before finding your people, o great
steppe lord,
.Em
he upbraided himself.
.P
There was another banging, and Dashvara tried to control his trembling limbs.
In the catacombs, the only living beings were the visitants, he repeated
inside.
.P
.Bm -t penso
And stop raving about walking dead men.
.Em
.P
He heard voices, and he narrowed his eyes. Perhaps it was the Xalyas? No, he
thought. They were men's voices. And they were growing louder.
.P
He glanced at his metal bar, and his mouth twisted. He had no way to know
who those men were. Maybe they were just some lookouts. Deep down, he knew
they weren't, but that didn't prevent him from crouching down on the ground
and rolling into one of the lower cavities that didn't have coffins. At least he
thought they didn't until his hands touched wood. He lifted his disk and
noted that the lower cavities were tunnels about two feet and half in
height where coffins were forming a long row—so long that the shadows
engulfed them.
.P
He heard a laugh and footsteps. He gave a dismayed look at the disk, which
was shining like a full Moon. How to put it out? He supposed that it would get
extinguished if he could cool it but… With a grimace, he pushed the cover of
the first coffin, and without looking at it, he flung the disk into it and
shut it again.
.P
Soon, Dashvara perceived the trembling light of a torch, accompanied
by footsteps. They weren't more than two, he calculated.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't be ridiculous, Stim,
.Em
a sarcastic voice said.
.Bm -t dia
Dead men tell no tales. How could they denounce us?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I dunno,
.Em
that Stim answered, wavering,
.Bm -t dia
but… Vand, there are holly tombs here.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
All of them are, in theory,
.Em
Vand snorted.
.Bm -t dia
Come on, let's hurry up before we are relieved. That's the opportunity of our
lifetime, buddy. Are you going to waste it?
.Em
There was a chuckle.
.Bm -t dia
Rings with precious stones. Beauties as you have never seen, Stim. Come on.
Let's split us up. If you see one of those individual crypts, give me a shout.
Those are made for the governors and the wealthy people. We see us in this
crossing, okay?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Okay, but, Vand…
.Em
Stim cleared his throat as if to conceal his quivering voice.
.Bm -t dia
They can't arrive before we return. If they see we have forced the grating,
and if they find out we have left the prisoners alone—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Go back if you're such a coward, boy,
.Em
the other replied bitingly.
.Bm -t dia
See you later.
.Em
.P
Some footsteps went away, along another corridor. Stim kept immobile for a
while. And then he chose the corridor where Dashvara was hiding.
.P
So these were the efficient prison guards of Arviyag. Dashvara hardly
suppressed a sarcastic laugh. He saw leather boots passing by his cavity, and
he guessed that, as soon as that Stim found the grating, he would hasten
to join his partner. He drew a deep breath, veiled his face, and came out
of hiding. Swiftly, he sprung to his feet, and he was already lifting his
metal bar when Stim stopped short. He had not even time to turn around.
Dashvara gave him a rough blow strong enough to knock him to the ground and
make him out cold. The torch fell down onto the floor with a dull sound, and
the Xalya held the unconscious body before laying it down kindly.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Why haven't I killed him?
.Em
.P
However hard Dashvara sought a precise answer, he couldn't find it. This boy,
who must be his age, worked for a slave-trader. But Dashvara doubted this was
a sufficient reason to dispatch him.
.P
He picked up the torch and looked over the prison guard's belt and pockets,
searching for the keys. He found nothing. He shrugged and took a dagger from
the boy's strap before making him roll into one of the cavities. When he
woke up, he sure would be frightened to the bone, he thought, with a macabre
smile.
.P
He returned to his hiding place, and he got his disk back. He shoved it in his
pocket, and then he began to go along the corridor where the slavers had come
from. He had the impression that he was very close to his aim.
.P
The walls became rougher, and then there were no more cavities with tombs.
About fifty steps away, he found another grating, and he noticed it was
slightly open. He crossed to the other side, and pretty soon, he began to hear
voices, as well as an unremitting metal creak. He stepped forward cautiously,
and he passed by some stairs that led somewhere up. The secret way out,
perhaps? He could not be totally sure, but the noise did not come from there.
.D
.Bm -t dia
They will kill us all,
.Em
a girl's voice was whimpering.
.Bm -t dia
There's no way, Fayrah. Even if you manage to open the grating, we don't know
where we are. Who knows, perhaps we're locked in the dark dungeons of Dazbon.
Or in the—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Enough, Lessi,
.Em
another whispering voice admonished her.
.P
Dashvara felt a wave of happiness when he recognized his sister's voice.
Without hurrying, he kept moving along the corridor. He didn't bother to be
stealthy.
.D
.Bm -t dia
They're coming!
.Em
one of the Xalyas hissed.
.P
The metallic creaks stopped instantly. He went into a room plunged in a total
dark. Thanks to his torch, he discerned some immobile silhouettes behind a
large grating. Almost all the prisoners were sitting on the floor. Two of
them had a bench, and one was near the grating with an expression of pure
horror on her face. Dashvara had just enough time to see the piece of metal
his sister was holding before she hid it out of his sight. This simple
fleeting sight filled him with hope. Fayrah hadn't renounced freedom, he
understood gladly. He approached the iron bars, and he gazed at their
faces for some seconds before focusing on the iron door. This one was locked
with a thick chain and a lock. It wouldn't be easy to open it, he deemed. Even
though, he couldn't get discouraged now that the Xalyas were just in front of
him. He placed the torch on a candelabra fixed to a wall, he closed the door
of the room, and he went back to the grating, lowering his veil upon his face.
He smiled at them all.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hello, princesses. I've come to rescue you all,
.Em
he announced.
.P
The silence lasted, and Dashvara was startled to see that Fayrah didn't
recognize him at once. He made use of it by giving instructions:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't be scared. I will get you out of here. It's likely that someone will
hear me, so when I open this door, don't get out until I ask you to, okay?
.Em
.P
Fayrah stammered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dashvara? It can't be. I saw you die.
.Em
.P
Dashvara got troubled. Could it be that Fayrah was starting to have
hallucinations?
.D
.Bm -t dia
Everything will be all right, Fayrah,
.Em
he affirmed. He took out his metal bar, and he drew closer to inspect the
lock. This one seemed as if it came from the best Akinoa smithy, he
complained.
.P
He was considering the possibility of attacking a link when Fayrah stretched a
hand between the iron bars and touched his arm.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're alive,
.Em
she whispered. Fear was still showing in her beautiful face as if she
expected her brother to change into a prison guard at any moment.
.P
Dashvara swallowed, and he set an appeasing face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Everything will be all right,
.Em
he repeated.
.Bm -t dia
And now, if you please, keep an eye on the door entrance while I'm working,
and warn me if someone comes in.
.Em
He took Fayrah's hand and squeezed it tenderly to inspire her with courage
before adding:
.Bm -t dia
Step away from the grating, sister.
.Em
.P
Fayrah stepped away, tottering backwards, and Lessi, her best friend, held her
with an anxious expression that would have inspired the best artists. Who
would have thought she was the daughter of the brave captain Zorvun…
.P
Dashvara didn't allow himself to nourish any fatal thought, and he fell to
work. Praying for the door to muffle the noise, he calculated the best angle,
and he gave a strong blow on one of the links. The metal was barely damaged.
He hissed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Damned chain.
.Em
.P
Some blows later, noise no longer bothered him. He would wake up all the
people of Rocavita if he had to! He wasn't going to leave without his sister.
.P
After a while that seemed endless to him, he managed, at last, to make the chain
burst. An axe would have been more effective, but the metal bar worked
marvelously well too.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Fayrah, help me remove it,
.Em
he rushed her.
.P
They both started turning the chain as quickly as possible.
.P
The shadow on the floor warned Dashvara before Lessi gave a high-pitched
shriek. He whirled around just to see the hem of a cloak fleeing away across
the open door.
.P
He didn't think twice. He abandoned the chain, and he dashed after the prison
guard. This silly fool was carrying a chest, and as he didn't want to drop
it, Dashvara reached him in a few strides. He hit him on the neck, and the
slaver slumped onto the floor letting out a stifled shout. He didn't fall
unconscious, and Dashvara had to give him another blow for him to stop crying.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Eternal Bird,
.Em
he panted. He noticed that the prison guard was still grasping his beautiful
chest, surely belonging to some governor of Rocavita. He shook his head.
.Bm -t dia
You fool.
.Em
.P
Getting hold of Vand's saber, he kept the bar and went back to the room just
when Fayrah was pushing the grating.
.P
Immediately, the Xalyas rushed out, forgetting Dashvara's order. He glowered
at them, irritated.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't panic!
.Em
he barked.
.Bm -t dia
You are Xalyas. Behave as such.
.Em
.P
Instantly, they all calmed down. Fayrah lunged forward to embrace him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dashvara!
.Em
she sobbed.
.Bm -t dia
I… I thought all of you had died.
.Em
.P
Dashvara drew her away tenderly and stretched a hand to lift her chin. There
was such a pure innocence in Fayrah's eyes!
.D
.Bm -t dia
Please, sister. Now you have to be strong. Follow me to the corridor, you all.
Make sure the prison guard doesn't wake up, and if he does
.Em
—he drew out his bar again and handed it to Fayrah—
.Bm -t dia
give him a good blow.
.Em
.P
His sister widened her eyes, but she nodded without complaining.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'll find a way out,
.Em
Dashvara added.
.Bm -t dia
If you hear more than one person going down these stairs, run to this
corridor. You will find other stairs that lead to the temple. There, there
is a lookout who has the keys of the entrance.
.Em
.P
He seized the torch, and he was going to give it to Lessi, but when he saw her
trembling like a leaf, he decided to give it to another girl. He laid a boot on
the first step, and he realized that the ten Xalyas were staring at him,
expectantly. He looked pointedly at them all, setting a determined face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't forget we are children of the Eternal Bird. Don't let fear overwhelm
your minds. You still have a people and a life to defend.
.Em
.P
His words lit up their faces, and Dashvara started to go upstairs, wondering
how many miracles and how many disasters a few words were capable of causing.
.P
The stairs were short, and he took out Zaadma's disk again when the shadows
began to engulf him. He rubbed it just a bit, praying for it not to light too
much. A soft light, like that of a lightning bug, awoke.
.P
And a foul odor slapped him. His face screwed up, and he arrived in something
that seemed to be the bottom of a huge, bricked well. He made the light
stronger, and for a moment, he stood fascinated. He was in a circular room
about thirty feet in diameter. A narrow corridor crossed it, fringed by thick
horizontal gratings, which opened onto emptiness. The evil-smelling air was
almost choking. Seemingly, just below, the sewers passed there, with all the
sewage.
.P
He lifted his eyes, and what he saw at the back cheered him up. There was a door.
.P
Knowing full well that he was exposing himself, Dashvara crossed the room and
extended a hand to the door. It was made of wood. He sharpened his ears. He
heard nothing more than the distant flow of the pipes water. He thrust the
disk into his pocket, and he unsheathed the saber.
.P
.Sm -t penso It's now or never.
.P
He turned the door handle, and he almost jumped in surprise when this one
opened effortlessly. A soft, fresh breeze bit his face. He went out, crouching
down, searching for signs of any Arviyag's man standing guard outdoors. He
saw nothing. Only a long, dry earthy corridor fringed by a high wall. The
Gem's light scarcely managed to illuminate the alley.
.P
He went back inside and hurried back to the Xalyas. Leaving them behind had
only been a waste of time, he realized. He found them in the same place, but on
hearing his footsteps a few had risen like some awkward hares. It hurt
Dashvara's heart to think that, if instead of him it had been prison guards,
the Xalyas wouldn't have remained free for more than ten minutes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Follow me.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
And what about this man?
.Em
one asked.
.P
Dashvara remembered that her name was Aligra and that she was a good friend
of his brother Showag. She was sixteen, was an orphan, and if he remembered
well, she was known for being a lunatic. Her weird question proved it.
Dashvara took a glance over the avaricious prison guard, and he checked
without any surprise that he was still unconscious. He didn't answer
Aligra's silly question, and he grunted:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let's go.
.Em
.P
All the women started to go upstairs. Dashvara went ahead, and they were
already crossing the stinking room when the outside door burst open. Dashvara
cursed under his breath.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Get back!
.Em
he roared.
.P
The Xalyas were immediately overcome by panic, and they backed in disorder.
For some seconds, the two figures standing in the doorway stayed as if
petrified. It wasn't hard for Dashvara to understand that they were the next
watch relief. Fearing that they would warn more companions, he thrust at them.
He underestimated the courage of Arviyag's men, for these, without even
an exclamation, went in and unsheathed their sabers. They had
recovered from the surprise in an impressively short time. And, seemingly, they
knew how to fight.
.P
.Bm -t penso
They are warriors, what did you expect?
.Em
.P
Gripping the saber and the dagger, Dashvara took one step back toward the
corridor. At least he could take advantage of the room arrangement: they
could only fight in turn. Unless they were reckless enough to fight on the
gratings, at the risk of stamping some foot in a hole, but…
.P
All his thoughts vanished at once when he noticed that one of them was drawing
a gadget from a purse fastened to his belt. A dart. Dashvara had no sooner
dodged the projectile than the man threw another one at him. The second got
hammered in his right shoulder, but the third never reached its target. He
jumped almost literally into the other attacker, hiding from the ranger.
.P
The Xalyas were so silent that Dashvara felt the temptation
to look backwards to make sure they were still alive, but
obviously, he didn't.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Never lose sight of your enemy.
.Em
.P
This time, he didn't have to conceal his Xalya attacks: the main objective was
to survive. He disarmed the slaver, and he was just about to give him a fatal
strike when the man, stepping backwards, took out a dagger using his available
hand. His lips twisted in a terrible grimace.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're good, but not enough.
.Em
.P
He let out a stupid laugh, and Dashvara paused, startled. Anyone would have
thought he was still holding his saber, the way he behaved. Or was there some
trick he had not noticed?
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't attack!
.Em
his companion advised him.
.Bm -t dia
Just make sure he doesn't approach. The poison is starting to affect
him.
.Em
.P
Indeed, Dashvara felt that his shoulder was burning like a fire. His right
hand was becoming numb. He let his dagger fall and shifted the saber to the
freed hand before attacking without allowing his adversary enough time to
adapt himself. With a quick slash, he left him bleeding, lying down facing the
grating, and he lunged at the poisoner.
.P
Something, in his head, burst like a flame. What if the poison was fatal?
He had no way to know. He was aware that the most reasonable thing to do would
have been to neutralize the man and interrogate him about the matter, but… he
didn't want to die in the meantime and let the Xalyas at the mercy of the
slave-traders once more.
.P
He disarmed him more easily than the other, and the man, widening his eyes,
reeled backwards, toward the grating.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have the antidote. Don't kill me or else you will die. I have the—
.Em
.P
Dashvara slit his throat. Immediately, he thought that the hell itself had
just exploded inside him. He dropped to his knees, with his body writhing
around with convulsions. He mustered his last energies to shout:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Xalyas, your steppe lord orders you to escape! Now!
.Em
.P
He did not fall unconscious yet. He pulled the dart out of his shoulder, and
he dragged himself to the corpse while hearing hurried footsteps and whimpers
full of tension. One of the purses was empty, the one with the darts. Another
one contained a small box. He opened it with trembling hands, and he blinked,
trying to see the contents clearly. There were powders ordered in cells.
Maybe antidotes. Or maybe not. Probably not. It was clear that, the way the
slaver had formulated it, the poison of that dart was lethal, so Dashvara
didn't think twice before lifting the small box, throwing back his head, and
pouring everything he could into his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dash!
.Em
Fayrah yelled. She grasped him by the arm. She was crying in
tears.
.Bm -t dia
Dash, tell me you're not going to die.
.Em
.P
Dashvara stared at her, swallowed the last mouthful of powders, and suddenly,
he burst into laughter like a madman.
.P
Tears welled up in his eyes; his laughter resounded noisily in that stinky
room. Fayrah was gaping at him, open-mouthed. The other Xalyas seemed to have
escaped, all of them, except two. One of these was lying on the floor,
unconscious.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Aligra, wake Lessi and run away,
.Em
Fayrah pronounced in a quivering voice, her eyes fastened on Dashvara.
.Bm -t dia
I think my brother can't help you more.
.Em
.P
Dashvara had cracked up uncontrollably.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Eternal Bird, I sure can't!
.Em
he howled, writhing about on the floor.
.Bm -t dia
But I'm not going to die, little sisthahaha…!
.Em
.P
He choked, and he began to cough. He felt as if his whole mind were about to
burst. A beam of hope lit Fayrah's eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Truly?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's what you asked me to say,
.Em
Dashvara teased, trying to sit up. Each breathing gave him the impression that
he had stakes hammered into his whole body, but a strange euphoria engulfed
him. His throat croaked.
.Bm -t dia
Hehe. I don't know whether that poison was fatal, but with all that stuff I've
just gulped, no doubt I'm going to meet our parents and siblings very soon!
.Em
He guffawed, and despite the fact this way the pain was getting worse, he
kept laughing loudly, flopping down slowly onto the floor
while the light was being devoured by the shadows.
.P
And then, his dulled ears perceived Fayrah's exclamation of surprise.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Wh-who are you?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
We have no choice,
.Em
whispered a voice that sounded to Dashvara as if coming from beyond the grave.
.Bm -t dia
Come with us. We'll get this fool out of here.
.Em
.P
Before being swallowed by the darkness, Dashvara could see the face of a woman
with lovely eyes and thin and pressed lips. Her expression
seemed so funny to him that he burst into laughter, and the pain knocked him out.
.Ch "The Pearl Brotherhood"
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hehe…
.Em
.P
Dashvara was smiling alone in his dream. He was pursuing a furient wolf, and
he was grasping its tail. The creature bared its teeth, and he laughed and
called it “brother”. The wolf growled and marched off, exasperated. Then, he
fell onto the ground, but the steppe turned into emptiness, and he fell and
fell endlessly, until he began to fly like the Eternal Bird and changed into
an eagle and then into a…
.P
A rough jolt inside him dragged him away from his wonderful dream. He felt a
horrendous headache, and he gasped. Everything was dark. He opened his eyes
and sighed out in relief when he saw he didn't go blind. He was in a room
plunged in darkness. He saw the shape of several pieces of furniture, and a
small window in the upper part of a wall. He closed his eyes again, feeling
that something within him wasn't working well, but he opened
them again almost instantly on recalling a fact.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Fayrah,
.Em
he whispered.
.P
He had saved her. He remembered she was there when he had been poisoned. He
had succeeded in killing their prison guards, and he hoped all the girls had
managed to escape.
.P
Then he recalled every detail, and he sighed, disheartened. Some people had
popped up and taken them the Eternal Bird knows where. More
optimistically, he thought that, if they had been
slave-traders, they would have probably finished him off.
.P
He saw a door on his left, and then he realized that he was only wearing
pants. They had taken off his shirt, and he noticed that, on the wound
caused by Zefrek son of Nanda, someone had put a sort of poultice again.
.P
He looked over the bedside table, and as he saw a water pitcher, he picked it
up with both hands, ignoring a sudden faintness. He took a sip. The water
was fresh and good. He rose to his feet with the sensation that he was trying
to keep his balance on an unsteady ground, and he poured the water just right
on his head. Immediately, he felt much more awake.
.P
He staggered toward the door, and he sharpened his ears. He heard nothing.
Since only a weak light slipped through the window, it seemed as though the
dawn had not yet come to life. His gaze swept around the room inquisitively.
He saw a chair, and for a moment, he thought of breaking it to get a club, but
then he reasoned. If those strangers had left him a chair, if they had been
taking care of him, it meant that they couldn't be so evil. Right?
.P
.Bm -t penso
I wouldn't affirm it, but it could be,
.Em
he pondered.
.P
When he turned the handle and the door opened, he paused, perplexed. Then he
peered at the corridor. This one was dark and silent. He took a step forward,
blinked, and struggled with a new fit of dizziness. It was as if his mind were
suffering an assault of whippings. He kept standing miraculously.
.P
He was widening his eyes without even daring blink when suddenly, he spotted
a movement through the shadows. No, he rectified: he spotted a movement of
shadows. A compact mass of darkness had just moved, by one of the walls. He
was almost sure he recognized the shape of two arms, a head, some hands,
and a mouth… This figure was a human. Or at least it was a sajit. But it had
only shadows.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Swallowing all these powders didn't do you any good, I'm afraid; at the most,
it may have saved your life,
.Em
he thought, dizzy.
.P
He tottered, and he clutched at the wall at the opposite side from where was
standing that illusory creature that could not exist. Then, suddenly, he heard
a voice in his head.
.P
.Bm -t dm
May I help you?
.Em
.P
The voice was deep and caring. The eyes so wide open that they
were beginning to sting, Dashvara gazed at the shadow fixedly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Eternal… Bird,
.Em
he stammered weakly.
.P
He attempted to move, but he couldn't. Something incomprehensible was
happening to him: his limbs didn't respond. He was as though paralyzed. For a
moment, he thought it was due to the impression caused by so many absurdities.
He tried to convince himself that this shadow did not exist. He was dreaming
it. He forced himself to relax, and he tried to move. In vain.
.P
The creak of a door would have jolted him if he had been able to move one of
his limbs. His head was beginning to burn him more than an inner flame, and
his body vibrated as if spiked by a thousand needles. At that instant,
Dashvara almost regretted not having died.
.P
The shadow vanished, and instead, a light appeared at the end of the
corridor. A silhouette of skin and bones drew closer with a quick step.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You shouldn't leave your room,
.Em
the new arrival muttered.
.P
Dashvara could see her pointed ears, and he was pretty sure to recognize her
eyes and her thin lips, but at this moment, it didn't dawn on him: he only
stared at her, unable to move.
.P
The woman, letting out an exasperated sigh, withdrew the candle she was
holding, and she grasped him by the arm… Scarcely had she touched him when
there was a crackle accompanied by a bright bolt of lightning: the stranger,
without emitting the slightest sound, slumped onto the floor.
.P
Dashvara was so amazed he took a while to realize that his body had recovered
his mobility. The candle's flame had got extinguished upon
falling, and the stranger was lying motionless.
.P
.Sm -t penso What the hell is happening to me?
.P
He wished that all this were only a dreadful nightmare, but his experience
had taught him that it was better to see reality as it was, even if it might
seem incomprehensible in the beginning. Calming down, he was about to kneel by
the stranger when his body suddenly convulsed, and he began coughing so badly
that he would have dropped to his knees anyway.
.P
The coughing fit lasted longer than ever before, and when he, at last, was
able to catch his breath a bit, he truly believed that, as well as the woman,
he was going to faint in that very place. The metallic taste of blood filled
his mouth. He swallowed, and he sat up on the stone floor, trying to think
coherently. Instead, he heard voices.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What have you done to her, you boor?
.Em
roared a figure running toward him. He laid the lantern on the floor and
squatted hurriedly by the unconscious woman. The man, a
wide-faced, blond-haired human with bushy eyebrows, showed a
face contracted in worry and mistrust. His blue eyes
sparkled when they fixed on Dashvara's.
.Bm -t dia
What have you done?
.Em
he repeated.
.P
Dashvara was going to answer that he had no idea, but he choked, and when he
cleared his throat, he spit blood.
.D
.Bm -t dia
For the Divinity's sake,
.Em
the blond-haired man murmured.
.Bm -t dia
Are you hurt?
.Em
.P
Dashvara shook his head, and he answered in a hoarse and level voice:
.D
.Bm -t dia
If I'm not dreaming, tell me, republican, what's happening to me.
.Em
.P
For some seconds, the man did not move. Then he glanced at the woman, and his
face relaxed when he saw her blinking.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What the—?
.Em
she grumbled. She sat up briskly, and she gave a snort that deformed her
beautiful face.
.Bm -t dia
That idiot struck me with lightning!
.Em
.P
She attempted to rise, and on seeing her vengeful expression, Dashvara had no
doubt about her intentions. Fortunately, the blond-haired man stopped her.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Azune, relax! Explain what happened here,
.Em
he commanded.
.P
Azune, standing only about two steps away from Dashvara, looked as if she was
making tremendous efforts to calm down. Her brown eyes were flaring,
threatening.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I heard a noise,
.Em
she finally explained in a tense voice.
.Bm -t dia
I left my room to know what was going on. And I saw him standing still, in
the middle of the corridor. I told him to go back to his room, but he didn't
listen to me, and when I touched him, a flash of lightning
bolted, and I fainted.
.Em
Her young forehead wrinkled angrily.
.Bm -t dia
This man is a celmist. A conjurer. I swear, I speak the truth.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you didn't, you wouldn't be worthy of our Brotherhood,
.Em
his companion replied while casting at Dashvara a thoughtful look. This one
was trying to pick himself up, but the sudden throbs of pain were starting to
blind his mind.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Great,
.Em
he thought. And he was going to finish his thought full of irony when a
blistering wave burnt him at the speed of a bolt. He cursed, and he did not
know how he managed to draw enough energy to stand up again.
.D
.Bm -t dia
All right,
.Em
he said.
.Bm -t dia
We are all alive. Nothing too bad happened. Now let me die in peace. Or at
least let me sleep. Because I suspect that, if I keep conscious one minute
longer, I will go mad like the young Amerio, may he rest in peace, and—
.Em
He let out a guffaw and instantly stifled it, realizing that
it had no place in the current situation.
.Bm -t dia
Eternal Bird, if I lose my head, promise me that you will kill me,
.Em
he sputtered, and he roared with laughter.
.Bm -t dia
It would be terrible to live without a head!
.Em
.P
This time, his laugh got stifled by another fit of coughing. He fell to his
knees in front of the two amazed sajits, and a silly small voice said to him
that it was humiliating to kneel before some strangers.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Be quiet,
.Em
he muttered, spitting blood. His mind was even more befuddled than in his
worst drinking bouts.
.Bm -t dia
I am not a man anymore. I am a wreck. Unless I'm dreaming. Yes, perhaps I am
dreaming and the Dungeon is still standing. Showag, Mildran, and Saodar,
.Em
he pronounced.
.Bm -t dia
They are alive. Do you realize? My parents are alive. All of them are alive.
And the Shalussis are dead,
.Em
he added, smiling dreadfully.
.Bm -t dia
The Essimeans and the Akinoas are dead. May they be tormented by the fire that
is tormenting me. May they be thrown and drown deep into the depths of the
abyss—
.Em
.P
Darkness surrounded him abruptly, and then there was nothing but silence.
.P
When he awoke, he found himself again in the bed of the room. But, this time,
everything was even darker. Only a shy Gem's blue beam was twinkling through
the small window. Dashvara sat up, and he noticed that everything was all
right: his head wasn't aching, and it reasoned coolly, his eyes weren't
closing by themselves, his mind had no longer to struggle against armies of
piercing firebolts… All the suffering seemed to have been only a bad dream. A
weird, dull pain in his chest was still bothering him a bit, but these were
trivial matters.
.P
Good, he told himself. Now that he was in condition to think, he had to
discover where he was, who the hellish demons had been taking care of him,
and where Fayrah and the others were.
.P
Scarcely had he thrown back the blankets when he perceived a shadow movement,
and he stopped dead, scrutinizing the room. Everything was quiet. He shook his
head, setting aside his ridiculous phantom visions, and he got up. Stealthily,
he crossed the door, and as he began to slink across the corridor, he got the
disturbing impression that something was stalking him. He spun around, but he
could see nothing but darkness.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Don't think about specters, and do concentrate on finding the Xalyas and
getting out of here.
.Em
.P
He sighed, and he started to go down the stairs at the end of the corridor.
Down, a soft light was shining. When he arrived at the last step, he stopped
next to the hollow. He was about to peep his head to glance at the room, but a
sudden voice, Azune's, glued him to the spot.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, Duke, if you really want to know my opinion, I think you are a—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Fool,
.Em
the voice of the blond-haired man completed. He heard a dull sound.
.Bm -t dia
Sister, could you remind me of the basic motto of the Pearl Brotherhood?
.Em
.P
Now Azune's voice sounded unemotional:
.D
.Bm -t dia
You will protect the innocents and punish the culprits. I know, Rowyn! But this
steppeman has messed up all our plans. And now you're planning to help him!
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I hope you're not suggesting I should take revenge on him, are you?
.Em
Rowyn's voice sounded teasingly amused.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, but if they are really looking for him because he has stolen the Dragon of
Spring, and if someone finds out that we are sheltering him… that could easily
harm the Brotherhood's reputation, don't you think?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
He didn't steal the Dragon of Spring, and you know it.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Haw! We didn't find it on him, but he could have an accomplice,
.Em
Azune replied.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He didn't go into the catacombs to steal, but to rescue his people, Azune.
Don't deceive yourself. And if you are still in doubt, you can ask him
directly: he's listening.
.Em
.P
Dashvara restrained a curse, and he broke cover. He found the blond-haired
man standing, joining his hands on his back, and the young elf sitting in an
armchair. Though, at that instant, Azune had half leaped to her feet in
surprise. Her stern expression reminded him that eavesdropping on other people
was impolite. He bowed his head slightly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Excuse my poor manners. I didn't mean to interrupt you.
.Em
.P
The blond gave a hint of a smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you see, Azune? Perhaps he is a steppeman, but he knows how to apologize.
How are you feeling?
.Em
he inquired while Azune was sitting down back into her armchair with an
ill-humored face.
.P
Dashvara looked at them both quickly. From what he had heard, both of them
belonged to the Pearl Brotherhood. He had never been told about them, but if
they worked on protecting innocents, they couldn't be evil.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm much better. Thanks for your care, though I don't quite understand its
cause. Where is my sister? And the other Xalyas?
.Em
.P
Rowyn gestured elegantly at an empty armchair.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm glad you're recovering. Please sit down. The Xalyas are perfectly
well. Now it's late and the three of them are sleeping.
.Em
.P
Dashvara hadn't moved, but on hearing his very last words, he jerked up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The three of them? But there were ten!
.Em
he exclaimed.
.P
There was a brief silence.
.D
.Bm -t dia
True enough,
.Em
Rowyn granted.
.Bm -t dia
The others escaped before. I have no idea where they might be. Please, be
quiet or else you'll wake up the three girls. It's four o'clock in the
morning.
.Em
.P
Dashvara calmed down, and he decided that perhaps it was better this way. He
only hoped that the slave-traders did not know either where the other seven
Xalyas were. But… four o'clock in the morning? If he recalled correctly, the
last time he had woken up, dawn was just breaking. That meant he had
spent at least one night and one day in this house.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Please sit down,
.Em
Rowyn invited him again as if he was trying to calm down some nervous horse.
.P
Dashvara didn't pay attention to him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who are you, and what's this story about the Dragon of Spring?
.Em
.P
Rowyn cast a teasing glance at Azune before insisting:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sit down, and I will explain to you.
.Em
.P
Under a kind look and two inscrutable eyes, Dashvara sat down in the
armchair. This one was as comfortable as his lord father's but less worn.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good,
.Em
the blond said, sitting down too in a chair.
.Bm -t dia
Your sister Fayrah told us a bit what happened. The assault on your dungeon,
her stay in a Shalussi village, and the journey through the Tunnels of
Aïgstia—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
How could you dare interrogate her?
.Em
Dashvara roared.
.P
Azune let out a sarcastic chuckle.
.D
.Bm -t dia
We save his life, and then he talks to us in that bossy savage's voice. Duke,
why do you bother talking to such a—?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Enough,
.Em
Rowyn thundered. He recovered a calm tone.
.Bm -t dia
I interrogated Fayrah just in case she had some relevant information about the
slave-traders that take prisoners from the steppe. I am a Pearl Brother, and I
work on destroying this slave trafficking,
.Em
he explained.
.Bm -t dia
My name is Rowyn. And she is Azune.
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked him in the eye. He knew he shouldn't trust appearances, but
at that moment, he wanted to believe that Rowyn was saying the truth.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My name is Dashvara of Xalya,
.Em
he introduced himself formally.
.Bm -t dia
Son of Vifkan and Dakia of Xalya, knight of the
.Sm Dahars ,
prince of the Sand, and fighter of the Wind.
.Em
.P
Rowyn smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My pleasure.
.Em
.P
Azune chuckled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My Pearl! He's madder than a—
.Em
.P
She fell silent before the imperious look his companion cast her. Rowyn
considered Dashvara with a serene face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good. I respect your intention to free the Xalyas, though I can't figure out
how you managed to sneak into the catacombs through the Temple without being
noticed… but it doesn't matter. The fact is that you succeeded, unfortunately
for us because our intentions were to follow them to their hideout in Dazbon.
This way we would have been able to find out who is behind it and to get an
evident proof to denounce the leaders and put an end to their traffic.
.Em
.P
Dashvara perceived Azune's ironic smile as Rowyn leaned back on his
chair and continued:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your intervention has delayed our plans, since we've got to wait for the
next caravan now, and I suspect the slave-traders will reinforce their
precautions.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not to mention that, with all that hustle and bustle, we have lost track
of Arviyag,
.Em
Azune whispered.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Bah! Don't worry about Arviyag, Azu. This man doesn't hide,
.Em
asserted the Pearl Brother with a dark expression.
.P
Dashvara cleared his throat, and he spoke.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I suppose you're expecting me to apologize for causing you so many troubles.
.Em
The mere idea made him smile sarcastically.
.Bm -t dia
I must admit that your objective inspires me with respect, and I understand
that mine doesn't claim to be so altruistic.
.Em
.P
Rowyn raised his bushy eyebrows.
.D
.Bm -t dia
But you saved ten captive women. Isn't that altruistic?
.Em
.P
Dashvara frowned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It is not. Those women are Xalyas. They are my people. And my people, it's me.
.Em
.P
These were the very same words that Lord Vifkan pronounced every time he
received the announcement of a Xalya's death. A bit arrogant, but definitely
true. He smiled back at Rowyn's thoughtful look, and he stated teasingly:
.D
.Bm -t dia
My rescue was only founded on my selfishness. Good,
.Em
he went on.
.Bm -t dia
You haven't explained to me yet why the authorities are looking for me. Isn't
the Republic of Dazbon supposed to fight slavery?
.Em
.P
Rowyn nodded, but it was Azune who answered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your supposition is correct. They don't accuse you of freeing slaves but of
stealing the Dragon of Spring. The tomb of the First Governor of Rocavita was
desecrated yesterday, during that night.
.Em
.P
Dashvara stared at her inquisitive expression. That Dragon
of Spring clearly seemed to be a valuable object.
.Sm Great… ,
he sighed mentally. All he needed now was having the republican guards looking
for him. He shook his head slightly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Tell me, this dragon, could it fit in a box about this size?
.Em
he asked, opening his arms to show a distance of two feet long.
.Bm -t dia
The two prison guards went into the catacombs to steal jewels. And one of them
went back to the cell with a box like that.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I believe you,
.Em
Rowyn assured.
.Bm -t dia
But, actually, those two men disappeared during the night, as well as the
corpses you left. So it's kind of logical that all the suspicions are focused on
you.
.Em
Dashvara sighed, and Rowyn continued:
.Bm -t dia
They describe you as a man with steppe features, average size, disheveled
beard, and
.Em
—he smiled—
.Bm -t dia
a strong smell of olive. Believe me, if you don't want to spend a lifetime
in jail, you'd better trust us.
.Em
.P
Dashvara noted how Azune clenched her jaw. He reflected quickly. This Rowyn
seemed very interested in inspiring him with confidence, and he couldn't
make out why. But, to be sure, both of them had sheltered him from the
authorities and helped him to heal.
.Bm -t penso
There's no worse mystery than a person acting selflessly,
.Em
he pondered. Tired of thinking over and over about the same doubts, he lifted
his gaze and met Rowyn's blue eyes. He remembered the basic motto of the Pearl
Brotherhood that Azune had mentioned, and his mouth twisted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I killed two men,
.Em
he pronounced.
.Bm -t dia
That makes me more a culprit than an innocent, don't you think? Why are you
helping me?
.Em
he specified.
.P
The questions seemed to amuse Rowyn.
.D
.Bm -t dia
According to your sister, those men drew their weapons before you. Therefore,
they left you no choice. As for the reason why we're helping you, the answer is
simple: you've spoiled our plans, and now you owe us a favor. Therefore, we
will take you from Rocavita to Dazbon to speak to the Supreme. And she will
decide the rest.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nearly asked him what gave him the right to control
his decisions so freely, but he thought better of it. After
all, his purpose was to go to Dazbon, put his sister in a
safe place, and then return to the steppe to finish off the
work. If those Pearl Brothers made his task easier, so much
the better.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will come with you,
.Em
he affirmed,
.Bm -t dia
but not without the three Xalyas who are here.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Great,
.Em
Rowyn said gladly.
.Bm -t dia
We'll wait three days for the situation to get calmer, and if no suspect
caravan comes, you will leave for Dazbon. You will guide them, Azune.
.Em
.P
The elf jerked up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Me? But—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You will guide them,
.Em
Rowyn repeated. The characteristic tone of someone who is giving an order
reminded Dashvara of how much he missed captain Zorvun's calm and powerful
voice. He set aside his memories, exasperated, and he observed how Azune
nodded sharply, despite herself.
.P
Well, Dashvara sighed, optimistic. At least he had not been captured by the
slavers. At that moment, he thought about Zaadma and Rokuish. They had surely
heard about the theft, he reasoned. Perhaps they thought now that either
he had managed to save the Xalyas and left Rocavita far behind, or he had
died. Anyway, he had not forgotten the light disk he was still keeping in one
of his pants pockets. He ought to find some way to bring it back to Zaadma, he
promised himself.
.P
He realized that his eyes were half closing by themselves, and he opened them
again. Giving him a pitying look, Rowyn said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
You should go back to your room. The poison this scoundrel injected into you
was red snake's venom, you know.
.Em
.P
Dashvara gazed at him, skeptical.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Really? I thought no antidote existed to this venom.
.Em
.P
Rowyn winced, embarrassed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
There's a temporary antidote, but a definitive one? I don't think so. And if
it exists, only a few know it.
.Em
He paused, and he admitted gloomily:
.Bm -t dia
The powders you swallowed later only counteracted the effects temporarily, I'm
afraid. Red snake's venom is, er, very powerful.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No need to tell me,
.Em
Dashvara replied, stifling his apprehension. He had already seen some Xalyas
dying because of a red snake: Xalya lands, besides arid, were a graveyard for
the unwary. However, no one, before dying, had suffered those odd attacks he
had. All indicated that mixing the powders had provoked unexpected effects.
.P
He looked at Rowyn carefully.
.Bm -t penso
This man has saved my life,
.Em
he thought. As well as Rokuish and Zaadma did. But as for Rokuish, anyone
could see he was a good person from a mile away, and Zaadma, despite her
weird behavior, had also proved to be so, in her own way. That man, on the
contrary, had the composure of a war captain, he smiled at him like a father
or a brother, and still, he was surrounded by a halo of mystery that kept
him from trusting him. Dashvara was curious to know the Pearl Brotherhood more
thoroughly, and he would have liked to know what kind of favor that Supreme
could ask him, but scarcely had he opened his mouth when a coughing fit
seized him so cruelly that his curiosity just vanished. Coughing convulsed him
until, once again, a throbbing pain pulsed through all his body.
