.\" vim:spell spelllang=en
.Ch -nonum "Characters"
Zorvun (65 yo), Morzif (51), Maef (37), Ged (58), Orafe
(32), Taw (64), Shurta (43), Sashava (71), Sedrios (83),
Boron (34), Kaldaka (40), Pik (40), Atok (33), Maltagwa
(61), Lumon (36), Dashvara (23), Makarva (25), Arvara (39),
Miflin (20), Kodarah (20), Zamoy (20), Alta (35), Tsu (42
ans), Atsan Is Fadul (22), Sirk Is Rhad (30), Shokr Is Set
(53), Sinta, Alta's cousin (18), Myhraïn, Alta's cousin
(19), Watsy, Boron's sister (17), Shkarah, Ged's daughter
(23), Dwin, Sashava's granddaughter (20), Aligra (19),
Shivara (6), Yira (20), Raxifar d'Akinoa (28), Zefrek de
Shalussi (22)
.P Sajits:
Sajits (a group of twenty humanoid races) live an average
of 120 years.
.P Measurements:
One Diumcilian mile is equivalent to 1.5 kilometers. One
step is equal to 0.7 meter. One foot equals 0.3 meter.
.Ch The Pirate Island
A knife scraped the wood in the afternoon silence. By the
stone parapet from which the whole pirate city could be
seen, the Xalyas were lazing about after a day of working
with the islanders. Arvara and the captain lay on their
backs on the grass, enjoying the last rays of sunlight as
they slept. Sitting at the foot of an oak tree, Shkarah,
Ged's daughter, was teaching Shivara to tie sailor's knots,
and Makarva had come over to listen to the lessons with
obvious interest. Settled on the steps of Atasiag's house,
Lumon was chatting quietly with the Great Sage Shokr Is Set.
.P
Dashvara smiled as he continued to carve. In just two days,
the Great Sage had become the new clan shaard by unanimous
consent. He was not as learned as Maloven in some matters,
but he certainly knew how to tell stories and it was
invigorating to hear him quote sayings of the ancient
steppian sages. When he listened to his words, Dashvara felt
transported back to the steppe, and for a moment, he forgot
everything.
.D
.Bdia
Dash,
.Edia
Tsu said suddenly.
.P
The drow was sitting next to him, on the parapet. His eyes
were lost on the horizon. The clouds blazed like fire swords
in the sunset and made his reddish eyes shine. After a
silence, Dashvara raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bdia
What is it, Tsu?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I was just thinking,
.Edia
he murmured without taking his eyes off the ocean.
.Bdia
Do you think I'm the first Xalya drow in history?
.Edia
.P
A smile had appeared on his face. Dashvara laughed softly.
.D
.Bdia
It's likely. Just as I am the first Xalya lord in history to
have an entire clan confined to an island lost in the middle
of the Pilgrim Ocean.
.Edia
.P
Tsu gave him an amused look.
.D
.Bdia
I suppose, then, that my uniqueness can be accepted without
problems.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara sensed a slight doubt in his voice and looked at
him with surprise.
.D
.Bdia
Of course it is accepted. You know well one of our Dahars'
maxims: as long as you accept our Eternal Birds, then we
accept yours. Whether one is a drow, a baldy, or an idiot,
it does not matter.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Of course,
.Edia
Tsu muttered. Serenity reflected on his usually inexpressive
face as he resumed his contemplation of the darkening
clouds.
.P
Dashvara shook his head and returned to his piece of wood.
After a moment, he made a final touch and said:
.D
.Bdia
Shivara!
.Edia
.P
The boy leapt to his feet and left Shkarah in the middle of
explaining a knot.
.D
.Bdia
Go on, please,
.Edia
Makarva said, pleading with the girl.
.Bdia
It's fascinating.
.Edia
.P
With a small, half-joking, half-mocking smile, Shkarah
continued as Shivara ran towards Dashvara.
.D
.Bdia
Did you finish it? Did you finish it?
.Edia
Shivara asked, jumping up and down.
.P
Dashvara raised a hand.
.D
.Bdia
Patience, little Xalya. You should have thanked Shkarah for
her lessons before you ran off like an ilawatelk.
.Edia
.P
Shivara opened his mouth and blushed.
.D
.Bdia
So… you're not going to give me the top?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
What the hell did I make it for if not to give it to you,
you little demon?
.Edia
.P
He handed him the toy, and Shivara's eyes widened with
excitement. He examined it for a moment before taking a few
steps away. He set it on the parapet and spun it around.
.Bpenso
Very bad idea,
.Epenso
Dashvara growled as he rushed over. He reacted too late: the
top went over the edge. Shivara was left speechless and pale.
.D
.Bdia
S-Sorry,
.Edia
he stammered.
.D
.Bdia
Shivara!
.Edia
Morzif barked, flabbergasted, from a few feet away.
.P
Shivara wanted to climb the parapet to see where the top had
fallen, and Dashvara caught him with a grunt.
.D
.Bdia
It's one thing to throw a top, kid, and another to throw
yourself with it.
.Edia
He glanced down and grimaced,
.Bdia
Demons, I think you sent it right over.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Right over what, Dash?
.Edia
Zamoy inquired, curious. He was sitting with his brothers
and with Alta's cousins a little further away, but obviously
they had all noticed the foolishness Shivara had just done.
.P
Dashvara met the eyes of a man in dark clothes walking up
the ramp. He winced again and finally replied:
.D
.Bdia
Atasiag's head.
.Edia
.P
In fact, the federate was massaging his head. He really
hadn't had any luck. Dashvara spoke aloud:
.D
.Bdia
Are you all right, Eminence?
.Edia
.P
He was accompanied by Yira as well as Zaon and Len, two of
his most loyal thieves. The twins looked at the Xalyas with
annoyed eyes. Without answering, Atasiag continued forward,
and Dashvara pulled Shivara by the hand to approach the top
of the ramp. When he reached the plaza of his home, the
Titiaka wore a stern expression.
.D
.Bdia
Attempting to murder me with a spinning top, Philosopher?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Me? Bah. The kid was just practicing. I mean, practicing
playing with the top,
.Edia
he clarified.
.Bdia
Hmm. Did it hurt?
.Edia
.P
Atasiag rolled his eyes and handed the toy to the child.
.D
.Bdia
I do hope that's the last time you practice spinning top
throwing, boy.
.Edia
.P
Shivara took up his spinning top, red as a garfia. Before he
walked away, Dashvara held him back.
.D
.Bdia
Hey, kid. Don't walk away from us. Say sorry.
.Edia
.P
Shivara swallowed.
.D
.Bdia
Sorry, Eminence,
.Edia
he threw out hastily.
.Bdia
I didn't mean to throw the top at you. It got away from me.
Sorry.
.Edia
.P
He looked genuinely contrite. Atasiag smiled and ruffled his
hair.
.D
.Bdia
Forgiven. As long as it doesn't happen again.
.Edia
.P
Shivara smiled ear to ear, nodded, and ran off to a safer
place to spin his top.
.D
.Bdia
How was the day, Eminence?
.Edia
Dashvara asked.
.P
Atasiag shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
Pretty quiet. The meetings with the pirates are even more
boring than the Council meetings. Aside from some dagger
stuck in the table for show and some conversation that has
little to do with business… it's all idealistic blather. The
only time they become reasonable is when they talk about
stuff actually related to Matswad. Whether to expand the
wharf, whether to improve the defenses, whether the hunting
permits aren't strict enough… The worst part is that they
never agree, so I always come away from those meetings
feeling like I didn't do anything. But who cares, after all,
it's their island. Let them do what they want with it. I've
already warned them that as long as they only attack slave
ships, the Dream Brotherhood will continue to support them.
Deep down, they are good people. So, Philosopher? Aren't
you going to ask me the question?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked at him, bewildered. Then he remembered that,
lately, whenever Atasiag came back from the harbor, he'd ask
him if he knew when they were finally going to leave the
island and sail for Dazbon. He huffed.
.D
.Bdia
Frankly, why ask? I already know the answer. One day,
Philosopher, one day. Or: Patience, Philosopher. Don't
pester me, philosopher. Enough, Philosopher. You're a pain
in the ass, philosopher…
.Edia
.P
Atasiag laughed, Yira's eyes smiled, and Dashvara fell
silent, half-amused and half-exasperated.
.D
.Bdia
You can be quite a pest sometimes, Philosopher,
.Edia
Atasiag admitted.
.Bdia
But I assure you, if you were to ask me the question today,
the answer would be a little different.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara felt his heart skip a beat. He glanced at his
people before looking at Atasiag with anxious eyes.
.D
.Bdia
Really? So… when are we leaving the island?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
You'll sail for Dazbon the day after tomorrow, Philosopher.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara hissed through his teeth, and immediately, a smile
lit up his face. A Xalya echoed the response, and soon
everyone heard the news.
.D
.Bdia
Demons, Eminence. And… are we all going together? I mean,
are you coming with us?
.Edia
.P
Atasiag smiled.
.D
.Bdia
What if I did?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow.
.D
.Bdia
Well… I'd be glad, of course. And I'd enjoy it even more if
you'd come with us to the steppe. Really,
.Edia
he insisted casually,
.Bdia
it would do you good to gallop across the plains and leave
your stuff about slaves and thieves and pirates behind for a
while…
.Edia
.P
Atasiag's serene laughter interrupted him.
.D
.Bdia
I'm afraid that's not possible. I have too much business to
attend to. Among other things, returning to Titiaka as soon
as Lanamiag has recovered enough, and returning all these young
people to their families. I only hope the trip to Dazbon
doesn't make Lan's condition worse.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked embarrassed.
.D
.Bdia
Is he better?
.Edia
he asked. He didn't know much about the two young
Legitimates: both lived in the north wing of the house with
their companions, and they never came out. Atasiag had
warned them that they were on a pirate island and that
pirates didn't take kindly to Titiaka citizens. According to
Lessi, Kuriag Dikaksunora spent his days reading books lent
to him by his generous host. As for Fayrah, she watched over
Lanamiag Korfu day and night without ever leaving his room.
.D
.Bdia
Better, I think,
.Edia
Atasiag replied.
.Bdia
But he still hasn't gotten up. Anyway, can you warn Kuriag?
I need to get a number of things in order before we board.
If anything happens or if Kuriag has any questions, tell him
I'll be in my office.
.Edia
.P
He walked away towards the house, and Shokr Is Set and Lumon
stepped aside to let him and his two thieves pass. Dashvara
turned to Yira. He guessed that she too was looking forward
to leaving this island, though perhaps not for the same
reasons: Matswad was where she had spent her childhood, but
it was also where she and her necromancer master had been on
the verge of death in a fire.
.D
.Bdia
I knew that, if I pushed a little, your father would
eventually make his mind,
.Edia
he commented. Yira's eyes smiled. Gently, he took the little
sursha by the waist and turned to his people. The Xalyas
were in high spirits, even Aligra was smiling, and Zamoy's
excitement had managed to rouse the captain from his torpor.
.D
.Bdia
Hey, Miflin!
.Edia
the Baldy cried.
.Bdia
Don't forget to compose an ode about the epic departure of
the Xalyas.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Ah, yes!
.Edia
Makarva nodded from the oak tree, and in a pompous voice, he
declaimed,
.Bdia
And so did the Xalyas all set sail together in a fabulous
three-masted ship.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It doesn't rhyme, Mak,
.Edia
the Poet observed. He was sitting with the Chubby's
dictionary: it looked like he was trying to learn it by
heart. He was already halfway through it.
.D
.Bdia
It sure doesn't rhyme, Mak,
.Edia
Zamoy scoffed,
.Bdia
Say, brother, how's that ode to the most beautiful
princesses of the steppe coming along?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It's coming along,
.Edia
Miflin replied with a clearing of his throat. And he smiled.
.Bdia
I'll recite it to you this very night.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
You'd better do!
.Edia
Myhrain joked.
.P
As they continued to chat and look forward to their
departure, Dashvara walked away with Yira towards the house
to go and warn Kuriag of the upcoming trip. Who knows why
Atasiag had asked him to do so. He hadn't spoken with the
young man since he had disembarked in Matswad a month
earlier.
.D
.Bdia
Dash!
.Edia
the captain's voice came suddenly. Dashvara turned and saw
him approaching the steps of the house.
.Bdia
Did you ask him about the horses yet?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara rubbed his beard and shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
I should, shouldn't I?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Well… we don't lose anything by asking, right? And, if he
won't help us buy them, we'll do without. As the Akinoa
says, we can always wait for the winter to pass then walk the
steppe, praying that the Essimeans don't capture us on the
way. If it turns out that the Honyr Clan is willing to
accept us, we won't spend much time without mounts,
.Edia
he smiled,
.Bdia
according to Cloud, they have the best horses on the steppe.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Our young companion tends to exaggerate a bit,
.Edia
Shokr Is Set interjected, approaching along with Lumon. A
joking smile lit up the Great Sage's face as he added,
.Bdia
But, in this case, he has a point.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara glanced towards the Xalyas, looking for Sirk Is
Rhad. The Honyr was sitting next to Boron the Placid. Oddly
enough, he seemed to be able to rouse the Placid from its
peaceful silence more than anyone else. Dashvara smiled and
promised:
.D
.Bdia
I'll ask Atasiag about the horses, Captain. But just once. I
don't want to push it, or he'll end up thinking I'm more of
a pain in the ass than his adulators,
.Edia
he joked.
.P
He entered the house with Yira and left the warm air of dusk
behind. Normally, it was barely a month before winter, but in
Matswad, it seemed the seasons didn't affect him as much.
Yira said it was because the earth and rock gave off natural
energies that warmed the air. Surely the pirates couldn't
have chosen a better place to live. The only thing that
bothered Dashvara was knowing that Matswad was an island and
that to get out of it… he had no other way but to get on a
boat.
.D
.Bdia
So, how boring was the meeting?
.Edia
he asked as they walked down a hallway.
.D
.Bdia
Boring,
.Edia
Yira gasped.
.Bdia
It's a good thing I brought your sea cards with me. Len and I
played a good ten games of xalyans. His brother Zaon,
however, didn't want to. I'm afraid he doesn't like the new
rules you've imposed on the Republican game.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Hey, a conservative, eh?
.Edia
Dashvara scoffed.
.Bdia
Well, let's send him to the Border for a few years and I'm
sure he'll eventually change his mind…
.Edia
.P
Voices in the kitchen silenced him.
.D
.Bdia
Aldek? Are you kidding or what?
.Edia
Zaadma cried.
.D
.Bdia
You're the one who asked me to suggest a name,
.Edia
Rokuish's voice protested.
.Bdia
Aldek is not so bad.
.Edia
.P
They entered the kitchen and found Zaadma kneeling before
her flowerpots while Rokuish sat at the table helping Uncle
Serl, Wassag, and Yorlen chop vegetables for dinner.
.D
.Bdia
Oh!
.Edia
Zaadma gasped as she saw them enter.
.Bdia
Dashvara, tell Rok that he should stop trying to give my son
a Shalussi name. Now he wants to call him Aldek! That's
awful! I have nothing against Shalussi names. Rokuish is
nice. But Aldek, Odek, Walek, Fushek… just hearing them
makes my teeth grind.
.Edia
.P
Rokuish shrugged and gave Dashvara a smile.
.D
.Bdia
She wants to call him Meliskren. Like her alchemy teacher…
But I personally think it's horrible. And Wassag too, don't
you?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Let's just say it sounds very Republican,
.Edia
the Wolf smiled, his eyes shining, as he chopped an onion.
.D
.Bdia
You see, Dash,
.Edia
Rokuish continued.
.Bdia
I only hope that our son, or daughter, will be understanding
the day we explain to him why he doesn't have a name…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
He'll have to be even more understanding the day we explain
that he was born on a pirate island,
.Edia
Zaadma cut him off. She stroked her round belly with an
annoyed pout.
.D
.Bdia
That we may be able to avoid,
.Edia
Dashvara intervened in a light tone.
.Bdia
Haven't you heard? Atasiag says we sail the day after
tomorrow.
.Edia
.P
For a second, everyone was stunned. Then Zaadma burst out in
joy, knocked over a pot, screamed in horror, and hurried to
pick up the dirt…
.D
.Bdia
The day after tomorrow?
.Edia
the Republican repeated.
.Bdia
Oh—by the Divinity! And what shall I do with my plants?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
The ones you can't take with you, we'll take to old Sharas
tomorrow,
.Edia
Yira assured in a serene tone.
.Bdia
Don't worry about that. He's a great botanist. You said so
yourself. He'll know how to take care of them as well as you
do.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Did I say he was a botanist? He's a former pirate!
.Edia
Zaadma protested.
.P
The Republican was even more elated than usual, Dashvara
observed with a gasp. When he saw Yira trying to calm her
down, he admired her patience and gave her a quiet bow
before hurrying across the room and down another corridor.
He exited into the inner courtyard and crossed it, passing
by the closed door of Lanamiag's room before entering the
north wing. No sooner had he entered than he heard rumors of
voices coming from a room.
.D
.Bdia
Almost, but that's not it,
.Edia
said the quiet voice of young Kuriag Dikaksunora.
.Bdia
You see, you forgot to multiply. The loss of energy is much
greater. That's why the summoning spell is so dangerous:
because it merges energies and remodels them. You need to be
very well trained, otherwise any fusion could consume your
energy stem to the point of risking apathy.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Boof.
.Edia
Dashvara smiled as he recognized Lessi's voice.
.Bdia
Don't tell me
.Sm you
would be able to summon something?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Me? No… I tried it in the University, but summoning has
never really appealed to me. Nonetheless, the theory is
exciting.
.Edia
There was a silence.
.Bdia
Hmm. We were calculating, Lessi.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara hesitated before approaching the open door. He
found the two youths lying on a carpet, with a notebook and
several books in front of them. Zraliprat, Kuriag's slave,
was sitting in the corner, dozing. Seeing the Legitimate
press his lips to the steppian's, he hurriedly knocked on
the door, and they jerked up.
.D
.Bdia
Excuse me for interrupting you,
.Edia
he cleared his throat.
.Bdia
I only came to tell you that we'll be sailing for Dazbon the
day after tomorrow. And from there you will travel to
Titiaka. Atasiag asked me to inform you. He's in his office.
.Edia
.P
As Kuriag and Lessi kept looking at him, mute, Dashvara
nodded nervously in greeting and was about to leave when the
Legitimate stood up and called out:
.D
.Bdia
Wait, don't go.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stopped and waited, one eyebrow arched. After a
silence, Kuriag observed:
.D
.Bdia
You are still wearing Atasiag Peykat's uniform. I thought he
was going to free you.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara glanced at his tunic and his elegant red
embroidered dragon. He shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
He will free us in Dazbon. Atasiag left the counter-seal
in Titiaka,
.Edia
he explained with a small wry smile.
.P
The young Legitimate nodded, meditative. After another
silence, Dashvara sighed,
.Bpenso
Are you going to keep me here waiting until tomorrow,
foreigner?
.Epenso
He was about to wish him goodnight when Kuriag said softly:
.D
.Bdia
So… are you going back to the steppe with your people?
.Edia
.P
With some surprise, Dashvara thought he saw a glint in his
eyes, a mixture of joy and disappointment.
.D
.Bdia
Certainly,
.Edia
he answered firmly.
.P
Kuriag hesitated.
.D
.Bdia
Good. I hope you find a peaceful and happy home with the
Honyrs.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stared at him, dumbfounded.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Good,
.Edia
Kuriag repeated. He cleared his throat.
.Bdia
You can go.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled mockingly at his authoritative tone, and
Kuriag flushed.
.D
.Bdia
I mean—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Yes,
.Edia
Dashvara cut him off.
.Bdia
Thank you for giving me permission to withdraw, Excellency.
.Edia
.P
He bowed his head mockingly and walked away, leaving the
Legitimate with a confused expression. These citizens,
he sighed. He headed straight for Atasiag's office, albeit
with little hope. He found the twins chatting outside the
door and greeted them.
.D
.Bdia
Can I get in?
.Edia
he asked.
.D
.Bdia
Cobra is rather busy,
.Edia
Zaon replied.
.Bdia
But, if it's urgent, you can always knock.
.Edia
.P
After a brief hesitation, Dashvara knocked, and when he
heard Atasiag's voice, he pushed open the door. The Titiaka
was sitting at his desk, writing a letter.
.D
.Bdia
What is it, Philosopher?
.Edia
he questioned, hardly looking up.
.P
Dashvara closed the door and leaned his hands on the back of
a chair, embarrassed. He didn't like to ask Atasiag for more
favors but…
.D
.Bdia
Well, there you go, Eminence,
.Edia
he began.
.Bdia
When we get to Dazbon, my people are going to be without a
penny, and therefore, we won't have money to buy weapons,
food, or… horses. And you see, Eminence,
.Edia
he continued, growing more and more uneasy.
.Bdia
I have heard from Titiaka that, when masters free their
slaves, they make sure that the slaves will not… be left
with nothing.
.Edia
.P
Atasiag was now watching him with a deeply amused pout.
.D
.Bdia
And you want me to buy you horses and weapons and food so
your people won't be left 'with nothing', is that it?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara flushed and cursed the captain. Why did he always
have to do all the dirty work?
.D
.Bdia
We'd be… very grateful,
.Edia
he replied.
.Bdia
And, if you want us to do something in return, we will. We
just don't feel like spending ten years working in Dazbon to
buy steppe horses. They're expensive.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Damn expensive,
.Edia
Atasiag commented, putting down his pen.
.Bdia
A good horse doesn't sell for less than seventy crowns. I'll
make a confession to you, Philosopher. I expected that one
day you would come to me with this matter. Unfortunately, I
haven't come up with any solutions yet, so… for now, I
suggest you continue to serve as my personal guards for a
while, and I will continue to maintain you until I have an
idea to fix it. Are we agreed?
.Edia
.P
There could hardly be a more vague agreement, but at least,
Atasiag had not refused the proposal. Dashvara nodded.
.D
.Bdia
We are. What I don't understand is how we're going to
continue to serve you as personal guards in Dazbon.
Normally, there are no slaves in the Republic.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Nonsense,
.Edia
Atasiag retorted as he dipped the quill into the inkwell.
.Bdia
What is not tolerated is for a Republican to have slaves. I,
for one, have been a Titiaka all my life. I will leave you
in the service of Lanamiag, Kuriag, and the other two
students. You will protect them until I return them to their
families. What do you think?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
That suits me just fine. Are you going to ransom them?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No. Of course not.
.Edia
Cobra flashed a slightly guilty smile.
.Bdia
I'm taking them to Dazbon at their request: they fear their
families will oppose their chosen partner, and I'm going to
help them get married quietly in a Cilian temple. I think
Kuriag is beginning to see me as a benefactor. He is the
heir to the Dikaksunora. I'm not going to spoil such a
promising relationship for a few thousand crowns.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
A few thousand crowns that could pay for our horses…
.Epenso
Dashvara kept the thought to himself and nodded.
.D
.Bdia
So, you think you can go back to Titiaka without the Council
pouncing on you?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I believe so,
.Edia
Atasiag affirmed cheerfully.
.Bdia
As I told you, Faag Yordark is now the provisional governor
of Titiaka, and he has the full support of the Ragail Guard.
And the Yordarks know that I have always remained loyal to
them. They'll make sure the little privateer leader doesn't
slip through their hands. And now go, Philosopher. I'm
writing an urgent letter. Hold on a second,
.Edia
he added as Dashvara reached a hand towards the handle.
.D
.Bdia
Yes, Eminence?
.Edia
.P
Atasiag looked at him thoughtfully.
.D
.Bdia
How did you like the stay in Matswad?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gave him a bewildered look. Why did he ask?
.D
.Bdia
The stay… well. Pleasant,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
The pirates are less pirates than I thought. And they have a
lifestyle quite similar to that of the Xalyas… though more
peaceful, of course: they don't have to fight off attacks
from the red nadres or the scale-nefarious.
.Edia
.P
A slight smile stretched Atasiag's lips.
.D
.Bdia
I'm glad you found it enjoyable. Now you have a whole clan,
Philosopher. Six Xalya women have joined you. A little
spinning top thrower… And, besides, everything seems to
indicate that you intend to take my daughter away.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara's eyes widened. And he smiled wryly.
.D
.Bdia
You took away my sister,
.Edia
he replied.
.P
Atasiag arched his eyebrows in amusement.
.D
.Bdia
Well, all in all, we're a family.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gave him a mocking look.
.D
.Bdia
Demons. If you go on like that, I'll end up believing you.
But, you're not fooling me: a real father would have paid
for the horses and supplies and… I'm kidding, Eminence,
.Edia
he laughed at his exasperated expression.
.Bdia
I promise not to bring up the subject again for a reasonable
time. After all, Shokr Is Set says that the more pressure
you put on a donkey, the slower it goes.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Well, keep listening to your Great Sage and leave me alone,
Philosopher. The letter is really urgent.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Good night, Eminence.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Good night.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara opened the door and went out into the hallway with
the slight hope that the Xalyas would return to the steppe
on horseback.
.P
Len and Zaon sat at a small table in the wide corridor, and
a lighted candelabra lit up their pale faces. One was
sharpening his daggers; the other was sewing an inner pocket
to a tunic. The two ternians were so similar that Dashvara
could hardly tell them apart when he saw them from a
distance. As he passed by them, he asked in a friendly tone:
.D
.Bdia
Is it true that you don't like xalyans, Zaon?
.Edia
.P
The thief passed the needle through the fabric before
explaining:
.D
.Bdia
I'm committed to tradition.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
We, Xalyas, are too, but we accumulate traditions,
.Edia
Dashvara joked. He hesitated before inquiring,
.Bdia
Why don't you ever come to dinner with us? Are my brothers
and I too loud?
.Edia
.P
They both smiled.
.D
.Bdia
A little,
.Edia
Len acknowledged.
.Bdia
But that's not why. We prefer to eat alone.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
We are committed to tradition,
.Edia
Zaon repeated with a small smirk.
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow and shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
Okay. But just so you know, if you feel like going through
the kitchen, we're not going to throw tops at your head.
Good night.
.Edia
.P
They wished him goodnight too, and Dashvara was already
heading for the kitchen when a loud sneeze sounded from the
kitchen, followed by thunderous laughter and a:
.D
.Bdia
Thousand thunderclaps, Baldy, that was my plate!
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Come on, Hairy, don't get mad! If you think we can control
this sort of thing,
.Edia
Zamoy protested.
.D
.Bdia
I want to hear Miflin's ode!
.Edia
Myhrain and Sinta demanded in chorus.
.D
.Bdia
We want the ode! We want the ode!
.Edia
loud voices thundered.
.P
Dashvara laughed inwardly as he pushed open the door.
.Bpenso
By the Liadirlá, we are noisy indeed…
.Epenso
.P
.salto
.P
They left Matswad after many farewells. The Xalya women
parted from their friends with grand gestures and light
jokes. They had spent the three years in Matswad much better
than the Xalya men: they had learned to make fishing nets,
to clean fish, to hunt… and they confessed that some pirates
had even taught them how to fight. But, to everyone's
relief, they swore that they had never been involved in
piracy.
.P
The only one to come directly on board was Aligra. This
month spent with her clan had positively transformed the
girl: she still had her slightly moody air, but she smiled
with more ease, and her vindictive Eternal Bird seemed to
have calmed down with the good weather of Matswad. What's
more, she hadn't thrown any accusations back at Dashvara, and
she seemed to have accepted him as her lord.
.P
.Bpenso
I'm even beginning to accept myself as such,
.Epenso
Dashvara smiled. He stepped onto the dock and shook hands
with a tall, smiling islander he'd been working with,
building houses for the new refugees.
.D
.Bdia
Glad to have known you, Skansh,
.Edia
he told him.
.D
.Bdia
Likewise,
.Edia
the other one grinned widely.
.Bdia
I hope you can return to your land, Xalyas.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Thank you. Aren't you going back to yours?
.Edia
.P
Skansh was from a southern tribe. The caitian shook his
head.
.D
.Bdia
What's the point? There's nothing left for me there. The
Diumcilians have ravaged everything, and my son works in the
mines, in Titiaka.
.Edia
He shrugged.
.Bdia
Damn life. I decided to become a pirate. You know that. To
take justice into my own hands, like you did in the Arena.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara felt some sorrow as he imagined this brave man
attacking ships, but he understood his decision. He nodded.
.D
.Bdia
I wish you luck, my friend.
.Edia
.P
He shook hands with several other islanders before boarding
the ship with his brothers. As Atasiag's boat started,
Dashvara watched the beautiful island slip away with a
mixture of longing and relief. It was curious to note how
much it cost him to leave a place, no matter where it was.
Even when he had left the Border. He smiled wryly. Just
two months ago, he and his brothers were still deep in the
mud, surrounded by milfids, borwergs, and orcs, and now… He
glanced out at the deep, mysterious ocean, and his face
darkened. Now they were surrounded by water.
.P
Leaning against the rail next to Makarva, he glanced at the
bag he had placed at his feet.
.D
.Bdia
Well, Tah?
.Edia
he murmured.
.Bdia
Glad to be off the island of evil pirates?
.Edia
.P
Tahisran huffed mentally.
.P
.Bdm
Sorta,
.Edm
he admitted.
.Bdm
You may have found them sympathetic, but they didn't lock
you in a crate for two years and ask you to tell them about
the future.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara grimaced sympathetically. The poor shadow had spent
most of the last month in Atasiag's house without daring to
go out. Once, he'd taken a walk in the nearby woods and,
stumbling upon a hunter, he'd been so frightened that he'd
fled to the other end of the island and taken two days to
return. He really looked traumatized by his past
experience.
.D
.Bdia
Well, Tah. Be happy. In Dazbon, you'll have all the freedom
in the world again to resume your nightly walks.
.Edia
.P
.Bdm
Oh, but I
.Sm am
happy,
.Edm
Tahisran replied.
.Bdm
I just hope I never have to get back into a boat.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara looked at the treacherous waters with dread.
.D
.Bdia
Me too,
.Edia
he admitted. He glanced mockingly at Makarva,
.Bdia
I suppose you, on the other hand, will miss the sea, eh,
Mak?
.Edia
.P
The latter was looking at the island as the ship was moving
away. He shrugged his shoulders.
.D
.Bdia
Not as much as you think. All things considered, I'm not a
sailor. I'm a steppian,
.Edia
he smiled, and added, looking thoughtful,
.Bdia
Do you know what my new dream is?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bdia
You and your dreams. You're worse than the Dream King. So?
What's your new dream?
.Edia
.P
Makarva looked up at the blue sky with a slight smile.
.D
.Bdia
Riding again. To have a horse and know it as I knew Dancer.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded, moved, and thought of his own mare Lusombra
who had fallen to the Essimeans.
.D
.Bdia
It's a dream any good Xalya can understand.
.Edia
.P
Makarva gave him a curious look.
.D
.Bdia
What about you, Dash? What's your dream?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara thought for a moment. What was his dream? To return
to the steppe and found the Xalyas clan again? That was one
of the many dreams he had, yes. But not the main one.
.D
.Bdia
My dream, Mak?
.Edia
he said finally.
.Bdia
Nothing more simple: my dream is to fulfill the dreams of my
clan.
.Edia
.P
Makarva seemed to be seized.
.D
.Bdia
Well…
.Edia
He shook his head and suddenly put on a wolfish smile.
.Bdia
Then we'll have to make a list with all our dreams and wait
to see if the Lord of the Xalyas manages to make them come
true.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Don't make fun of me,
.Edia
Dashvara protested, amused.
.D
.Bdia
I'm not making fun of you,
.Edia
Makarva assured, more seriously.
.Bdia
It just seems to me that your dream… we all have it a
little, don't we? We're a clan, Dash. We all want each
other's dreams to come true. So, be honest. What's the one
dream you really want to see fulfilled right now?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gave him a weary look, and after another moment's
reflection, he answered the truth:
.D
.Bdia
Get to Dazbon. I don't want to end up drowning at the bottom
of the sea.
.Edia
.P
His friend huffed and patted him on the arm, smiling.
.D
.Bdia
You have such ideas, Dash. I give you my word that, in seven
days, we'll go ashore and set foot on land.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Yes. But, what if the boat sank right now, what would you
do?
.Edia
Dashvara replied.
.Bdia
There aren't enough canoes for all of us. And down there, the
water must be a lot of feet deep, with monsters of all kinds
wandering around. To die drowned is a dreadful death…
.Edia
Makarva gave him a grunt with an exasperated growl, and
Dashvara chuckled,
.Bdia
Okay, I'll shut up. But, it's still disturbing, don't you
think?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Your imagination is disturbing,
.Edia
Makarva retorted, leaning back against the rail. After a
silence, he added,
.Bdia
Look. Raxifar is talking with the captain.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara turned to see the tall Akinoa near the bow. Captain
Zorvun was one of the few Xalyas who had made a small effort
to communicate with Raxifar and Zefrek… in fact, the only
one besides Dashvara, Lumon, and Shokr Is Set. He saw the
Shalussi, alone, leaning against the railing of the
quarterdeck. His gaze was lost, focused on the north.
.P
Dashvara frowned.
.D
.Bdia
Frankly, the Xalyas are stubborn. We too have killed Akinoa
and Shalussi warriors. We killed Raxifar's grandfather. And
yet, this man saved my life. And our brothers still look at
him as if he were the world's worst assassin. By the
Liadirlá,
.Edia
he shook his head,
.Bdia
is it so hard to leave the past behind?
.Edia
.P
Makarva pouted. He scratched his neck. And he didn't answer.
.P
.Bpenso
Stubborn as a mule,
.Epenso
Dashvara sighed.
.Ch Dignity, Trust, and Fraternity
At first the boat trip was terrible. Half the Xalyas were
seasick, including Dashvara, and he spent the first three
days nauseous and pale as snow, convinced that the Xalya
clan would eventually die at the bottom of the sea. On the
third day, it was pouring rain outside, and he was huddled in
his hammock, trying in vain to sleep, when suddenly Rokuish
appeared in the cabin shouting:
.D
.Bdia
Tsu! Tsu! Zaadma is about to… Zaadma is about to… Tsu!
.Edia
.P
The poor Shalussi was scared to death, and Dashvara smiled as he
saw the drow take his kit and run out to another cabin. As
Dashvara later learned, they moved the Republican into
Atasiag's cabin. Her screams could be heard throughout the
ship. Shkarah and Dwin went to help her, and the Xalyas
remained tense and anxious. The wait was interminable, but
when a newborn cry was heard, everyone began to smile. After
a while of hearing cries, they began to snort. Orafe croaked:
.D
.Bdia
We are going to have the most peaceful trip…
.Edia
.P
They had already had more than enough of hearing the newborn
when Rokuish reappeared in the cabin, red with joy.
.D
.Bdia
Three foals!
.Edia
he cried.
.Bdia
For my mother's sake, three! They are girls. Girls!
.Edia
.P
The unbelievable news drew loud laughter. Striving to ignore
the seasickness, Dashvara stepped out of his hammock and
gave the Shalussi a strong brotherly hug, bellowing:
.D
.Bdia
Triplets, demons, Rok. Now you're really going to have a
problem with names! There wouldn't happen to be two bald
ones and a hairy one, would there?
.Edia
.P
Rokuish shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
Not at all. They're beautiful…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
How is Zaadma?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
She is outraged. Matswad's doctor said there was only one
baby. And that it would be born in several weeks. But she's
happy. I think she is. I, at least, am,
.Edia
he laughed.
.Bdia
Hell yes, I'm happy. I'm going back to her.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded with a broad smile as the young Shalussi ran
back to Atasiag's cabin. It was a joy to see his old friend
so happy. When he turned and noticed the smiling faces of
Raxifar and Zefrek, he concluded that there were certain
events that any clan could understand.
.D
.Bdia
Well,
.Edia
he exhaled good-humoredly.
.Bdia
This has all been more exhausting than chasing a bunch of
orclings.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
We still have a lot left to endure,
.Edia
Ged threw in with a slight smile.
.Bdia
These newborns aren't going to let us sleep for the whole
trip.
.Edia
.P
The master weaponsmith knew what he was talking about: he had
been the father of four children. Of these, only the young
Dwin was still alive. As he returned to his hammock,
Dashvara remembered the image of the other three sons
fighting with Lord Vifkan. He had seen them die. He also
remembered that years earlier, after his own son had died on
patrol, Zorvun had chosen the eldest of the three to train
as captain. So many dreams had died that day…
.P
.Bpenso
Why don't you stop thinking about the past, Dash,
.Epenso
he chided himself patiently.
.Bpenso
It's no use.
.Epenso
.P
Ged's prediction was fulfilled: the three newborns did not
stop bawling for the next few days, and Rokuish came by once
to apologize and complain, saying that the real foals did
not make as much noise.
.D
.Bdia
Looks like they're going to get as chatty as my wife,
.Edia
he huffed before walking away to the three rowdies.
.P
It took them days to agree on the names, and finally, to the
amazement of the Xalyas, they decided to ask them for their
opinion. It was clear that Rokuish had had more than enough
of the subject. Alta's cousins immediately got inspired and
proposed to name them after three former princesses of the
Ancient Kings. The parents liked the idea, and the triplets
were finally named Rahilma, Aodorma, and Sizinma, which in
Oy'vat meant
.qt Dignity ,
.qt Trust ,
and
.qt Fraternity
respectively. Having three little Republican Shalussis with
the Xalya Dahars motto as their name gave many pause. In the
afternoon, as all the Xalyas sat on the prow to enjoy the
sunshine, they began to comment on the affair, and the Great
Sage Shokr Is Set pronounced:
.D
.Bdia
Myhrain and Sinta had a good idea. Perhaps this is a
symbolic step towards steppe peace. I've been watching this
young Shalussi. He is a good and upright man. He is not a
savage or a
.Sm -t erare zok ,
.Edia
he said, glancing eloquently at Sirk Is Rhad.
.Bdia
I think you should invite him into our clan, Dashvara.
.Edia
.P
The Lord of the Xalyas let out a breath of air, as stunned
as the others.
.D
.Bdia
What?
.Edia
.P
The Honyr smiled, and his face rippled even more.
.D
.Bdia
It's just a suggestion. You all, what do you think?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara watched the faces of his brothers with curiosity and
gradually understood the Honyr's strategy. The main
objective was not to bring Rokuish into the clan but to make
the Xalyas accept that a Shalussi could be worthy of the
Dahars. Surely, in some matters, the new shaard was more
skilled than the previous one. The captain spoke first in a
quiet voice:
.D
.Bdia
He's a man I'd call a brother without hesitation.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara saw several Xalyas nodding their heads. Maef, who
was always sharp in his decisions, nodded:
.D
.Bdia
I'm for it.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Me too,
.Edia
Lumon pressed.
.D
.Bdia
Demons, so I am,
.Edia
Zamoy smiled,
.Bdia
I would be very happy to have triplets sisters.
.Edia
.P
They smiled, and soon all agreed. Finally, they turned to
Dashvara, expectantly.
.D
.Bdia
And you, sîzan?
.Edia
Atsan Is Fadul asked.
.P
Dashvara raised his hands, smiling.
.D
.Bdia
I've been calling him brother for a long time now. I am
ready to ask him,
.Edia
he declared.
.Bdia
But I sincerely doubt he will accept. I don't think Zaadma
wants to go back to the steppe.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Ask him anyway,
.Edia
Zorvun replied.
.Bdia
Maybe one day he'll change his mind.
.Edia
.P
Suddenly, the Xalyas looked anxious to know what
Rokuish would say. Dashvara barely concealed a smile and
stood up. He bowed respectfully to his naâsga, who had been
watching the scene with curiosity, and walked away, crossing
the deck. Atasiag's cabin was open, and he found the
Shalussi sitting on the floor, cradling two of his daughters
while Zaadma nursed the third. Sitting at his desk, Atasiag
was writing in a notebook, absorbed. Dashvara smiled
slightly when he saw him look up. The poor Titiaka's face
was weary and dark.
.D
.Bdia
Good morning, Eminence. Good morning, Zaadma. Good morning,
Rokuish. I hope Rahilma, Aodorma, and Sizinma are well.
.Edia
.P
Zaadma huffed without answering, showing her fatigue.
.D
.Bdia
At least now they're quiet,
.Edia
Rokuish whispered.
.P
Dashvara watched the little newborns for a few seconds
before saying:
.D
.Bdia
Can I talk to you for a moment?
.Edia
.P
The Shalussi arched an eyebrow, but nodded and stood up.
They stepped out onto the deck and approached a rail so as
not to disturb the sailors. Dashvara opened his mouth,
hesitated, and when he saw that Rokuish was looking at him,
increasingly puzzled, he decided to get straight to the
point.
.D
.Bdia
Well, here's the thing, Rok. We've been thinking about it
and, my brothers and I, we'd like it if… well, I mean, it
would be an honor for us if… demons, I mean I'd be very
happy if you agreed to be part of our clan.
.Edia
.P
Rokuish's mouth opened little by little until it was gaping.
.D
.Bdia
Me?
.Edia
he pronounced. As Dashvara nodded, the Shalussi huffed and
scratched his head, dumbfounded.
.Bdia
Wow. Are you serious? For my mother's sake,
.Edia
he muttered.
.Bdia
I don't know what to say. I feel… very honored.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara saw the refusal coming and tried to soften things
up:
.D
.Bdia
You can perfectly well say no without offending anyone, Rok.
I would understand that. Zaadma is a Republican. You are
a Shalussi. It may seem strange, under these circumstances,
that we Xalyas want to adopt you. We simply… consider
your Eternal Birds to be brothers to our own. And whether
you accept or refuse, it will not change. But… I would be
very happy if you accepted… We all would.
.Edia
.P
Rokuish looked down, silent. Finally, he broke the silence.
.D
.Bdia
Zaadma wants to open another herbal shop in Dazbon. Since
her father died a few months ago… she no longer fears that
he will make her life difficult.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded, and although the answer did not surprise
him, he could not avoid feeling some disappointment. He
concealed it.
.D
.Bdia
Then I wish you and your family all the luck in the world.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Thank you,
.Edia
the Shalussi murmured.
.Bdia
Don't misinterpret me. Your brothers are very nice. Well,
some more than others,
.Edia
he smiled.
.Bdia
But I respect them all. I wouldn't want them to take it the
wrong way—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
They won't take it badly,
.Edia
Dashvara assured.
.Bdia
Really, don't worry about it.
.Edia
He patted his arm lightly.
.Bdia
I'll miss you when we leave for the steppe, brother.
.Edia
.P
Rokuish became confused.
.D
.Bdia
If it hadn't been for Zaadma and my foals… I would have gone
with you,
.Edia
he asserted.
.Bdia
I would have tried to help Zefrek and free my mother and
brothers. But… I am not even a warrior.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
We'll set them free,
.Edia
Dashvara said in a sudden rush. He smiled at the stunned
face of the Shalussi.
.Bdia
It's true that I'd rather fight the red nadres than the
sajits, but… having the Essimeans enslave their neighbors
doesn't appeal to me any more than it does to you. I promise
you that, if they are still alive, Menara, Andrek, your
mother, and your other brothers will be freed. I don't know
when, but they will be.
.Edia
.P
Rokuish grabbed him by the sleeve, his brow furrowed.
.D
.Bdia
Listen to me, Dash, don't make any heroic promises. You're
not going to go into Essimean territory to free them, are
you?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I'll have no choice but to enter their territory anyway,
.Edia
Dashvara replied.
.Bdia
If it is true that the Essimean have enslaved the Shalussi
villages, the whole southern part of the steppe is now
Essimean territory.
.Edia
.P
Rokuish turned pale.
.D
.Bdia
True. Truthfully, I don't know why you want to go back
there, Dash. Why not stay in Dazbon? Maltagwa could help
Zaadma with gathering herbs. She says he's a good herbalist.
And Alta and I could work in the stables. And you could
start a carpentry shop or—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Rok,
.Edia
Dashvara laughed, interrupting him.
.Bdia
Do you really see us Xalyas living in a city like Dazbon? We
are steppe people. We know how to ride on the steppe. We
know how to kill monsters. But we don't know anything about
money, nor about republican laws, and we don't want to know
about them. We are ignorant of civilization and proud of it,
.Edia
he joked.
.P
The Shalussi sighed and seemed resigned.
.D
.Bdia
North of the steppe, you won't have much wood to carve,
.Edia
he commented.
.Bdia
They say it's all plains and meadows.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled with all his teeth.
.D
.Bdia
True enough. Then I'll carve the bones of the Essimeans.
.Edia
.P
Rokuish looked disgusted. At that moment, a bellowing sound
came from Atasiag's cabin, followed by another. And another.
Soon there was a chorus of weeping, and Zaadma despaired:
.D
.Bdia
May the White Dragon gag you three!
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
For my mother's sake,
.Edia
Rokuish moaned.
.P
Dashvara saw him run off towards the cabin and laughed out
loud. He was making his way to the prow when a sailor's voice
drowned out the bellowing of Dignity, Trust, and Fraternity:
.D
.Bdia
Land ho!
.Edia
.P
All of the Xalyas rose and crowded around the rail to try to
see what was slowly turning into cliffs. Dashvara leaned
over with Yira, squinting. In the distance, he saw two white
lines shining in the sun. One must have been the Great
Cascade of Dazbon. And the other the Stairs.
.Sm -t penso Land ,
Dashvara smiled. Finally. And the best part was that this
time he had the happy feeling that he would never leave it
again.
.D
.Bdia
He turned it down, didn't he?
.Edia
Zamoy asked suddenly, to his left.
.P
Dashvara observed the watchful eyes of his brothers before
answering:
.D
.Bdia
Well. He's already got his little clan that's on track to be
louder than ours…
.Edia
He smiled, mockingly.
.Bdia
I'm afraid he's already got enough on his plate with his
Dignity, Trust, and Fraternity. If we added the Triplets,
Makarva's makarvaries, and my philosophies, he'd go mad.
Let's accept his decision with understanding, brothers, and
wish him well.
.Edia
.P
He felt the approval of the Xalyas, and he relaxed,
.Bpenso
Eventually, at this rate, they'll come to accept Zefrek and
Raxifar, and even, who knows, ask that they become Xalyas as
well.
.Epenso
He smiled and a wave of affection for his people washed over
him.
.salto
They disembarked along the dock of the Dazbon harbor amidst
a hubbub of voices from sailors, fishermen, and Republican
passersby. The Xalyas waited on deck impatiently for the
sailors to set up the gangplank, and they began to make
their way ashore. Most had their bags almost empty. But all
had hearts full of hope, Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Philosopher.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara had just stepped onto the dock, and a little dazed,
he turned toward the ship to see Atasiag crossing the
gangplank just behind him. He was dressed as a Titiaka
citizen, with a baton in his hand. From what he had
explained to him, he would be acting as a simple Titiaka
merchant, since, all things considered, that was what he was,
and he would be staying with all of his servants at the inn
of
.Sm -t nomlieu The White Pearl
in the Autumn District. Since his term as magistrate had
ended, and he had not attended any elections in Titiaka, he
had insisted since the beginning of the trip that Dashvara
should get used to calling him something other than
.qt Eminence .
Dashvara had finally admitted to him that once he got into a
habit, he had a hard time correcting it… Atasiag's venomous
look had made him reconsider.
.D
.Bdia
Wait here with the others,
.Edia
Atasiag said at last after glancing around the busy harbor.
.Bdia
I'm going to go pay the harbormaster. Serl, will you come
with me? Then, Philosopher, you will unload the wine barrels
at the warehouse.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
What warehouse?
.Edia
Dashvara gasped.
.D
.Bdia
The warehouse I'm going to rent for the wine,
.Edia
Atasiag explained calmly.
.Bdia
And don't shake the barrels too much—they're delicate.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara raised an eyebrow and watched him and Uncle Serl
walk away to a small building from which a huge caitian in
extravagant clothes emerged at that very moment. He saw him
raise his hands in an exaggerated manner and give Atasiag a
vigorous handshake. Clearly they knew each other.
.P
They waited for perhaps half an hour, sitting between
fishing nets and barrels, before Uncle Serl returned alone
and gave them instructions to go and unload the fifty
barrels in the boat. They were all devilishly heavy, but
some of them did not seem to contain any wine, and Dashvara,
seeing no trace of the twelve Dream Brothers who had
travelled with them, eventually figured out where they had
gone. The trick amused more than one Xalya, and Dafys, the
sibilian guardian, sternly asked them to restrain themselves
a bit. They rolled the barrels down the street as gently as
they could and put them in a small warehouse. Uncle Serl
told them exactly where to put them, and when they were all
placed, he locked the warehouse, smiled broadly at the
Xalyas and pointed to the ship.
.D
.Bdia
Now all you have to do is to take out His Eminence's—I mean,
Atasiag Peykat's and the others' possessions: carriages will
carry them to the inn. I will stay here. The port
inspectorate must come by to check the goods.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara exchanged an alarmed look with the captain.
Hopefully, the port inspector wouldn't be as picky as
Inspector Persnickety from the Border… Unless, of course, he
was also a member of the Dream Brotherhood. He shrugged and
walked back with the others near Atasiag's ship where the
Xalya women were waiting with little Shivara, Sedrios, and
Sashava. He was about to join them, when suddenly a mass
stood in his way and a deep voice uttered:
.D
.Bdia
Dashvara of Xalya.
.Edia
.P
The Xalya looked up at Raxifar with a questioning pout. The
Akinoa looked embarrassed.
.D
.Bdia
I'm leaving.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked at him, dumbfounded.
.D
.Bdia
What?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I'm off to the steppe.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I, too, am leaving,
.Edia
Zefrek threw in as he approached.
.Bdia
I don't have to put up with this Titiaka citizen's nonsense
any longer. I am not his slave.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed and looked at the Akinoa and the Shalussi,
annoyed.
.D
.Bdia
You don't even have money to buy weapons,
.Edia
he objected.
.Bdia
Please don't go. He'll buy us horses. You don't have to work
for him. We will. I owe you a huge favor, Raxifar. And you,
Zefrek, do you pretend to enter the steppe on foot so that
the Essimeans can catch you and enslave you like the others?
Do not go,
.Edia
he insisted.
.Bdia
I beg of you.
.Edia
.P
Raxifar arched his eyebrows. Zefrek furrowed his brow.
.D
.Bdia
Your people don't want us to stay,
.Edia
the latter said.
.Bdia
And I don't want to stay either.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara grunted and turned to the Xalyas, who were
listening to the conversation at a cautious distance. He
declared:
.D
.Bdia
Xalyas. I wish Raxifar and Zefrek to stay with us. We will
help them as our brothers. Does anyone have an objection?
.Edia
.P
Only the loud rumour of the harbor could be heard. Dashvara
sighed.
.D
.Bdia
Good. Well, problem solved. I promise you, Raxifar and
Zefrek, that you will return to the steppe to your people
with horses and weapons.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
To what is so much generosity due?
.Edia
Zefrek inquired with a mixture of mockery and distrust.
.P
Dashvara looked at young Shalussi's face. Now he was better
dressed than when he had rushed to murder him at Matswad,
and even without the gold necklaces that Nanda wore, he
looked disturbingly like his father.
.D
.Bdia
This is not about generosity,
.Edia
he said at last,
.Bdia
but about justice. You, too, deserve to return to the steppe
alive after all we have been through. And, on your own, you
won't make it. So will you stay?
.Edia
.P
After a hesitation, Zefrek nodded.
.D
.Bdia
I'll stay,
.Edia
he agreed, as if making a concession.
.Bdia
For now.
.Edia
.P
Raxifar's eyes were locked on Dashvara's as he nodded
affirmatively. Dashvara smiled at them both.
.D
.Bdia
You don't know how happy I am about that. Good.
.Edia
He caught the Xalyas' eye,
.Bdia
We're going back aboard, brothers. We need to get the
chests out of the cabins.
.Edia
.P
He walked up the gangway, hoping that the problem with
Raxifar and Zefrek was more or less settled… for now.
.Ch Cili's blessing
They emptied Atasiag's cabin—in the meantime, Rokuish
and Zaadma came down to the dock with their sleeping
newborns. When the Xalyas entered the captain's cabin, they found
Fayrah giving Lanamiag Korfu a syrup. Kuriag was there too,
with his two companions, folding a worn bandage. A glint of
concern shone in his eyes, and Dashvara worried. Was the
young Korfu's wound having trouble healing? It was the first
time since last month that he had seen Lanamiag, and his
appearance did not seem very encouraging. As far as he knew,
one of the Unitarians had stuck a sword in his stomach.
Fortunately, Kuriag and his two friends were medical
students, and they had taken care of him very quickly,
managing to stave off death with spells and poultices. But
this last trip, obviously, had done him no good. And neither
had Fayrah, Dashvara observed with a sinking heart. His sister
had lost weight, and her pallor frightened him a little.
.Bpenso
I'll end up having to take her by force to get some fresh
air and forget about so much worry,
.Epenso
he thought. When he met her questioning gaze, he realized
that he had been standing by the door. He brightened up and
explained:
.D
.Bdia
We've come for your things.
.Edia
.P
They set to work without getting an answer. Lanamiag's eyes
had been closed when they entered, but unfortunately, he
opened them just as Dashvara passed by the bed to pick up a
box of books that Kuriag had wanted to take from Matswad.
The expression that twisted his face then alarmed them all.
.D
.Bdia
Lan!
.Edia
Fayrah whispered as she leaned towards him.
.D
.Bdia
This… savage,
.Edia
Lanamiag articulated.
.P
Dashvara sighed. Under Fayrah's pleading gaze, he hurried to
lift the box and leave the cabin. He found Atasiag on the
platform, near two large carriages and saw that the Xalyas
were helping the two coachmen hoist all the luggage onto the
roof of one of the vehicles. His eyes were instantly drawn
to the horses. They were sturdy, well bred… but they were
not steppian.
.P
.Bpenso
And what does it matter whether they are or not, Dash?
They're not the ones Atasiag's going to buy you.
.Epenso
.P
He saw that the huge caitian, Atasiag's acquaintance, was
still chatting with Atasiag near the gangway. He was very
smiling and loud and making great gestures. As they passed
by, Dashvara noticed that they were not speaking in the
Common Tongue. Nor was it Ryscodranese. Nor Diumcilian.
.D
.Bdia
Philosopher!
.Edia
Atasiag called suddenly.
.Bdia
Come here. I present to you Asmoan of Gravia. From Agoskura,
.Edia
he specified.
.Bdia
He is an old friend of mine and a great scholar. Meeting him
here was one of those pleasant surprises that rarely happen.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
As they say in my country, surprises are life's gifts!
.Edia
Asmoan exclaimed, beaming. He had a horrible accent.
.P
Atasiag smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Asmoan is researching the pagan beliefs of the north. He
would like to learn more about your Eternal Bird, and since
he so generously invited me to the theater tonight, I
promised him that tomorrow three of you would be available
to answer his questions. Choose them and send them to the
Great Library at ten in the morning. Did you hear me?
.Edia
.P
Swallowing his surprise with difficulty, Dashvara replied:
.D
.Bdia
Yes.
.Edia
.P
He watched the Agoskurian curiously. He was wearing tight
blue pants, a bright green shirt with an elegant white
collar, and a black hat with pearls on it. From his ears
hung blue curls that were anything but discreet.
.D
.Bdia
You don't look at people like that, Philosopher,
.Edia
Atasiag muttered, his eyebrows furrowing.
.Bdia
Finally. I think I'm going to need a good nap to get me in
shape tonight,
.Edia
he added, addressing Asmoan in a light tone.
.P
The scholar let out a loud laugh.
.D
.Bdia
This time you won't fall asleep, my friend! The Srad Andal
troupe is excellent.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
The Ryscodrans are renowned for their artistic gifts,
.Edia
Atasiag acknowledged.
.Bdia
I look forward to seeing their prowess.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Believe me, you'll like them,
.Edia
Asmoan assured,
.Bdia
So, I'll see you tonight. I think I'll follow your lead and
take a nap. You don't know how glad I am that I got to meet
you!
.Edia
.P
Laughing happily, he patted him on the shoulder in a
friendly manner. Dashvara saw the two friends greet each
other warmly before the tall Agoskurian walked away in a
hurry and melted into the crowd that came and went on the
wide dock.
.D
.Bdia
Well, well,
.Edia
Atasiag sighed with a satisfied smile.
.Bdia
One other thing, Philosopher. Unfortunately, my weapons
license does not extend to my servants. I would have to buy
one for each of you… and that would be expensive. So I only
bought one for you. And one for Yira,
.Edia
he added, gesturing with his chin. Dashvara gasped as the
sursha pulled up beside them. With an amused glint in her
slanted eyes, she handed him two swords in their scabbards.
Dashvara recognized them as he took them: they were the ones
the Xalyas had used at Titiaka. As soon as he had fastened
them to his belt, Atasiag handed him a paper.
.Bdia
This is a copy of the license. Keep it safe.
.Edia
He then turned to the others and called,
.Bdia
Wassag, Dafys, Boron, Arvara. Come along. You will carry the
injured youth to the carriage.
.Edia
.P
The transfer was made quickly. They took Lanamiag on a
litter and installed him as gently as possible on the
benches of the car. Fortunately, the syrup seemed to have
put the Legitimate into a deep sleep. Meanwhile, Zaadma and
Rokuish climbed into the other carriage, and the former
announced cheerfully through the window:
.D
.Bdia
For now, we'll stay at the
.Sm -t nomlieu Golden Dragon .
Feel free to drop by there. And be careful that Atasiag
doesn't overstep his bounds. I know how insufferable he can
be sometimes. He may be a good man, but he's a Titiaka to
the core, and he gives orders like a damn Shalussi chief,
.Edia
she smiled.
.P
She and Rokuish greeted them, and the Xalyas responded in a
friendly manner.
.D
.Bdia
Take care of our little sisters!
.Edia
Miflin exclaimed with a broad smile.
.D
.Bdia
Yes; and let them keep bawling verses like the Poet, they're
doing pretty well,
.Edia
Zamoy joked.
.P
The coachman spurred the horses on, and the carriage pulled
away down the harbor street. After exchanging a brief
conversation with the ship's captain, Atasiag climbed into
the other carriage with his daughters and the young
Titiakas, and finally they too set off, followed by the
steppians.
.P
The blue afternoon sky had become overcast, and a cold wind
had risen. All the passers-by were bundled up in their capes
and their faces were barely visible under the wide-brimmed
republican hats. In a corner of his mind, Dashvara found
himself missing the warm winds of Matswad.
.P
.Bpenso
Ha. Well, you'll have to get used to the cold, steppe lord,
because, if you remember, your home isn't precisely warm in
winter…
.Epenso
.P
After making sure all the Xalyas followed the carriage, he
began to look around the Republican capital. It hadn't
changed much in three years: it smelled bad, the main
streets were crowded with people of all kinds, and the
buildings were still as imposing as he remembered. Dazbon
breathed a freedom one couldn't find in Titiaka, but at the same
time, there was more poverty than in the federal capital. As
the carriage drove down a street in the Autumn District,
Dashvara saw two street musicians playing guitars and
singing in the open air while a girl collected coins. Later,
he saw a group of men sitting in a square, looking as if
they hadn't eaten a bite in days. When he recognized one of
them, he almost stopped dead in his tracks. They were
Titiaka's slaves, he realized, stunned. He didn't know them
personally, but he had seen them more than once near the
Arena Square, cleaning the cobblestones. They were public
slaves of the Council and, presumably, had fled during the
Unitary Rebellion. At the moment, they didn't look very
happy with their lot.
.P
The inn at
.Sm -t nomlieu The White Pearl
was at the end of a wide street that led directly to the
Stairs. They entered a large courtyard full of carts just as
it began to rain. The regularity of the late afternoon
thunderstorms hadn't changed either, Dashvara deduced with a
grimace.
.P
The place at where Atasiag Peykat intended to be staying was
not exactly cheap. The building looked like a real castle.
The main entrance had an imperial stoop with two lion
statues and two guards posted on either side of the door.
When Dashvara followed the whole party inside with the
trunks, he found himself in a huge reception room with
splendid vases, hangings, and carpets.
.P
.Bpenso
That damned snake could have saved up to buy us a horse
instead of getting us into an inn for kings,
.Epenso
Dashvara grumbled. The Xalyas fidgeted, worried at such a
display of wealth.
.P
While Atasiag chatted with the owner of
.Sm -t nomlieu The White Pearl ,
an employee kindly led the others upstairs and into a
spacious lounge.
.D
.Bdia
Here are your chambers,
.Edia
he declared in a jovial voice.
.Bdia
Come, carry the patient through here. This is the hallway
that leads to the rooms.
.Edia
.P
As Wassag, Dafys, Boron, and Arvara walked behind with the
litter, followed by the Titiakas, the Xalyas who remained
behind put down all the trunks and exchanged looks of pure
amazement. The living room was majestic. There were several
screens, magnificent paintings, sofas, armchairs and two
enormous fireplaces… The captain whistled.
.D
.Bdia
Damn master.
.Edia
.P
Several laughed in their beards. The employee returned
after a few minutes.
.D
.Bdia
Say, good man,
.Edia
the captain challenged him.
.Bdia
What about us, where do we put ourselves?
.Edia
.P
The employee smiled. He seemed to be taking life in stride.
.D
.Bdia
You are Atasiag Peykat's servants, are you not? Normally,
servants are not so numerous, and they sleep in the hallway,
but… in your case, I thought it would be best if you moved
here, into the living room. The pile of mats is over there.
Place them as you like, and if there are any missing, ask
for more. We'll put the screens in front, so that if your
master has visitors, they won't mind.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked at him in amazement.
.D
.Bdia
Are there many Titiakas staying here?
.Edia
.P
The employee huffed as he nodded.
.D
.Bdia
Quite a lot, yes. To tell the truth, the majority of Titiaka
traders stay at our inn.
.Edia
He clapped both his hands together.
.Bdia
I'll let you get settled in. If your master needs anything,
feel free to come down to the front desk and ask for me or a
colleague. My name is Dilen. Good afternoon.
.Edia
.P
They greeted him, and as soon as he left, they began to set
up the straw mattresses and screens. They were in the midst
of setting up when Atasiag arrived, whistling a merry tune.
He passed by under their surprised looks, and as he came
near the corridor of rooms, he turned round.
.D
.Bdia
What do you think of your new home, Xalyas?
.Edia
.P
He asked the question in a light voice. He was in a good
mood. Dashvara cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
Pretty big. You seem to be in a good mood.
.Edia
.P
Atasiag smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Really? Well. I have several reasons to be in a good mood,
after all. First, I ran into an old friend I hadn't seen in
almost ten years. Then, at
.Sm -t nomlieu The White Pearl ,
I ran into a messenger from the Yordarks who gave me more
than one piece of good news… And, on top of that, I got a
note from Sheroda saying that she agrees to come with me to
the theater tonight. Yes, Philosopher. I am in a very good
mood. Settle down for the night. Yira will accompany me to
the theatre. Will you come, Philosopher?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gave him a mocking look.
.D
.Bdia
Are you asking for my opinion?
.Edia
.P
Atasiag shrugged, smiling.
.D
.Bdia
Actually, I'd like you to come. That way you can give me
your impressions of the Srad Andal troupe. They're very
famous artists. It would be a shame if you missed their
performance.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked meditative.
.D
.Bdia
Oh, in that case, if you really want me to, I'll go, Eminen…
master,
.Edia
he corrected with a weary sigh.
.D
.Bdia
You'd better get used to it once and for all,
.Edia
Atasiag scoffed.
.Bdia
For you to call me Eminence when I'm no longer a magistrate
might be considered… a lack of humility on my part. And the
Republicans would be able to mistake me for a Legitimate or
who knows. At the stroke of eight, wake me up. We leave at
nine. The show starts at ten, and I have to pick up Sheroda
at her house. I already wish you all a very good night.
.Edia
.P
He smiled broadly at them before whistling away down the
hall. Dashvara shook his head in bewilderment. Despite his
sixty-something years, Atasiag looked more like a young
lover eager for new adventures than a leader of thieves or a
slave master.
.P
.Bpenso
Well… I guess after so much tension and hassle in getting us
out of Titiaka and restoring his reputation, our generous
father deserved a little rest.
.Epenso
.P
With a half-ironic, half-amused smile, Dashvara sat down on
one of the comfortable sofas and placed Tahisran's bag
beside him.
.D
.Bdia
Are you going out tonight?
.Edia
he asked him.
.P
The shadow smiled mentally.
.P
.Bdm
Sure! I'm so sick of the boat I could walk for days without
stopping,
.Edm
he replied.
.P
Dashvara had to admit that the same thing was happening to
him: he still had the impression that the room was pitching
like a ship.
.P
They spent the afternoon playing katutas, and the innkeepers
even cooked dinner for them. The garfias were not nearly as
good as Uncle Serl's, but, used as they were to eating them
cold and unseasoned, the Condemned did not protest. The
Xalya women were less understanding, and the Honyrs, as
usual, waited until everyone had eaten before taking their
turn at dinner in respectful silence.
.P
When Wassag went to wake Atasiag at eight o'clock, he was
already awake and ready to go. The problem was that there
were still two hours left for the show, but he said he
wanted to take a walk around Dazbon, and when Dashvara and
Yira saw him leave without waiting for them, they girded
their swords again and followed him out of
.Sm -t nomlieu The White Pearl .
.P
Outside, it was no longer raining. It had long since
darkened, and the Stairs, almost deserted, were lit by a line
of lanterns. Dashvara laughed softly as they walked several
paces behind Atasiag.
.D
.Bdia
He's happy as a colt,
.Edia
he commented.
.Bdia
Have you ever seen him like this?
.Edia
.P
Yira laughed quietly.
.D
.Bdia
He was the same the last time we were in Dazbon. I think
deep down he feels more free, and he likes it. Even though
he's a Titiaka, he has more of a Republican soul.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
What are you whispering about back there?
.Edia
Atasiag said. He let himself be caught up and added,
.Bdia
Have you seen the Temple of the Eye? It's wonderful at
night, with all the lights. In fact,
.Edia
he said,
.Bdia
I'd like to see Dazbon from above. It's been three years
since I've seen it.
.Edia
.P
He turned back to the Stairs and began to climb. Dashvara
huffed but followed him. They passed
.Sm -t nomlieu The White Pearl
again. A few steps up, Atasiag stopped.
.D
.Bdia
I wish Sheroda were with me to see this. But of course,
.Edia
he thought aloud,
.Bdia
it's not polite to drop in on her too early. And I don't
think she wants to climb all those stairs.
.Edia
.P
After his reflections, he continued to climb, and Dashvara
chuckled.
.D
.Bdia
You wouldn't be laughing at me, Philosopher, would you?
.Edia
Atasiag asked in a quiet tone, without stopping.
.D
.Bdia
Not at all. I want to see Dazbon from above, too,
.Edia
he admitted.
.D
.Bdia
Ha. Of course you do: the view is beautiful.
.Edia
.P
He climbed faster, and his energy impressed Dashvara. Halfway
up the Stairs, they were both panting, but Atasiag barely
slowed down. The little sursha seemed to be keeping up
effortlessly, though once they reached the top, Dashvara
heard her gasp with them. When he finally turned back to the
city, he was left speechless. Dazbon was like a sea of lights and
rooftops descending to the ocean. A Gem half visible between
the clouds illuminated the waters of the canals amidst the
darkness. Leaning his baton on the last step, Atasiag stood
facing the city as if he had come to conquer it.
.D
.Bdia
Behold the republican capital,
.Edia
he pronounced.
.Bdia
It is not so orderly nor so perfect as Titiaka, but it is
beautiful in its disorder.
.Edia
.P
He sank into a contemplative silence, and Dashvara dared not
interrupt him. The crashing of the water of the Great
Cascade sounded not far from where they were. When he saw
Yira shivering under the cold currents of the wind, he
reached out to embrace her, and her eyes smiled. At that
moment, Dashvara regretted not being able to send Atasiag
away to protect himself. He wanted to spend the night with his
naâsga. Remembering their happy walks in the woods near the
pirate city, his heart quickened. If only they could finally
be completely free… Suddenly, Atasiag turned around. Dashvara
couldn't make out his expression in the darkness. After a
moment, the Federate broke the silence.
.D
.Bdia
Have you ever seen the Great Cascade up close, Philosopher?
Come along,
.Edia
he said, without waiting for their reply.
.P
At the top of the Stairs was a long, completely deserted
cobbled walkway, and they had only to follow it eastward to
approach the waterfall. They soon came upon a stone
balustrade which continued through a narrow crevice, passing
behind the curtain of water. The passage seemed to continue
across the river, but Atasiag went no further, and Dashvara
leaned on the parapet to peek cautiously down. By the light
of the Gem he could see how the water came down and down,
thundering like a distant brizzia smashing trunks.
.D
.Bdia
It's… impressive,
.Edia
Dashvara admitted.
.Bpenso
It even makes you dizzy,
.Epenso
he completed inwardly.
.P
He was admiring the curtain of water when, suddenly, Yira
jumped up and pulled away from the edge.
.D
.Bdia
By the Serenity, father… what are you up to?
.Edia
.P
His voice showed exasperation. Dashvara turned as a faint
ray of light flashed in Atasiag's hand. He had taken out his
thieves' lantern. And in his other hand, he held some sort of
red ribbon. Dashvara frowned.
.D
.Bdia
What are you doing, Eminence?
.Edia
he asked, suspiciously.
.P
Atasiag handed the ribbon to Yira and replied in a serene
voice:
.D
.Bdia
Don't look at me like that, Philosopher. I'll just marry you
off.
.Edia
.P
For a moment, Dashvara thought he had misheard. The crash of
the waterfall must have distorted his words, he decided.
Atasiag disabused him of his suspicions when he said:
.D
.Bdia
I will marry you according to the Titiaka tradition, with
Cili's blessing.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Cili's bless…?
.Edia
Dashvara huffed, pulling himself together.
.Bdia
Tell me, Eminence, are you joking? We've already been
married for a month—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
According to your tradition,
.Edia
he cut him off,
.Bdia
not according to Yira's tradition. She is Cilian. Bodily
union proves nothing before Cili.
.Edia
.P
The sursha cleared her throat.
.D
.Bdia
I—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
You are a Cilian,
.Edia
Atasiag repeated sharply.
.Bdia
And, sorry if this sounds like religious nonsense, but I'm a
good Cilian, and it seems important to me that my daughter be
married according to rules that I feel are valid.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
So the fact that our Eternal Birds fly together, to you, is
not valid,
.Edia
Dashvara concluded with some irritation.
.D
.Bdia
It's not enough.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked annoyed. Atasiag continued:
.D
.Bdia
I know that, in principle, a worker cannot marry, but I am
willing to make an exception and perform a basic ceremony
myself. And now stop protesting, Philosopher, and take this.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shrugged and accepted the black ribbon that Atasiag
handed him. The situation seemed ridiculous to him, but as
a good Xalya, he tried to understand it and came to the
conclusion that it probably wouldn't seem so ridiculous if
he believed that, without Cili's blessing, the couple was
doomed to failure.
.Bpenso
As if I didn't have enough with Xalya traditions already,
.Epenso
he snorted inwardly. But he made no complaint when Atasiag
asked them to tie the ribbons around one hand. Yira chose to
remove the glove from her left hand, for the other was pure
bone and mortic energy and, as Dashvara had ascertained, it
took a good five minutes to undo all the knots that held the
glove in place. Atasiag himself finished tying the bonds
with the agility of a Cilian priest and said:
.D
.Bdia
Yira. Take off your veil.
.Edia
.P
The sursha sighed but withdrew it with her free hand. Her
long white hair swirled in the wind, and in the dim light of
the thieves' lantern, her undead self glowed, wrapped in
energy. Faced with an embarrassed smile that more or less
seemed to say
.Bqt
the idea didn't come from me,
.Eqt
Dashvara rolled his eyes and opened his mouth.
.D
.Bdia
Shut up, Philosopher.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara closed his mouth without making a sound.
.P
With a solemn expression, Atasiag placed a hand over their
knotted ones and began to recite a religious poem in
Diumcilian that spoke of faith, trust, and happiness. When he
finished, he stepped back to the railing and leaned over,
reaching out an arm to touch the water.
.D
.Bdia
Is jumping into the waterfall a custom, too?
.Edia
Dashvara growled.
.P
Yira laughed quietly, but Atasiag returned safely and
sprinkled their foreheads and hands before declaring still
in Diumcilian:
.D
.Bdia
Cili blesses your union, Yira Peykat and Dashvara of Xalya.
As long as you truly love each other, Cili will make you
both happy in Hareka and eternal in her kingdom.
.Edia
.P
He smiled, extinguished the thief's lantern and declared in
the Common Tongue:
.D
.Bdia
I have to admit that, at first, I had some reservations, but
now I know that Cili created you for each other.
.Edia
Though he was turning his back to the Gem's light, Dashvara
guessed his broad smile.
.Bdia
Well, young people, now you are officially married. I hope
you enjoyed the view. Let's go to Sheroda's. We wouldn't
want to be late after getting out so early.
.Edia
.P
The Titiaka stepped out from behind the waterfall and walked
away down the boardwalk, between the shadows, whistling
happily. Dashvara shook his head with a smile.
.D
.Bdia
Your father never ceases to amaze me. But, you know, I'm
glad he did.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Really?
.Edia
Yira gasped.
.Bdia
But you are not Cilian.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
Dashvara admitted.
.Bdia
But it wasn't really Cili's blessing that he gave us,
naâsga—but his own.
.Edia
He paused and observed,
.Bdia
Of course, I would have preferred it if he had blessed us
with forty horses.
.Edia
.P
Yira laughed, and smiling, Dashvara helped her put her veil
back on. Then they put the matrimonial ribbons in
their pockets and hurried to follow Atasiag, because after
all, they were his bodyguards and they were supposed to be
there to protect him.
.Ch The Republican Theatre
Coming face to face with Sheroda was not as unpleasant as
Dashvara had feared. When they arrived at the entrance to
her new home, the Supreme barely glanced at him and Yira
before accepting Atasiag's arm and setting off towards the
theater with a queenly gait. It was disconcerting to think
that in reality, this woman was not quite a sajit but a
shixan who could transform into a monster with sharp blue
teeth and monstrous eyes… Nervously, Dashvara tried to push
this disturbing image from his mind and followed the couple,
casting cautious glances around. As soon as they arrived in
the Dragon District, the streets filled with people, and
people were coming in and out of the noisy taverns in a
continuous flow.
.P
As Atasiag had explained, the Theatre was just in front of
the Great Library and close to the Hospital. When they
reached the front of the tall building, Dashvara could not
suppress a worried grimace. Surely, if someone wanted to
murder another person in the midst of the crowd that was
gathering here, they had a rather easy task.
.P
.Bpenso
What are you afraid of, Dash? That Atasiag will die? Or are
you more afraid of saying goodbye to your forty horses?
.Epenso
He abruptly dismissed the question and forced himself to
calm down. Either way, who the hell in Dazbon would want to
kill Atasiag Peykat?
.D
.Bdia
Asmoan!
.Edia
the Titiaka suddenly exclaimed, raising his commanding
staff.
.P
The great Agoskurian caitian stood by the door and greeted
his friend with a wave of his hand. It took them a while to
get to him.
.D
.Bdia
I didn't know Republicans were so assiduous at the theater!
.Edia
he grinned broadly, as he shook Atasiag's hand.
.Bdia
I hope you're going to introduce me to the beautiful lady
you're with.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Of course,
.Edia
Atasiag laughed.
.Bdia
This is Sheroda. Sheroda, this is Asmoan of Gravia.
.Edia
.P
Over the din, Dashvara failed to hear Sheroda's whispered
response. He arched an eyebrow at the admiring glint that
lit up Asmoan's eyes.
.D
.Bdia
.Sm -t erare Mawer ,
the pleasure is all mine!
.Edia
he pronounced.
.Bdia
Just being with you, my friends, is worth the best show. But
let's go in; we'll be more at ease in the balconies.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked at him, stunned. Was he dreaming or had the
Agoskurian fellow just uttered a curse in Oy'vat? He shook
his head, shaking off his perplexity, and set about
following Atasiag into the theater. A militiaman stopped
them briefly, asking them to show the weapons license, but
they soon ascended the stairs to a small interior balcony
that overlooked a huge room with benches and a large stage
at the back.
.P
Atasiag, Sheroda, and Asmoan took their places in the
dressing room, and the two friends began to chat animatedly.
They jumped from one topic to another quickly. They talked
about life in Agoskura and the Republic of Dazbon. Asmoan
enthused about how well organized the Great Library was, and
Dashvara learned that he had already been in Dazbon for two
weeks, hosted by the Republican Library Archivist himself,
and was planning to stay all winter until spring.
.D
.Bdia
And you, my friend!
.Edia
the Agoskurian suddenly boomed.
.Bdia
So you say your house in Titiaka did not burn down?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No, it just scorched a little, but nothing irreparable,
.Edia
Atasiag assured.
.Bdia
My foreman has already initiated the rehabilitation.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I'm glad to hear that,
.Edia
the scientist smiled.
.Bdia
You don't know how frightened I was when I heard about this
Rebellion thing. And tell me, are you going back there?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
As soon as one of my guests is healed. When we left Titiaka,
a poor boy was injured. But he is already out of danger. And
as soon as we return, Sheroda and I are to be married. The
Yordarks have offered me an excellent position in Titiaka.
If all goes well, I'll be Administrator of the Council's
Treasury before the year is out,
.Edia
he announced with obvious satisfaction.
.P
Asmoan clapped his hands several times as if he was going to
start dancing the dianka.
.D
.Bdia
Wonderful! So, I hope to see you often in the coming days. I
spend hours, locked in the library. I trust you to get me
out of my mountain of books.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I give you my word!
.Edia
Atasiag proclaimed.
.Bdia
You will not leave Dazbon without knowing all its wonders.
What do you say if you drop in tomorrow at
.Sm -t nomlieu The White Pearl
at dinner time?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
That would sound fantastic to me. If your bride doesn't
mind,
.Edia
Asmoan observed.
.D
.Bdia
Not at all,
.Edia
Sheroda smiled.
.Bdia
I'm not staying at
.Sm -t nomlieu The White Pearl .
And, tomorrow, I shall be very busy with other business.
.Edia
.P
Asmoan had suddenly adopted a fascinated expression.
.D
.Bdia
Of course. I understand it perfectly. I hope, however, to
see you again soon. I didn't know there were… such beautiful
women in Dazbon.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Asmoan!
.Edia
Atasiag warned, half-offended and half-satisfied.
.D
.Bdia
What?
.Edia
the Agoskurian casually smiled.
.Bdia
Oh, I know you Titiakas go through terrible metaphors to
praise beauties. Excuse my lack of finesse, my queen. By the
way, Atasiag, I haven't visited our family yet. Are you
planning to go?
.Edia
.P
Atasiag winced, as if the subject bothered him.
.D
.Bdia
It's been a good three years since I've stopped by to see
our relatives,
.Edia
he confessed.
.Bdia
Our relationship is pretty… cold.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Really?
.Edia
Asmoan gasped.
.D
.Bdia
Really.
.Edia
And leaning back in his seat casually, he said in a low
voice,
.Bdia
You know them. Conservative and not very open. And I'm
more sajit than they'd like. I'm even Cilian. For them, that
is already a serious sign of decadence. I assure you. Sarga
once laughed out loud at me when she saw me coming out of a
Cilian temple in Dazbon. As if they weren't as much
ridiculous with their praise of Life and the Sreda. We are
demons and proud of it, they say. Ow, come on. They think
they're above the sajits when in reality, we demons are just
like them…
.Edia
.P
He frowned, hissed through his teeth, and turned suddenly to
Dashvara. The latter had been listening to the conversation,
increasingly perplexed. Whose relatives were they talking
about? And what was this about demons? He met Atasiag's
eyes, and a glint in them sent a shiver down his spine.
.D
.Bdia
Philosopher,
.Edia
he muttered.
.Bdia
You didn't hear anything, did you?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara saw Asmoan and Sheroda looking at him too, and his
heart began to drum in his chest.
.P
.Bpenso
Careful, Dash. I think you listened to something you
shouldn't have. If you take what Atasiag said at face value,
he and Asmoan are demons. Who knows what that means, but
clearly, if Sheroda is a monster, why shouldn't Atasiag be
too, right? Oh, devils… And why should he be? Oh, devils.
This must be a bad joke. Am I rambling or…
.Epenso
.D
.Bdia
Philosopher,
.Edia
Atasiag repeated, rising from his seat. Dashvara turned to
him an apprehensive look.
.Bdia
I ran my mouth off a bit too much. Please repeat only these
words: I heard nothing, master. Repeat them.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara glanced at Yira and saw her tense but not
surprised. Feeling a sudden threat hanging over him, he
nodded without further ado.
.D
.Bdia
I heard nothing, master. Nothing at all.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Good.
.Edia
Atasiag sat back down and sighed.
.Bdia
I'm so used to saying anything in front of my workers that
I blurt out nonsense when I less expect it. Unless it's due
to old age. Or to my natural stupidity. Sorry, Asmoan. This
is the first time I've ever made such a blunder.
.Edia
.P
Asmoan still looked at Dashvara with a slight flicker of
suspicion, but he regained his smile and assured:
.D
.Bdia
He seems like a good kid. I think he'll keep his mouth shut.
Don't worry, I trust you blindly, Atasiag. I won't send
anyone to kill him. Besides, I have a feeling that his
companion already knew something about it… Come on, don't
worry! Anyone can make a mistake. Forget about it for now.
Ah!
.Edia
he exclaimed happily.
.Bdia
The show's starting.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara was livid. He felt Yira's quiet hand on his arm,
but it barely soothed him. He was tempted to ask her if what
he had heard was true, but then he remembered that he had
heard nothing and tried to clear his mind. He failed.
Absurd, terrifying thoughts swirled in his head. That
two such normal guys as Atasiag and Asmoan could not be
sajits was sobering. Who knows, maybe Dazbon was full of
demons and shixans wandering its streets… He smiled,
sarcastically.
.P
.Bpenso
I have a feeling you're going to have nightmares tonight,
Dash.
.Epenso
.P
Musicians near the stage began to play, and the theatre
gradually fell silent. Dashvara barely watched the beginning
of the show with the dancers, and then, he couldn't
concentrate on the words of the actors. People were
laughing, but he didn't know why. Asmoan, Sheroda, and
Atasiag commented on the performance from time to time.
Finally, Dashvara got tired of standing and sat down on the
floor between the shadows of the dressing room.
.D
.Bdia
To hell with the Srad Andal troupe,
.Edia
he growled low.
.D
.Bdia
Dash,
.Edia
Yira whispered, leaning in. Her eyes shone with concern.
.Bdia
Are you okay?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Not quite.
.Edia
.P
His head hurt, maybe from thinking he had three monsters
sitting in their seats before him. And that Fayrah and Lessi
had a demon father. And that he and his people served him
and… and…
.D
.Bdia
Oh, naâsga,
.Edia
he sighed, taking her hand.
.Bdia
I'm all right. I'm fine,
.Edia
he repeated.
.Bdia
It's only that—but what does it matter. Let's just say that,
as long as he gives me the forty horses, I might even serve
a dragon, right? Or a milfid. Or… Bah.
.Edia
He took a deep breath to calm himself.
.Bdia
I'm perfectly fine, naâsga. Perfectly fine.
.Edia
.P
He kissed her on the forehead and stood up with her. He
caught a glimpse of Sheroda's intense gaze before she
turned back to the actors. At that moment, echoing the
audience, Asmoan let out a loud laugh. Dashvara sighed.
.D
.Bdia
And you… Have you known this for a long time?
.Edia
he muttered.
.P
Yira shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
For years. But it's not important.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Nooo,
.Edia
Dashvara conceded mockingly.
.Bdia
Of course it's not important. It's a detail. I don't know
why I got so upset. As the years go by, I get more and more
sensitive…
.Edia
.P
Yira gave him a light shake, stifling a laugh.
.D
.Bdia
Dash, I'm not kidding. For us, it doesn't matter.
.Edia
.P
Between the shadows of the box, Dashvara looked into her
dark eyes and smiled. He suddenly felt almost peaceful.
Almost.
.D
.Bdia
You are right. With you, naâsga, I could be surrounded by
monsters and I wouldn't care.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Because I'm the worst of them all, right?
.Edia
Yira scoffed.
.P
Dashvara huffed.
.D
.Bdia
I was trying to be romantic, Yira. Bah. This theater is
getting dull. How long before the actors shut up?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
How long before
.Sm you
shut up, Philosopher?
.Edia
Atasiag retorted, shooting him a half-mocking,
half-exasperated look from his seat.
.P
Dashvara winced as he realized that they were no longer
speaking so quietly and he wisely kept quiet. After a long
time, the first act was over, and Asmoan and Atasiag began to
comment on the art of the actors while Sheroda looked bored
to death. Shortly afterwards, a theatre employee passed by
with a cart full of bottles.
.D
.Bdia
Would you like something to drink?
.Edia
he asked them.
.D
.Bdia
Of course,
.Edia
Atasiag nodded.
.Bdia
Have you ever tasted sigria liquor, Asmoan? No? Well,
tonight you shall taste it: it is one of Dazbon's wonders.
My treat. What about you, Sheroda? Nothing? Nothing? Well…
Well, that'll be two liqueurs of sigria.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
That makes one detta, sir,
.Edia
the waiter said.
.P
Atasiag handed the coin to Dashvara, and like the good slave
he was, Dashvara handed it to the Republican, took the
glasses, and handed them to the Titiaka and the Agoskurian.
When Asmoan accepted his, Dashvara felt a sudden discharge and
jumped back, his heart racing and his eyes widening. He had
said he wasn't going to kill him… Yeah, sure.
.D
.Bdia
Asmoan,
.Edia
Atasiag growled.
.Bdia
What the hell are you doing?
.Edia
.P
An amused and guilty glint shone in the scientist's eyes.
.D
.Bdia
Tell me, have you never experimented?
.Edia
he inquired.
.P
Atasiag frowned.
.D
.Bdia
No.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Really? Never, ever? I thought not. Still, having them
around like that, the temptation must be strong—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It would be, for you, perhaps. But, I'm not a scientist, and I
don't feel any temptation,
.Edia
Atasiag assured in a sharp voice.
.P
Asmoan shrugged; he didn't press the issue and concentrated
on the second act that had just begun. Dashvara stepped back
onto the balcony as much as he could.
.D
.Bdia
What did he do to you?
.Edia
Yira asked in a whisper. She sounded worried.
.D
.Bdia
I don't know,
.Edia
Dashvara admitted.
.Bdia
It was like… a discharge. They're celmists, aren't they?
.Edia
.P
Yira shook her head.
.D
.Bdia
I have no idea what they are. I just know that—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
That it is not important,
.Edia
Dashvara completed wryly.
.D
.Bdia
No. I meant I've only seen his true appearance once,
.Edia
she whispered so low that Dashvara barely heard her.
.P
He felt a chill run through him.
.D
.Bdia
So, they do transform.
.Edia
.P
Yira did not answer. When Dashvara followed the direction of
her gaze and saw Atasiag glaring at them, he silently
cleared his throat and decided to keep quiet for the rest of
the evening. All in all, he felt he had already learned too
much that day. Far too much.
.P
The vigil seemed interminable. When he finally heard the
audience applaud the third act, he yawned and wished he had
taken a nap like Atasiag in the afternoon. The audience rose
from their seats, and Dashvara emerged from his immobility
feeling as if he had been crushed by a brizzia.
.D
.Bdia
Philosopher, are you listening to me?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gasped and realized that the three creatures had
risen and approached the exit of the box. Atasiag watched
him patiently.
.D
.Bdia
I asked you how you found the show.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed.
.D
.Bdia
Long.
.Edia
.P
Atasiag arched an eyebrow and waited a few more seconds
before saying, looking disappointed:
.D
.Bdia
Is that all?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara grimaced.
.D
.Bdia
Yes. Well… it's just that I wasn't paying attention.
Something about a kingdom, two ugly princesses, and an idiot
who wants to get married to inherit.
.Edia
He shrugged and observed,
.Bdia
I did enjoy the music during the breaks.
.Edia
.P
Atasiag rolled his eyes, Asmoan laughed, and Sheroda's lips
curled.
.D
.Bdia
I hope,
.Edia
Atasiag smiled,
.Bdia
that whoever is going to write in the Dazbon Gazette about
this show has a little more favorable opinion. Come on,
let's get out of here. Sheroda,
.Edia
he added as they headed for the stairs,
.Bdia
you've been very quiet tonight. Didn't you enjoy the
theatre?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
In a way, I think my opinion is a little like the
steppian's, Atasiag,
.Edia
the Supreme admitted.
.Bdia
But I agree that the actors were very good. And if I'm a
little quiet, it's simply because I'm tired.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Then I'll walk you straight home. Do you want me to send for
a carriage?
.Edia
.P
Sheroda laughed quietly.
.D
.Bdia
My house is barely a ten-minute walk away, darling. Don't be
ridiculous.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Yes… I understand. By the way, do you really not want me to
leave Wassag and Yorlen to take care of you? They are very
helpful boys and—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I don't need anyone to take care of me, Atasiag,
.Edia
Sheroda cut him off gently.
.Bdia
And I don't need slaves. When in the world are you going to
get that through your head.
.Edia
.P
The Titiaka flushed slightly.
.D
.Bdia
Of course. I'm sorry if I insulted you, dear.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Don't worry, I'm getting used to your fixations,
.Edia
Sheroda laughed.
.Bdia
But please get used to mines too.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara caught Asmoan of Gravia's very amused smile as they
walked out. Outside, a cold wind blew away his fatigue and
brightened him up at once.
.D
.Bdia
Well, my friends,
.Edia
the Agoskurian said.
.Bdia
From here, I go straight to the Great Library to sleep
between my books. It has been a pleasure—no, even a joy—to
spend this evening with you. Let's meet tomorrow, Atasiag.
.Edia
.P
As his friend answered, Dashvara looked around. It was
already very late, and almost all the taverns in the square
were closed. Most of the spectators were already leaving,
scattering through the streets in a cold, dense mist. The
light of the Hospital could barely be seen.