.P
Rowyn came closer, holding a handkerchief, and Dashvara would have jerked back
if all his efforts weren't focused on catching his breath. The blond-haired
man withdrew the handkerchief bloody.
.D
.Bm -t dia
As soon as we arrive in Dazbon, we'll call a healer,
.Em
he promised. A deep wrinkle furrowed his brow.
.P
Dashvara staggered to his feet.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I begin to doubt it was a good idea to swallow all these powders,
.Em
he muttered. Rowyn seized him by the arm in a caring gesture, and Dashvara
snorted.
.Bm -t dia
I can walk alone, republican. I would like to see Fayrah.
.Em
.P
The blond gave a shrug.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If it doesn't bother you to wake her up…
.Em
.P
Dashvara frowned mistrustfully.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I want to see her. Not to wake her up. Or is it that you are imprisoning
people too?
.Em
.P
For the first time, Rowyn looked a little annoyed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I do not imprison anyone, Xalya. Follow me. The three of them are sleeping in
the same room. It's in another corridor.
.Em
.P
Holding a candle, he guided him to the room and opened the door quietly;
after casting an inscrutable look at Rowyn, Dashvara entered. There were
four beds, and three of them were occupied. The Gem's light illuminated the
blankets and the carefree faces of the three Xalyas. Aligra slept with her
hands joined on her chest. Lessi was curled up, hugging her pillow. In the
nearest bed, sleeping as innocently as a little bird, there was Fayrah.
Dashvara felt so relieved and happy on seeing her safe at last that he fell to
his knees by the bed, with his eyes misted and fixed on his sister.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Eternal Bird.
.Em
He closed his eyes, overwhelmed by an emotion he couldn't identify.
.Bm -t penso
Why does a man who has lost almost everything cling so desperately to
the little he has left?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dash,
.Em
a voice whispered.
.P
He opened his eyes and met Fayrah's sweet smile. His sister stretched a hand
and took his own, horny and rough.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How are you?
.Em
she murmured.
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Fine, sister. Sorry I woke you up.
.Em
.P
Fayrah raised a hand to Dashvara's brow, and he, afraid of her finding out
the inner fire that was burning and consuming him, pushed her away tenderly and
kissed her forehead before whispering:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sleep. Tomorrow we'll have all the time in the world to speak.
.Em
.P
He stood up, and as he saw that his sister had shut her eyes again, he left
the room and closed the door. Rowyn had stepped a bit away in the corridor,
but Dashvara guessed he had been listening to them. He ignored his kind look,
and he headed straight to his room. On the way, however, he couldn't control
himself: he stopped short and turned to the republican.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Tell me, why are you helping me?
.Em
he asked.
.Bm -t dia
I mean, what's the true reason?
.Em
.P
Rowyn averted his eyes with a thoughtful and amused face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, I don't know exactly why, not yet, but you know, anyhow, I don't need to
have a particular reason to help a person.
.Em
.P
Dashvara pondered on his strange words for some seconds. He cleared his
throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I see. In any case, if your intentions are good, you can rely on me to return
you the favor.
.Em
He smiled at him, and he gave him a slap on his shoulder before adding:
.Bm -t dia
Good night, republican.
.Em
.P
The blond bowed his head slightly, smiling.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good night, steppeman.
.Em
.P
Dashvara closed the door of his room, and for a while, he kept standing,
motionless, examining his state. He didn't feel good, that was clear enough to
him, but now that the fit of coughing had passed, he didn't feel bad either,
only… strange.
.P
.Bm -t penso
An admirable diagnosis,
.Em
he thought ironically. As Maloven used to say, he would have been a better
fisherman than a healer, even though he had never seen the sea. What of it,
anyway—what actually did matter was that he was still alive and that he had
not lost his sanity yet.
.P
He got into bed, and he gazed at the shadows covering the ceiling. After
spending all day being unconscious, he could not get to sleep. At some
moment, he caught himself recalling his past life, his riding races through
the steppe with Showag and his childhood friends, his not always very
productive conversations with the shaard, his disagreements with his father…
He sighed loudly, and another fit of coughing seized him. He attempted to
restrain it, but he failed. It was as if a demon had possessed him and was,
absurdly, controlling his body.
.P
Suddenly, he saw the shadow once again, sitting at the end of the bed. The
fit of coughing stopped short, and he felt that his heart was beating at the
speed of a horse set off at a gallop. He was paralyzed again, he realized,
scared. Very slowly, he stretched a leg aiming to touch this shadow with his
foot. He had to make sure his mind wasn't playing a mean trick on him. The
specters, if they ever existed, hid far away from the civilization. They did
not enter a sajit house.
.P
His foot was inches away from this shadow blob that was hiding the Gem's light
when the thing drew away with a movement that was unmistakably human. Suddenly
freed from his immobility, Dashvara began to shiver.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Am I dreaming?
.Em
he stammered.
.Bm -t dia
Are you a specter?
.Em
.P
He thought he saw two eyes even darker than the shadows. And then, he heard
its voice.
.P
.Bm -t dm
I am no specter. I am a shadow. My name is Tahisran, and you have dragged me
away from my lethargy.
.Em
.P
Dashvara let out a chuckle of disbelief. Immediately, he felt that another
fit of coughing was threatening to shake him, but this time, he managed to
stifle it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What the hell,
.Em
he muttered.
.Bm -t dia
Tahisran, huh? A shadow. Great. Who would have thought. And now, please
shed light on all that: am I dreaming, am I talking to my own mind, or are you
telling me the truth?
.Em
.P
The shadow moved to the light, and Dashvara could see its shape perfectly
well. He suppressed a scream of horror. It was a spirit coming from the
catacombs, he realized suddenly. He had disturbed its rest, and now it had
come to take revenge… Dashvara made a wry smile, and he told himself:
nonsense. Dead men don't get up.
.P
.Bm -t dm
You are not dreaming if you are awake,
.Em
the shadow reasoned calmly.
.Bm -t dm
I told you the truth. I was imprisoned in death for many years because I
felt discouraged and dispirited. In the past, I was an elf. But an awful accident
wrenched me away from my body. It was because of a Berry of the Hell. And as
people usually fear shadows, I had to emigrate to the Undergrounds. One day, I
met a lost little girl, I helped her to survive, and I left her in order to
look for her parents. I searched for them for years, all across the Bayland. I
passed across the Empire of Iskamangra. Across the High Lands. The Desert of
Bladhy. Kunkubria. And across far lands which names I don't even know.
.Em
.P
In a state of shock, Dashvara saw the shadow lean its head.
.P
.Bm -t dm
So, in the end, I lost hope,
.Em
it whispered mentally.
.Bm -t dm
When I went back, I could find the little girl nowhere. I know, deep down in
my heart, that she is dead. She was the only one who was giving me a bit of
light in my existence, and I lost her.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nearly thought he heard the shadow's heartbreaking sigh. And he was
certain he saw it giving him the hint of a sincere smile when it added:
.P
.Bm -t dm
But as the little girl said: it's no good to be sad. So I decided to follow
you and to start to do things again.
.Em
.P
Dashvara's lips were trembling.
.D
.Bm -t dia
D-d-do what?
.Em
he stammered.
.P
The shadow shrugged its shoulders, and it took a pace backwards, so that it
went away from the light halo and disappeared simply whispering:
.P
.Bm -t dm
Things.
.Em
.P
Dashvara kept peering into the shadows, his heart frozen. It couldn't be that
his mind had made up such a story, even if his blood had been as heat as
volcano lava. So either someone was playing some trick on him with magic
illusions, or he had really been talking to a shadow.
.P
He leaned his head back on his pillow, and he sighed. This time, he wouldn't
be able even to close his eyes, he thought. Because, depending on what sort of
“things” this creature intended to do, he couldn't feel calm. In fact, his
hands were shaking by themselves like those of a child fearing the dark.
.P
It is in such incomprehensible circumstances when a man commended himself to
entities he doesn't understand.
.D
.Bm -t dia
.Sm -t erare Liadirlá, kayástaram ,
.Em
Dashvara prayed fervently. And as if to make sure his prayer was heard by
the Liadirlá, he whispered in Common Tongue:
.Bm -t dia
Eternal Bird, don't forsake me.
.Em
.P
Feeling a ray of peacefulness emerging from nowhere, he finally got to sleep in
a room with a shadow inside.
.Ch "The patron's house"
When he awoke, the first thing Dashvara did was take a look around,
searching for the shadow. He didn't find it, and he sighed, relieved. However
well he knew that his conversation with that creature the day before hadn't
been a dream, he couldn't help convincing himself that he had been
hallucinating and raving because of those strange powders.
.P
But still… Dashvara peered once again at the corners of the room. This one was
lit by the sunlight, but the corners were still a bit dark. On a sudden
impulse, he lay down on his belly and looked under the bed. He screwed his
eyes up, and at the very moment when he heard the doorknob turning, he
distinguished in the shadows five black-as-night fingers that were jiggling as
if to greet him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Brother!
.Em
Fayrah said, entering the room. She stopped, startled.
.Bm -t dia
What are you doing?
.Em
.P
Pale, Dashvara swallowed, and he sat on the bed correctly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh… Nothing. Just exploring the zone.
.Em
.P
They looked at each other for a moment. Intense worry showed on his
sister's face. She had changed her golden tunic into a red skirt and a blouse.
Her straight, long dark hair tumbled down to her waist. And despite all that
had happened, her eyes were still calm and limpid like two rising lights. She
was more beautiful than ever, Dashvara smiled. He stretched a hand to her.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Come, little sis.
.Em
.P
Fayrah took a step forward as if hesitating. Then, tears welled up in her
eyes, and seconds later, she was embracing Dashvara, holding him in a tight
grip.
.P
Her sobs broke his heart. Dashvara would have liked to tell her that, once the
revenge accomplished, everything would be as before. But, obviously, he
hadn't the power to revive the dead, so he just enclosed her in his arms and
tried to console her wordlessly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dash,
.Em
Fayrah stuttered after a long silence, without moving away.
.Bm -t dia
You don't know how many times I wished I hadn't got out alive of our home.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't think about it,
.Em
he recommended.
.Bm -t dia
Now you're alive, and you're with me, thanks to the Eternal Bird.
.Em
.P
Fayrah sniffed, and she drew away, her eyes glittering.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It wasn't thanks to the Eternal Bird, Dash. I… I'm a coward,
.Em
she confessed. Her words were flowing from her mouth hastily.
.Bm -t dia
Mother let me in charge of our little brothers. She went to get Misadeya. To
kill her. And she told me to kill Mildran and Saodar so that the savages
wouldn't murder them. When she came back, she got very angry because… I hadn't
dared.
.Em
She let out a sob, and Dashvara grasped her by the arm, trying to comfort her.
.Bm -t dia
When she wanted to kill me… I ran away. And the last thing she said to me was
that, from that moment on, I wasn't her daughter anymore.
.Em
.P
For a long moment, Dashvara was unable to speak. On one hand, he understood
the desperate act of Dakia of Xalya. All in all, Mildran and Saodar would have
died anyway. Vifkan's blood ran in their veins. They were condemned
beforehand. However, his sister, for some reason, had been left alive.
.P
He wiped away a tear rolling down Fayrah's cheek, and she did the same with
his own.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I lied about my identity,
.Em
Fayrah whispered.
.Bm -t dia
I said I was the daughter of a shepherd.
.Em
She drew a deep breath.
.Bm -t dia
I renounced the Eternal Bird, Dash. I lost my honor, and yet, I don't want to
give up my life. We don't have to feel ashamed,
.Em
she affirmed.
.Bm -t dia
I've never been a true Xalya.
.Em
.P
.Sm -t penso She thinks I fled too ,
Dashvara realized, surprised. He was going to tell her the truth, but
something stopped him. He shook his head. His lord father would have certainly
felt utter scorn for his daughter's cowardice. But Dashvara only felt
compassion for the inner conflict that seemed to be consuming the girl. After
all, who in his right mind would have chosen to die when able to live? He
would, perhaps; but not Fayrah.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't dwell on it,
.Em
he advised her.
.Bm -t dia
Xalya lands have fallen, and our people with them. You owe nothing to anyone
but yourself, Fayrah. Know what? It was to see you as a prisoner that helped
me not to give up and to get here.
.Em
He smiled.
.Bm -t dia
We saved each other, and now we have to go on.
.Em
.P
Fayrah kept a dark expression.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Go on… what for, brother? I feel like a ghost that lives after having left
its body and doesn't dare to die.
.Em
.P
Dashvara suppressed a grimace, wondering what the shadow lying under his bed
could think about that.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Lessi spent whole days unable to pronounce a word,
.Em
Fayrah continued.
.Bm -t dia
She saw captain Zorvun fighting against five Akinoas. And Aligra,
.Em
she went on, in a whisper.
.Bm -t dia
I had never heard her scream, and when she saw our brother Showag's red
helmet…
.Em
.P
Dashvara's face hardened, and he decided he had heard enough.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't think back, sister. It's pointless. They will remain in our hearts, but
don't cry more for them.
.Em
With his middle finger and his forefinger, he touched his sister's forehead,
and he whispered:
.Bm -t dia
.Sm -t erare "Nandrivá, sîzin, halur hunástaram" .
.Em
—
.Sm -ns -t paroles "Please, sister, don't make me cry" .
Dashvara breathed in, and he smiled at Fayrah.
.Bm -t dia
I assure you you've always been a Xalya. And, whatever you say, you still are. I
remember full well how you used to teach the shaard philosophic lessons. A
question of yours kept him confined to his contemplation tower for hours.
You remember that?
.Em
Fayrah nodded, and they both laughed quietly. Dashvara affirmed in a joking
tone:
.Bm -t dia
Only a Xalya could drive a shaard mad.
.Em
He recovered his seriousness as he stretched a hand to lift her chin.
.Bm -t dia
A Xalya woman never lets herself be swept away by despair. No matter how
strong the wind is, the feather keeps standing. We may have lost everything,
but now we've got to bring ourselves back to life. And I need you.
.Em
.P
Fayrah seemed to make a real effort to fight back her tears, but when she gave
a smile at him, her smile did not quiver.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Now you are our Lord of Xalya,
.Em
she whispered.
.Bm -t dia
I know you'll protect us.
.Em
Her eyes sparkled.
.Bm -t dia
I… I don't want to be a prisoner of anyone, Dash. Never again.
.Em
.P
Dashvara took her face with both hands, and he kissed her affectionately on
the top of the head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will protect the three of you with all my heart. And now,
.Em
he added, standing up,
.Bm -t dia
let's go eat something. It's been a whole day since I ate anything. I could
eat a whole flock of goats!
.Em
.P
Fayrah laughed, and she rose to her feet too.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I see you're feeling better. Rowyn says it's a miracle this
venom didn't kill you.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why, it's totally normal,
.Em
Dashvara replied in a light tone.
.Bm -t dia
After all, isn't it true that captain Zorvun said I was faster than a red
snake? Its venom cannot catch me.
.Em
.P
Fayrah rolled her eyes, and she left the room first. Following her, Dashvara
rubbed his own eyes, and a sarcastic pout twisted his face.
.P
.Bm -t penso
You ask your sister not to cry, and there you are, crying like a baby,
.Em
he thought with derision. He had better go eat and stop being too
sentimental.
.P
In the living room, they found Aligra and Lessi breaking their fast and talking
to Rowyn. As a matter of fact, Rowyn was the only one who was talking: Lessi
was staring at him, fascinated, and Aligra didn't avert her eyes from the
fried egg she had in front of her. The Pearl Brother's voice became slightly
infuriated as he was telling a story:
.D
.Bm -t dia
.Sm -t paroles "Impossible" ,
said then the wizard Bramanil to the pirates.
.Bm -t paroles
I still have my spell book! If you don't give me my rod, you ignorant fools,
I will change you all into hairy and ugly frogs!
.Em
.Em
Lessi giggled, and Rowyn grinned broadly, interrupting himself.
.Bm -t dia
Lord of Xalya! How did you sleep?
.Em
.P
For an instant, Dashvara stopped near the table, wondering if the blond was
making fun of him by using such a name, but only kindness showed in
republican's eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Fine, thanks,
.Em
he answered. He took a look over the table. There was bread, cheese, fruits,
fried eggs… He didn't think twice before sitting down and starting to help
himself.
.P
Rowyn smiled, and he made as if to comment something, when Lessi asked:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Did they give his rod back?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh… Yes. Well, not directly. The wizard began to whisper strange words. His
voice resounded like Death itself. It was frightening. The pirates were so
scared that they threw themselves over the gunwale, leaving the ship deserted
and without any boats.
.Sm -t paroles "Damned cowards" ,
Bramanil muttered. As he couldn't sail the ship by himself, he picked up his
rod, freed his cat Mawrus, and made a raft. And with his rod, he crafted an
oar. He abandoned the ship—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
And why didn't he use some magic spell to sail the ship?
.Em
Lessi broke in.
.P
Rowyn made a slight, mysterious smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You want to know why? You will know it very soon. The wizard and the cat
paddled until they reached the coast of Dazbon thanks to a light and fair
wind. Bramanil went back home leaning on the rod, and when he arrived, his
sons welcomed him in all happiness. He told them what happened, and he said
joyfully:
.Bm -t paroles
I had no sooner said, ‘potato, salt, sesame, leek: saffron crocus, poppy
seed,’ than they let me in peace. Who would have thought that a shepherd's
crook and a cookbook would save my life from these credulous pirates!
.Em
.Em
.P
Lessi laughed, Fayrah and Dashvara smiled, and Aligra tossed her head up as
if wondering what was happening.
.D
.Bm -t dia
As I was telling your lovely friends, this is one of the many adventures
about the shepherd Bramanil and his cat Mawrus the Wrecker,
.Em
Rowyn explained cheerfully.
.Bm -t dia
They're old-fashioned, but when I was a kid, all my comrades knew the
adventure with the pirates and a lot more by heart.
.Em
.P
Still smiling, Dashvara turned his eyes to see Azune appear in a doorway. She
wore a dark dress very similar to the ones worn by those two mysterious men
Dashvara had seen in the inn of the
.Sm -t nomlieu Cathoney .
But, come to think of it, perhaps these hadn't been two men, but a man and a
woman. Rowyn and Azune.
.D
.Bm -t dia
At least the venom doesn't seem to make him lack appetite,
.Em
the elf woman pointed out.
.P
Dashvara perceived mockery in her voice, but the coldness that was gleaming in
her eyes the day before had flown away.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Nothing like a good breakfast to heal a sick person,
.Em
Rowyn smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you say it, it may be true,
.Em
Azune commented. She sat down at the head of the table as swiftly as a cat.
Were the Pearl Brothers warriors? Dashvara wondered. He gulped down a big
piece of egg hungrily.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Actually, I feel totally recovered,
.Em
the Xalya affirmed.
.Bm -t dia
Tell me, as we're going to see this Supreme, I would like to know a bit more
about your clan.
.Em
.P
Rowyn frowned an eyebrow, grinning.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Our clan?
.Em
he repeated.
.Bm -t dia
It's not a clan, steppeman. It's a Brotherhood. It's a kind of… corporation in
which we help each other. And each of us has a specialty.
.Em
When he noticed that Dashvara's eyes were sparkling with curiosity, he
proceeded:
.Bm -t dia
Look. We're quite a few. We have a team sort of varied with four official
members, and an acolyte. Azune and I are investigators. We have an ancient
reformed thief—
.Em
.P
Azune chuckled sarcastically.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Haw! Reformed, he says…
.Em
.P
Rowyn snorted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Azune, please.
.Em
He cleared his throat.
.Bm -t dia
We also have a retired dragon-monk of the Order of Sifra. A celmist
disintegrator—that's the acolyte—and of course…
.Em
—he smiled, and he swept his arm around the room while adding—:
.Bm -t dia
a rich patron that permits us to enter some domains when they're not occupied.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
And we also have a bigmouth who says anything to the strangers,
.Em
Azune cut off bitingly.
.P
Rowyn joined both hands as if to summon his patience.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Azu,
.Em
he pronounced mildly.
.Bm -t dia
Our Brotherhood isn't exactly a secret nest. You've already seen how Dashvara
is. He's an honorable man. He shares our point of view.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, really?
.Em
She looked at Dashvara with a teasing pout.
.Bm -t dia
Please note, steppeman, that Rowyn knows exactly how you think. Scary, eh? Not
only has he a flair for talking like a bigmouth, but he's also a mind reader
master—that's for sure.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Azu!
.Em
Rowyn protested. Dashvara hardly stifled a smile.
.Bm -t dia
I didn't mention that I am the captain of the band, so in
theory, all the members should treat me with respect.
.Em
.P
The elf gave him a beaming smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who treated you with disrespect, Duke? Just tell me who and I beat him up,
.Em
she assured.
.P
Rowyn shook his head as if giving the conversation up for
lost, and he rose, making the chair scrape.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'd better move on. I will watch over the north way, in case a caravan comes.
You stay here, Azu. Have a nice day, you all.
.Em
.P
He was already crossing the doorway when Azune let out a snort and ran after
him, to the hall. Dashvara clearly distinguished her voice.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Rowyn, you can't ask me to stay. You know full well I hate sitting around
twiddling my thumbs…
.Em
.P
The exit door slightly creaked when it opened. Rowyn's voice had a tinge
of exasperation when he spoke.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Azu, we all agreed to make me the captain of the band, do you remember that?
When I give you an order, I want you to obey. If you get bored, talk with our
guests. You may be my sister, but when it comes to working, you are, above
all, a member of the Brotherhood, do you understand?
.Em
.P
There was a silence, and then the noise of a door getting shut. Dashvara saw
Fayrah and Lessi exchanging curious looks. When Azune came back to the living
room, her eyes were on fire.
.P
.Bm -t penso
The way she looks, I guess she has not enjoyed Rowyn's speech,
.Em
Dashvara noticed, amused. So Azune and he were brother and sister. That
affirmation didn't make sense. He was human whereas she had pointed ears like
the elves. Dashvara was already helping himself to the fifth fried egg when
Fayrah, who must have followed the same path of thinking, inquired:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't understand. How can he be your brother if he is human and you are an
elf?
.Em
.P
Pronounced by anyone else, the question might sound meddling, but Fayrah had
a talent for asking anything without appearing inquisitive.
.P
Azune sat down again at the head of the table, and for a moment, Dashvara
thought she wasn't going to answer. Finally, she sighed as if she had come to
a conclusion.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am not an elf: I'm a half-elf. And Rowyn isn't a human: he's a kampraw. We
have the same father, but his mother is a caitian, and mine is an elf. Are you
satisfied?
.Em
.P
Fayrah blushed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sorry. Well, you know, in the steppe we saw nothing but humans, eh, Lessi?
It's quite confusing to see that variety of… people.
.Em
.P
The half-elf looked at her without answering. All of them had finished
breakfast, and the silence lasted. Dashvara felt more vigorous, and he would
have gladly gone out and taken a walk if the guard weren't looking far and
wide for him in Rocavita.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well,
.Em
he said, suddenly breaking the silence.
.Bm -t dia
Since we can't go out of here, it might be interesting to know more things
about that Pearl Brotherhood.
.Em
He waited for some seconds. Under the look of the four Xalyas, Azune didn't
even flinch. Dashvara let out a sigh, but he didn't give up.
.Bm -t dia
Who is this Supreme?
.Em
.P
Azune shrugged, and her brown eyes roamed over him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The Supreme's name is Sheroda. And when Rowyn introduces you to her, she will
send you frying snakes in the dragon's mouth. But don't tell Rowyn the Duke,
because he's the captain, after all, and he does anything he wants.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised his eyes to the heavens at her grumbling tone.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why do you think Rowyn shouldn't introduce me to the Supreme?
.Em
he asked after a silence.
.P
A surprised half-smile curved Azune's lips.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why do I think he shouldn't introduce you to her? Ha. What a question to ask.
.Em
She smiled, shaking her head, and under Dashvara's inquiring look, she set a
serious face and concluded:
.Bm -t dia
I won't tell the captain what to do, but in my view—and there's nothing
personal—the Pearl Brotherhood doesn't need help from anyone. And let alone
from foreigners coming from the back of beyond. No offense meant, of course.
.Em
.P
She had joined her hands and was twiddling her thumbs, slightly nervous.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Have you already had breakfast?
.Em
she added sharply.
.Bm -t dia
Do you need anything else?
.Em
.P
Fayrah smiled pleasantly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, thank you—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
So,
.Em
the half-elf cut her off,
.Bm -t dia
unless you're intending to go on with the conversation, I suggest you go back
to your rooms and don't make too much noise.
.Em
.P
After a few seconds, Lessi and Fayrah got up to their feet, obediently, and
headed for the stairs. Without warning, Dashvara burst into laughter, and four
surprised gazes fixed upon him. He hadn't budge an inch. Truth to tell,
Azune's behavior amused him more than it annoyed him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Guess what, I was intending to go on with the conversation,
.Em
he said, smiling teasingly.
.Bm -t dia
You see, now that I'm neither fainting nor casting bolts nor spitting blood,
I've felt, all of a sudden, a symptom that is worrying me.
.Em
.P
Aligra gazed at him strangely intently under her sleepy eyelids. Azune's
lips were pressed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A new symptom?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's called, ‘Pointed ignorance about the Republic of Dazbon’,
.Em
Dashvara explained.
.Bm -t dia
And I thought you could heal it.
.Em
.P
Azune remained puzzled. Bit by bit, a smile curved her lips.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of course I can heal it.
.Em
She stood up.
.Bm -t dia
Follow me.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow and wavered for a bit before leaving the room, followed
by the three Xalyas. Azune guided them to a closed double-leaf door. She pushed
it open, and with a sweeping gesture, invited them to enter.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Here you are: your medicine.
.Em
.P
The room had two big racks full of books, big and small, thin and thick.
Dashvara snorted laughingly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your skill as a healer amazes me. It's slow medicine, but effective in the
long run, I guess.
.Em
.P
Azune gave the hint of a bantering smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Knowledge is only noticeable in the long run.
.Em
A light full of curiosity gleamed in her eyes.
.Bm -t dia
Well, I take it you can read.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
We all can read,
.Em
Dashvara affirmed.
.Bm -t dia
We were the last shaard's disciples of the Eternal Bird.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh…
.Em
Azune looked as if pondering on the matter.
.Bm -t dia
So perhaps you all want to settle down in the room and heal that pointed
ignorance. You'll need two extra seats. I'll get you that.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't bother,
.Em
Dashvara hastened to assure.
.Bm -t dia
I'll get them, thank you.
.Em
.P
Azune's face softened, and when Dashvara went to get two chairs from the
living room, he smiled inside.
.P
.Bm -t penso
You've just gotten rid of us like an expert, half-elf.
.Em
.salto
The four Xalyas settled down in the mysterious patron's small library. After a
little hesitation, Dashvara let the door open before sitting down comfortably
in the empty armchair. He noticed that this was the most comfortable of all,
and when Fayrah asked him if he needed some help to find a
particular piece of information, Dashvara raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So far, no, thanks,
.Em
he replied as he opened the first book he had picked from one shelf.
.P
The volume was relatively light, and the scribe's handwriting was neat and
clear. Dashvara was so used to seeing the typical flourishes and curlicues of
the old books in the dungeon that he felt surprised. The book was entitled
.Sm -t titulo "The Most Illustrious City of Dazbon: plans and chronology" .
He had never taken a particular interest in the History of far countries, but
as Dazbon was now just a few hours on horseback away from where he was,
studying it was starting to be an activity more understandable.
.P
He only took a glance through some old drawings of the city preceding the year
5500, skimmed the hundred next years recognizing some names of well-known
senators, and his eyes stopped on the name of “Zafandria Andeyed”,
woman born in 5530 and ancient senator of Dazbon. Zafandria Andeyed, he
repeated mentally. Wasn't Zaadma's father a certain Sarfath Andeyed? He kept
on reading, and he understood that the Andeyed family was one of the twelve
patrician families of the republic. That Zafandria had led the Senate for
eight years, during which time she had conquered the mines of Maeras and
founded the Order of Sifra. Once again, Dashvara paused. Didn't Rowyn say
that there was, in his band, a retired member of the Order of Sifra? From what
he read, the dragon-monks of that Order were the most important road
guardians in the Dazbonish domains. Despite such “achievements” throughout her
career, the senator master was blamed for gross negligence toward maritime
security, since, in that period, piracy had started to cause big problems. In the
year 5602, she was succeeded by a certain Licente Faerecio, who used all the
republican navy to fight against a real pirate armada. He suffered a crushing
defeat, and the magistrate chamber claimed a punishment for such bad
governing. Licente Faerecio was removed from power, though—Dashvara raised an
eyebrow—he was crowned by the White Dragon for the good relations established
with the Federal State of Diumcili.
.P
.Bm -t penso
It's no wonder,
.Em
Dashvara thought ironically,
.Bm -t penso
that if that Licente Faerecio is the selfsame I heard talking with Arviyag
in his pavilion, he certainly has wonderful relations with Diumcili and its
slavers.
.Em
.P
The chronology stopped in the year 5612, that is twenty years ago, and
it ended with a plan of Dazbon that showed in capital letters the six
main districts of the city: the Dragon District, the Autumn District, the
Kwata District, the Beautiful District, the Dawn District, and the Docks
District. This page was slightly faded, and it took some time for Dashvara to
guess at the meaning of the smallest letters. Some indicated the water canals
in the Dragon District, on the shore. Others located the Senate, the four Time
Towers, and some more monuments Dashvara had never heard of. In the
background, he could guess the shape of a dragon twisting as if to embrace the
town with its claws so as to watch over it… or so as to crush it.
.P
Dashvara shut the book and took the next in the pile he had arranged. This
one was written in Oy'vat, the Ancient King's speech. This mere oddity
appealed to him in the same way that gold appeals to a Shalussi. According to
Maloven, the Oy'vat was a language almost completely forgotten by everyone
save the Xalyas. So what was a book written in the Wise Tongue doing on the
bookshelf of a Dazbonish patron?
.Sm -t titulo "Oniri'l soen" ,
the title went. The foundations of knowledge.
.P
As soon as he opened it, he stifled an astonished grimace, noticing that all
the page margins were filled with annotations written in Common Tongue.
They were some translation attempts, he understood. In the beginning, the book
reasoned about health and life, and further on, it dealt with plants and
remedies. After some pages, the annotations became less and less frequent,
until they disappeared utterly.
.P
.Bm -t penso
He got tired of trying to translate it, it would seem,
.Em
Dashvara smiled. After reading several annotations, he realized that its author
didn't know much about the Oy'vat language. That way, the sentence, “Just
as the body must be healthy, so must be the curative plants” had changed,
in the Common Tongue, into “Living beings, as a natural condition, have a
body to keep healthy”. Dashvara smiled to himself and then shook his head,
lifting his eyes to the Xalyas. Fayrah's gaze was fixing a geography book,
though she did not seem to be reading. Lessi, sitting on the ground next to
one of the racks, was admiring colored pictures. As for Aligra, she was
twiddling with a wooden cube in her hand. Dashvara felt nervous when he
realized that her large eyes were riveted on him.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Why, is it that I have some egg leftovers in my beard, and that's why she
looks at me with that gloomy expression?
.Em
.P
Dashvara was aware of the great love Showag professed towards that young girl
with a face uncommonly pale for a steppewoman. He recalled that his mother
did not think much of her and was afraid that Showag would end up marrying her.
Dashvara had never spoken much with her, but he had confidence that, if
Showag loved her, she certainly was not as mad as some said. Though,
outwardly, she did not look so…
.P
Averting his eyes from her troubling gaze, he looked back at the plant book.
He was turning the page when Aligra, speaking in the Wise Tongue, said in a
level voice:
.D
.Bm -t dia
You should have died.
.Em
.P
Dashvara tossed his head up, and despite his confusion, he smiled. In Oy'vat,
he answered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
So it's a very good thing I didn't, don't you think?
.Em
.P
Fayrah and Lessi had remained motionless, looking at them both alternately.
Aligra's face was as hard as stone.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You are Lord Vifkan's firstborn,
.Em
she hissed.
.P
Dashvara's lips stretched in a bitter smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Really? It's good of you to remind me.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You escaped from the dungeon leaving your people behind!
.Em
Aligra accused him.
.P
Dashvara frowned. He had never seen her so upset. Glancing at Fayrah, he knew
that she was surprised too.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Did I?
.Em
he replied.
.P
A dangerous gleaming lit the Xalya girl's eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You had a family and brothers to protect.
.Em
.P
.Sm -t paroles I only had Showag, and you let him die ,
her cold eyes were screaming.
.P
Dashvara clenched his jaw. He was tempted to tell them about what his father
had commanded him to do. However, that, besides not providing any comfort,
would do nothing but sully Lord Vifkan's honor. Helping his son to escape so
he could carry out revenge as an assassin was not something any Xalya
could feel proud of.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, now we are all in the same case,
.Em
he finally said, leaning back on his armchair. It felt strange to speak in
Oy'vat so far away from home.
.Bm -t dia
We all are orphans, and we all should have died, but here we are, out of the
steppe. And it seems we all feel guilty to a greater or lesser degree.
.Em
He looked at the three girls, and he shrugged.
.Bm -t dia
If you consider that the fact of having survived means I don't deserve
the title of steppe lord, do as you want: I won't blame you for it. And
now
.Em
—he stood up and picked up his pile of books—
.Bm -t dia
I hope you will excuse me. I'll go back to my room.
.Em
.P
He silently headed toward the door of the library. Aligra's words hurt him
more than he would ever admit. He believed he had gotten over it, but
obviously, if you twisted the knife in the wound, it was hard for this one to
heal up. However, he had no doubt that if he had… He hesitated. That if he had
only had… He stopped near the door, and he uttered his thought out loud without
turning:
.D
.Bm -t dia
If I could have died instead of Showag, you can be sure, Aligra, that I
wouldn't have hesitated, not even for a second.
.Em
He smiled darkly. He didn't remember to have pronounced such a self-evident
truth in his life.
.Bm -t dia
You can be certain.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
But then… why?
.Em
Aligra whispered in Common Tongue.
.P
He guessed that the young girl was crying, and courtesy kept him from turning.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I can only tell you it wasn't my decision.
.Em
.P
He had talked too much, he realized. Who, if not his father, would have been
able to force him to obey?
.P
He left the Xalyas there, and he went upstairs to his room. He believed he had
gotten over it; he believed so. But the fact was that, now that he had found his
people again, he could clearly feel how the wound was bleeding inside him once
again. He took a glance around the room, and he sighed with a grimace.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Know what, Tahisran? I understand why you locked yourself in those catacombs:
I myself would do it gladly if I wasn't so much afraid of the dead.
.Em
.P
The shadow did not answer, but Dashvara was certain it had heard him.
.Ch "The Rain Path"
In the morning, he may have felt full of energy and healthy, but after noon, he
relapsed and went back to his coughing fits. Around twilight, he suffered
fits of faintness so strong that, when Fayrah came to call him to eat dinner,
he assured her that he wasn't hungry and was not going to move. She made as if
to comment something, but before her brother's imperious look, she just said
in a mild voice:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Get some rest, brother.
.Em
.P
Dashvara closed the book he was holding. It dealt with the security measures
the Senate had taken during the past century. It spoke about weapons licenses
in the urban area and about hygiene rules to fight against rabies
transmitted by rodents called sirelokes. Then it talked about the serious
danger that the creatures coming from the desert of Bladhy were posing on the
east border. The Dazbonish guards repelled every invasion of scale-nefarious,
stopped aggressive orc tribes, and fought obstinately against the red nadres,
which they also called “budrays”. Living in a land rich in resources had its
advantages but also its disadvantages: everyone envied them, including the
ever evilest creatures in Hareka.
.P
Dashvara let out a sigh. His chest was a mess, and his throat was on fire. He
didn't manage to get rid of the blood metallic taste. As the light shining
through the window wasn't enough to read on, he had lit a candle, and even so
his eyes got closed involuntarily.
.P
.Bm -t penso
I'd better recover, because if I'm going to be in this state for all my life,
it will be kind of hard to stand myself.
.Em
.P
He heard voices inside the house, and thinking better of it, he felt the need
to join the others. Perhaps Rowyn was telling a story about the shepherd
Bramanil and his cat. He sat up, more cheerful, and… an uncontrollable
coughing fit shook all his body.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Damn it,
.Em
he panted when it stopped.
.P
He was clenching his fists, and he would have gladly freed himself of the
coughing with some punches if only it had been possible. He heard a creaking,
and the door opened. There was nobody in the doorway. Dashvara peered into
the shadows.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Fayrah?
.Em
.P
A soft voice answered:
.P
.Bm -t dm
It's me—Tahisran. I bring you a remedy.
.Em
.P
The shadow moved forward in the room, a glass in his hand. The glass was
flying. Flying… held just with some shadows.
.P
Dashvara was a steppe warrior, and as befitted a steppe warrior, he wasn't scared
of a lot of things that would have turned the most valiant republican pale
white. But seeing a shadow holding a glass… that was more than his mind was
able to tolerate.
.P
When Tahisran handed him the glass, Dashvara cringed back to the other side of
the bed and jumped to his feet.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't approach.
.Em
His voice trembled.
.Bm -t dia
You… er, you wait for me to calm down, okay?
.Em
They both waited some seconds in silence, and finally, Dashvara, not feeling
the slightest relieved, spoke again with a tone of disbelief:
.Bm -t dia
You have brewed this… for me?
.Em
.P
The shadow nodded, laid the glass on the bedside table, and turned to close
the door while explaining:
.P
.Bm -t dm
Long ago, I was a disciple in the Gon School, in the Republics of Fire. I am
not an endarsic celmist, I specialized in perceptism, but I know some tricks.
My master suffered a cough similar to yours, and this remedy relieved him a
lot.
.Em
.P
Never in his life had Dashvara heard of the Gon School, but naturally, as far
as he knew, the Republics of Fire were far, far away from Dazbon, beyond the
Desert of Bladhy. Dashvara shyly went closer to the small table.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How do you do that?
.Em
he asked.
.P
.Bm -t dm
You mean the potion? The main ingredient is a plant with white flowers. A
kalrea. I add a thimbleful of brulic energy. Drink up. It will soothe your
cough,
.Em
the shadow assured.
.P
Dashvara swallowed saliva, sat down on the bed, near the glass, and he was
going to take it when he confessed:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I wasn't talking about the potion. What I wanted to know was how do you do to
hold a glass with your hands… Well, they are made of shadows, aren't they?
.Em
.P
Dashvara clearly perceived Tahisran's playful smile.
.P
.Bm -t dm
I am not only shadows, human. I am a shadow.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ah.
.Em
He paused.
.Bm -t dia
That explains everything. So you expect me to drink this and to trust you not
to poison me, huh?
.Em
.P
Tahisran nodded again, and Dashvara noted irony when it added:
.P
.Bm -t dm
After all, you are already poisoned.
.Em
.P
Reminding him of it wasn't very kind, Dashvara thought, sighing. Deciding not
to think more over the strange gift, he seized the glass and quaffed the
contents. It not only smelled of kalrea—it also had its taste. Barely had he
laid the glass back onto the table when a strong shiver went down his spine, and
his teeth began to chatter. His sight darkened; his heart pounded, out of control…
Fighting to stay conscious, Dashvara roared.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You've poisoned me!
.Em
.P
The shadow took a pace forward with a surprised look.
.P
.Bm -t dm
That is not normal,
.Em
it pondered.
.Bm -t dm
You should be sleeping placidly now. It used to have marvelous effects on my
master…
.Em
.P
Dashvara opened his mouth, sneezed, and a darting pain ran through his whole
body, followed by an explosion of blind fury. He looked up at the shadow with
a terrible glare.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're a dead shadow… You're going to pay for that!
.Em
he thundered.
.P
Dashvara staggered to his feet and lunged at the shadow. This one slipped
away, and Dashvara smashed into the wall like a berserk bull. Dismissing the
throbbing pain that was running through him like an acid arrow, he spun around,
and he was just about to charge again when the door burst open and Rowyn and
the others rushed into the room, yelling.
.P
Dashvara felt just as if an ice block had suddenly crushed him. Rowyn's strong
arms forced him not to move, and Dashvara struggled faintly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Damned shadow! I'm gonna kill it, Rowyn. I swear I will.
.Em
.P
His eyes were bugged out, and blood was gushing from his mouth—or at least
that was the impression he had. The effects of that potion had been too
immediate to doubt that it was a coincidence. This shadow had cheated him,
telling him silly stories and even managing to make Dashvara feel compassion
for it… and now it turned out that it had poisoned him! It had murdered him.
Unless it had never existed; unless it had…
.P
Dashvara collapsed, and Rowyn helped him to lie down on the bed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It doesn't seem that he's healing with time, Duke,
.Em
Azune's gloomy voice commented.
.P
Dashvara feverishly eyed the corners, searching for the shadow. He would have
been so happy if only he could have struck it down with just one look!
.P
A beautiful face distorted in worry appeared before his eyes. Dashvara
instantly got furious with himself. He just couldn't leave Fayrah alone now. It
would be too ridiculous. He tried to force a smile, and he stretched a hand to
take his sister's.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm fine,
.Em
he grumbled. A bloody gargle accompanied his words. Realizing he was lying
like a rug, he laughed, and blood flicked in his throat.
.Bm -t dia
I've never been better,
.Em
he added, laughing and coughing.
.Bm -t dia
Oh, boy… Now I understand. This is the panacea for life, sister: Death.
.Em
.P
A light of fright gleamed in Fayrah's eyes, and Dashvara, recovering a bit of
good sense, upbraided himself severely.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't mind me, sister. I'm raving. But
.Em
—his voice sank to a mere whisper—
.Bm -t dia
if I die, Fayrah, no matter how strong the wind blows, don't give up the fight…
.Em
.salto
He came back to his senses hours later, in the dead of night, hearing noise
around him. Dashvara noticed he was still alive, although he could have sworn
that he had died and revived, and even that he had been killed several times.
He felt completely oblivious to what was going on around him. Why should he
care about what might happen to him if in any case he was dying and reviving,
and dying and reviving unceasingly?
.P
.Bm -t penso
Since when do I ask myself such stupid questions?
.Em
a small voice reasoned in the back of his mind.
.P
Dashvara weakly moved his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He's awake!
.Em
a voice whispered. It was Azune.
.P
Dashvara blinked, and he saw Rowyn kneeling by the bed with a deep wrinkle on
his forehead.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How are you feeling, steppeman?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I feel alive, republican,
.Em
Dashvara answered. He even frightened himself when he heard his own voice, a
mere dying croak.
.P
Rowyn turned to Azune.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Help me get him up, Azu.
.Em
.P
Dashvara let out a low, surprised grumble when Rowyn helped him to sit up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where do you want me to go, republican?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Azu will take you to a healer in Dazbon,
.Em
Rowyn answered.
.Bm -t dia
You'll get in there in two hours at most. You can't stay here.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I can't?
.Em
Dashvara echoed, dizzy. Following an impenetrable reasoning path, he recalled
what he had said to Rokuish:
.Bm -t paroles
A person who doesn't believe that a feather can fight against the wind will be
dragged believing that it's impossible to fight against the impossible.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You mustn't,
.Em
Rowyn affirmed lugubriously.
.Bm -t dia
Otherwise you will die, I'm afraid. The poison is killing you.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Which of them?
.Em
Dashvara asked, not knowing exactly why.
.P
Rowyn frowned, shook his head, and helped him to stand up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Azu, help me…
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I can walk,
.Em
Dashvara protested.
.Bm -t dia
I'm not dead yet.
.Em
.P
Nevertheless, both of the Pearl Brothers helped him shuffle out of the room
and then downstairs. Only when they arrived in the living room, Dashvara
thought of the shadow. He gave a blazing glare over his shoulder, convinced
that the creature was following him, but he saw nothing but darkness. With a
sarcastic smile, he flopped down into a chair. Azune was coming back with a
pair of scissors, and a puzzled Dashvara stared at her when she handed it to
Rowyn.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't move,
.Em
the Duke recommended.
.Bm -t dia
I'm going to cut your beard.
.Em
.P
Dashvara couldn't but gape at him, and for a moment his mind became sheer
lucid.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What? No way! You won't touch my beard, republican.
.Em
.P
Rowyn smiled with an appeasing expression.
.D
.Bm -t dia
They are looking for a steppeman bearded thief, remember? It's only a
disguise. Like I were going to cut your neck!
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked daggers at him, and he swayed to his feet, bracing himself
against the table.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Be more worried I might cut yours,
.Em
he growled.
.P
Rowyn's face paled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Azune, please explain it to him.
.Em
.P
The half-elf snorted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You explain it to him while I'm giving him a good blow. I don't want to ride with
a madman if he's awake, Row. Besides, if he has a fit of coughing, we'll
certainly fall off the horse. I'd best travel with him being unconscious.
.Em
.P
Or dead, Dashvara thought. A wave of extreme fatigue came over the Xalya's
heart, and he sadly staggered back to his chair.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Okay, then. Damned republicans. Cut my beard, and even my arm if you wish.
I won't last much longer anyway—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
We'll cut your tongue if you keep on talking,
.Em
Azune muttered.
.P
Rowyn got to work. Dashvara was so tired he almost broke down in tears when he
saw his splendid beard falling onto the paved floor of the living room. When
noticing his distress, Rowyn cleared his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm not cutting it all. I'm just trimming it a bit.
.Em
.P
Dashvara said nothing. At some moment, he coughed, and Rowyn nearly impaled
him with his scissors. When he caught sight of a spot of blood upon the
republican's nose, he sighed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sorry. I splashed you.
.Em
.P
Rowyn finished his work before wiping the blood from his face and stretching
an arm to Dashvara.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Up, Lord of the Xalyas. Cheer up: I'm sure you will come out well.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
We all come out somewhere,
.Em
Dashvara whispered, slowly getting up,
.Bm -t dia
but we never know whether dead or alive.
.Em
.P
Rowyn gulped.
.D
.Bm -t dia
For the Divinity's sake,
.Em
he mumbled,
.Bm -t dia
even Axef beats him at optimism. Are you sure you don't want me to come with
you, Azu?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No,
.Em
she rejected outright.
.Bm -t dia
You take care of the Xalyas and go to sleep. The steppeman will arrive in
Dazbon.
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave a dreadful smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
We all arrive. But we never know whether dead or alive.
.Em
.P
Snorting, they made him put some boots on, as well as a thick tunic smelling
of lavender, and as they were guiding him outside, Dashvara caught himself
thinking about Zaadma and her plants. In the small stable they entered, there
were three horses. Azune opened the box occupied by a white mare, and Dashvara
looked at it woozily. It looked so much like his father's. It had the same
elegance and the same beauty. But, obviously, it wasn't the same.
.P
Azune mounted, and they both were going to lift Dashvara when the Xalya
pushed them away.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will mount on my own,
.Em
he affirmed.
.P
He mounted, and he felt so dizzy that he almost fell. Azune firmly helped him
stay in his seat, and Dashvara was thankful, for there was no worse
humiliation for a Xalya than to fall alone off a horse.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Take the Rain Path,
.Em
Rowyn whispered to Azune.
.Bm -t dia
The caravan will leave tomorrow, and it will arrive around noon. If you want,
wait for me on the Dragon Road.
.Em
.P
Azune nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'll be there.
.Em
.P
Rowyn smiled, and he glanced at Dashvara.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't die too early, boy.
.Em
.P
Dashvara was as stiff as a stick because he was trying to hold back a new
coughing fit.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And you, take care of my people,
.Em
he rumbled lowly.
.Bm -t dia
If anything happens to them, you'll have to deal with me, dead or alive.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Stop threatening and try not to fall off the horse,
.Em
Rowyn replied with a worried expression.
.P
Dashvara puffed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A Xalya… never falls off his horse,
.Em
he panted. He didn't manage to master himself longer—he began to cough like a
mad demon, and Azune cursed under her breath.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He's going to wake up all the neighbors!
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
May the Pearl protect you!
.Em
Rowyn said with a parting gesture, as the half-elf spurred her mount.
.P
They left Rocavita at full gallop, and Dashvara had to cling to Azune not to
lose his balance. It seemed to him as if his whole body was turning into a
burning sand soup. They galloped for an interminable time on the Dragon Road,
only having the stars to guide them. During the journey, Dashvara struggled to
keep conscious, and he tried not to stain Azune's tunic with blood.
.P
.Bm -t penso
The caravan,
.Em
he told himself after a long silence only interrupted by the thundering
clatter of the hooves on the stone. Rowyn had said that the caravan would get
into Dazbon the next day. Could it mean it had already arrived in Rocavita?
His eyes widened. If so, that meant there were now probably more Xalyas in the
Republic of Dazbon than in the steppe.
.P
.Bm -t penso
But this time they will have to free themselves alone,
.Em
he thought morosely as he opened his eyes wide not to close them forever.
.Bm -t penso
Unless I manage to survive.
.Em
.P
The only thing he saw when getting into Dazbon was a downing high hill
covered with roofs plunged in darkness. He heard a mighty noise when they
passed by the Great Cascade, but Dashvara couldn't see it. Taking a path
through a grove of trees, Azune slowed the pace before reaching the first
houses.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How are you going, steppeman?
.Em
she asked.
.P
Dashvara was pressing his lips so strongly that, for a moment, he thought he
wouldn't manage to open them. When he did it, he felt a streak of blood
flowing out.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Fine,
.Em
he croaked.
.P
In spite of the awful situation, Azune let out a sarcastic chuckle.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Fine, he says. I bet you would keep saying you're fine even if three blades
were piercing you.
.Em
.P
Dashvara didn't respond: he had the terrible impression that, if he opened his
mouth again, all the blood of his body would flood out like a poisoned
cascade.
.P
They got into the city. Dashvara's foggy mind could only find two
adjectives to qualify it: foul-smelling and maze-like. Abruptly, the white
horse stopped. Dashvara could feel Azune swinging down from her mount, and
as he lost his support, he clung onto the saddle with shaking hands. All
he needed now was to fall down and break his head.
.P
Hastily, Azune knocked on a door. This one took a while to open, and when it
did, a square of light appeared, and a worried voice could be heard.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Azune! Dear, what happened?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm fine, Aydin. It's my companion. He's in a very bad way.
.Em
.P
The jerk Dashvara felt at the sound of Aydin's name turned into a disaster:
seized by a new coughing fit, he lost his balance. Azune held him just in
time.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Help me carry him inside,
.Em
Aydin said.
.P
Between the ternian and her, they led him into the house, half-conscious.
Dashvara finally found himself lying on a bed, with a face floating before his
eyes. When he recognized the merchant, his heart twisted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't want to be healed by a coward,
.Em
he articulated.
.P
Aydin shook his head slightly, and a glint of challenge sparkled in his eyes
when he said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
And I don't want to heal a fool.
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked him in the eye, and then he smiled… and he fainted.
.Ch "The Most Illustrious Republic"
.D
.Bm -t penso
.Bm -t dia
.Bm
How come I can't go out with my father?
.Em
.Em
Dashvara asked, unhappy. He was sitting on the top of the shaard's tower, and
he was looking at the old man, his head up.
.Bm -t dia
.Bm
How come you confine me here, master?
.Em
.Em
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
Maloven, as usual, gazed at the faraway horizon, lost in thought. He
answered in a quiet voice:
.Em
.D
.Bm -t penso
.Bm -t dia
.Bm
No one confines you anywhere, child. There are simply some things a person
cannot do. Just as my leg stops me from running, neither can you ride by
your father's side to defend our lands. But you shall, son.
.Em
.Em
He turned to him, his hands on his back, and his eyes twinkled.
.Bm -t dia
.Bm
I feel that, someday, you will defend the Xalya lands from an atrocious
storm. But
.Em
.Em
—he smiled—
.Bm -t dia
.Bm
you still have to grow up and learn…
.Em
.Em
.Em
.salto
When he awoke, Dashvara got the impression he had just emerged from an
endless hole. He was lying on a quite comfortable mattress, and the light was
shining through his eyelids. He felt… fine. He was soaked in sweat, though.
.P
Coming from not so far away, he heard voices and noises he wasn't able to
recognize—among them some strange cries of birds. He half opened one eye, and
he looked at the room for a long time. The sunlight illuminated it harmoniously.
He opened the other eye when he perceived some footsteps.  Aydin appeared in a
doorway. He stopped short on seeing him awake.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh,
.Em
he just said.
.P
He walked forward, and after filling a glass with water, he handed it to
Dashvara. This one sat up. It was hot in the room. That was why he was
sweating. Of course.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ternian. Please tell me I am not in your house.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You are in my house, human.
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at him for some seconds before draining the glass and pointing
out:
.D
.Bm -t dia
You've saved my life.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Again,
.Em
the healer smiled.
.P
Dashvara made a face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sorry for what I said in the temple. You're not a scoundrel. I take it back.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Only that?
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave him a grim look, but this time Aydin did not look daunted. The
Xalya shrugged his shoulders.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A wise man once said that he who saves the life of someone who insults him is
either a madman or a knight. But actually, according to him, both things are
the same.
.Em
As he saw Aydin's face frowning, he added teasingly:
.Bm -t dia
I take back everything you want, healer. How the hell did you get me out of
that?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You didn't get out of anything,
.Em
Aydin replied.
.Bm -t dia
Your body energies are still a mess. The poison of that dart should have killed
you, and something in those powders has saved your life, but it has caused
serious lesions in your inner energy. You're unbalanced.
.Em
.P
Dashvara would have rather never heard his words. He felt energetic and fully
recovered. Or, at least, he felt much better than when he was dying, he
rectified.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Unbalanced, huh?
.Em
he echoed back at him with sarcasm.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's just a medical term,
.Em
Aydin clarified.
.Bm -t dia
You suffer from a lack of inner energy balance, and I don't know how to cure
it.
.Em
.P
If there wasn't a cure, why worry? Dashvara changed the subject.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where is Azune?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have no idea. She left shortly after you arrived.
.Em
Aydin rose to his feet.
.Bm -t dia
Do you want to eat something?
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded and stood up too. Soon, both of them were settled down at a
small table with a plate full of delicious cookies set on it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So you're a member of the Pearl Brotherhood,
.Em
Dashvara hazarded.
.P
Aydin rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not at all. I'm an acolyte of the Dragon Brotherhood. But I'm a sympathizer of
the Pearl Brotherhood.
.Em
.P
Dashvara chewed his cookie thoughtfully.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A sympathizer and a collaborator,
.Em
he observed.
.Bm -t dia
You were spying on Arviyag, weren't you?
.Em
Aydin didn't respond. A faint smile stretched across Dashvara's face.
.Bm -t dia
Maybe you're not such a coward, after all.
.Em
.P
The ternian shook his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you a Pearl member? No, right? So then, don't meddle in affairs that
are none of your concern.
.Em
.P
Dashvara didn't like his tone at all.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm afraid that's more my concern than yours. The prisoners that scum
bought are Xalyas.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes. That's what Azune told me,
.Em
Aydin replied with his claws bared.
.Bm -t dia
She also told me you have spoiled their plans. Now it will be more difficult
for you to free the new prisoners.
.Em
.P
Dashvara then remembered that the second slave caravan would arrive in
Dazbon around noon. He wiggled impatiently.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Have they arrived already?
.Em
he inquired.
.P
A sarcastic light sparkled in Aydin's eyes before darkly fading away.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's quite likely.
.Em
He raised his head, and his face lit up when he took a glance through the
window.
.Bm -t dia
Ah. Here's your savior. It's a doctor, not a simple healer, and believe me, if
he doesn't manage to heal you, no one will. Go on, lie down on the bed.
.Em
.P
Dashvara swallowed his impatience and obeyed. Soon, the door opened, and the
boy, Hadriks, came in with a face strangely reddened by irritation. Behind
him, was a gray-haired man scrawny like a stick. Only a thick silver chain
broke the monotony of his black dress.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where's the patient?
.Em
he asked, as he walked into the room acting like he owned the place.
.P
Aydin had remained stunned for a reason that Dashvara didn't quite understand.
Before anyone was able to answer, the new arrival came quickly by the bed and
laid his bag on a stool while talking in a continuous stream.
.D
.Bm -t dia
For the Divinity's sake, is it hot! I'll be glad when the autumn actually
comes. Why didn't you ever decide to live in the Beautiful District, Aydin?
These tiring walks take it out of me. Well, well, well. What do we have here?
Haw! He doesn't look like he's about to die. I should have guessed you were
exaggerating, boy. From how you described him, I was nearly expecting to find
him dead! These youths and their fantasies,
.Em
he guffawed with a sharp laugh.
.Bm -t dia
Sit down, citizen, and keep still for a moment, will you?
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at him in the eye, but the doctor wasn't looking at him: he
laid his lanky, bony hands on Dashvara's chest and began to examine it as if
he was searching for some remedy hidden under his skin. Aydin and Hadriks were
watching them uneasily. Dashvara could hear the ternian whispering to the boy:
.D
.Bm -t dia
And what about Doctor Fenendrip?
.Em
.P
Glancing above the doctor's grayish head, Dashvara saw Hadriks's apologizing
face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He's on vacation, master. Only Doctor Exipadas was on call in his office.
He asked me what I was doing here, and I—
.Em
.P
Aydin had begun to nod, and gulping, Hadriks fell silent. Dashvara sighed. He
was starting to get really bored with this Doctor Exipadas and his palpating.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I see,
.Em
the doctor muttered.
.Bm -t dia
Yes. Come on, hold this bowl tightly under your forearm, like so, very well.
.Em
.P
He took out of his bag a small, cutting tool. Aydin's expression alarmed
Dashvara immediately.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What are you going to do?
.Em
he asked, withdrawing the bowl.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm going to bleed you, nothing more,
.Em
the doctor assured calmly.
.Bm -t dia
Just a little cut to make you expel the bad humors.
.Em
.P
Dashvara gaped at him, and he finally understood his purpose. Something inside
him burst into blazing flames. He hardly mastered himself. It was a long time
since he had spoken so icily.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Get out at once,
.Em
he breathed.
.P
The doctor paused, and for the first time, he looked up at him. What he saw in
Dashvara's eyes made him turn paler than he already was.
.P
Aydin cleared his throat, extremely embarrassed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Doctor. Doctor Exipadas, I don't think bloodletting is the most appropriate
remedy. I actually think that—
.Em
.P
Doctor Exipadas's face hardened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Am I dreaming or are you questioning my way of working, healer? And you,
stretch your arm!
.Em
.P
When Doctor Exipadas got his knife closer, Dashvara couldn't suppress
his impulse: he grabbed the bowl and smashed his face in with it. After that,
he stood up, flung the knife into the bag with some pieces of the broken bowl,
closed it, and began to drag the doctor toward the open door. Exipadas was
shrieking like a hog on the way to the slaughterhouse. Dashvara ejected him
outside, with his bag.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You criminal!
.Em
the scrawny doctor howled, covering his bloody face.
.Bm -t dia
You'll regret this, believe you me, and a lot! I have powerful friends!
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Be happy I haven't bled
.Sm you ,
you leech,
.Em
Dashvara spit out, disgusted. He noticed that several people passing by in the
street were glancing curiously at the scene. He closed the door just as the
other one was yelling:
.D
.Bm -t dia
You shall pay for this!
.Em
.P
Dashvara turned to Aydin and Hadriks. They both were staring at him mutely.
Only then he thought that perhaps his hurried action was likely to get Aydin
into trouble. But at the same time he bet that, if he had not reacted, Aydin
wouldn't have done anything to stop that smug idiot. Breaking the silence,
Hadriks let out a guffaw. He immediately repressed it under his master's
glare.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't know how to take it,
.Em
Aydin confessed.
.P
Dashvara cleared his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yeah? Well… Was he some important person?
.Em
.P
With a calmness only apparent, Aydin informed him:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Exipadas Andeyed is the brother-in-law of Altagar Parvel, the master senator
of Dazbon.
.Em
.P
Dashvara pondered for some seconds, not knowing exactly how to interpret the
case. The only thing he could finally think of was to justify himself:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I wasn't going to let him bleed me, right? Bah, besides, I did nothing to him.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, you did nothing to him!
.Em
Aydin echoed with a burst of sarcastic, nervous laughter.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well… My method wasn't that bad,
.Em
Dashvara defended himself.
.Bm -t dia
I've only put him out of your house.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of
.Sm my
house. Oh. Yes. Yes, your method was straightforward. Effective. I think
you've forgotten the detail about the projectile.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
What projectile?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
The bowl you've hurled to him.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I didn't hurl it to him, I smashed it on his face,
.Em
Dashvara specified.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You do well pointing out the nuance,
.Em
the ternian replied ironically.
.Bm -t dia
When the Mestre comes with all his officers to interrogate you, don't forget
to mention it.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised his eyebrows, alarmed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The Mestre?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
The one who's in charge of arresting people.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ay. I see.
.Em
Dashvara felt ashamed.
.Bm -t dia
I didn't mean to get you into trouble, Aydin.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Neither I meant to let this louse enter my house.
.Em
Hadriks paled, and Aydin laid an appeasing hand on his shoulder.
.Bm -t dia
Never mind, Hadriks. Now you know that the less you see Doctor Exipadas,
the better you feel. Indeed, the less you see the doctors of the Hospital,
the better. You can only trust Fenendrip and a few more. What are you doing?
.Em
he suddenly asked, surprised.
.P
Dashvara had just put on his tunic, and now he was slipping his boots on.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I leave. I don't want to cause you more problems. Besides, I have things to
do.
.Em
.P
He was heading for the door when Aydin barred his way.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No way. If Azune comes back and learns you have left, she will condemn me to
hell. I won't let you leave until she comes back.
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at him, startled. At this moment, he heard hard knocks at the
door.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Urban Militia!
.Em
a powerful voice shouted outside.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A thousand dragons…
.Em
Aydin cursed. He opened the door. A strapping human appeared in front of them.
Behind, was the bloody face of Doctor Exipadas, who seemed to flaunt his
wound as if it was proof of his innocence. The fact was that he only had a small cut
on his cheek—the rest of the blood was coming from his nose. The militiaman
greeted:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good afternoon. Just a question. Has this man been in your house recently?
.Em
Aydin nodded.
.Bm -t dia
He says that one of your patients has hit him in an abusive way. Can I speak to
him?
.Em
.P
Dashvara hardly suppressed his laughter. Hit him in an abusive way? Aydin
stepped aside, letting the militiaman and Dashvara see each other. The guard
was dressed in a gray uniform; on his chest, he had a badge with the picture
of a black hand.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Tell it like it is,
.Em
Aydin advised him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
This man nearly killed me!
.Em
Exipadas shrilled.
.P
Dashvara snorted lowly, and he explained every last detail of the case, like a
model victim. The militiaman listened to him calmly, without paying any
attention to the doctor's moans. Finally, he gave a short jerk of his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
According to the Law, if the patient refuses to be bled, the doctor
has to accept it. I consider that you acted in self-defense and that the
doctor had no right to force you to do anything. End of story.
.Em
.P
The doctor was open-mouthed. Dashvara smiled, pleasantly surprised.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thank you, militiaman,
.Em
he said.
.P
The human bowed his head slightly as a parting greeting.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Whaaat?
.Em
Exipadas snorted.
.Bm -t dia
No! Militiaman!
.Em
he called out.
.Bm -t dia
I command you to arrest him! Militiaman!
.Em
.P
He grabbed him by the sleeve, and the militiaman's face became cold as ice;
the doctor cringed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I suggest you move away from this street, Doctor,
.Em
the officer said.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How you dare—!
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Please don't utter insults you might regret later,
.Em
the militiaman cut him off with a deadly serious expression.
.Bm -t dia
Law is Law.
.Em
.P
Exipadas's pale face crimsoned, and he looked as if his ears were going to puff
out steam.
.Bm -t penso
I bet those are just the bad humors he wanted to free me of,
.Em
Dashvara thought sarcastically.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That boor shall pay anyway,
.Em
the doctor grumbled before turning around and walking away through the street
with a quick step. When Dashvara looked at the other side of the street, the
militiaman was already far away.
.P
With a sigh, Aydin closed the door.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well. Let us hope the case is settled.
.Em
.P
Hadriks giggled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You've made a patrician bite the dust!
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes, what a success,
.Em
Aydin told him back ironically. He had bared his claws. Dashvara felt
concerned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you think that idiot could try to take revenge for such a petty accident?
.Em
.P
Aydin raised his eyes to the heavens.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Petty accident? Remember you're not in your wild lands, Xalya. In Dazbon,
there is a Law. And a Court. Perhaps Exipadas is an “idiot”, as you say,
but if he has friends among the Council of Seven, he could make your life
hell, believe me.
.Em
.P
Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't worry about it. Okay, perhaps my inner energy is
unbalanced, but I feel just fine right now, so—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
So you're going to lie down without complaining,
.Em
Aydin retorted.
.P
His uncompromising tone proper to a veteran healer had some effect on
Dashvara. They looked at each other, and finally, the Xalya mumbled:
.D
.Bm -t dia
At the end of the day, I suppose I owe you that.
.Em
.P
He lied down back on the bed, and Aydin, after asking him whether he knew how
to read, brought him a book. Dashvara grinned on reading the title.
.Bm -t titulo
The Adventures of the Shepherd Bramanil and His Cat Mawrus the Wrecker
.Em .
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you know Rowyn the Duke?
.Em
he asked.
.P
The ternian's joking expression led him to understand he was treading on shaky
ground once again.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I know him. Hadriks, stay here, will you? And don't talk too much.
.Em
.P
He left the room, and his footsteps fell away. The boy sat on one of the two
chairs beside the small table, on the other side of the office. He was playing
cards alone. Dashvara craned his neck. Obviously, he had never seen such
pictures on a deck of cards.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are they Dazbonish cards?
.Em
he inquired curiously.
.P
Hadriks shrugged.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sailor cards, they call it. Now I'm playing solitaire.
.Em
He was grinning more and more widely.
.Bm -t dia
Do you know how to play republicans?
.Em
.P
Dashvara shook his head and sat up on the bed, putting aside the book.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The cards I used to play with weren't like that at all. In fact, we used to
play katutas quite more often. You play it with a board,
.Em
he explained. A sudden wave of memories came over him.
.Bm -t penso
Makarva, Lumon, Boron, Sigfen… my patrol brothers and I were inveterate
katutas players.
.Em
Dashvara stifled a sad smile.
.Bm -t penso
And yet, what an awful band of players we were.
.Em
Damn it. He blocked his memories.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I know what the katutas are,
.Em
Hadriks mocked.
.Bm -t dia
It's a Dazbonish man who invented the game.
.Em
.P
Dashvara jerked up, astonished. The katutas were a Xalya ancestral game. Demons,
it was as if Hadriks had told him the republicans had invented the Wise
Tongue.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Nonsense. The Ancient Kings are the ones who invented the katutas. That
Dazbonish must have imported the game.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I swear it was a Dazbonish man,
.Em
Hadriks protested.
.Bm -t dia
Ask Aydin. He's a keen katutas player.
.Em
.P
Still with his skeptical pout, Dashvara got up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I sure will ask him. How do you play republicans?
.Em
.P
During the following hours, Hadriks and he played several games of cards.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It can't be!
.Em
Hadriks growled at some moment.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Bad cards, huh?
.Em
Dashvara asked with a satisfied tone while watching his own cards. This time,
he had good luck.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Mph,
.Em
was all the boy said, focused on his cards.
.P
He threw a low card, his lips pressed. Dashvara smiled, and he played his
turn. The more cards they played, the more Hadriks darkened. He lost the
Golden Ace in an avalanche of Clerks. And then he exclaimed:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Aha!
.Em
.P
He put his last card on the table. A District Magistrate. Dashvara frowned. He
had only an Administrator left. With that play, Hadriks prevented him from
winning the hand, he realized.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You bastard,
.Em
he growled, throwing away the Administrator while the boy was laughing.
.Bm -t dia
Didn't you say you had bad cards?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I did have. Haven't you seen my disastrous hand? The only valuable thing was
my Magistrate. You simply shouldn't have parted with the Senator so soon. Such
things will happen when you play with a novice.
.Em
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes, amused.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hey, and aren't the senators annoyed about this ‘republicans’ game? Because
some people must swear profusely at their cards, I suspect.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Bah! The senators the firsts,
.Em
Hadriks replied.
.Bm -t dia
Look, once, a captain of the militia went into the Senate to warn about
some matter, and he caught them all playing republicans, and one of them was
just yelling, ‘A senator! Deal me a damn Senator!’.
.Em
Dashvara let out a guffaw just imagining the captain's face. Hadriks grinned
broadly.
.Bm -t dia
I swear. Well, it's a popular legend,
.Em
he admitted,
.Bm -t dia
but that must be true, wanna bet?
.Em
.P
Still smiling, Dashvara turned his eyes away when he perceived footsteps near
the door.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't bet on popular legends,
.Em
he replied.
.P
Someone knocked at the door, and Hadriks hastened to open it. It was
Rowyn and Azune.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where is Fayrah?
.Em
Dashvara asked before neither of them could even utter a word.
.P
The blond was sweating profusely, and he was shaking his tunic to get some
fresh air. However, his face relaxed when he saw the Xalya standing.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I do see Aydin has saved you from hell. I advise you not to go out to get into
another one: the demons are burning the air out there. How are you feeling?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'd bet it's the twentieth time you ask me that question since I know you,
republican.
.Em
.P
Rowyn smiled at his reply. Azune asked:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where's Aydin?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
In the market, in his magaras stall,
.Em
Hadriks answered.
.P
Rowyn's face lit up when he sat down at the table.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Playing cards, huh? Republicans game?
.Em
.P
Hadriks nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I was teaching him, but he still gets easily tricked like a
beginner.
.Em
.P
Dashvara sat down again, insisting:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where is my sister?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Eh? Oh. The three of them are fine,
.Em
the kampraw assured in a light tone.
.Bm -t dia
I left them in an inn.
.Sm -t nomlieu "The Golden Dragon" .
Well, Lessi feels a little dizzy because of all the hustle and bustle of the
city, and because of the bad smell.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow. The daughter of the indestructible Captain
Zorvun. Of course.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And what about the caravan with the other prisoners?
.Em
he inquired.
.P
Azune growled ironically:
.D
.Bm -t dia
What do you know! I wasn't aware that the Supreme had a beard. Come on, Duke,
answer to our leader's question.
.Em
.P
Hadriks burst into laughter, and Rowyn assumed a patient expression. Dashvara
wasn't so understanding.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm sorry, Azune, but I remind you that those prisoners are my people.
It's no laughing matter.
.Em
.P
Azune breathed out.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I spent all night riding to save him, and not even a word of gratitude.
Haven't you been taught to say, ‘thanks’?
.Em
.P
Dashvara didn't know how to respond. After a silence, he cleared his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thanks.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you say it in such a tone, you'd better keep quiet,
.Em
Azune snorted.
.P
Dashvara began to feel irritated.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I used no particular tone, republican woman. What do you want me to say? I'm
just not used to thanking foreigners, okay? Don't push me. I need time to
adjust.
.Em
.P
All signs of offense faded away from Azune's face; only that teasing sparkle
remained.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You call us foreigners, and you're in our city. Did I miss something? Okay,
frankly, Rowyn, the less we say, the better.
.Em
.P
The Pearl Brother was twiddling with the deck of cards thoughtfully. At that
instant, he let out a long sigh.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Azune is right. You'd better not meddle in our affairs now. It's too late. We
have a plan to rescue your companions. We'll free them, and we'll put an end
to the traffic of Arviyag and his henchmen. But we can't allow you to
interfere in our task.
.Em
.P
The Duke wasn't going to answer his questions, Dashvara guessed. He felt
heavyhearted. He would have been able to get some weapon-like object and to
threaten them, but the mere thought—unless it was the unbalanced inner
energy—gave him a cramp in his stomach that forced him to remain stiff like a
statue.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm sorry, steppeman,
.Em
Rowyn sighed after an embarrassed silence.
.P
He did look sorry. Actually, he looked as if he were acting despite himself.
Azune, on the contrary, looked satisfied.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't be sorry, republican,
.Em
Dashvara responded.
.Bm -t dia
Tell me, what about this conversation you promised me, with your Supreme?
.Em
.P
Azune let out a forced laugh.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My brother promised you nothing. He said you will go to see her. That's that.
Don't distort the words.
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave her a grim look.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm getting the impression that you have taken a dislike to me, half-elf.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm getting the impression you don't care a frog if Arviyag is or not in jail
as long as you rescue your people.
.Em
.P
Dashvara glared at her.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's not true! And if the favor I owe to you is to eradicate all the slavers
in the Republic, so be it. I will accomplish it.
.Em
.P
Azune's face quivered, and her ironic mask crumbled away for an instant.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Enough,
.Em
Rowyn intervened in a tired voice.
.Bm -t dia
If I let you two continue, you would end up promising to wipe out the slavery
all along the Pilgrim Ocean's shore—or even in the whole Hareka! Come on,
Azune. We have work to do. Steppeman,
.Em
he told him as he strode to the door.
.Bm -t dia
I'm happy you feel better. Get some rest, and tomorrow we'll come back to take
you to see the Supreme, and after that, we'll guide you to the
.Sm -t nomlieu "Golden Dragon" .
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No. I'd rather go to the
.Sm -t nomlieu "Golden Dragon"
right now,
.Em
Dashvara assured.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm sorry,
.Em
the kampraw sighed.
.Bm -t dia
We don't have enough time. Perhaps Hadriks might guide you. But I suppose Aydin
won't appreciate it. He doesn't release his patients until he pronounces them
completely recovered,
.Em
he smiled.
.Bm -t dia
Keep playing cards. Have a good afternoon.
.Em
.P
The two Pearl Brothers were already leaving when Dashvara asked:
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're not going to act this very night, are you?
.Em
.P
Rowyn closed the door without a word. Dashvara swore under his breath. He
snatched the cards again to shuffle them with nervous movements. If Rowyn and
Azune intended to sneak into the slavers' hideout this very night… he was
going to miss something he wouldn't miss for the world.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Damned republicans,
.Em
he swore again.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How long do you intend to shuffle the cards?
.Em
Hadriks inquired, sitting in front of him.
.P
Dashvara began to deal.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Tell me, Hadriks. Do you know where the merchant Shizur lives?
.Em
.P
The boy frowned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The wine merchant? The friend of your cousin who isn't your cousin?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
How do you know Zaadma is not my cousin?
.Em
Dashvara replied.
.P
Hadriks showed a naughty smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well. First, because the cousin's name is Zaetela and not Zaadma. Secondly,
because Azune said you were a Xalya. And thirdly—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Okay, okay,
.Em
Dashvara cut him off.
.Bm -t dia
So?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
So what?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Shizur,
.Em
the Xalya grumbled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh. He lives in the Autumn District. Beside the Amethyst Canal.
.Em
.P
Dashvara tried to recall the city plans he had studied in the house on the
Pearl patron.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Next to Shubor's candy shop,
.Em
Hadriks specified after a pause.
.Bm -t dia
Why do you ask? Do you have some score to settle with him?
.Em
.P
On seeing the sparkle in his eyes, Dashvara guessed he was already fantasizing
about some incredible fight. That boy looked not quite as reserved as before but
unmistakably more hotheaded, he noticed with a grimace.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, I have no score to settle with Shizur.
.Em
.P
Hadriks glanced at his own cards, then lifted his eyes, met Dashvara's… and he
bit his lips.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I would like to ask you a favor.
.Em
.P
As he sadly expected, those words lit up the boy's face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Truly? What favor?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Go to Shizur's and ask for Zaadma and Rokuish. Try to learn whether they live
there or they are staying somewhere else. But, if they are there, don't tell
them where I am.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Quite difficult—they will guess it just by seeing me,
.Em
Hadriks pointed out shrewdly.
.P
Dashvara licked his dry lips.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's true enough.
.Em
.P
The door burst open, and Aydin hobbled into the room, holding a fainted woman.
.D
.Bm -t dia
For the Dragon's sake!
.Em
Hadriks called out, rushing to help him. Taking a look at the rather plump
woman, Dashvara decided to lend a hand.
.Bm -t dia
She's Lira, Tantoro the Tanner's wife, isn't she? What happened to her?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Faintness. Heat,
.Em
Aydin explained with difficulty. His forehead was sweaty. He laid her patient
on the bed.
.Bm -t dia
Get me some water.
.Em
.P
Hadriks obeyed hastily. Aydin gave a slight slap on the woman's cheek, then
snorted, and flung himself down on a stool next to the wall.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If this heat continues just a few days more, all the Dazbonish people will end
up melting into a pool.
.Em
.P
Dashvara had sat down back at the table, and now he was wondering whether,
with this new guest, the ternian would approve of him going out of his house.
Hadriks finally brought the water, and before anything else, Aydin swallowed a
large gulp. Then he drew a glass closer to the patient and wet her forehead,
her neck, and her ears. As soon as Lira moved her head, Aydin waved Dashvara
and Hadriks away.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Go out of here,
.Em
he whispered.
.P
Hadriks grasped Dashvara by the arm, and they both went to the adjacent room.
He led him farther, to the kitchen. A detail intrigued him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where's the family?
.Em
.P
Hadriks was wetting his head with water to stand heat better.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You mean Aydin's family? Well. His two sons are studying in the Citadel. One
is going to become a magarist, and the other one wants to become a celmist
warrior.
.Em
.P
Dashvara knew that these jobs had something to do with magic; well, with the
magic that some didn't call magic because they thought it was an uncultured
term. He followed Hadriks's example, soaked himself with water, and then went
on:
.D
.Bm -t dia
A magarist is a magic object maker, isn't he?