.P
As the tall figure of Asmoan walked away towards the Great
Library, Atasiag and Sheroda made their way back.
.D
.Bdia
Ha. Have you seen old Naskag Nelkantas, my dear?
.Edia
the federate said in a light tone.
.Bdia
He's aged: perhaps you didn't recognize him. He was sitting
a few boxes away. He tried to greet me. That treacherous
dog.
.Edia
He laughed softly.
.Bdia
He must be desperate in his exile. Everyone knows he hates
Republicans. Well, if he thinks I'm going to do him any
favors, he can cool his heels.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara remembered that the Legitimate Nelkantas had been
exiled for helping the Unitarians rise up. As Atasiag
continued to speak, he stopped listening: he wasn't
interested in his intrigues one bit.
.P
They were reaching the Temple of the Eye when, without
warning, Yira stopped and staggered. Stunned, Dashvara
reached out a hand… and barely recovered her as she was
about to slump. Terror swept over him like a petrifying
wave.
.D
.Bdia
Yira? Yira!
.Edia
.Ch "The mysterious cave"
.D
.Bdia
Yira!
.Edia
Dashvara cried, appalled. Before she collapsed to the ground, he
took her in his arms, panicked. The little sursha's eyes
were closed.
.P
Atasiag crouched beside him, his face darkened.
.D
.Bdia
She has overused her energy. Don't take the veil off her,
you idiot.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I didn't take it away from her. What do you mean by
.qt overused her energy ?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
She was using spells to hide from Asmoan that she is… well, you
know what. I told her it was unlikely he'd notice
anything, but… Well, she just wore herself out. One day
she'll scare me to death. Let's keep moving.
.Edia
.P
Trembling slightly, Dashvara lifted the sursha and followed
Atasiag and Sheroda through the streets of the Dragon
District, eager to return to his brothers. This day would
surpass the most troubling of his life. He'd spent all
morning on a boat, half sick, he'd struggled to unload
barrels with thieves in them, he'd gotten married, he'd
found out his master was a demon, and now Yira just fainted…
.D
.Bdia
And what would happen if he found out?
.Edia
he asked suddenly.
.Bdia
All in all, if you and he are what I haven't heard, it
shouldn't scare him too much to see her.
.Edia
.P
They were already entering the street of Sheroda's, near the
canal. Atasiag stopped and looked at him, his face dark.
.D
.Bdia
You are mistaken. I am not like the ones of my kind. In
general, we are staunch detractors of… this energy,
.Edia
he muttered, indicating Yira.
.Bdia
If they were to discover it… I'd rather not think about what
would happen. Let's move on.
.Edia
.P
He turned his back, and Dashvara looked at him, his eyes
wide.
.D
.Bdia
Oh, devils,
.Edia
he swore. And he resumed walking.
.P
They arrived at the gate, Sheroda opened it, and Atasiag
raised a hand to ask Dashvara to wait outside. Dashvara
grunted and sat down on the threshold without letting go of
Yira. Who knows what that demon was up to now. It took him
forever to open the door again, and when he did, he was
dressed in dark republican clothes and wore a tight black
scarf around his head.
.D
.Bdia
Give her to me. I'll take her to a room, and Sheroda will
take care of her. Don't worry, by morning, she'll be back on
her feet,
.Edia
he promised.
.P
Reluctantly, Dashvara gave him Yira, and Atasiag disappeared
through a door in the hallway. He quickly reappeared,
exited, and closed behind him.
.D
.Bdia
Follow me.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara frowned but followed him.
.D
.Bdia
Where do we go from here?
.Edia
.P
Atasiag did not answer, and apprehension began to stir in
Dashvara's heart. He remembered very clearly Asmoan's words,
.Bparoles
I won't send anyone to kill him
.Eparoles .
He had said it with such calmness… But it was absurd to
think that Atasiag could want to kill him because of what he
had heard: all things considered, he also knew that Sheroda
was a shixan, and he had taken it for granted that Dashvara
would not speak of it. And, of course, Dashvara had kept the
secret. Besides, he was armed with two swords while Atasiag
must have had little more than a concealed dagger. Of
course, if they were magicians, perhaps he had other
techniques to defend himself…
.P
.Bpenso
Honestly, Dash, stop thinking nonsense. You know Atasiag.
Whether or not he's a demon, you know he wouldn't dare to
kill you.
.Epenso
.P
As they entered a completely deserted alley, Dashvara began
to worry. He broke the silence.
.D
.Bdia
Damn it, Eminence. Will you finally tell me where we're
going?
.Edia
.P
Atasiag turned his head slightly and shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
I want to show you something.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stopped, nervous.
.D
.Bdia
Very well. But first tell me what you want to show me.
.Edia
.P
Atasiag turned into the narrow street. What little he could
see of his face was shrouded in shadow.
.D
.Bdia
You're scared.
.Edia
.P
His voice sounded disappointed. Dashvara winced.
.D
.Bdia
No. I just have my doubts. It's kind of natural.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It isn't. I'm your master: you should trust me,
.Edia
Atasiag retorted. Dashvara hardly repressed a sarcastic
laugh. After a silence, the Titiaka added:
.Bdia
And now, you don't trust me. You surprise me,
Philosopher.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara laughed through his teeth.
.D
.Bdia
.Sm You
surprised me more tonight, Eminence. If I doubt,
it is simply because I have no idea what it is like to be a…
you know what. Perhaps what I was taught about these
creatures in the steppe was all lies, but the word itself is
not very flattering in any case.
.Edia
.P
He sensed Atasiag approaching and took a step back. The
Titiaka stopped.
.D
.Bdia
That's ridiculous, Philosopher. I'm still the same. You want
to see what I really am? Well, so be it. Come closer. I'll
show you. It's nothing extraordinary. The physical changes
are minimal. Come closer,
.Edia
he ordered.
.P
Dashvara took a deep breath, swallowed his apprehensions and
approached. Atasiag lighted his lantern ever so slightly, and
Dashvara could suddenly see his blood-red eyes and black
pupils reduced to slits. With one hand, the demon pulled the
black scarf away from his face and marks darker than night
appeared, clear on his human face.
.D
.Bdia
Satisfied?
.Edia
he asked briskly.
.P
Dashvara saw his teeth sharpened, but he did not back down.
Atasiag's tone betrayed a clear irritation. And there was
also a hint of expectation and fear. And how could he not be
afraid: what he had just shown Dashvara would probably have
condemned him to death in a sajit town. He doubted that in
Dazbon, monsters who transformed like that were well
accepted. Even if he thought the changes were
.qt minimal ,
his master's appearance was quite terrifying.
.Bpenso
But used as you are to seeing strange things, Dash, you
shouldn't be frightened.
.Epenso
He swallowed.
.D
.Bdia
Satisfied,
.Edia
he murmured.
.Bdia
Excuse me, Eminence.
.Edia
.P
Atasiag arched an eyebrow. His marks disappeared, and his
eyes, fixed on Dashvara's, turned dark brown again. He
turned off the thieves' lantern.
.D
.Bdia
So, do you trust me?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded without hesitation.
.D
.Bdia
Yes.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Good,
.Edia
Atasiag sighed. He looked relieved.
.D
.Bdia
So… what did you want to show me?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Don't be impatient.
.Edia
Dashvara perceived a clear change of tone in his voice: it
had become more cheerful and light again.
.Bdia
Follow me and you will see.
.Edia
.P
He followed him, unable to avoid asking himself a disturbing
question: what would Atasiag have done if he had run away or
if he had drawn the swords? He remembered that, when he saw
the transformed Shixan, his first instinct had been to reach
for his weapons. Then he had tried to run, but the shixan's
spell had prevented him from doing so… Perhaps Atasiag had
similar powers and only used them in extreme need. Who
knows? Sincerely, Dashvara preferred never to have to find
out.
.P
He dismissed his ramblings as Atasiag stopped near a wall,
almost at the end of the dead end. He saw him reach down and
pull something, but in the darkness he was unable to guess
what.
.D
.Bdia
Come in,
.Edia
the thief whispered.
.P
Dashvara leaned close to him and discovered that he was now
standing in front of a small open tunnel. It emanated an
unsavoury smell. But Dashvara crawled into it anyway, down a
ramp. He found himself in complete darkness. With some
relief, he felt that Atasiag was following him. The Titiaka
closed the door before turning on the thieves' lantern and
dimly illuminating the tunnel. It was narrow, but
after a few steps the ceiling rose, allowing them to stand.
They came to a crossroads, and Dashvara stopped, questioning.
.D
.Bdia
This way,
.Edia
Atasiag whispered.
.P
He walked past, picking out a narrowing tunnel, and ducked
again. Dashvara crawled behind him, increasingly puzzled.
Where the hell was this snake leading him?
.P
After a long time, he began to hear a steady noise that made
him frown. They came to some old wooden stairs going up.
They were covered with dust. Once they reached the top, they
found themselves facing a small door. Atasiag ran a hand
over the lock and seemed to concentrate before pushing it
open.
.P
What he discovered left Dashvara even more disconcerted.
They were outside again, in… a cave? That loud rumor was the
ocean, he realized. Atasiag closed the door behind them,
intensified the light of his lantern and said with a broad
smile:
.D
.Bdia
This is the Cave of Black Song. We are on the Bones Cliffs.
.Edia
.P
A solemn echo sounded in the cave. Dashvara silently cleared
his throat.
.D
.Bdia
And?
.Edia
he asked.
.D
.Bdia
This cave has saved my life more than once,
.Edia
Atasiag admitted. He motioned for Dashvara to follow him.
.Bdia
Just be careful. There are rock jellyfish that live around
here. If you step on them, you'll slip. They'll also grab
your feet.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Fantastic,
.Edia
Dashvara replied while following him with great care.
.Bdia
Tell me, Eminence, you didn't bring me here simply to see a
damned cave with jellyfish, did you?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
What if I did?
.Edia
He turned and smiled when he saw Dashvara's grim face.
.Bdia
Actually, I brought you here to give you something that will
interest you.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara snorted. As they walked between stalagmites of rock,
he noticed that they were encrusted with many small stones
that gave off a soft light. He found himself staring at
them, fascinated.
.D
.Bdia
Does Yira know this place?
.Edia
he asked.
.P
Atasiag shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
No. I used to use this cave more. It's been a good five
years since I've been in here. I hope nothing has changed.
.Edia
He took a few steps and leaned over a broken stalagmite. To
Dashvara's astonishment, he inserted his hand into a hole in
the center and pulled out an object. A bottle. Dashvara
laughed.
.D
.Bdia
Tonight you keep surprising me, Eminence. First, your Cilian
fit, then your blunder, and now the bottle… Frankly, you
amaze me.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Take it and stop talking.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara took it. The glass was icy cold. He also accepted
the lantern and shone it on Atasiag as the federate
continued to work, searching the hole in the stalagmite. He
took out a small box and put it in his pocket. Then he
walked away to another stalagmite and bent down near a
cavity in the wall to pick up something that looked like it
was made of wood.
.D
.Bdia
Help me get this out, Philosopher,
.Edia
he panted.
.P
Dashvara put the bottle and lantern on the floor and
struggled with him, growing more and more curious. They made
a terrible racket throughout the cave. When they finally
removed the chest, he hissed through his teeth.
.D
.Bdia
Don't tell me you put this here by yourself?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Lisag helped me. My youngest son,
.Edia
he explained.
.P
Dashvara studied his face in amazement as Atasiag ran a hand
over his sweaty forehead. He hesitated before observing:
.D
.Bdia
You never talk about your sons.
.Edia
.P
Atasiag looked up abruptly, and Dashvara flushed as he
realized that he was intruding on what was none of his
business. He pointed to the trunk and was about to ask if it
contained any dead beech-shells when suddenly the light from
the lantern went out. Atasiag hissed.
.D
.Bdia
Where the hell did you leave the lantern?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
On the floor. It's gotta be over there…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
A thieves' lantern never goes out so fast by itself. Did you
sit on it?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
Dashvara muttered.
.Bdia
Damn it, I can't find it.
.Edia
He tensed.
.Bdia
I hear noises.
.Edia
.P
In fact, there was some strange banging and whistling going
on nearby. Atasiag grunted.
.D
.Bdia
These are not jellyfish.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara heard him rise, and his eyes widened in the
darkness. The light from the small stones did not shine
brightly enough to see anything beyond the stalagmites
themselves.
.D
.Bdia
Hey, Eminence, be careful,
.Edia
he croaked.
.Bdia
You might hit yourself…
.Edia
He heard a diffuse but high-pitched sound that didn't sound
good to him.
.Bdia
What was that?
.Edia
.P
He stood up slowly, raising his hands to avoid hitting the
rock of the wall. Then he drew a sword. He heard Atasiag's
hurried steps. How the hell was he running in this darkness?
.D
.Bdia
Philosopher. Help me carry the trunk. We're leaving.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
What is it?
.Edia
Dashvara inquired as he sheathed the sword.
.D
.Bdia
Kraokdals. Something must have driven them up to the lower
tunnels. Normally they live in the Underground. They must
have moved in recently. By the Serenity, get moving. You
wouldn't want to run into them, believe me.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
What about the lantern?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
A rock jellyfish had taken it. Those damn thieves,
.Edia
he muttered and huffed under his breath as they lifted the
chest.
.D
.Bdia
If you have… the… lantern,
.Edia
Dashvara gasped,
.Bdia
why don't you turn it on?
.Edia
.P
There was a silence, then Atasiag said:
.D
.Bdia
Very true. Anyway, the kraokdals are blind, so I don't think
it'll attract them. I'll put the trunk down for a moment.
.Edia
.P
They put the chest down again, and soon the light of the
lantern shone back into the cave. In a second Dashvara saw
three details: first, that Atasiag had turned back into a
demon; second, that several deformed masses of brilliant
green were gliding across the rocky floor; and, finally,
that a large greenish semi-bipedal creature had just
appeared from a tunnel some twenty paces away. The growl it
emitted did not frighten him as much as its enormous claws
and fangs.
.P
The next moment Dashvara had the swords in his hands.
.D
.Bdia
Forget the trunk, Eminence!
.Edia
he growled.
.Bdia
Let's get out of here.
.Edia
.P
Atasiag shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
Then let's put it back in the hole. The jellyfish would be
able to steal what's inside.
.Edia
.P
For an instant, Dashvara stared at him, his eyes open wide.
Suddenly, the kraokdal struck the rock and rushed towards
them. They were blind, he said.
.Sm -t penso My foot they are!
Dashvara abruptly moved away from the wall. When he saw
Atasiag hesitate, he shouted:
.D
.Bdia
Back off, you damn fool!
.Edia
.P
Without further thought, he returned to Atasiag's side and
dashed past him towards the beast. He narrowly avoided a
clawed blow thanks to a small stalagmite: the rock emitted a
clatter when it burst into a thousand pieces. It was only a
matter of time before the cave collapsed on them. He was
about to receive another attack from the beast when, to his
astonishment, the kraokdal stopped and turned its head
towards Atasiag. It had no eyes: only a huge mouth with
teeth and hair. And such claws! Dashvara took advantage of
its hesitation and, without further ado, plunged the swords
into the monster's throat. He avoided another clawed blow
and backed away hastily as the kraokdal screamed while
choking and trying to attack him. After a strangled bellow,
the beast collapsed. The rock jellyfish moved aside at once
to avoid being crushed. From the tunnel where the creature
had emerged, new growls were heard.
.D
.Bdia
Hey, Eminence!
.Edia
Dashvara shouted,
.Bdia
this time we're getting out of here for good.
.Edia
.P
Atasiag's red eyes looked into his.
.D
.Bdia
We've got time. Let's get the chest out of here.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara hissed, annoyed, and was about to protest, but
Atasiag insisted:
.D
.Bdia
Come on, hurry up!
.Edia
.P
Dashvara mentally cursed him, but he obeyed: he sheathed the
swords, took one end of the chest, and the two of them began
to stagger forward into the cave. The growling was getting
louder, and Dashvara feared that they would find themselves
surrounded by these creatures at any moment. If so, he got
the feeling their chances of getting out of there would be
slim. This madman was frankly stubborn with his crate…
.P
They reached the door and set the chest down. Atasiag
pressed his hands against the wooden door, and Dashvara
guessed he was doing a magic trick.
.Bpenso
Couldn't he have just left it open?
.Epenso
he thought. Suddenly, the kraokdals began to scream. They
must have heard their companion's cries of pain.
.D
.Bdia
Quickly,
.Edia
Atasiag said, pulling the door open at last.
.D
.Bdia
It's no use,
.Edia
Dashvara stammered as he lifted the chest again. The
kraokdals were already almost upon them, and with his back
to them to carry the damned chest, he wasn't even going to
be able to look death in the face…
.D
.Bdia
Down!
.Edia
Atasiag roared suddenly.
.P
Dashvara dropped the chest and rolled on the rock floor. A
large stone crashed against the open door. Now they were
throwing projectiles at them? That was all they needed! He
tried to pull out his
swords, when a cursed jellyfish grabbed his chest and another
one his leg. He could not get rid of it, so he got up, and
when he saw a kraokdal coming at him, he said goodbye to
life. By a happy coincidence, the beast slipped on a mass of
jellyfish and spread out in front of Dashvara. Dashvara
finished drawing one of the swords and struck a deadly blow
to its head before dashing for the door. He reached Atasiag
just as another creature appeared between the shadows of two
stalagmites, running towards them. He didn't believe it when
he saw the Titiaka, on his knees, on the threshold,
struggling to pull the chest out of the cave.
.P
.Bpenso
He's completely crazy…
.Epenso
.P
Several jellyfish were climbing up his legs, but he ignored
them and left his swords on the landing before grabbing the
handle to join Atasiag's effort. He pulled with all his
might.
.P
And then the trunk moved at last: it tipped over and fell
down the stairs with a hellish noise. The lantern went out,
but anyway, Dashvara hurriedly closed the door on the kraokdal.
There was a loud bang on the other side of the door. The
kraokdal was going to shoot him, he lamented.
.D
.Bdia
Oh, Liadirlá,
.Edia
he growled. He picked up his swords in the dark,
.Bdia
Eminence, turn the lantern back on, will you?
.Edia
He frowned and turned his head slightly.
.Bdia
Eminence?
.Edia
.P
Then he understood that His Eminence had fallen down the
stairs with the chest.
.Ch Demons and embassies
.D
.Bdia
Ph-Philosopher. Oh… merciful Cili. I hurt all over.
.Edia
.P
After sheathing his swords mechanically in the darkness and
descending the stairs cautiously, Dashvara finally reached
the bottom and heard Atasiag's ragged breathing. The
kraokdal had stopped banging on the door.
.D
.Bdia
Of course you hurt all over,
.Edia
Dashvara muttered.
.Bdia
It's a wonder you're still alive after a fall like that. How
can you risk our lives for a damned chest, Eminence… Where's
the lantern?
.Edia
he asked.
.P
At last the light illuminated the hallway. Atasiag was
sitting on the trunk, massaging his shoulder and head. It
was bleeding.
.D
.Bdia
You look terrible,
.Edia
Dashvara gasped.
.D
.Bdia
Speak for yourself. With those jellyfish, you look like you
came straight from the monster bestiary.
.Edia
.P
And you're one to talk, Dashvara thought, looking at
Atasiag's reddened eyes and glowing marks. Come to think of
it, it was a miracle Atasiag wasn't in worse shape after
rolling down those stairs.
.D
.Bdia
Demon skin is tougher than a sajit's,
.Edia
Atasiag explained, as if guessing at his thoughts.
.P
Dashvara let out an indefinable guttural sound, and after
making sure that Atasiag's wound was superficial, he
proceeded to dispose of his jellyfish. One by one, he tossed
them up the stairs. Perhaps they would be able to get under
the door to return to their home.
.D
.Bdia
It's much better this way,
.Edia
Dashvara sighed, relieved.
.Bdia
I hope your trunk was worth it. We should get away before
the kraokdals come back and break the door down.
.Edia
.P
Atasiag shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
The door is enchanted: the kraokdals will not be able to
destroy it. Or at least I hope not. Anyway, we can carry the
contents and leave the chest here for now. It will be
quicker. I'll send my men to get it one of these days.
.Edia
He stood up.
.Bdia
Open the lid. Here's the key.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara took the key and opened the trunk. There were three
bags. After glancing at the first one, he huffed, stunned.
.D
.Bdia
I risked my life for some bloody books.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
These are precious books,
.Edia
Atasiag retorted.
.Bdia
Some are unique copies, and the cheapest one is worth no
less than a hundred dragons. Perhaps you will be interested
to know that one of them was written by an Ancient King of
the Steppe.
.Edia
Hearing this, Dashvara widened his eyes in amazement.
.Bdia
As you can hear it. See that sword there?
.Edia
he added.
.P
Dashvara bent down to pick up the weapon from its sheath. In
fact, it was a saber. And as he could verify, the blade was
as black as coal.
.D
.Bdia
It is like Yira's sword,
.Edia
he remarked, surprised.
.D
.Bdia
Black steel,
.Edia
Atasiag agreed.
.Bdia
It is an unusual metal, as light and strong as the mythical
sethrag steel. Both sabers belonged to the same king. If you
look closely, his family motto is inscribed on the pommel,
as well as his name, Siranaga, who was—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I know who he was,
.Edia
Dashvara cut him off in disbelief.
.Bdia
Siranaga the Adventurer. He was an Ancient King who decided
to go off in search of a myth and didn't return. Does this
chest belong to him?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No, it doesn't. The chest was given to me by friends in
Agoskura when I left there. Since then, I've been using it
to put precious items I don't need,
.Edia
he grinned.
.Bdia
I acquired the swords from a cash-strapped merchant who sold
them to me for a pittance. He was Agoskurian, and he did not
recognize the name Siranaga engraved on the blades. He
didn't understand that he had just sold me a real relic.
.Edia
His eyes sparkled.
.Bdia
I got his diary for the same price. It's written in
Oy'vat, so, I could never read it properly. Here it is,
.Edia
he said, pulling an old notebook out from between the books.
.Bdia
It's in relatively good condition. The Ancient Kings of your
steppe used quality paper.
.Edia
.P
He handed it to Dashvara who, putting down the
black sword, accepted the diary with a mixture of respect
and unease. By the light of the lantern, he could read the
handwritten title:
.Sm -t titulo Meditations Of A Steppian .
It was signed
.qt Siranaga of Rorsy .
.D
.Bdia
Why did you buy it?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I find the diary of a king and you expect me to leave it in
the hands of a merchant who doesn't even know what he's
selling?
.Edia
Atasiag laughed.
.Bdia
I'm not a scholar or scientist like Asmoan, but I can
recognize the value of an item. I could sell it back to a
museum in Dazbon for over two-hundred dragons. At first, I
had thought of giving this book to Asmoan… but I think there
is someone who has more right to read it than he does.
.Edia
He paused, and Dashvara looked up from the diary to see that
the Titiaka was watching him with a small smile.
.Bdia
From now on, this sword and this diary belong to you,
Dashvara of Xalya. Do with them as you see fit.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara did not know what to say. He already had swords,
and he'd read a lot of books about the Ancient Kings, but the
mere fact that Atasiag had thought to give him such a gift
meant a lot to him. It was almost as if, at that moment, he
recognized that he was more a Xalya than a slave. He bowed
as any Xalya would have done under such circumstances.
.D
.Bdia
I accept the gift and thank you, Atasiag Peykat.
.Edia
.P
Titiaka shook his head gently, smiling.
.D
.Bdia
Thanks to you, son. I only wish I could get some horses out
of the trunk.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara laughed, because he had just thought the exact same
thing.
.D
.Bdia
They wouldn't fit in those tunnels,
.Edia
he joked and pointed to the three bags.
.Bdia
What's inside?
.Edia
.P
A teasing glint gleamed in Atasiag's eyes.
.D
.Bdia
Things of my own. I'll take them to Sheroda's. I don't put a
single bit of trust in those employees of
.Sm -t nomlieu The White Pearl .
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shrugged and took the first two bags. Atasiag hung
the other one on his belt, letting out a grunt of pain as he
straightened up.
.D
.Bdia
Damn kraokdals…
.Edia
.salto
The next day, the first thing Dashvara wanted to do was to
go to Sheroda's house and make sure Yira was okay. However,
Atasiag had other plans. First, Dashvara had to send three
volunteers to speak with Asmoan of Gravia, as promised: in
the end, it was Miflin, Lumon, and Sedrios the Old who went.
He didn't like the idea of sending his people to speak with
a demon without even warning them, but he couldn't find a
way to refuse without complicating things. Then he escorted
Atasiag to the Merchant House, a sort of luxurious tavern
where merchants gathered to sell and buy items. There,
Atasiag greeted several acquaintances and sat down at a
table with a Republican, who Dashvara understood to be the
brother of a prominent patrician.
.P
After some questions and courtesies, they began to talk
about prices. Leaning against a wall, Dashvara listened with
one ear and occasionally let his gaze wander over the
distant tables of the room.
.D
.Bdia
It's Blue Country wine, my friend!
.Edia
Atasiag Peykat protested.
.Bdia
The finest wine on the whole west coast. I don't know if you
know that in Titiaka such a treasure sells for thirty
dragons a barrel, at the very least! I know a rather impulsive
fellow countryman who had a slave beheaded on the spot for
spilling a glass of this wine. In Dazbon, when accounting
for taxes, thirty-two for a barrel is an excellent deal.
I'll give you an even better deal: all the goods, including
the bags of herbs, for one thousand two hundred. That's a
more than generous price.
.Edia
.P
The patrician gently shook his wine glass and surprisingly
stopped haggling:
.D
.Bdia
So be it! I'll buy you everything. My brother will surely be
pleased.
.Edia
.P
Atasiag smiled.
.D
.Bdia
He'll know how to appreciate wine and herbs, if he's a fine
connoisseur as I've heard.
.Edia
.P
Both were satisfied. The patrician invited him to the
Festival of the Constitution the following week, Atasiag
accepted, they signed papers and said goodbye. The rest of
the morning, the Xalyas spent loading and transporting
barrels of wine to the Parvels' house in the Beau Quartier.
When they returned to
.Sm -t nomlieu The White Pearl Inn ,
they were exhausted. Miflin, Lumon and Sedrios had
already returned, as had Yira, Dashvara noted with relief.
The sursha was in the middle of a conversation with Alta's
cousins, and Dashvara thought he heard the words
.qt cut and thrust
before the noisy arrival of Xalyas' troop drowned out the
other conversations.
.D
.Bdia
You got lucky, Poet!
.Edia
Zamoy exclaimed, giving his brother a pat on the head.
.Bdia
We've suffered more than the donkeys of Symjablas!
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Well, I would have preferred to be with you guys,
.Edia
Miflin replied.
.Bdia
That Agoskurian got on my nerves. He's been riddling us with
questions. I can't understand how a guy who comes from so
far away can be so interested in our culture.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
What did he want to know so badly?
.Edia
the captain inquired.
.D
.Bdia
Things about the Eternal Bird, mostly,
.Edia
Lumon replied.
.Bdia
And about how the Ancient Kings fell.
.Edia
He smiled mockingly.
.Bdia
He asked us if the Tower of the Eternal Bird existed.
.Edia
.P
Several gasped, and the captain let out a small laugh.
.D
.Bdia
And what did you say to him?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
That we had seen it from a distance,
.Edia
Miflin said.
.Bdia
We had to explain to him that the Essimeans were scoundrels
and wouldn't let us pass to go and see it up close. The
damn fool says he intends to go and see it.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara choked on his saliva.
.D
.Bdia
He wants to go to the steppe?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Yeah,
.Edia
the Poet affirmed with a big smile.
.Bdia
He said he was willing to pay for an escort. But, when we
told him yes, yes, and that we'd need about forty horses,
weapons and supplies, he said he'd think about it. Truth
be said, I'm afraid he doesn't have enough money for all
that.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara couldn't help but smile.
.D
.Bdia
If only we could find three or four more Asmoans, we'd be on
the steppe in less than a week.
.Edia
.P
His statement drew many smiles. The captain rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bdia
It's not easy to find two fools who want to go to the same
place,
.Edia
he considered.
.Bdia
But, if Asmoan wants to see that tower, maybe Atasiag will
give him a hand…
.Edia
.P
The Xalyas' hopes had soared. Dashvara felt sure that they
would not take as long as he had expected to leave Dazbon.
They would find a way, whatever it was.
.P
In the afternoon, Atasiag reappeared from who knows where
and asked Dashvara to accompany him to the Titiaka embassy.
The embassy was in the Dragon District, on the seashore.
When they arrived, the gate was guarded by three Ragail
guards.
.D
.Bdia
Atasiag Peykat,
.Edia
the Titiaka introduced himself.
.Bdia
I have received this invitation from the great ambassador.
.Edia
.P
One of the Ragails glanced at the document, handed it to
another, who examined it carefully and nodded.
.D
.Bdia
You may pass, Sir Peykat,
.Edia
the former said.
.Bdia
I regret to inform you that weapons are not allowed in the
compound without prior permission. The guard accompanying
you will have to leave his weapons or wait outside.
.Edia
.P
Atasiag frowned.
.D
.Bdia
He'll wait here,
.Edia
he decided.
.P
Dashvara saw the Titiaka disappear as the gate closed behind
them. After looking at the Ragails with a patient pout, he
crossed the street and sat on the third step of the stairs
of a house. It was a long wait. Fortunately, he still had
Siranaga's diary under his uniform.
.P
In reality, as he could tell from the first few pages, it
was not a diary but a memoir. The Ancient King was beginning to
talk about his early years and his first impressions of the
royal family. Although he had read a lot of books from that
time, Dashvara was surprised by the crude style with which
Siranaga explained the family conflicts. The prince deplored
the moral decay of the kingdom's capital and the
increasingly frequent betrayals between the royal family's
cousins. He described his rise to the throne with more irony
than illusion, wondering at all times whom he could trust.
.P
.Blecture
The family lost its cohesion,
.Electure
he wrote.
.Blecture
It was dying slowly and continued to die during my reign. I
could do nothing to ease the strife, and I could not
discover a cure for our curse. When my fifth son, Shaotara,
was born in the third year of the Falcon, I hoped that the
Eternal Bird would rise from the ashes, and with it, our
kingdom. Of the twelve sons I had, only he was born awake
and blessed by the Liadirlá. I educated him from childhood
and brought the most competent shaards from the four corners
of the steppe. I sent him to study for three years in the
Republic of Dazbon, and then he traveled to distant Agoskura.
I thought he would never come back, but he did, and he is as
loyal to our family as ever. I soon found that my son
Shaotara had grown into a confident and independent man,
ready to lead. I appointed him captain of my western armies,
and he effectively crushed the revolts of the Essimeans and
Shalussis. I rewarded him with land and allowed his marriage
to Princess Aodorma. Just two months later, Captain Shaotara
obtained the surrender of the Amystorb and the Xalyas when they
tried to betray us. All the peoples of the steppe celebrated
his name. At no time did he come to me to claim the crown, a
great proof of his loyalty to the Eternal Bird of the
family! I decided to make him king three years after the
birth of his first son, whose Liadirlá also beat awake.
Shaotara assumed his new position with greater skill than I
had ever done. The barbarians were again expelled or
subdued, and trade with the Republic flourished daily.
People came from all over the world to buy salt from our
saltworks, salbronix, silver and gold from our mines, tools
from our factories. Rocdinfer was once again a happy
kingdom. And now my own children dare to turn against a
brother! Odlokara, my first-born son, has not only sought
the support of several lords of the steppe, but has also
allied himself with the Essimeans. May you, reader, never
feel the desire to murder one of your own sons as I felt in
those days! Odlokara had sworn to kill all the blessed of
our family. The Essimeans converted him to their religion of
Death, and like them, he called us demons…
.Electure
.P
Dashvara shuddered. With each page he read, he felt more
confused. According to the other versions he had read,
Shaotara was a tyrant, and Odlokara the Bloody had taken
advantage of the hostility of the steppe lords to stir them
up against his brother. Odlokara had died in battle, and it
was said that Shaotara had managed to flee with his wife and
children. However, according to Siranaga, Shaotara had been
imprisoned and beheaded by one of his own brothers. There
followed pages explaining how Siranaga had decided to leave
the steppe with his youngest children. The lord of the
Amystorb had succeeded in taking him prisoner, killed his
offspring, and demanded a ransom for Siranaga. Princess
Aodorma had paid the amount, and both had been able to leave
the steppe. The end of the book spoke of how he and his
daughter-in-law had settled in Agoskura, and he continued
with various meditations on the real suicide that his sons
and the lords of the steppe had perpetrated. He would end
with a bitter exclamation,
.Blecture
May the Eternal Bird watch over you, poor beloved steppe
that I had to see die!
.Electure
.P
Dashvara breathed in and came back to reality. How many
hours had he spent sitting on that stairstep, absorbed in his
reading? He put the book away and looked up at the embassy
gate. The three guards were still there, talking to each
other from time to time, eating fried garfias and following
passers-by with their eyes.
.P
When the six bells rang, Dashvara began to worry seriously.
He saw three more guards coming out of the embassy to
relieve the previous ones. Something must have happened to
him, he thought. Who knows, maybe the ambassador was a
Dikaksunora or a Korfu or just an enemy of Atasiag Peykat
and…
.P
Suddenly, the gate opened, and Atasiag Peykat came out,
carrying a good deal of paperwork, his baton under his arm.
Dashvara leapt to his feet and crossed the street.
.D
.Bdia
I was beginning to think they'd kidnapped you,
.Edia
he threw at him.
.P
Atasiag placed the papers in his hands as he replied:
.D
.Bdia
We haven't finished our tour yet.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara followed him with a grunt.
.D
.Bdia
What have you been up to so long at the embassy, if I may
ask?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Sending letters, negotiating with the ambassador, and other
things that would bore you to tears if I told you about
them. This way,
.Edia
he said, indicating a street with his baton.
.P
They had to stop by the bank and an acquaintance of
Atasiag's before they could finally return to the inn. When
they arrived, Asmoan of Gravia was already there, deep in
animated conversation with Kuriag Dikaksunora and Lessi.
They had settled down at a table and looked as if they were
waiting for Atasiag Peykat to start dinner. Atasiag smiled
as Asmoan stood up to greet him.
.D
.Bdia
My friend! I had forgotten the Titiakas' schedule and came
at the Agoskurian meal time. I hope you won't mind.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Not at all,
.Edia
Atasiag assured.
.Bdia
It is I who should apologize. I'm glad you got to know young
Dikaksunora.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
So am I!
.Edia
the Agoskurian laughed.
.Bdia
Guess what: he's a fan of northern cultures like me. I feel
that we already get along wonderfully.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag put on a very courteous expression.
.D
.Bdia
I can't deny that your friend's conversation is fascinating,
Atasiag.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Then proceed, gentlemen, I wouldn't want to interrupt,
.Edia
Atasiag clamored as he sat down at the table.
.P
The Xalyas were silent behind the screens. Most were dozing
after an afternoon of sightseeing. Yira was sitting next to
Zamoy and Lumon, playing katutas. After glancing at the
game, Dashvara frowned and flicked one of the Baldy's
pieces, which threatened the Cricket, Yira's most vulnerable
piece.
.D
.Bdia
It's much better this way,
.Edia
he considered as Zamoy and Lumon protested.
.Bdia
What, what's the matter? It's not proper to attack my
naâsga, brothers.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
That's not playing fair,
.Edia
Yira reproached him, amused.
.D
.Bdia
Boh,
.Edia
Dashvara minimized, mockingly.
.D
.Bdia
Real life,
.Edia
Zamoy said, putting the coin back in its place,
.Bdia
is cruel and unforgiving. Say goodbye to your Cricket,
Princess of the Xalyas.
.Edia
.P
Yira held up two fingers in an eternal salute. Dashvara
rolled his eyes, and after watching the game for a while,
began to reread bits of Siranaga's memoirs. There was
something about the book that bothered him. In particular,
the frequency with which the words
.Blecture
blessed,
.Electure
and
.Blecture
demons,
.Electure
appeared. If he hadn't met two demons in real life
the day before, he probably would have attributed it to a
metaphorical style. But, now, he wasn't so sure. Obviously,
the mere thought that the Ancient Steppe Kings might have
been demons seemed ridiculous to him… Because that meant
that the Xalyas were descended from monsters.
.P
.Bpenso
Come to think of it, that might be a reason why Asmoan of
Gravia is so interested in us…
.Epenso
Dashvara pouted,
.Bpenso
Nonsense, Dash. The Ancient Kings were not demons. If they
had been, we would have known about it. The Essimean may
call us demons, but that means nothing.
.Epenso
He bet that these sons of the God of Death were capable of
calling anyone who didn't worship their god a demon.
.P
With that certainty in mind, he reached out and listened to
the conversation of the foreigners behind the screens.
Fayrah had joined them, and they were now talking about the
Titiaka Rebellion and Lanamiag Korfu's injury. From what her
sister said, this afternoon the young Korfu was doing much
better.
.D
.Bdia
Just this afternoon I received a message from the High
Priest,
.Edia
Atasiag said.
.Bdia
He gives you his blessing, and he says he will send a priest
from Cili with all speed to consecrate your union. It will
be celebrated within a week. Here is the guest list. What do
you think?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Long,
.Edia
Kuriag breathed out.
.Bdia
I thought this was going to be a private ceremony.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
And it will be. But it would be a diplomatic mistake for us
not to invite our allies.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Our allies,
.Edia
the Legitimate repeated. He cleared his throat and observed
in an amused tone,
.Bdia
I see you didn't invite the Nelkantas.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Should I have?
.Edia
Atasiag laughed.
.D
.Bdia
Mm… One of the Nelkantas' sons is a good friend of mine.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Excellent, you can always invite him,
.Edia
Atasiag offered.
.Bdia
What's his name?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stopped listening to them when little Shivara came
up to him and whispered in his ear:
.D
.Bdia
Can I ask you something?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched his eyebrows, smiling.
.D
.Bdia
Sure, kid, ask away.
.Edia
.P
The child bit his lip before leaning back into Dashvara's
ear.
.D
.Bdia
Is it true they whipped my father?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed.
.D
.Bdia
Yes.
.Edia
Shivara opened his mouth, but Dashvara beat him to it:
.Bdia
You just have to see his scars to believe it, right? Tell
me, kid. Do you like this town?
.Edia
.P
Little Xalya pouted.
.D
.Bdia
I don't know. Maybe. Why did they whip my—?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Would you like to go for a walk?
.Edia
Dashvara interrupted, rising to his feet.
.Bdia
I know a great place to play spinning top.
.Edia
.P
The child immediately became enthusiastic, and under the
amused gaze of the Xalyas, they both walked out. Dashvara
completely ignored Atasiag Peykat's silent question as they
passed by the table.
.P
.Bpenso
This is a matter of Xalyas, federate. Don't meddle.
.Epenso
.Ch "Enemies that are no longer enemies"
.D
.Bdia
You're going to tell me the story, aren't you?
.Edia
Shivara asked, as they already descended the Stairs. The
little one was hopping around, clutching the top in his
hand.
.P
Dashvara glanced at him with mild reproach.
.D
.Bdia
You are a little demon, Shivara. Come down carefully, it
wouldn't do for you to fall and for me to bring you back to
your father in five pieces.
.Edia
.P
He took him by the hand, and they continued down the Stairs
to the Dragon District. Even though he'd spent all day
roaming the city, staying cooped up at the inn with Titiakas
chattering incessantly didn't appeal to him much. Besides,
he had thought of visiting several people. However, first he
had to explain some things to Shivara. When they arrived at
Liberty Square, he sat down on the edge of an unoccupied
fountain. Despite the many groups sitting on the steps of
the square and at the other fountains, it was quiet. For
once, the sky was still relatively clear and the evening sun
was still shining.
.D
.Bdia
Sit down, kid.
.Edia
.P
Shivara sat beside him, very quietly. He was a quiet child,
but he wasn't always very attentive. That's why Dashvara was
amused when he met his eager eyes.
.D
.Bdia
Let's see. Has anyone ever told you the story of the Xalyas?
.Edia
.P
The child shrugged as he shuffled his feet.
.D
.Bdia
The shaard tells many stories.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Yes, but not much on the Xalyas. Shokr Is Set was a Honyr
before he was a Xalya. He knows very old stories about the
Ancient Kings and the lords of the steppe. But I want to talk
about our recent history. Do you know why we Xalyas have
lived off the steppe for three years? Do you know why we are
so few in number?
.Edia
.P
When he saw the curiosity on Shivara's face, he knew that
Morzif had not explained anything to him. No doubt the
Blacksmith thought that such things were not to be told to a
six year old. Dashvara did not share his opinion. So he
decided to tell him in order the events of the last few
years, insisting that if they had abandoned the steppe, it
had been against their will, and that if his father had been
whipped, it had been the fault of the Titiaka slavers. He
was impressed by the seriousness with which Shivara listened
to him.
.D
.Bdia
Soon we'll be back on the steppe,
.Edia
Dashvara concluded.
.Bdia
You'll love it. Hard times lie ahead, but we'll survive. And
no doubt we'll live happier there than in these wilds,
.Edia
he smiled.
.Bdia
You'll see.
.Edia
.P
Shivara nodded, looking convinced. Suddenly, behind them, a
mocking voice called out:
.D
.Bdia
You'll never make it through Essimean territory.
.Edia
.P
Surprised, Dashvara turned to see a burly man with a shaggy
beard and a steppian face. He wore the uniform of the
Dazbon Fire Department. His expression was a wall of marble.
Dashvara rose slowly from the fountain. He recognized him,
he realized, stunned.
.D
.Bdia
Walek of Shalussi,
.Edia
he articulated.
.Bdia
The last time we saw each other, you had proclaimed yourself
chief of your village.
.Edia
.P
The Shalussi nodded half-heartedly.
.D
.Bdia
The last time I saw you, you were one step away from death,
.Edia
he replied.
.D
.Bdia
I have greeted death very closely these past few years,
.Edia
Dashvara assured.
.Bdia
So the Essimeans attacked your village.
.Edia
.P
Walek spat on the cobblestones of the square.
.D
.Bdia
Those dogs made us all slaves. They put us in their crop
fields to the west. I escaped, but just barely. I thought I
would go to Dazbon and gather some Shalussis to free our
clan. But there are no real Shalussis in that damned city.
They're all cowards.
.Edia
.P
His voice vibrated with contempt. Dashvara rolled his eyes.
How could Walek expect Shalussis who had lived in Dazbon for
perhaps generations to risk their lives against the
Essimeans? The little Shivara let out:
.D
.Bdia
Father says all Shalussis are wimps.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed, barely suppressing a smile.
.D
.Bdia
Hey, kid. Your father is generalizing. Look at Rokuish. He's
a good guy.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Well, my father says Rokuish is a wimp,
.Edia
Shivara insisted.
.Bdia
And so is Zefrek. He says that, if he had any guts, he
wouldn't have become a pira—
.Edia
.P
Quick as the wind, Dashvara gave him a knock on the head.
.D
.Bdia
Shut up, boy.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Zefrek?
.Edia
Walek repeated, with a strange twinkle in his eye. The
little Xalya's words did not seem to have offended him.
.Bdia
Zefrek of Shalussi is in Dazbon?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
He is,
.Edia
Dashvara asserted.
.Bdia
And, if I were you, I would not go near him after what you
have done to him. Now you'll have to excuse me, but this
young boy and I must be going. Good evening.
.Edia
.P
After a half hostile, half indifferent exchange of glances,
Dashvara took Shivara's hand, and they walked away towards
the south. Meeting Walek again had darkened his mood.
.D
.Bdia
Who was it?
.Edia
Shivara asked.
.D
.Bdia
He is, or rather was, a Shalussi warrior,
.Edia
Dashvara explained.
.Bdia
He attacked our dungeon.
.Edia
.P
The child inhaled sharply.
.D
.Bdia
He's an enemy!
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
He is no longer. He no longer has a leader to obey. And he
no longer has a people. Maybe I'm being unfair in saying
this, but… he brought it on himself,
.Edia
Dashvara muttered.
.D
.Bdia
Where are we going now?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Greeting an old acquaintance. I hope he still lives in the
same place.
.Edia
.P
When he arrived in front of Aydin Kohor's house, there was
light in the windows. It was almost dark already and the
streets were filled with shadows. He knocked on the door, and
a young ternian in a long black tunic came to open it. His
face was paler than death to the point it was eerie to see.
.D
.Bdia
Yes?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
Does a certain Aydin Kohor still live here?
.Edia
.P
The youth nodded slowly as he scrutinized him.
.D
.Bdia
He's having dinner. Who are you?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Dashvara of Xalya. I wouldn't want to intrude. I'd just
like you to give him this from me.
.Edia
He held out a white wooden figurine of a dragon: he had
spent a whole month perfecting it, and it was by far his
most successful piece of art to date.
.P
The foreigner looked at the figure, but he did not take it.
He moved away from the door.
.D
.Bdia
Come in. My father has told us about you. I'm sure he'll be
happy to receive this item from your own hands. I am
Traolgan.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara entered, shook his hand, and shivered again as he
felt the coldness of his skin. Suddenly there was a thud
against the floorboards and Dashvara saw the top roll to the
ternian's feet. Shivara looked fearful and grabbed
Dashvara's sleeve as Traolgan bent down to pick up the toy.
.D
.Bdia
I believe this is yours,
.Edia
he said to the child, handing it to him.
.P
The child took the top without a word. He seemed to have
become speechless. Dashvara cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
You should say thank you, Shivara.
.Edia
.P
The child nodded, as if that was enough to repeat the word.
Under Dashvara's exasperated gaze, he stammered:
.D
.Bdia
Thank you.
.Edia
.P
The ternian smiled slightly before leading them into the
living room. There sat Aydin Kohor with his wife and old
Tildrin. The two ternians had not changed, except perhaps
for a few less strands in the old thief's hair. Dashvara
bowed to them.
.D
.Bdia
Sorry to interrupt your dinner. I just wanted to—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Dashvara of Xalya!
.Edia
the healer exclaimed, dumbfounded.
.Bdia
By the White Dragon! Now that's a surprise.
.Edia
.P
He stood up and, smiling, walked around the table to shake
his hand. Dashvara handed him the carved dragon.
.D
.Bdia
I know your wife would have done it a lot better, but… well,
I thought you'd like it anyway.
.Edia
.P
Aydin was in good spirits, and Tildrin, who confirmed he was
the healer's father, was smiling with all his remaining
teeth. The wife, a great beauty despite being a ternian, greeted
the two Xalyas cheerfully, praising the carved figure, and
offered to join them for dinner. Only then did Dashvara
realize that he had not yet had dinner.
.D
.Bdia
That's very kind of you, but I wouldn't want to disturb you—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
You are not disturbing us at all!
.Edia
Aydin assured.
.Bdia
You will reward us with a story.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
A… story?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Your story,
.Edia
the ternian clarified.
.Bdia
Knowing all that happened to you in Dazbon in a matter of
days, I suppose that, in three years, you must have met the
White Dragon himself and killed ten thousand enemies.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara laughed.
.D
.Bdia
If you count the anthills we took out in the Border
barracks, maybe… Okay, I accept. But I'm not going to be
able to stay very long.
.Edia
.P
He and Shivara sat down, and while wolfing down a plate of
delicious soup with appetite, Dashvara summarized his
adventures in the Diumcili Federation, leaving out the more
unpleasant parts so as not to upset their digestion.
.D
.Bdia
What about the Brothers of the Pearl?
.Edia
Tildrin asked, anxiously.
.Bdia
Are they still in Titiaka?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
As far as I know, they arrived in Dazbon a few weeks ago.
.Edia
.P
The repentant thief sighed.
.D
.Bdia
They don't even visit me anymore.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
They must be busy,
.Edia
Dashvara excused them, though he did think they
could have bothered to stop by and say hello to their former
companion.
.Bdia
They'll probably come over as soon as they can. Who knows
what band of mischief-makers they're after now.
.Edia
He noticed that Shivara had fallen deeply asleep in his
chair.
.Bdia
What about Hadriks?
.Edia
he asked.
.Bdia
Did he get into the Bastion?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Uh…
.Edia
Aydin's grimace made him raise an eyebrow.
.Bdia
Hadriks.
.Edia
He shook his head with a sigh.
.Bdia
Yes, he went to the Bastion's first year of study. But they
didn't renew his scholarship, and yet the boy had a good
level. You know how impulsive that kid can be: he got on the
bad side of a patrician son, and little by little, things
got ugly. He stopped going to school. When I found out, I
warned him that he might lose the scholarship, but he didn't
listen to me. He went to the final exams and failed. You
can imagine how he felt after that.
.Edia
He shrugged.
.Bdia
He decided to make himself a sailor, just like that,
overnight. The issue was, he was already too old to start
as a ship's boy. He didn't last three months. Well, since then,
he's been doing one job after another here and there. The
last time I saw him was when he came by here to tell me he
was going to Rocavita for the harvest. That was two months
ago. Poor boy.
.Edia
.P
It was clear that Aydin was not very happy with the boy's
actions. Dashvara, on the other hand, didn't think it was
such a tragic life. Between spending several years
surrounded by crazy wizards and spending them in a series of
jobs, he preferred the second option. Unless it meant being
a sailor on a ship, he added to himself. However, when he
voiced his opinion, Aydin argued that Hadriks was
.qt better than that
and that his experience at the Bastion had discouraged him
and changed him into an unstable boy.
.D
.Bdia
If he changes jobs, it's because he gets fired, mostly,
.Edia
the ternian explained.
.Bdia
He was even in jail for a month, for taking part in the port
workers' revolt a year ago. I don't know what happened to
that boy. I tried to convince him to at least stay with me
to continue making magaras. But he said he'd never make
another magara in his life. Well,
.Edia
he sighed.
.Bdia
I guess in time he'll get more thoughtful.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded and said:
.D
.Bdia
May the Eternal Bird watch over this boy. And on all of you,
.Edia
he added.
.Bdia
It is already very late, and Shivara should already be on his
pallet. It will be better if we go home.
.Edia
.P
After greeting them all, he took Shivara in his arms and
went out into the night without the child even opening his
eyes. The streets were covered with fog, but at least there
was no storm tonight.
.P
He was already near the Temple of the Eye when Tahisran's
voice entered his mind like a flash:
.P
.Bdm
I find you at last! The captain sent me to find you. He
asked me to tell you that they have arrested Atasiag Peykat.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara stopped dead in his tracks.
.D
.Bdia
What?
.Edia
.Ch "A jailed pirate and a wandering Lord"
Dashvara turned into the small, deserted square, looking for
the shadow between the shadows, in vain. Tahisran repeated
more slowly:
.P
.Bdm
Atasiag Peykat has been arrested.
.Edm
.D
.Bdia
I understood that,
.Edia
Dashvara replied.
.Bdia
But by whom?
.Edia
.P
.Bdm
By the Republican militia!
.Edm
the shadow explained in a light tone.
.Bdm
There's a certain Grand Master, a big, fat human, who came,
surrounded by crossbowmen, and they asked him to go with
them. They put him in jail. I saw it with my own eyes. They
left Atasiag in a cell, near a torture chamber.
.Edm
.D
.Bdia
Eternal Bird,
.Edia
Dashvara gasped.
.P
The shadow continued, overexcited:
.P
.Bdm
Atasiag asked me that we try to find out what he was
accused of, because apparently the judges don't explain
anything to the accused, and he also wants you to take a
packet of blue letters from his room tomorrow morning and
carry them to Number Twelve Olive Street. He said you should
just say that the package is from Atasiag and that you
shouldn't go into the house for anything. I think that's all,
.Edm
he concluded after a hesitation.
.P
Holding Shivara tightly, Dashvara began to walk faster,
crossed a bridge, climbed the Stairs, and soon crossed the
threshold of
.Sm -t nomlieu The White Pearl .
.P
.Bdm
Ah!
.Edm
Tahisran said behind him.
.Bdm
Oh yeah, I remember now, he also said that in his room there was
a small bag of money to keep paying for lodging. And, hell,
I almost forgot: he said that there're several items in his room,
under the third board from the back, and that you have to
take them and hide them in Sheroda's house. A bag full of white
powder. And an energigamometer, I think he said. Some kind of
trap detector. Apparently, it's illegal in Dazbon.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara shook his head patiently, greeted the employee of
the fancy inn, and went up the stairs. In the lounge, the
Xalyas were worried. The captain greeted him with a
fatalistic look:
.D
.Bdia
That's all we needed! Did Tah tell you everything?
.Edia
.P
Nodding silently, Dashvara went to carefully place the child
on his pallet.
.D
.Bdia
Where did you take him?
.Edia
Morzif asked.
.D
.Bdia
We walked around the city, and I took the opportunity to give
him a history lesson,
.Edia
Dashvara smiled.
.P
The blacksmith winced but did not reply. With a broad
gesture, Sashava muttered:
.D
.Bdia
Well, you've done something more productive than those: they
haven't stopped despairing because they think that, without
His Eminence, we're unable to find horses. Where is the
Xalya dignity?
.Edia
he bellowed.
.P
Several Xalyas grumbled under their breath, others rolled
their eyes, and Aligra interjected:
.D
.Bdia
We can't leave Atasiag in jail after what he did for us.
.Edia
.P
Coming from Aligra, such a statement gave them food for thought:
she was not precisely inclined to recognize the qualities of
foreigners. Dashvara was the first to nod.
.D
.Bdia
Aligra is right, of course. We will get Atasiag out of this
prison, one way or another.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
That Titiaka has enslaved your Eternal Bird,
.Edia
Sashava snarled.
.Bdia
Your father would have chopped off the head of anyone who
dared to give him an order, except his wife's.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara armed himself with patience; he was more than
accustomed to the Grumpy's outbursts. Captain Zorvun said to
the old man in a diplomatic voice:
.D
.Bdia
My friend, I understand that you are in a hurry to get to
the steppe: we all are. But you still can't deny that
.qt that Titiaka ,
as you say, lodged and fed us for a month on his island,
took us to Dazbon in his own boat, and now accommodated
us all in here, all that for very little in exchange.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Not to mention that he is Yira's adoptive father,
.Edia
Dashvara observed.
.Bdia
We owe him respect and more than that.
.Edia
Sashava the Grumpy shrugged, seemingly not in the mood to
answer. Then Dashvara frowned.
.Bdia
By the way, where is Yira?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Kuriag Dikaksunora has gone to the Titiaka embassy,
.Edia
the captain informed him.
.Bdia
And Yira and Wassag went with him. The young man said he
would not rest until he had solved Atasiag's problem. I
don't think he'll be able to do much at this hour, but I'm
glad to see that at least my son-in-law is stubborn,
.Edia
he appreciated.
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
What about the Agoskurian?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
He left at the same time, but to his library. He said he'd
drop by here tomorrow to check on you.
.Edia
His dark eyes smiled.
.Bdia
One advantage with this issue is that Atasiag won't be able
to send us hauling barrels all over town,
.Edia
he joked and added good-humoredly,
.Bdia
Come on, let's go to bed, Xalyas.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara followed the other Xalyas and sat down on his pallet.
He could think of any number of reasons why Atasiag might
have been arrested. For theft, for smuggling, for
association with pirates… What was surprising was that
Atasiag had been caught. He was still awake when he heard
the sound of the door opening, whispers, and light
footsteps. A few seconds later, Yira was lying next to him.
Dashvara brushed her hand with his lips before hugging her
and whispering:
.D
.Bdia
Did the Legitimate get anything?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Not much,
.Edia
the sursha admitted.
.Bdia
But he says that, tomorrow, he's going straight to court.
.Edia
After a silence, she added quietly,
.Bdia
Tahisran said he would look after him.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara understood that she was talking about Atasiag.
.D
.Bdia
He'll be all right,
.Edia
he muttered.
.Bdia
That snake always gets away with it.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Mmph,
.Edia
Yira sighed doubtfully.
.Bdia
Good night, Dash.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Good night, naâsga.
.Edia
.salto
That night, Dashvara dreamed of kraokdals with red, demonic
eyes. He walked between them, praying that they would not
pay attention to him. And suddenly one of them stood in his
way, brandishing two black swords and growling,
.Bpenso
The steppe is dead because of you. You, the lords of the
steppe, have destroyed my family. You are the traitors. I,
Siranaga of Rorsy, King of Rocdinfer, Prince of the Sand,
sentence you to death, Dashvara of Xalya!
.Epenso
Dashvara was trying to bring the king to his senses, but all
was proving futile: the demon was rushing at him. He
then pulled out his own sabers, which shone like the sand of
Bladhy under the sun, and the fight began. At one
point, Dashvara almost died, but a small, exasperated voice refused
to accept this end. With a sharp blow, Dashvara decapitated
the Ancient King and muttered,
.Bpenso
The culprits are the Essimeans. It's the Essimeans…
.Epenso
.P
He repeated this several times until he realized that he was
awake. He opened his eyes and met the unfathomable gaze of
Sirk Is Rhad, sitting by a screen. Dashvara stood up,
stretching. He didn't see Yira anywhere, but he wasn't
surprised: the sursha barely needed more than a few hours of
sleep. He and the Honyr went out to lunch.
.D
.Bdia
A nightmare?
.Edia
Sirk Is Rhad asked.
.P
Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
I killed an Ancient King that had turned into a monster.
Well, it's because of that book I read yesterday. The one
written by Siranaga. It's so different from the books I read
in the Dungeon…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Really?
.Edia
the Honyr inquired.
.Bdia
In what way does it stand out?
.Edia
.P
While they served each other breakfast, Dashvara began to
summarize the contents. He didn't mention his theories about
demons: they were probably wrong, and in any case, he had
come to the conclusion that it didn't matter if they were
true or not. Finally, the Honyr shrugged and began to eat
his lunch. He swallowed, paused, and concluded:
.D
.Bdia
As my grandfather used to say, every man tells it his way.
Who knows what really happened.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara decided to follow Sirk Is Rhad's example and forget
the book. When he heard a melody of flutes outside, he left
the Honyr and went out into the yard of the inn. He found
Tsu sitting on a low wall, playing his instrument. When he
sat down next to him, the drow nodded his head without
stopping playing. The fresh morning wind carried the notes
up the stairs. The sun had just risen, but there already
were craftsmen, workers, messengers and porters with huge bags
passing by. Teenagers in simple student uniforms were
climbing the steps, heading sleepily towards the Citadel.
Yet, despite all the activity in the city, a strange
serenity came over Dashvara. A serenity that vanished when
he remembered that he had things to do.
.D
.Bdia
I'd give my Eternal Bird to be on the steppe,
.Edia
he blurted out.
.P
Tsu parted his lips from his flute. His expression, as
usual, reflected very little.
.D
.Bdia
The closer you get to home, the more you want it,
.Edia
he said softly.
.P
Dashvara gave him a thoughtful look.
.D
.Bdia
Right,
.Edia
he agreed, and rose energetically to his feet.
.Bdia
For now, let us concern ourselves with what is
pressing. I must go and deliver some letters. Even in
prison, Atasiag makes me work,
.Edia
he lamented, smiling.
.P
Tsu offered to accompany him, and the two of them returned to
the inn to fetch the package of blue letters and the illegal
items from Atasiag's room. The interior of the room was neat
and tidy, and they soon found what they were looking for.
What Dashvara did not find was the small silver purse
Tahisran had told him about. Had Atasiag made a mistake, or
was it he who was not looking properly?
.P
Deciding that they would worry about that later, he and Tsu
went out, and after explaining where they were going to the
Xalyas who had woken up, they headed first to Sheroda's
house to leave the bag of white powder and the
energigamometer—if that was the name of that strange object.
It was not the shixan who opened the door, but Azune. Seeing
the half-elf appear on the threshold, Dashvara flinched
slightly.
.D
.Bdia
Surprised to see me, steppeman?
.Edia
Azune smiled. The Republican was wearing an elegant green
dress that didn't fit her. No, actually, it did fit her; it
was just that, until then, Dashvara had always seen her in
dark, simple clothes.
.D
.Bdia
A little,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
I don't know if you know about—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Yes,
.Edia
Azune cut him off,
.Bdia
Atasiag. We returned yesterday from Twach. We learned of it
tonight. An unfortunate event,
.Edia
she nodded, but the way she said it seemed contradictory, as
if Atasiag's miseries amused her.
.P
Dashvara frowned.
.D
.Bdia
Do you know what he is accused of?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No idea. But I'm afraid we can't help him much. By the way,
if you were looking for Sheroda, that's going to be
difficult. She doesn't want to see anyone. She's in a dark
mood.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow at her mocking tone.
.D
.Bdia
We came to deliver some things at her place. Things that could
compromise Atasiag if the militia found them in his room.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
And you want to leave them at Sheroda's?
.Edia
Azune took on an incredulous look.
.Bdia
They might harm her too, didn't Atasiag think of that?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara half-stifled an exasperated sigh.
.D
.Bdia
Don't make it difficult for me. I'm just the middleman.
.Edia
.P
The Republican rolled her eyes.
.D
.Bdia
Okay. Give me that. I'll hide it.
.Edia
.P
She took the bag and the magara hidden under a cloth.
Dashvara observed in a detached tone:
.D
.Bdia
You seem to be rather pleased that Atasiag has been
arrested, Republican.
.Edia
.P
Azune shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
I'm not happy about it, but, what do you know, he doesn't
inspire much compassion in me either. The man is a thief, a
liar, and a damned miser. A little jail time can't hurt him…
.Edia
She paused and looked at them both curiously.
.Bdia
And you, what will you do now?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed.
.Bpenso
Go on living, what about you?
.Epenso
he thought. He didn't like Azune's lack of gratitude. All in
all, with Atasiag's help, the Brothers of the Pearl had
managed to accomplish their dream, that is, to end the
Republic's largest slave trade and send important people
involved to prison. Of course, to do that, they'd probably
had to do more than one job for Atasiag, but…
.D
.Bdia
We don't know that yet,
.Edia
he replied at last.
.Bdia
By the way, yesterday I stopped by Aydin's. Tildrin was
wondering where you were.
.Edia
.P
The Republican woman looked guilty.
.D
.Bdia
I'll try to stop by and say hello this afternoon.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Are the Brothers of the Pearl so busy?
.Edia
Dashvara asked.
.P
The Republican made a reserved pout.
.D
.Bdia
We have a new patron.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
So that's why she doesn't care about the future of her
previous patron,
.Epenso
Dashvara coughed mentally.
.D
.Bdia
Actually,
.Edia
Azune resumed, even quieter,
.Bdia
the Brotherhood of the Pearl has been disbanded. Rowyn and I
have joined another… organization.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked at her curiously.
.D
.Bdia
When you put it that way, it sounds pretty mysterious.
.Edia
.P
Azune smiled.
.D
.Bdia
It's nothing illegal,
.Edia
she assured.
.Bdia
But I'd rather not talk about it.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
You said Rowyn and you. What about Kroon?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Oh.
.Edia
Azune smiled broadly this time.
.Bdia
He decided to end the big lie of his life and tell his
family that he was still alive. His parents and brothers
live in the country,
.Edia
she explained.
.Bdia
Kroon always feared they would reject him because…well,
because he couldn't walk anymore.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
What nonsense,
.Edia
Dashvara let out in disbelief.
.D
.Bdia
He was always a little traumatized, but Rowyn finally
convinced him to visit his people. The three of us went.
When he saw him, his father called him an idiot for taking
so long to come back,
.Edia
she laughed.
.P
Dashvara could only rejoice at the news: this dragon-monk
might be even more insufferable than Sashava, but he found
him likeable at heart. After wishing Azune good luck in her
mysterious new job, he and Tsu set off for Number Twelve
Olive Street. First, they had to ask a militiaman where
the street was located, to which the militiaman kindly
replied that it was in the Kwata District, near the Temple of
Salvation and the Great Cascade. Eventually, they found the
house and the door, in a large courtyard at the top of a
staircase. The number twelve had been carved carelessly into
the wood. Anyone would have sworn that the house was
uninhabited. After exchanging an inscrutable look with the
drow, Dashvara stepped forward and knocked on the thick
door.
.P
They heard no sound. They waited a long time before
Dashvara knocked again. Just as he was beginning to wonder
if Atasiag or Tahisran had got the wrong number, there was a
metallic clanking of chains.
.P
The door opened, and Dashvara peered into the darkness. He
saw a thin, dark-haired human boy leaning against the
door frame and looking him up and down cheekily.
.D
.Bdia
Good morning, gentlemen,
.Edia
he threw out casually.
.Bdia
I regret to say that there is a great chance that you have
come to the wrong door.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It shouldn't be the case,
.Edia
Dashvara retorted.
.Bdia
This is indeed number twelve in the Olive Street, isn't
it?
.Edia
He lifted the packet of blue letters.
.Bdia
I was sent to deliver this.
.Edia
.P
The teenager's eyes glinted with curiosity.
.Ch "Eternal death oath"
The boy of Number Twelve reached out and took the package.
.D
.Bdia
From…?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Atasiag Peykat.
.Edia
.P
The boy sighed and opened his mouth to call:
.D
.Bdia
Sarga!
.Edia
He cocked his head to one side, straining his ear, and
rolled his eyes.
.Bdia
Sarga! Do you know a guy named Atasiag Peykat? I'm new
around here,
.Edia
he explained to them in a normal tone.
.P
Footsteps were heard, and finally, a hobbit, dressed like the
typical greengrocer, appeared beside the boy, a hand on her
hip and a frown on her face.
.D
.Bdia
What's up? Who are these people?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
They brought a bunch of letters from a man named Atasiag
Peykat,
.Edia
the boy summarized.
.D
.Bdia
Give it to me,
.Edia
Sarga growled, snatching the package from her hands. With
squinted eyes, she stared at Dashvara and Tsu. As they
started to leave, she held them back,
.Bdia
Wait a second! Do you know where that damned Atasiag lives?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gave her a wry smile.
.D
.Bdia
In prison.
.Edia
.P
Sarga's eyes widened.
.D
.Bdia
Oh my devils.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
This Atasiag,
.Edia
the dark-haired boy interjected in a quiet tone,
.Bdia
isn't he, by any chance, that Titiaka-Agoskurian slaver you
told me about?
.Edia
.P
Sarga waved a hand to silence him and pointed to Dashvara
with her index finger:
.D
.Bdia
You! Don't go away. Who are you? Your names.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara had already descended the steps into the courtyard.
The hobbit's imperative tone invited him to leave without a
word rather than answer. He looked at Tsu before saying:
.D
.Bdia
We are servants of Atasiag Peykat.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Mmph. Your names,
.Edia
Sarga insisted.
.P
Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
Dashvara and Tsu. From Xalya. We're from the steppe.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
A pleasure!
.Edia
the dark-haired boy said, bowing in a strange way.
.Bdia
I'm Api. And she's Sarga—Ouch!
.Edia
he protested when the hobbit gave him a slap on the back of
the neck.
.Bdia
What? If they introduce themselves, it's only normal that we
introduce ourselves too, isn't it, or did I miss something?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
They are
.Sm them
and we are
.Sm us ,
.Edia
Sarga emphasized through her teeth.
.D
.Bdia
That's true,
.Edia
Api agreed, energetically.
.D
.Bdia
Shut up.
.Edia
.P
Api smiled mockingly. It was only then that
Dashvara remembered where he had heard the name Sarga
before. From Atasiag's own mouth, when he had blundered into
talking about demons. Oh, devils… Suddenly, he felt an
urgent desire to leave.
.D
.Bdia
Pleased to meet you, Api and Sarga. Have a good day,
.Edia
he hastily tossed to them. He bowed and turned his back on
them.
.D
.Bdia
Likewise!
.Edia
the boy replied.
.D
.Bdia
And what is Atasiag doing in prison?
.Edia
Sarga asked, raising her voice.
.P
Dashvara half turned, shrugging his shoulders.
.D
.Bdia
They arrested him last night. We don't know why yet.
.Edia
.P
They left them there and returned to the inn. When they
arrived, they learned that Kuriag Dikaksunora had already
gone to face the judges bravely. The Xalyas were sitting
outside in the courtyard, enjoying the sunshine and
listening with obvious pleasure to the words of Shokr Is
Set. The Great Sage was telling them a traditional tale that
even barbarians probably knew, but this Honyr had a gift
for storytelling, and Dashvara was soon captivated by his
tale of falling stars, brave steppians, and wise
philosophers.
.P
Around noon, as they were settling down to eat in the
kitchens, the man named Dilen who had greeted them at the
inn the first day came to find them. He approached them,
looking embarrassed.
.D
.Bdia
Excuse me, but the owner sent me to tell you that your
master has not yet paid for the last three nights'
accommodation and would like to receive at least a
promissory note.
.Edia
.P
The weary looks he received made him even more nervous.
Captain Zorvun rose from his seat, replying solemnly:
.D
.Bdia
Well, tell the owner not to worry, that Atasiag Peykat will
pay handsomely. He is a citizen of Titiaka, and a great one.
He will know how to reward your master for taking care of
his slaves. And now, let us not be bothered with any more of
these stories.
.Edia
.P
Dilen nodded. As soon as he left the kitchen, the Xalyas
burst out laughing.
.D
.Bdia
Let's toast to our captain!
.Edia
Zamoy exclaimed, raising his glass of water.
.P
They praised Zorvun's ingenuity and even went so far as to
convince a cook to join them with a good cheese and a few
bottles of wine to celebrate the birthday of the Triplets,
who were not born on that day and had never celebrated their
birthday in their lives, but who cares: as Makarva said, it
was a matter of adapting to Republican customs.
.P
Back in their quarters, Dashvara tried again to look for the
purse in Atasiag's room, but it was in vain. Fortunately,
the captain seemed to have convinced the owner to leave them
alone. It wasn't until he returned to the living room that
he realized there was a steppeman he hadn't seen that
morning: Zefrek of Shalussi. Strange, right? He turned to
Raxifar. The great Akinoa had taken a nap after his meal,
following the example of most Xalyas. Seeing Lumon sitting
in a chair, lost in thought, he sat down beside him and
said:
.D
.Bdia
Hey, Archer. Have you seen Zefrek this morning?
.Edia
.P
The Archer frowned, thought, and shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
No.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I saw him!
.Edia
Shivara interjected cheerfully, sitting on the floor with
his top.
.D
.Bdia
Really? He went out?
.Edia
.P
The child nodded.
.D
.Bdia
I woke up at night because I was thirsty, and I saw him go
out.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
He went straight out?
.Edia
.P
Shivara bit his lips, as if trying to remember.
.D
.Bdia
No, first, he went around in circles,
.Edia
he said at last. He pointed the hallway.
.Bdia
He went that way like a zomnambulist. My daddy was a
zomnambulist—my foster father,
.Edia
he corrected at once. His gaze shifted, and he resumed his
game, spinning his top.
.P
Dashvara let out a muffled hiss, and Lumon looked at him
curiously.
.D
.Bdia
You didn't find the money in Atasiag's room… Do you think
the Shalussi took it?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara sighed.
.D
.Bdia
I'd like to believe he didn't. I doubt if there was enough
in that purse to buy himself a horse, a sword, and supplies.
If he stole it, he's a fool.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
He's a Shalussi,
.Edia
Lumon replied with a small joking smile.
.P
Dashvara smiled back at him.
.D
.Bdia
Devils. In the end, Rokuish may be the only honest Shalussi.
But let's not accuse rashly,
.Edia
he decided.
.P
He went to take a nap with the others, then he played
katutas with Lumon and the Triplets. Neither Zefrek,
Kuriag, nor Yira showed up. They were in the fifth game when
they heard footsteps in the hallway. When they saw Lanamiag
Korfu enter the living room, they were stunned. More than a
human, he looked like a ghost standing the devils know how.
.P
The Legitimate's gaze fell on each Xalya with obvious
contempt. His eyes flashed as he recognized Dashvara as his
father's killer. However, he did not move towards him but
towards his former slave: Raxifar. The Akinoa stood before
him, arms crossed. It was hard to tell which of the two had
a more disdainful look.
.D
.Bdia
You wretched traitor,
.Edia
the Korfu said with surprising firmness.
.Bdia
If I had a sword, I would behead you right here.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara exhaled in surprise. He wondered to what extent the
Legitimate realized how ridiculous his statement was. He
could barely stand on his feet, and he was surrounded by
steppian warriors. His pride as a Titiaka citizen, instead
of inspiring respect, made him grimace.
.D
.Bdia
Lan!
.Edia
a voice cried. With an expression that was both incensed and
exasperated, Fayrah rushed down the hallway and joined the
Korfu.
.Bdia
Merciful Cili, stop talking nonsense and come back and lie
down.
.Edia
.P
Lanamiag slowly shook his head and turned this time to
Dashvara. The Xalya held his gaze, impassive.
.D
.Bdia
Lan…
.Edia
Fayrah whispered, increasingly altered.
.D
.Bdia
I swear,
.Edia
Lanamiag said vigorously,
.Bdia
I swear on the honor of my family that I will finish your
people. Savage. I swear it before Cili and before my
ancestors.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara caught Fayrah's pleading look and tried not to get
carried away.
.D
.Bdia
Tell me that again when you're in a condition to wield a sword…
and string two rational thoughts together. Excellency,
.Edia
he scoffed.
.P
Red patches appeared on Lanamiag's pale skin, and Dashvara
made a pout under Fayrah's glare.
.D
.Bdia
Don't provoke him,
.Edia
his sister snapped at him,
.Bdia
he's still very weak.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I'm well,
.Edia
the Legitimate replied brusquely.
.Bdia
And, if I weren't surrounded by these barbarians, I'd get
well a lot faster. Where is that Dikaksunora?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
He went to the Tribunal, Excellency,
.Edia
Wassag replied in his usual humble tone.
.D
.Bdia
So, Atasiag Peykat was really sent to prison?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Let's just say I'm afraid it's true, Excellency.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Do we now know the motive?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Not yet, Excellency.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Mmph. Go get me some paper and ink!
.Edia
he ordered.
.Bdia
I must write to the embassy.
.Edia
.P
With this, he lost interest in the steppians and
returned to his room, guided by Fayrah. Fayrah's face was
marked with concern and determination.
.D
.Bdia
He's a funny number,
.Edia
Zamoy commented,
.Bdia
If he'd told me what he told you, Dash, I'd have given him a
good kicking.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I will not stoop to beating a sick man,
.Edia
Dashvara replied calmly. Remembering that Lanamiag Korfu
had once caned him when he was sick himself, he smiled wryly
and advanced a piece on the checkerboard.
.P
Kuriag and Yira eventually returned in the middle of the
seventh game of katutas. Faced with the questioning looks of
the Xalyas, Kuriag shook his head and said in an insecure
voice:
.D
.Bdia
The case is moving forward.
.Edia
.P
That was all. After wishing them a good afternoon, he
locked himself in his room. Glancing at the captain with
amusement, Dashvara commented:
.D
.Bdia
Your son-in-law explains himself like an open book.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Perhaps your naâsga can enlighten us,
.Edia
Zorvun answered back, turning to Yira.
.P
The sursha shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
He's doing something. But I'm not sure what. He's
been to the Embassy, the Court, the prison and the Great
Library. He spoke for three hours with Atasiag and as much
with Asmoan of Gravia. At least, he seems to have some ideas.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
And, you, where have you been?
.Edia
Dashvara inquired.
.Bdia
You left before Kuriag. In fact, before anyone else.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Not before everyone else,
.Edia
the sursha corrected him.
.P
Dashvara nodded, understanding.
.D
.Bdia
Zefrek,
.Edia
he whispered.
.Bdia
You followed him?
.Edia
.P
Yira's eyes narrowed to a thin slit.
.D
.Bdia
I couldn't help it. He was acting strange. He was nervous. I
saw him go into Atasiag's room.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
What a thief!
.Edia
Zamoy cried.
.D
.Bdia
Damn Shalussis,
.Edia
Dashvara growled.
.D
.Bdia
And why didn't you wake us up?
.Edia
the captain asked.
.D
.Bdia
Because I wanted to know where he was going,
.Edia
the sursha answered simply.
.Bdia
I was surprised when I saw that someone was waiting for him
downstairs in the courtyard of the inn. At first it looked
like they were going to jump up and bite each other. But
then they started talking at length. I couldn't hear what
they were saying. After a while, I saw the other one kneel
before Zefrek.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
A Shalussi tradition,
.Edia
Orafe the Grunt spat.
.Bdia
You should have slit his throat when he tried to kill you,
Dash.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara had been left speechless.
.D
.Bdia
Walek,
.Edia
he thought aloud.
.Bdia
It must be him. We met him last night, Shivara and I. But I
can't explain how that smug barbarian could have accepted
Zefrek as his leader… Do you know what they did next?
.Edia
he asked Yira.
.P
The sursha looked embarrassed.
.D
.Bdia
No, I don't know. At that moment, I showed myself and told
Zefrek to return the stolen money.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Did he give it back?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Yes. He even apologized for leaving without warning and
asked me to tell you that he will never forget the Xalyas'
help. He said that he was going to reunite his people, and
for that, he needed money. So I decided to give him half of
what was in the purse. Twenty dragons.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Our lady of the steppe is generous,
.Edia
Orafe observed, mockingly.
.P
Dashvara glared at him, and the Grunt raised his hands,
looking innocent.
.D
.Bdia
It's a change of pace from the last one; I'm not saying
anything,
.Edia
he defended himself.
.D
.Bdia
And what the hell does that Shalussi think he's doing with
twenty dragons?
.Edia
Alta interjected.
.Bdia
At most, he buys himself an ordinary sword.
.Edia
.P
Kodarah let out a wry laugh and said:
.D
.Bdia
He can use it to eliminate Walek when Walek tries to sell
him back to the civilized.
.Edia
.P
The Xalyas began to comment on the matter all at once, and
Dashvara shook his head, deep in thought. He understood
Zefrek's action, but…
.D
.Bdia
He could have explained it to me in person,
.Edia
he growled.
.Bdia
I would have even given him the other half of the purse if
he had convinced me of his intentions.
.Edia
.P
Raxifar intervened in a deep voice:
.D
.Bdia
That he is grateful to you does not mean that he trusts you.
Mistrust between our clans seems to be an incurable disease.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara understood that he was not only saying this for
Zefrek, but also for the Xalyas.
.D
.Bdia
Things can change,
.Edia
he replied.
.P
Raxifar glanced around at the steppes in the lounge. Some of
them were looking at him with unfriendly expressions. He
shook his head and, without answering, walked out of the
room.
.D
.Bdia
This Akinoa thinks he's better than us,
.Edia
Zamoy grumbled.
.D
.Bdia
And perhaps he is,
.Edia
Shokr Is Set interjected.
.P
A few Xalyas gave him confused looks. Without daring to
agree with him, Dashvara concentrated again on the game of
katutas.
.Ch "The Tower of The Eternal Bird"
That same afternoon, a Titiaka diplomatic agent came to the
inn, escorted by Ragail guards, to accompany Lanamiag
Korfu's litter to the embassy. Seeing so many armed Titiakas
enter, the Xalyas stepped aside at the other end of the
lounge with dull fear. They were in the Republic, sure, but
Dashvara doubted the militia would intervene if the Ragails
felt like taking them to the embassy by force: after all,
officially, they were still marked, they were the property
of a Titiaka trader, and they were the Federation's
property.
.P
Lanamiag Korfu left, but Fayrah did not. When the diplomatic
agent and his soldiers left, Kuriag Dikaksunora seemed
excited. When Dashvara asked him the reason for his change
in mood, the young Legitimate grew flushed and explained:
.D
.Bdia
Atasiag will be out soon. I am confident. I'll… explain it
to you later.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
As long as he's freed, I don't care about the details.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag nodded and headed back to the rooms. Fayrah, on the
other hand, sat at the table with a glum look on her face.
Noticing her brother looking at her questioningly, she let
out an uncommon grunt of exasperation.
.D
.Bdia
It's Lan,
.Edia
she said.
.Bdia
Sometimes he can be a great person. And other times, he's
dumber than a troll. I've tried to convince him to forget
the past. But he won't listen to me. And what's worse, I can
understand why he wants to get even. After all, you did the
same thing with Nanda of Shalussi.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara did not answer. Myhrain, Alta's older cousin,
intervened sarcastically:
.D
.Bdia
So, if this foreigner killed your brother, you would
.qt understand ,
is that it?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No!
.Edia
Fayrah replied, upset.
.Bdia
Of course not.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Well, he did threaten to kill us all,
.Edia
Sinta pointed out,
.D
.Bdia
He's sick, he didn't mean what he said—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I assure you he meant it,
.Edia
Dashvara replied calmly.
.Bdia
But that's all right. As long as he goes back to Titiaka and
us to our steppe, there will be no bloodshed.
.Edia
He hesitated,
.Bdia
Remember you can still change your mind if—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
Fayrah retorted in an emphatic tone. And she stood up,
.Bdia
I'm going to go to the embassy.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara swallowed a sigh and nodded.
.D
.Bdia
I'll go with you.
.Edia
.P
He accompanied her, and within an hour, he was on his way
back, walking alone through the streets of the Dragon. The
sky was covered in grey clouds, and a cold drizzle was
beginning to soak him all over. To say goodbye, Fayrah had
just said
.Bparoles
I'm sorry,
.Eparoles
an apology that Dashvara couldn't quite understand. So,
without knowing exactly what to say, he had simply given her
a strong brotherly hug and handed her the bag with her
belongings. He wished with all his heart that Fayrah was not
making a terrible mistake.
.D
.Bdia
Well, well, well,
.Edia
a voice on his right suddenly said.
.Bdia
Any more letters being delivered for Sir Peykat?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara turned and saw the dark-haired boy, Api, from
number twelve Olive Street. He was wearing a long black
cloak, but he hadn't put the hood on, and his wet locks were
glued to his face. A demon, Dashvara thought with a shudder.
He greeted him, not responding to the joke.
.D
.Bdia
So, it seems that you're not a Republican either?
.Edia
he asked her.
.D
.Bdia
Me? No. I'm from the east. In fact, I've only been in
Dazbon for two weeks.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Are you travelling alone?
.Edia
Dashvara gasped. For all the confidence with which he spoke,
the boy could not have been more than fifteen.
.D
.Bdia
Does it seem so strange to you? Tell me,
.Edia
he added, as they resumed walking down the street,
.Bdia
how did you end up serving Atasiag Peykat?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara did not hesitate to answer:
.D
.Bdia
The barbarians captured us, and the Titiakas enslaved us.
That was three years ago.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
So, Atasiag bought you?
.Edia
.P
The idea seemed to amuse him. Dashvara nuanced it:
.D
.Bdia
We were a gift from the Council of Titiaka. But, thanks to
the Rebellion, we escaped and, now, we will return to the
steppe.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Then, for you, it's convenient that Atasiag was imprisoned
as soon as he arrived in Dazbon,
.Edia
Api observed mockingly.
.P
Dashvara frowned.
.D
.Bdia
Not so convenient. We had agreed that he would buy us horses
if we continued to serve him for a while. Anyway, it looks
like he'll be out soon.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Oh?
.Edia
A thoughtful twinkle flitted through Api's eyes.
.Bdia
So they accused him unjustly?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No idea. You didn't even know him before, so why are you so
interested in this man's fate?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Out of curiosity,
.Edia
the boy answered simply.
.Bdia
By the way, a man named Asmoan came to Sarga's house this
noon. You know him, don't you?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara felt a chill run through his body, and as he met
the boy's intelligent gaze, he remembered what sort of
creature he was talking to.
.D
.Bdia
I know him,
.Edia
the Xalya nodded.
.D
.Bdia
Mm. He kept telling us about your people all through the
meal,
.Edia
Api continued.
.Bdia
And he told us about the wonders of your Eternal Bird. He
said you had a Tower… so to speak, divine.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bdia
You're talking about the Tower of the Eternal Bird, aren't
you? That tower was never ours. It belonged to the Ancient
Kings. And it has been in Essimean territory for many
decades.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It belonged to your ancestors,
.Edia
Api replied.
.Bdia
Ancestors who shared similarities with Asmoan.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stopped in the rain. Similarities, he repeated to
himself. Similarities like being demons like him? He glared
at Api.
.D
.Bdia
What's your point, kid?
.Edia
.P
Api shoved his hands into his cloak pockets.
.D
.Bdia
Asmoan wants to go see this tower.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I know that. And we told him that if he was willing to pay
us for the trip, we would take him to it. He said he'd
think about it.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
He's already thought it through,
.Edia
Api smiled.
.P
Dashvara looked at him, his heart suddenly beating faster.
.D
.Bdia
And?
.Edia
he growled.
.P
The young demon put on his hood with an exasperating
calmness.
.D
.Bdia
He'll pay,
.Edia
he then said.
.Bdia
That is, he will pay his share. The Titiaka will pay the
other.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara let out a hiss of disbelief.
.D
.Bdia
Is Atasiag going to pay us for the horses?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
Api replied.
.Bdia
Not him. The other one. The elf.
.Edia
.P
Amazement gave way to complete perplexity.
.D
.Bdia
Kuriag Dikaksunora?
.Edia
Dashvara muttered.
.Bdia
And… why would he do that?
.Edia
.P
A smile broke out on Api's half-concealed face.
.D
.Bdia
Ask the elf not me.
.Edia
.P
With these words, the demon bowed deeply and walked away
with quick steps down another street.
.Ch Transactions
It took Kuriag Dikaksunora three more days to tell them what
he was up to. When they finally learned, they did not from
Kuriag but from Asmoan, who came to eat and suddenly let out
a:
.D
.Bdia
But when did you decide to leave, Excellency?
.Edia
.P
The elf barely concealed a grimace.
.D
.Bdia
I don't know yet. A week, perhaps. Tomorrow Atasiag will be
released from prison and the wedding will take place. Cili's
priest is due to arrive this very evening. I've reserved the
best room in this inn for him.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Have you already… made the purchase?
.Edia
the Agoskurian asked with a knowing look.
.P
The Legitimate cleared his throat and looked at Lessi before
nodding.
.D
.Bdia
Yes. Tomorrow, I'll send the Xalyas to pick out the horses. I
think they'll do a better job than anyone else.
.Edia
.P
Everyone was listening, and the words suddenly made more
than one person sit up and take notice. Dashvara stood up
slowly.
.D
.Bdia
Uh… Excuse me a moment. Who's gonna give us the money to buy
these horses?
.Edia
.P
The Legitimate looked at him defiantly.
.D
.Bdia
I will.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded. This was consistent with what Api had said.
.D
.Bdia
What do you ask for in return?
.Edia
.P
This time, the Dikaksunora flushed and looked away before
fixing his eyes back on the Xalyas lord.
.D
.Bdia
Your service,
.Edia
he replied.
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow.
.D
.Bdia
That's a vague answer.
.Edia
.P
Slowly, the elf left his spoon in the empty plate.
.D
.Bdia
Can I talk to you in private?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Of course.
.Edia
.P
After sharing a puzzled look with his companions, Dashvara
followed the Legitimate into his room. The bed was covered
with books. He closed the door behind him and crossed his
arms, waiting for an explanation.
.P
Kuriag seemed to regain his confidence as he walked across
the room to the window. He said in a firm voice:
.D
.Bdia
Atasiag promised to free you and buy you whatever was
necessary to get you safely to your home, but he himself
confessed to me in prison that, at present, he could not afford
to spend such a sum of money. His business, as you might
expect, is under attack from all sides, even from within. He
has been accused of being involved in an illegal trading
organization, and according to him, the evidence presented
could only have come from prominent members of the
Dream Brotherhood. His best escape is to return to
Titiaka. The Yordarks are on his side. And so am I. I
promised him that, if he returned to Titiaka, I would lend
him my vote on the Council for a year. And I offered to pay
his bail so he could return to the Federation. Once there,
whatever the Republican judges decide, they can't do
anything to him, at most forbid him from entering Dazbon.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara listened from beginning to end and said:
.D
.Bdia
You post bail for Atasiag Peykat. And you fulfill his
promise with your own money. I don't know whether to be
suspicious of such generosity or to kneel down and thank
you.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag Dikaksunora stirred.
.D
.Bdia
You won't have to kneel. With the bail… I bought all of you, too.
.Edia
.P
For a moment, Dashvara thought he had misheard. Then, he
didn't know whether to take it seriously or to laugh at such
a joke.
.D
.Bdia
I will release you,
.Edia
Kuriag hastened to say, before Dashvara could reply.
.Bdia
Actually, right now, I don't want to go back to Titiaka.
Not with everything that's happened. I need time to think
and… I thought a trip to the steppe would take my mind off
things. I will know the land of my… of my naâsga,
.Edia
he smiled shyly,
.Bdia
and, in exchange for your protection, you will get not only
horses and weapons but also my support from Titiaka… when I
return.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
A trip to Rocdinfer to take your mind off things,
.Edia
Dashvara repeated, and he laughed.
.Bdia
I must admit you surprised me. Why on earth did you buy us
from Atasiag? Just by paying us for the horses and swords,
you would have earned our protection for the trip.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag sighed slightly.
.D
.Bdia
In fact, it is mainly a political matter. If I went to the
steppe without an official escort, I would create a scandal
in Titiaka. A Legitimate travels with his servants. I couldn't
leave just like that. It would be—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
A scandal,
.Edia
Dashvara completed, thoughtfully.
.D
.Bdia
Yes.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
And, tell me, wouldn't it cause more of a scandal if it got
out that you bought the slave who killed Rayeshag
Korfu?
.Edia
.P
Kuriag shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
No at all. From what I understood, you were only defending your master.
As a matter of fact, your value as a guard has increased since the
events in the Arena. Gowel Alfodrog, the ambassador, told me
that Rishag Kondister had offered to buy you from Atasiag
for six hundred crowns. And Faag Yordark raised the price to
a thousand.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gasped; he couldn't believe his ears. Had he missed
something?
.D
.Bdia
These Titiakas are crazy.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag Dikaksunora smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Officially, I bought you for one thousand five hundred. But,
the others, I only bought them for three-hundred. Except the
Honyrs: Faag Yordark wouldn't sell them for less than
five-hundred each. And Raxifar… well, Raxifar, I bought him
for much more,
.Edia
he coughed.