.Em
.P
Hadriks had an indulgent smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes. He makes objects enchanted with asdronic energies. Aydin lives by doing
that, but he uses simple enchantments. I learn from him. When I have enough
level, I will be able to ask the Citadel for a scholarship to study there.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded thoughtfully. Maloven had already explained to him several
times how the asdronic and darsic energies did work. He remembered the
lessons, and not with a great delight. As Maloven was no wizard, all his
explanations had always remained vague theories. In any case, Dashvara had the
feeling that, even if Maloven had been the best magician in all Hareka, he
wouldn't have felt more attracted to the subject. As he himself used to say to
Fayrah when they were little: nobody can know everything.
.P
Dashvara thought back of Hadriks's words, and he smiled. He had said,
.Sm -t paroles "when I have" ;
he didn't even consider the hypothesis he could fail in his attempt.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have no doubt you'll become the best object enchanter wizard,
.Em
Dashvara commented, comfortably leaning back on a wall.
.Bm -t dia
And what about the celmist warrior? What does he do? Does he cast some
asdronic bolts? Acid punches?
.Em
.P
Hadriks shook his head at Dashvara's joking tone.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Some are shield maker celmists, and others are conjurers—among other things,
.Em
he added, after a hesitation that gave the impression he didn't know much
about the subject.
.Bm -t dia
The shield makers make shields, and the conjurers make… plenty of
conjurations. Among them, there are the perceptists, the disintegrators, the
invokers, the… Well,
.Em
he interrupted himself.
.Bm -t dia
As I say, there are plenty. They say the best celmist warriors spend their
last years of study at the Bastion. Those ones move in a… different sphere.
You won't see them very often walking in the street.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
And what do they do with their conjurations?
.Em
Dashvara asked curiously.
.P
Hadriks twisted his mouth to gesture his ignorance.
.D
.Bm -t dia
They defend the Republic, I suppose.
.Em
.P
Dashvara made a smiling face. He almost identified with those celmist
warriors.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's as good a way as any to enjoy your life,
.Em
he approved.
.Bm -t dia
And what about Aydin's wife?
.Em
.P
Hadriks was looking at him, obviously amused at such an amount of questions.
.D
.Bm -t dia
She's a sculptor.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh.
.Em
.P
Dashvara tried to conceal his curiosity, but he failed. He couldn't help but
think about Bashak and his wooden figurine. He had always liked the idea of
shaping a piece of material, even though he did not consider himself patient
enough to carry out such tasks.
.D
.Bm -t dia
She mostly sculpts in marble,
.Em
Hadriks continued, maybe guessing the Xalya's interest.
.Bm -t dia
But she also sculpts ships. Some months ago, she finished sculpting the prow,
the edges, and the cabin of the
.Sm Alamagna .
It's the private ship of the Parvel family.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded, his arms crossed. After a hesitation, he took Zaadma's
light disk out from his pocket, and he showed it to Hadriks.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It belongs to my cousin who isn't my cousin,
.Em
he explained with a playful smile.
.Bm -t dia
I would like you to bring it back to her for me. Don't rub it with your hands or
else it will light up.
.Em
.P
Hadriks's eyes had widened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is it a magara?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I suppose. Could you bring it back to her? I can't do it by myself, because
Shizur could recognize me. You do understand, don't you?
.Em
.P
Hadriks nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You mean the Dragon of Spring? It must be frustrating to be falsely accused,
.Em
he sympathized. Dashvara cleared his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Frustrating, I don't know. At least annoying.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Annoying,
.Em
Hadriks repeated, looking not altogether convinced.
.Bm -t dia
Yes. At least. I'm out of here,
.Em
he declared more briskly.
.Bm -t dia
If she's at Shizur's, I should be back in less than an hour. I run fast.
.Em
.P
Dashvara was tempted to tell him that it was no race, but he saw him so
cheerful he only gave a pat on his arm and said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're growing bolder than I was expecting. Remind, boy: be bold if need be,
but never act rashly.
.Em
.P
Hadriks was already rushing out of the kitchen when Dashvara stopped talking;
he doubted the boy had listened to him. He sharpened his ears. He heard a door
slamming… and suddenly he heard a shout and voices. Maybe some problem with
the spouse of the tanner? Dashvara headed hurriedly toward the door, but Aydin
popped up before, his eyes colder than a north wind. He was holding up
Zaadma's metal disk as though he were seizing a red snake. Dashvara shrank
back involuntarily.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What does this mean?
.Em
the healer exclaimed.
.P
Dashvara stared at him, amazed. He only knew the ternian a short time, but he
certainly wouldn't have imagined his look could get so terrible.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I lodge you, I heal you, I feed you, and after all that, you pay me back this
way?
.Em
He threw the disk in his face, and Dashvara, astonished as he was, did not even
try to dodge it.
.P
As he was a Xalya and had patrolled his lands for years, he was quite
accustomed to facing surprises. But the ternian's mood swing took him
completely unaware. What had gotten into the healer all of a sudden? In dead
silence, he leaned down and picked up the disk. This one was gleaming softly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I really don't—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Get out of my house,
.Em
Aydin thundered.
.P
Dashvara peered at him. He looked like a man whom someone has just threatened
to kill his son. It wasn't the finest moment to discuss, he understood.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Okay. I'm going. But—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Get out of my house,
.Em
Aydin insisted in an icy tone.
.Bm -t dia
And leave Hadriks alone.
.Em
.P
Dashvara did not delay. He passed by the healer and went to the living room.
There, he bumped into the boy, who was as pale as a sheet.
.D
.Bm -t dia
May the Eternal Bird guide you, boy,
.Em
he murmured.
.P
He headed for the office and saw that Lira was already gone. He opened the door
and then looked back. Aydin had followed him as if to make sure he wasn't going
to cause another incomprehensible disaster. Dashvara mustered up his courage.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Could I please ask you why you are—?
.Em
.P
His question died in his throat, quenched by that frosty look. Aydin seemed to
have turned into a cold statue of snow. Not even the wave of heat coming
through the door was able to melt him. He had already caused him too much
trouble, he determined. Asking a favor to his apprentice had tried his
patience, apparently. He gave him a stern nod, and he went out.
.P
The sun was beating down on the paved street. Dashvara got to walk, not
knowing where to go. He wandered for a long time, among people, carriages,
and noise. Without a doubt, Dazbon was more impressive than Rocavita. It had
no end of alleys, canals, bridges, workshops, and squares with small parks…
But Dashvara just couldn't be impressed with anything. It smelled bad, it was
hot, and everything was too big.
.P
When something seems too beautiful or too “whatever”, it doesn't seem
attractive anymore. Lost in philosophical thoughts, Dashvara was roaming in
the long street of a wider canal, observing his surroundings as if in a dream.
.Bm -t penso
I don't act like I am in Dazbon,
.Em
he realized. In his heart, he was still on Lusombra's back, riding up and down
the hills, scanning the horizon.
.P
He sighed. He listened to the high-pitched cries of some big and white birds.
Seagulls, he deduced. Maloven had lived in Dazbon for a year; he had told him
a bit how it was. But, as usual, the little Dashvara did not take interest in
what, in his view, he would not actually know in his lifetime.
.P
He arrived at the end of the canal, in a square, in front of an elegant
building which entrance door had the shape of an eye. The river forked off in
two big streams flowing into the sea. Looking in the opposite direction,
toward the north, Dazbon was climbing steeply up a hill. On one side, the
Great Cascade was within sight, white and foamy; on the other side, were the
Stairs: an endless stairway about fifty feet wide, with sand-colored stone,
and with regular steps, was going up and up to the top of the hill, far up away.
The houses of the Autumn District were stacked on both sides.
.P
Dashvara looked down again, blinded by the sun, which was just beginning to
come down. He had to find that
.Sm -t nomlieu Golden Dragon
and make sure that Fayrah, Lessi, and Aligra were doing fine. And once done, he
would go find the Pearl Brothers. If they didn't want him to interfere in
their task, they would have to let him in on their plans. He only had to find
a way of forcing them to let him in on it.
.P
Dashvara smiled slightly while looking for some kind soul willing to show him
the right track.
.Ch "In the canal"
He found the inn built over a canal, in the Dragon District. The tavern was
crowded with people coming to have some refreshments. Laughter burst out of
a powerful throat. Someone was playing the lute in a corner, people were drinking,
and the innkeeper chatted with his friends while two waiters were working.
Dashvara did not draw the attention at all in this teeming hive of life.
.P
He walked forward, dodging the tables, searching for the way to the lodging
part of the inn, and he stopped beside the bar before drawing away as he
realized this one was jammed. And then he saw them.
.P
Aligra, Lessi and Fayrah were sitting at a table, in front of two smiling and
unmistakably drunk men. Dashvara smelled trouble. Frowning, he headed straight
to the table.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So from farther, eh?
.Em
one of the drunks said.
.Bm -t dia
From Maeras? No, let me guess, from the Holy Grove!
.Em
.P
Fayrah looked embarrassed. Lessi was watching both drunks alternately with a
curious expression. Aligra had a gloomy face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How could they come from the Holy Grove?
.Em
his comrade mumbled.
.Bm -t dia
They're Shalussis, for sure. Eh? Right? Am I right?
.Em
he repeated, very amused.
.P
Aligra exploded before Dashvara could reach them.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Shalussi yourself, you drunk donkey! I am a Xalya, and the
blood of the ancient wise people of the steppe runs in my
veins—!
.Em
.P
She gasped and fell silent when Dashvara smashed his fist down on the table,
toughly. The neighbors didn't even flinch, but the two drunks looked a bit
more alive.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Uh? What are you doing, buddy? What's the matter with you?
.Em
one of them asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's simple: you're going to get up from your bench. At once.
.Em
.P
This time, a few customers turned their heads toward them. The drunks
exchanged a glance.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Get up, you said, sir? And what for? We're fine here.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, really? In that case, stay here.
.Em
He shot an imperious look at the Xalyas.
.Bm -t dia
Come on, let's get out of here.
.Em
.P
Instantly, Fayrah and Lessi scrambled to their feet. Aligra folded her arms.
.D
.Bm -t dia
We were here before them. Those oafs are the ones who must leave.
.Em
.P
One of the drunks spit firewater out all over the table with an offended
face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oafs? I am no oaf. I am a student! I am a—
.Em
.P
Dashvara hissed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You shut up. Aligra, get up and don't be childish.
.Em
.P
The Xalya held his glare. Dashvara caught, in her eyes, a glint of
rebelliousness he didn't like at all. He considered leaving her there,
but then he thought that, if anything happened to her, he would blame himself
for the rest of his life, so he opted to settle the problem otherwise. He
stretched the arm and got her up by force. In astonishment, Aligra let him
draw her away from the table. The student was shocked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't like this at all!
.Em
he shrieked.
.Bm -t dia
Who are you to treat the young girl like that? Her brother?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Her lord,
.Em
Dashvara retorted.
.Bm -t dia
And now do sit down, good man, and keep drinking.
.Em
.P
The drunk was about ready to provoke a fight—Dashvara guessed it. Fortunately,
his comrade pulled at his sleeve, whispered something to him, and they both
sat down back on their bench. Fine. Dashvara dragged Aligra out of the tavern,
toward the lodging staircase. Only then did he let go of her. He felt frustrated,
and he did not quite understand why.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I see you feel better,
.Em
Fayrah observed while they were climbing the stairs.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Quite better, yes,
.Em
Dashvara replied. His sister was obviously shocked by his manners. But so
what? If he had treated Aligra like an unruly child, it was simply because
she did act like one. They entered the room, he shut the door, and he gazed at
the three of them, wondering what the devil he was going to do with them. They
needed money to stay in Dazbon. But how to earn it?
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ali, what's wrong?
.Em
Lessi asked with a tormented expression.
.P
Aligra was crying silently. Dashvara breathed out loudly. That's all they
needed.
.P
While Fayrah and Lessi were trying to comfort their friend, he went to the
window and peered out. It was looking out over the south. They were just above
the canal, and at its end, between the house walls, he discerned something
that seemed to be… Yes. A huge ship with white sails upon an enormous amount
of water. The Pilgrim Ocean.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I want to go back home,
.Em
Aligra was sobbing.
.P
Dashvara felt sad, and then he turned. Abruptly, he regretted having been so
tough on her.
.D
.Bm -t dia
We all wish to go back,
.Em
he said gently. Coming back from the window, he sat down on the only chair in
the room, and he drew it closer to the bed where the three girls were sitting.
.Bm -t dia
Listen. Listen to me, you three. When the prisoners of the caravan are freed,
we will be more. We won't be like before, that's impossible, but—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're a traitor, a coward, and a liar!
.Em
Aligra cut him off, her eyes full of glittering tears. She stood up, trembling.
.Bm -t dia
You won't free the prisoners, and I know it. You will find an excuse not to do
it. Go away.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Aligra!
.Em
Fayrah was startled.
.Bm -t dia
You can't blame him for having survived. We all fled.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
He's the firstborn son,
.Em
Aligra replied sharply.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Aw, come on! The firstborn… Here we go again,
.Em
Dashvara snorted, standing up too.
.Bm -t dia
Don't try my patience: there are limits to it. I already told you I didn't
flee willingly. My father asked me to flee. And I did it,
.Em
he affirmed while the three girls were staring at him with wide-open eyes.
There was a silent gap, and Dashvara calmed down.
.Bm -t dia
Is Rowyn the one who paid for the room?
.Em
.P
Fayrah nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He paid for three nights,
.Em
she answered.
.P
Dashvara pondered. Did those three nights have some connection with the plan
Rowyn was intending to execute? Perhaps he had thought they would stay there
until the prisoners got free… That would mean that they wouldn't move into
action tonight. Maybe. Or maybe not. He shook his head slightly, and another
question rather disturbing struck him.
.P
.Bm -t penso
What would the republican have done with the Xalyas if I had died?
.Em
.P
He didn't know Rowyn enough to guess it, but his instinct told him he would
not have left them alone. Or at least not voluntarily.
.P
He looked intently at the faces of the three Xalyas and finally fastened his
gaze on Fayrah.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sister… can I rely on you not to go down to the tavern again? I don't want
anything bad to happen to you three.
.Em
.P
Fayrah shook her head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Nothing bad will happen to us, Dash. We will stay here, but stop treating me
as if I were a child.
.Em
Dashvara made a face, and she added worriedly:
.Bm -t dia
Are you going to go out?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm going to try to find out where the Pearl Brotherhood resides,
.Em
Dashvara explained.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good idea,
.Em
Fayrah approved.
.Bm -t dia
We want to help too, eh, Lessi?
.Em
.P
Lessi nodded vigorously. Dashvara opened his mouth, but Aligra spoke first, in
an oracle-like voice.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A steppe lord understands the usefulness of delegating tasks.
.Em
.P
The Xalya girl had recovered her calm, and her eyes regained that lunatic and
abstracted aspect. Why, among all the ten Xalyas he had saved, Aligra had to
stay with his sister? Dashvara sighed, forcing himself to be patient, and he
tried to think quickly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
All right. If you really want me to delegate, I will delegate. Stay here, and
if Rowyn or Azune comes while I'm out, tell them that I have stopped by here
and…
.Em
.P
Dashvara knew with almost sheer certainty that no Pearl Brother would come by
the inn this afternoon, but that, at least, would keep the Xalyas busy and
compel them to stay in the room.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And?
.Em
Fayrah encouraged him, intrigued.
.P
Dashvara racked his brains, trying to come up with a convincing task.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And tell them that I have no intention to stand here twiddling my thumbs while
they put in motion their plan of rescue. Understood?
.Em
.P
He clearly perceived a glint in Aligra's eyes, but he wasn't able to
interpret it. Anyway, her look would have discomfited even a blind man. He
hummed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you have money to order dinner?
.Em
.P
Fayrah and Lessi shook their heads. Dashvara frowned. That, perhaps, meant
that Rowyn planned to come back, right? Unless it didn't occur to him that the
Xalyas could go hungry too.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'll come back for dinner,
.Em
he concluded.
.P
He left them there. In the inn, he noticed that the two drunks were going on
quaffing drinks, this time with two republican young women who seemed to have
a wonderful time. He went out into the street with relief.
.P
Outside, a breeze had risen, carrying an air heavy with salt. Dashvara
inhaled, and the first thing he did was head south, driven by a sudden desire:
he wanted to see the sea. He smiled to himself. Makarva, that good Makarva,
had always wished to see the sea. The Xalya warrior, who hated reading, had
read all the books dealing with the ocean. According to him, the sailors were
steppemen on the sea, and they rode on wooden dragons with white wings.
Dashvara picked up the pace when he felt he was close to his goal. The houses,
from two to four floors, drifted along the alleys. And, abruptly, there was
nothing but water.
.P
For a moment, Dashvara remained motionless in front of that flat, dark blue
desert. Even if he had tried hard to imagine it, he wouldn't have been able
to. He was attempting to recall what Makarva had told him about the ocean,
when a voice called out:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Look out!
.Em
.P
Someone tugged at his arm. Dashvara leaped backwards, and avoided just in time
the rushing wheels of a carriage.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Look where you're going, you fool!
.Em
shouted the old man who had saved him, raising his fist at the cart.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Shut up, old codger!
.Em
the driver replied without even taking a look backwards.
.P
Dashvara furrowed his brow, and he would have liked to give a good punishment
to that boor; however, his gratitude came first.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thanks, old man. I owe you one.
.Em
.P
The old man wore a simple dress, and he stunk of fish.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're welcome. Are you a foreigner?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am,
.Em
Dashvara affirmed.
.Bm -t dia
Is it that obvious?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You don't look in your element walking along the street,
.Em
the old man smiled.
.Bm -t dia
As you say that you owe me one, if you want, you may help me carry one of
these sacks.
.Em
.P
Dashvara saw the two large sacks, and he guessed that the old man had dropped
them onto the ground before tugging him backwards.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sure. I hope nothing has been broken,
.Em
he said, concerned.
.P
The old man rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
As much as a rope can be broken.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow, curious, and he lifted both sacks. They were quite
heavy, but he was able to carry them.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And what do you do with all that rope?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I make nets. Are you sure you can carry the two sacks?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes, don't worry, old man. And what do you do with the nets?
.Em
.P
The old man had begun to walk along the street skirting the coast, trying to
stay in the shade of the houses to avoid the sun.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Want to know what I do with them, foreigner? With the fishing nets, you catch
fishes, logically.
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked back at the sea. Of course, there, in the bottom, there were
fishes, and you had to get them out somehow to eat them.
.P
The apartment wasn't very far, and it was fortunately on the first floor. An
old woman, surely his wife, greeted them with affability.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Being helped from time to time is really welcome,
.Em
the old man said as Dashvara put the sacks down in the right place.
.Bm -t dia
Tell me, good man, what brings you to Dazbon? If we can guide you, it will be
a pleasure.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh.
.Em
Dashvara vacillated.
.Bm -t dia
Well, actually, I'm looking for the Pearl Brotherhood's place.
.Em
.P
The old couple looked questioningly at each other.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The Pearl Brotherhood?
.Em
the old man echoed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I've never heard of it,
.Em
the woman admitted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Me neither,
.Em
her husband confessed.
.Bm -t dia
I'm sorry, good man. There are loads of brotherhoods in Dazbon.
.Em
.P
Dashvara was unable to conceal his disappointment. Seemingly, the Pearl
Brotherhood wasn't very well-known.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It doesn't matter,
.Em
he assured.
.Bm -t dia
I'll find it anyway.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You should ask Shaf, the innkeeper of the
.Sm -t nomlieu White Coin .
It's at the end of the street. He has been in a ten of brotherhoods before
joining the Smuggling Brotherhood.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
The Smuggling Brotherhood?
.Em
Dashvara echoed, surprised. As far as he knew, smuggling was an illegal
practice in the Republic.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Their members fight against the abusive taxes, and all that stuff,
.Em
the old man explained, with a funny face.
.Bm -t dia
His name is Shaf,
.Em
he repeated.
.P
Dashvara thanked him, and a moment later, he arrived at the tavern. He had the
nasty feeling that the man known as Shaf wouldn't be able to help him, and
actually, he wasn't: the man, pretty tall and friendly-looking, assured him he
had never heard of the Pearl Brotherhood, just briefly, if at all—he said—but
he ignored where its headquarters were.
.P
He resumed his wandering in Dazbon, more and more convinced that this city was
maze-like not only by its alleys and canals but also by its organization. The
sun was falling, the air was a bit cooler, and Dashvara's heart cheered
up. That walk was wonderful after sleeping and bleeding for
so many days.
.P
For a long moment, he completely forgot about the Brotherhood, and he entertained
himself watching the people go by. He smiled at seeing some children playing
in a park with strange toys; he witnessed a quarrel between two men, soon
broken up by a militiaman. Shortly after, he entered a kind of temple, and he
was awed by the statues. Most of them represented dragons, and Dashvara
regretted not having paid more attention to the shaard's religious lessons.
When he was heading to the Stairs, the sky was already darkening, and he
decided to turn back. Only then he thought about the Pearl Brotherhood.
.P
.Bm -t penso
It's quite obvious you're in a hurry to save your people, my steppe lord,
.Em
he muttered mentally. Sighing, he began to retrace his steps, he got lost,
went into a dark alley, emerged into an avenue, and then stopped, yielding to
the facts: he was completely lost. Full of hope, he searched in the distance
for the Great Cascade; he couldn't see it.
.Sm -t penso And yet, as far as I know, I must be in the Dragon District ,
he told himself. It was the lower district of the city, where all the canals
were. Technically, he wasn't too far from the
.Sm -t nomlieu Golden Dragon .
.P
He snorted. Orienting himself in a maze of houses wasn't exactly his strong
point. Besides, after all that hot, sunny day, clouds were covering the sky,
hiding the stars. A light mist began to spread across the streets.
.P
He asked a woman, who indicated a direction with a sullen look. He resumed his
walk. At last, he came to a narrow canal with a bridge that looked familiar to
him. He was trying to determine the north and the south when he heard a noise
behind him, and he instinctively pushed himself aside. A man fell face down
onto the paved street, a few inches away from him. As if he had been hurled.
Or as if he had thrown himself forward. In fact, if Dashvara hadn't stepped
aside, he would have crashed into him. With some suspicion, he asked:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you all right?
.Em
.P
The stranger, a boy who must be Hadriks's age, cursed under his breath and
regained his feet, threatening:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your purse or your life!
.Em
.P
He paused as if noticing some detail. He glanced down at the floor and
picked up his dagger so awkwardly that Dashvara got the temptation to offer
him his help.
.Bm -t penso
What a knucklehead.
.Em
Dashvara looked at him for a while. The boy got unnerved, but he dangled his
weapon in front of him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I said: your purse or your life,
.Em
he repeated. At least he spoke firmly.
.P
Dashvara sighed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If I got your expression well, you're a thief, aren't you? Well, you'd better
spend your time doing something more useful.
.Em
.P
Apparently, the young republican had not expected to strike up a conversation.
Dashvara did not let him enough time to repeat his refrain: he disarmed him
with a quick hit on the wrist, stamped on the dagger with his boot, and went
on:
.D
.Bm -t dia
But do realize that there's a big difference between stealing and killing. If
stealing without imperative need is shameful, killing a stranger is
despicable. You kill a criminal because, since he has violated his
internal law, no dignity binds him to life. But what about a perfect stranger?
How can you threaten the life of a stranger? Don't you have any dignity? Don't
you have a will of your own to get what you need without robbing the others?
You have two arms, two legs, and what is more important, a head. With all
this, I'm sure you can do better things than annoying the passersby.
.Em
.P
Dashvara hardly repressed a guffaw when he saw the boy opening and shutting
his mouth. That thief didn't seem to have much experience in his job.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have let him finish his lecture.
.P
Suddenly, behind him, there were four claps. Dashvara turned around, and he
discerned a silhouette sliding out from the shadows, hidden behind a veil. Two
eyes sparkled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A stupendous speech,
.Em
the man appreciated. His voice didn't exactly fill Dashvara with confidence.
.Bm -t dia
Let me tell you, little man, that you are the worst apprentice I've ever had.
Move away,
.Em
he ordered. The boy took some paces backwards, and as if some gust had
propelled him, he left in a hurry through another alley.
.Bm -t dia
Philosopher,
.Em
said then the one who, apparently, was the master of that incompetent fool.
.Bm -t dia
Don't even think all the members of our Brotherhood are like him, mm? We
don't steal anything from the common townsfolk. That was only a special
exercise for that hopeless case. Alas, the boy doesn't assimilate my advice
very well: he has chosen the worst possible victim. I bet you don't have in
your pockets more than a few dettas. Am I right?
.Em
.P
Dashvara was eyeing him with a frowning face. That man was a thief, and in
his lands, the thieves were whipped.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good,
.Em
the hidden man went on as he saw that Dashvara did not answer.
.Bm -t dia
Let us forget what happened here. Can I recover my dagger?
.Em
.P
Dashvara was still stamping it with his boot. His lips stretched into a wry
smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You can. Just try it.
.Em
.P
The thief kept silent for some seconds. His position wasn't showing any
trouble.
.Bm -t penso
What am I doing?
.Em
Dashvara suddenly asked himself.
.Bm -t penso
Is it me or now am I really trying to educate the Dazbonish people?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I get the impression that you have no idea who you are talking to, do you?
.Em
the thief whispered.
.Bm -t dia
You don't want to be my enemy. They call me Cobra. You have certainly heard of
me.
.Em
.P
Obviously, Dashvara had never heard of him. He almost burst into
laughter at hearing such pompous words. He was going to answer something about
the certainties and the uncertainties when a sound of footsteps made them
both turn. The thief hissed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A guard. Hand me over the dagger, you,
.Em
he urged him.
.Bm -t dia
He can't see it.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow. He remembered he had read something about weapons
licenses in the book
.Sm -t titulo "The Most Illustrious City of Dazbon" .
It seemed that the thief had no such a license.
.Sm -t penso Neither do you, remember?
Dashvara hesitated. The footsteps were approaching, and the thief wiggled.
With a deft jump, he hid again in the shadows of the nearest
doorstep. Just in time for him: the figure of the guard crossed one of the
bridges and appeared well into view. He wore a sword at his belt.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't be such a joker,
.Em
Cobra whispered from his hiding place.
.Bm -t dia
If he sees it, you will get yourself into a fine mess. And if you betray me,
you're dead.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nearly doubted out loud about the veracity of that last statement,
but then he thought better of it, and he kicked the dagger away. He threw it
into the canal. There was a splash of water.
.Sm -t penso Great ,
he thought with satisfaction. Alarmed by the noise, the guard picked up the
pace. He didn't wear, on his chest, the urban militia's badge with the black
hand, Dashvara noticed. Instead, he had a red cross marked on his forehead.
Who knew what that meant.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Have you dropped something, citizen?
.Em
Suspicion vibrated in his voice.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dropped? Oh, no. It was a stone,
.Em
Dashvara simply answered.
.P
The guard looked at him up and down and then muttered sternly:
.D
.Bm -t dia
These streets aren't very safe at night, citizen. You should go back home. May
the Dragon protect you.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Likewise,
.Em
Dashvara responded, and he wondered why on earth he didn't ask him to arrest
the thief. Perhaps because the guard looked even less sympathetic than Cobra.
Besides, he had no proof, and he suspected that his word wasn't worth a sand
grain in a city like Dazbon.
.P
As soon as the guard rounded a corner, Dashvara began to move away. Cobra
protested:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hey! Did you throw the dagger into the water?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
So it seems.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
But do you even realize how expensive it was?
.Em
.P
Dashvara did not answer.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, no, no,
.Em
the thief added, blocking his way.
.Bm -t dia
You won't leave just like that. You're going to go down there and get it back
to me. Or do you think you can get away with it that easily?
.Em
.P
Dashvara stared at him, sincerely surprised.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you really want me to go and search for your dagger?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's not my dagger. But it's not the boy's either, so get moving, young man.
The tide is low. I'm sure it's not so hard.
.Em
.P
Dashvara chuckled sarcastically. That exchange was getting quite amusing. He
insisted:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Wait a minute. Do you really want me to get into the canal to recover your
damned dagger? Dream on, snake. At the very most, if you want, I can cover your
back while you try to get it. The tide is low, as you said. I'm sure it's not
so—
.Em
.P
He swallowed his words when the thief suddenly drew two daggers out of
nowhere. Dashvara cursed himself, realizing that he was cornered with the
canal behind him. He knew how to fight in the steppe, not in a city full of
holes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you want me to help you go down, just ask,
.Em
Cobra murmured in a mild voice.
.P
Dashvara muttered under his breath. The bloody bastard pointed out:
.D
.Bm -t dia
There's a ladder on the other side of the bridge.
.Em
.P
He sort of guided him to the said ladder, crossing the small bridge, and once
there, Dashvara ground his teeth.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How the hell can you expect me to see anything in that darkness?
.Em
.P
The thief didn't respond at once. Then he decided:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm going with you.
.Em
.P
Dashvara began going down the ladder. He quickly reached the bottom. As Cobra
had said, the tide was low, and there was a narrow stone edge barely covered
by a few inches of water. But, even so, the rest of the canal had to be three
feet deep, if not more. And, of course, the water stunk.
.P
When Cobra landed on the narrow edge, Dashvara considered the possibility of
throwing him into the water, but he changed his mind when he saw this one
drawing out his daggers again. He did not doubt that this man, unlike his
apprentice, knew how to wield them properly. He turned his eyes to the dark
water, but he soon raised them again when a sudden flash of lightning ripped
the sky. Seconds later, an endless thunder enshrouded the whole Dazbon. Cobra
laughed softly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do the storms frighten you?
.Em
.P
Dashvara realized he had remained pale and immobile like a marble statue. He
didn't respond.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Jump in,
.Em
Cobra ordered.
.Bm -t dia
Come on, the water will only reach your waist.
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked daggers at him before getting into the middle of the canal.
The water was cold even after the hot day. And it reached his waist, as the
thief had guessed. Which was lucky, because if he had been beyond his
depth Dashvara wouldn't have been able to affirm that he would have managed
to float: he had never had the occasion to test it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Haven't you thought that, after getting the dagger, I could try to take
revenge?
.Em
he asked, hardly repressing his irritation.
.P
Cobra's white teeth appeared in the darkness.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Stop talking, philosopher, and find it. If you don't, I will light the water
with my lantern.
.Em
.P
Dashvara cast him a skeptical look. His lantern? Of course! he told himself,
suddenly thinking about a detail. The lantern. In the water, he drew Zaadma's
light disk and rubbed it. No light appeared. Naturally: the water was cold.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What the hell are you doing?
.Em
Cobra mumbled impatiently.
.Bm -t dia
If you don't put your head in at once—
.Em
.P
Dashvara didn't hear his threat: he plunged—or rather he squatted—into the
water. Even if an Akinoa army had been in front of him, he couldn't have even
noticed it. He could see nothing. He drew the disk again and rubbed it
frantically. It almost slipped from his hands, and he hastened to shove it
back into his pocket. He closed his eyes. The bottom, of stone, was slippery.
At some moment, his hand felt something even colder. The dagger? No. It was a
metal hoop firmly fastened to the ground. His lungs were starting to cry for
air. Dashvara pushed his head out of the water and gulped for air before
glancing around.
.P
It was raining now, he noted. And the sky was still thundering.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well?
.Em
Cobra inquired.
.P
Dashvara only replied:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where's that lantern?
.Em
.P
Cobra looked annoyed. He tucked one of his daggers under his cloak and drew a
small disk. Dashvara widened his eyes. It was just like Zaadma's. The
thief knuckled it vigorously, and the object illuminated the waters. Dashvara
took a look toward the bottom of the canal. The raindrops clouded the light
rays, but still, between seeing a bit and seeing nothing, there was a notable
difference.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And you call this a lantern?
.Em
Dashvara asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A thief lantern,
.Em
Cobra replied.
.Bm -t dia
And now get back into the water.
.Em
.P
Dashvara almost choked on his words. Only then he began to understand why
Aydin had gotten so angry. Those kinds of lanterns were probably illegal.
.P
He plunged again, and this time, he found the dagger quite easily while Cobra
was lighting his way. He had just managed to grasp the hilt when the light
vanished. Dashvara frowned and came up to the surface.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What the hell—?
.Em
.P
He clenched his teeth. Several men were walking along the canal. Dashvara kept
immobile, hoping that, with the rain and the thunder rolls, they hadn't heard
him. In any case, those people seemed to be in a hurry. Soon, they went out of
view.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Did you find it?
.Em
Cobra asked straightaway.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Why do you care so much about that dagger?
.Em
Dashvara thought, intrigued. The thief had said it wasn't his. Maybe he had
borrowed it from some friend?
.P
He hitched himself up onto the narrow edge: his boots weighed a ton. A chill
ran through his body.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'll give it to you when we're up,
.Em
he said, dripping and splashing water.
.P
Cobra swore, and for an instant, Dashvara believed he was going to thrust at
him, but then he only said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
As you want.
.Em
.P
He climbed first, and Dashvara followed him after emptying his boots.
Once up, he jumped agilely on the pavement, wary of any possible attack; but
Cobra was busier glancing around.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The dagger,
.Em
he insisted.
.P
Dashvara threw it to his feet.
.D
.Bm -t dia
There you are, you snake.
.Em
.P
He turned his back on him, and pricking up his ears, he walked away, his boots
squeaking with water. He heard Cobra picking up the weapon. And he heard him
moving closer. What did that man want now from him?
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hey, boy.
.Em
.P
Dashvara whirled around and saw, astonished, that Cobra was smiling and
extending his hand.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thank you.
.Em
.P
His veil had slipped at some moment, baring his human face. Dashvara weighed
him up with suspicion.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't shake hands with thieves,
.Em
he replied.
.P
An amused glint flashed in Cobra's eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Even if his hands are full of money?
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at his stretched hand and noticed the three coins. Cobra
clarified:
.D
.Bm -t dia
A dinar for your nice speech, another one for the rescued dagger, and another
one for your name.
.Em
.P
Dashvara snorted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My actions have no price. Nor my speeches. As for my name, I'm not sure you
want to know it.
.Em
.P
Cobra rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Philosophical even when it comes to the purse, huh? So you refuse my money?
.Em
.P
Swallowing his dignity, Dashvara extended his hand.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I've never said I refused it: I've only said your compensation leaves much to
be desired.
.Em
.P
Cobra laughed and shoved the three coins into his hand.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Take what I give you, and be thankful, Philosopher. And now clear off.
.Em
.P
Dashvara went away, hoping not to cross paths with that snake ever again. When
he glanced at his hand, he realized it had only two coins. He raised his eyes
to the heavens. Of course: he hadn't given him his name.
.salto
.D
.Bm -t dia
You needed to take a bath anyway,
.Em
Fayrah opined, smiling.
.P
Dashvara had no sooner told the Xalyas about his first adventures in Dazbon
than Lessi and Fayrah had laughed at him boisterously. He had even got a smile
from Aligra.
.Bm -t penso
At least they looked a bit more cheerful,
.Em
Dashvara thought happily.
.P
He got out of the bathtub and dressed in one of the golden tunics
the Xalyas had used while being prisoners. It was tight on him, but he still
could put it on. If he remembered well, it was the first time in many years he
was using a bathtub. In the Dungeon of Xalya, they rarely wasted the water
like that. He sat down on one of the beds and dried his hair with a towel.
That room was supposed to be for three people, but he had given one of the
dinars to the innkeeper, and this one had changed his mind and gently set a
straw mattress in a corner.
.Sm -t penso By the way ,
he told himself.
.Bm -t penso
Where's my bag with the rope, Bashak's figurine, and my bar?
.Em
Dashvara's eyes swept around. When he saw it, he found it strange that it was
so plump.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What's with my bag?
.Em
he asked, stretching a hand to grasp it.
.P
Fayrah stifled a cry.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dash! Wait! Don't open it. I've not explained the thing to you yet.
.Em
.P
Dashvara furrowed his brow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Explained what?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Explained… the contents.
.Em
His sister licked her lips nervously.
.Bm -t dia
You see… When I went to get your bag, before leaving Rocavita, I met… I met
him.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Whom?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I met
.Em
—she looked meaningfully at the bag—
.Bm -t dia
him. And he explained everything to me,
.Em
she continued as Dashvara went ghastly pale. Was she talking about the shadow?
He looked at the bag fixedly.
.Bm -t dia
He said to me that he had given you a remedy and that it didn't work well. He
said that he feels terribly ashamed and that he wants to make amends. And he
also said that you asked him not to abandon you. Eh, didn't
he say so, Lessi?
.Em
.P
Lessi nodded. With a pounding heart, Dashvara gasped.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Whaaat? I never ever asked him anything like that.
.Em
Abruptly, he lunged at the bag and opened it.
.Bm -t dia
Get out of there, you sneaky shadow.
.Em
.P
The bag shook. Inside, everything was dark.
.P
.Bm -t dm
I'm not a sneaky shadow,
.Em
Tahisran's voice sounded in his mind.
.Bm -t dm
I haven't dreamed it. I swear you said, ‘don't forsake me’.
.Em
.P
Dashvara thought back, and when he recalled, he let out an exasperated growl.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I said it, but I didn't say it to you but to the Eternal Bird. Are you
identifying yourself with the Eternal Bird, shadow?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
His name isn't ‘shadow’,
.Em
Lessi opportunely intervened.
.Bm -t dia
His name is Tahisran.
.Em
.P
Dashvara snorted, and he sat back on the bed just when the shadow was peeping
his head out of the bag.
.P
.Bm -t dm
So you forgive me?
.Em
he asked shyly. Dashvara stared at him for some seconds.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you really care whether or not I forgive you?
.Em
he mumbled.
.Bm -t dia
I must admit that seeing you here now that my head goes a little better
comforts me a bit: at least I know I'm not going crazy. You really exist.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t dm
Of course I do!
.Em
Tahisran gasped, appearing completely.
.Bm -t dm
Like I were some weird being!
.Em
.P
Dashvara looked at the three Xalya girls. Their gazes were fastened on the
shadow in awe and surprise. If they could see and hear it too, that meant he
wasn't going mad. He sighed, somewhat relieved. There was nothing worse than
questioning your own good sense.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you want to have dinner?
.Em
he asked suddenly.
.P
Fayrah looked as if she was jarred out of some dream.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What say?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I said, do you want to have dinner? I have a dinar left. With that, perhaps
we'll be able to pay for two portions, that if the prices
aren't higher than in Rocavita.
.Em
.P
No one appeared to have much appetite, but Dashvara was starving. He stood up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'll bring the dinner here.
.Em
.P
The tavern was quieter than in the afternoon, but it was still crowded. The
rain was drumming against the window panes, and the innkeeper, who seemed to
be an incurable talker, was chatting with some women customers. Anyhow,
Dashvara had guessed that the fast way to order a meal wasn't to talk to the
innkeeper but to a lively boy who was continuously crossing the kitchen door.