.Bdia
In any case, it is a perfectly reasonable expense, given my
family's wealth.
.Edia
His smile widened at Dashvara's overwhelmed expression.
.Bdia
All things considered, you are the Resurrected One and the last
King of the Eternal Bird.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
And I suppose you're looking forward to being the master of
such an illustrious character,
.Epenso
Dashvara muttered inwardly.
.D
.Bdia
Awesome,
.Edia
he said.
.Bdia
So, in short, we take you for a walk on the steppe and pray
that the Essimeans don't fall on us, then we bring you back.
And that's it, isn't it?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Right.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded.
.D
.Bdia
Then I agree.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Just one more thing,
.Edia
Kuriag observed, his voice indecisive.
.Bdia
You're going to have to stop by the embassy… this
afternoon, for example… to formalize the sale.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stared at him.
.D
.Bdia
Now I don't agree,
.Edia
he grumbled.
.Bdia
Are you going to mark us?
.Edia
.P
Kuriag looked away nervously.
.D
.Bdia
It is necessary, as you must understand—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
To hell with that,
.Edia
Dashvara cut him off sharply.
.Bdia
Figure out how to make the sale official any way you want,
but not with those marks.
.Edia
.P
Irritated, he opened the door and left the room. Asmoan had
already left, and Lessi blinked when she saw Dashvara's
expression. She knew everything, he realized. His irritation
suddenly dropped like a sack of lead. He sat down at the
table and said:
.D
.Bdia
The Dikaksunora promises us horses and weapons if we escort
him across the steppe.
.Edia
.P
Everyone looked at him curiously.
.D
.Bdia
That sounds like good news,
.Edia
the captain commented, in the tone of one who is already
prepared to listen to the problematic side of the case.
.D
.Bdia
It is.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Yes. Then why do you look as if you'd run into a bunch of
Essimeans, boy?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara sighed and glanced down the hall. Kuriag
Dikaksunora had closed the door. No: he had left it ajar. He
rolled his eyes and let go:
.D
.Bdia
In order to make this trip, your son-in-law needs, or thinks
he needs, to tell everyone that we, his escort, are his
slaves. Which he did without consulting us, of course. He
bought us from Atasiag in exchange for his freedom on bail.
And wait, there's more, because he also bought the Honyrs
from the Yordark and Raxifar from the Korfu. To celebrate,
he now wants to brand us at the embassy.
.Edia
.P
A long silence followed his words. Makarva let out an
incredulous laugh. And others followed suit. Orafe roared:
.D
.Bdia
He can go brand his mother! I'd rather die than go into that
embassy.
.Edia
.P
The captain rose from the sofa, calmly rolling up the
sleeves of his uniform.
.D
.Bdia
I think it's time to have another good talk with my
son-in-law.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara saw him walk away down the hall and knock softly on
the ajar door. A few seconds later, it closed behind him.
.D
.Bdia
I can't believe it,
.Edia
Zamoy said after a silence.
.Bdia
This guy isn't even my age. And he now wants us to call him
master?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Nooo, just
.qt Excellency
will do,
.Edia
Dashvara laughed sarcastically.
.P
They waited with some trepidation for the captain to return.
It took him an eternity, but he finally came out with Kuriag
Dikaksunora. The latter had an indecisive expression; the
captain, on the other hand, seemed fully satisfied. He
approached and said:
.D
.Bdia
Xalyas, it's not a damned mark that's going to separate us
from the steppe.
.Edia
He laid a fatherly hand on the Legitimate's shoulder.
.Bdia
A little mark on the arm in exchange for the steppe. It's
not a bad deal. Let us all go to the embassy.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stood petrified. Okay, Kuriag wasn't a bad guy, he
had a respectable Eternal Bird, and he would surely keep his
word, but… hell, he was a Dikaksunora, a Titiaka, and the
son of the Slave Master. As Sashava would have said, where
was the Xalya dignity?
.P
Repeating the order, the captain got the other Xalyas to
stand up with a grunt. Dashvara did not move an inch.
.D
.Bdia
Dashvara,
.Edia
the captain called out to him patiently from the front door.
.Bdia
Kuriag will not betray us. It is my Eternal Bird that tells
me so. Come on, what does a damned mark matter?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara met Yira's eyes. Seeing her nod imperceptibly, as
if to encourage him, he sighed and stood up.
.D
.Bdia
Raxifar, it will be better if we go.
.Edia
.P
Akinoa had not moved either.
.D
.Bdia
A small brand,
.Edia
Dashvara insisted.
.Bdia
We already have two. One more won't kill us.
.Edia
.P
After a few seconds, without a word and with an inscrutable
face, the tall black man straightened up. Good. Dashvara
took one last look at the Xalya women before following his
brothers and Kuriag.
.P
Outside, it was raining hard. By the time they got through
the Dragon District and into the embassy, their uniforms were
sticking to their bodies and their boots were squeaking.
Kuriag, of course, was well protected under an umbrella, a
gift, he said, from the ambassador.
.P
After a brief glance at the document the Legitimate handed
them, the Ragail opened the portal and the steppians stepped
inside. Dashvara immediately felt like he was back in
Titiaka. The large white building with glass windows, the
two fountains and the gardens were strongly reminiscent of
the Diumcilian capital. The presence of the Ragail made him
nervous. There were at least twenty of them in the covered
part of the courtyard. The worried glint in the captain's
eyes did not reassure him either. Of all the steppians here,
Dashvara was the only one with a weapon.
.D
.Bdia
This way,
.Edia
a Ragail pointed to them.
.P
They passed through a small side door into an empty room
where, after waiting a moment, three officials appeared, one
with the long-awaited counter-seal of Atasiag Peykat,
another with that of the Korfu, and yet another with that of
the Yordark. They lined up and the officials placed the
counter-seal before another arrived and imprinted the
Dikaksunora seal on their arm: a blue bird that ironically
reminded Dashvara of the Eternal Bird.
.P
When the product was introduced under his skin, he felt in
addition to the usual tingling a strange discharge that
caused an itch in his arm. That was all they needed now,
that they had been poisoned or who knows what, he thought,
worried.
.D
.Bdia
Whatever you're feeling is normal,
.Edia
the official said, looking satisfied as he noticed the
steppians' surprise.
.Bdia
When it comes to this kind of technology, the Dikaksunora
have always been ahead of the other Legitimate families.
They use multifunctional seals.
.Edia
.P
He didn't elaborate on these
.qt functions
and hearing him talk
about them was the last thing Dashvara wanted at that
moment. Finally, they took them to another room, where two
young Ragail brought them a pile of uniforms in the blue and
white colors of the Dikaksunora. Three tailors were busy
cutting them up and fitting them all. That really reinforced
Dashvara's worrying feeling that he had gone back months and was
back in Titiaka. When all this transformation was over and
they went out into the courtyard, it was no longer raining,
and the puddles were shining under the timid rays of the
sun.
.D
.Bdia
Are they really as good a warrior as you say?
.\" Those warriors, are they really as good as you say?
.\" XXX: naseto: a warrior | warriors ?
.Edia
a voice asked.
.P
Standing on the main stoop of the embassy, an obese man with
long curly hair gazed at the steppians with that typical
appraising look of Titiaka citizens that Dashvara was more
than used to. Next to that mastodon, Kuriag Dikaksunora
looked like a child.
.D
.Bdia
They are very good,
.Edia
the elf affirmed,
.Bdia
and I could not wish for better guides to escort me across
the steppe.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Ah, you were born with an adventurous spirit, young man. But
I understand you perfectly. If I were younger, I probably
would have gone with you. Travelling opens the mind. But I
fear you have not chosen the safest place for your first
great journey.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
This is not my first great journey,
.Edia
Kuriag assured.
.Bdia
I have traveled to Ryscodra before. In the capital, you
can't walk down the street without a good escort, if you
don't want to be attacked and killed by purse snatchers.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
By the Serenity!
.Edia
the ambassador gasped, though he should probably already
know all this.
.Bdia
But I am not going to detain you any longer. I wouldn't want
to delay the preparations for the wedding.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Indeed, I must still give the priest a welcome.
.Edia
Kuriag bowed to the ambassador.
.Bdia
I can only be grateful to you for facilitating my use of
your carrier pigeons and servants.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
And, I, for one, feel honored to have had the opportunity to
help you, Excellency.
.Edia
.P
With such a body, he could hardly bow, but he tried
anyway. After a few more formalities, Kuriag Dikaksunora
walked down the stoop and past his new servants with the
poise of a young Legitimate. After a moment's hesitation,
the steppians followed him to the gate. It was only when
they passed through that Dashvara began to relax. They were
back in Republican territory. At last.
.Ch "The wings of a Xalya"
.D
.Bdia
This one has a damaged hoof,
.Edia
Alta observed.
.D
.Bdia
Ah, no, really, that's not it!
.Edia
the salesman protested.
.Bdia
That's the usual form of this breed. With those hooves, they
run faster than the wind.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
The wind is very fickle,
.Edia
Alta replied.
.Bdia
Sometimes it gallops, sometimes it stops. So,
.Sm no ,
we're not taking this one.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara supported the refusal by silently nodding his head.
The salesman sighed. He was beginning to understand that
Alta was picking up on the slightest flaws.
.P
He put the bad horse back in its compartment and headed
for the back of the stables. Lumon came running up behind
them. He informed them:
.D
.Bdia
We're still six horses short. And you, how are you doing?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
We're ten short,
.Edia
Dashvara replied.
.D
.Bdia
Alta is worse than the Persnickety,
.Edia
Miflin explained, smiling.
.D
.Bdia
Well, Sirk Is Rhad is no better,
.Edia
Lumon smiled.
.Bdia
He and Atsan don't just have to talk with the salesman to
make up their minds: they have to talk with the horse too.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara and the Triplets laughed kindly, but Alta
reasoned:
.D
.Bdia
You don't just pick a horse any old way. I doubt we have
time to pick them all today.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Especially if we have to go to this wedding,
.Edia
Dashvara sighed.
.D
.Bdia
He said it wouldn't be necessary for all of us to go,
.Edia
Miflin recalled in an eloquent tone.
.P
Dashvara looked at the Poet with a mocking pout.
.D
.Bdia
I thought you liked parties, Poet. Besides, the ones getting
married are the captain's daughter and your lord's sister.
Surely you don't want to miss the event?
.Edia
.P
Miflin was looking for some argument to evade when Alta
interrupted them, exclaiming:
.D
.Bdia
This one looks much better!
.Edia
.P
The horse dealer's face showed relief. When Dashvara laid
eyes on the new horse, he cocked his head to one side with a
strange sense of knowing him. After examining the animal
from top to bottom, Alta said:
.D
.Bdia
This horse is ours.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
A wonderful choice, gentlemen!
.Edia
the salesman rejoiced.
.D
.Bdia
Yes…
.Edia
Alta cleared his throat and turned to his brothers.
.Bdia
I meant that this horse belonged to us. Back in Xalya. The
barbarians must have sold it.
.Edia
.P
Surprised, Dashvara approached the horse, and at last, he
recognized it. It was Radiant, Boron's horse. It looked
healthy. The trader's expression now reflected
concentration, as if he were trying to figure out if this
could raise the price of the sale.
.D
.Bdia
He used to look better,
.Edia
Alta let out.
.Bdia
He's malnourished.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Malnourished!
.Edia
the vendor cried, indignantly.
.Bdia
I tend these beasts night and day and give them the best
oats—!
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Tell me,
.Edia
Alta cut him off.
.Bdia
Where did you buy that horse?
.Edia
.P
The Republican immediately calmed down.
.D
.Bdia
It was a patrician who sold it to me,
.Edia
he boasted.
.Bdia
It's a steppian horse of the best breed, strong and tough as
a mountain. It can stand very long journeys and hardly
tires.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I know the qualities of steppe horses,
.Edia
Alta assured.
.Bdia
Do you have any more of this type?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Three more, sir. And a few other steppies no less
incredible. Would you like to see them?
.Edia
.P
He disappeared around a corner in his vast stables and
returned with five horses and three stable boys. Dashvara
recognized only the mare, with her distinctive coat: she had
belonged to an officer of his father. After examining the
steppian horses carefully, Alta seemed satisfied with all of
them, and finally accepted four more horses that were half
steppian. Then came the haggling, and Alta did well: in
total, they paid less than eight hundred dragons for the ten
horses and took them to the stables of the inn. Sirk Is
Rhad's party had just arrived with the last seven horses and
the place was getting crowded. Boron recognized Radiant at
once, and his placidity was mingled with a strong emotion
that brought tears to his eyes. Dashvara and his companions
patted him on the shoulder, rejoicing in his good fortune.
While he was busy trying on and adjusting a newly acquired
saddle on a chestnut mare, Dashvara kept thinking about
Lusombra. Realizing this, he whispered an apology in his new
mount's ear and added:
.D
.Bdia
I will call you Sunrise. We will go together to the steppe.
And I will tell you about Lusombra. I'm sure the two of you
would get along just fine.
.Edia
.P
Looking around and seeing his people taking care of so many
steppian horses, Dashvara's heart swelled with joy. The
business was going more than well.
.P
A familiar voice outside the building drew a smile from him
and, stepping away from Sunrise, he poked his head through
the large open door. There, in the courtyard of the inn,
Atasiag Peykat stood, forming a circle with other Titiakas,
his staff of command in hand and an expression of great
serenity on his face. Among those present was, of course,
Kuriag Dikaksunora, still dressed in his usual white tunic.
His face reflected an intense happiness. The other Titiakas
were throwing jokes at him in Diumcilian, all traditional
jokes to the future husband.
.D
.Bdia
And, what's more, you're going on your honeymoon to the
steppe!
.Edia
a youth cried in an enthusiastic tone.
.D
.Bdia
The bride is nothing less than a steppian princess, after
all,
.Edia
another interjected, bowing to the Dikaksunora.
.Bdia
And rumors say she is a great beauty.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Her heart is even greater,
.Edia
Kuriag replied firmly, and he flushed when several laughed.
.D
.Bdia
I already bode you well in your life, Excellency,
.Edia
said another who wore the symbol of the Yordark.
.Bdia
I am not sure if I have commented to you that my older
brother, Faag, holds you in high regard.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Uh… yes, I think you did, thank you,
.Edia
Kuriag smiled, slightly uncomfortably.
.D
.Bdia
Oh. And how long do you think you'll make your honeymoon
last?
.Edia
the Yordark asked.
.D
.Bdia
I have not yet decided,
.Edia
Kuriag Dikaksunora admitted.
.Bdia
But I will never be entirely absent from the Council, since
I will leave Atasiag Peykat as my representative in my
position for as long as my trip lasts.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
You've already gone through the inheritance formalities?
.Edia
a member of the Shoveda said, surprised.
.D
.Bdia
Absolutely all of them,
.Edia
Kuriag nodded.
.Bdia
I must say, I could not have done it without the help of the
Alfodrog and Yordark, as well as my mother.
.Edia
.P
A young redhead hesitated before commenting:
.D
.Bdia
It's a shame that none of your immediate family can attend
your wedding, unless I'm mistaken…?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
My mother gave me her blessing by letter,
.Edia
Kuriag assured.
.Bdia
But the grief that still weighs on us has kept her from
taking the ship. Besides, my younger brothers need moral
support to… get over our loss.
.Edia
.P
Faces were covered with understanding and commiseration.
.D
.Bdia
A great loss to the entire Federation,
.Edia
the Shoveda pronounced solemnly.
.D
.Bdia
A terrible shock,
.Edia
the redhead agreed.
.Bdia
We can never praise your father's deeds enough, Excellency.
They have grown our homeland.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag Dikaksunora looked away, and Dashvara saw his tight
lips, which could indicate sadness as well as tension.
.D
.Bdia
For Cili's sake!
.Edia
Atasiag exclaimed.
.Bdia
Let us not grieve on this festive day. Our young friend's
happiness will, with no doubt, gladden his father's spirit,
wherever he may be.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I can't agree more, Sir Peykat,
.Edia
the young Yordark hastened to say.
.D
.Bdia
And perhaps we should give His Excellency a little respite
before the big event.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Quite so!
.Edia
the Shoveda approved.
.D
.Bdia
We'll see you at the temple, Excellency,
.Edia
the redhead greeted.
.P
They soon moved away, and only Atasiag Peykat and Kuriag
Dikaksunora remained in the courtyard. Dashvara finally
dared to approach.
.D
.Bdia
We got the forty-five horses, as promised,
.Edia
he announced.
.Bdia
All sound and steppian in various degrees.
.Edia
He greeted Atasiag with a gesture.
.Bdia
How was the stay in prison, Eminence?
.Edia
.P
Atasiag smiled, studying him with attentive eyes.
.D
.Bdia
Exhausting. I kept getting
.qt exceptional
visits, since visits are not usually allowed. In addition to
Tahisran's visits, of course.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow in surprise as he heard him speak
of the shadow in the presence of the Dikaksunora. However,
the latter seemed to know who they were talking about. He
shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
Even locked up, you've continued to do business, I see.
.Edia
.P
Atasiag nodded calmly.
.D
.Bdia
And more than you think. I hope you treat your new master as
well as you treated me,
.Edia
he added, half mockingly and half sincerely.
.P
His gaze rose, further behind Dashvara, and he noticed that,
one by one, the Xalyas had emerged from the stables.
.D
.Bdia
We'll treat him as he deserves,
.Edia
Dashvara replied.
.D
.Bdia
That seems right to me,
.Edia
Kuriag interjected, before Atasiag could make any further
remarks.
.Bdia
Thank you for taking care of the horses: you were efficient.
Morzif and Ged arrived with the weapons about two hours ago.
They say they're not the best in the world, but they'll do.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded. Atok had already told him all this, and
more: apparently they were going to leave armed to the
teeth, with swords, spears, bows, full quivers, and even
leather armor. In a burst of honesty, he handed Kuriag the
silver purse he had given him in the morning.
.D
.Bdia
We have a hundred and some dragons left,
.Edia
he explained.
.P
The elf smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Keep the money. For your whims. I still have other
administrative matters to attend to, and we won't be leaving
for another week. I'm sure you'll find some good use for it.
If you have no questions, I'll go change for the wedding.
.Edia
.P
He bowed his head slightly, and Dashvara bowed as well, though more
brusquely, perhaps because the Dikaksunora's prodigality was
beginning to embarrass him. He followed the Legitimate with
his gaze as he walked up the stoop and into the inn.
.D
.Bdia
Well, Philosopher,
.Edia
Atasiag said.
.Bdia
You have your horses and weapons at last. I guess you're
satisfied.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled but replied:
.D
.Bdia
I shall be even more satisfied when we leave Dazbon. I guess
you'll miss us,
.Edia
he added lightly.
.P
Atasiag looked mockingly thoughtful.
.D
.Bdia
Mm… Maybe,
.Edia
he admitted. He took a quick look at the Xalyas' faces
before adding,
.Bdia
I'll be boarding the ship this very afternoon for Titiaka,
after the ceremony. I need to make sure everything is in
order at the Council before Kuriag leaves to hunt legends.
So our paths part here.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded, and with a moved heart, he stepped forward
and gave the Titiaka a strong hug.
.P
.Bpenso
You're hugging a demon, Dash,
.Epenso
he thought suddenly, dumbfounded.
.P
But what of it? All in all, Atasiag had helped his people.
.D
.Bdia
Yes,
.Edia
Atasiag coughed as Dashvara stepped aside.
.Bdia
I think I'm going to miss you.
.Edia
.P
His eyes glowed a little. He shook his head softly and took
a step back before bowing.
.D
.Bdia
It was nice knowing you, lord of the Xalyas. Take care of
Yira, eh?
.Edia
He paused as Dashvara nodded, and he added in a wary tone,
.Bdia
By the way… if you don't mind, could you do me one last
favor? I have a number of possessions I'd like to take on
the boat. Some of them quite heavy. Like the… famous trunk.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled, and after giving his companions a
questioning look and seeing their amused expressions,
nodded.
.D
.Bdia
Leave it to us, Eminence.
.Edia
.salto
In the end, only ten Xalyas attended the wedding, and at
Kuriag's urging, Dashvara was one of them. The temple of
Cili where the ceremony took place was located in the
embassy. He wasn't thrilled with the idea of returning to
that place, but… he who pays, commands, right?
.P
The first thing that struck him was the number of Titiakas
that Kuriag Dikaksunora had managed to gather in such a
short time. Or rather the number of Titiakas who had invited
themselves to the party, so to speak, with the clear
intention of making friends with the new head of the
Dikaksunora family. He recognized some of the faces, but
most of them were unknown to him.
.P
The ceremony itself was not much different from the one
Atasiag Peykat had performed when he and Yira got married.
The problem was that it was much longer than the latter.
Standing at the back of the room, Dashvara listened to the
interminable sermon of the priest of Cili, sighing
impatiently. He could have sworn that the priest had recited
the entire Holy Book before sprinkling the bonds of the two
couples with pure water. Lanamiag Korfu was still a little
pale, but he held himself more energetically and behaved to
Fayrah like a perfect gentleman, winding the ribbons, then
kneeling and kissing his wife's hand as if he had repeated
the gesture a thousand times. Beside him, Kuriag looked
younger and more inexperienced. When the ceremony was over,
the musicians began to play joyful songs, and the guests
moved into the large courtyard of the embassy to enjoy the
banquet. Dashvara refrained from moving during the entire
festivity, wanting to avoid any conflict with Lanamiag
Korfu. The Titiaka was immersed in his world of happiness and
did not even seem to see him as he passed by. Atasiag soon
bid Lessi and Yira a fond farewell and boarded a boat with
Lanamiag and Fayrah on loan from the embassy that would take
them directly to their personal ship and from there they
would anchor for Titiaka. Fayrah embraced Lessi, but she
didn't seem to remember the Xalya guards clustered near the
dock. It wasn't until the boat was already moving away that
her sister looked up, half-stretched out an arm… and
straightened, causing the canoe to rock.
.D
.Bdia
May the Eternal Bird protect you, sîzan!
.Edia
she cried.
.P
Smiling, Dashvara nodded and waved her off. He didn't know
why, at that moment, memories of his childhood came back to
him, when he was still a kid and ran in the grass with
Fayrah and his little brother Showag or roamed the secret
passages of the Dungeon… The canoe was already far away when
he whispered:
.D
.Bdia
You will always be a Xalya, sîzin.
.Edia
.P
Or at least he hoped so.
.Ch The orcs' orphan
With the preparations for the trip, the next week passed
like a flash. Since Kuriag Dikaksunora was busy writing and
answering letters and attending invitations from Titiakas
and city Republicans, the Xalyas took care of everything, so
to speak. In any case, they knew better than anyone else
what was needed to travel the steppe.
.P
To get in shape, they resumed intensive training in the
courtyard of the inn, wielding swords, bows, and spears. When
Kuriag offered to train with the Ragails from the embassy,
they refused outright. These warrior-mages brought back very
bad memories of the Rebellion to Dashvara.
.P
On the eve of departure, Dashvara, the Triplets, Lumon,
Boron, and Makarva visited Zaadma and Rokuish at the
.Sm -t nomlieu Golden Dragon
to leave them the hundred or so dragons they had left, and
while they were at it, to see how Rahilma, Aodorma, and
Sizinma were growing. Neither Zaadma nor Rokuish protested
much before accepting the money, and even less when Dashvara
assured them that, out on the steppe, they would not need
it.
.D
.Bdia
Our cousins seem to have calmed down since last time,
.Edia
Zamoy observed, as he approached the large crib where the
three newborns slept.
.D
.Bdia
Rahilma and Aodorma, yes,
.Edia
Zaadma said,
.Bdia
But Sizinma is still insufferable.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It must be the reincarnation of Miflin,
.Edia
the Baldy concluded. The Poet elbowed him right in the ribs.
.Bdia
Ouch!
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
How's the herbalist shop project going?
.Edia
Makarva inquired.
.P
Zaadma sighed loudly.
.D
.Bdia
Boo! This town is going to hell. Now it turns out that you
have to have a degree from the Citadel to open a herbalist
shop. We're thinking of moving to Twach. There, at least,
they let people live without needing a degree. It's half a
day's ride from here by cart, so it wouldn't be too much of
a fuss. And with that money you brought us, I'm sure now
that we'll get by, even with those three little devils,
.Edia
she smiled.
.P
They dined with them in the tavern room, and as they left,
Dashvara thought it appropriate to renew his offer to the
couple.
.D
.Bdia
If one day you feel like returning to the steppe, our clan
will receive you with great joy,
.Edia
he told them.
.P
Rokuish smiled, touched, and stood up to shake his hand.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you, brother. You as well: if any of you decide to
travel to the Republic, please don't forget to stop by.
.Edia
He patted him on the shoulder, his expression deeply moved.
.Bdia
Be careful and may luck smile upon you.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara almost felt as if he were saying goodbye to him
forever. And maybe that was true. Especially if the
Essimeans caught them on their way. Brushing these thoughts
aside, he walked out of the tavern with his brothers and
glanced darkly at the stormy sky before putting on the hood
of his new cloak and walking down the street in the
downpour. They were walking in silence through the streets
of Dazbon when suddenly Zamoy shouted:
.D
.Bdia
Brothers!
.Edia
.P
Everyone jumped and looked at him in alarm.
.D
.Bdia
What's the matter?
.Edia
they asked him.
.P
Under his dark blue hood, Zamoy smiled with all his teeth
and exclaimed:
.D
.Bdia
Tomorrow, we're going home!
.Edia
.P
He gave a shout of victory and took off running with the
Hairy towards
.Sm -t nomlieu The White Pearl .
Dashvara exchanged a smile with his companions and they
resumed their walk in the rain. They were going home, yes,
but inwardly, he couldn't stop thinking about the Essimeans.
They would run into them on the way for sure.
.P
.Bpenso
But that doesn't mean we won't be able to get through,
.Epenso
he thought as he moved forward.
.Bpenso
The Death worshippers don't have to know that those steppian
guards wearing Titiaka uniforms are Xalyas… do they?
.Epenso
He grinned crookedly.
.Bpenso
Not until we shout it in their faces.
.Epenso
.salto
The next morning, when the steppians mounted their horses
and left the inn, following Kuriag Dikaksunora, their hearts
were filled with joy. They were leaving loaded with
provisions, weapons, and above all, hope. Their enthusiasm
cooled a little when, already leaving the city, they saw
twelve Ragails approaching the group. For a moment, Dashvara
feared they might bring trouble, but Kuriag merely greeted
them as if he was waiting for them and trotted off. Sensing
the captain's questioning glance, Dashvara sighed and
spurred Sunrise to join the Legitimate. He cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
Excellency.
.Edia
.P
The young elf turned his head slightly. He wasn't a bad
rider, but anyone could tell he wasn't a seasoned one.
.D
.Bdia
Yes?
.Edia
he replied with some tension.
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
You don't need to hold the reins so much. Just relax. No one
likes having a worried monkey on their back.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag pressed his lips together, but instead of taking
offense and sending him off to plant grass in the desert, he
listened. He tried to justify himself:
.D
.Bdia
In Titiaka, I barely rode.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It shows,
.Edia
Dashvara assured with undisguised mockery. He received an
annoyed glance from the Legitimate and smiled at him before
making a grimace and asking,
.Bdia
Why did you hire Ragails?
.Edia
.P
Kuriag frowned. He did not answer immediately.
.D
.Bdia
I didn't hire them,
.Edia
he said at last.
.Bdia
Faag Yordark sent them to me for protection. I could not
refuse.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
Really?
.Epenso
Dashvara thought.
.Bpenso
Or are you afraid that we Xalyas will let you down?
.Epenso
.P
But he kept his doubts to himself. Besides, Kuriag's answer
could be true. All things considered, the Yordark had no
interest in the new Dikaksunora leader being lost forever in
the Rocdinfer steppe.
.P
.Bpenso
And remember, Dash, neither do we have any interest in
Kuriag being suspicious of us Xalyas…
.Epenso
.P
With a hint of exasperation, Kuriag added:
.D
.Bdia
Djamin is one of the best Ragail captains in Diumcili, and he
has volunteered to accompany us. It is an honor to have him
with us… I hope that no unnecessary arguments will arise.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes, and as the said Ragail captain
approached in turn on his mount, he assured:
.D
.Bdia
I'll see to controlling my own temper, Excellency.
.Edia
.P
And he let himself be left behind to give way to Djamin. The
Ragail captain did not make a bad impression on him. He was a
middle-aged human, with a tan complexion like the steppians,
and if he hadn't had blue eyes, he could have been mistaken
for a Xalya. He exchanged a curt nod with him before
riding away. He continued to watch him talk with Kuriag for a few
moments, then returned to Zorvun, who was eager for news. He
explained the presence of the Ragails, and the Captain
nodded thoughtfully.
.D
.Bdia
I guess their company was only to be expected,
.Edia
he commented.
.P
They were already reaching the Dragon Road, and noticing
that the pace was slowing, Dashvara craned his neck. He saw
two sajits waiting at the side of the road with a mount. He
immediately recognized the tall figure of the caitian. It was
Asmoan, the Agoskurian scientist, the Eternal Bird
enthusiast… and the demon. Beside him, laden with two
well-bounced bags, with an expression that alternated
between impatience and mockery, stood Api, the dark-haired
boy. Dashvara arched an eyebrow, suppressing a sigh. Well,
in the end, they would have to travel not only with twelve
Ragails but also with not one but
.Sm two
demons.
.D
.Bdia
Hello!
.Edia
Asmoan called out,
.Bdia
Forgive me for the delay, I have a little problem: my horse
is already overloaded, and I don't know where to put the
heaviest load!
.Edia
He laid an eloquent hand on the boy's shoulder.
.Bdia
This is Api, my assistant.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag promptly solved the problem of the bags the boy was
carrying by having them loaded onto another mount. Then
turning his attention to the assistant, he asked:
.D
.Bdia
Someone willing to take him?
.Edia
.P
He would have finished sooner by ordering. The Xalyas
looked at each other. The Ragails scratched their heads or
pretended they hadn't heard. And Dashvara cleared his
throat.
.D
.Bdia
He will come with me.
.Edia
.P
He would rather do that than having Kuriag put the demon on
the mount of any other Xalya. The youngster bared his teeth
and bowed.
.D
.Bdia
I'll be very happy to travel with you. By the way,
.Edia
he added, as Dashvara grabbed him by the arm to help him up,
.Bdia
I rode a dragon once, but I've never ridden a hors—Demons!
.Edia
he gasped.
.Bdia
We're higher than I thought.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Hang on tight,
.Edia
Dashvara replied.
.P
The boy clung to him, and they soon resumed their march, at a
rather slow pace. Passing Republicans stopped to watch the
parade of horses with curiosity. Api asked:
.D
.Bdia
So, these are the famous steppe horses?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara grunted in agreement. Api continued:
.D
.Bdia
Asmoan says that in a few days we will already be in the
steppe, but we will have to go through tunnels. The tunnels
of Aïgstia. A true labyrinth, he said. From what he's
been told, of course, because he doesn't know the area. I
hope
.Sm you
know where you're going, because I don't trust this
scientist's maps one bit.
.Edia
.P
Sitting in front of him, Dashvara suppressed a sigh.
.D
.Bdia
We'll try not to get lost,
.Edia
he assured.
.P
There was a silence, then a cheerful:
.D
.Bdia
Well, great. Gosh, I'm not going to miss Dazbon,
.Edia
he opined.
.Bdia
Though the empty plains aren't my favorite place either, but
between that and the Ariltuan swamps, I think I like the
plains just as much.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow.
.D
.Bdia
You've been to Ariltuan?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Yes, why?
.Edia
the boy replied with natural vivacity.
.P
Dashvara shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
My brothers and I guarded the borders of Diumcili along the
swamps for three years,
.Edia
he explained.
.D
.Bdia
Oh my,
.Edia
Api let out, taken aback.
.P
Dashvara moistened his lips.
.D
.Bdia
Can I ask you how you got out of there alive?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Oh. Well, that's easy,
.Edia
the boy replied.
.Bdia
My foster mother said,
.Bqt
'Get out of here or I'll wring your neck, you little demon.
.Eqt
And I took off running before she could wring my neck.
.Edia
.P
Zamoy, who was riding alongside, whistled through his teeth.
.D
.Bdia
Nice foster mother!
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
She was!
.Edia
Api assured, laughing.
.Bdia
I, on the other hand, am a true demon. That I am. The orcs took
me in as their son, and all I did was annoy them. I
couldn't even climb a tree without falling half a dozen
times a day! So when I was nine years old, my mother told me
to go away and seek my fortune in the big wide world. Six
years have passed and I'm still looking for it,
.Edia
he joked.
.P
Wondering how true his story was, Dashvara exchanged an
amused look with Zamoy; the Baldy coughed:
.D
.Bdia
You mean, you were raised by orcs.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Yep,
.Edia
Api confirmed naturally.
.Bdia
Actually, they were swamp orcs.
.Edia
.P
He said no more, and Dashvara breathed out, more quietly. He'd
been afraid the boy would be bugging him the whole trip with
made-up stories. Or maybe they weren't, who knows. But then
the boy said:
.D
.Bdia
I will always remember Shifi. He was my best friend. And he
was the best tree climber.
.Edia
.P
When no one answered, hidden in his bag, Tahisran
intervened:
.P
.Bdm
Dash, ask him where he went after he left the swamps. I'm
curious to know.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara sighed but asked anyway. He guessed Api's shrug.
.D
.Bdia
A little at random,
.Edia
he replied.
.Bdia
I went towards the east and found myself in a town called
Ied. It took me a whole week to dare to enter it, because I
had never seen anything like it. So many houses and so many
strange people. The ones who scared me the most were the
ones with white skin. Imagine the fright I had the first
time I washed and saw myself in a mirror!
.Edia
he laughed.
.Bdia
Finally,
.Edia
he continued,
.Bdia
over there I got to know a guy who taught me the common
western language and a bunch of other stuff. He was from the
Bladhy Desert,
.Edia
he explained,
.Bdia
and he told me wonders about the desert and the steppe, so I
thought, one day I'll go west. And here I am.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shook his head slowly.
.D
.Bdia
You know, my boy? You haven't chosen the best time to travel
the steppe. It is infested with Essimeans.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
But… they're sajits, aren't they?
.Edia
the boy asked, confused.
.P
Dashvara smiled wickedly.
.D
.Bdia
In theory.
.Edia
.P
There was silence.
.D
.Bdia
In short, what are they like, these Essimeans?
.Edia
the boy inquired.
.D
.Bdia
Despicable scum,
.Edia
Zamoy replied at once.
.D
.Bdia
Fiends!
.Edia
Makarva added in the rear.
.D
.Bdia
Traitors like snakes,
.Edia
Aligra spat.
.P
Atsan Is Fadul added calmly:
.D
.Bdia
The Essimeans worship Death and Science.
.Edia
.P
To Dashvara's exasperation, the young demon stirred on the
mount to turn to those who were answering. Atsan's words
caused him to flinch slightly, and Dashvara felt his arms
cling a little tighter to his waist. However, his tone was
light when he said:
.D
.Bdia
I see. But isn't the Tower of the Eternal Bird surrounded by
Essimeans?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It is,
.Edia
Dashvara confirmed calmly.
.P
He waited for the next question, which he imagined to be a:
but then, how do you expect to escort the scientist and the
Legitimate there without them slaughtering you? But the
question did not come. The boy must have been lost in
thought.
.P
As they moved away from the City of Dazbon, they quickened
their pace. Although it was a sunny day, a cold, persistent
wind whipped at them. One of the drawbacks of having that
young demon on his horse was that Dashvara didn't dare
approach Yira anymore. Atasiag was probably right when he
said that it was unlikely that anyone would perceive the
mortic energy of his naâsga, but since he didn't know what
demons were capable of, the doubt kept him away.
.P
They arrived in Rocavita before noon. The mere sight of the
town on the high hill reminded Dashvara of the endless night
he had spent there three years ago to rescue the Xalya
women, passing through catacombs and sewers… To tell the
truth, he had kept a dark memory of Rocavita, but on seeing
it again, he had to admit that those white houses clustered
together and surrounded by vines had their charm.
.P
Still, when they reached the main square of the town and
Kuriag ordered a short break, Dashvara held back an
impatient sigh. If they started taking breaks every two
hours, they wouldn't reach the steppe before spring… As the
Legitimate and his wife headed to a tavern with
Asmoan and the Ragail captain, Dashvara ordered Atok to
follow them as a bodyguard. It wouldn't do to have something
happen to Kuriag before he left the Republic. The others
waited in the square and took the opportunity to eat. They
barely spoke a word, not only out of respect for the Honyrs,
but also because of the presence of the eleven elite Titiaka
warriors nearby. The two groups did not speak to each other,
but exchanged appraising glances, not hostile, but clearly
distrustful. On one side the oppressive guards, on the other
the slaves who were returning to their steppe…
.D
.Bdia
The journey promises to be busy,
.Edia
Dashvara murmured.
.P
Api gave him a curious look. Lying on the cobblestones of
the square, looking very relaxed, the young demon had pulled
out several elongated figs and was chewing them
energetically. He had barely spoken a word since his story
about the orcs. He had a strange way of looking at everyone
cheekily and with a mocking glare, as if he was amused by
the smallest detail.
.D
.Bdia
What's the name of the one in the bag?
.Edia
he asked suddenly.
.P
Dashvara swore inwardly. Devils. Had the shadow spoken too
loudly? He glanced sharply at the Ragails, hoping they
hadn't heard the question…
.D
.Bdia
This one?
.Edia
a little voice said.
.Bdia
That's Tah.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara turned his head again to see little Shivara
approaching, spinning top in hand. He sighed loudly, and he
was not the only one.
.D
.Bdia
Tah,
.Edia
Api repeated.
.D
.Bdia
Tah,
.Edia
the child confirmed, and he paused, looking at the fig,
puzzled, before asking,
.Bdia
What is it?
.Edia
.P
The demon smiled.
.D
.Bdia
This? My mentor called them amulikas,
.Edia
he replied.
.Bdia
It's a fruit from the east. Some call it the fruit of the
two Roses. Too bad I'm almost out of them. Would you like
one?
.Edia
.P
He gave the kid one, and Shivara crouched beside him, putting the
fruit between his teeth.
.D
.Bdia
It's hard!
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Of course, it's a dry fruit. You have to chew. Do you like
it?
.Edia
.P
Shivara pondered for a few moments before nodding. Dashvara sensed
the slight tension in Morzif, who was sitting a little
further away, and he gave a not entirely peaceful smile.
.P
.Bpenso
If you knew, good Blacksmith, that the boy was not only
raised by orcs but is also a demon, you would not let your
son near him.
.Epenso
.P
However, despite his strange behavior and even foreign
origins, Api didn't look like a bad boy.
.P
.Bpenso
Careful, Dash. You'll end up becoming more trusting than
Arvara, and you'll believe that even Todakwa of Essimea can
be a nice person.
.Epenso
.P
The thought troubled him. How many times had he dreamed and
repeated Todakwa's name in his head? How many times had he
sworn to kill him and Lifdor of Shalussi? As far as he knew,
those two were the only tribal leaders left alive.
.P
.Bpenso
But remember you no longer seek revenge,
.Epenso
he reminded himself.
.Bpenso
What matters now is that your clan accepts the Honyrs and
rises from the ashes.
.Epenso
.P
By the time he stopped spinning his plans in his head,
little Shivara had already swallowed two amulikas. Now the
demon was telling him stories of fairies and castles, and
more than one Xalya was listening.
.D
.Bdia
Yet people dare say legends aren't true,
.Edia
he snorted.
.Bdia
Fairies do exist! The proof is that this ternian I knew
saved one in the Underground, one almost as young as you.
She wore a dress whiter than foam and lived in a tower without
ever having seen the sun or spoken to anyone. Can you
imagine? And, suddenly, one day…
.Edia
.P
Abruptly, Api stopped and straightened up on the
cobblestones.
.D
.Bdia
Ah, I think the journey continues,
.Edia
he declared, excitedly.
.P
In fact, the foreigners had just left the tavern with Lessi.
Finally. The Xalyas rose impatiently, and Dashvara was
already grabbing the reins of Sunrise, preparing to mount
her, when Kuriag called to him. He sighed and joined the
Federate, pulling his mount behind him.
.D
.Bdia
I would like to formally introduce you to Captain Djamin,
.Edia
Kuriag explained.
.Bdia
This is Dashvara, the lord of the Xalyas. And this is
Zorvun, their captain… and my father-in-law,
.Edia
he added with a half-amused, half-awkward smile.
.P
The Ragail captain and the two Xalyas exchanged polite
greetings as they stared at each other.
.D
.Bdia
My men and I,
.Edia
the Ragail said,
.Bdia
will join our effort with yours to secure the protection of
the Legitimate Dikaksunora and his wife in these wild lands.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded wordlessly, and Zorvun replied:
.D
.Bdia
It will be an honor for us to… uh… travel with the elite
Diumcilian Guard.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
Yes, what an honor…
.Epenso
.P
Dashvara nodded curtly in agreement, and there ended the
first exchange. It was a little cold, but it could have been
worse. They mounted their horses again and soon left
Rocavita behind. They rode along the field-lined path for a
while before they saw the black opening that led to the
tunnels of Aïgstia. Theoretically, because of the detours
and the dim light of the lanterns, even if they took
shortcuts where the carts couldn't go, it would take them
three whole days to get through these tunnels. That is, if
all went well. And then, who knows what they would find.
.Ch Running away
The journey through the tunnels of Aïgstia was a dark one
for all of them, and it managed to exasperate the most
impatient Xalyas. The darkness, the claustrophobic feeling,
and the unavoidable proximity to the Ragails caused tense and
worried expressions and imposed a silence only interrupted
by the horses' hooves, the warriors' boots, and rare
comments. The only ones to speak animatedly were Kuriag and
Asmoan. During breaks, and even while walking, they would
engage in long conversations. According to Lessi, they
talked about various things, but the Eternal Bird and the
Ancient Kings were recurring topics.
.D
.Bdia
I feel like I married a shaard,
.Edia
Lessi snorted, amused, on the second day.
.P
So, taking the opportunity, Zorvun offered his daughter to
travel with them, and Lessi was able to listen to Api's wild
stories. On the third day, as they all walked through an
uneven tunnel, taking care that the horses did not stumble,
Dashvara asked:
.D
.Bdia
Tell me, kid. That story about you riding a dragon, is it
true?
.Edia
.P
Api was walking a few steps back and had been silent for a
while, looking thoughtful. He looked up and smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Sure is. And it was a big one.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gave him a skeptical pout and turned around to take
a good look at where he was walking. Then Api said
cheerfully:
.D
.Bdia
He was in the middle of Ied, actually near the docks, where
the Abandoned Palaces are. It was a beautiful dragon,
covered in horns and blue scales. I rode it many times.
Mostly because you could jump from its nostrils and dive
straight into the sea. It was fun.
.Edia
He paused.
.Bdia
Did I mention it was made of stone?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stifled a big laugh.
.D
.Bdia
No, but I was beginning to suspect it,
.Edia
he assured.
.P
He rolled his eyes, and they kept walking in silence. Soon they
reached the end of the shortcut and came out onto the main
road. Here the tunnel was wider, higher, and, above all, it
was much better maintained. They turned right. From there,
according to Asmoan's map, they were only about half an hour
away from the exit and the sun. Dashvara unconsciously
quickened his pace and slowed down whenever he got too close
to the two Ragails who led the way with their lanterns. He
suddenly squinted. Was that… sunlight or a reflection of the
lanterns?
.P
Before he could determine, a shadow passed before his eyes…
.P
.Bdm
Dash!
.Edm
Tahisran cried in a horrified voice.
.Bdm
There's a cart out of the tunnel! And I heard a scream. I
didn't dare approach. There's too much light.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara stopped short and ordered with a roar:
.D
.Bdia
Halt!
.Edia
.P
As the two Ragails at the head of the line turned around in
surprise, he explained:
.D
.Bdia
The exit is close. We should send sentries to see if the
area is safe. There could be trouble.
.Edia
.P
Both Ragails exchanged glances and shrugged their shoulders.
One of them offered:
.D
.Bdia
I can go.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I'll go with you,
.Edia
Dashvara decided.
.Bdia
Lumon, take your bow and come with me. The rest of you, keep
moving slowly and stay alert.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I'm going with you,
.Edia
Makarva interjected from the rear.
.Bdia
I know you're able to resurrect and all, Dash, but if
anything happens to you, my Eternal Bird will die of shame.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara didn't protest: he left the reins of Sunrise to
Zamoy, and he, the Ragail, the Archer, and Mak moved quickly
away down the tunnel, followed discreetly by the shadow.
.P
.Bdm
Didn't seem to me to hear any sword strikes,
.Edm
Tah added.
.P
He said no more, probably because he had no other details to
give. The light grew brighter and brighter, and finally, they
emerged from the tunnel. Dashvara's first sensation was one
of release. The second was horror. That was because he had just seen
an overturned cart and a scaly bipedal creature that was
trying to reach a stunned sajit, hoisted on a stone
projection of the deep rocky canyon. The woman did not even
see the four figures coming out of the tunnel: her eyes were
feverishly searching for a hold to continue climbing the
rock.
.D
.Bdia
Red nadres,
.Edia
Makarva spat, drawing his sabers.
.P
Dashvara looked around and was relieved to see no other
nadres. Grabbing his own swords, he called out:
.D
.Bdia
Let's draw it away from the tunnel. If it explodes, it could
damage it. Ragail, don't move from here.
.Edia
.P
The three Xalyas moved quickly away, bypassing the cart. In
front of it, they could see the lifeless body of another
woman, an unloaded crossbow at her side. The horse must have
broken free and galloped away… probably pursued by the rest
of the nadre herd, Dashvara realized with a shudder.
.P
As soon as they were far enough down the rocky corridor,
Lumon fired an arrow. It hit the monster's scaly neck, and
though it didn't pierce through it, the creature was distracted and turned its
attention away from the steppewoman on her rock. The Xalyas
moved away from each other. If only they'd had some cold oil
to keep the nadre from exploding once it was dead… Maltagwa had
made enough to fill a wineskin, but they didn't have it
precisely on hand right now. There was still the option of
trying to distract the creature until one of the three
returned with the wineskin, of course, but the easiest way
was to kill it and take it down where the passage was wider.
.D
.Bdia
Come on, little dragon!
.Edia
Dashvara said waving his black sword at the beast.
.Bdia
Don't be a coward.
.Edia
.P
It was half cowardly. Seeing itself surrounded on three
sides, the red nadre gave a mighty roar and rushed at
Makarva, who was in the middle of the path leading out of
the defile. The red nadres were monsters not
distinguished by intelligence, but in that case, its
instinct of survival and its isolation from the herd
prevailed.
.D
.Bdia
Move aside!
.Edia
Dashvara shouted.
.P
Makarva stepped aside suddenly, but the red nadre, instead of
running away, backed away, roaring repeatedly to call its
pack. Dashvara shook his head, at a loss. The
little dragon should have run off to join its herd. Unless…
When the nadre turned and ran this time towards the Ragail
and the tunnel entrance, Dashvara felt the blood run cold in
his veins.
.D
.Bdia
By the Liadirlá, the herd is in the main tunnel!
.Edia
he bellowed.
.P
And this time he dashed forward, no longer to distract the
beast so that it would go away, but to stop it before it
reached the tunnel. It would still be less of a problem if
it exploded in the gorge than in the tunnel. Before he had
time to think much, he was already digging his swords into
the scales of the beast. He fell, dragged down by the weight
and swore, pulling his sabers out and plunging them back
into the paws and claws. It was sad, but the nadre would
have to wait a while before it died. Leaving the bruised
creature, useless and roaring, Dashvara released his sabers
and rushed toward the tunnel, shouting:
.D
.Bdia
Everybody out! Hurry!
.Edia
.P
The first Xalyas soon came out, on horseback. Api was
mounted on Tsu's horse.
.D
.Bdia
We have red nadres behind!
.Edia
Orafe informed.
.D
.Bdia
And one in front,
.Edia
Dashvara replied, indicating it.
.D
.Bdia
Are they close?
.Edia
Lumon inquired.
.D
.Bdia
On our heels!
.Edia
the Grumpy croaked.
.Bdia
We should have heard them coming, but nothing. I can't
explain it to myself, these tunnels must be bewitched.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
The lionrock muffles the noise,
.Edia
Tsu commented.
.P
Many looked at him with surprise. They always forgot that
the drow had not always been a Xalya, far from it, and that he
had been at the university of Titiaka for years. The Hairy
breathed out loudly:
.D
.Bdia
In any case, the Ragails are on the front line!
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled wickedly.
.D
.Bdia
Well, we'll see if their magic tricks work against the
nadres.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Oh, guys: let's get out of the canyon,
.Edia
Sashava urged them.
.P
Dashvara nodded, took Sunrise's reins, mounted, and stood
between the dying nadre and the expedition, so that the
latter had to pass to the left of the cart. Roars from the
tunnel reached him, and when he saw Kuriag emerge with
Asmoan, wide-eyed, he suppressed a crooked smile.
.Bpenso
Welcome to the steppe, Excellency…
.Epenso
The elf stopped his horse and asked:
.D
.Bdia
Who is this woman?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow. Gosh. He had completely
forgotten about the steppeswoman perched on the rocks. He
looked up at her and saw her as appalled as she had been a
few minutes earlier. She was in her thirties, with
steppian features, colorful clothes… Shalussi clothes,
Dashvara judged. He brought his mount closer to the rock
wall.
.D
.Bdia
Don't be afraid!
.Edia
he called out to her.
.Bdia
You can come down from there now.
.Edia
.P
The Shalussi hesitated. Dashvara insisted, impatient:
.D
.Bdia
There are other red nadres in the area: you shouldn't stay
here. You and the other woman were headed for Dazbon,
weren't you?
.Edia
He had deduced this from the position of the cart. He shook
his head.
.Bdia
We're going the opposite way, but anyway, with that band
of red nadres in the tunnels, I wouldn't advise you to go
that way. Uh… Are you going to stay up there?
.Edia
.P
Without a word, the steppe woman began to climb down the
rock face. At a glance, Dashvara saw that Kuriag had just
stood there looking at her, and he huffed.
.D
.Bdia
Keep going, Excellency. Don't stop. I'll take care of her.
.Edia
.P
The young elf swallowed but nodded and walked away through
the canyon. By the time the Shalussi finally landed on the
ground, Dashvara had already lifted the dead woman and
passed her to Arvara. The Shalussi smoothed her clothes with
a nervous hand, and her eyes slid to her companion. Dashvara
cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
I regret that we were too late for her. I suppose you'll
want to give her a proper burial. Is there anything of value
in your cart, Shalussi woman?
.Edia
.P
The steppian frowned. She shook her head.
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
she sighed.
.Bdia
Except…
.Edia
She bit her lip, and climbing into the cart, lifted a cloth
and discovered a little girl of about four years old who had
been hiding there. She took her in her arms. Dashvara
nodded, pleased that they had at least arrived in time to
save two souls.
.D
.Bdia
Boron,
.Edia
he called out.
.Bdia
Take them on.
.Edia
.P
The Placid nodded and helped mother and daughter onto his
horse. Dashvara sighed loudly and turned his mount.
More than one Xalya had stayed behind to help the Ragails
cover the retreat, including Zorvun, of course. The problem
was that fighting in a tunnel was not practical. And even
less so when…
.P
An explosion was heard, and Dashvara turned pale. Devils,
devils, devils. He turned his head sharply, but the dying
nadre was still alive. The explosion came from the tunnel. He
entered it with Sunrise. The roar of roars mingled with the
bellowing of the warriors. The lionrock muffled the noise,
Tsu said… Well, fortunately. Dashvara shouted:
.D
.Bdia
Get back! Don't kill them!
.Edia
.P
But he knew it was difficult to ask such a thing when the
red nadres were charging ferociously. Another explosion
shook the tunnel, and a shower of dust blinded them. Then
Djamin's voice thundered:
.D
.Bdia
Back!
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
It's about time…
.Epenso
.P
Dashvara stepped out of the tunnel again so as not to block
the way and trotted away, followed closely by the others. A
roar of explosions sent Sunrise into a gallop, and Dashvara
had to control its momentum. By the Eternal Bird! If the
tunnel held after that, he would eat his boots.
.P
The canyon was not very long, and they soon came out on to the
steppe. Before him lay endless plains covered with grass.
Emotion began to overcome him, but almost immediately, his
joy was replaced by the duty of the moment: at a glance, he
made sure that all were safe and sound, he made Sunrise
turn, and heard Zorvun mutter:
.D
.Bdia
What a bunch of idiots…
.Edia
.P
Dashvara bet he was talking about the Ragails. He saw them
form up in front of the defile.
.P
.Bpenso
A lot of discipline and a lot of magic, but then they're not
able to run when they need to.
.Epenso
.P
The Ragail captain's horse trotted up to Kuriag, and
Dashvara approached with Zorvun. The young Legitimate
nodded, looking grim. Joining them, Dashvara commented
calmly:
.D
.Bdia
Let me guess: the tunnel collapsed.
.Edia
.P
Djamin cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
It's possible,
.Edia
he admitted.
.P
Dashvara smiled mockingly.
.D
.Bdia
The merchants can't complain: we are leaving behind a solid
and safe path. Not even a troll will dare to pass through
such a well-guarded path.
.Edia
.P
He saw the Ragail captain grit his teeth and Kuriag look at
him with a mixture of embarrassment and disbelief. Dashvara
bet that, if it had been the Xalyas and not the Ragails
who had caused the accident, they would not have been so
understanding. In their defense, it had to be said that
there were no red nadres in Diumcili. With forced patience,
Djamin retorted:
.D
.Bdia
It won't be hard to get the road open again. For now, let's
just be glad we're all still alive.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked at him mockingly, but he merely replied:
.D
.Bdia
We'd better get away from here before it gets dark.
.Edia
.P
It wasn't until he was heeling his horse that he thought of
Tah, and, suddenly worried, questioned his brothers. It was
Api who answered, patting his bulging pack:
.D
.Bdia
Everything is in order.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow at the shadow's amused mental
confirmation.
.Bpenso
Well
.Epenso ,
he sighed. It hadn't been the quiet arrival he'd hoped for,
but they were finally on the steppe. He glanced around. Many
of the Xalyas had their eyes fixed on the horizon. Some were
looking northwest, directly at Xalya.
.P
.Bpenso
How strange, isn't it, brothers?
.Epenso
he muttered to himself, straightening up on Sunrise.
.Bpenso
We are returning to a steppe where we have spent most of our
lives, and it almost seems as if we have not seen it for
twenty years. Only three years have passed. Three years, and
so much has changed.
.Epenso
.P
.Bpenso
But we came back.
.Epenso
.P
He smiled, looking out over the distant plains and hills.
Horse hooves were heard nearby. Yira stopped on his right.
Above her veil, her dark eyes watched him intently.
.D
.Bdia
So this is your steppe, Dashvara of Xalya.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled, took her gloved left hand and kissed it
gently.
.D
.Bdia
She is as much mine as yours, naâsga,
.Edia
he murmured. He turned his gaze back to the plains and shook
his head.
.Bdia
Perhaps it will seem a little empty to you at first, but it
encloses much more than meets the eye. The steppe,
.Edia
he gestured widely,
.Bdia
you have to feel it.
.Edia
.P
Yira's eyes smiled and then turned to the vast horizon. She
commented:
.D
.Bdia
It's like an ocean. Except instead of waves, there are
hills, and, instead of boats, there are horses.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara choked as he heard her compare his steppe to the
sea.
.D
.Bdia
But horses do not sink, naâsga. They ride on solid ground.
The steppe is plain and simple. If you take away, of course,
the red snakes, the nadres, the scale-nefarious, the
Essimeans…
.Edia
he listed. Yira huffed, amused, and Dashvara added,
.Bdia
But I'm glad it reminds you of an ocean if… if it makes you
feel more at home.
.Edia
.P
Yira tilted her head to the side, and her eyes sparkled,
smiling again.
.D
.Bdia
I am a nomadic spirit. My home is where my heart goes.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara swallowed, moved, and nodded, knowing that no words
could express his joy at having his naâsga by his side, at
home, on his steppe. He was turning towards her again,
dreamy, when a voice called:
.D
.Bdia
Dash!
.Edia
.P
Dashvara turned to see Zamoy approaching at a trot. The
Baldy stopped and explained:
.D
.Bdia
The Shalussi woman says she is a runaway slave from Essimea.
When we told her we were Xalyas, she almost fainted. What do
we do with her?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
Tell her that the rest of us, unlike her people, are not in
the habit of killing innocent people and that—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Dash,
.Edia
Yira protested.
.D
.Bdia
And that the lady of the Xalyas will decide her fate,
.Edia
Dashvara finished with a small smile.
.P
The sursha looked at him, eyes squinting, snorted, and said:
.D
.Bdia
I think that, at the moment, it is more up to Kuriag
Dikaksunora to decide.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow.
.D
.Bdia
Devils, that's true. I'll go ask our master what he thinks.
.Edia
.P
It turned out, however, that Kuriag was precisely talking
with the Shalussi, and when Dashvara arrived, he heard the
Legitimate declare:
.D
.Bdia
Under my protection, the Essimeans will not dare to lay a
hand on you.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I'll lend you some clothes,
.Edia
Lessi interjected in a soft voice.
.Bdia
No one will be able to mistake you for a slave. What do you
say?
.Edia
.P
The Shalussi woman looked at them with an expression of pure
amazement. Letting go of her daughter's hand, she knelt
before them saying:
.D
.Bdia
You saved my daughter's life and mine. I have been a slave
for many years, but I have never served a master who
deserved it. If I can be of use to you in any way, I, Hezae,
will do so.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag nodded, not knowing what to say. Lessi smiled.
.D
.Bdia
It will be a pleasure to have you by my side.
.Edia
.P
As the steppe woman stood up, Dashvara interjected:
.D
.Bdia
Can I ask you a question, Hezae? What area of Essimea are
you from?
.Edia
.P
The Shalussi turned her head towards him, and her expression
became fearful.
.D
.Bdia
I lived in Aralika, the Tower City, for a long time. But two
years ago, they moved my sister and I further south. Where
the ancient people of Lifdor used to be.
.Edia
.P
So Lifdor had also fallen into the nets of the Essimeans,
Dashvara deduced. The whole steppe had fallen. It was to be
hoped that the Honyrs had not. He commented:
.D
.Bdia
Two years. That means you were still in the main village of
Todakwa when the Xalya dungeon fell.
.Edia
.P
Hezae nodded, and before the attentive ear of the Xalyas,
she said:
.D
.Bdia
I saw the Xalya slaves arrive. Most were children and
women. Some… were sacrificed to their god.
.Edia
.P
A wave of hatred and horror swept over Dashvara at the
thought of the Essimeans sacrificing Xalya children to
their stupid God of Death. His right fist clenched hard on
the pommel of his sword.
.D
.Bdia
But they left the others alive,
.Edia
Alta interjected with a touch of hope.
.P
Hezae nodded slightly.
.D
.Bdia
Yes. But I can't tell you how many there were. I only saw a
handful. I worked on a farm, you understand: I rarely went
into town.
.Edia
.P
Town, Dashvara repeated to himself. How many people were
there in that
.qt town
called Aralika? He remembered that the
shaard Maloven had told him that the Essimean lands were the
most populated place on the steppe, since they also had the
richest, most arable land. Five years ago, Xalya officers
estimated that two thousand souls lived there. But that was
without counting the slaves who had been torn from their
homes since then.
.P
The conversation with the Shalussi made them all gloomy, and
when they started to walk away from the canyon, they hardly
exchanged a few words. It was soon dark, and the Ragail
captain soon gave the order to stop. As they set up camp and
lit torches, other Xalyas dug the grave for Hezae's sister.
They dug it quickly and quietly, and Dashvara bet that more
than one person thought: did the Shalussis even dig a grave
for our fallen brothers in Xalya? No, they certainly had
not. But it was also true that this Shalussi who had been a
slave for years was not responsible.
.P
When the task was done, they did not linger, and from the
other end of the camp, Dashvara saw the figures of his
brothers moving swiftly away, leaving Hezae to grieve her
loss alone. He breathed in the cold night air and with a
gentle hand stroked Sunrise's forehead. The mare breathed
softly in pleasure. The encounter with the red nadres had
made her nervous for a long time, but now that Dashvara was
tending her like a queen, she had regained complete
serenity. He smiled and continued to brush her, saying:
.D
.Bdia
I would never let one of those beasts hurt you,
.Sm -t erare daâra .
You must not fear them. Lusombra did not fear them: she
looked them in the eye. She flapped about like a bird. And I
never let them hurt her.
.Edia
.P
And so, alone with his thoughts and his mare, he was
whispering sweet nothings to her when he noticed a tall,
stout figure approaching. It was Raxifar. His face was
barely visible in the darkness. The Akinoa stopped a few
steps away.
.D
.Bdia
Xalya,
.Edia
he greeted him in a deep voice.
.P
Dashvara nodded politely while still brushing his horse.
.D
.Bdia
Raxifar.
.Edia
.P
From where they stood, the muffled voices of the Xalyas
could be heard, wrapped in their blankets, unusually
pensive. Taking advantage of the space, the Ragails had set
up camp a little further away. The tents of the Ragail
captain, Kuriag and Asmoan stood between the two groups. The
first had the red colors of the Titiaka guard, the second
was white, adorned with the blue design of the Dikaksunora
bird, and the third, that of the Agoskurian, was a bright
orange.
.Bpenso
With such discretion, I can see us greeting the Essimeans
tomorrow at dawn…
.Epenso
.D
.Bdia
I'm going to leave,
.Edia
the Akinoa declared after a silence.
.P
Dashvara stopped his task, but calmly, and let Sunrise
slowly move away to graze the grass. He nodded.
.D
.Bdia
I know. Did you tell the Titiaka?
.Edia
.P
The light from a nearby torch lit up Raxifar's mocking
smile. No, he hadn't told him. Dashvara rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bdia
We will give you food and what you need,
.Edia
he promised.
.Bdia
And we'll cover your departure so no Ragail will see you.
.Edia
.P
Raxifar bowed his head slightly.
.D
.Bdia
If I manage to find my people, Xalya, you can count on me to
free yours from the Essimean clutches.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled, moved.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you, Raxifar. Right now, I'm not sure how we're going
to do it. But we will. Believe me, I will also do
everything I can to help all of your people who have fallen
into the hands of the Essimeans. It's just… I owe it to
myself to return the favor to Kuriag Dikaksunora before I
devote myself fully to it.
.Edia
.P
Raxifar nodded thoughtfully.
.D
.Bdia
I understand. That foreigner doesn't have a bad heart. But
he can never truly forgive what I did to his father. I can't
understand how he hasn't chopped my head off yet.
.Edia
.P
They exchanged grim smiles. Dashvara spoke solemnly.
.D
.Bdia
.Sm -t erare Ayshat ,
Raxifar of Akinoa. Thank you for traveling with us here… and
for saving my life. I don't know if our people will ever
manage to live together after all that has happened, but…
without a doubt, you have earned the respect of the Xalyas.
Especially mine.
.Edia
.P
Raxifar smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Akinoa respects the souls who stand for his values; so I can
only respond with the same respect,
.Edia
he replied.
.P
Dashvara huffed and joked:
.D
.Bdia
If only the Essimeans could follow the same example.
.Edia
.P
Both returned to the camp and, trying not to attract the
attention of the Ragails, managed to fill a bag of food and
two wineskins. Since it was likely that the Ragails would
decide to pursue the Akinoa when they discovered his
disappearance, they made sure that Raxifar's horse was in
good condition to support the escape. The majority of the
Xalyas did not go so far as to say goodbye to the black
steppeman in person, but the hostility had disappeared. With
time, they were beginning to be tolerant, Dashvara smiled.
.P
The Gem had already covered a good part of the sky and they
had just changed the watch when Raxifar stood up and
Dashvara did the same. There was only a sepulchral silence
in the camp. They walked away to the Akinoa's horse, and both
shook hands vigorously. That farewell said more than a
thousand words. Dashvara whispered to him:
.D
.Bdia
May the Eternal Bird guide you.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
May Akinoa give you and your people strength,
.Edia
Raxifar replied in an equally low voice.
.P
He pulled the horse's reins and rode away, past Sirk Is
Rhad, who stood guard to the east of the camp. The Akinoa
was already getting lost in the darkness of the night when
the Honyr murmured:
.D
.Bdia
Do you think he will find his people free, sîzan?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shook his head slightly with a glimmer of hope in his heart.
.D
.Bdia
I don't know,
.Edia
he replied.
.Bdia
But, if the Akinoas have also been subdued, that means the
Essimeans have everything. Absolutely everything.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Except the northern lands,
.Edia
Sirk Is Rhad observed.
.P
Dashvara nodded silently. Except the northern lands,
where the Honyrs lived. These lands, adjacent to the Xalyas,
were almost as barren as the Bladhy Desert. But it was still
the steppe.
.P
.Bpenso
And probably, this will become your home for the next few
years, if you manage to honorably get rid of the Legitimate.
.Epenso
.P
But first, he had to listen to the Dikaksunora, satisfy his
and Asmoan's curiosity… Dashvara only hoped he wouldn't
regret not doing what Raxifar had done that night and
sneaking away with his brothers and the Xalya women. Time
would tell.
.Ch Lamasta
Not long before the sunrise, it was discovered that
the great black head of the Akinoa was missing among the
Xalyas. The Ragails were nervous; Djamin, irritated. The
Xalyas could not help but smile mockingly. They were already
preparing to leave, waiting for Kuriag's order, when the
Ragail captain approached, saying:
.D
.Bdia
His Excellency would like to speak to you in his tent,
Dashvara of Xalya.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara winced but nodded.
.D
.Bdia
I'll be right there.
.Edia
.P
He finished fitting Sunrise's saddle, stroked her forehead,
and saw the angry glint in Djamin's eyes. Dashvara knew
that, had he been in Titiaka, he would have received a
beating for lack of diligence. But here on the steppe, the
Ragail captain did not dare treat him like the slave he was.
.Bpenso
Could it be you're be afraid of thirty steppe savages,
foreigner?
.Epenso
Dashvara scoffed mentally. And, giving him a curt salute, he
walked away towards the tent. To his annoyance, Djamin
followed him. Lessi was out, and inside were only Kuriag and
Zraliprat, his childhood slave. Sitting on a cushion, the
Legitimate did not look happy.
.D
.Bdia
Ah,
.Edia
he said, seeing him enter.
.Bdia
Please, captain. Leave us alone.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Are you sure, Excellency?
.Edia
Djamin hesitated.
.P
Kuriag nodded firmly, and when the Ragail captain
reluctantly left, he put aside the book he had in his lap
and stood up.
.D
.Bdia
I don't know how to take it,
.Edia
he admitted, altered.
.Bdia
I let him live, I bought him a horse, I allowed him to
travel with me to the steppe—and that's how Raxifar pays it
back? By running away like a rat? Is this how steppe honor
works?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara watched him. The young elf was more upset than
angry. He shook his head, sighing.
.D
.Bdia
Listen, Excellency—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No, you listen to me,
.Edia
the Legitimate interrupted sharply.
.Bdia
I know that you and your people helped him escape. I'm not
going after him. Because, if I were to capture him, I could
do nothing but sentence him to death. Understand that. I
don't want to hurt anyone. But after all I've done for you…
I expected a little more respect and recognition.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded silently. Kuriag was right. From his point
of view, he had bought them at a high price, he had helped
them reach the steppe armed and on horseback, something the
Xalyas would not have achieved without breaking their backs
for years in Dazbon; in the end, he had given them a huge
gift in exchange for supposedly temporal… but absolute
loyalty.
.P
Dashvara looked down at his right arm, where the mark of the
Dikaksunora bird was hidden. He nodded again and said:
.D
.Bdia
You are quite right, Excellency. My apologies. Raxifar felt
that given his past actions, it was best for him to go alone
in search of his people. To warn you would have been to
betray him as well. And he saved my life in Titiaka. As you
see, the Eternal Bird cannot fly to two different places at
once. But now he has turned to you again, Kuriag
Dikaksunora. If you think I deserve punishment for my
silence, I will accept it.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag gave him a troubled look. He made a nervous gesture.
.D
.Bdia
I'm not going to punish you.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled slightly.
.D
.Bdia
And you deserve my respect more for that, Excellency.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Really?
.Edia
the young Legitimate retorted.
.Bdia
Enough respect not to think next night,
.Bqt
since the novice master won't punish us, we're leaving too
.Eqt ?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara's smile widened.
.D
.Bdia
Enough,
.Edia
he assured.
.Bdia
Which doesn't mean I can't have reservations about the
destination of your trip. You want us to enter Essimean
territory. Perhaps you believe that your mere presence will
prevent the Essimeans from jumping us. I'm not so sure.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
The Essimeans have made more than one agreement with my
father, and they are still trading with my family. They will
not dare to
.qt jump us .
You are under my protection. I know a little about how the
Essimeans think. As long as you are my guards, they won't
dare touch you.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Assuming that,
.Edia
Dashvara coughed,
.Bdia
what about our women? They don't bear the mark. I'd be a
lot safer if we left them in a safe place.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag frowned.
.D
.Bdia
In a safe place? Where?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara hesitated and then said:
.D
.Bdia
To the north. With the Honyrs. As soon as we pass through
Essimean territory, it would be enough for a few of us to
accompany them. And it would hardly delay the journey.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag's face had darkened.
.D
.Bdia
To bypass Essimea in this way would attract suspicion,
.Edia
he objected. He paused and uttered:
.Bdia
I will consider your proposal, Dashvara of Xalya. You may
go.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Go to the Honyrs?
.Edia
Dashvara replied in a light tone. And he chuckled at the
Legitimate's alarmed expression.
.Bdia
It was a joke, Excellency. I won't run away, don't worry.
.Edia
.P
He bowed his head briefly and left the tent. Outside, his
brothers greeted him with questioning looks, Zorvun
scrutinized him, and Dashvara shrugged with amusement.
.D
.Bdia
I fear that now the Ragails will not let us out of their
sight.
.Edia
.P
Several gasped. Orafe growled:
.D
.Bdia
Nothing new under the sun.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara wasn't so sure: it was clear that the Ragail
captain hadn't appreciated being deceived. Having observed
him during the trip through the tunnels, Dashvara had a
picture of him similar to that of Faag Yordark: a pragmatic,
reasonable, strict man… and Titiaka to the core. He resented
the freedom the Xalyas enjoyed under Kuriag's tutelage
because it simply went against tradition. Until now, he had
just ignored them. But Dashvara could tell by
looking at his brothers that returning to the steppe made
them feel freer than ever… At some point, they would forget
that they were still slaves, they would see the Ragails as
intruders, an altercation would arise… and Dashvara
preferred not to imagine the outcome.
.P
They were about to pack up Kuriag's tent when Zorvun stopped
him.
.D
.Bdia
Dash. Did you tell him about the Honyrs and…?
.Edia
Seeing Dashvara give a nod, the captain paused and inquired,
anxious to know,
.Bdia
So?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
I don't know if this was the best time to talk about it,
.Edia
he admitted,
.Bdia
but he said he'd consider it.
.Edia
.P
Zorvun winced and shook his head in annoyance.
.D
.Bdia
To consider it is not enough. I'll talk to him,
.Edia
he decided.
.P
Dashvara smiled as he moved away to help his brothers. There
was an advantage to having the new master as the captain's
son-in-law: now, the captain didn't insist on using
Dashvara as a messenger like he did when he wanted to
communicate with Atasiag. He thought he had some influence
over Kuriag. And maybe he did. The problem was that the
Ragail captain had some too.
.P
So, as they set off, the steppemen saw with concern that
they were heading north, towards the village of Lifdor.
Under the leaden sky, a cold, persistent wind swept across
the grass and through the clothes and armor of the Xalyas.
Winter was at the gates of the steppe.
.P
They crossed a river and entered an area of slightly higher
hills. There was not a single tree in all that vast expanse
of almost barren land. They passed by a band of wild horses,
and about noon, they saw a cottage and a flock of sheep led
by a Shalussi girl. From the top of the hill, the child stared at
the advancing line of horsemen. The sky was now completely
clear, but the wind was still blowing as insistently as
ever.
.P
It was still an hour before they reached the village of
Lifdor, according to Asmoan, when they saw three warriors on
horseback standing on the other side of a wide, shallow
river. This was the Bakhia River, which originated in the
mountain of the same name in Xalya land and flowed into the
Pilgrim Ocean. It flowed through all the Shalussi lands.
Or at least, what was left of it, Dashvara corrected.
.P
The warriors were, presumably, Essimean: unlike the
Shalussis or Akinoas, they wore a uniform, a dark blue and
black uniform. According to their culture, black symbolized
death and blue the immortality of their god. Dashvara
immediately felt the tension rising in the group, among the
Ragails, but especially among the Xalyas.
.P
.Bpenso
Let us stay calm, my brothers,
.Epenso
he thought, his heart glooming.
.Bpenso
The time has not come to fight.
.Epenso
.P
They stopped at a distance, and the three Essimean horsemen
crossed the river. Before Kuriag spoke, the one who was
going in the middle saluted:
.D
.Bdia
Welcome to Essimea, Kuriag Dikaksunora.
.Edia
.P
He addressed the Legitimate directly, without hesitation. He
had even said his name. Dashvara frowned. Certainly, the
young elf's rather refined attire made him stand out among
so many warriors with armor, and the Essimeans knew the
crest of the renowned Master, but… even so, the welcome
seemed no less strange. It seemed as if they already knew of
the Legitimate's coming. And perhaps that was the case, he
thought. After all, it seemed logical to inform Todakwa of
the visit of the heir to Menfag Dikaksunora in person.
.P
Surrounded on one side by the Xalyas and on the other by the
Ragails, Kuriag Dikaksunora nodded courteously.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you.
.Edia
.P
The Essimean introduced himself:
.D
.Bdia
My name is Ashiwa of Essimea, brother of Todakwa of
Essimea. My brother and lord feels honored by your visit to
our lands, and he has ordered that we, his subjects, do all
we can to make you and your wife feel at ease.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara turned pale. So, this man in soldier's
livery was none other than a younger brother of Todakwa. He
gritted his teeth quietly and for a moment met the
Essimean's eyes. It was only for a moment, a mere second,
but Dashvara was sure he saw a glint of fear in Ashiwa's
eyes. No wonder, for all Xalyas must have been looking at
him with criminal eyes at the same time. Dashvara did not
envy him.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you,
.Edia
Kuriag repeated.
.P
Ashiwa of Essimea swallowed.
.D
.Bdia
If it suits you, I will escort you to Lamasta, the nearest
town to our land. Until recently, it belonged to a savage
named Lifdor. Any merchant can assure you that in a few
short years, the entire area has changed greatly, and for
the better. Thanks in part to your father's help,
.Edia
he observed, flatteringly.
.P
Kuriag bowed his head again, and the procession resumed.
Dashvara's Eternal Bird was boiling inside. The affability
of Ashiwa of Essimea seemed a cruel illusion to him.
.P
.Bpenso
You know what Essimeans are like, Dash: they're worse than
red snakes. They smile at you and betray you. They betrayed
us by joining with the savages to wipe out our people. They
have swept away the shaards of the steppe and with them the
wisdom of the ancient kings. If they decided not to
exterminate us, it was not out of mercy: it was because they
thought we were no longer a threat. And truthfully… are we?
.Epenso
.P
His doubts soared when they saw the town of Lamasta. It was
not a city like Titiaka, but it was more than a steppe
village. There, built along the river and even on the small
hill nearby, were perhaps a hundred buildings. There were
huts, but also stone houses, and on the hill, stood a small
Essimean temple with a clearly Titiaka architecture. Lamasta
was alive with activity. Dashvara's heart ached with
confusion.
.P
.Bpenso
Come on,
.Epenso
he said to himself as the procession moved towards the town,
.Bpenso
did you think the steppe was dying? Well, look, Dash, what
do your eyes see now? Life, peace, and wealth. Frightening,
isn't it? You who thought you were arriving with your
brothers to devastated and empty lands, behold the power of
the Essimeans!
.Epenso
.P
As Siranaga would have said, in his memoirs: Rocdinfer was a
happy kingdom again. Or at least, that was how it looked.
And, strangely enough, noticing this made Dashvara feel
stunned, intimidated, and indignant all at once.
.P
Several times he felt that Kuriag was giving him and his
brothers worried looks. Was he perhaps afraid they would
lose their temper? Well. He could stay reassured for the
moment: they were all too stunned by the Essimean grandeur.
If Lamasta was like this, what was Aralika, the City of the
Tower, supposed to be like?
.P
.Bpenso
All this was built by slaves,
.Epenso
he thought. Perhaps even the Xalyas who had survived had
worked here. Dashvara glared at the houses and people of
Lamasta. The Essimeans had achieved nothing wonderful: their
kingdom floated on a sea of blood. Like that of Shaotara and
Siranaga. Like that of the Ancient Kings.
.P
History repeats itself. Except that now, there were no more
lords of the steppe, the savages were subdued, the Honyrs
lived isolated in the north…
.P
.Bpenso
And the rest of us are only thirty-five Xalya slaves of
Diumcili,
.Epenso
Dashvara's dark mind finished.
.Bpenso
Twenty-three warriors. Five female pirates. One fanatic of
the Eternal Bird. A Titiaka wife. A cripple. A physician.
And a steppe lord with his naâsga and his shadow.
.Epenso
His lips twitched as he added,
.Bpenso
And a six-year-old. Face it, Dash: right now, little Shivara
has as much chance of rescuing the trapped Xalyas and
getting out alive as we do.
.Epenso
.P
His gaze had fallen on a group of Essimean guards patrolling
the outskirts of the city. He could hear the Xalyas
breathing heavily. Maef was snorting like a horse. So much
so that he looked like he was going to suffocate. Zorvun
reached out to squeeze his shoulder and whispered something
to him. Perhaps because of this, Maef did not burst, but his
eyes kept flashing with fury. Api watched him from the
corner of his eye, not with his usual mockery but with a
mixture of admiration and apprehension.
.P
After riding along the main street they stopped before a
stone building, probably built from some earlier structure
of the steppe lords. The Ragail captain gave the order to
dismount. Dashvara dismounted. And his brothers after him,
reluctantly. It was clear that they all wanted to spur their
horses and ride away from there. It was either that or draw
their swords to vent their rage. However, they had not
come all this way to die foolishly. So they held back their
impulses.
.P
Ashiwa of Essimea invited Kuriag, Lessi, and Asmoan into the
building, and he let Djamin and two other Ragails in,
as well as Api and a Hezae in Titiaka clothing… but that was
all. As Dashvara approached the door, one of the Essimean
guards stepped in and said:
.D
.Bdia
The stables are behind the building.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara glared at him. The Essimean was taller than he was,
but younger: he couldn't hold the Xalya's gaze, looked away,
became agitated… Then, from within, Kuriag intervened:
.D
.Bdia
I'll be safe within these four walls, don't worry. Follow
the instructions, and there will be no problem.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara remained unperturbed. There would be no problem, he
said? Oh then, hell, why worry? He gave a curt nod,
turned around, and took over the reins of Sunrise. If Kuriag
trusted the Essimeans, if he believed they would not betray
them, it was up to him. It was bad enough that they
had followed him into an Essimean city and had been greeted by
none other than a brother of the new kinglet of
the steppe. Now, the only thing Dashvara could do was to
make sure that, if the Essimeans pulled out the swords, the
Xalyas would be ready. And, for the moment, they were more
than ready.
.P
They went to the so-called stables, which were in reality
simple paddocks without shelter. No sooner had they entered one
of them than Orafe gave a grunt to a helpful stable boy who
had approached his horse. From then on, no boy dared disturb
them. When they had finished tending to the animals, they
sat down by the fence to eat as well, scanning their
surroundings with careful eyes. The three Honyrs continued
to whisper to their horses. Leaning against the fence,
Dashvara watched the figures moving on the roof of the
nearby temple. The pounding of hammers could be heard from
there. Were there Xalyas among these workers? Were there
Xalyas among the distant voices heard in the city?
.P
.Bpenso
You won't know if you stay here.
.Epenso
.P
He glanced at the Ragails. They had left their horses in the
other paddock and were on the alert, but they spoke with
greater calm than usual, as if the Xalyas' concern at being
surrounded by Essimeans made them feel more at ease.
.P
.Bdm
Dash? You're here, aren't you?
.Edm ,
Tahisran suddenly asked.
.P
The shadow was still in Api's bag. Dashvara approached
quietly.
.D
.Bdia
You can't get out,
.Edia
he whispered to him.
.Bdia
There are eyes everywhere.
.Edia
.P
.Bdm
I know,
.Edm
Tahisran replied cheerfully.
.Bdm
Anyway, I can't technically get out: this bag isn't like
yours, it's tied with a loop. And the worst thing is that
it's all full of stuff… If you knew… I'd swear there's even
some food left over from months ago. Good thing I don't mind
bad smells… Say, Dash.
.Edm
.D
.Bdia
Mm?
.Edia
Dashvara answered.
.P
He had turned to lean against the fence next to Sandcup,
Tsu's horse. That day, the young demon had traveled with the
drow. A curious choice, considering that Tsu was not one to
talk for hours on end with a talkative boy like Api. He
noticed Tahisran's excitement and arched an eyebrow,
intrigued, before reaching out and stroking the forehead of
Tsu's horse.
.D
.Bdia
Is something the matter, Tah?
.Edia
he asked.
.P
.Bdm
You're not going to believe this,
.Edm
the shadow smiled.
.Bdm
Do you remember what Api said in Rocavita? That story about the
little girl lost in a tower in the Underground? At first, I
thought it couldn't possibly be her, but… yesterday I
overcame my fears and had a long talk with Api in Asmoan's
tent. He didn't know her personally, but… now I'm sure
it's her!
.Edm
.P
Dashvara felt confused.
.D
.Bdia
Her? Wait a minute, who is
.qt her ?
.Edia
Before Tahisran could explain, he remembered and huffed:
.Bdia
Gosh. I remember now.
.Edia
.P
For sure, he remembered. The first day he'd met him, in
Rocavita, Tahisran had told him that, years ago, he'd known
a little girl who'd been lost far away from here, he'd
traveled in vain to find her parents, and when he'd
returned, the girl was nowhere to be seen, and he had
thought her dead. Apparently, Api had convinced him that
she was still alive. Dashvara shook his head and met the
horse's soft, dark eyes.
.D
.Bdia
This kid tells a lot of stories, Tah. How can you be sure he
didn't make it all up?
.Edia
.P
He perceived the abrupt negation of the shadow.
.P
.Bdm
That's impossible. He gave too many details. The girl
survived,
.Edm
he said.
.P
His joy was obvious, and Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Well, I'm happy for you then, Tah. Really.
.Edia
.P
He could see the curiosity in the horse's eyes. The horse
couldn't quite understand why he was calling him Tah when
its name had always been Sandcup. His smile widened, he
patted its forehead, and he was about to ask Tah what he
thought of Api and Asmoan, to find out, if anything, if he
was aware that both were demons when he suddenly heard a
roar:
.D
.Bdia
Yodara!
.Edia
.P
There was a stunned silence. Dashvara turned around, his
hands clutching the pommels of his swords. What the…?
.P
What he saw left him paralyzed. A warrior in Essimean uniform
had stopped several paces away, eyes wide. An Essimean
warrior, yes, he was an Essimean warrior. But he was also a
Xalya.
.P
.Bpenso
And a former officer of my father's lord,
.Epenso
Dashvara remembered, dumbfounded.
.P
He did not know how to react to such an encounter. The truth
is that, for a few moments, neither of his brothers was able
to speak. When Ged stood up, Dashvara remembered that he and
Yodara were blood brothers.
.D
.Bdia
B-Brother?
.Edia
the master weaponsmith gasped, approaching in disbelief.
.P
The Xalya officer was livid, but when Ged broke the silence,
he stammered:
.D
.Bdia
Eternal Bird. Am I dreaming?
.Edia
.P
Ged huffed, smiled, and they both laughed and hugged each
other tightly under the frown of the Ragails and the happy
smiles of the Xalya. It wasn't every day that one met again a
good Xalya officer, though the mere thought that he was now
working for the Essimean twisted Dashvara's smile into a
hesitant pout.
.P
.Bpenso
And what did you want him to do?
.Epenso
a small, sarcastic voice replied.
.Bpenso
Take his own life, perhaps? Resist to the death as your lord
father did? That would not have helped matters.
.Epenso
.P
As the Xalya troop rose to greet the officer, Dashvara
stepped out of the paddock, and Yira joined him, a puzzled
expression on her face. As he approached, he heard Ged say
in Oy'vat:
.D
.Bdia
We're back at last, brother. Not as free as we would like,
but we will be soon.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
My old friend!
.Edia
Zorvun exclaimed, laughing serenely.
.P
Yodara widened his already moist eyes and breathed out in
disbelief:
.D
.Bdia
Captain Zorvun!
.Edia
.P
The Xalyas stepped aside to let the captain pass, and both
shook hands vigorously.
.D
.Bdia
That uniform looks really bad on you,
.Edia
the captain scoffed.
.D
.Bdia
Yours doesn't look much better on you,
.Edia
Yodara replied, smiling, but his smile faded when he added,
altered,
.Bdia
It's like a dream. More than once in these three years I've
thought I was going crazy. And I think maybe I'm
hallucinating… And little Shkarah,
.Edia
he added, moved, taking his niece's hand with an astonished
expression.
.Bdia
It's so strange and so good at the same time to see you
again. You will be glad to know, Shkarah, that your cousins
are still alive. They are working in Aralika with Maeya. At
least, that was true three years ago. I haven't seen them
since…
.Edia
He shook his head sadly.
.Bdia
Sometimes I think my Eternal Bird has lost all hope. It's
flying low to the ground. If it even flies at all,
.Edia
he sighed.
.Bdia
If the lord of the Xalyas saw me now, he'd chop my head off
for treason.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Don't be so sure,
.Edia
Dashvara interjected loudly.
.P
Arvara stepped aside, and Yodara frowned; he blinked, and his
complexion turned pale again.
.D
.Bdia
Eternal Bird,
.Edia
he articulated.
.Bdia
Dashvara?
.Edia
.P
The lord of the Xalyas smiled and nodded, indicating his
people with a vague gesture.
.D
.Bdia
They made me a lord, so I try to be one.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
He's more than trying,
.Edia
Zorvun assured, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
.P
Yodara watched him intently.
.Bpenso
He's sizing me up,
.Epenso
Dashvara realized. If he expected to find a replica of Lord
Vifkan, he was in for a big disappointment… He cleared his
throat.
.D
.Bdia
I am glad to see you, Yodara. I remember my father holding
you in high regard.
.Edia
.P
Yodara bowed his head.
.D
.Bdia
We didn't always share the same vision, but he always
listened to my opinion and that of the other officers before
making a decision.
.Edia
.P
A decision that sometimes went against all wisdom,
Dashvara added mentally. He cracked a small smile.
.D
.Bdia
In that regard, I will try to do as he did. So,
.Edia
he went on,
.Bdia
the Essimeans have separated the families.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
They've done more than keep us apart,
.Edia
Yodara considered, taking a more practical tone.
.Bdia
They enslaved us to the point of insanity. From what I know,
they sent most of us to do domestic chores or tend to the
livestock in Aralika. I think I'm the only one they decided
to use as a guard. Still, they won't let me carry swords.
Nor speak in Oy'vat,
.Edia
he added in the Wise Tongue with a crooked smile that
twisted even more when he said,
.Bdia
Anyway, you're the first Xalyas I've spoken to in three
years. If only I could get away. But, if I did, they would
sacrifice a member of my family. If I disobey, they will
punish them. The Essimeans know the hearts of the Xalyas,
.Edia
he admitted bitterly.
.Bdia
They are black mages. They know how to handle us.
.Edia
.P
He met Dashvara's eyes again and nervously lowered his head,
showing for the first time the shame that was eating him up
inside. Dashvara was looking for something to say in
response to ease his torment when Yodara blurted out in a
choked voice:
.D
.Bdia
I know that, if I ever see my sons again, I will not dare to
look them in the face.
.Edia
.P
Ged sighed and comforted him with a pat. Dashvara calmly
acknowledged:
.D
.Bdia
It's been a tough three years for all of us. But now there
is hope.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Really?
.Edia
Yodara retorted with some vivacity.
.Bdia
What hope? My brother says you are also slaves. There are
about thirty of you. The Essimean warriors are hundreds.
And, aside from you, I'd wager there are no more than
fifteen Xalya men on the steppe. The clan is dead. I mean
no disrespect, Dashvara of Xalya. I was one of the first to
admire your father's steadfastness and persistence. But you
have to be realistic. The Essimeans would laugh their heads
off if you drew your swords now to free your people, my
lord. I'm only saying what I think.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara heard several of them gasp. Zamoy grunted:
.D
.Bdia
If we start being this optimistic, we're not going anywhere.
.Edia
.P
Voices rose, but more than one, instead of supporting or
refuting Yodara's assertion, anxiously asked him about this
or that family member, and whether he had seen them alive in
Aralika before leaving for Lamasta… Yodara was trying to
answer the flood of questions as best he could when suddenly
a dry voice was heard, ripping through the air. The Xalyas
all turned to see an Essimean patrol approaching between the
paddocks. The patrol leader had just barked something in the
Galka language, the Essimean dialect. Dashvara had learned
it as a child from Maloven, but according to the shaard, his
level left much to be desired. Nevertheless, it was obvious
that the Essimean guard had just issued an order to Yodara.
By then, all that could be heard was the wind and the distant
pounding of hammers on the temple roof.
.P
The Essimean's face contorted, and he repeated the order.
This time Dashvara understood a
.qt come closer ,
followed by what was probably a rather contemptuous
appellation. With concern, Ged took Yodara by the arm, but
Yodara broke free, gave a clear signal to his brothers not
to interfere, and approached the patrol leader. The latter
shouted something in his face, and the Xalya officer clenched
his fists and lowered his head, muttering words in Galka…
Interrupting him, the Essimean warrior pushed him and hissed
something. Yodara nodded promptly and moved away from there.