One-half hour later, he was back in the room with a steaming tray full of
fan-shaped, stuffed pastries called “pasties”.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Careful,
.Em
he warned the Xalyas.
.Bm -t dia
They probably contain pepper.
.Em
.P
He tasted, and yes, they did. However, he mustered up his courage, because he
was much too hungry. In practice, he ate half of the dinner, and when
Fayrah handed him the very last pasty, he hesitated.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you sure you don't want it?
.Em
.P
An amused smile appeared on his sister's face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Totally sure, brother.
.Em
.P
Dashvara cast a glance at the shadow, which was sitting formally on the other
bed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't the shadows feel hungry?
.Em
he asked.
.P
Tahisran jerked up as if waking up to reality.
.P
.Bm -t dm
No. I have not felt any taste for many, many years.
.Em
.P
.Sm -t penso That must be quite disconcerting ,
Dashvara thought with a shiver.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Guess what, this doesn't surprise me at all,
.Em
he still replied.
.Bm -t dia
Only a shadow with bad taste can poison a person who's already sick.
.Em
.P
Then, he thought that he had murdered a sick man himself, and he regretted
having opened his mouth. He opened it again for something more useful: he
ate the last pasty.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're too harsh with him, Dash,
.Em
Fayrah complained. Lessi was frowning—Dashvara didn't know exactly whether to
show her own displeasure or Fayrah's; Zorvun's daughter had the bad habit
of adopting all his sister's feelings as hers.
.P
Dashvara swallowed down.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Harsh with a shadow, huh?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
He has feelings. I assure you he never meant to poison you—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's what he says.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dash,
.Em
Fayrah gasped, exasperated.
.Bm -t dia
He's lovely! He has a noble spirit. You can't blame him just because you got
the idea he's guilty.
.Em
.P
The shadow had straightened up a bit as if cheered up by Fayrah's flattering
words. Dashvara nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Okay, okay. I have nothing against him,
.Em
he lied.
.P
Fayrah looked at him, skeptical, and Lessi copied her. That pair of
friends knew how to try one's patience, Dashvara sighed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What?
.Em
he mumbled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Make peace,
.Em
Fayrah demanded.
.P
Dashvara let out a guffaw.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Make my peace with—?
.Em
He fell silent under his sister's glowering glare. Hell, what a sister he
had, he thought.
.Bm -t dia
All right. If he is capable of shaking hands with me, I'll shake his hand and
I'll forgive his murder attempt.
.Em
.P
He stood up, smiled at the shadow, and offered his hand. Tahisran shook it.
Dashvara felt a cold, very cold tingle. He flinched and tottered back.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Eternal B-Bird,
.Em
he stammered.
.Bm -t dia
He has touched me!
.Em
.P
.Bm -t dm
Did you believe I was only air?
.Em
Tahisran sighed patiently.
.P
Dashvara sat down on the other bed in dismay. At that very instant, someone
knocked at the door. Fayrah went to open.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's Azune!
.Em
.P
As soon as the half-elf entered, Dashvara took a glance at her before turning
his eyes back where the shadow had disappeared.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A relapse?
.Em
Azune asked. Her voice sounded colder than concerned.
.P
Dashvara shook his head and got up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not at all. I'm perfectly fine.
.Em
.P
The Pearl Brother examined him for some seconds.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I was told about what happened at Aydin's house. Now you have covered me in
glory. I had no intention to get a troublemaker into the house of a friend.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
And I didn't mean to cause any trouble, really,
.Em
Dashvara assured.
.Bm -t dia
Look. It's all a misunderstanding. When I gave the thief lantern to the boy, I
didn't know what it was. That thief lantern belongs to a… woman,
.Em
he concluded. He certainly wasn't going to involve Zaadma in all this, was
he?
.P
Azune nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes. I've been informed. A certain Zaadma, isn't she? Okay, so, if this thief
lantern really belongs to her, that means she's a member of the Dream
Brotherhood, so you owe her nothing: she's a thief. Can I see the magara?
.Em
.P
Dashvara showed it while saying kind of acidly:
.D
.Bm -t dia
She was a thief, she did say it to me. But she isn't anymore.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, really?
.Em
Azune replied while inspecting the object.
.Bm -t dia
A thief of the Dream Brotherhood is a thief forever. You shouldn't go outside
with that. I'll keep it.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No way,
.Em
Dashvara sprung.
.Bm -t dia
It's not yours. Zaadma gave it to me to help me cross the catacombs of
Rocavita. Without it, I would be still wandering among the dead, and
.Sm they
would be still prisoners,
.Em
he affirmed, pointing at the Xalyas with his thumb.
.P
Azune raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ahem. And tell me, how is it that now you know what the magara is when you
didn't at the beginning of the afternoon? For the Divinity's sake! Tell me you
didn't show it to anyone, did you?
.Em
.P
Dashvara shook his head, exasperated, and he extended his hand to snatch the
disk back.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I didn't. I've just found someone who had one, and he told me what it was.
.Em
.P
Azune stared at him, bewildered, and then Dashvara told her about his
encounter with Cobra as well as his damp yet interesting walk in the canal.
When he finished, the half-elf briefly covered her mouth with her hand to
conceal a smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I understand now why you changed into a tunic. That's exactly what I was
saying to Rowyn—the things that happen to you are stranger than Bramanil's
adventures. First, they accuse you of stealing the Dragon of Spring, then
you get an unbalance in your inner energies, and now you meet one of the most
famous thieves in all Dazbon. Congratulations, steppeman. At this rate, you'll
surely end up in the bottom of a canal before the end of the week.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
By the way,
.Em
Dashvara said, ignoring her teasing tone.
.Bm -t dia
I'd like to talk to you about my people. I'd like to inform you that I'm not
going to let you work without me. And I have a very good reason for it.
.Em
.P
Azune's face expressed boredom.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I already told you it's impossible. The plans are ready, and as soon as we
put them in motion, things will run together, and your people will be freed.
.Em
She sighed as if yielding to Dashvara's patient look.
.Bm -t dia
What's your very good reason?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
The Xalyas won't be willing to follow your instructions if I'm not here to
tell them to trust you.
.Em
.P
The reason was simple but might be right. In fact, depending on which Xalyas
had been imprisoned, the Pearl Brothers were likely to have a hard time trying
to get their attention.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Damned demons, steppeman.
.Em
Azune looked in distaste.
.Bm -t dia
I think we're not going the same directions. In any case, we'll consider the
matter. And tomorrow, when Rowyn comes to take you to the Supreme's house,
we'll tell you our point of view about the subject, does it work for you?
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Excellent.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good. I see you've already eaten dinner,
.Em
the half-elf noticed.
.Bm -t dia
Do you have some money?
.Em
The Xalyas shook their heads, except for Aligra, whose gaze was fastened on
her like a soothsayer's. Azune drew out some coins and put five dinars onto
Fayrah's palm.
.Bm -t dia
Well. Don't move from this room before Rowyn arrives, okay? And, particularly,
see that
.Sm he
doesn't move,
.Em
she emphasized teasingly.
.Bm -t dia
He would be capable of making a mess all over Dazbon.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised his eyes to the heavens. He nodded to her, and before she
left, he sputtered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you talk with Aydin, could you tell him that I'm ashamed and that, if he
has any idea about how I can make amends, he just has to say it to me?
.Em
.P
The half-elf's brown eyes smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I sure will.
.Em
.P
She left, and Dashvara remained sitting on the bed, drumming with his hands
thoughtfully. Fayrah and Lessi were commenting something about the five
dinars, and Aligra had lain down on her own bed, her gaze fixed on the
ceiling.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Tahisran,
.Em
Dashvara whispered.
.P
The shadow slipped out under the bed, looking curious.
.P
.Bm -t dm
Yes?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you still want to make amends to get my forgiveness?
.Em
.P
The shadow smiled.
.P
.Bm -t dm
Now, I believed you had already forgiven me.
.Em
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let me rephrase it: do you want to do me a favor so that I forgive you totally?
.Em
.P
Tahisran's smile widened.
.P
.Bm -t dm
Maybe. What is it about?
.Em
.P
The Xalya girls had fallen silent and were now paying attention to the
conversation with interest. Dashvara explained:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Follow Azune and tell me where she goes.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t dm
But she's already gone,
.Em
he objected.
.D
.Bm -t dia
She's just gone—she probably hasn't even left the inn yet. If you hurry,
you can catch her.
.Em
.P
The shadow wavered.
.P
.Bm -t dm
Are you asking me to spy on a person?
.Em
.P
Never in his life would Dashvara have imagined that a shadow could have a code
of conduct too.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm asking you to follow her. I only want to make sure the Pearl Brotherhood is
not going to move into action without me. Let me remind you that the objective
is to free innocent people.
.Em
.P
That seemed to encourage the shadow, who nodded outright.
.P
.Bm -t dm
Count on me, then, Dash.
.Em
.P
Tahisran crossed the room, he opened the door, and after waving a night hand
at him, he left. For an instant, Dashvara wondered whether he would come back
one day. Then he had the certainty that he would.
.P
.Bm -t penso
After all, I've asked him not to leave me, right?
.Em
He smiled, shaking his head.
.Ch "The Supreme"
That night, he slept like an unquiet cat. At least at the beginning, because
after Tahisran came back and launched into a long speech about where Azune had
gone, he managed to cast himself into a more peaceful sleep. He didn't even
bother trying to remember the details: after tossing and turning in his straw
mattress, the only thing he wanted to do was to be dead to the world for some
hours. He dreamed that he was sitting on a hill, talking alone with Lusombra.
The dream was pleasant, the black horse was smiling, and Dashvara felt free
and happy. Everything was wonderful. Thus, when he began to hear knocks at the
door, Dashvara covered himself with the cushion and growled with ill humor. He
got to sleep some seconds more, only to wake up again, shaken by a merciless
hand.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Get up, steppeman!
.Em
Rowyn's voice called out.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm already awake,
.Em
Dashvara muttered, not even opening his eyes. It was too cruel. He wished he
could punch the republican so he could continue talking with Lusombra, but the
room was seething with noise. Lessi was laughing. Fayrah was chattering.
Dashvara growled again, and once more, Rowyn shook him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
All right already! I'm awake,
.Em
he sighed, sitting up.
.P
Rowyn grinned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's the fourth time you repeat it. I hope for you that this time it's true,
because, if not, I was figuring on eating your doughnuts.
.Em
.P
Dashvara's eyes suddenly widened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What? Doughnuts?
.Em
.P
Rowyn laughed and patted his shoulder before standing up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I should have started with that,
.Em
the kampraw commented to himself.
.P
The doughnuts were delicious. Dashvara was already with the third one when he
truly started to wake up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Azune has told me about your adventures yesterday,
.Em
the Pearl Brother communicated to him cheerfully, his arms folded behind his
head.
.Bm -t dia
You look just terrible with this tunic, you know?
.Em
.P
Chewing on, Dashvara lowered his gaze to the tight tunic. Rowyn was right.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The other clothes are drying,
.Em
he only replied.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's why I brought more with me.
.Em
.P
Dashvara observed the kampraw fixedly while this one was taking out a tunic
and some pants from his bag. He bit his lips thoughtfully.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you aware that I have no money right now to pay you for all these favors?
.Em
.P
Rowyn snorted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You won't pay me with money.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
So you admit you aren't helping me selflessly?
.Em
Dashvara ventured.
.P
Rowyn's face darkened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Does it seem so strange to you that someone does something for you selflessly?
.Em
.P
Dashvara didn't answer at once.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No,
.Em
he said finally.
.Bm -t dia
Not if that someone is a Xalya. But the foreigners I used to know, that is,
the bandits and that kind of people, never do anything selflessly. I apologize
if I offended you.
.Em
.P
Rowyn drummed his fingers on his forehead as if concealing a smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You didn't offend me, steppeman. I am a tolerant man. And now get dressed and
let's go to see the Supreme.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Can we go too?
.Em
Fayrah asked excitedly.
.P
Dashvara gave her a piercing gaze.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No.
.Em
.salto
The headquarters of the Pearl Brotherhood was situated in a house that didn't
clash at all with the other ones. Located in the Dragon District—and, from
what Rowyn said, not very far from the Court—its front was
half-timbered with red lumbers, and its door was richly adorned.
The same as most of them, actually.
.P
Rowyn and Dashvara left the morning warm heat behind, and they went into a
room with a long table set in the middle. There were more than twenty seats
there, Dashvara evaluated. According to Rowyn, the Brotherhood hadn't so many
members.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How many are you in all in the Brotherhood?
.Em
he asked out loud.
.P
Rowyn shook his head, saying nothing, and Dashvara sighed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is that a secret too?
.Em
.P
Rowyn smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Somehow,
.Em
he admitted. He pointed to a door at the back of the room.
.Bm -t dia
Sheroda, the Supreme, is still in a meeting, but when this door opens, we
will be able to go in. Sit down wherever you like.
.Em
.P
Dashvara glanced around, and as nothing drew his attention, he sat down.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How many members are involved in that plan for wiping out the slavers?
.Em
.P
Rowyn swallowed saliva.
.D
.Bm -t dia
We are not going to wipe out anybo—
.Em
He fell silent.
.Bm -t dia
Please, steppeman, don't ask me tricky questions.
.Em
.P
His answer struck Dashvara like a punch.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You said you're not going to wipe out the slavers? But didn't you mean to
put an end to them?
.Em
.P
Rowyn glimpsed at the closed door before answering:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Put an end, yes. But through legal means.
.Em
He paused.
.Bm -t dia
We aren't warriors, steppeman. I am an investigator. I search for proofs, and
I give them to the Supreme. And then, she decides what to do with them.
.Em
.P
Dashvara crossed his arms, pondering on his words.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You mean… the city warriors themselves will take care to do away with the
slavers?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
They will arrest them and condemn them,
.Em
Rowyn confirmed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
On the orders of the Court?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes, indeed. The urban cohorts will take care of all that. If it all turns out
well, the arrest will work out without spilling even a drop of blood.
.Em
.P
Dashvara could not feel as optimistic as Rowyn.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I suppose that attacking a Diumcilian man isn't so difficult for the
Tribunal of Dazbon, but what about the Faerecio?
.Em
.P
Rowyn stiffened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The—
.Em
He gulped.
.Bm -t dia
Those… oh, er, well.
.Em
.P
Dashvara guessed the truth.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Those won't be punished, huh? Yeah. They are a patrician family. How could
anyone attack them even though their Eternal Bird has flown away where the
wind carried its feather?
.Em
.P
Rowyn had blushed, but he looked at him curiously when he heard the rhetorical
question.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What is the Eternal Bird?
.Em
.P
Dashvara suspected that Rowyn's intention was to change the subject;
all the same, he briefly explained to him what the Eternal Bird was.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dignity, trust, and fraternity,
.Em
Rowyn echoed, absorbed.
.Bm -t dia
I like it.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Few people in their right mind do not like it,
.Em
Dashvara smiled.
.P
Rowyn made as if to speak when, suddenly, the closed door opened, and a
red-haired human in an orange tunic appeared, standing inside the doorway—his
face was ashen, and there was a mad glint in his eyes. He
grinned, baring all his teeth; two of them were of gold.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Aha, lo and behold! The famous big mystery,
.Em
he laughed, crossing the door. His laugh was hoarse. Dashvara's ears ground
only at hearing it. He estimated his age. He was relatively young. Though
his extravagant composure was so natural that Dashvara could have sworn he had
spent fifty years improving it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dashvara, may I introduce you to Axef,
.Em
Rowyn said.
.Bm -t dia
The disintegrator. Axef, this is Dashvara of Xalya.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, of course! Dashvara of Xalya, son of Pifpan and Tapia of Xalya, the mighty
daft steppeman, prince of the fans, and fighter of—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Axef!
.Em
Rowyn thundered, reddened.
.P
Before the Duke's intervention, Dashvara would have gladly smashed that
wizard's face in. And after it, he would too. But he remembered he was in
someone else's house.
.D
.Bm -t dia
—And fighter of the ring,
.Em
Axef concluded, looking very decent.
.Bm -t dia
Or was it, ‘fighter of the limp’? Fighter of the bliss? I can't recall. I
don't lie. Unless I lie because I don't recall…
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't pay attention to him, Dash. He's a jerk.
.Em
.P
Axef did not seem to take offense. He just smiled mockingly and tucked his
hands into the pockets of his orange tunic. He looked like a rascal dressed
like a fool. With a composure more feigned than real, Dashvara got up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The door is open. So I supposed we can go in now,
.Em
he hazarded.
.P
Rowyn turned to Axef.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are they already gone?
.Em
.P
The wizard nodded, and assuming a thoughtful expression, he said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
But even if they weren't gone, I wouldn't tell you. The idea!
.Em
.P
Dashvara shook his head.
.Bm -t penso
Is it me or did I get into some den full of mentally unbalanced people?
Well, according to Aydin, I am unbalanced too after all…
.Em
With Rowyn, he headed for the door.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let me guess, he is mad, isn't he?
.Em
he whispered to the Duke.
.P
Before answering, this one glanced at Axef; the wizard was still gazing at
them from the other side of the room.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not quite. That's the worst. But he's happy making us believe it. Don't take
his words to heart: he is only testing you.
.Em
.P
Dashvara met the wizard's smart eyes again, and he averted his own.
.Bm -t penso
I see. What a curious freak.
.Em
They crossed a corridor in the dark, and Rowyn knocked on a half-open door.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Come in.
.Em
.P
A cold breath went up Dashvara's spine and an eerie feeling came over him. That
voice was both authoritarian and soft; a voice that encourages you to know it
but also to fear it. In the six years he had patrolled the Xalya lands, he had
learned to pay attention to instinct. But he had also learned to overcome it
when the circumstances required. So he silenced his small, cautious voice and
followed Rowyn inside.
.P
The room was utterly different from the other one. High and semicircular, it
had white marble walls and large glazed windows through which the sunlight
was shining. Dashvara blinked, and then he saw the silhouette sitting on a
sort of throne. Like a queen of fairy tales. Arrayed in a splendid black
dress.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Come here, Xalya man,
.Em
Sheroda asked.
.P
The Supreme had very beautiful golden eyes. A skin white like the foam, and a
hair silvery like the Moon. She was like a…
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not so much,
.Em
her rosy lips warned him with a thin smile.
.P
Dashvara stopped about four paces away, blushing, and he took one pace back.
He would have liked to take some more steps backwards, but he didn't dare. He
felt awkward, and he didn't know why. Only Rowyn's presence, behind him,
relaxed him a bit.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am Sheroda, Supreme of the Pearl Brotherhood. Rowyn talked to me about you
and about your actions in Rocavita. He wants you to work in his team about the
Arviyag's affair. And if I got it right, you, too, want to work with him. Am I
right?
.Em
.P
She was direct, Dashvara commended mentally.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's right. I want to punish those slavers and free my people.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
A goal worthy of consideration,
.Em
Sheroda signified in a leisurely tone.
.Bm -t dia
At this moment, we have four active members. Plus Axef. Another one would be
welcome.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
So the mad wizard is the acolyte,
.Em
Dashvara remembered. The rest of the members had to be the reformed thief and
the retired dragon-monk. With five persons, it certainly was quite difficult
to enter the slavers' hideout by force to neutralize them. Sheroda continued:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Rowyn has suggested that I, with your consent, name you as an acolyte of the Pearl
Brotherhood. They say your people were destroyed by an alliance of savages,
.Em
she whispered mildly. Dashvara could even feel his pitiful hand on his cheek…
but that didn't make sense, because Sheroda had not moved from her throne.
.Bm -t dia
So you have no place to go to,
.Em
she went on.
.Bm -t dia
Rowyn told me you are a great warrior, aren't you?
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded. He qualified:
.D
.Bm -t dia
A warrior, at least. Greatness is subjective.
.Em
.P
Sheroda smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Look. Our Brotherhood has had a lot of practice in assisting the lost souls.
These are not members of the Brotherhood, not even acolytes, but they receive
our protection whenever they need it.
.Em
.P
Dashvara was now sunk in her golden eyes, and he was barely paying attention
to her. The Supreme was smiling in such a lovely way…
.P
Dashvara's eyes fluttered, and he swore silently.
.Bm -t penso
You could have warned me, Rowyn, that I was going to meet a bloody witch…
.Em
He was almost sure that she was bewitching him. Unless he was just imagining
it?
.D
.Bm -t dia
So, then,
.Em
Sheroda said, concluding,
.Bm -t dia
if you want to punish the slavers, I invite you to join our Brotherhood. Being
an acolyte supposes no irrevocable compromise. You can leave when you like. In
exchange for your services, you will receive money and protection.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
Sounds like quite a good deal,
.Em
Dashvara acknowledged in his mind. He withdrew his gaze toward the glazed
windows, and he sighted a bird perched on a tree branch. For an instant, he
came back lucidly to the world.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So? What do you say?
.Em
the Supreme asked impatiently.
.P
The last thing he wanted to do at this moment was to turn his eyes back to
Sheroda. However, he did.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So I will be able to take part in your plans of rescue, right?
.Em
.P
A teasing sparkle lit Supreme's eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Right.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good. And… from what I've seen, in this town, you need coins to pay for board
and lodging, so… You said you will pay me, didn't you?
.Em
.P
He heard Rowyn's snort. Sheroda gave the hint of a smile, and without any
reason, Dashvara gave it back at her… and then erased his smile, exasperated.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I did. But, of course, the pay depends on our patron's satisfaction,
.Em
the Supreme answered with composure.
.P
Oh, the Patron. Of course. Dashvara did not ponder longer: he needed money, and
it was in his interest to be on good terms with the Pearl Brotherhood. He
suspected that, being alone, he was as much likely to save his people as to
sing being mute.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It will be a pleasure to work with you,
.Em
he finally said.
.P
The beautiful golden eyes gleamed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's fine. Rowyn will tell you what to do. Just a point: you work with them.
And you work for me. Don't forget that,
.Em
she whispered.
.Bm -t dia
Welcome to the Brotherhood.
.Em
.salto
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who is she?
.Em
.P
They were walking along a street, and Dashvara was following Rowyn, not even
worrying about where this one was guiding him now. He was still as if
spellbound by two golden eyes, even though these were not in front of him
anymore.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You mean the Supreme?
.Em
Rowyn said.
.Bm -t dia
Well. Nobody knows for sure. They say she is a witch, but she says she
isn't. She bewitches like one, though. I think you've already noticed it.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Mph. And how. For a second, I even thought you had poisoned me with your
doughnuts. Her eyes are inhuman.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, you know, nobody knows for sure if she's actually a human,
.Em
Rowyn smiled.
.Bm -t dia
Tildrin says she comes from beyond the Pilgrim Ocean. He loves fantasizing
about the Supreme's past. But, in fact, we know very little about her.
.Em
.P
Dashvara dodged a little girl who was running, a wide smile on her face, and
he asked:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Tildrin is one of the members, isn't he?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Aye.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
The dragon-monk or the reformed thief?
.Em
.P
Rowyn grinned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The reformed thief. I'm going to introduce you to them now. I asked them to go
to the refuge. They must be waiting for us now.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
What?
.Em
Dashvara looked at him, confused.
.Bm -t dia
Wait a minute, the refuge? But didn't we just leave it?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No. That was the Supreme's house,
.Em
Rowyn explained,
.Bm -t dia
the Brotherhood's headquarters. I meant the refuge of our band. Once there,
I'll explain to you what we're going to do.
.Em
.P
This time, Dashvara had to dodge a tall woman; and he nearly crashed into a
militiaman as impressively bulky as that Shamvirz of the White Hand. Rowyn
tugged at his arm as the guard was growling:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hey! Look where you're going!
.Em
.P
Dashvara snorted, as tense as a bowstring. That noisy hive of activity was even
more bewildering and overwhelming than the Supreme's eyes. He could have sworn
he had seen, that morning, more different people than there actually were in
the whole steppe. Minutes later, Rowyn tugged again at his arm when he almost
received a plank blow in his face: the carpenter who was carrying it was a
reckless fool, and some passersby raised their voices. At last, they went
into an empty alley.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Eternal Bird, that's insane,
.Em
Dashvara muttered.
.P
He heard a giggle behind him, and he turned, surprised. It was Axef. He hadn't
even noticed that the wizard had followed them.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You'll get used to it,
.Em
Rowyn assured, slowing the pace.
.Bm -t dia
Come on. We're almost there.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
I'll get used to it, eh?
.Em
Dashvara doubted it very much. Mainly because, as soon as he had rescued the
prisoners, he would have to go on with that damned revenge. He snorted to
himself.
.Bm -t penso
So you don't want to punish the murderers anymore? Of course, you're far from
the steppe, most of your people are dead, and you have no one to remind you of
your duties as a firstborn son. Except for Aligra… I should have delegated her the
title of firstborn. I'm sure she would come out better than I would.
.Em
.P
Rowyn stopped in front of a door.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Here we are,
.Em
he announced.
.P
He gave some knocks, and seconds later, the figure of a
gray-haired, wrinkled-faced ternian appeared in the doorway;
he wore a blue tunic richly adorned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Duke!
.Em
he grinned.
.Bm -t dia
I was starting to believe that the Supreme had eaten you alive.
.Em
.P
Rowyn gently pushed Dashvara inside while replying:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Didn't you say, some days before, that the Supreme never eats? Let me introduce
you to Dash, our new acolyte. Is Kroon here?
.Em
he asked.
.P
The ternian nodded and pointed at a small shape that was sitting in an armchair,
apparently asleep, in front of a table plunged in shadows. Dashvara felt his
heart in his mouth when he saw the dragon-monk. The individual didn't have
legs, his face was ravaged by scars, and a white blindfold was hiding one of
his eyes. The other one was shut. It was quite hard to guess what sajit race
he belonged to.
.P
Good, fine, he thought. A mad wizard, an old thief, a one-eyed cripple…
The team was truly assorted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
My name is Tildrin,
.Em
the ternian introduced himself with a smile while Axef was closing the door,
plunging the room into darkness.
.Bm -t dia
So you're the man who's going to cover our backs while we steal the papers,
eh?
.Em
.P
The question confounded him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The papers?
.Em
.P
Rowyn cleared his throat meaningfully.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sit down. Can I draw the curtains a bit?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No!
.Em
Kroon snorted sharply, opening the eye.
.P
Rowyn smiled, sarcastic.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You are not so asleep, after all.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
A tallow candle, perhaps?
.Em
Axef suggested, sitting down at the table.
.Bm -t dia
Or a shadow swaddle for covering Kroon's eye.
.Em
.P
The dragon-monk growled, and his eye detailed Dashvara.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So you are the barbarian from the steppe.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
Barbarian yourself.
.Em
Dashvara breathed out silently.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And you must be the dragon-monk of Sifra,
.Em
he replied.
.P
Kroon made a face and stretched a hand to snatch a bottle.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sit down. Duke, you too. Let's get down to business.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Would you like a bit of wine, brother?
.Em
Tildrin offered.
.P
Quite surprised, Dashvara realized that the ternian was looking at him; he
shook his head. On the contrary, Rowyn helped himself to a cup filled to the
brim.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where's the Poisoned-woman?
.Em
Axef asked in a tone of voice almost normal. The wizard was twiddling nervously
with a tassel of his long tunic.
.D
.Bm -t dia
She couldn't come,
.Em
Rowyn merely replied.
.P
Dashvara felt curious.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who's the Poisoned-woman?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Nobody. Axef calls Azune so.
.Em
Rowyn turned to Kroon.
.Bm -t dia
How's the plan going?
.Em
.P
The dragon-monk drew a folded scroll out of one of his pockets and threw it on
the table as if he were dealing out cards. Rowyn flattened the parchment, and
Dashvara craned his neck, intrigued. The plan showed several buildings with
their inner rooms. Some colored lines crossed it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm sorry, Kroon, but we need a candle,
.Em
Rowyn apologized, lighting one.
.Bm -t dia
It would be kind of stupid if we get in a muddle for so little.
.Em
.P
Kroon grumbled and covered the other eye with another cloth. Axef suggested
bringing him a bag to put it over his head, to which the monk replied he could
go jump in the sea with it. With smiling eyes, the wizard fell silent, dove
into his pocket, took hold of a small knife, and began to file his nails while
Tildrin and Rowyn studied the plan carefully. Dashvara got impatient.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Can you explain to me what the plan does represent?
.Em
.P
Rowyn nodded, and without withdrawing his gaze from the scroll, he pointed at
a rectangle.
.D
.Bm -t dia
There's where we're going to steal the proofs. Here
.Em
—his finger drew a circle—
.Bm -t dia
you have Arviyag's private rooms. And this
.Em
—he drew a bigger circle—
.Bm -t dia
is the building the slavers owned in the Docks District, with the
‘commercial’ warehouse. There's where they have confined the twenty-five
prisoners. But, anyway, that doesn't matter for now: what matters is to steal
Arviyag's cash book and his correspondence with the Master and the Faerecio.
Something that might charge him and scandalize the Court enough to make them
deliver an order to search Arviyag's house.
.Em
.P
At first sight, the objective seemed good enough to him, but in any case,
Dashvara's attention had been caught by something said in the middle of the
explanation.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Did you say twenty-five prisoners?
.Em
he gasped.
.P
Rowyn gave a glance at Tildrin, and the thief nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Approximately. I counted them while they were getting off the wagons. I may
have missed one, or I may have counted one twice. The Duke says they seemed to
be less than twenty. Azune says the same as I do.
.Em
.P
Twenty-five Xalyas… Dashvara felt the corners of his own mouth stretching into
a quivering smile. That was the best news he had heard since he had left the
dungeon.
.D
.Bm -t dia
But yet, we aren't sure that all of them are Xalyas,
.Em
Tildrin added.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Go ahead! Come and dampen my hopes, you thief.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
What the heck! They are prisoners, and that's all we need to know,
.Em
Kroon replied, taking off the blindfolds from over his eyes. Apparently, his
both eyes could perfectly see, though he still narrowed them into slits.
.Bm -t dia
This time, they won't reach Diumcili. Ha! That rotten devil will die of
frustration when the cohorts show up in his house.
.Em
A sardonic smile furrowed his awful visage. Echoing him, Axef let out a giggle
that covered Dashvara's forehead with a cold sweat.
.P
Rowyn cleared his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let's get back to the point. There are about twenty men in that building, and
among them, there are about a dozen mercenaries. All of them, including the
retainers, come from Diumcili. Right, Tildrin?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Right.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
There's a main entrance, and also a service door that leads to the warehouse.
There was once a wooden staircase leading to the flat roof, but it has been
destroyed not long ago. All the windows are barred, including those of the
upper floor. By day, the doors are guarded, and by night, they latch
everything. The second floor is what interests us,
.Em
Rowyn said,
.Bm -t dia
because there's where Arviyag's office is, just over the main entrance.
.Em
.P
Kroon mumbled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm getting the impression we've already heard all of this, don't you think,
Duke? Now can we proceed?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I was repeating it for Dash,
.Em
Rowyn defended himself.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Permit me,
.Em
Dashvara intervened.
.Bm -t dia
Why don't we ask directly the urban cohorts to search the house? As you seemed
to like the legality and all that stuff—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Precisely,
.Em
the Duke cleared his throat as the others smiled.
.Bm -t dia
We can't send the cohorts to search anybody's house without having some kind of proof
beforehand. It's quite obvious. You need a document capable of causing a real
scandal to activate the bureaucracy and carry out a raid of that magnitude.
Otherwise, you can be shouting at the judges the greatest truths every day,
they won't pay any attention to you.
.Em
.P
Dashvara made an eloquent face to show his opinion about the matter.
.Bm -t penso
Those civilized people…
.Em
he thought. Tildrin intervened, obviously excited:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Look, Dash, the goal is simple. Now we only need a plan.
.Em
He smiled, baring his old, yellow teeth.
.Bm -t dia
The idea is to enter there when Arviyag isn't at home. You know—from what I've
found out by eavesdropping on the guards in the inns, he sleeps in his office.
So we have to get him out, in one way.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Or another,
.Em
Axef remarked.
.Bm -t dia
There's not only one way to solve a problem, Til. What a narrow mind you have.
.Em
.P
No one responded, and Dashvara supposed that, eventually,
not encouraging him to go on talking nonsense was the best behavior.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yeah, okay…
.Em
Rowyn meditated.
.Bm -t dia
In four days, the Stairs races will be celebrated. The races last the whole
night,
.Em
he explained for Dashvara.
.Bm -t dia
And Lord Faerecio is an enthusiastic follower of this sport. Arviyag will
accompany him, and he's likely to go out with most of his guards.
.Em
He paused.
.Bm -t dia
Speaking of stairs, what about the ladder? How's it going?
.Em
he inquired.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ready,
.Em
Tildrin declared, grinning broadly.
.P
Rowyn looked pleased.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Things are taking a turn for the better, it seems. Let me explain to you,
Dash. We're going to get into the building from the top, through the flat roof.
We have crafted a ladder with a length of forty feet. In principle, it should
be enough. On the roof… as far as I know, there's no guard. Right, Tildrin?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Right, Duke. That was my impression, at least. But, as you already know, my
sight isn't very reliable.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes… Well. All the flat roofs have a trapdoor,
.Em
Rowyn continued.
.Bm -t dia
This one will probably be locked. So—
.Em
He hesitated, and he looked at the wizard.
.Bm -t dia
Axef, you will go with Dash and me, and you will open it.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
And how, if I'm not allowed to cast spells?
.Em
the wizard objected bitingly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Axef… You said you'd do it. Will you?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will, I will. Though, who knows, actually. I don't like the ladders.
.Em
As his three friends cast him a dark look, he giggled, amused, as if he had
reached his aim.
.Bm -t dia
Duke, if the ladder collapses, I swear I will blow you up in the air.
.Em
.P
Rowyn paled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It won't collapse, Axef. Besides, you are no levitator. Remember? You are a
disintegrator.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh. Does it matter? With an explosion, everything blows up.
.Em
And he concluded serenely,
.Bm -t dia
Truth to tell, your scheme is an amazing and dreadful garbage.
.Em
.P
Once again, they ignored him. The scheme didn't seem so bad to Dashvara,
except for a detail: he would have rather concentrated his attention on
freeing his folk and not on stealing some damned papers.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good,
.Em
Kroon said. He stretched a hand and took the candle. He blew it out, plunging
the room again into the dark.
.Bm -t dia
Much better like that. So you two are going to go in there with the barbarian.
What about Azune?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Someone has to retrieve the ladder while we are inside, and those will be
Tildrin and her,
.Em
Rowyn determined.
.P
The crippled monk raised his eyebrows and let out an amused and low “hoho”.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm afraid that won't be to her liking, Duke.
.Em
.P
Rowyn assumed a helpless expression, not looking too much concerned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's life. Now we only have to pray to the White Dragon that we will be
lucky and that we'll find those documents at the first attempt. If we don't
find them in the office… we'll have to find another way to get your people out
of there, steppeman.
.Em
.P
There was a silence. Kroon was twiddling with the little of his beard that
remained on his wretched face. Tildrin was scratching the table with one of
his ternian claws. Rowyn was piercing the scroll with his
eyes as if trying to memorize it. As for Axef, he was braiding one
of his red locks, putting a dreaming face.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Well, what a team I have here…
.Em
Dashvara smiled. Finally, he spoke:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have no intentions to wait four days. My brothers could embark in the
meantime. And what interests me is my brothers, not Arviyag's destiny. I've
got an idea.
.Em
.P
Rowyn and Tildrin looked at each other, teasingly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Steppeman,
.Em
Rowyn said calmly,
.Bm -t dia
these things aren't done overnight. That sort of operations have to be planned
and planned over and over, and…
.Em
.P
Dashvara cut him off. To be sure, his idea seemed to be drawn from a fairy
tale, but he bet it would work:
.D
.Bm -t dia
You see. In Rocavita, while I was trying to find out where the Xalya women
were, I passed by the Faerecio's house, and I overheard a conversation between
Arviyag and the house owner. From what I heard, Arviyag wants to get married
to the daughter of that Faerecio, but this daughter, Wanissa, is in love
with someone else. I propose to go and see that young woman and suggest she
write a letter to Arviyag asking him for a date. How do you feel about it?
.Em
.P
Kroon frowned, Rowyn and Tildrin made a reluctant face, and Axef breathed out,
shaking his head and looking up at the ceiling.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I think you've just deserved the place among us,
.Em
the wizard declared in a strangely earnest voice.
.P
Rowyn gave a hint of a smile, erased it, got back to smile, and finally
shrugged his shoulders.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It could work,
.Em
he confessed.
.Bm -t dia
The Docks District is about twenty minutes away from the Beautiful District by
coach. That should give us about an hour, at the very least. Who takes care of
it?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will,
.Em
Dashvara assured, standing up.
.Bm -t dia
If you only give me the address of the Faerecio's house.
.Em
.P
The four of them suddenly squirmed on their seats, nervous.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Wait a moment. Are you planning to go there right now?
.Em
Rowyn inquired.
.P
Dashvara shrugged, surprised.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you have something more urgent to do? I suspect that writing that kind of
letter may require several hours.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you seriously suggesting that she send the letter to set a date this very
night?
.Em
Tildrin asked, alarmed. His wrinkled cheeks had slumped down.
.D
.Bm -t dia
We are not prepared yet, Dash,
.Em
Rowyn explained patiently.
.Bm -t dia
Do sit down.
.Em
.P
Dashvara frowned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And what do you have to prepare? The ladder is ready. According to you all,
the wizard is able to open the trapdoor. Then we only have to put things in
practice, don't you think?
.Em
.P
Rowyn swallowed, a deep wrinkle furrowing his brow. Tildrin's head dandled,
and Kroon stared at him thoughtfully.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The barbarian is right,
.Em
this one suddenly said.
.Bm -t dia
You're driving me crazy with those useless chatters of yours. Let's go!
.Em
he shouted briskly.
.P
Dashvara almost expected him to stand up. But, of course, he couldn't.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Honestly, I don't know if…
.Em
Rowyn vacillated.
.P
Then, Dashvara understood. That group, as Rowyn had pointed out, had no
warriors—except Kroon, perhaps, but obviously, he wasn't one anymore. They
probably had never risked their life getting into a den full of slavers that
would make no bones about killing them if they found them in their house.
Dashvara recalled his first battle; skillful with the saber, and proud like a
fool, he had stood astounded in front of a red nadre foaming at the mouth. He
had only managed to kill the small biped dragon when he had realized he was
going to die if he hesitated just a second more.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's a lost bird that hesitates too much,
.Em
Dashvara sighed patiently.
.Bm -t dia
Where do the Faerecio live?
.Em
.P
To everyone's surprise, it was Axef who answered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
In the Beautiful District. Blue Lady Street. It's a huge mansion with blue and
golden stripes on the edge of the windows. Run and fly, brave knight, for
tonight the flower dies,
.Em
he sentenced.
.D
.Bm -t dia
They won't let you go in,
.Em
Rowyn intervened.