He glanced back only once. And that look was directed at
Dashvara, half fierce, half pleading, as if to say,
.Bqt
Don't send my sons to the grave like your father would have
done
.Eqt .
The helplessness had been crushing him for three
years. It was not surprising, then, that his morale had
hit rock bottom and that he was ready to defend the
little he had left: the lives of his sons, even if they were
in the hands of the Essimeans. And yet, when Yodara looked
away, Dashvara thought he saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
.P
Captain Zorvun raised a hand to urge the Xalyas to back off
and let the Essimean patrol pass. They glared at them so
murderously that even the chief sped up to get away as
quickly as possible. Near the opposite paddock, the Ragails,
unexpressive, did not miss a bit of the scene. Dashvara
sighed, and Zorvun echoed him, stopping beside him.
.D
.Bdia
Sounds like life on the steppe was more devastating than
life on the Border,
.Edia
he muttered in a husky voice.
.P
Dashvara reached out a hand to Yira and gently squeezed hers
as he replied to Zorvun:
.D
.Bdia
Perhaps, Captain. But an Eternal Bird can recover. At least
a little.
.Edia
.P
Zorvun shook his head sadly.
.D
.Bdia
Maybe, son. The day it stops getting battered…
.Edia
He nodded, a confused look on his face.
.Bdia
Maybe a little.
.Edia
.Ch The Heart of the Steppe
The first light of the next day caught the Xalyas fast
asleep by the fence of the paddock. The Essimeans had
offered to spend the night in various houses in the city,
but they had refused the offer. It was much better to sleep
on the ground with their horses and brothers than divided up
in Essimean houses, even if they had
.qt stoves ,
and everything else they wanted. The Ragails had spent the
night on the veranda of the building, only a few dozen steps
away.
.P
Dashvara yawned as he sat up. Sirk Is Rhad was chewing his
lunch while keeping a keen eye on his surroundings. He
joined him, rubbing his icy hands. If only they could have
brought back those strange warm energies that populated the
island of Matswad!
.P
His brothers were already stretching, and the little camp was
alive with voices. Makarva and Zamoy took advantage of the
free time to play a quick game of xalyans, Miflin was
dreamily consulting his dictionary and occasionally
wandering his eyes over the steppe landscape, Lumon was
sharpening daggers… Everyone was busy there as they were at
the Border, and yet nothing could hide the general inner
turmoil.
.P
When Captain Djamin appeared, they were all ready to set
out, that is if they were to go anywhere that day. The Ragail
confirmed it by saying:
.D
.Bdia
His Excellency will resume the journey in one hour. Be
ready.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
We already are,
.Edia
Dashvara assured, stepping out of the paddock.
.Bdia
So we're going straight to Aralika?
.Edia
.P
Djamin nodded.
.D
.Bdia
If we keep up our pace, we'll get there by nightfall.
.Edia
He glanced critically at the steppian warriors and added,
.Bdia
By the way, I heard the Aïgstia tunnel didn't collapse. The
Essimeans have already sent workers to clear the area. As
you can see, it hasn't been that catastrophic, lord of the
Xalyas.
.Edia
.P
Amusement was in his voice. Dashvara rolled his eyes without
answering, and turning his back on him, the Ragail captain
walked away to his men. When they resumed their journey, an
hour and a half later, they were escorted by a patrol of
Essimean warriors, among whom was Ashiwa of Essimea. They
were beginning to be a large group, and dangerously divided.
Dashvara bet that more than one Xalya imagined himself
flying his horse and galloping off to the north-east. But
they couldn't, because they owed Kuriag a favor, because the
other warriors would have killed more than one during the
escape, and because their lord hadn't ordered them to flee.
.P
The steppe in this region was covered with green grass, and
about noon, they began to see more huts, more herds, more
shepherds. A storm passed to the north, but it did not
affect them: the black clouds moved away, swiftly, towards
the north-east. They left, however, a muddy land which the
riders reached when the sun was already tilting noticeably
to the west. Dashvara doubted that they could reach
Aralika before the sun disappeared.
.P
A strange mist enveloped them now, and with the increasing
darkness, it gave the advance of the party an unearthly
touch. Not a whisper could be heard, only the hoofs of the
horses, their breaths, and the breathing of some sixty
souls.
.D
.Bdia
It smells like death,
.Edia
Api said suddenly.
.P
That day, he was traveling on his own mount, a horse loaned
by Ashiwa, fortunately quite peaceful, as the young demon
had no idea how to steer a horse.
.P
A slight shiver ran through Dashvara's body as he heard
this. Asmoan repeated:
.D
.Bdia
Death?
.Edia
.P
The boy confirmed, swallowing:
.D
.Bdia
Death.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara perceived nothing but a strong smell of wet earth
and horses. He exchanged a worried glance with Makarva and
heard Zamoy muttering behind him in Oy'vat:
.D
.Bdia
It must be the Essimeans. They stink.
.Edia
.P
Night fell, and they lit lanterns, but those barely shone
through the mist. At last, they heard
.Bpenso
halt!
.Epenso
in front of the procession, they stopped their horses, and
Zorvun went quickly to inquire. He returned saying:
.D
.Bdia
We stop here for the night. We still have about three hours
of riding to get to Aralika. So says this Essimean snake.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
We could be two-hundred paces from the city, and we wouldn't
know it,
.Edia
Sashava growled, digging his crutches into the mud as he
scanned the dense shadows.
.Bdia
They could kill us like dogs if they wanted.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
And all because the Titiaka wants to see a damn tower,
.Edia
Orafe the Grumpy grumbled, in a bad mood.
.P
They set up for the night. It was not an easy task to set up
the tents in the foggy darkness, and even less to find a
place where they would not get completely bogged down. They
took advantage of the excuse of the mud to move their camp a
few steps further away from the Ragails'. A relative silence
reigned. And Dashvara, lying on his long cloak, was
meditating.
.P
There were three hours left to reach Aralika, and three days
to reach the lands of the Honyrs at a good pace. Most of the
horses had steppe blood, they were robust, they had
unbeatable stamina, and even after a day's journey, they
could have continued for hours.
.P
Kuriag had ignored his proposal to put the most vulnerable
Xalyas out of the Essimean's reach. If he had at least
summoned him to his tent to ease his concerns, if he had at
least given him arguments, but no: the Legitimate was too
busy talking with Ashiwa of Essimea and Asmoan of Gravia to
pay him any attention. Too busy, or afraid to confront
Dashvara and his stepfather? Both, perhaps.
.P
In any case, Kuriag's silence and Aralika's proximity
heightened Dashvara's doubts. He mentally replayed his
options: he could stand up and demand to speak with the
Legitimate, he could betray him and flee with his brothers,
he could remain loyal and enter the city of Todakwa praying
that no harm would come. Or he could also do a combination
of these three options.
.P
Restless, his heart beating faster than usual, he muttered:
.D
.Bdia
Tah?
.Edia
.P
The shadow was back in his bag. He looked over. In the
darkness, even from a few feet away, Dashvara could barely
make him out.
.P
.Bdm
What is it, Dash?
.Edm
Tah asked.
.P
Dashvara moistened his lips.
.D
.Bdia
Could you get a message to my brothers without anyone
noticing?
.Edia
he whispered.
.P
Tahisran hissed low.
.P
.Bdm
Of course!
.Edm
he assured, puzzled.
.Bdm
What message?
.Edm
.P
Dashvara breathed in and said in a whisper:
.D
.Bdia
This one: stay calm, keep acting natural. Halfway through
the first watch, will leave here heading east, then north,
.Edia
he breathed in and listed,
.Bdia
Sinta, Myhrain, Watsy, Shkarah, Dwin, Aligra, Maef, Zamoy,
Atok, Morzif, Shivara, Atsan Is Fadul and Shokr Is Set. If
anyone protests, tell them it's an order.
.Edia
.P
For a moment, the shadow remained silent, taken aback.
.P
.Bdm
Do you think it's safe?
.Edm
he asked at last.
.P
Dashvara sighed.
.D
.Bdia
I don't know. But, anyway, we are so few in number that a
few more or less warriors… What difference does it make? We
just need to make sure the Ragails don't notice anything
until dawn.
.Edia
.P
Tahisran nodded mentally, hesitating.
.P
.Bdm
What about the Titiaka? He'll get angry.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara winced.
.D
.Bdia
I will deal with that when the time comes.
.Edia
.P
And so they did as he said. Tahisran was the hero of the escape. He
spread the word, sedated the Ragails' horses, and within two
hours the imminent escape seemed to be well underway. The
fact that Zorvun had made no objection had comforted
Dashvara more than he would have admitted. He knew the
escape would have consequences, it would degrade their
relationship with the Legitimate, and it would put the
remaining Xalyas in a bad position… Still, it seemed
preferable to him than bringing the entire clan into the
middle of Aralika without even informing the Honyrs that their
two peoples shared the same Eternal Bird.
.P
Finally, the long-awaited hour arrived, and yet Dashvara did
not give the order. It must have been close to midnight, and
Yira still did not appear. He had seen her enter Kuriag and
Lessi's tent to have dinner with them. Dashvara hadn't been
surprised, as she and Lessi were good friends and often
chatted with each other. However, her absence was spoiling his
plans. He had planned to ask her to leave too. Nervously, he
whispered:
.D
.Bdia
Tah, can you go see what she's doing?
.Edia
.P
The shadow didn't need him to explain who he was talking
about: it moved away, invisible in the shadows. And after a
moment, he returned, whispering mentally:
.P
.Bdm
She's coming.
.Edm
.P
Indeed, the sursha soon appeared and lay down beside
Dashvara, whispering in good humor:
.D
.Bdia
What are you up to?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara cleared his throat quietly and explained. Despite
the almost complete darkness, he felt his naâsga's small
body tense up in his arms. She replied:
.D
.Bdia
No way. I'm staying. And I don't know if I'm quite convinced
by this escape. You yourself once said that dividing the
clan was never a good idea.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
This time, it's about splitting it up to unite with the
Honyrs, naâsga,
.Edia
Dashvara argued. There was a silence, and he admitted,
.Bdia
I would feel much calmer if you went with them. It would
only be a few days. Don't worry, the Mark of Kuriag will
protect us in Aralika. No one will dare to come after us. I
just can't abandon the Titiaka like this. If I stay, he will see
my willingness to return his favor, I am sure of it. You yourself
know him, and you know Lessi.
.Edia
As he heard the sursha's umpteenth sigh, he assured,
.Bdia
Really, naâsga, I will do nothing absurd. You know me.
.Edia
.P
Yira breathed out softly.
.D
.Bdia
Precisely.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara kissed her forehead. Everything was so dark that he
dared to remove her veil. For a moment, Yira responded to
his hug without saying a word. Then she drew back slightly
and whispered:
.D
.Bdia
Are you sure you want me to go, Dash?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara felt his heart clench, and he hugged his naâsga more
tightly before whispering:
.D
.Bdia
Yes. Please. The Honyrs are our only hope. Tell them that
Dashvara of Xalya forgives their past sins. You are the lady
of the Xalyas. They will listen to you.
.Edia
.P
Yira sighed.
.D
.Bdia
If you say so…
.Edia
.P
For a long silence, neither of them made any move to pull
away of each other. Finally, Yira put her veil back on and
whispered:
.D
.Bdia
Do you… do you think Todakwa is holding a grudge against you
because of who you are?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bdia
I have far more reason to hate him, but fear not, naâsga: I
am not going to throw myself into the lion's mouth. I'm only
going to get a closer look at him, and, as I'm well leashed,
that snake won't bother to bite me.
.Edia
His bantering tone broke, and he swallowed as he confessed,
.Bdia
Oh, Liadirlá, I don't want you to go.
.Edia
.P
He was already revising his plan when, with a serene voice,
Yira whispered:
.D
.Bdia
Our Eternal Birds fly together… but you're right. Maybe I
can help more by going to the Honyrs. I'll help the others
hide with my spells and…
.Edia
The sursha fell silent and ran a gentle hand over Dashvara's
bearded cheek, whispering,
.Bdia
Don't you dare die, lord of the steppe.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
I will dare some day, I guess. But not for a hundred years, if that is
possible,
.Edia
he joked. He kissed her hand and added in a whisper,
.Bdia
Take care, naâsga. Know that my Eternal Bird is with you. We
will meet again soon,
.Edia
he promised.
.P
His naâsga stepped aside gently, and for a moment, they both
listened to the silence of the camp. Then he gave the
signal, Tahisran transmitted the order, and the flight
began. With an anxious heart, Dashvara saw confused figures
rise and move away one by one. He closed his eyes and
listened. Even the horses were quiet, thanks in part to
Tahisran and Yira who helped muffle the noise with harmonic
spells. A few minutes later, when Dashvara could hear
nothing, he opened his eyes again. He saw almost complete
darkness, interrupted only by the faint lights of lanterns
in the mist. No one raised the alarm. He smiled. In the end,
the Xalyas may be as silent and treacherous as the
Essimeans.
.P
He closed his eyes, letting all the air out of his lungs. He
spent a long time calculating how far the fugitives could
travel before the sun rose. Would they have time to leave
the Essimean lands? Would they find the Honyrs? Would they
run into a band of hungry red nadres before then? Finally,
exhausted, he lectured himself, chastising himself for
needlessly rehashing the same concerns, he focused on his
breathing and drifted into a restless sleep. He dreamed. He
was back in Titiaka, Faag Yordark's black face appeared, and
he was challenging him to a duel. Exasperated, without
taking out his two swords, Dashvara turned his back to the
Titiaka and discovered with amazement a huge and massive
creature standing in front of him. He roared: Brizziaaa!
Immediately, he felt dizzy and sweaty. The earth danced
before his eyes. He lost his balance. His naâsga helped him
to get back on his feet, she cast a spell full of
butterflies of light, and the brizzia became smaller and
smaller until it became a simple little monster the size of
a cat. Dashvara smiled dreamily. Thank you, naâsga…
.P
A sharp pain in his side woke him up.
.D
.Bdia
Get up!
.Edia
a voice barked.
.P
Dashvara blinked and instinctively put his hands up to
protect himself. It was no use. Several figures shook him
and dragged him to the ground before he even vaguely
understood that what was happening was no longer a dream.
.P
When the Ragails stopped dragging him, he found himself before
Kuriag Dikaksunora's tent, unarmed and muddy, with the
Legitimate looking down at him in dismay.
.P
.Bpenso
In my opinion, Dash, you should have run too…
.Epenso
.P
He tried to sit up, but the firm hand gripping his neck
prevented him from rising. He cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
If you will let me explain, Excellency…
.Edia
.P
He received a blow on the head from one of the Ragails. He
fell silent. Kuriag's expression had now closed and
expressed only disdain.
.D
.Bdia
There's nothing to explain,
.Edia
he replied in a dry, slightly shaky voice.
.Bdia
You didn't keep your word, Dashvara of Xalya. My father
would have beheaded you right here without hesitation.
.Edia
He paused.
.Bdia
Which of you drugged the Ragail mounts?
.Edia
The other Xalyas boiled inwardly, surrounded by both the
Titiaka guards and the Essimeans. None answered. Watched by
all, Kuriag tried not to lose his temper and ordered in a
firm voice,
.Bdia
Bind the hands of this warrior.
.Edia
And as he saw that Dashvara opened his mouth, he added,
.Bdia
And gag him.
.Edia
.P
The mist had lifted, and the sky was filled with golden and
pink hues. Dashvara sighed but did not resist when the
Ragails tied his hands and gagged him without regard. Kuriag
was talking heatedly with Captain Djamin. They had drifted
apart a bit, but Dashvara could tell that Kuriag was blaming
Djamin for the lack of vigilance of his men. How on earth
could fourteen people and their respective mounts have left
the camp without being seen or heard by the sentries? Djamin
was confused, trying to explain himself… Dashvara smiled
behind his gag. The great Ragail Captain, fooled by savage
slaves! Who would have imagined it? But his smile quickly
turned into a strained grimace. He hoped that Kuriag would
realize that, if twenty Xalyas had remained in the camp, it
was because they still intended to serve him until they had
paid their debt. He hadn't broken his word. Or at least not
completely, Dashvara corrected honestly.
.P
To his indignation, Kuriag sent four Ragails after the
fugitives, borrowing the horses from the Xalyas. They stole
Sunrise and left him, bound and gagged, on a numbed horse.
They resumed the march towards Aralika. It was a sunny day,
and Dashvara estimated that Yira and the others were already
more than thirty miles away. He doubted that the Ragails
would find the fugitives, even with the help of the
Essimeans. But one never knew…
.P
They saw the tip of the Tower of the Eternal Bird long
before they reached Aralika, which lay at the end of an
endless grassy slope. Here and there grew a few shrubs, and
in the distance, scattered trees could be seen on the banks of
the Fadul River, the longest river in the steppe. It was the
same river that passed near the Xalya Dungeon, except that in
Essimea it got wider, and in summer, it did not dry
up almost completely as in Xalya.
.P
The city awakened a sense of wonder in Dashvara. As a
patrolman on the steppe, he had never travelled beyond his
own land. That was why he had been amazed when he first saw
Rocavita. Dazbon had struck him with its size and
labyrinthine streets, Titiaka with its organization and
beauty. Aralika impressed him with its arrogance.
.P
Everything was made of white stone from the mountains of
Padria, and so was the Feather, the Tower of the Eternal Bird,
which stood wise and elegant, dominating the city with its
centuries-old stones.
.P
.Bpenso
Kark Is Set,
.Epenso
Dashvara muttered inwardly, fascinated. The Heart of the
Steppe. That was the name the Ancient Kings had given to
their main city. It was said that the Feather that stood
there had been built over the remains of Nabakaji, the first
shaard and the one who had theoretically spoken first of the
Eternal Bird. Inside, centuries of knowledge had been
accumulated, and from the top of the needle, according to
the books, one could see the entire steppe. Dashvara
suddenly felt like checking it out.
.P
.Bpenso
Let Kuriag sentence me to death if he will, but not until I
have seen that tower. Liadirlá! I must see with my own eyes
what the Ancient Kings saw!
.Epenso
.P
Emotion overwhelmed him. He had almost forgotten that he was
bound, gagged and watched by several Ragails.
.P
The closer they got, the more it seemed to him that the city
was growing in size. There were huge paddocks with steppe
horses, patrols on the outskirts, busy slaves, vegetable
gardens, cobbled paths, and even a busy market. They walked
around the market under the curious eyes of the inhabitants
and arrived in front of a sumptuous building, decorated with
columns and statues. A whole procession had come out to
welcome the Legitimate of Titiaka. A man wrapped in a large
dark blue cloak stood at the top of the staircase that led
to the small palace. Dashvara's gaze remained riveted on
this tattooed face. He had never seen him, but it was easy
to guess that this pale man between the ages was Todakwa.
The King of Death.
.P
A hymn rose in the Galka language to welcome the illustrious
guest. Todakwa came down the steps with a broad smile, and
as Kuriag came to the ground, he greeted him with apparent
joy. His voice was soft, and Dashvara, standing almost at
the back of the procession, could only catch a few scattered
words.
.P
.Bpenso
So this is what you've made of Kark Is Set,
.Epenso
Dashvara muttered inwardly, surveying the surroundings.
.Bpenso
A modern, active, trading city. I'd congratulate you,
Essimean snake, if I didn't know you'd achieved it at the
cost of blood and freedom of innocent people.
.Epenso
.P
Kuriag eventually followed Todakwa inside the palace, along
with Lessi, two Ragails, and… surprisingly, he also asked
Zorvun and Arvara to accompany him. They promptly moved the
others into an adjoining building. More than one Essimean
servant glanced curiously at Dashvara as he walked,
surrounded by Ragails, to a spacious room filled with straw
mattresses. They did not remove the gag, and Dashvara made
no attempt to remove it: he sat quietly on one of the straw
mattresses and could not help but give Captain Djamin a
mocking look. Captain Djamin shook his head in exasperation
but made no comment: he simply ordered that no one move from
there and left the building. Dashvara smiled behind his
gag. He was beginning to find this Ragail sympathetic, after
all. He could have chastised him personally, and Kuriag could
only have approved. But, for some reason, Djamin preferred
not to interfere any more than necessary.
.P
Dashvara lay back, drumming his fingers, and his brothers
saw him so still that they must have thought he was in
control of the situation.
.Bpenso
If only that were true
.Epenso ,
he sighed.
.P
Time passed. Alta helped him free his hands, but when he
tried to remove the gag, Dashvara refused. He did so not so
much to comply with Kuriag's order as to avoid having to
speak with his brothers about the matter. When he refused,
they all exchanged knowing looks. Lumon cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
Are you going to stay like that all afternoon?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shrugged. Makarva shook his head and, rolling his
eyes, said:
.D
.Bdia
Don't be ridiculous, Dash. Come on, let me take the gag off.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara refused again with a curt gesture, but his friend
insisted, and finally, between them, Miflin and Makarva
managed to take it off him.
.D
.Bdia
Come on, open your mouth, cousin!
.Edia
the Poet encouraged, amused.
.P
They tried to force the rag out of his mouth like a stick
out of a dog's mouth. Dashvara glared at them. He huffed and
spat out the cloth.
.D
.Bdia
Okay,
.Edia
he growled.
.Bdia
What do you want me to say? I did what I thought was right.
.Edia
.P
Makarva smiled.
.D
.Bdia
We know that, Dash. And all of us here think you did the
right thing, don't we, brothers? I assure you, if the
Titiaka dares to lay a hand on you, we are not going to let
him.
.Edia
.P
He patted him on the shoulder. Dashvara sighed.
.D
.Bdia
Unless I tell you to let him, I hope.
.Edia
.P
Makarva winced, and he wasn't the only one. Ged confessed:
.D
.Bdia
That's asking too much of us, boy. We're not going to let
them punish you like a common thief.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes and replied:
.D
.Bdia
In Titiaka, Lanamiag Korfu once gave me a beating.
.Edia
.P
They huffed.
.D
.Bdia
It's not the same thing,
.Edia
Shurta interjected.
.Bdia
Back in Titiaka, we didn't even have the hope of escape.
Here, we have it.
.Edia
.P
The Xalyas agreed. Dashvara observed:
.D
.Bdia
We still owe that Titiaka, I remind you.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Bah,
.Edia
Orafe growled.
.Bdia
If it weren't for his father, we'd never have found
ourselves off the steppe. I see his generosity more as
compensation.
.Edia
.P
His words generated smiles and a wave of approval. Dashvara
shook his head, unconvinced. It wasn't Kuriag's fault that
his father had been the greatest slaver on the Pilgrim Ocean
coast.
.P
Three Ragails were left in the room, and they kept glancing
at them with frowns, annoyed that they didn't understand
what they were saying. Dashvara ignored them for the rest of
the afternoon. He tried to take a nap, since he had hardly
slept last night. When he awoke, he joined Makarva, Miflin
and Kodarah in playing katutas. The return of Captain Zorvun
and Arvara surprised them in the midst of their celebration:
Makarva had lost.
.D
.Bdia
Well, well!
.Edia
Zorvun said, as he advanced into the room.
.Bdia
I see our young people have made good use of their time.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Like children,
.Edia
Sedrios the Old assured with a mocking smile from a corner
of the room.
.D
.Bdia
So?
.Edia
Dashvara said, ceasing to tease Mak.
.Bdia
I take it you already chopped off Todakwa's head, right?
.Edia
.P
The captain rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bdia
I'll leave that honor to you, I think. I'm sure you'll do
better than me. I bring good news,
.Edia
he declared,
.Bdia
the Ragails have not found our brothers and sisters, and I
believe that at this time they have a good chance of getting
out of Essimean lands safely.
.Edia
.P
Sighs of relief were heard, but Dashvara restrained himself
from singing victory too soon. The captain added:
.D
.Bdia
By the way, Dash, my son-in-law wants to see you.
.Edia
Nodding, Dashvara rose to his feet. Before he left,
Zorvun stopped him for a moment. His eyes shone as he
whispered,
.Bdia
Kuriag is on our side, son. But he's a Titiaka. He has a
reputation to uphold. Show him that you are still loyal to
him and hopefully this story won't go much further.
.Edia
.P
But it'll go a little further, Dashvara understood. He
nodded again.
.D
.Bdia
I guess he's still in a bad mood.
.Edia
.P
Zorvun grimaced as he rubbed his beard.
.D
.Bdia
That boy seems incapable of getting angry for good. He's
rather depressed, I'd say. But the idea of visiting the
Tower tomorrow has lifted his spirits a bit. He looks more
Xalya than we do,
.Edia
he joked, and he encouraged him,
.Bdia
Go on, go see him.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara went out, and an Essimean servant led him to
Kuriag's chambers: they were just next door. Before knocking
on the door, the servant hesitated and asked, with eager
eyes:
.D
.Bdia
Is it true that you are Dashvara of Xalya, the last lord of
the steppe?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked at him. The servant was an eastern steppian.
A Shalussi, perhaps. He couldn't have been more than
sixteen. He pouted.
.D
.Bdia
With any luck, I won't be the last,
.Edia
he replied.
.P
He knocked firmly on the door himself. There was silence.
And then a voice said:
.D
.Bdia
Come in.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara entered and closed behind him before glancing
around the room. It was luxurious. Nothing like the rooms in
the Xalya Dungeon. From a nearby room, Lessi and Hezae's
voices could be heard. With his usual peaceful and humble
expression, Zraliprat moved silently around the living room
tidying up his master's things. Dashvara sometimes wondered
if the boy had ever thought of quitting being a slave. He
couldn't remember ever hearing him say more than a few words
in a row. He met the boy's dark eyes and thought he detected
a glint of reproach. 
.Bdia
My master is in this state because of you,
.Edia
he seemed to say. Dashvara turned his head towards Kuriag.
Sitting on a couch in front of a large, lit fireplace, the
elf was watching the fire, looking absorbed. He looked even
younger than he was, Dashvara thought.
.P
He approached, hesitantly, in silence. His boots soiled the
carpet, and he made an apologetic pout. Gosh. He stopped.
Kuriag still said nothing. Clearly, Dashvara was going to have to
break the silence. He opened his mouth, still thinking of
what he could say to him. Then he saw on a small table his
belt with the two swords the Ragails had taken from him. He
reached out a hand and took the scabbard of Siranaga's black
sword. Kuriag gasped and widened his eyes in fright. Perhaps
fearing the Xalya lord had gone mad, Zraliprat prepared to
scream, but Kuriag raised a hand to stop him. Suppressing a
smile, Dashvara toyed with the weapon, saying with deep
respect:
.D
.Bdia
This sword belonged to Siranaga, the last Ancient King of
the Steppe. And it's still in as good condition as if it had
been forged yesterday,
.Edia
he muttered, half-drawing it. He sheathed it again with a
sharp gesture.
.Bdia
On its blade, it is inscribed
.qt atsan is fadul ,
Life Saver. A strange name for a weapon, isn't it?
.Edia
.P
He met Kuriag Dikaksunora's intense gaze, and after another
silence during which only the crackling of the fire could be
heard, he cleared his throat, left the sword, and went to
crouch by the fireplace. A pleasant warmth gradually
enveloped him. He breathed in.
.D
.Bdia
I assure you that my brothers and I will pay our debt far
more efficiently knowing that some of our people are now
safe, riding to the lands of the Honyrs. I did as my Eternal
Bird dictated. I suppose it was a mistake not to tell you
before. I assure you I did not mean to mock you, and I am
sorry I betrayed your trust. I have damaged your reputation.
The Essimeans probably laughed behind your back when they
saw that you had such poor control of your slaves.
.Edia
He gave a sarcastic pout and concluded truthfully,
.Bdia
I am willing to restore your reputation by any means
necessary. I'd even be willing to do a lot more if… you
helped me, Kuriag Dikaksunora.
.Edia
.P
The firelight danced across the young elf's startled face. He
turned his head to the black sword on the small table and
articulately repeated:
.D
.Bdia
Help you? Isn't that what I've been doing since I bought
you, Dashvara of Xalya?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara's face flushed. Liadirlá, this foreigner was
telling the truth. He exhaled loudly.
.D
.Bdia
You did help us,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
However… my people are still slaves to Todakwa. Essimea's
wealth is based on trade with Diumcili, mainly on trade
relations with your family, right? You have influence. And,
I, for one, would be willing to do anything to get my people
free and safe away from here again.
.Edia
He had raised his voice fervently, and he controlled it when
he added,
.Bdia
We can reach an agreement. Is that too much to ask?
.Edia
.P
Kuriag had wrinkled his forehead slightly, puzzled. He shook
his head.
.D
.Bdia
Assuming I am able to convince Todakwa to free your people,
what would you give me in return? Your loyalty?
.Edia
.P
His voice was full of irony and disillusionment. Dashvara
watched him for a moment and answered with a question:
.D
.Bdia
Tell me, why are you so interested in the Eternal Bird?
.Edia
.P
Kuriag blinked and adopted a pensive expression.
.D
.Bdia
Well… I suppose that, if it weren't for Maloven, I would never
have taken such an interest in It.
.Edia
He bit his lip and confessed,
.Bdia
I feel that my life has always been dictated by absurd
goals. I am a slave to the Titiaka tradition, and sometimes
that is little better than being a worker. Especially when
one is not drawn to parties, business, gambling…
.Edia
He shrugged, and his eyes sparkled.
.Bdia
When I got to know the shaard Maloven, I realized that the
world was a much better place than I thought. Every time I
went to the University and passed people on the street, I
thought: every person has a life, thoughts, character,
dreams… And I thought that some people poorer than me, or
even slaves, managed to be happier. And others were less
happy. And I wanted to help them. To ask them what a poor
fool like me could do to make their dreams come true.
.Edia
He rolled his eyes.
.Bdia
But I always ended up giving up. Out of cowardice, I guess.
And also because there probably wasn't much I could do for
them anyway. And maybe I was wrong.
.Edia
He paused and nodded to himself,
.Bdia
That's what stuck with me the most from Maloven's teachings.
I learned to join my own aspirations with those of others.
The Eternal Bird… is a set of concepts. A mold that adapts
so that a group of sajits can live together. And that is
also what I admire about your people, Dashvara of Xalya. Its
diversity and its unity. Its tolerance. Its trust. That's
why I've decided to help you. I want your people, the people
of Maloven, to be free. I want all people to be free.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stood looking at him, deeply impressed. Kuriag
swallowed and blushed.
.D
.Bdia
When you put it that way, it sounds idealistic and
conceited, doesn't it? Maloven was capable of setting a much
more solemn tone to his…
.Edia
.P
He fell silent suddenly when he saw the steppe lord quickly
pass a hand over his eyes. At the stunned expression of the
Legitimate, Dashvara huffed, made a sudden gesture and stood
up.
.D
.Bdia
May the Liadirlá bless you, Kuriag,
.Edia
he uttered in a husky voice.
.Bdia
If there's anything I can… do to keep you from thinking I'm
an ungrateful savage, you only have to ask.
.Edia
.P
The young Titiaka hesitated, opened his mouth, closed it
again, then stood up in turn, nervous.
.D
.Bdia
How about…uh…how about, for starters, you let me know what
your decisions are first?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled and bowed.
.D
.Bdia
By my Eternal Bird and that of my people, I swear it.
Whenever it's possible.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag nodded and said, as if to justify himself:
.D
.Bdia
This morning, you put me in an awkward position with the
Ragails. I tried not to give away many details, but… I bet
Garag has already sent a carrier pigeon to my mother to
explain everything.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow.
.D
.Bdia
Garag?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Oh. A distant cousin,
.Edia
the Titiaka explained.
.Bdia
He's settled as a diplomat in the port of Ergaika. That's
about seventy miles from here, and he decided to travel to
Aralika to welcome and congratulate me. It has been years
since I last saw him. You wouldn't like him,
.Edia
he observed with a half-embarrassed, half-amused pout.
.P
Dashvara felt a chill. Ergaika? He remembered hearing the
name, but he thought it was just a coastal village in the
southwest, not an actual port. He cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
And I suppose he came with more Ragails.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bdia
Actually, no. Garag hires his own men. They're Ryscodran
mercenaries, for the most part.
.Edia
.P
He fell silent then continued in a hesitant tone:
.D
.Bdia
Tomorrow, I'm going to visit the Tower with Asmoan and… I'd
like you to come with me.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded and tried to conceal his keen impatience
with a friendly yet mocking pout.
.D
.Bdia
As you wish, Excellency,
.Edia
he replied.
.P
He bowed and moved to retrieve the swords, but to his
surprise, Kuriag beat him to it and examined Siranaga's
sword curiously. Dashvara waited patiently. Then the elf
returned the weapons to him.
.D
.Bdia
Where did you get it?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
It was Atasiag who gave it to me. His Eminence always
surprises.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag had frowned. Meditatively, he reached into his pocket
and pulled out a large golden key. He shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
Do you know what this is?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
A key.
.Edia
.P
The Legitimate smiled broadly.
.D
.Bdia
And a very special one. It's a relic. An enchanted object.
Asmoan lent it to me to examine. It has inscriptions in
Oy'vat. Asmoan believes Siranaga fled to Agoskura with it
two hundred years ago, and he believes the door is in the
Tower. We haven't mentioned anything about it to the
Essimean leader yet. Perhaps I should.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stood there staring at the key in fascination. He
hesitated and held out a hand.
.D
.Bdia
May I?
.Edia
.P
Kuriag left him the key, and Dashvara examined it. It was
particularly large, with a round ring full of patterns and
inscriptions. There was a strong energy inside.
.D
.Bdia
Lessi says the signs are ancient Oy'vat,
.Edia
Kuriag interjected after a silence.
.Bdia
Asmoan deciphered it. Apparently, it says…
.Edia
He reached into his other pocket, unfolded a sheet and read,
.Bdia
Key to the Chamber of the Eternal Bird. Then come single
words: Knowledge, Death, Love, Star, and Shadow. Asmoan says
this could refer to the legend of the Five Lost Shaards.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked up abruptly, more and more amazed. It was
said that these five shaards had gone to look for a star and
had never returned, but…
.D
.Bdia
How the devil does Asmoan know of this legend? Is there a
library in Agoskura dedicated to the Ancient Kings?
.Edia
.P
The very idea seemed absurd to him. Why would Agoskurians be
interested in the history of a distant people who had
disappeared two centuries ago?
.D
.Bdia
I don't know,
.Edia
Kuriag admitted.
.Bdia
Asmoan said he had books that talked about the subject. But
he didn't bring them on the trip.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara began to half understand. If the Ancient Kings had been
demons and if they were a small community, it was logical to
assume that their history had been picked up by others of
their kind, whether or not they were descendants. Hence the
interest of Asmoan. That is, if one considered that the
Ancient Kings had truly been demons.
.P
He shook his head in confusion and handed the key back to
the Legitimate.
.D
.Bdia
You know, Excellency? I think it would be safer not to tell
Todakwa about this. It would surprise me if he allowed a
secret chamber to be opened in the presence of foreigners.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag nodded.
.D
.Bdia
You're right.
.Edia
.P
There was silence. Dashvara cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
Since I said I'd consult with you first… I'd feel more
comfortable if we posted two Xalyas outside your door. I
suppose Todakwa has no interest in anything happening to
you, but… just in case, you get what I mean. Never turn your
back on an Essimean,
.Edia
he quoted in a wise tone.
.P
Kuriag smiled and nodded, accepting the proposal. With it,
implicitly, he accepted the Xalyas' loyalty once again.
Dashvara bowed with genuine respect.
.D
.Bdia
Good evening, Excellency.
.Edia
.P
He went out, and when he came back into the great room and
saw his brothers turning to him anxiously, he smiled. Did
they expect him to come back half-fainted and with a bloody
back? He said:
.D
.Bdia
Forty lashes and not a scratch.
.Edia
.P
His lie drew wide smiles. Sitting down on his pallet, he
added cheerfully to Zorvun:
.D
.Bdia
Your daughter has married a true Xalya, Captain. Our good
master is determined to help us free our people.
.Edia
He yawned and concluded,
.Bdia
And, hopefully, thanks to him, the lord of the steppe will
be able to continue lazing around and philosophizing.
.Edia
He smiled,
.Bdia
Long live the foreigners.
.Edia
.Ch The Feather
The next morning Dashvara awoke from a deep sleep, shaken by
Makarva.
.D
.Bdia
Wake up, Daaaash! You'll miss the tower.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
The tower,
.Epenso
he repeated to himself, half asleep. The tower? For a
moment, he thought Mak was talking about the rook piece in
the game of katutas. Then he remembered and sat up suddenly.
.D
.Bdia
The tower!
.Edia
he cried.
.P
He stood up and hurriedly buckled his belt and put on his
guard's cloak. His brothers were also preparing themselves,
for, although they were not all allowed to enter the tower,
they were supposed to protect the Titiaka. He was about to
make a quick exit from the room with the entire crew when
he noticed Sedrios, Sashava, Taw, and Zorvun acting lazy. He
arched an eyebrow, and the latter explained:
.D
.Bdia
Go on without us. I don't think Kuriag will miss four old men.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gave him a mocking glance.
.P
.Bpenso
Old men, my foot, Captain,
.Epenso
he thought.
.Bpenso
What you want is to have some free time to look for Xalyas
in town.
.Epenso
.P
He did not linger: he greeted the old men and left the
building. The sun had been up for perhaps an hour, and the
street was alive with busy slaves and curious inhabitants.
Guided by the Essimeans, Kuriag Dikaksunora was already
walking away towards the tower, along with Asmoan, Lessi,
Api, and six Ragails. Dashvara winced. No one could really
say he was late, right? As he started to run to catch up
with the Legitimate, the Xalyas followed him. He received a
half-reproving, half-mocking look from the Ragail captain,
as well as a cheerful
.qt hello
from Api. Dashvara smiled at the latter and caught his
breath.
.P
The procession was ridiculously large. Kuriag walked between
Todakwa and a man in Titiaka clothing who must be Garag, his cousin
the diplomat. That man's Ryscodran mercenaries were
following them, as well as a good troop of Essimean
soldiers. The closer they got to the Tower of the Eternal
Bird, the more imposing it seemed to Dashvara. At one point,
he thought he saw Todakwa glance at the Xalyas and stop his
gaze on him. However, when Dashvara turned around, the
Essimean leader had returned to smiling and was talking
cheerfully to Kuriag in a light, quiet voice.
.P
.Bpenso
Every time is the same,
.Epenso
he thought darkly.
.Bpenso
Every time you think you find a devil, this one looks less
devilish than he is—and, yet, Todakwa must be one of the
worst murderers on the steppe.
.Epenso
.P
His heart cried out for justice, but his reason forced him
to restrain himself.
.P
At last they reached the foot of the tower. Guards opened
one of the large doors, and Dashvara stepped forward, leaving
his brothers behind. A small staircase led him to a platform
and from there to the door. Kuriag greeted him with a nod
and whispered:
.D
.Bdia
Todakwa says that there are no rooms in the tower, that
there is only one main room below with the stairs.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow and, crossing the threshold,
wondered if it was Todakwa who was lying or if it was the
books in the Xalya Dungeon that were making up stories. For,
according to the books, there was indeed a chamber: the
crypt of Nabakaji, buried beneath the tower. Dashvara had
always believed that it existed. And that Todakwa had not
heard of it, even though it was within his reach, seemed
unlikely.
.D
.Bdia
Impressive,
.Edia
Kuriag muttered in wonder.
.P
It was, Dashvara thought as he contemplated the place. What
was impressive was that the tower was still standing, even
though the Essimeans had always shown a deep contempt for
anything to do with the Eternal Bird. What had not survived,
however, was the rest: the supposed shelves with hundreds of
books and precious objects, the famous triangular table, the
stacks of scrolls the stories spoke of… Of all that, nothing
remained. The empty hall was a simple circular room, covered
with worn mosaics and surrounded by small, dilapidated
statues. Except for the path that led to the stairs, it
seemed as if no one had been there for years.
.D
.Bdia
Skâra does not forgive,
.Edia
Todakwa commented in the Common Tongue.
.Bdia
Even sacred buildings become dust with the passage of time.
.Edia
.P
The Essimean had remained near the entrance, arms crossed.
He was taller than Dashvara, but noticeably thinner, as if
by worshipping his God of Death, he had been rewarded with a
skeletal figure.
.P
.Bpenso
You'll turn to dust long before the Feather, Essimean,
.Epenso
Dashvara mentally challenged him.
.P
He wasn't particularly interested in the faded drawings and
deteriorating statuettes, but he took advantage of the fact
that Kuriag was going to admire them to move away from
Todakwa. He recognized more than one scene on the walls, and
Lessi explained some of them to Kuriag. Dashvara had to
explain others to them, but he did so absent-mindedly and
without ever losing sight of the Essimean.
.D
.Bdia
And those, who are they?
.Edia
Kuriag asked, pointing to a line of figures, a sword in one
hand, a scroll in the other.
.P
Dashvara barely glanced at them before answering:
.D
.Bdia
The sixteen lords of the steppe who swore loyalty to some
king centuries ago.
.Edia
.P
He heard Kuriag cough slightly.
.D
.Bdia
Could you be more specific?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara blinked and snorted, trying to remember.
.D
.Bdia
Marbugara the Wise. About five hundred years ago. The
classic story: there was a war, a betrayal, a peace treaty…
I've always had trouble remembering things like that,
.Edia
he admitted.
.P
At that moment, Asmoan let out an exclamation of wonder, and
Kuriag hurried to see the new find. Dashvara sighed. To tell
the truth, the only thing that interested him about this
tower was the part from above: he wanted to check if the
whole steppe could really be seen from the tip of the
Feather. So when Kuriag asked who was going up, it was with
relief and excitement that he headed for the stairs. It was
a long climb. The tower was about two hundred feet high and
the steps were not all in good condition. Dashvara was the
first to arrive. And what he saw left him fascinated. In
fact, he could see the steppe, but it was even more
impressive from above. Or, at least, different, as if one
had suddenly turned into a bird and was paralyzed in flight.
He approached the white stone edge and looked down at what
had once been the domains of the Ancient Kings. He heard
voices behind him but did not turn around. His eyes
remained fixed on one direction: the Dungeon of Xalya. The vast
expanse of green grassland grew more and more scorched and
impoverished the further east one went from Essimea. The
gentle hills made it impossible to see beyond forty miles.
.D
.Bdia
Books lie,
.Edia
he muttered.
.P
The steppe could not be seen in its entirety. That made
sense: from Xalya, you couldn't see the Tower either unless
you traveled to the far west on a clear day. Dashvara had
almost always patrolled the eastern side, where the bands of
red nadres came from, and he could count on the fingers of
his hand the times he had seen the tip of the Feather. Once,
when he was but ten winters old, his lord father had taken
him to the edge of the land and pointed to it, saying in a
deep voice,
.Bparoles
Behold, son, the tower that gave life to our Dahars.
.Eparoles
And, uttering these words, Vifkan had turned upon his mount
and looked up to the southeast, to Mount Bakhia. Dashvara
remembered that, at that moment, he had wondered, confused,
which tower his father was talking about: that white needle
that could barely be seen on the horizon, or that massive
mountain that stood between the steppe and the Bladhy
desert? With some surprise, standing near the edge of the
tower, Dashvara thought he could make out the top of the
mountain in the distance. The ancient peoples of the steppe
said that Mount Bakhia was the pillar of hope. Suddenly, he
had a strange intuition that if he could lead his people to
this mountain, they would be free forever.
.D
.Bdia
The lands you see are the ones that are really worth it,
.Edia
a quiet voice suddenly said.
.P
Dashvara brusquely came back to reality and stiffened. He
turned slightly. They were all on the opposite side, gazing
at the mountains to the north and west. All except Todakwa.
The Essimean, surrounded by two guards, had stopped a few
paces away and was looking at him with a glint of curiosity
and caution, as one looks at an unpredictable ferocious
beast. Jaw clenched, Dashvara hesitated to answer, then
asked abruptly:
.D
.Bdia
Then why? Why did you slaughter us if our land wasn't worth
it?
.Edia
.P
He could not quite suppress the bitterness and anger in his
voice. Todakwa's pale face showed a poised smile.
.D
.Bdia
The lords of the steppe were poison to Rocdinfer. With them,
the steppe died. With me, it is reborn, great and modern.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara returned his gaze impassively.
.Bpenso
He speaks as if I am not the son and heir of Vifkan of
Xalya,
.Epenso
he realized.
.Bpenso
As if the last lord of the steppe died three years ago.
.Epenso
He gave a sarcastic pout.
.D
.Bdia
Modern? What is modern to you, Todakwa of Essimea? A people
with slaves?
.Edia
He smiled, sardonically.
.Bdia
There is no more abject modernity.
.Edia
.P
A mocking glint shone in Todakwa's eyes.
.D
.Bdia
My system is similar to that of the Diumcilians,
.Edia
he replied.
.Bdia
And, unlike them, here, we have only barbarian slaves.
.Edia
Dashvara glared at him. Todakwa smiled.
.Bdia
I understand you've made quite a name for yourself avenging
your former master of a betrayal in Titiaka. I, in your
place, would not aspire to much more, young Xalya. Serve
Kuriag Dikaksunora well and forget the past. You wouldn't
wish your people to suffer more than they have already.