.Bm -t dia
They will never let a stranger talk to the Faerecio's daughter. Forget it,
Dash. We have to find another way to do it.
.Em
.P
Dashvara wavered.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And what about Almogan Mazer? Where does he live?
.Em
.P
Kroon raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Al? He's the secretary of the Faerecio. What does he have to do with—?
.Em
Then he understood, and his disfigured face lit up.
.Bm -t dia
Ah!
.Em
.P
Rowyn narrowed an eye.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ah, what? I didn't get it. Does it mean you know that Almogan Mazer?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I know him. He's the son of a comrade of mine, an ancient dragon-monk that
died in an orc attack. I myself helped to pay for his last year of studies so that
he could be graduated. He lives here, in the Dragon District. In the Liberty
Square. Just next to a gambling house. That boy—
.Em
He smiled.
.Bm -t dia
Ah. Don't say hello to him for me. I am supposed to be dead, got it?
.Em
.P
Dashvara did not ask for a reason.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Got it. If all goes well, I'll be back right away.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hey!
.Em
Kroon called him when he was already laying a hand on the door handle.
.Bm -t dia
And not even a word about the Pearl Brotherhood. You only talk about the
slavers, got it?
.Em
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Got it.
.Em
.P
The cripple's narrowed eyes sparkled, approving.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good barbarian.
.Em
.Ch "The Poisoned-woman"
He did not find Almogan in his house but in the gambling house. The young man
was getting drunk, and while walking closer between the tables and the noisy
gamblers, Dashvara guessed that his relationship with
Wanissa wasn't prospering in the right direction.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You gamble?
.Em
a woman inquired, a greedy glint in her eyes. She was asking that to Almogan.
The youth sighed, staggering backwards.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I've lost all my money,
.Em
he stammered.
.P
Everybody lost interest in him, and the circle closed around a table.
.Sm -t penso How sympathetic those people look.
Frowning, Dashvara took the last steps and grasped Almogan by the arm.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sit down, good man. We need to talk about something.
.Em
.P
Perhaps he was too drunk, or perhaps his memory wasn't just very good—the fact
is that Almogan did not recognize him. Of course, Dashvara told himself. He
had been wearing a veil in Rocavita. Anyway, the man let himself be dragged to
an empty, small table, and once there, he asked with a furred tongue:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you going to buy me a drink?
.Em
.P
Dashvara decided it was time to wake him up, and he held up a hand to call a
waiter.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Please can you bring a big glass of fresh water for my comrade?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Water?
.Em
Almogan echoed with displeasure.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Water,
.Em
Dashvara confirmed.
.Bm -t dia
You've already drunk enough filth.
.Em
.P
Almogan squinted his eyes, detailing his censurer's face through a veil of
alcohol. The waiter brought the glass with a foreseeable smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's on the house,
.Em
he declared.
.P
Dashvara thanked him. In a heartbeat, Almogan's face was completely soaked. He
gave a cry of surprise that only drew some teasing smiles, and he cast an
irate glare at Dashvara.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who do you think you are?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your savior,
.Em
Dashvara replied.
.Bm -t dia
You will marry Wanissa, and I'm going to make sure you will.
.Em
.P
That, along with the water, woke up Almogan utterly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who are you?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I've already answered that question. Look, what I'm going to propose to you
is a bit out of the knight code that you and I like to follow, but seeing your
state, I think it's necessary to take drastic decisions. Yet, before
everything else, one question: how much do you love that woman?
.Em
.P
For an instant, Almogan waffled, both suspicious and hopeful. Then, his
face flustered, and an intense woe appeared on it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Wan is the light of my way,
.Em
he answered in a choked whisper.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sure. I guessed it was. So you're willing to do whatever is needed to keep this
light from disappearing from your life.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes,
.Em
Almogan affirmed.
.Bm -t dia
No… it depends. I don't want to prejudice her.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
And you're not going to prejudice her. You're going to act in such a way that
Arviyag will not want to be interested in her ever again.
.Em
.P
Almogan Mazer's eyes bugged out.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you suggesting a duel to the death? He would never keep the appointment.
.Em
.P
Dashvara puffed out.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, of course he wouldn't. You see, as you well know, Arviyag is a slave
trader.
.Em
.P
The secretary got troubled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I know.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't you think it's horrible?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Despicable,
.Em
Al agreed.
.Bm -t dia
Everything that man does is despicable.
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave him a satisfied smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good. Think a little further: if you get clear proofs of Arviyag's activities,
wouldn't you bring them to the Court?
.Em
.P
Almogan stared at him thoughtfully.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I would, without a doubt,
.Em
he finally answered.
.Bm -t dia
Do you have those proofs?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not yet,
.Em
Dashvara admitted.
.Bm -t dia
But I will have them soon. I only need you to do me a favor.
.Em
.P
He explained the idea about the letter, and Almogan's face became gloomy,
though, after, it gradually lit up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I understand your idea. But,
.Em
he smiled darkly,
.Bm -t dia
what proof do you have that those proofs actually exist?
.Em
.P
Dashvara remained startled. He hadn't thought about that. Had Rowyn and
the others ever thought about it?
.D
.Bm -t dia
No proof,
.Em
he confessed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ah.
.Em
Almogan was clearly disappointed.
.Bm -t dia
Let me tell you that a man as cunning as Arviyag never puts his
accounts down on paper. And if he does, everything must be encrypted. Believe
you me: I am the secretary of the Faerecio. You never leave traces of any shady
deal.
.Em
.P
Dashvara pondered, and then he shrugged.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It doesn't matter. The fact is that we're going to try it. You just speak with
Wan. And my comrades and I will take care of the rest.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
What if we kidnap Arviyag?
.Em
Almogan abruptly asked. He looked almost ashamed that the idea had ever
occurred to him. Dashvara considered it anyway.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, I don't deem it doable,
.Em
he finally said.
.Bm -t dia
He'll probably go out with his henchmen. We don't want to make an uproar in
plain sight, in the street. Besides, then, maybe we would have a hostage, but
the slavers have twenty-five.
.Em
.P
Almogan nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I guess those twenty-five prisoners aren't strangers to you, sir.
.Em
.P
Dashvara estimated that he had talked enough.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's right,
.Em
he answered, standing up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You are not a Dazbonish, are you?
.Em
Almogan kept asking.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am not. And now, dear secretary, see that Wan sends that letter in time.
.Em
.P
Almogan put a determined face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No. I won't do it unless you tell me your name and your origins. I don't make
deals with strangers.
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave him a look of approval.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's a good rule to live by. My name is no secret. I am Dashvara of Xalya.
.Em
.P
Almogan's lips slightly stretched into a mournful smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you know what? I had already guessed it. I know—because I heard Arviyag
himself saying it—that the prisoners are Xalyas. Only another Xalya would be
capable of risking so much to free them.
.Em
.P
Dashvara shook his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Only a Xalya… or a true knight with just principles,
.Em
he replied.
.P
Almogan flinched.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Fair enough. I'll tell Wan to set a date with Arviyag for this midnight, next
to the grating. But she won't go there,
.Em
he said clearly.
.P
Dashvara shrugged his shoulders.
.D
.Bm -t dia
As long as he goes there, I don't care about the rest. Let me know that the
letter is sent. Go to the
.Sm -t nomlieu Golden Dragon .
I will stop by there in the afternoon… say, around eight o'clock, at
nightfall.
.Em
.P
When he left the gambling house, he got a nasty feeling, but he didn't know
why. Perhaps because he was neither used to planning thefts, nor machinations,
nor that kind of stupid things.
.P
Before becoming aware of his surroundings, he had already crossed the large
Liberty Square, and he found himself walking along an adjacent street. This
one looked familiar to him, and he soon realized why: it was Aydin's street.
.P
He didn't hesitate long before knocking at the office door. Hadriks opened the
door, and on seeing him, he looked upset.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is Aydin here?
.Em
Dashvara asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No… Well, yes,
.Em
Hadriks rectified, recovering himself.
.Bm -t dia
But he's busy crafting a complex magara. Come in.
.Em
.P
Dashvara vacillated.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I only want to apologize, actually.
.Em
.P
Hadriks smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Azune dropped in here yesterday evening. She explained to us that you didn't
know what that magara was. Come on in.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I did not know,
.Em
Dashvara affirmed, entering at last.
.Bm -t dia
Truly, I feel—
.Em
.P
He fell silent when he saw Aydin standing by the other door. His face was
stern, but his claws weren't bared.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ashamed?
.Em
the ternian helped him in an even tone.
.P
Dashvara blushed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes.
.Em
.P
The healer pointed at Hadriks with his forefinger, and then at the adjacent
room with his thumb. Hadriks left obediently.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You know, Xalya,
.Em
Aydin went on,
.Bm -t dia
healing ignorance and foolishness is beyond my power. So I'm afraid
you're wasting your time coming here.
.Em
.P
Dashvara felt like a little child lectured by his father. He cleared his
throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I suppose that apologies won't help.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're making a lot of assumptions. Making an apology is a good step forward.
.Em
.P
Dashvara perceived the subtle change in his tone, but even so, he didn't feel
less contrite.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That thief lantern… Is it truly so bad?
.Em
he asked.
.P
Aydin let out a sigh, and he sat down at the table.
.D
.Bm -t dia
They are illegal. And, obviously, they are used for contemptible purposes. No
honest man carries one of those lanterns. Just after I chased you out, it
occurred to me that you may have not known what it was, but… I was angry.
And that doesn't happen to me very often.
.Em
.P
That sounded quite like forgiveness. Dashvara relaxed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well. I'm happy the misunderstanding is solved, though I'm afraid that my
ignorance is still likely to cause great damages. Well,
.Em
he repeated, uneasy.
.Bm -t dia
Can I do something for you?
.Em
.P
Aydin peered at him, and he shook his head, smiling.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The only thing that comes to my mind is to free those poor prisoners. And I
know you are capable of doing that.
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled back at him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Count on me, ternian. Are you sure you don't want something else?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Go to see Doctor Fenendrip as soon as you can. He will heal you,
.Em
the ternian assured.
.P
Dashvara's smile widened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will. Nothing else?
.Em
.P
Aydin thought more thoroughly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well. Keep an eye on Tildrin, will you?
.Em
.P
Dashvara eyed him, slightly startled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of course I will, but… why Tildrin more than another?
.Em
.P
Aydin shrugged.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Because Tildrin, that damned Tildrin, needs it more than anyone else.
.Em
.P
Precisely, to Dashvara, Tildrin and Rowyn seemed to be the most normal members
of the team. Could it be that—? Yeah. Tildrin, the reformed thief, was a
ternian, as Aydin was. Therefore, it wasn't impossible that he belonged to the
same family. He could be his uncle or maybe his father. He considered the
possibility, and it didn't seem so extravagant to him. Something had to have
happened to make Aydin hate all the thieves so fiercely. However, it was clear
that the healer wasn't willing to be more specific.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'll keep an eagle eye on him,
.Em
Dashvara finally promised. He gave him a parting wave, and deciding that
renewing his apologies would only devalue the ones made before, he left his
home promising himself not to trouble the healer's life anymore, unless it was
absolutely necessary.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hey, Dash!
.Em
a voice suddenly called out.
.P
Hadriks caught him up in the street. He looked much more relaxed than before,
as if the peace between his master and him had freed him from a heavy burden.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What do you want, Hadriks?
.Em
.P
The boy got to the point:
.D
.Bm -t dia
When I went to draw water from the well, I saw your brother. Well, you
know, the comrade of your cousin who isn't your cousin.
.Em
.P
Jerking up, Dashvara looked at him with an eager impatience.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where did you see him?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
On the Liberty Square. But that's about an hour ago. I couldn't speak to him.
There were a lot of people, and I lost sight of him. Do you want me to let you
know if I see him again? I can try to find out where he stays.
.Em
.P
Hadriks's excitement was obvious. Dashvara took a glance at Aydin's house and
stiffened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, Hadriks. You'd better not do it.
.Em
.P
Hadriks looked as if he had received a cold shower over his head. He sighed,
exasperated.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Aydin is my master, not my father,
.Em
he said. He shrugged before Dashvara's comical expression.
.Bm -t dia
Say what you want—I will try to find him. Come to the tavern of the
.Sm -t nomlieu "King Count"
at six o'clock in the afternoon. You're likely to meet your brother, and
perhaps even your cousin.
.Em
.P
There is nothing worse than a fifteen-year-old boy who begins to make
his own decisions. Dashvara sighed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where is that tavern?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
In the Liberty Square,
.Em
Hadriks exulted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I will be there. And spare me your smile. You do that only because you want
to. And, by the way, he's not my brother, he's a Shalussi, is it clear?
.Em
.P
Hadriks grinned from ear to ear.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Inescapably clear.
.Em
.P
Dashvara did not wait for seeing him go back home: he turned his back on him
and headed again to the Refuge.
.Bm -t penso
That boy will end up getting himself into a mess, and then I'll have to get
him out of trouble…
.Em
He sighed patiently.
.P
When he went into the room, this one was still plunged in the dark. Kroon was
there, of course, but Rowyn and Tildrin had left to carry the ladder to the
Docks District. Dashvara told the dragon-monk about his conversation with
Almogan.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, well,
.Em
Kroon merely replied. He had put a blindfold on his eye again, and the other
eye was scarcely open.
.Bm -t dia
Do you want a bit of wine?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, thanks.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Teetotal?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Not exactly, but where I come from, we don't drink with such a profusion nor
with such a regularity.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
A moderate barbarian, then,
.Em
Kroon qualified, before he took a sip from his bottle.
.P
Dashvara raised his eyes to the ceiling, more amused than offended.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What's your definition of barbarian?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Whichever I like. The dictionaries have never been my friends. But it is
widely known that we name the Northmen ‘barbarians’.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
And what about the ones who did this to you?
.Em
Dashvara asked audaciously, casting an eloquent look at his missing legs.
.P
He instantly regretted having spoken. For a second, he feared that Kroon would
throw the empty bottle right in his face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That was a damned rock,
.Em
he finally growled.
.Bm -t dia
Thrown by a band of damned orcs. Pass me another bottle, will you?
.Em
.P
He indicated a sideboard where the bottles were, and Dashvara, desirous of
avoiding his surly one-eyed gaze, brought him one, though randomly, because it
was impossible, with the dark, to see the color of the contents. Anyway, Kroon
didn't seem to care. He opened the bottle and took another sip.
.P
After a silence, Dashvara asked:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where's Axef?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't ask me. That fool always has things to do.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is he really capable of opening a trapdoor?
.Em
.P
Kroon's mouth stretched into a wry grin.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of opening it? I dunno. Of disintegrating it, of course he is. Axef studied at
the Bastion. They used to consider him the best, according to him. Till they
considered him the worst.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What happened?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Mph. They expelled him, and nobody knows why. Don't you have seen the orange
tunic he wears?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
What does that have to do with the expulsion?
.Em
Dashvara replied, bemused.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Bah. I forget who you are, barbarian. They dressed him in that long orange
tunic he wears to punish him publicly. He had to wear it for two years, but
they've already expelled him four years ago, and he still wears it. He has
become enamored of it, and he has even given it a name, go figure.
.Em
.P
An orange tunic so as to be punished publicly? Never in his life had Dashvara
heard of such a crazy idea.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I may sound ignorant, but what's wrong with an orange tunic?
.Em
.P
Kroon was twiddling the empty bottle on the table.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Orange is the color of shame. Historically, it was the color of the Real
Guard. When the republicans crushed it, four hundred years ago, the color
was finally considered negatively. That's also why
red-haired people are thrashed with priority. Truly, Axef
has got it all.
.Em
He paused.
.Bm -t dia
Are you going to annoy me much longer? I'm sure you have far more interesting
things to do rather than speak with a crippled drunk.
.Em
.P
Dashvara stood up hastily.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you. But… know what? I'm not sure you should
drink so much.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you're not sure, then shut up, barbarian. Come back at around five o'clock,
in case there's something new.
.Em
.P
Dashvara was about to ask him if he needed something: leaving him there alone,
in his armchair, made him feel a bit concerned; however, the monk was very
busy with his new bottle and his thoughts, so he shut his mouth, left him,
and headed directly for the
.Sm -t nomlieu Golden Dragon .
.P
That day was not as hot as the day before. In fact, a fresh and gentle breeze
blew, sweeping the streets of the Dragon District. Dashvara hoped that this
night it wouldn't rain… and that no storm would come. He hated storms.
.P
It had to be lunchtime, because the streets were relatively calm. When he
arrived at the inn, however, he noticed that there was as much noise as the
day before, if not even more.
.P
He found Fayrah, Aligra, and Lessi in the room, sitting with a steaming tray
between them. Good.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dash!
.Em
his sister exclaimed in Oy'vat.
.Bm -t dia
We've just ordered a meal. Since we didn't know when you would come back—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Or if you would ever come back,
.Em
Aligra amended without lifting her eyes from her pasty.
.P
Dashvara ignored her.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You did very well. I'm afraid that, today, I'm going to be a little busy. How
much money is left?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Four dinars,
.Em
Fayrah answered.
.Bm -t dia
We've gotten a discount thanks to Darlan, because he says that the innkeeper
doesn't take a hint.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Darlan?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
The waiter. For a stranger, he's a very sympathetic man. He was truly kind,
eh, Lessi? He even brought us a flower.
.Em
.P
She showed it to him. It had blue petals. Dashvara sighed, and he sat down,
snatching a pasty.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And Tahisran?
.Em
he inquired.
.P
He caught the glance his sister cast to the plumped bag. No way… Had the
shadow put himself inside again?
.D
.Bm -t dia
He's sleeping,
.Em
Fayrah answered.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sleeping?
.Em
He didn't know why, but it hadn't occurred to him that a shadow could need to
sleep. He cleared his throat and spoke in Common Tongue.
.Bm -t dia
I see he's kind of in love with my bag. And I see you three are somewhat
partial to pasties.
.Em
.P
Fayrah and Lessi exchanged a smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Now, the other plates have odd names,
.Em
Fayrah explained.
.Bm -t dia
So we don't take risks. Did you see the Supreme?
.Em
.P
Hearing about the Supreme immediately reminded him of the golden eyes, and
he shuddered.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Aye. I saw her, and I talked with her. I'm going to join the Pearl Brotherhood
as an acolyte. This way, I could work with them to free our folk. According
to Rowyn, they are twenty-five.
.Em
The three Xalyas jumped.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Twenty-five?
.Em
Fayrah whistled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, perhaps not all are Xalyas. We're going to move into action tonight,
.Em
he explained.
.Bm -t dia
We will enter Arviyag's house, and we will steal some papers to prove that
they are slavers.
.Em
.P
He wasn't more explicit because, just as he never spoke about the way he had
killed this or that red nadre in the steppe, so neither it seemed to him
adequate to let the three Xalyas in on that matter. They had already suffered
enough from being prisoners for three weeks.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So you're not going to free them tonight,
.Em
Fayrah concluded.
.P
Dashvara tried to ignore the disappointment vibrating in his sister's voice,
and he took a second pasty.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The Tribunal will take care of condemning the slavers. No slavers, no slaves.
And the question is settled.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
The Tribunal,
.Em
Aligra echoed in a ghastly voice.
.Bm -t dia
Is it trustworthy?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't know,
.Em
Dashvara admitted, embarrassed. As no better answer came to his mind, he
focused on chewing his pasty.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What sort of punishment does the Tribunal use against slavers?
.Em
Fayrah asked after a silence.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why, demons, I don't know. Death, I suppose.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You suppose?
.Em
Aligra grumbled in a more normal voice.
.Bm -t dia
So it could be that those slavers won't die.
.Em
.P
Dashvara would have gladly killed Arviyag with his own hands, but hell, at
this moment, the priority was to free the prisoners without those being
harmed.
.P
Saying nothing, Dashvara took a third pasty, gulped it down, and went to lie
down on his straw mattress, not forgetting to pat gently the bag when passing
by, out of purely scientific interest. That damned shadow really seemed to
be sleeping.
.P
Fayrah cleared his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Lessi, are you coming? I'm going to bring back the tray,
.Em
she said.
.P
They both went out, leaving behind a room as placid as a
deserted battlefield. Exuding waves of tension, Aligra lay
down on her own bed, her gaze fastened on the ceiling.
Dashvara could almost hear her blaming and accusing
him:
.Bm -t paroles
You're the firstborn son! You should have died! Don't offend your Eternal
Bird…!
.Em
But Aligra did not open her mouth. It was almost even worse when she didn't
speak.
.P
Dashvara sighed silently, and he had started to ask himself what the hell
Lessi and his sister were doing, when Tahisran said:
.P
.Bm -t dm
I have a question.
.Em
.P
Dashvara opened his eyes, feeling grateful to the shadow for his intervention:
as the drowsiness was stealing over him, he had been about to fall asleep.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What's your question?
.Em
he inquired in Common Tongue.
.P
Aligra and he sat up to see the shadow slipping out of his nest. It was
hard to determine the expression of such a creature, but Dashvara was almost
sure to perceive curiosity.
.P
.Bm -t dm
I've had a dream, and you were in it, Dashvara,
.Em
Tahisran announced peacefully.
.Bm -t dm
We were both walking along a long paved path in the midst of the desert. You
looked back regularly as if you were searching for something. And then I ask
you, ‘What are you looking for?’ and you answer, ‘I'm looking for what I have
lost forever’.
.Em
.P
Dashvara stared at him, perplexed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's a dream, Tahisran. What I have answered came from your mind, not from
mine.
.Em
.P
The shadow nodded.
.P
.Bm -t dm
I know. But that gave me food for thought. Why a person would be looking for
something he can't recover? That's my question,
.Em
he pointed out with earnest curiosity.
.P
Dashvara breathed out.
.Bm -t penso
Good grief! Do we have to deal with a philosophic shadow now?
.Em
He felt Aligra's cloudy gaze, and he fidgeted, awkward.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, er… I suppose that person must have lost his good sense,
.Em
he only said.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Or maybe that thing he's looking for is the only one he can look for,
.Em
Aligra added in a throaty voice.
.P
Tahisran showed his disagreement with a mental snort.
.P
.Bm -t dm
Neither. That person is looking for what he can't reach to copy it and then
blaze a new trail,
.Em
he opined.
.P
Dashvara guessed that his words had some deeper meaning, but as the torpor was
overcoming him, he preferred not to reflect, and he said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you already had the answer, what's the point of asking us, shadow?
.Em
.P
Tahisran squirmed.
.P
.Bm -t dm
Oh… Well… It was just to debate, I suppose. And I never said my answer
was the right one, just for being clear.
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled when he saw the shadow crossing his arms. He looked like a
child who had just been caught cheating. Suddenly, Tahisran raised his gaze
up to the door. Seconds later, this one opened, and Fayrah and Lessi
walked in… followed by Azune.
.P
Dashvara leaped to his feet, and so brusquely that he even perceived an odd
twinge in his wound. Ashen and with her eyes fixed on the shadow, Azune looked as
if she had just swallowed a stone. Dashvara understood with some surprise that
Tahisran had stayed in plain view, sitting on the bed, on purpose so that she
could see him. To what end, he could not guess.
.P
Fortunately, Fayrah and Lessi reacted promptly, and they tried to calm and
reassure the half-elf before this one could do anything; Dashvara couldn't
help but admire both friends' synchronized explanations. They clarified where
the shadow came from, and Tahisran himself made his introduction with sheer
elegance. Finally, Azune commented something about the spirits of the dead and
her ancestors, and she said in a strained voice:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dash? Come with me. I'd like to have a word with you.
.Em
.P
She hastened to leave the room, as if a sanfurient wolf was running after her.
Dashvara cleared his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Know what, Tahisran? I guess the sajits generally don't appreciate the
shadows a lot. I dunno, that's the impression I got. Perhaps you'd better be a
bit more discreet, don't you think?
.Em
.P
Tahisran smiled.
.P
.Bm -t penso
I am a sajit, Dash. Besides, Azune is a friend, isn't she?
.Em
.P
Thoughtful, Dashvara didn't answer. He gave an apologizing look at the Xalyas,
he took two dinars of the four ones that remained, and he followed the
half-elf outside. Her face had not recovered its normal color yet.
.P
They settled down in the tavern, at a table away from the others, and the
first thing Azune said was:
.D
.Bm -t dia
You have to get rid of that thing, steppeman, whatever it is.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You mean the shadow? He decided to follow me on his own. When he gets tired of
sleeping in my bag, I suppose he will leave. Don't worry about Tahisran,
.Em
he added, as he saw her opening her mouth again.
.Bm -t dia
Why weren't you at the meeting?
.Em
.P
Azune gazed at him for some seconds. And then, at last, she sighed and
responded:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I was busy. And I regret it because I have the impression that I've lost the
most important meeting of the year. How can you propose that we act this very
night? I've rarely seen the Duke so upset.
.Em
.P
Dashvara shook his head slightly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well. The plan seemed to me quite well elaborated. Now, I wouldn't mind some
sabers, but perhaps I may get them this afternoon. Apart from that, if that
girl sends the letter in time, everything else depends on our ability and our
luck—
.Em
.P
Azune hushed. At that moment, Darlan, a young, good-looking man with a beaming
smile, came over. A sympathetic man, Fayrah had said. Dashvara tried to
suppress a grimace but didn't totally succeed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Would you like to eat or drink something?
.Em
the boy asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A plate of garfias,
.Em
Azune ordered.
.P
As Darlan moved away, the half-elf let out:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Letting you go in there with a pair of sabers doesn't look
to me like a good idea. You guess why, don't you?
.Em
.P
Dashvara gave back to her a bored look.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You think I'm going to spoil your operation again. Well,
.Em
he breathed in.
.Bm -t dia
I don't deny it: my main objective is to save my folk, logically. Anyway, I
suspect that the Supreme has accepted me in her Brotherhood in case everything
turns badly and we need to fall back. Am I right? So if you want me to
protect you, I need some sabers.
.Em
.P
Azune remained silent a long while. Darlan came back sooner than expected,
holding a plate full of strange red little balls, and he seemed to even give a
bow when he said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Enjoy your meal. Would you like something el—?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, thanks,
.Em
Dashvara cut him off.
.P
Darlan blushed, took the two dettas Azune offered him, and moved on with a
nervous step. So that was the little man who had given a blue flower to the
Xalyas, huh? Those republicans sure had odd ideas. As soon as he lost sight
of him, Dashvara focused his attention on those red garfias. He picked one and
twiddled it with his fingers, curious.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Have you never eaten a garfia, Xalya?
.Em
Azune asked, swallowing one.
.Bm -t dia
Over here, they call it the food of the poor.
.Em
.P
Dashvara tried it, and a sweet-and-sour flavor spread in his mouth. It wasn't
bad, and at least it hadn't pepper. Azune joined her both hands on the table,
and she went on in a slightly teasing tone:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Rowyn told me your encounter with the Supreme made a strong impression on you.
Axef says you were drooling.
.Em
.P
She smiled naughtily, and Dashvara snorted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Axef wasn't in the room. How could he know if I was drooling, yawning, or
dancing the dianka?
.Em
.P
Azune kept smiling.
.D
.Bm -t dia
True. So you're planning to obtain some sabers. And would you mind if I ask
you where you intend to find them?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Rokuish and Zaadma are in the city,
.Em
Dashvara explained.
.Bm -t dia
Hadriks told me. I gave my sabers to Rok when I entered the temple of
Rocavita. He probably still has them.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Or not,
.Em
Azune contradicted him.
.Bm -t dia
If he didn't conceal them, the urban militia must have requisitioned them.
May I remind you that you need a license to bear weapons? Or perhaps you
didn't know.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, I already knew that,
.Em
Dashvara assured.
.Bm -t dia
Thanks to a book of that mysterious patron of yours. Incidentally, who is he?
.Em
.P
Azune shrugged and answered laconically:
.D
.Bm -t dia
A member of a patrician family.
.Em
.P
They both stretched a hand toward the plate of garfias, and Azune withdrew
her own with an uneasy grimace.
.D
.Bm -t dia
At eight o'clock, to the Refuge,
.Em
she declared, standing up.
.Bm -t dia
And don't be late.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Impossible,
.Em
Dashvara hastened to say before she moved away from the table.
.Bm -t dia
I told Almogan to come here at eight o'clock to confirm that the letter was
sent. So I will be late.
.Em
.P
Azune raised her eyes to the heavens.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You won't be the only one, I'm afraid.
.Em
.P
She was turning away again when Dashvara, out of an impulse
even he couldn't understand, asked:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why do they call you the Poisoned-woman?
.Em
.P
Azune stopped short, and when she looked at him, her brown eyes struck him
almost as strongly as Sheroda's eyes. She didn't even bother to answer.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Now then, Dash,
.Em
he told himself patiently as Azune left the tavern.
.Bm -t penso
Will you one day stop being a damned meddler?
.Em
.P
When his gaze turned back to the table, he noticed the almost full plate of
garfias. He shoved the red peas into his pockets, and after a hesitation, he
decided not to return to the room: he needed calm, and he knew that it would
be hard to obtain it with Fayrah and Lessi. So he went out for a stroll. He
still had three hours before going to the Refuge, since Kroon had asked him to
stop by again only at around five o'clock. He went to the Beautiful District and
could see enormous mansions with gardens. He was almost sure to recognize
the Faerecio's house, but he wouldn't have bet his life on it. He retraced his
steps, crossed the canals again, and walked along the Autumn District,
southward, through a swampy esplanade more deserted than inhabited. The Docks
District, where Arviyag's house was located, was very different from the rest
of the city: it had houses with flat roofs, its streets were dirtier, and the
people did not dress so richly and colorfully as the folk of the Dragon
District. Even so, some buildings occupied a wide surface. When he saw some
men entering one of them, bending under the weight of huge sacks, he
understood that those buildings were used as warehouses.
.P
And, in one of those warehouses, Arviyag was hiding twenty-five brothers.
.P
Dashvara didn't last long: he knew full well that staying there, besides being
a waste of time, was no good for his nerves. He returned to the Dragon
District and stopped by the Refuge. He found Tildrin and Kroon. The thief,
sitting at the table, was sharpening a dagger while the dragon-monk was snoring
in his armchair, completely oblivious to the reality. From what Tildrin told
him, Rowyn was buying some “tools”, and Axef was still with his “lot of things
to do”. Dashvara noticed that the old ternian looked more excited than
frightened of the looming night expedition. Then he rectified: actually,
perhaps he was too much excited. Luckily, he would stay at the foot of the
ladder.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why are you sharpening this dagger?
.Em
Dashvara asked, putting aside the plan. He had studied it once again, but the
lines indicating the rooms were simple suppositions, as Tildrin had affirmed.
As soon as they passed through the trapdoor, improvisation would be their
best guide.
.P
Tildrin laid his dagger on the table while confessing:
.D
.Bm -t dia
A sheer habit. I sharpen it for thirty years now, and I only use it to cut the
bread.
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If only we all used the daggers just to cut the bread.
.Em
.P
Tildrin raised an eyebrow, and after a thoughtful silence, he kept on
sharpening his dagger. As it was almost six o'clock, Dashvara said goodbye to
him and headed for the Water Square and the
.Sm -t nomlieu "King Count" .
Aydin had better not find out anything about all this…
.P
The tavern was roomy and relatively calm despite the hour. He shut the door
behind him and scanned around while stepping forward. He imagined the healer
gripping him by the neck and saying he had caught him again giving tasks to
his apprentice… He heard someone clearing his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hey, are you purblind, friend?
.Em
.P
Dashvara turned to his right, and for some seconds, he stared at a
cleanly shaved, styled-haired man with a wide-brimmed hat in his hands. A
beaming smile was lighting up his face. Dashvara choked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Rok?
.Em
.P
He whistled under his breath and sat down in front of him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're—hell—you're different. You look like a republican.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
And you, like a steppeman,
.Em
Rokuish replied, extending his hand.
.P
Dashvara shook it happily, and he felt surprised. He would have never imagined
that, one day, he would feel happy to meet a Shalussi.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I really believed I wouldn't see you ever again. Where's Zae?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
At work. Since yesterday. She got a job in an apothecary's shop,
.Em
he explained, and he lowered his voice.
.Bm -t dia
Odek, it's madness. The Dragon of Spring—you've heard about it, haven't
you?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ahem. How could I have not heard about it, Rok?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do you know who stole it?
.Em
.P
Dashvara silently blessed the Shalussi: he did not even consider the
possibility that he himself could be the thief.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Two of the slavers did it. Those who were watching the Xalyas in the
catacombs. Either Arviyag has it, or that Vand has it. In any case, it doesn't
matter whether it is a dead or a living man who has it, as long as it is not
me.
.Em
.P
Rokuish made a face, and he gave an awkward glance around him before saying:
.D
.Bm -t dia
We saw the Xalya girls lighting out along the streets. We guided five of them
to the
.Sm -t nomlieu Cathoney .
But we don't have the other five ones.
.Em
.P
Dashvara was astonished.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What? You have taken five Xalyas to Dazbon?
.Em
.P
A satisfied smile spread over Rokuish's face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
We took them here by Shizur's wagon. The poor man was as frightened as a sheep
in a volcano. As for me, I wanted to stay and try to know if you were still
alive, but I just couldn't let Zae taking care of five Xalyas alone.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I understand you perfectly,
.Em
Dashvara murmured. He breathed out, blessing the Shalussi once more.
.Bm -t dia
Where are they?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
In Shizur's house.
.Em
.P
Dashvara's eyes got wide.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is that man a saint or a fool?
.Em
.P
Why on earth would a wine merchant be willing to lodge five lost Xalyas?
Rokuish cleared his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He is a saint, Dashvara, make no mistake about it. He's a man of those you can
push into committing the maddest things if you win their confidence. But, in
this case, it's for a good cause. I only lament we were not able to save the
other Xalyas. From what those we saved told us, you had to struggle with four
slavers, and you were hit by two poisonous darts and an arrow. It's simply
unbelievable that you survived.
.Em
.P
Dashvara chuckled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Unbelievable indeed. They were two, and not four, and only one dart hit me. As
for the arrow, I personally didn't notice it.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh. Well, it's still impressive, anyway,
.Em
Rokuish assured.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Mph. In any case, out of the other five Xalyas, three are with me.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well.
.Em
Rokuish looked relieved.
.Bm -t dia
And… your sister?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
With me,
.Em
Dashvara confirmed. He pondered for some seconds.
.Bm -t dia
So only two are missing. Either Arviyag caught them again, or they managed to
escape by themselves.
.Em
He looked around. The nearby tables were empty. Beyond those, two women were,
like them, talking in whispers.
.Bm -t dia
Where is Hadriks?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
The boy?
.Em
A teasing sparkle fleetingly lit the Shalussi's eyes.
.Bm -t dia
He just came over me, grasped me by the arm, and told me to go to this inn at
six o'clock because you would be here. He said nothing more.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, I hope he will no longer meddle in affairs that are not his concern,
.Em
Dashvara said, clearing his throat. Though, of course, he ought to thank him
for that.
.P
Rokuish leaned back on his chair and put his hat on with such an elegance he
seemed to have trained since he was five.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So?
.Em
he said.
.Bm -t dia
What's the next adventure?
.Em
.P
Dashvara smiled, deeply amused.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're late, Shalussi: it has already started.
.Em
.P
Rokuish raised his eyebrows.
.D
.Bm -t dia
For my mother's sake, that sounds interesting indeed. By the way, before I
forget,
.Em
he added, putting his hand in a pocket of his tunic.
.Bm -t dia
Hadriks asked me to give you this.
.Em
.P
Dashvara examined the small wooden box curiously. After struggling a bit, they
managed to open it, and an amazed smile curved Dashvara's lips when he
could finally see the contents.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sailor cards,
.Em
the Shalussi noticed, meditative, as Dashvara kept silent.
.Bm -t dia
Andrek had a deck of cards like this. You look surprised.
.Em
.P
Dashvara shook his head, moved, and then he started to laugh.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That blessed boy… May the Eternal Bird watch over him.
.Em
.Ch "The fury"
.D
.Bm -t dia
I've stepped on something.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
That was my boot, Duke.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Whoops, I'm sorry, Dash.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No harm done.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Be quiet!
.Em
Azune intervened in a whisper.
.P
Rowyn, Azune, Dashvara, and Rokuish had just halted, holding the long ladder,
in an alley of the Docks District, at the opposite side of the main entrance
of the slaver building. Rokuish's arrival in the group had gladdened the Pearl
Brothers rather than bothered them. Naturally—they had mistaken him for a
steppe warrior just by seeing him bearing a saber, and that stubborn Rok had
not deemed necessary to disabuse them.
.P
Dashvara sighed mentally, and he peeked out of the alley, copying Azune.
In theory, according to Rowyn, the Gem and the Candle were twinkling in the
sky. But this one was dull, and Dashvara had the disturbing certainty that, if
a band of slavers had been watching them from the wall just in front of them,
he wouldn't have noticed them.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Can any of you see Tildrin?
.Em
Azune inquired, narrowing her eyes.
.P
They had sent the old thief and the mad wizard at the forefront to guard the
main door. Dashvara shook his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I can't see anything.
.Em
.P
Rowyn snorted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Now, if we can't see him, it sure will be harder for him to see us.
.Em
.P
They remained silent for a moment. They could hear the shrill breeze against
the ship lines, as well as the lapping of the water against the stone dike.
Then, there was a strange singing, and Dashvara started.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What was that?
.Em
he breathed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
An owl,
.Em
Azune answered.
.Bm -t dia
A bird.
.Em
.P
Rowyn laid an appeasing hand on Dashvara's shoulder, and this one realized
that his own hands had dropped to the hilt of his sabers. He relaxed a bit.
.D
.Bm -t dia
All right. How can we know if Arviyag is gone if those two don't come by?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
They will come,
.Em
Rowyn assured. For a moment, Dashvara envied his confidence. Then, he just
awaited.
.P
While, at those hours, the streets of the Dragon District were still slightly
busy, in the Docks District everything was empty. Rokuish yawned; Dashvara put
a garfia in his mouth. There were still some left, and he shared them with the
others out of an equity question. Azune puffed out.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If Arviyag doesn't go out, I'm going to pull you by the ears, you and the
Duke.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
He will go out,
.Em
Dashvara affirmed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Is it a matter of faith?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
It may be,
.Em
he admitted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Just what I was afraid of,
.Em
Azune sighed. And she stepped away to peep her head out of the alley.
.P
An endless time passed before Axef appeared, running in the middle of the
street, followed by Tildrin. On seeing them, the wizard let out a giggle. Even
in the dark, the pearls adorning the wizard's orange tunic reflected some
light. Azune hissed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Frankly, you couldn't be stealthier.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
He's gone,
.Em
Axef replied.
.P
The relief was general. In Azune's view, it wasn't so obvious that Arviyag
would accept an informal date with Wanissa behind Lord Faerecio's back.
Rowyn elbowed the half-elf.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I told you so!
.Em
.P
Immediately, Dashvara went back to his place by the ladder.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Did you bring my things?
.Em
the wizard asked Rowyn.
.P
The Duke growled, nodding, and he handed him two bags. Dashvara would have
liked to ask what those contained, but Rowyn lifted the ladder, and he had no
choice but to follow the movement.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let's go,
.Em
the Pearl Brother murmured.
.P
They get out of the alley, and they arrived next to the building wall, peering
into the shadows. There was nobody, or at least no suspicious sound could be
heard.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let's unfold it,
.Em
the Duke said.
.P
The wooden ladder had a rotating mechanism. They unfolded it in the street
surrounding the building, and between the Duke, Rok, and Dashvara, they pulled
on it.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Easy does it,
.Em
Rowyn whispered.
.Bm -t dia
This is the head of the ladder.
.Em
.P
The extremity Rowyn was pointing to was covered with small pillows to muffle
any sound of the ladder hitting the roof edge. They tugged at it, raised it,
and set it. Rowyn tried a rung.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It seems to be steady.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of course it is!
.Em
Tildrin breathed.
.P
Already perched on the ladder, the Duke declared:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Azu, watch the main entrance. Remember: if you see Arviyag coming back before
Tildrin tells you we've already gone out, go back here, and set the ladder
again.
.Em
.P
The half-elf was in a bad mood. She did not answer.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Tildrin, Rokuish, support the ladder, and then remove it. Dash, Axef: let's
go up.
.Em
.P
The Duke began to climb. The Shalussi sighed, and Dashvara easily guessed that
his assigned task wasn't especially to his taste.
.Bm -t penso
Would you rather go up, bold Shalussi?
.Em
Dashvara smiled.
.P
As soon as the kampraw reached the top, Axef began to ascend quickly, his two
tied bags hanging around his neck; no one would think he did not like the
ladders, the way he was climbing up. Dashvara glanced around nervously. He
thought it was quite unbelievable that nobody had got the idea of passing
along that street.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your turn, Dash,
.Em
Rokuish whispered.
.P
Dashvara fastened the headscarf over his head and began to climb.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hey!
.Em
the Shalussi called him in a hiss. Dashvara looked down at him.
.Bm -t dia
Don't do any crazy thing, okay?
.Em
.P
Dashvara merely shook his head, and he kept climbing. Up, the flat roof, about
sixty paces long and thirty paces wide, was spacious and completely empty. He
made out the two figures of the Duke and Axef, squatting by a rectangle
blacker than the rest. Everything seemed to go all right. He slightly moved
the ladder so that Rok and Tildrin knew they could remove it, and he hurried
to join Axef and Rowyn. The wizard was taking something out of his bag, and he
was spilling it over what seemed to be the trapdoor hinges.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I assume you have checked it was locked, first, haven't you?
.Em
Dashvara inquired under his breath.
.P
Rowyn sighed, and he signaled to him for silence. After completing his task,
Axef earnestly took hold of some black gloves, put them on, and laid both
hands on the powder line he had left over the trapdoor slit. What he did next
went faster than Dashvara had expected: the product he had poured began to
flash like white lava. Impressed, Dashvara shivered but did not move away. It
was the very first time in his life he saw a person casting a spell.
.P
When the last white glint extinguished, the hinges had vanished, and Dashvara
bet that all the iron that was locking the trapdoor had melted down. Axef
drew back and sat down on the ground.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ready,
.Em
he let out.
.Bm -t dia
Now it's up to you to lift it, my friends.
.Em
.P
Rowyn handed a hooked iron bar to Dashvara, and they used it as a lever to
open the trapdoor. It was not easy, primarily because the door was thick and
weighed like a horse. At last, they dragged it on the flat roof stone,
uncovering a black hole.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't know why, I half expected all the guards to wait for us behind the
trapdoor,
.Em
Axef commented. He almost looked disappointed.
.P
Panting, Dashvara handed the crowbar back to Rowyn, and he drew out Zaadma's
thief lantern. He rubbed it. A light sparkled and slightly illuminated the
inside of the room. This one was large. In fact, it was no room, but the inner
staircase of the building. A small ladder led down to the floor.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Go down first with the light,
.Em
the Duke said.
.P
Dashvara went down. Not a sound could be heard. Could it be that everyone was
sleeping except the door guards? As long as they did not sleep in Arviyag's
office…
.P
Rowyn landed by his side, and Axef followed him. Dashvara clearly caught
the warning look the Duke cast at the wizard: “if you open your mouth now, I
will hate you for the rest of my life”, he seemed to tell him mutely. Axef
rolled his eyes, and with a meaningful expression, he pointed to a door at
the end of the corridor. Dashvara would have liked to ask him how he could be
so sure that this door was that of the office. He guided his two companions to
the indicated door, passing by two other ones. On the opposite side, there was
a banister, over which you could distinguish the three flights of steps and
part of the first floor.
.Sm -t penso If someone went upstairs, we'll see him arriving from afar ,
he thought, pleased.
.P
Axef indicated the door lock, and Dashvara lit it with his lantern. While
the wizard was working to force—or rather to disintegrate—the lock,
nervousness grew stronger. Rowyn stepped away to make sure nobody was coming.
He was going back and forth, turning more than an unquiet cat. At last, they
heard a crack, and the door opened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How surprising, isn't it?
.Em
Axef whispered. His sparkling eyes were detailing Dashvara's face. Failing to
conceal his discomposure, the Xalya turned to Rowyn to wave him closer. He
perceived perfectly the mocking smile stretching the wizard's lips.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Stay here,
.Em
Rowyn murmured, pushing the door. The inside was just as silent as the rest.
The Duke extended the hand to ask him the lantern; sighing, Dashvara gave
it to him and then stood alone beside the half-open door and before
complete darkness.
.P
He could hear distinctly short noises of opening drawers and rustles of
papers, and he asked himself how the hell it could be that the guards did not
hear them at all. Then he wondered what he would do if a slaver emerged from
one of those doors and saw him. Kill him? No doubt he would. But it would be
difficult to do it before the man gave a shout.
.P
He heard a sound of voices, and he tensed up. Then he understood it was
only Rowyn and Axef. They were talking.
.Sm -t penso Damn it, they're going to wake up everybody…
Dashvara was squeezing the hilt of one of his sabers as if an orc were trying
to grab it. He could not forget the relief he had felt when Rok had given him
the two sabers made by Orolf: entering a slaver house with a simple dagger
would have been to him like throwing himself from the top of a tower without
having wings. It was a matter more psychological than
anything else, since anyhow, with two sabers, he wouldn't
have been able to take on all the Arviyag's men and hope to
survive.
.P
He heard a metallic jangle; a curse; and a giggle. And then, distinctly:
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're a fool, Axef.
.Em
.P
The door opened, and Rowyn blinded Dashvara with his lantern. The Xalya
walked in, hissing:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Did you go mad?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
We have a problem,
.Em
the Duke communicated to him, and with his lantern, he indicated a large iron
box.
.Bm -t dia
We suspect that the papers are here. Do you think we would be able to carry it
between both of us?
.Em
.P
Dashvara stared at him, amazed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And go down the ladder with it? I don't think so, republican.
.Em
.P
Rowyn nodded sadly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Neither I do, steppeman.
.Em
.P
Suddenly, a flash lit the whole room for a split second, and
a clap of thunder boomed out. Oh, no, Dashvara lamented.
Another storm? The rain began to thrum against the glazed
windows.
.D
.Bm -t dia
So. Do I try to open it?
.Em
Axef asked, sitting by the strongbox.
.P
Rowyn nodded as if despite himself.
.D
.Bm -t dia
But, whatever you do, don't damage the contents. Dash, go out and just stand
guard.
.Em
.P
Dashvara went out of the office and pricked up his ears. He could only hear
the raindrops and the crashes of thunder. All in all, the storm wasn't so
inopportune…
.P
Lightning lit the corridor through the trapdoor hole. The hells themselves
seemed to have erupted in the sky. Then, Dashvara turned pale.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, no,
.Em
he breathed. He rushed toward the trapdoor and inspected the floor. A
brook was growing, flowing right to the banister. And as this one had no upper
platform, the water had already started to leak down to the first floor. There
was nothing he could do but hope that no one passing by would notice it…
.Bm -t penso
Yeah, and you can also hope that we will get out of here alive with the
proofs. Hope costs nothing, after all…
.Em
.P
He heard the noise of a door behind him and he hastily jumped back next to the
wall. For an instant, he believed it was the Duke, but not at all. It was a
child. He had to be no more than six. He could see him because the boy was
holding a candle in one of his small hands. When he turned to him, Dashvara's
heart sank. The child did not seem to see him, though: all his attention was
caught by the open trapdoor.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh,
.Em
he said, surprised.
.P
After a brief hesitation, he turned to the stairs. Just in
time: a bolt of lightning illuminated the whole corridor.
Then this one plunged into the darkness, hiding Dashvara
again. The candlelight began moving away, and the child's
stealthy footsteps with it. Why it had to be a child? Why it
could not have been a damned slaver?
.P
Dashvara stifled a growl and hurtled into the office.
.D
.Bm -t dia
We must get out of here right now,
.Em
he gasped out in a rush.
.Bm -t dia
A child has seen the open trapdoor, and he has gone downstairs.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Help me,
.Em
the Duke merely replied.
.P
Dashvara noticed that the strongbox was still intact. The wizard was wheezing
and staggering like a drunk.
.D
.Bm -t dia
A powerful disintegrator, huh?
.Em
Dashvara said ironically in a panicky voice.
.P
Rowyn glowered at him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The strongbox is protected with enchantments. We couldn't guess it beforehand.
Help me carry it. We have no choice.
.Em
.P
Dashvara helped him, and he puffed out.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That weighs like a horse.
.Em
.P
He stepped backwards out of the office, and since lifting it to the top of the
ladder was unthinkable, he turned to the stairs.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where do you think you are going?
.Em
Rowyn panted.
.Bm -t dia
We could try, at least, to lift it up on the roof.
.Em
.P
Dashvara clenched his teeth out of the efforts.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's just impossible. And you can be sure I will get out of here either with
the proofs or with the prisoners. You choose.
.Em
.P
Rowyn didn't protest. There was clearly nobody else on the second floor:
otherwise, the house would have already been in turmoil for a good while.
Going downstairs was a painful task. Axef was stumbling, sliding along the
banister; Rowyn and Dashvara were laying the strongbox every few steps, less
and less careful of making noise… And finally, they reached the bottom of the
stairs. They laid their load on a table in the corridor as stealthily as
possible.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And where's that kid?
.Em
Rowyn inquired in a whisper.
.Bm -t dia
Are you sure you haven't had some hallucination, Dash?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I wish.
.Em
.P
With his sleeve, Dashvara wiped his forehead and his cheeks. They were soaked
in sweat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And what if the proofs are not in the box?
.Em
he asked.
.P
Rowyn shrugged and looked at the end of the corridor just
when a flash of lightning illuminated it. He turned wan.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dash. The kid.
.Em
.P
Dashvara whirled and stretched a hand just in time to prevent Axef from
slumping down over the table.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Just a lack of practice, that's all,
.Em
the wizard assured with a furred tongue.
.Bm -t dia
As I'm not allowed to cast spells—
.Em
.P
Dashvara craned his neck and could finally see the child—he was walking closer
with his candle like in a nightmare. Some sounds got out of his child's
throat. He understood nothing.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What did he say?
.Em
he whispered.
.P
Rowyn shook his head, and Axef responded:
.D
.Bm -t dia
He asks us whether we are friends of his brother and whether the storm
woke us up too.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, say yes to everything,
.Em
Rowyn muttered.
.Bm -t dia
And tell him that it would be much better if he goes back now to his room
without making noise.
.Em
.P
Dashvara didn't like that situation at all. Axef took care
of translating the child's words, then both held a
conversation until the wizard nodded, took his small hand,
and walked to the stairway, almost not staggering. Rowyn and
Dashvara followed them with their gaze, puzzled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where are you going, Axef?
.Em
the Duke asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where is the world going?
.Em
Axef replied, and he clarified:
.Bm -t dia
He says that the storm scares him but that a certain Paopag, who usually cares
about him, is now out with his brother. So I accompany him back to his bedroom.
.Em
.P
Dashvara choked, and Rowyn gazed at his comrade, open-mouthed, while the
wizard started going upstairs with the child.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Axef…
.Em
Rowyn croaked in a muffled voice.
.P
Taking a sudden decision, Dashvara grasped the Duke by the arm to silence
him, and he said to the wizard in a whisper:
.D
.Bm -t dia
You get out through the flat roof, okay?
.Em
Axef nodded without stopping, and Dashvara sighed,
.Bm -t dia
At least, we get rid of the child.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
And of the wizard.
.Em
When Rowyn was in a bad mood, he looked much like Azune, Dashvara noticed. The
Duke pointed at the box.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your idea of going downstairs was really fantastic. How are we going to get
out with this now? Through the main gate, perhaps?
.Em
.P
Dashvara stroked his beard. He had not yet got used to it being so short.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's the only way,
.Em
he admitted.
.Bm -t dia
The windows are barred, and without the wizard we cannot do much.
.Em
.P
Besides, the other exit door was that of the warehouse, and as likely as not,
it led to the guard barracks. Dashvara unsheathed his sabers.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You wait here,
.Em
he whispered.
.P
The blond nodded, swallowing saliva. Dashvara was just arriving close to what,
he supposed, led to the hall and the main entrance, when a sudden clatter
of hooves petrified him. Arviyag? So soon? Or maybe it wasn't that soon. He
had no idea what time it was, but he didn't remember having heard the gong of
the temple striking midnight, and according to Rowyn, it had to strike.
Perhaps the claps of thunder had muffled the noise.
.P
If Arviyag was coming back, he would come back with his companions; added to
the probably two guards who were there, by the door, waiting for him… That was
a considerable number of opponents. Maybe he could have sprung outwards by
force, but he would have done it without Rowyn… and without the proofs.
.P
Dashvara sheathed and turned around. He pushed the door nearest to the
strongbox, and he almost let out a frantic chuckle when he saw it wasn't
locked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Answer me, Duke,
.Em
he said,
.Bm -t dia
you can still get out through the flat roof. Do you want to get those proofs,
or do you want to live?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Stop asking silly questions,
.Em
Rowyn replied.
.P
Dashvara shook his head sadly; he had no time to argue. Wordlessly, Rowyn and
he lifted the box, entered the new room, and shut the door behind them. It
was… a pantry? It looked much like one. Dashvara breathed out softly, trying
to calm down. Getting into a hole wasn't a good idea; no, it wasn't. But given
the situation, he was starting to understand that the possibility of escaping
had almost diminished to none.
.P
Some laughs resounded in the hall, and then in the corridor. Fortunately—or
unfortunately—they spoke in Common Tongue.
.D
.Bm -t dia
As stupid as they come,
.Em
one was laughing.
.Bm -t dia
He thought he would fight in a duel, like we were equals! Bah, this takes a
load off my mind. That girl will regret this night for the rest of her life.
.Em
There was another laughter.
.P
It was Arviyag, Dashvara understood, horrified. Still, the words did not manage
yet to make sense in his mind. He was more worried by imagining the slavers
opening the pantry and finding them out with their strongbox.
.D
.Bm -t dia
But have you left him dead?
.Em
another man was asking in a curious tone.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Now, I can't say. Paopag has knifed him in the back while the boy was letting
out his diatribe, and we have left at a gallop.
.Em
Arviyag guffawed.
.Bm -t dia
If only all the nights were just as thrilling. Leriyag, prepare a bath for me,
will you?
.Em
.P
There were footsteps in the staircase. The ransacked office would be
discovered very soon, and then even the ants wouldn't be able to get out of
the house. Dashvara, who was holding the thief lantern against his chest to
deaden the light, finally understood what had happened. Instead of Wanissa, it
was Almogan who had awaited the arrival of Arviyag to challenge him to a duel.
What an idiot. What a fool. What a… He suppressed his thoughts, in distress. He
wasn't able to find a suitable word to qualify the secretary's action.
.P
.Bm -t penso
May a lightning strike you, Arviyag!
.Em
he vociferated mentally.
.P
Then, he noticed Rowyn's gaze. This one was sitting, as straight as a stick,
between two big sacks, and he had the expression of the one who has just seen
what it is really like to die.
.Bm -t penso
You should have thought better of it before coming here, friend.
.Em
Dashvara made a wry, sorrowful face, and he took a look over the strongbox. It
had a mechanism with numbers, and he guessed that, with the correct number, he
would be able to open it. That was what you call heartening, indeed. He only
needed the number.
.P
He closed and opened his eyes. For a moment, he considered seriously going out
with Rowyn through the main entrance, killing the two guards, and running
away. But, even if they managed to do it, then they would have done nothing
more than alarm the slavers, and the twenty-five Xalyas would become slaves
in Diumcili maybe forever… He rose, and he went to place an empty sack in the
lower slit of the door. Right after, he rubbed the lantern and concentrated on
inspecting the room. This one was longer than wide, and it had no window. He
wouldn't have planned it better if he had wanted to let the slavers catch them
and kill them like defenseless foals.
.P
Infuriated voices burst.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ah,
.Em
Dashvara said, sitting down beside Rowyn.
.Bm -t dia
I bet my head that Arviyag is irritated. And you?
.Em
.P
The kampraw was shaking violently. Dashvara patted him on the shoulder with
that nonchalance of the one who knows himself doomed and enjoys his last
minutes of life.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're a good man, Duke. I'm happy I met you.
.Em
Rowyn gave him back an empty look. A clack of doors could be heard on the
second floor, and then on the first. They were reaching the house.
.D
.Bm -t dia
They have entered through the flat roof!
.Em
a slaver cried.
.Bm -t dia
Sutag, go with your men and surround the house.
.Em
.P
Dashvara contemplated moving the strongbox to block the door with it, but
Rowyn was as if thunderstruck, and he wasn't able to move it alone. Anyway,
even so, they could have broken the door. He heaped some flour sacks and set
away the small table to make room. When he did not know what more he could do,
he sat down again and handed the lantern to Rowyn.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Keep it in your bag, will you?
.Em
.P
Rowyn didn't react, and with a sigh, Dashvara himself shoved it into his bag.
The light disappeared, leaving them in a total dark. It was almost strange
that no one had tried to open the pantry door. With a bit of luck, they might
forget to open it.
.P
A ghostly, lifeless voice spoke beside him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't you fear death, steppeman?
.Em
.P
If he had not known they were the only two living beings in the pantry,
Dashvara could have sworn Rowyn wasn't the one who had spoken. He swallowed.
.Bm -t penso
If you could see my expression at this very moment, friend, you would have
never even thought about asking me such a question, believe me…
.Em
.P
Suddenly, someone pushed the door and shouted on seeing it was stuck. It was
about time. Dashvara inhaled and got to his feet with the heavy-heartedness of
an old wolf.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Of course I fear death, republican,
.Em
he finally answered. A beam of light sprung through the narrowly opened door.
It opened an inch.
.Bm -t dia
Where I come from, they say even Death fears death.
.Em
He unsheathed the sabers and lowered his gaze to Rowyn's dark figure as he
murmured:
.Bm -t dia
But I don't fear it as much as my brothers' slavery.
.Em
A flour sack fell down from the heap. Dashvara glanced at his weapons and
added:
.Bm -t dia
Listen, Rowyn. As soon as the way is clear, run for the exit. You have a
dagger, don't you?
.Em
.P
Rowyn's nod was almost imperceptible. The door opened another inch. It was
enough to pass through. In some occasions, a hesitation may cost your life;
in others, madness may save it.
.P
Dashvara bounced forward and sank a saber into the nearest body. He roared:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Wake up if you want to live, republican!
.Em
.P
In a commotion full of screams, he set on the slavers to get out of that hole
of death. Fortunately, he caught them completely off guard: they didn't expect
to come across a wild demon armed with two sabers. He wounded another one, but
they rapidly drew away from him and took hold of their daggers and short
swords; one of them nearly slipped onto the floor, which was wet because of
the open trapdoor. They were four. And the other ones wouldn't take long to
come thanks to the bawls that one was uttering in his Diumcili dialect.
Dashvara didn't let them encircle him: he lunged at the man on his right. He
noticed a gleam of surprise in the slaver's eyes. Logically, they were all
expecting he would have gone to the left, toward the exit. Not toward the
warehouse.
.P
He dodged the slaver's blade, gave him a slash in the side, and leaped
backwards, in such a way that he placed himself several steps closer to his
objective. His four adversaries had followed him, and he felt a stir of hope
when he saw out of the corner of his eyes a silhouette bolting out of the
pantry.
.P
.Bm -t penso
If you die, I hope I will die before you, Duke…
.Em
.P
He avoided another attack, and he finally managed to move away from the
staircase and draw backward into the corridor. This one was wide enough to
wield the sabers easily but wouldn't allow more than two opponents to attack
him at once.
.P
.Bm -t penso
If more men come from the warehouse and attack me from behind, I am definitely
lost.
.Em
.P
He squinted his eyes. No one of the four men dared attack. A sudden skirmish
burst over the main entrance, and then there was a scream. Dashvara went ashen
white, but he decided it was no time to fantasize. He repelled an attack, and
just when the slaver was stepping backwards, the muscles of his chest
contracted. Aghast, he saw a fit of coughing coming over him. Eternal Bird! He
had passed two whole days not even sensing the poison effects! Could it be that
an infernal hand had decided he had to die inevitably this very night?
.P
He stumbled backwards, struggling against himself. His lips stretched into a
demented smile.
.Bm -t penso
Are you going to die of a coughing fit, Dash? Truth to tell, I can't find any
better way to die. I can almost hear my father telling me solemnly: this
death, son, is worthy of a Xalya. Worthy of the Prince of the Sand. You tried,
son. Now rest in peace.
.Em
.P
He stopped raving when one of the Diumcilian men, encouraged because other
companions were coming into the house, thrust at him, raising his daggers.
Dashvara crouched, waiting for him, but no attack came. The slaver stopped
dead, and a scornful smile stole across his face. Hearing a sudden noise
behind him, Dashvara darted aside, and he received a club blow on his arm.
Traitors… He spun around, his eyes wide, and he charged, but he couldn't say if
he had aimed straight or if he had smashed into a wall. He whirled over and
over like a madman, striking all over the place, not caring about anything
anymore, because he was in a mousetrap, after all, and all he could do
was keep moving. Kill red nadres, or slavers. It was all the same. He received
another blow in his side and a cut on his shoulder. Then he stopped counting
the hits until someone threw him a lasso around the neck, and he began to
suffocate. He attempted to cut the rope with one saber while blocking an
attack with the other one. He was choking. He drew a wheezing breath, and
suddenly a fit of coughing seized him as if he had to expel some demon, but he
only expelled blood. He heard a scream, and then there was another blow. And
then he couldn't know what happened next.
.Ch "Will"
A face loomed over him. A blue face, dark like the dark clouds when a sunbeam
illuminates the steppe. Red eyes, just like those of demons
in fairy tales… Dashvara's eyelids fluttered.
.D
.Bm -t dia
W-where am I?
.Em
he stuttered.
.P
The dark creature was sitting beside him, working with needle and thread; it
glanced at him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I'm sewing your wounds. None is grievous; you will recover soon.
.Em
.P
Dashvara then noticed he was undressed, chained, and lying on a large block of
stone. He even had an iron collar that was impeding him from raising his head.
.P
After these observations, he made an effort to remember while that weird
being kept sewing a slash in his leg. Maybe Rowyn had got out alive, but he
could not be sure; Almogan had probably died; and the others had to be safe,
normally. And Aligra had no Lord of the Xalyas anymore, he added ironically.
Dashvara tried hard to calm down.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you a slaver?
.Em
he asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No.
.Em
.P
Dashvara didn't believe him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you a sajit?
.Em
.P
The physician interrupted his work for a second.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am a drow.
.Em
.P
Oh. A drow. Dashvara tried to recall what he already knew about drows.
Maloven said they weren't sajits, even though they looked pretty much like one. He said
that a drow was incapable of feeling emotions other than hatred, greed, and
pleasure of destruction. From how he had painted them, Dashvara had always
imagined drows as huge and dreadful monsters with teeth sharper
than those of red nadres. That doctor did not seem to be very tall, he wore
a plain dress, though elegant, and a silver necklace with a big, circular,
black pearl as a pendant. His face was expressionless, his eyes were demoniac,
but all in all, he looked intelligent. And he healed injuries.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why didn't they kill me?
.Em
he questioned.
.P
The drow was tying the knot. He did not answer. Dashvara wiggled angrily. A
terrible feeling was starting to peer into his mind.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why didn't they kill me?
.Em
he repeated.
.P
The drow rose and went to wash his hands in a bowl. Dashvara pulled at the
chains. As he could have expected, these did not yield.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Arviyag!
.Em
he howled.
.Bm -t dia
Where is that murderer?
.Em
.P
The drow tossed his head up; however, he did not turn to him, but to something
Dashvara could not see. A clatter of footsteps going downstairs was
approaching, and then there was a squeaking sound of a key turning in a lock.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Arviyag!
.Em
Dashvara hissed.
.Bm -t dia
Is it you? Damn you.
.Em
.P
The new arrival ignored him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Did you finish?
.Em
The voice did not sound familiar to Dashvara. A few footsteps drew closer, but
not enough to appear in his field of view.
.Bm -t dia
Good. Let's hope he's willing to talk. What's your name, prisoner?
.Em
.P
Dashvara growled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And yours? Show yourself and I may answer you.
.Em
.P
The coward did not move.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What were you looking for in Arviyag's office?
.Em
the slaver kept interrogating.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And what do you think?
.Em
Dashvara replied after a silence.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why, I don't know. The strongbox you tried to steal had gold and jewels in it.
Was it that what you were looking for?
.Em
.P
Dashvara turned pale and said nothing. He decided that, from now on, he
wouldn't open his mouth again. He heard a cold laugh.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you a Xalya?
.Em
Only the silence answered him.
.Bm -t dia
It's doubtless. You're the one who robbed us of the prisoners in Rocavita, I
guess. And you've come here intending to save the rest. Your bold action has
no mystery. But tell me, who were your partners? They weren't Xalyas. They
were Dazbonish, weren't they? I very much doubt they were mercenaries, because I
don't believe you had enough money to hire them. Am I right? Yes, I am.
Those guys belong to a Brotherhood. But to which? There are so many
brotherhoods in this city. A bit of help would come in very handy. And you
want to help us too, trust me. You're going to tell us the names of your
partners and that of the Brotherhood.
.Em
There was another silence.
.Bm -t dia
You don't want to answer, huh?
.Em
.P
For an answer, Dashvara let out a sigh of relief. If the slaver was asking
such questions, it meant everyone was safe. It meant that Rowyn was safe. Or
at least that he wasn't captured alive, he rectified. He felt as if he had a
block of ice caught in his throat, and he swallowed, but the sensation did not
disappear.
.P
It seemed the silence would last forever. Finally, the slaver said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Get him ready, drow.
.Em
.P
He heard the noise of a door closing and footsteps moving away. Dashvara
looked up at the drow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ready for what?
.Em
he muttered.
.P
Any stone was more expressive than that doctor. He saw him searching a bag,
and he saw him taking out a black case and opening it. Dashvara frowned when the
drow placed in each forefinger a sort of thimble. He tried to conceal his
terror, and he failed masterly. The doctor finally stepped closer, and without
a word, he laid his hands on Dashvara's both shoulders.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let me give you a word of advice,
.Em
he suddenly whispered.
.Bm -t dia
Next time, answer the questions.
.Em
.P
It happened abruptly. Stabbing lightning bolted through him and left him
breathless. Dashvara's teeth chattered, but the doctor did not let him recover,
and he continued touching distinct parts of his body, though never the head.
First, Dashvara burst into curses; and when he was sure he had used all the
swearwords he knew, he started again, his breathing getting more and more
wheezing.
.P
After what seemed to Dashvara a life full of sufferings, the drow let go of
him and took his thimbles back to the case. The door was opening.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Answer the questions,
.Em
the drow advised in a quick whisper.
.P
The Faceless went on interrogating him about the Brotherhood, and Dashvara
spit out:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Go plant grass in the desert!
.Em
He added a flow of insults that died long after the door shut. Dashvara
clenched his teeth, and he thought he heard the drow sighing when this one
drew closer again. This time, he had two thimbles in each hand.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's no use fighting,
.Em
he said in a low voice.
.Bm -t dia
The more you fight, the more it will hurt.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
How many people have you tortured, you monster?
.Em
Dashvara bellowed. His voice sounded hoarse, and he coughed. There was a brief
light of sadness in the drow's red eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's no use fighting,
.Em
he uttered, like a litany.
.P
He repeated it later, when he put three thimbles in his hands. This time, the
doctor's sadness was obvious. Dashvara's body began to convulse with
uncontrollable spasms even before the drow came beside him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No…
.Em
he whispered, gazing at the drow's hands, his eyes bulging.
.Bm -t dia
You can't do that. No…
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you going to talk?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why?
.Em
the doctor suddenly asked.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Control yourself, Dash. You are the son of Vifkan of Xalya and Dakia of Xalya.
Your blood is Xalya blood. Your Eternal Bird is strong. You can't let the
feather fall down.
.Em
He repeated the words in his mind like a child trying to convince himself that
the winged horses exist. A bit calmer, he looked the physician in the eye.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You mean, why am I defending my friends? I suppose it's because I'm not a
monster like you.
.Em
Then, he got the idea of talking on so that the drow would wait… so that he
wouldn't go closer.
.Bm -t dia
If you had a friend to protect, would you betray him?
.Em
.P
The doctor shook his head slightly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have no friend.
.Em
.P
.Sm -t penso In your face. You didn't expect that answer, did you?
Dashvara cleared his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That is even worse than being tortured, you know? Tell me, what's your name?
.Em
.P
He thought he perceived surprise in the drow's expression.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Tsu,
.Em
this one answered.
.Bm -t dia
I am Tsu.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
A pleasure, Tsu. They call me Dashvara of Xalya, Dash for friends. Well, you
know, it isn't so hard to make friends. I could teach you. The first step is
not to torture them. The second is to speak to them. The third, to know them.
The fourth, to respect them. And the fifth step is to try to rescue them when
they get into trouble.
.Em
.P
Tsu was looking at him with his red eyes. After a silence, he said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why do you say your name to me and not to them?
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
To them? Don't you identify with the slavers?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am not a slaver. I am a slave.
.Em
.P
Dashvara stayed speechless.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Aw,
.Em
he breathed out at last.
.Bm -t dia
That's sure a terrible fact: that the slaves torture each other. Practical.
In no time, the slaves will be their own slavers—
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Silence,
.Em
Tsu hushed abruptly.
.P
There were footsteps on the stairs. Tsu placed his hands on Dashvara's chest
with an apologizing face. Two seconds later, pain burst, his will fell like a
stone onto the ground, and an inhuman scream got out of his dry throat. His
head was ablaze, his eyes were blurred, life suddenly seemed awful to him,
despicable…
.D
.Bm -t dia
Enough,
.Em
a voice thundered. Panting, Dashvara would have widened his eyes even more if
that had been possible. It was Arviyag.
.Bm -t dia
Hasn't he talked yet, drow?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, sir,
.Em
the doctor answered, stepping aside.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're tenacious, Xalya,
.Em
Arviyag commented, walking into the room.
.Bm -t dia
You kill two men of mine in Rocavita. You harm four other ones tonight…
.Em
Dashvara saw him appear in front of him, and he would have died of hatred if
hatred could have killed a man. The Diumcilian slaver's face was peering at
him with interest.
.Bm -t dia
I like your style. We'll give you a break, and let's see if you feel brave
enough to talk. Paopag, lead him to the cells. Drow, drop your tools and come
with me.
.Em
.P
Mentally, Dashvara was preparing some speech to try, at least, to assure
himself that not the faintest trace of kindness was left in Arviyag's heart.
However, either because his mind was working too slow or because time suddenly
passed faster, the doctor and Arviyag left before he could say anything. Three
slavers freed him from his grave. They even took off his chains. Dashvara
watched them doing, his mind blank. Later, when they helped him to sit up, he
felt a bit more conscious.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Arviyag is gonna die,
.Em
he grunted.
.P
One of the slavers, Paopag probably, smiled contemptuously.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, yeah? There, now. Put this on.
.Em
They dressed him in a clean brown tunic. Any movement required a great deal
of effort, and yet, Tsu had not hurt him. He had simply… used magic?
.P
They shackled him with handcuffs, and Paopag jolted him toward the exit.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Get moving.
.Em
.P
Dashvara did not move—they dragged him out of the room. His mind was boiling
with swearwords, but he didn't manage to let out any of them. He walked
between his captors, his legs shaking as if he were about to suffer some
epileptic attack. Instead of going upstairs, they went down. They arrived in
front of a door. He could hear muffled voices behind it, but they fell silent
when Paopag opened it and shoved Dashvara in, toward the darkness.
.D
.Bm -t dia
This way,
.Em
he said.
.P
They backed him against a wall, made him sit down, and fastened him to a metal
ring. Dashvara's eyes strayed around. He was surrounded by pairs of eyes and
breaths. He hadn't enough time to look at the faces drown in the shadows.
The door shut, leaving him in total darkness, and the footsteps fell away in the
distance; and they vanished. Silence reigned for a long time. Then:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Who are you, good man?
.Em
.P
That voice… was a voice he had believed he would never hear ever again. For an
exasperating moment, he was unable to speak. His lips trembled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Makarva?
.Em
he croaked.
.Bm -t dia
Is it you?
.Em
.P
There was a silence, and then his patrol comrade's voice stammered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dash? You're… alive? But… how? Eternal Bird, you're alive! Lumon, captain,
he's alive!
.Em
.P
His heart pounding, Dashvara blinked and cursed the darkness. He would have
given his own horse only to see them!
.D
.Bm -t dia
Captain?
.Em
he echoed, astonished.
.Bm -t dia
Captain Zorvun?
.Em
.P
There was another silence.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He's here, Dash,
.Em
Makarva answered cheerfully.
.Bm -t dia
The captain is alive. We are twenty-two. All patrols. Lumon is here. And
Sashava. And the Triplets… And…
.Em
His voice choked.
.Bm -t dia
Demons, Dash. I can't believe it!
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you really Dashvara?
.Em
Sashava's steady voice asked.
.P
Changing his mind, Dashvara thanked the darkness, because his cheeks were
soaked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am, Sashava,
.Em
he confirmed.
.Bm -t dia
I tried to save you all, but they caught me.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You got right into the middle of a slavers' den?
.Em
Makarva laughed. That good crazy man was capable of laughing in situations as
critical as this one.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That's what I did. I tried to find proofs against the slavers, but I failed.
.Em
His voice choked, and he attempted to clear his throat. He was thirsty.
.Bm -t dia
And Sigfen?
.Em
.P
It took time for Makarva to respond.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He died. I saw him die.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded sadly. He had already given him up for dead anyway.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Boron?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Here I am,
.Em
the placid warrior answered. Dashvara smiled, imagining him calmly sitting with
his chains, incapable of feeling panic or despair.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How did they catch you?
.Em
he asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well…
.Em
He guessed Makarva's embarrassment.
.Bm -t dia
Sashava's patrol, as you know, was attacked by the Essimeans before arriving at
the Dungeon.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
They imprisoned almost all of us,
.Em
Sashava murmured.
.Bm -t dia
And then they sold us. And here we are. And yourself, Dashvara? How did you
escape?
.Em
.P
He noted a hint of suspicion in his voice. Dashvara did not hold it against
him and answered in all sincerity.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I escaped through the main gate. Disguised as a Shalussi.
.Em
.P
There were some snorts. Most of the Xalyas weren't aware of Lord Vifkan's
trick.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You passed yourself off as a Shalussi?
.Em
The voice belonged to one of the Triplets, but Dashvara wasn't able to
determine which. Miflin, perhaps?
.D
.Bm -t dia
Crafty,
.Em
Lumon's thoughtful voice praised. Dashvara smiled. Lumon's Eternal Bird had
always been quite pragmatic.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It would have been unworthy,
.Em
a deep voice intervened,
.Bm -t dia
only if Lord Vifkan hadn't asked him to.
.Em
.P
All fell silent at hearing the captain. With a lump in his throat, Dashvara
turned his head to where the voice had spoken. There was a jangle of chains.
He didn't know the captain through and through as he knew his patrol comrades,
but he was well aware of how he was. Responsible, rough, sometimes sarcastic.
Finding himself in a cell as a slave wasn't something likely to improve his
good mood.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Captain,
.Em
Dashvara uttered, more because he felt relieved by knowing that the captain
was alive than because he wanted to actually call him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Vifkan did that?
.Em
Disbelief vibrated in Sashava's voice.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He did,
.Em
Dashvara confirmed.
.P
There was another silence.
.D
.Bm -t dia
And… why it had to be you?
.Em
Lumon asked softly, a tinge of incomprehension in his voice.
.Bm -t dia
You are his son, of course, but we all knew Lord Vifkan. He'd have rather
saved any other Xalya instead.
.Em
.P
Hard to accept, but true, Dashvara thought. He hesitated. He didn't know if it
was suitable to tell them about the task his lord father had entrusted to him.
In any case, why should he care right now? They were all locked up in a cell,
prisoners of the Diumcilians. Lifdor, Shiltapi, and Todakwa were in the
steppe, far, far away from there. Besides… Hellish demons. Who was the
guiltiest—the savage that attacked a Xalya, or the wealthy slaver that sent
the savage to catch the Xalya in order to enslave this one? Where did he have
to start the revenge? The matter was disturbing.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dash?
.Em
Lumon said, concerned.
.P
Dashvara shook his head, not answering. It took him some seconds to realize
that his gesture had been completely useless in the darkness.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't know, Lumon,
.Em
he murmured.
.Bm -t dia
I don't know.
.Em
.P
If he said nothing, nobody would know. Only Rokuish and Zaadma were aware of
that revenge. He swallowed. If he said nothing, nobody would know, he repeated
himself as blood was rushing to his head. A feeling of shame overcame him, and
he called himself a fool. All in all, did he have even the faintest chance of
getting out of that den? The Pearl Brothers would never enter the building by
force to get him out of there. They had no proof either, anyway. And Dashvara
had no saber. In short, the situation gave, so to speak, very few
possibilities of getting out of there. As a wise steppeman said:
.Sm -t paroles "Hungry souls forget any other goal" .
Dashvara sighed silently.
.Bm -t penso
Fair revenge is fantastic, Father, but for now, the Xalyas, we have much more
pressing matters.
.Em
.P
He imagined him glaring at him, telling him to rack his brains and find a
way out. Telling him to thrust at the slavers if necessary.
.Sm -t paroles "Between slavery and death, I prefer death" ,
he had said once, full of pride. Dashvara thought the same… up to a certain
point. That is, up to the point that, when the time came to choose, he had to
make a decision.
.Bm -t penso
Well done, Dash, you've just discovered you're a coward. Good for you. It's
always a good thing to be aware of it. As you say yourself, the better one
knows himself, the better he feels and stands himself. Come on, confess it:
you're a coward.
.Em
.P
Dashvara closed his eyes. He could see nothing, anyway. In more normal
circumstances, he had no doubt Makarva would have asked him what had happened
to him during those past weeks. But the spirits were low, and even Dashvara's
arrival hadn't managed to get the patrols out of their grogginess. However,
long minutes later, Makarva broke the silence:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dash, are you there?
.Em
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where do you expect me to be, Mak?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I dunno. Perhaps you had gone to get the water bottle. I have the impression
your throat is dry.
.Em
.P
A broad grin furrowed Dashvara's face. Obviously, there was no water bottle.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That was my intention, but then I thought to myself, why, with so many clouds
there on the top, I even can't see the stars. And I thought: what's the use of
moving if Mak may bring it to me?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Haw! Keep sitting and waiting for your water bottle, you fool.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Okay then, I'll keep sitting and waiting. I'm sure it will get over here. Hope
springs eternal.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Bah!
.Em
Makarva protested joyfully.
.Bm -t dia
That expression is too common. Can't you find something better?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, let me think… ‘You never give up hoping what you hope even if while
hoping you feel hopeless’?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Better,
.Em
Makarva approved.
.Bm -t dia
Absurd, but better.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You're hopeless,
.Em
Lumon intervened.
.P
There were some amused chuckles. They didn't use to have those foolish
conversations in the captain's presence, but damned demons, the cell oozed
asphyxiation and bad humor, and the better they could do was trying to
brighten up the atmosphere. So they spent a long time teasing each other and
kidding. The Triplets got into the conversation, of course—those three boys,
cousins of Dashvara, had driven the Dungeon's Xalyas mad throughout their
childhood, and they joked more than they breathed. Between the five of them, they
ended up fantasizing they were playing katutas. Makarva managed to get Boron
into the game, but the Placid, as they called him, wasn't overly fond of
playing without a board.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Cheer up, Boron!
.Em
Makarva exclaimed.
.Bm -t dia
I don't have the loaded dice.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Even if you had them, Mak, we couldn't see the difference,
.Em
Miflin's voice commented.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Too smart, bro,
.Em
a teasing voice said.
.Bm -t dia
I bet my hair that Makarva has the dice.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
And you, who are you? Kodarah or Zamoy?
.Em
Makarva replied with a dry wit.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Kodarah, obviously,
.Em
Zamoy lied.
.P
There was a snort. The Maneman complained:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am Kodarah! And he is Zamoy. I have made no bet.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
What? He's just stolen my name! I've been Kodarah all my life,
.Em
Zamoy laughed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Now, okay, okay,
.Em
Dashvara muttered, feigning exasperation.
.Bm -t dia
This way we'll never go on. Whose turn is it?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yours,
.Em
Makarva said.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you sure?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
No, but since you have spoken, the turn is yours. Remember we haven't started
yet.
.Em
.P
Dashvara was about to respond, but Sashava cut him off in a bad-humored voice:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Give it a rest, boys. Your ridiculous games are starting to get on my nerves.
.Em
.P
The cell plunged into a startled silence. Sashava was not the captain, but
still, he was a patrol leader; and even if he was often in a rather gloomy
mood and lose his temper quite easily, he had always led his men masterfully,
and Dashvara admired him almost as much as captain Zorvun. Blushing, he
closed his mouth.
.Bm -t penso
All of us have lost parents, brothers, or children, and Sashava has just
reminded us of it with his usual tact. Like we need to be reminded…
.Em
.P
Suddenly, the captain intervened:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Let them go on talking, Sashava. They do nothing wrong. All they are doing
is enjoying the little freedom they have left: that is, talking. To be sure,
.Em
he added,
.Bm -t dia
they can also enjoy the best freedom of all: that is, thinking.
.Em
.P
Captain Zorvun returned to his stubborn silence, and the others did not dare
speak anymore. The silence grew heavy, solely interrupted by the noise of
chains and clearing throats. A long, long time later, during which Dashvara
began to doze awake, wishing to think only about the happiness of having found
his comrades again, he heard the squeaking sound of a key turning in the lock.
Dashvara jerked up, and his nerves went down in flames. He knew they were
coming to take him upstairs. Were they going to pick a comrade to torture
him and force him to sing? Even so, he wouldn't sing, he told himself,
convinced.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's him,
.Em
a voice said.
.P
He blinked, blinded by the torchlight. Some hands freed him from the metal
ring and got him up. He went out of the cell in dead silence.
.D
.Bm -t dia
This time you're going to talk, my friend,
.Em
Paopag told him, closing the door.
.Bm -t dia
And you will talk very loud so I can hear you clearly.
.Em
.P
Dashvara felt as if he had swallowed a bubble of compact air. He tried to
summon courage, but he only managed it half.
.P
They shoved him upstairs, and once in the room, they made him lie down again.
Or they attempted to do it, at least, because, at that moment, Dashvara
struggled like a possessed man. He knew it was useless, but he didn't want to
lie down there again. He didn't want to. Sometimes, when fear is stronger than
reason, you act foolishly and pointlessly. Paopag finally gave him a punch
right in his stomach, three of them got hold of him, undressed his trunk, and
chained him up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where's the doctor?
.Em
Paopag asked impatiently.
.D
.Bm -t dia
There he comes,
.Em
one of the men said in a tired voice.
.P
Tsu appeared before Dashvara's eyes. He looked nervous. He laid his effects on
the small table, drew out his black case, and put three thimbles on each
hand. Then he turned to the men Dashvara could not see, lying as he was with
his head almost completely immobilized.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Are you going to stay?
.Em
the drow asked.
.P
Paopag answered:
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's necessary. That damned Xalya must talk. If he doesn't, drow, you will
never be able to speak anymore, just like him, take my word for it.
.Em
.P
Dashvara perceived how Tsu's dark skin slightly faded. Nevertheless, the drow
nodded, quite inexpressive.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Okay then.
.Em
.P
When he approached Dashvara, only his eyes expressed compassion. But the
feeling was unmistakable.
.Bm -t penso
Why do you do something that disgusts you, Tsu? Is the fear of death really
capable of wrecking a person's soul to such a degree?
.Em
Dashvara saw the thimbles drawing closer, and he could feel the cold contact. He
clenched his jaw and looked at Tsu defiantly. I won't talk, he wanted to tell
him. Never.
.P
This promise did not prevent him from howling as loudly as a man can howl. Time
became blurred in his mind, torment never ended, and his mind began to shatter.
The doctor gave him a break for him to catch his breath, and Paopag asked him a
question. Dashvara knew what this one was about, but he preferred not to
listen to it. He preferred not to think about anything. Tsu sighed almost
imperceptibly, and he went on.
.P
Torture, among the Xalyas, was a practice they had never employed. If someone
was a criminal or a betrayer, he was sentenced to death. If he was a bandit,
he was punished by whipping. But they didn't torture a man. Not like that.
.P
Dashvara knew from Maloven that, in the southern lands, they tortured men to
get confessions. But he had never imagined something like that. Every time the
thimbles touched him, pain ravaged his mind, pouring into it as if in a
distorted chamber with no more room for more junks.
.P
Paopag questioned again, several times; and with his eyes and throat on fire,
Dashvara refused to answer again and again. If he had to die, he would. In any
case, that was probably the destiny they had ordained for him. He had killed
two Arviyag's men, after all, hadn't he? His thoughts were fraying; death was
close, very close. He could almost touch it, now. The wise men said that death
was just a stop-being. You must not fear it, though you must avoid it as long
as possible. But, to Dashvara, the possible made no sense anymore.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Put on one more thimble,
.Em
Paopag said. Frustration vibrated in his voice.
.Bm -t dia
We've already wasted too much time.
.Em
.P
Tsu swallowed saliva, and for a moment, he looked as if he was about to
protest. But he obeyed.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It won't kill him, will it?
.Em
Paopag suddenly asked as if concerned.
.P
Tsu shook his head.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't know. That depends on people.
.Em
.P
He stretched his hands… Then, Dashvara saw It. Death—empty, useless, absurd.
Dying didn't make sense. He only had to talk. He only had to make some
sounds. The world is large and full of people, he told himself with no
apparent logic. Besides, Rowyn is not stupid. He knows how to hide.
Azune too, doesn't she? They can look after themselves… What does it matter
what I say?
.P
No, he thought. He had to keep faith with his feather, however strong the wind
blew. He could bend but never fall completely. If he fell completely, how
could he rise again? How could he recover his Eternal Bird if it had fallen
into an abyss? He couldn't abandon hope. Hope, he repeated, his eyes bulging
as Tsu was laying firmly his hands on his shoulders. He met his unquiet gaze.
.P
.Bm -t penso
Hope, Dash. You have to feel it inside you… Hope to die without shaming
yourself. Hope, steppe lord. HOPE, DAMMIT!
.Em
.P
His mind shouted as strong as a battering ram. As if a latch had burst, as if
the walls themselves had rushed toward their enemy, collapsing under the
blows, Dashvara burst into tears like a child. Tsu withdrew his hands, not
even having done anything, but the Xalya barely noticed it. He felt shattered,
and he was sobbing in Oy'vat over and over:
.D
.Bm -t dia
I don't want to die… I don't want to die…
.Em
.P
He had risked his life many times. Against red nadres. Against savages,
scale-nefarious, bandits… He had been a man of the
.Sm Dahars .
A Xalya. But, now, a terrible certainty was overwhelming him; the selfsame
certainty that forces a man to admit how limited his endurance actually
is. The cruelest instinct had suddenly been unbound like a
jailed demon being freed, and like a lake full of poison, it
had spread in his mind, fouling everything in its path.
.D
.Bm -t dia
.Sm -t erare Aswur naytar!
.Em
he howled, crying like a lost soul.
.Bm -t dia
.Sm -t erare Aas…
.Em
he choked and then wailed:
.Bm -t dia
.Sm -t erare Aswur naytar.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
What the devil is he saying?
.Em
a voice asked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Water,
.Em
Dashvara finally stuttered in Common Tongue.
.Bm -t dia
I d-don't want to d-die.
.Em
.P
Paopag's face appeared in front of him, expressing relief.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Drow, bring water to the boy,
.Em
he ordered. Tsu obeyed, and Dashvara drank chokingly.
.Bm -t dia
Well then, Xalya,
.Em
Paopag went on in a gentle voice.
.Bm -t dia
Now you're going to talk, aren't you?
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded, his eyes blurred with tears. And while he was talking, a
small, sarcastic voice in his mind told him:
.Bm -t penso
Definitely proved, Dash: you are a coward.
.Em
.Ch "At Kroon's table"
One of the things Kroon most hated was being the last person to know what
was going on around him. He was the last person to know what had happened in
the slaver's house. The last person to learn that the Pearl Brotherhood's
headquarters had been attacked during the night by some hooded strangers. And
the last person to be aware that Sheroda had vanished and that her two
trustworthy bodyguards had been murdered. Kroon had always thought of them as
two great warriors. But even a great warrior may be defeated if a murderer
stabs him in his own bed.
.P
He raised a tired gaze around the table. Tildrin was propping up his head with
his hands, looking unusually mournful. Azune was splintering the table with a
knife, and for an instant, Kroon felt the urge to remind her that she was
spoiling
.Sm his
table, but he swallowed his words and turned to Rowyn. The “captain” of the band
looked as if he was suffering from brutal indigestion. His conscience—he had
said—had become as dirty as a canal of the city because he had abandoned the
barbarian while this one was saving his life. When Kroon had remarked that,
anyway, the barbarian probably hadn't a clear conscience either, the Duke had
looked daggers at him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, well, well,
.Em
the monk said suddenly. The others jumped in their seats.
.Bm -t dia
So we no longer have a Supreme. Any volunteer to replace her?
.Em
.P
Azune gave back a gloomy look at him.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Kroon, the Pearl Brotherhood is dead.
.Em
.P
Kroon shook his head slightly. He saw the room with a crystal-clear clarity
even though this one was, for the others, plunged in the dark. He had never
quite understood why the effects of that healing potion had
left him that way; but, honestly, finding out the reason
wasn't something he felt overly interested in.
.P
Dead, Azune had said. Yes, perhaps she was right, but what did it matter? It
was only a name.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The Duke, Tildrin, Axef, you, and me,
.Em
Kroon enumerated eloquently.
.Bm -t dia
No, Azu, the Pearl Brotherhood is not dead.
.Em
.P
Azune kept ruining his table wordlessly. Again, Kroon watched his three
companions, and he sighed, exasperated.
.D
.Bm -t dia
This is ridiculous,
.Em
he grumbled.
.Bm -t dia
You cannot keep that dejected look on your face. Like it's
the end of the world.
.Em
.P
Abruptly, the door opened, and Kroon lowered his eyes down to his missing
legs, avoiding light. When the door was finally closed, he looked at Axef's
smiling face with a squinted eye.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What of the boy?
.Em
he inquired.
.P
Axef furrowed his brow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What boy?
.Em
.P
Kroon croaked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Almogan Mazer, for the Divinity's sake!
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh. The boy. Do you really want to know? He was still there when I left him.
Alive, but in despair, unless he was furious. Yes, he was too. Not dead, I
think. He threw the lamp in my face. That is, he attempted
to. Luckily, he didn't manage to grasp it; otherwise, he
would've actually thrown it. The boy,
.Em
he repeated with an ironic smile.
.P
Kroon joined his hands in relief.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Good. What are those voices behind the door?
.Em
he asked.
.P
Axef's smile widened.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Some people. They just wanted to follow me. I think it is because they like
Orange,
.Em
he added, looking down over his tunic.
.Bm -t dia
Or perhaps it is simply a coincidence.
.Em
.P
Immediately, they all tensed up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Whom you brought?
.Em
Azune asked.
.Bm -t dia
Open the door.
.Em
.P
Axef opened it and waved the outside people inside. Kroon saw five people
coming in: a man with a hat, a woman with generous curves, and three young
ladies. Azune snorted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What are you doing here?
.Em
.P
The Shalussi barbarian took off his hat like a gentleman before answering:
.D
.Bm -t dia
We've come to help.
.Em
.P
The Duke, Azune, Tildrin, and Kroon stared at him, not knowing exactly how to
react to such an absurd statement. At last, Kroon said:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Help, huh? Sit down, barbarian, though I have no idea how you can help us.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Where's the shadow?
.Em
Azune inquired. Kroon noticed that the half-elf's eyes had rested on a bag
that one of the Xalyas was carrying. The bag was hanging down, almost empty.
.D
.Bm -t dia
He's gone,
.Em
the barbarian girl whispered in a soft voice.
.Bm -t dia
He said he was going to save Dash.
.Em
.P
Neither she nor Azune commented anything else. Kroon still hardly believed
that a shadow had been following the barbarian. Well, he did know that those
creatures existed, but… he couldn't help recalling what was said of them:
they were evil, brought bad luck, were insidious and deceitful… Bah. If the
little monster was gone to look for the barbarian, so much the better.
.P
All of them sat down, including Axef, who seemed to be the only one a bit
enthusiastic. Kroon wondered why.
.D
.Bm -t dia
First off, what were your names again?
.Em
he demanded.
.Bm -t dia
My memory is not as it used to be.
.Em
.P
They introduced themselves: Rokuish, Zaadma, Fayrah, Lessi, and Aligra. The
first one was nervous, the second looked thoughtful, Fayrah's and Lessi's eyes
were glittering, and Aligra wore the expression of a murderous night owl.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Well, well, well,
.Em
Kroon said.
.Bm -t dia
So you are the one who saved the Duke from the slavers, huh, barbarian?
.Em
Rokuish shrugged modestly. Kroon looked at the young woman beside him.
.Bm -t dia
And you are the owner of the thief lantern.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I am not the owner,
.Em
Zaadma replied, producing the notorious disk.
.Bm -t dia
Let me say it clearly: I don't belong to the Dream Brotherhood. This lantern
does not belong to me but an old partner of mine. Besides—
.Em
.P
Kroon interrupted her by holding up a hand. The way Zaadma talked, it
was clear she was an incurable talker, and he had a pointed lack of patience
towards the people afflicted with verbosity.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thank you for the clarifications,
.Em
he emphasized.
.Bm -t dia
And now, tell us you guys, how do you want to help us?
.Em
.P
Rokuish cleared his throat.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Those slavers…
.Em
.P
Kroon cut him off.
.D
.Bm -t dia
We've already had enough problems with those slavers. We don't want to get
deeper into trouble. If you really want to help us, give us gold: our Supreme
has run off, and as for our patron, she will probably not want to have anything
to do with us anymore. Actually, only the Supreme used to deal with her. Hey,
barbarian, do you really want to help us? Or are you expecting to find more
hands to try to save your friend, the barbarian? Assuming he's still alive.
.Em
.P
The steppe people turned pale, and the Duke clenched his fist.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Kroon!
.Em
he bellowed.
.Bm -t dia
That barbarian, as you said, was a good man.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes, I do believe he was,
.Em
Kroon approved with a sudden certainty.
.Bm -t dia
But we cannot save all the good men of this world, Duke. The slavers have
proved to be smarter than we are. Now it's time to accept the defeat and
go back to healthier habits. Your dear Dashvara has betrayed us, Duke.
.Em
.P
Rowyn went white, but he said nothing. In the silence, Azune was jabbing her
knife into the table, looking unaware of what she was doing. Then, one of the
Xalyas, Fayrah, shook her head briskly.
.D
.Bm -t dia
No,
.Em
she said.
.Bm -t dia
My brother has not betrayed you. He would never betray anyone,
.Em
she affirmed.
.P
Her friend Lessi approved with a nod, looking at them all with conviction.
Aligra, after a second of hesitation, confirmed the assertion. They did
believe so. Brave barbarian girls. Kroon was too old to have faith like them.
He couldn't think of another possibility: the barbarian had sung.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It doesn't matter,
.Em
he finally muttered.
.Bm -t dia
Anyhow, the slavers discovered the Supreme, and the Brotherhood has one foot
in the abyss. We cannot afford to take more risks right now.
.Em
.P
As if he had taken any risk himself, he thought sarcastically. The Duke
smashed his fist down on the table in an unusual outburst, and he half got up.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If he's still alive, we're not going to let him in the claws of those
ruffians,
.Em
he thundered.
.Bm -t dia
And if he's dead, we're not going to let him die in vain.
.Em
.P
Kroon stifled a sigh. The Duke was capable of committing the craziest things
when he was in that knightly mood of his.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Then, what do you suggest?
.Em
he murmured in a level voice.
.P
Rowyn's jaw clenched.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I suggest freeing Dazbon from the slavers once and for all.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh. Yes. A wonderful idea,
.Em
Kroon approved mildly.
.Bm -t dia
And what's the plan? To fight to the death? To poison them by stealth? Or
to beg them to go away and bring us back the corpse of our dearest barbarian?
.Em
.P
Bitterness tinged Kroon's mild tone. Not surprisingly, the Duke resumed his
seat, looking dispirited. Kroon noticed how Fayrah quickly wiped her misted
eyes. He didn't mean to discourage anybody, he told himself with a sigh. But
things are the way they are, and of course they weren't going to carry out any
crazy plan now that the slavers were on a war footing… Kroon was about to open
his mouth to inform the barbarians and the thief woman that they were free to
go away, just when a distant clap of thunder rolled, loud, very loud.
.P
A startled silence fell all over Dazbon.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What happened?
.Em
Azune asked, standing up to draw near the window.
.P
Kroon averted his eyes, letting out a grumble of protest when the daylight
poured into the room. There was no storm. Hell, in theory, there were no
claps of thunder if there was no storm, right? All rushed outwards, except
Kroon, of course. And except Axef. The monk looked at the disintegrator
through the slits of his eyelids.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What do you laugh at, Axef?
.Em
.P
This one was filing his nails with dedication, a demoniac smile on his face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Why am I laughing, Kroon?
.Em
He interrupted his movements, and when he raised his eyes, these were
glinting.
.Bm -t dia
I don't know. Are you sure I am laughing?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's the Bastion!
.Em
a voice exclaimed outside.
.Bm -t dia
The big tower has just collapsed!
.Em
.P
Kroon frowned with a nasty feeling.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What have you done, Axef?
.Em
.P
The disintegrator was not laughing. He was smiling, but not laughing. He
responded calmly:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't worry, there was nobody inside. I have just destroyed the machine. My
machine. I had to do it someday, don't you think, Kroon?
.Em
.P
Kroon had not the slightest idea of what that madman was talking about. He
knew that Axef had studied in the Bastion. He knew that something serious had
happened there and that the celmist had been expelled for that reason. He had
never heard of any machine.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You've also destroyed the tower,
.Em
he whispered, flustered.
.P
Axef nodded.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes. Unless it was no tower but something much worst. If only the whole
Bastion could blow up. But there are people inside. And I am not a murderer.
Kroon,
.Em
he added after a silence.
.Bm -t dia
Do you think he really sang?
.Em
.P
Kroon raised an eyebrow at the sudden change of subject.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I…
.Em
He shrugged.
.Bm -t dia
Does it actually matter, Axef? I don't think he sang of his own free will.
.Em
.P
Axef shook his head with sadness.
.D
.Bm -t dia
We all sing of our own free will. But you're right: it doesn't matter. What
shall we do now?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
I have a suggestion.
.Em
An unknown voice resounded next to the door, exactly where
Kroon was taking care not to look at.
.P
The Pearl Brother's voices, outside, hollered.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hey! Who the hell do you think you are?
.Em
Azune burst out.
.Bm -t dia
Get out of our house at once!
.Em
.P
Kroon heard someone clearing his throat as if amused, and he discerned the
silhouette of a hooded man. At that very moment, he revealed his face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
They call me Cobra, I'm with the Dream Brotherhood, and I come here to propose
an accord and a reward.
.Em
.P
As he spoke, he had walked through the room, and he stopped a few steps away
from Kroon, peering at him with a blatant gaze.
.D
.Bm -t dia
May I?
.Em
he asked, at last, pointing to a bottle set on the table.
.P
Kroon made a face.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You may, damned thief.
.Em
.P
Cobra made a smiling grimace and grasped the bottle. He took a sip while the
other ones were going back to their seats, looking wary. He wiped his mouth
with his sleeve, and he patted Kroon on the shoulder.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Thanks. We know each other, don't we?
.Em
.P
Kroon's eye was fastened on his face. Yes, he knew him by sight. He would
have never been able to forget the day when the Order of Sifra had gotten
their hands on the thief. At the time, Kroon was still serving as a
dragon-monk in Dazbon, and he was punished for neglecting his duty when Cobra
had managed to escape before the cohorts arrived to catch him. That was why he
had been sent to the border, to fight the orcs. And that was why he had lost
his legs.
.P
Cobra grinned.
.D
.Bm -t dia
You look better than the last time.
.Em
.P
Kroon mumbled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Get to the point. Why do you come over here, in an honest people's house?
.Em
.P
Cobra shook his head and went to sit down too, at the opposite head of the
table.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Am I glad to see you, dear,
.Em
he said as he passed by Zaadma. This one had turned pale.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Answer, you scoundrel,
.Em
Azune hissed.
.P
But Cobra took his time. He smiled at each one, asked them to introduce
themselves, behaved like a perfect gentleman, and then, when the nerves were
about to burst, he stated:
.D
.Bm -t dia
We are all honest people. Yes,
.Em
he added, looking at them again.
.Bm -t dia
All of us without exception. And I think we're going to come to an agreement
very quickly. Your Supreme is with me.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You've captured her!
.Em
the Duke called out.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Don't be ridiculous. That woman is the one who's captured all of us,
.Em
Cobra replied with a small smile.
.Bm -t dia
And now, being serious, your Supreme had decided to ally herself to the Dream
Brotherhood and to work together. Our objectives, after all, aren't opposed.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Oh, really?
.Em
Azune replied with a skeptical grimace.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Really. You fight slavery. I rob traffickers. Your Supreme will explain
it to you much better than I could. She has talked to me about you all. I
admire your dedication and your commitment. And I am willing to ally my
Brotherhood to yours. I warn you: I am not an idealist. I fight for people's
happiness—not for their freedom.
.Em
He smiled.
.Bm -t dia
I don't demand you to think likewise, of course, but if we are going to work
together against the slave trade, it's necessary to understand each other. You
want to find documents accusing the slavers in Dazbon. So be it. I will lend
you a hand. But don't rush. That kind of matter must be carried out calmly. If
it turns out well, that's fine. If not, you have to opt for another way.
Unless you want to end up like the Philosopher, that Xalya friend of yours.
.Em
.P
The Duke choked.
.D
.Bm -t dia
How do you know he's dead?
.Em
.P
Cobra raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I do not know. In fact, I can confirm the contrary. Well, at least, he was
still alive last night when they have embarked them.
.Em
.P
For some seconds, his words were meaningless to all of them.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Embarked?
.Em
the Shalussi barbarian echoed, at last, squeezing his hat nervously.
.P
Cobra grinned, not looking affected at all.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes, embarked, that's what I said. The ship with the slaves has cast off in
the direction of Titiaka. I bet it's the first time in all history that
twenty-three Xalyas go to sea.
.Em
.P
Kroon opened his mouth and then closed it. He shrugged. So the barbarian had
cheated death. Smart boy. Before anyone could really react, Cobra rose and
announced:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Now, my friends, hurry up and evacuate this place. The slavers have discovered
your refuge, and in this case, I think that what betrayed you all wasn't
precisely the Xalya but rather your lack of precautions.
.Em
.P
Some of them got up quite hastily. Kroon let out a curse. Three days had
already passed since the attack against the headquarters, and as they had not
detected any espionage around the Refuge, they had finally returned to this one…
Perhaps a bit too early, Kroon had to admit it. But, hell, it was
.Sm his house ,
after all…
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hold on a minute,
.Em
Azune intervened.
.Bm -t dia
Are you proposing that we work with a gang of thieves?
.Em
.P
Rubbing his cheek, Cobra smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes, indeed. Any objection?
.Em
.Ch "Freedom"
.Bm -t penso
Each and every one of those men knows.
.Em
.P
Dashvara scrapped the bottom of the wooden bowl with his spoon and gulped the
last garfias.
.P
.Bm -t penso
That's the little family I have left, and what a disastrous impression I made
on them.
.Em
.P
.Bm -t penso
Pathetic. But such is life, Dash, and as you often say: you must accept
your actions. Even if you don't want to admit it, if you have betrayed your
friends, you have betrayed them. The logic is quite simple. As for your
remorse, you can do without.
.Em
.P
Still, his comrades, sitting in the ship hold, didn't look at him with scorn
or disapproval. They had heard the screams—according to Makarva. And, in some
secret corner of their mind, all of them had wished that Dashvara talked.
According to Makarva.
.P
The captain's gaze did not express disdain either. Actually, it expressed nothing
at all. Captain Zorvun had not uttered a word since he had advised his men to
just meditate. Apparently, he had a lot of things to think about. On the
contrary, Dashvara was beginning to fear his own thoughts dreadfully.
.Bm -t penso
That's the next step: first they break you down, and then they persuade you that,
deep down, you have always been a disguised scoundrel.
.Em
.P
They heard the hatch creaking, and then a slaver's footsteps. It was
Paopag. Unlike Arviyag, he wasn't dressed elegantly. He was a warrior… or
rather an assassin. He had stabbed Almogan Mazer from behind. He was a great
knight, for sure. Once downstairs, the Diumcilian man ordered calmly:
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ten Xalyas stand up. You're going to go up on deck and get some fresh air.
.Em
.P
Dashvara had no intention to stand up, but Makarva stretched a hand to lift
him to his feet.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Now, now, brother, don't let yourself fall,
.Em
he murmured.
.P
Dashvara nodded, and when Paopag began to free them from their feet chains, he
was about to commit a folly, but he controlled himself. Fighting in a ship
full of Diumcilians was a desperate action, and now Dashvara knew better than
anyone how stupid a desperate man can be.
.P
Paopag guided the ten hands-tied Xalyas to the stairs.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Going up,
.Em
he said.
.P
When Dashvara passed by him, the slaver made a slight grimace that looked like
a smile. To his surprise, he extended a hand. Well, more like, he was handing
him a small, wooden box.
.D
.Bm -t dia
They're yours, Xalya.
.Em
.P
Quivering, Dashvara took Hadriks's gift with his tied hands. The cards were
in it. He nearly said, “Thanks”, but he swallowed the word in time, amazed.
How could he thank a man who had watched him while Tsu was torturing him?
Eh, how could he? Or was it that he had stooped so low that he was now capable
of thanking his enemies for the leftovers they were giving to him after
destroying his dignity?
.P
.Bm -t penso
Damn it.
.Em
.P
He noticed Makarva's inquiring look, but he gave him a mere nod. On the deck,
the wind brightened him up, and when he saw the landscape, he remained awestruck
for long minutes. They were surrounded by water, and the ocean stretched
endlessly on the four horizons. For an instant, he felt free. Infinitely
small, but free.
.P
Then he looked down at his tied hands, and reality seemed less
terrible.
.Bm -t penso
We are not free, brothers, no: but we will someday,
.Em
he thought.
.P
He observed Makarva, leaning against the ship's edge. The Xalya's expression
reflected a sheer fascination. His eyes were shining like two Moons. Dashvara
smiled, and he went beside him as the other Xalyas scattered over the deck.
All of them had their eyes fixed on that vast ocean.
.D
.Bm -t dia
At long last, you see it such as it is, Makarva,
.Em
Dashvara said in Oy'vat after a silence.
.Bm -t dia
Satisfied or disappointed?
.Em
.P
Makarva made a thoughtful face without averting his eyes from the horizon.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Neither,
.Em
he responded.
.Bm -t dia
Simply impressed.
.Em
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Impressed? Is that all? After having devoured all the books we had about the
sea?
.Em
.P
Makarva smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Mm… As the shaard used to say, sometimes you set your dreams just for having
one. And the hardest thing is when you live them out, because then you don't
know what to do next,
.Em
he quoted.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Ah! That's Maloven all over,
.Em
Dashvara replied.
.P
He could feel a strange calmness overwhelming him as if, in that ship lost in
the midst of nowhere, the chains were less heavy. There beside Makarva, he
almost felt as if he were back at home.
.D
.Bm -t dia
That old man used to talk tremendous nonsense,
.Em
Makarva admitted,
.Bm -t dia
but sometimes he spoke truths.
.Em
.P
.Sm -t penso Yes, he did ,
Dashvara agreed inside him. And he contradicted himself all the time when he
spoke. But not when he acted. Maloven had always acted according to his
Eternal Bird, even though he didn't manage to explain It very well to the
Xalya children. During all those lessons, the shaard had taught Dashvara to be
generous towards his brothers, to be cautious towards strangers, to be a
knight of the
.Sm Dahars .
And Dashvara had learned nothing. He had made his principles his own, deeming
them good. He had created his own rules, as befitted a good Xalya. And with
that, he had built a small fortress inside him, trusting nobody would shatter
it…
.\" had adopted his principles as his own
.P
.Bm -t penso
Everyone learns from his mistakes, Dashvara. Now you know that you must be
cautious not only towards strangers. The greatest danger comes from
yourself. You who talked so much about falling feathers, you haven't even been
able to keep yours safe. But never mind. What's done is done, and while I
am at breaking laws, I only have to believe that the feather has straightened
up again, and that does it… right? Yes, I already start thinking like a true
bastard: as soon as I make a mistake, I ignore it and try to forget it as the
worst scoundrel of all. Stunningly honest. Upright. And practical as all get
out. No doubt the Duke and Azune would approve my reasoning with a round of
applause. That is if they are still alive.
.Em
.P
Makarva gestured with his head, recalling him from his thoughts.
.D
.Bm -t dia
What's that box Paopag has given you?
.Em
he asked curiously.
.P
Dashvara lowered his gaze to the box and gave a hint of a smile.
.D
.Bm -t dia
It's a gift from that Dazbonish boy I told you about.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Hadriks?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Aye. They are ‘sailor cards’,
.Em
he said, switching to Common Tongue. He had not denounced Hadriks in that
room, had he? He could not have sworn to it, but he believed he hadn't.
.Bm -t penso
Or perhaps you just want to believe you haven't.
.Em
.P
Makarva's interest doubled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Sailor cards? You mean a deck of cards?
.Em
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
I think it will keep you busy during the whole journey,
.Em
he joked.
.P
Makarva gave him a teasing look, and Dashvara guessed that his friend felt
relieved to see him a bit more cheerful; the first days after the torture
had been hard. Then, his eyes turned to the sea.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Dash,
.Em
he said earnestly.
.Bm -t dia
Tell me, aren't you worried about the captain's mood?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Bah. He has always been a bit taciturn.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Mph.
.Em
Makarva cast him a skeptical glance.
.Bm -t dia
He has barely spoken a word in three weeks. And those last days, he has said
nothing at all. Precisely, when he is in a bad mood, he speaks and mutters.
And this time, he doesn't.
.Em
.P
Dashvara did not answer at once. It was clear that the captain was dying within
himself, and that worried him as much as Makarva. But he couldn't do much. If
he had tried to console him, the captain would have suggested he went plant
grass in the desert.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Maybe he's thinking about a way to get all of us out of here,
.Em
he finally said.
.P
Makarva smiled.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes. Maybe. Surely, if he cannot do it, nobody can.
.Em
.P
Dashvara nodded, pensive. Makarva was probably right.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Xalyas, get in line!
.Em
Paopag suddenly thundered.
.P
Makarva and Dashvara turned around and approached the slaver. The fresh air
had invigorated them all, and the Xalyas were talking to each other
cheerfully.
.Sm -t penso "For an instant, they seem to have forgotten about their chains" ,
Dashvara thought. He was about to go downstairs when he met Tsu's gaze. The
drow was sitting on the steps that led to the prow. After torturing him, he
had examined him painstakingly on the order of Arviyag so as to make sure that
Dashvara hadn't suffered any irreparable harm. He had been working for
hours, and after noticing that he no longer felt that constant shooting
pain in the chest, Dashvara suspected Tsu of having done something more than
healing the damages he might have caused in his inner energies. He didn't
know exactly why, but he gave him a nod to greet him before going down back
into the hold.
.P
Once down, they chained them up again, and the thirteen remaining Xalyas stood
up to go up on deck… except for the captain. This one did not move. Dashvara
caught Makarva's unquiet gaze when Paopag walked toward Zorvun.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Stand up, captain,
.Em
the slaver told him.
.Bm -t dia
You'll see how the air will perk you up.
.Em
.P
There was a note of respect in his voice.
.P
Respect? Dashvara peered at him in disbelief. Were slavers really able to feel
respect towards their slaves? Very slowly, captain Zorvun stood up. His eyes,
surrounded by dark rings, were frightening. He stepped toward the stairs, and
for a minute, Dashvara was afraid of meeting his gaze. Did he know? he
wondered abruptly. Had Lord Vifkan told him about what he aimed for by saving
his firstborn son? He shook his head slightly.
.Sm -t penso Do I really still care about that at this juncture?
Then, the captain stopped.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Man of Diumcili,
.Em
he croaked in a hoarse voice.
.Bm -t dia
Answer me. What are you going to do with us?
.Em
.P
It wasn't the first time that one of the Xalyas asked Paopag about that, but
this one had never answered. To their utter amazement, this time, he
responded:
.D
.Bm -t dia
You are warriors, aren't you, captain? Well then, as warriors you will serve.
.Em
.P
The answer wasn't as bad as Dashvara had expected. The captain just nodded
thoughtfully before following the rest of the Xalyas. When the hatch closed
again, Makarva let out a chuckle.
.D
.Bm -t dia
This Paopag has forgotten the lantern. Where are those cards?
.Em
.P
Dashvara doubted that Paopag had really overlooked the detail: he had more
probably done it on purpose. Some fit of kindness, perhaps?
.P
In the hold, their feet were chained, but their hands were not. Dashvara took
out the cards, and as Boron was on the other side and could not get close
enough to them, he asked his neighbor on the left to join them. His name was
Sedrios. Even before Dashvara had started the patrol rounds at fourteen age,
they called him the Old Man. He wasn't really old actually—he was eighty years
old at most—but his hair was already completely white like snow, and they
thought of him as a wise man. Even the captain consulted him sometimes.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If I have to play, I need to know the rules,
.Em
Sedrios warned with a slight smile as Dashvara was dealing the cards.
.D
.Bm -t dia
The rules?
.Em
Dashvara echoed playfully, feigning incomprehension.
.Bm -t dia
Since when do we play following the rules?
.Em
.P
Makarva was looking at his cards, intensely interested.
.D
.Bm -t dia
If you want to not follow the rules, brother, you have to know them before,
.Em
he remarked wisely.
.Bm -t dia
What's that figure with the red hat?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
A Senator.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Do real Senators have red hats?
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
You got me there. No idea. I've never seen one. Wait, let me think…
.Em
Dashvara paused.
.Bm -t dia
I don't even remember the rules.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Great,
.Em
Makarva laughed.
.Bm -t dia
Why not think them up?
.Em
.P
Dashvara bit his lips, attempting to remember out loud what Hadriks had
explained to him. He finally managed to recall the main things. For the rest,
they improvised. They were going to play the first serious hand when the
Xalyas on the deck returned. Captain Zorvun passed by them… and halted.
Dashvara returned his gaze with apprehension. There was no despair nor sadness in
the captain's dark eyes: there was pride. A pride much more deeply embedded than
that of any Xalya present here. How did they succeed in imprisoning you alive,
Zorvun? Dashvara wondered, perhaps for the twentieth time. He didn't manage to
accept the idea that the captain could have preferred to be a slave rather
than to die. A weakness, perhaps? Dashvara berated himself.
.Sm -t penso A thief believes everybody steals .
.P
He thought that the captain was going to pass by without a word, but then this
one spoke, in a deep, calm voice, loud enough to be heard by everyone in the
hold.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Xalyas, don't get discouraged. As long as we stay together, everything will be
all right.
.Em
.P
For some secret reason, his tone soothed the spirits. The patrols nodded,
including Dashvara; everyone was relieved to see that the captain looked, at
last, more alive than dead. Zorvun said nothing more, but the corners of his
lips rose slightly. When he went back to his place, Dashvara followed him
with his gaze.
.P
.Bm -t penso
I wish I were like you, captain,
.Em
he thought suddenly.
.Bm -t penso
You are a true Xalya. As my father was, but he had a heart of stone, and
sometimes he was too obsessed with honor. But you're otherwise—you care
about your men. About your folk. About what really matters.
.Em
He looked down at his cards with a gladdening certainty in his heart. A man
couldn't amend his past mistakes, but he could avoid those
of the future. He took a deep breath.
.Bm -t penso
I swear I won't disappoint you ever again, captain Zorvun. I swear it.
.Em
He hesitated, and he rectified out of his chronic cautiousness:
.Bm -t penso
Or at least I will try.
.Em
.D
.Bm -t dia
Your turn, Dash,
.Em
Makarva said.
.D
.Bm -t dia
Yes,
.Em
Dashvara answered, waking up. He took a glance at the played card.
.Bm -t dia
It's my turn.
.Em