.Edia
.P
Todakwa fiddled with a necklace of bones and, considering the
conversation closed, walked away casually. For a moment,
Dashvara did not react. Then he began to suffocate inside,
badly repressing the urge to throw himself at this devil. He
gripped the pommel of his sabers tightly, met the watchful
eyes of the two Essimean guards, and growled:
.D
.Bdia
May the wind blow you away and rush you from this tower,
Todakwa. It would be the first and last time your Eternal
Bird would fly a bit.
.Edia
.P
He had spoken loudly and everyone in the tower heard his
words. He noticed the alarmed expressions of Kuriag and
Lessi, the icy features of Garag, the mocking face of
Todakwa… The only one who did not seem to hear him was Api,
who was looking north, dreamy. Captain Djamin intervened,
calling out to him in a warning tone:
.D
.Bdia
Drop those swords, warrior!
.Edia
.P
Dashvara dropped them. He hadn't even drawn them, but the
gesture had made a very bad impression, he realized. Kuriag
stepped forward nervously, protesting in a reproachful tone:
.D
.Bdia
Calm yourself, Dashvara. My apologies, Todakwa. My guard
will be chastised for his words as soon as we descend the
tower. I know he did not intend to use his weapons.
.Edia
.P
Todakwa nodded thoughtfully.
.D
.Bdia
I understand that, according to Diumcilian custom, the
offended party may propose a punishment, may they not?
.Edia
.P
Kuriag opened his mouth, dumbfounded.
.D
.Bdia
Indeed, it is the custom. Do you have… er… a suggestion
perhaps?
.Edia
.P
Todakwa pondered. Dashvara cursed himself a thousand times
for opening his mouth.
.Bpenso
Brilliant, Dash. If it weren't for Kuriag, Todakwa would
have beheaded you by now, you know? Now go figure out how
your master manages to save you along with his image.
.Epenso
The Essimean finally thought aloud.
.D
.Bdia
Your slave wished me dead. That is a serious offence, I
think we can both agree on that. With all due respect,
Excellency, I know you are having some difficulty
controlling your new guard. I would like to help you. And,
to that end, I think it would be desirable if you would
allow me to have this savage entirely at my disposal for a
few days.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag moistened his lips, pale.
.D
.Bdia
At your disposal,
.Edia
he repeated.
.Bdia
Oh. I understand. As long as he doesn't suffer irreparable
physical damage, it seems correct to me.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked at him in disbelief. Correct?
.Sm Correct ?
The night before, he had been on the verge of considering
the Legitimate as a brother, and now the Legitimate was
agreeing to leave him in the hands of his worst enemy?
Todakwa bowed his head.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you for your confidence, Excellency. You will not
regret it.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
Oh, dammit, dammit, dammit…
.Epenso
They left the top of the tower and climbed down the stairs;
Captain Djamin stayed close to Dashvara, and
Dashvara did not loosen his lips the whole way down. When
they reached the bottom and crossed the threshold, a big
crowd of onlookers awaited them, for it was not every day
that a Legitimate from Titiaka came to visit them. As such,
one could see the inhabitants dressed in long traditional
Essimean tunics, mostly white, stretching their necks to see
the rich foreigner. There were also people with faces
covered with tattoos and dressed in black and blue tunics:
those were the death-priests, the servants of Skâra. It was
said that they had powers over Death and that by putting on
this tunic, they ceased to be completely alive. When
Dashvara saw them, he twitched and laughed to himself.
Didn't he have a half-undead naâsga? These magicians were
nothing more than flesh-and-blood sajits.
.P
He looked away and met the eyes of his brothers. They were
clustered near the wall of the tower. He took a step towards
them and… the Ragail captain's hand grasped him firmly by
the arm. Dashvara sighed and with a simple expression let
the Xalyas know that something had happened, but that they
need not worry.
.P
It was then that he saw the mare. He would have recognized
her anywhere. Her black coat, her eyes, her nostrils,
everything told him it was her. His heart beating faster, he
murmured in an upset gasp:
.D
.Bdia
Lusombra.
.Edia
.P
She looked healthy. A woman in a black tunic was riding her.
She was a middle-aged woman already, but she was beautiful
and exuded a strong sense of confidence. When he saw her
dismount and bow her head to Kuriag Dikaksunora, he knew
from the words he could hear that she was Todakwa's wife. So
Lusombra was now being taken care of by an Essimean. Well,
it could have been worse. She could have been in the hands
of Todakwa himself.
.D
.Bdia
On second thought,
.Edia
Todakwa said suddenly as the crowd grew thicker,
.Bdia
for now, your slave will remain in this square. In front of
the Tower of the Eternal Bird. We will tie him to the Pillar
of Skâra. Before we can train him, we must tame him,
Excellency. And there is no better method of taming a proud
savage than to give him a good dose of humility.
.Edia
.P
He made a gesture, and Dashvara saw Kuriag about to protest…
But then Garag whispered something in his ear, and his young
cousin swallowed his objections. Perhaps because he was
afraid of damaging his family's business or appearing too
compassionate. And perhaps because he preferred to leave
Todakwa in charge of this matter. In any case, under the
increasingly fiery gaze of the Xalyas, Kuriag gave his
approval, the Ragails disarmed Dashvara, and he was led to a
sort of stone obelisk. They took off his cloak, tied him
with a shackle around his neck, and the steppe lord remained
there, chained to the Pillar of Death and riddled with a
thousand curious eyes.
.P
Todakwa did not say a word, but Dashvara heard people
murmuring: he is the son of Vifkan of Xalya! They did not
say it with respect but rather with mockery. Dashvara
returned them all a firm, detached look, and noticing that
Makarva had managed to approach despite the Essimean guards,
he lightly told him:
.D
.Bdia
It's all right, sîzan. I just need to be tamed a bit.
.Edia
.P
The Xalyas were pushed back, Orafe roared something, and
several brothers had to quiet him. Dashvara sighed. He was
already beginning to regret not running away with his naâsga
the other night.
.P
Kuriag and Todakwa soon moved away with the guards, leaving
only two soldiers to watch the pillar to make sure nothing
untoward happened. And instead of following the
personalities, many of those present remained in the square,
including many slaves. Clearly, Vifkan's son was attracting
more interest.
.D
.Bdia
You cowardly murderer!
.Edia
a Shalussi woman shouted sharply.
.Bdia
You murdered Nanda by attacking him treacherously!
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Kill him!
.Edia
another woman cried out.
.P
There followed condemnations, blasphemies of the Eternal
Bird, and mockery of the Xalyas, which escalated when
someone threw a stone that struck Dashvara's armor head-on.
He let out a snort and muttered:
.D
.Bdia
Damn you, savages…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Enough!
.Edia
a soldier bellowed.
.Bdia
Stop throwing stones!
.Edia
.P
The two soldiers had to bravely step in between the stoned
man and the exalted crowd and draw their swords to finally
enforce order. More than sore from the stones, Dashvara felt
perplexed. Where did this attack of rage come from? Well, he had killed
Nanda of Shalussi treacherously, and he understood that those
who had known him wanted revenge. He also understood that
they despised him for everything he represented, the past,
the expulsions, the Ancient Kings… However, hadn't the
Essimeans acted in the same way, or worse, by enslaving
them? Didn't they see that, in practice, he was nothing more
than a chained warrior who hadn't seen the steppe for three
years and who had never ruled anything in Xalya?
.P
Gradually, the people in the square dispersed, calm returned,
and the two Essimean guards, more tranquil, went to sit on a
stone bench, a little further away. A few children remained,
staring curiously at the chained man. Massaging a sore arm,
Dashvara sat down on a ledge of the Pillar of Skâra, as
comfortably as the iron collar around his neck and the
rather short chain would allow. The whole obelisk, including
the lower part, was covered with engraved Galka signs. One
of the phrases read: Death is master of our lives, hand of
justice and balance of time. Dashvara read the words
curiously. To tell the truth, he had never been interested
in the Essimean religion. It had always seemed to him
unhealthy, gloomy and dangerous; what sane mind could
worship death instead of life? Yet, from what he read on
that obelisk, it seemed almost as if Skâra, Death, was the
cause of life, the one who regulated it and watched over it.
This did not seem any less absurd to him, but he had to
admit that worshipping Skâra from this point of view was
less disturbing.
.P
A puppy interrupted his thoughts when he came up to sniff
him, wagging his tail excitedly. Amused, Dashvara reached
out a hand to his long sandy colored fur and commented:
.D
.Bdia
Sometimes I wonder why sajits make life so complicated. When
life is so easy, huh?
.Edia
he grinned at the pup.
.D
.Bdia
Narak!
.Edia
said suddenly one of the children who had remained in the
square.
.P
The puppy turned towards him but did not move. Narak meant
Sand in Galka, Dashvara remembered. The dog's little master
came closer and called again in the Galka language:
.D
.Bdia
Sand, come on!
.Edia
.P
This time Narak darted towards the child, but the child,
instead of moving away, looked at the Xalya intently. When
he said nothing and did not go away, Dashvara asked in the
Essimean language:
.D
.Bdia
How many months old is he?
.Edia
.P
The Essimean child glanced at his companions who had stayed
a little behind before answering:
.D
.Bdia
Five. And I'm eight.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Eight years old, I guess.
.Edia
.P
The child nodded seriously.
.D
.Bdia
I live there, in that house,
.Edia
he said, pointing to it.
.Bdia
I'm the oldest of my brothers. But I don't work because I'm
an Essimean. My best friend, Adrara, is ten years old and he
works. He too was tied to a pillar once because he let some
sheep escape. Did you lose sheep too?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched his eyebrows, feeling both amusement and
suppressed sadness. Because Adrara was a Xalya name, and he
knew that one of Yodara's sons was called that.
.D
.Bdia
And a good number of them, I'm afraid,
.Edia
he answered in the Common Tongue.
.Bdia
You can speak the Common Tongue, can't you?
.Edia
The child nodded, and Dashvara smiled,
.Bdia
Good. Tell me, young one,
.Edia
he continued.
.Bdia
This friend of yours… did they hurt him?
.Edia
.P
The child nodded.
.D
.Bdia
They beat him, but he said it didn't hurt. He says Xalyas
never hurt. Hey, it looks like Narak likes you,
.Edia
he smiled as the pup sat on Dashvara's boots.
.Bdia
My father gave him to me. He's from Titiaka. Because my
father works at the port, and every time he comes back, he
brings lots of presents.
.Edia
.P
His four young companions had come closer and were now
listening to the conversation with interest. One little girl
asked:
.D
.Bdia
Does it hurt?
.Edia
.P
She was talking about the necklace. Dashvara smiled faintly.
.D
.Bdia
No. Apparently Xalyas never hurt. By the way, kid,
.Edia
he added, addressing the boy.
.Bdia
If you see Adrara again, could you tell him that his lord
sends his regards to him and his family, and that his father
is in good health?
.Edia
As the boy nodded, intrigued by the commission, he added,
.Bdia
And that hope is the best of all weapons. That's important.
.Edia
.P
He doubted he would repeat his words accurately, but he had
no better messenger on hand. He would have liked to ask him
more questions to find out approximately how many Xalyas
were still living in the steppe, but unfortunately one of
the Essimean warriors had finally stood up and scattered the
kids, calling out:
.D
.Bdia
Come on, kids, don't stay here. We don't talk to the people
on the Pillar.
.Edia
.P
The little ones said goodbye, the older one took the puppy
in his arms, and Dashvara was left alone again. No one came back
to speak to him all morning. He saw steppians, foreigners,
breeders, merchants, dogs, and… he even saw an ilawatelk.
When he saw the little deer obediently following a young
Essimean woman, he was fascinated. He had never thought that
ilawatelks could be domesticated.
.P
In the middle of the afternoon came a group of Essimeans led
by Ashiwa. Todakwa's younger brother paused for a moment to
observe him from a distance before ordering:
.D
.Bdia
Set him free.
.Edia
.P
Puzzled, Dashvara looked at the warrior who was
approaching to remove the shackle. Was the punishment really
over already?
.D
.Bdia
My brother and lord wants to talk to you,
.Edia
Ashiwa explained.
.P
Dashvara was tempted to reply that no, thank you, that he
preferred to stay at the Pillar of Death. But he wisely
remained silent. They pushed him through the square and led
him to the small palace of Todakwa.
.P
The place was bustling with death-priests, red-clad novices,
guards, and servants. They passed through the wide entrance,
through an inner courtyard, and then into a garden covered
with winter flowers. All were blue, except for the roses,
which were black. The colors, the statues, the symbols on
the ground… Everything in this palace was a reminder of
Skâra's presence.
.P
Walking forward surrounded by the Essimean guards, Dashvara
spotted Todakwa sitting in a chair along with Kuriag, Garag,
and several unfamiliar steppian faces. They seemed to have
settled in for a snack, enjoying the rather mild day. They
were deep in conversation, and Todakwa let out a clear laugh
before following the direction of Kuriag's gaze. His smile
did not fade, on the contrary.
.D
.Bdia
Ah! There's the slave lord. I hope you enjoyed your day at
the Pillar.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara swallowed a biting retort and turned to Kuriag. The
Legitimate's hesitant expression did not look good. Todakwa
continued.
.D
.Bdia
You will be pleased to know that His Excellency and his wife
have convinced me to sell your people to them in order to
free them.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara's heart leapt. He held his breath and tried to
remain unperturbed, aware that two tens of eyes were
watching him. When he said nothing, Todakwa continued:
.D
.Bdia
At the moment, His Excellency has not made up his mind to
accept my terms. One hundred and eighty slaves, though many
are very young, would cost nearly twenty thousand dragons.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara could not contain a choked gasp. One hundred and
eighty? Liadirlá, had he heard right? Was it true that
.qt one hundred and eighty
Xalyas had survived? True, more than half of them had
died in the dungeon, but… just the thought that there were
so many Xalyas alive made his spirits soar. Then the second
part of the sentence came to him, and he grimaced. Twenty
thousand dragons was a lot. He met Kuriag's gaze and saw how
Kuriag looked away, uncomfortable. Dashvara confirmed for
himself, glumly: twenty thousand dragons was too much.
.D
.Bdia
I'm sure His Excellency could pay that amount,
.Edia
Todakwa commented with a respectful smile towards the
Legitimate.
.Bdia
However, I have offered to lower the price to five thousand
dragons. I see no harm in letting your people go.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara could only look at him in disbelief. He shook his
head, cautious.
.D
.Bdia
What are you up to, Todakwa? Are you going to let one
hundred and eighty children of the Eternal Bird go, just
like that, without cutting off their heads first?
.Edia
.P
Todakwa gave a pale smile, and Kuriag cleared his throat,
standing up.
.D
.Bdia
I would like to speak with Dashvara privately for a moment,
if you will excuse me.
.Edia
.P
Like a civilized and courteous Titiaka, Todakwa stood up at
the same time as Garag. Kuriag walked away, pointing to a
white stone path lined with blue flowers. Dashvara promptly
followed him. As soon as they were out of range of the
others, he muttered:
.D
.Bdia
If these one hundred and eighty Xalyas were warriors, I
wouldn't hesitate for a second: we'd be leaving here in
force. But they are not,
.Edia
he reasoned.
.Bdia
If there is a way to give them back their freedom and
dignity without bloodshed… I know that five thousand dragons
is a lot. But I'm willing to give them back to you even if I
have to spend my whole life there,
.Edia
he vowed.
.P
Kuriag shook his head gently.
.D
.Bdia
Don't worry about the money. I can pay that amount,
.Edia
he assured.
.Bdia
That's not the problem.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow.
.D
.Bdia
It's not?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
the young elf sighed. He glanced nervously at his cousin,
who had not lost sight of him from his seat, and cleared his
throat.
.Bdia
Listen. I don't trust Todakwa.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled broadly.
.D
.Bdia
Congratulations, Excellency.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag rolled his eyes and explained:
.D
.Bdia
If I bought your people now, I would have to take them by
boat. To Titiaka. According to the agreement, I cannot
release you to the steppe. So… if you leave before
then, the Essimeans and… my cousin and the Ragails will
consider you to have run away. Once you're off the steppe,
Todakwa promises not to retaliate for the past. But you
cannot return to the steppe.
.Edia
.P
He glanced apologetically at Dashvara, and to his surprise,
the Xalya snorted wryly.
.D
.Bdia
And that's what the agreement says, right? Todakwa is
freeing my people to be sent to the slave capital. Perhaps
he thinks that once in Titiaka, your mother will bring you
to your senses and convince you to sell us all,
.Edia
he ventured.
.Bdia
Then, yes, you would have made a good deal, Excellency. One
hundred and eighty slaves for five thousand dragons—a very
good deal. To tell you the truth, I can't quite figure out
why Todakwa lowered the price so much.
.Edia
.P
Under his questioning gaze, Kuriag pouted and started
walking down the path, moving further into the garden.
.D
.Bdia
Actually, he lowered the price in exchange for trade deals
and… not only that,
.Edia
he admitted, nervously.
.Bdia
Actually, in exchange for your people, Todakwa would like to…
um… to buy
.Sm you .
.Edia
.P
Dashvara blinked in astonishment.
.D
.Bdia
Buy me,
.Edia
he repeated.
.P
Kuriag had turned red.
.D
.Bdia
Yes… That's why I haven't accepted yet. Among other reasons.
Todakwa says he'll be compassionate, and he seems sincere,
but… well. I don't know if I should refuse and see if I can
remove this condition or… I don't know. I'm not very good at
business, and Garag is not being particularly helpful,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
Everyone thinks I'm a fool who lets himself being
manipulated by his slaves.
.Edia
.P
The look on his face was clear: he was asking Dashvara for
advice. The Xalya became agitated. What the hell was he
supposed to tell him now? That he wasn't very good at business
either? He stroked his beard, meditatively. Then he smiled.
.D
.Bdia
I'm going to say something stupid. But, if you agree,
Todakwa will think the matter is closed, and we will have
more time to plan the escape.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag looked at him, hesitant.
.D
.Bdia
You mean… your people wouldn't leave the steppe?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed.
.D
.Bdia
No. The steppe is large. If we went north, with the Honyrs,
Todakwa would leave us in peace. Not to mention that we'd
save him quite a few invasions by red nadres and
scale-nefarious.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag pouted, unconvinced.
.D
.Bdia
What about you? Todakwa won't let you get away that easily.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I am willing to sacrifice my freedom and my life for my
people, Kuriag,
.Edia
Dashvara smiled. And as a glint of sadness passed through
the Legitimate's eyes, he added,
.Bdia
I do not know what Todakwa intends to do with me. Perhaps he
only wishes to sacrifice me to his god.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Only?
.Edia
Kuriag repeated in a choked voice.
.P
Dashvara shrugged quietly.
.D
.Bdia
From what I've heard, the Essimeans take weeks to prepare
for one of these ceremonies. That would give me time to try
something. Tahisran could help me. No one knows he's here.
Well, before I can think of that, my people must escape
without the Essimeans bringing them back into the fold.
There's no point in anticipating.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag nodded, concerned. Dashvara was trying to think of a
way to get one hundred and eighty Xalyas out of Essimea
efficiently without the Essimean guards immediately
surrounding them. At the moment, he was out of ideas.
.P
.Bpenso
Your lord father would have come up with a solution by now,
.Epenso
he urged himself, racking his brain.
.Bpenso
Maybe not the best one, but he, at least, didn't hesitate so
much, Dash. You, on the contrary, think too much. So much
philosophizing in the Border made you lose your confidence…
.Epenso
.P
The Legitimate coughed, pulling him out of his thoughts.
.D
.Bdia
So… I accept?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara pondered. The more days passed, the more
possibilities there were that Shokr Is Set and Yira had
reached an agreement with the Honyrs. And, if so, they could
perhaps count on the support of over a hundred Steppe
Thieves who would help the Xalya slaves reach the north
safely.
.P
He nodded to himself and was about to reply that, if
possible, he waited a few days before accepting, when a
figure suddenly appeared from behind a small building, with a bandaged bow and
an arrow ready to fire. Dashvara reacted with lightning speed.
Without even thinking about it, he covered Kuriag just as
the assassin fired. A sharp pain hit him, but in his sudden
fury, he ignored it and took off running after the
archer. The attacker had dropped his bow and was now rushing
towards the small wall with the obvious intention of jumping
over it towards the street. He jumped, and Dashvara followed
as best he could. It delayed him, but he did not lose sight
of the hooded man, and as he landed on the street, he darted
towards the distant figure ready to turn the corner. He
spotted a Ragail coming out of the stables only a few paces
from the assassin, and he roared:
.D
.Bdia
Stop that man!
.Edia
.P
Though surprised, the Ragail tried anyway, but the cursed man
slipped through his hands and continued to run down a street
that led directly into the noisy market square, full of
animals, stalls, and caravans. Eternal Bird… If the archer
managed to blend in with the crowd, they were going to have
a hard time finding him… Dashvara whistled and redoubled his
efforts with the Ragail. They had a stroke of luck, for
several Xalyas were standing precisely at the entrance of
the street with curious eyes, not daring to enter the market
place completely… Dashvara thundered:
.D
.Bdia
Brothers!
.Edia
.P
He was still a long way off for them to hear him clearly,
but he pointed eloquently to the fugitive, and Arvara, who
was nearest, managed to get between the assassin and his
way out. The pursued man tried to escape to the left, saw that he
could not, turned round, passed between the legs of a
donkey, Captain Zorvun blocked his way, and, seeing himself
completely cornered, the assassin began to climb the gutter of
a house. He had some guts. Dashvara reached him
before Zorvun and Arvara. He grabbed him by one leg, threw
him to the ground, dodged a dagger blow, disarmed him, and
was about to hit his head against the stone of the wall
when, suddenly, as in a nightmare, the implacable eyes of
Sheroda came to his mind.
.P
.Bpenso
You have killed,
.Epenso
they said.
.Bpenso
You are guilty!
.Epenso
.P
Dashvara gave the assassin a swift but precise blow to the
head, and he collapsed, unconscious; the hood slipped off,
revealing the face of a young steppian woman.
.Bpenso
Young but a killer anyway,
.Epenso
he snorted. And he gasped.
.D
.Bdia
What the hell.
.Edia
.P
He turned his gaze to the arrow. It had stuck in his right
arm, which was shaking violently. The Xalyas were rushing
towards him.
.D
.Bdia
Damn her,
.Edia
Zorvun hissed.
.Bdia
Was it that savage who shot the arrow at you?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara pouted, without answering.
.D
.Bdia
Dashvara!
.Edia
.P
The cry came to him from afar, as in a dream. He turned, and
between the din of voices and the approaching white and
black coats, he saw Kuriag's face distorted in horror. The
Legitimate ran towards him, surrounded by Ragails.
.D
.Bdia
Merciful Cili… Are you okay?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded.
.D
.Bdia
Yes.
.Edia
He propped up his right arm, and with a grunt, glared at the
unconscious assassin.
.Bdia
A steppian,
.Edia
he said, almost in a surprised tone.
.Bdia
Why on earth would a steppian want to kill you?
.Edia
.P
Kuriag looked totally bewildered. His eyes landed on the
woman and did not waver, as if hypnotized. A whole troop of
guards, Xalyas, Ragails, and Essimeans were already crowding
the area. Todakwa and Garag insisted on leading Kuriag
inside to avoid any more unpleasant surprises, and the
former said:
.D
.Bdia
I offer my sincerest apologies, Excellency. I will reinforce
the guard immediately, and we will find the culprit behind
this, if there is one. Don't worry, the best doctors in
Essimea will treat Dashvara. Don't fret.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara could half hear them, and when they moved away, he
hardly noticed. Now his arm was burning as if it had been
put into a fire, his vision was blurring…
.D
.Bdia
It could have been worse,
.Edia
the captain considered, quickly examining the wound.
.Bdia
I won't let the Essimean doctors near you. Tsu will treat
you.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded mechanically. The pain barely allowed him to
breathe.
.D
.Bdia
C-captain,
.Edia
he stammered.
.Bdia
I feel like I've been through this before.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No, come on, take heart,
.Edia
Zorvun replied.
.Bdia
You've been through worse things. Maybe it'll take you a few
weeks to get the use of your arm back completely, but…
.Edia
.P
He grunted loudly as Dashvara lost his balance, and he and
Arvara supported him with a grunt. Then among the voices
that echoed, vague and discordant, around the assassin, one
reached them:
.D
.Bdia
.Sm -t erare Skâra shalé !
This bottle contains red snake venom.
.Edia
.P
The captain turned pale. And Dashvara finally understood the
familiar sensation, the violent throws, the feeling that his
whole body was paralyzed… He let out a dull laugh that
sounded more like a moan.
.D
.Bdia
That's… ironic,
.Edia
he gasped.
.Bdia
I suppose… it was my fate.
.Edia
Managing to straighten up a bit, he patted Zorvun's
shoulder.
.Bdia
Take care of our people, Captain. Make them free…
.Edia
.P
Zorvun grabbed him by the shoulders sharply.
.D
.Bdia
Son, don't,
.Edia
he whispered, his eyes shining.
.Bdia
Don't do this to me now.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gave a shaky smile.
.D
.Bdia
It's… silly, huh? The red snakes are my curse. Maybe it's
the spirit of the… snake I killed that day in Nanda's
village. Even snakes want revenge. They are as stupid as
sajits. As cruel. And they have no feathers.
.Edia
He laughed at the ridiculous statement, and as the pain grew
and grew inside him, expanding with the venom, he inhaled in
fits and starts.
.Bdia
It's not so bad, Captain. I'll die on the steppe, like a
good Xalya. I want to go to… the tower,
.Edia
he decided with a sudden anxious longing.
.Bdia
Please, brothers, guide me to the tower. Now,
.Edia
he insisted.
.Bdia
Please…
.Edia
.P
His voice broke, but his brothers listened. Arvara lifted
him halfway up and helped him to move slowly through an
audience that Dashvara could only make out vaguely. A
throbbing, agonizing pain came over his mind in waves. He
was barely aware that, as he reached the tower, a multitude
was following him.
.P
No one interfered as a Xalya pushed open one of the frames
and they entered the circular room. Arvara stopped
supporting him, and Dashvara staggered forward to the statue
of the Eternal Bird. It was small, modest, unassuming, like
a simple stone dove covered with cracked blue colors. On the
first visit, he had barely noticed it. Now it was the only
thing he could see clearly in this room.
.P
He reached out a hand to the bird, touched it, and smiled,
breathing spasmodically. He barely listened to the
voices of his brothers, who were entering the tower like a
whirlwind. A strange serenity came over him.
.D
.Bdia
Dash…
.Edia
Makarva's muffled voice said behind him.
.Bdia
At least let us look at the wound. Maybe we can do something
about it. Tsu's a great doctor…
.Edia
.P
His words were met with a terrible silence. Everyone knew
that red snake venom had no antidote. Dashvara took a breath
and turned to his people. It wasn't just his brothers from
the Border: he recognized other faces, Xalya women, and
young people who, when Xalya had fallen, had been just kids
and were now almost men. Seeing them all together made him
smile with emotion.
.D
.Bdia
My naâsga is going to strangle me dead when she finds out,
.Edia
he croaked.
.Bdia
Unless… she manages to resurrect me.
.Edia
He smiled, and as he saw the strained, mournful expressions
of his brothers, he struggled not to let their sadness get
the better of him. Zorvun looked particularly devastated.
With great calm, he added for this one,
.Bdia
My lord father needs not know this, but… you have been the
best father I've had, Captain.
.Edia
He drew in a breath in the face of a wave of pain, turned to
his people, and in a firmer voice thundered,
.Bdia
Xalyas! Todakwa has agreed to free you all thanks to the
intervention of Kuriag Dikaksunora. This Titiaka is a Xalya
at heart. I hope… you will be grateful to him.
.Edia
He staggered. He wished he could have said more. He would
have liked to speak to his people. But the pain prevented
him from going on. He breathed in.
.Bdia
May the Eternal Bird bless you all. And, now, leave me,
.Edia
he ordered sharply.
.Bdia
Get out of here.
.Edia
.P
There was a long silence. No one obeyed. Dashvara hissed in
exasperation and turned his back on them to face the Eternal
Bird.
.D
.Bdia
Leave me,
.Edia
he repeated.
.Bdia
Out. Leave me alone until tomorrow. That's an order.
.Edia
.P
For a moment, nothing was heard. Then there was a sigh, and
Zorvun's footsteps went away with those of his brothers.
.P
When the door closed and silence returned, he sat down on
the cold mosaics and leaned against the pedestal of the
Eternal Bird. He let all the air out of his lungs. As
strange as it may be, he felt as if his mind was clearing,
as if the crisis had already passed.
.P
.Bpenso
The calm before death,
.Epenso
he thought.
.Bpenso
My conscience is clear. I have done everything in my hands
to save my people. I saved Kuriag. And he will save the
Xalyas. May the Dahars live a thousand more years…
.Epenso
.P
With serenity he let his mind wander aimlessly, preparing
himself for a death he had fought and feared so much. What
did Maloven say about death? That it was a step towards
nothingness. Once dead, one returned to nothingness and
ceased to be. And, in that case, why bother? Why worship it
as the Essimeans did? In Death, there were no thoughts, no
desires, no hunger, no sadness, no honor, no history. Death
existed only for the living.
.P
Strangely comforted by these thoughts, Dashvara tried not to
think of his brothers, or Yira, or his people. He tried to
forget that, as his own heart would cease to feel, so would
his naâsga's break with pain.
.P
.Bpenso
Life is pain and joy. As long as it is not all pain, it is
always better than nothingness,
.Epenso
he reasoned.
.P
He remained in the same position for a long moment, without
moving, continuing to think about the existential problems
of the Eternal Bird when a sudden thought made him stretch a
little. He frowned. How the hell had the archer hit him in
the right arm? The left would have been more logical: at the
moment of the shot, it must have been right in front of
Kuriag. But the right… He hadn't had time to cover the
Legitimate completely. Either that meant that the archer was
aiming very poorly, or… Dashvara swallowed with a strange
feeling in his body. Either that meant they had tried to
assassinate
.Sm him .
.P
He took a deep breath, opened his eyes, and looked around
the room in bewilderment. There was a profound silence
throughout the tower, as if the outside had ceased to exist.
He imagined that the tower had flown away, across the
steppe, and was about to land far from Essimea, on Mount
Bakhia, free and proud…
.P
He smiled and looked down at his arm. Someone had cut the
arrow and now only a thin shaft was visible in the middle of
a bloody sleeve. He could no longer feel those infernal
waves of pain. His breathing had calmed. His eyes could see
clearly again… Was he already dead without realizing it?
.D
.Bdia
Liadirlá,
.Edia
he murmured then with sudden exaltation.
.P
Death existed!
.Ch A phoenix always rises again
Yes, maybe death did exist, but Dashvara quickly noticed
that his arm still hurt and that, in truth, he was still alive
and well. He needed a little more time to accept the fact
that he wasn't likely to die any time soon. And another
moment for the disbelieving smile that lit up his face to
fade.
.D
.Bdia
I'm alive,
.Edia
he whispered.
.P
He did not dare to say it too loudly, as if the observation
might cease to be true at any moment. The red
snakes were as treacherous as the Essimeans, and who knows
how their venom worked. He knew it was lethal… and he also
knew that it was very difficult to obtain that venom. He
doubted that a mere vindictive steppian could have obtained
it. Someone must have given it to him or sold it to him. But
who? No matter how hard he looked for a name, Dashvara
couldn't find one. Well, actually, he could think of
several, but all of them had good reasons not to kill him.
Todakwa had no interest in cooling his relationship with
Kuriag. The enslaved Shalussis had no interest in drawing
Todakwa's ire. In Dazbon, Lanamiag Korfu had vowed to finish
off the Xalyas to avenge his father's death, but he was
supposed to be back in Titiaka with Fayrah, and he doubted he
would dare to do anything that would upset his wife. In the
end, Dashvara was unable to say for sure which of the three
groups had been the culprit: the Essimeans, the Shalussis, or
the Titiakas.
.P
He shook his head and stood up. There was no point in
turning this over in his head: the case was that he was
alive, and the murderess had failed. He walked to the door,
and a smile stretched his lips as he imagined the look on
his brothers' faces when he opened it. He reached for the
handle… and stopped.
.P
.Bpenso
Wait a second,
.Epenso
he thought. He took a step back, and excitement gradually
overtook him as an absolutely brilliant idea blossomed in
his head: what if he made Todakwa think he was dead? A dead
man was free, he was nobody's slave, a dead man was left in
peace!
.P
Holding back a laugh, he stepped away from the door and
began to plan. First, he needed to get a message to the
captain without the Essimeans finding out. And, under the present
circumstances, there was no better messenger than Tahisran.
With a little luck, he would show his nose during the night
through one of the loopholes. The shadow was curious by
nature… and Dashvara bet that the Xalyas would encourage him
to take a look inside the tower. If by chance he wasn't
mistaken, and if by chance the Essimeans respected the
Xalyas lord's desire to rest in peace at the Feather until
morning… and if by chance this crypt of Nabakaji's actually
existed and he could hide in it while he found a way to
escape… then, yes, maybe his plan would work. However, so
much
.qt by chance
worried him a little. He felt like he was stacking too many
wobbly stones.
.P
Nevertheless, it was worth a try.
.P
Light still came through the narrow loopholes, but it was
getting dimmer and dimmer, and Dashvara needed it to search
for the entrance to the crypt. He hoped Xalya's books
weren't lying… He crouched down and quickly probed the
mosaics on the floor and the statues on the wall before
examining everything with increasing scrutiny. As the light
seriously faded, he began to fumble with his hands, looking
for a hole that could serve as a lock. He was at this point
when he heard a mental gasp.
.P
.Bdm
Dash?
.Edm
.P
Overcome with relief, Dashvara turned his head and murmured
happily:
.D
.Bdia
Hi, Tah.
.Edia
.P
He saw the shadow. It was moving step by step in the growing
darkness, obviously incredulous.
.P
.Bdm
You're not dead?
.Edm
.P
Dashvara smiled quietly.
.D
.Bdia
Precisely, I
.Sm am
dead. Or at least that's what we'll make
the Essimeans believe. Otherwise, I'm in relatively good
shape except for this damn arrow in my arm. How are the
Xalyas?
.Edia
.P
Tahisran made a muffled mental sound.
.P
.Bdm
You mean, it was all a show? The arrow wasn't poisoned?
.Edm
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bdia
It was, it was. But since when can red snake venom
kill a lord of the steppe?
.Edia
He smiled broadly and repeated, more seriously,
.Bdia
How are the Xalyas, Tah?
.Edia
.P
The shadow cleared his throat and sat down on the mosaics.
Dashvara continued to grope the floor.
.P
.Bdm
Well, what do you expect,
.Edm
Tahisran sighed.
.Bdm
They're sad.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara nodded to himself, and the shadow added:
.P
.Bdm
Tell me, Dash. I hope you're not going to ask me not to tell
them you're alive. That would be awfully nasty… What are you
doing?
.Edm
he asked, intrigued.
.P
Dashvara straightened up, huffing.
.D
.Bdia
I'm looking for the crypt. Kuriag has the key. It is golden,
with signs drawn on it… If you could bring it to me now…
.Edia
.P
.Bdm
By stealing it from him?
.Edm
Tahisran replied, reluctantly.
.P
Dashvara pouted and looked in its direction. He hesitated,
then said:
.D
.Bdia
I'll tell you the plan. The trick is to convince Todakwa
that I am dead. My people will ask to be allowed to take my
corpse to the foot of Mount Bakhia, as tradition dictates…
Well, actually, there is no such tradition, but Todakwa will
swallow it: he knows that mountain is sacred to us. If
Kuriag manages to convince Todakwa to let my people
accompany me, problem solved: the corpse is transported, I
hide in the crypt and, say three days later, when my people
are already far from Essimea, I will escape from the tower
without anyone noticing.
.Edia
.P
He nodded, convinced and excited by the idea. Tahisran
stirred and shifted.
.P
.Bdm
What corpse?
.Edm
he asked.
.P
Dashvara made a vague gesture.
.D
.Bdia
Whatever. We build it, add a little pheasant meat, whatever,
and it'll stink as bad as a real corpse.
.Edia
.P
.Bdm
Mmph. And, according to you, Todakwa will not demand to see
you dead?
.Edm
.P
The question drew an embarrassed pout from Dashvara.
.D
.Bdia
It can go wrong,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
But anything in this life can go wrong. The good thing is,
if it works out, Kuriag will do quite well, and I'll have a
better chance of getting out alive. That is, dead but alive,
.Edia
he observed, much amused.
.Bdia
But to carry out the plan… I need you, Tah.
.Edia
.P
The shadow did not answer immediately. After a moment,
Dashvara perceived its mental smile.
.P
.Bdm
I'm glad you're alive, Dash. Of course I'm going to help
you. I'll bring you that key. But it will be better if I
tell Kuriag everything…
.Edm
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
Dashvara cut him off.
.Bdia
Only if you can't find the key… You understand, Kuriag is
an awful liar. Todakwa would see right away that there's something
weird going on. Tell the Captain and Sashava the plan. Only
them. If the captain feels it necessary to tell the others,
let him, but… I don't think it's a good idea to tell… all my
brothers. Just a few so they can block the view and hide my
corpse. It's about finding a way to convince without letting
anyone see. And to ask Kuriag to enforce the Xalya
tradition: no outsider should see the face of the last lord
of the steppe,
.Edia
he pronounced with a small smile.
.Bdia
Not as long as this one is dead. And if Todakwa insists on
seeing me before we leave… I can always play corpse for a
while until…
.Edia
.P
His ramblings were suddenly interrupted when his hand fell
on a small hole at the foot of the statue of the Eternal
Bird. He groped and shook his head, muttering:
.D
.Bdia
I can't see anything at all, but it could be the entrance.
.Edia
.P
He felt a slight energy beside him. Tahisran had come
closer. Suddenly, a light appeared, as faint as the
butterflies of light his naâsga was invoking, and Dashvara
could see five black fingers supporting it… Swallowing his
fear, he quickly examined the hole. The light disappeared.
.P
.Bdm
Damn,
.Edm
Tahisran growled.
.Bdm
I've never been very good at harmonies.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
That's all right. Bring the key and we'll see if it fits.
.Edia
.P
Without answering, Tahisran moved closer and finally
commented:
.P
.Bdm
I may be a bad harmonist, but I'm a good perceptist. And
that's odd… This hole is strangely shaped.
.Edm
After a silence, he blew out a mental breath.
.Bdm
There's a spell in there. A rather subtle spell. And a
complex one.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow. According to Kuriag, the golden
key was enchanted. In that case, it was not surprising that
the lock was enchanted as well. What struck him as odd was
that the Ancient Kings used magical locks, even though they
had so little love for magic…
.P
.Bpenso
And what do you really know about the Ancient Kings, Dash,
you who didn't even know they were demons. Books don't
necessarily tell the truths.
.Epenso
.P
He smoothed his beard for a moment, and then finally
reacted.
.D
.Bdia
So, are you bringing me that key, Tah?
.Edia
.P
The shadow made an amused sound. The riddle of this lock
seemed to have motivated him.
.P
.Bdm
I'll be right back,
.Edm
Tah promised.
.P
And off he went. As soon as he left, Dashvara regretted not
asking him to bring some instrument to remove the arrowhead.
He'd never done it by himself, and he doubted he could do it,
but… bringing Tsu along might arouse suspicion.
.P
.Bpenso
At the same time, if you're losing all your blood here,
Dash, you're not going to have to fake this dead body thing.
.Epenso
.P
He rolled his eyes, glanced at his wound again, and winced.
He didn't even have a knife to cut the blood-soaked sleeve
and remove the leather armor. He tried to peel it off the
skin… and almost immediately gave up. It was useless and
only made the pain worse. Until Tahisran returned, he sat at
the foot of the Eternal Bird, near the lock, dizzy,
exasperated, and thirsty. His spirits lifted a little when
the shadow placed the golden key in his palm.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you, Tah,
.Edia
he murmured.
.Bdia
What would I do without you…
.Edia
.P
.Bdm
Well, you'd probably be out of the tower by now, and they
wouldn't all be mourning your death,
.Edm
Tahisran chided him.
.P
Dashvara swallowed. Damn. Tahisran was right, in a way, but…
Without answering, he straightened up heavily and, taking
the key firmly, was about to insert it into the lock when
Tahisran insisted:
.P
.Bdm
You know, Dash? The Xalyas are standing guard outside… And
it's possible they're surprised I haven't come out and told
them yet… whether you're dead or not. You should let them
in. At least Tsu. You're hurt. Your plan won't work if you
leave a trail of blood wherever you go.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara frowned, thought it over, and nodded tiredly. Once
again, Tahisran was right.
.D
.Bdia
Okay,
.Edia
he yielded.
.Bdia
Talk to the captain and let him and Tsu in.
.Edia
.P
He perceived Tahisran's relieved smile.
.P
.Bdm
I'll do that right away.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara shook his head and put the key away. Faster than he
expected, the tower door opened and several figures entered.
More than two, he noticed with some exasperation. The
captain came first, a lighted candle in his hand. Miflin
closed the door. In all, a good dozen had entered. Sensing
the shadow on his right, Dashvara muttered in a whisper:
.D
.Bdia
For the discretion, bravo.
.Edia
.P
Tahisran gave an innocent, mocking growl. Then, as the
captain moved forward, squinting, trying to see in the
darkness, Dashvara called out in a voice from beyond the
grave:
.D
.Bdia
The Eternal Bird of Nabakaji greets you, Xalyas.
.Edia
.P
He saw them tense up, and he laughed out loud, standing up.
.D
.Bdia
Does anyone have a canteen? I'm dying of thirst, brothers.
And, by the way, that arrow, Tsu, if you'll take it away…
.Edia
.P
Dashvara's words generated gasps, comments, curses, and
blessings. Tsu was soon at his side, begging him to lie
down so he could be treated. He sent Miflin to fetch water,
Arvara was assigned the task of holding Dashvara still as
the drow began the operation, and in the meantime, the
captain, crouching beside him, commented:
.D
.Bdia
Tah explained your plan to us. Honestly, Dash, I don't think
it will work. Todakwa is an Essimean. A Death Wizard. Who
knows, maybe he can even tell from a distance that the
corpse we're taking is not yours. And we would raise
suspicions right away, you know how your people is…
.Edia
.P
As Tsu palpated his arm, Dashvara gave a muffled grunt,
ceasing to listen to the captain. Damn, it hurt a lot.
Someone handed him a belt, and he bit down on it. The
operation was carried out as quietly as possible. While Tsu
tinkered with his arm and filled cups with blood, Dashvara
tried to focus his thoughts on something else. His plan to
leave Aralika as a corpse seemed more and more far-fetched,
and at the same time, he couldn't think of a better one.
Sending his people safely to Mount Bakhia under Kuriag's
protection would have been a masterstroke.
.P
As he felt himself fainting, he feared he would lose
consciousness, and with effort, he removed the belt from his
mouth and croaked:
.D
.Bdia
Captain…
.Edia
.P
Zorvun had stayed close to him, holding his healthy arm for
support. His expression became more animated when he heard
Dashvara.
.D
.Bdia
Yes, son?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gritted his teeth, breathed in, and managed to say:
.D
.Bdia
Take the key I have in my pocket. And open the door to the
crypt. Tahisran will show you where it is. Maybe… there's
something interesting inside.
.Edia
.P
A flash of pain drew a muffled cry from him, and he hastened
to bite the belt again. Zorvun shook his head, looking at
him in amazement.
.D
.Bdia
The crypt?
.Edia
he murmured as he reached into his pocket.
.Bdia
Nabakaji's crypt?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded silently, and the captain took out the key.
At that moment, Tsu said in a voice charged with tension:
.D
.Bdia
I'm going to pull it out, Dash. Lumon, can you hold him down
too? Hang in there.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed and dropped the belt. He replied in a
voice that was both strained and ironic:
.D
.Bdia
What does it matter if I die? I've already been resurrected
twice, and they say all good things come in threes…
.Edia
He gasped for breath with watering and feverish eyes.
.Bdia
Oh, Lia-dir-lá… Are you going to pull it out now?
.Edia
.P
He saw Tsu's dark look. The drow picked up the belt and put
it back in his mouth, replying:
.D
.Bdia
Stop talking, lord of the steppe.
.Edia
.P
The steppe lord stopped talking. And as Tsu began to
withdraw the arrowhead, his mind flew like a bird and
stopped even thinking. The darkness crushed him.
.Ch Crypts and plans
When he regained consciousness, it took him an interminable
time to simply try to remember who he was and where he was.
He felt terrible. After surviving one of the supposedly most
lethal venoms, was he going to die because of a damned arrow
in his arm? Unless this fire that was eating him up now was
a side effect of the venom that should have killed him
anyway. Either way, Tsu was a great doctor, and Dashvara
trusted him to do everything he could to keep the steppe
lord from ending up in the grave.
.P
Time passed and his mind was still drowned and lost as if he
had plunged into a sea of boiling water. He knew that he was
still in the tower, that he had been put on a rather
comfortable straw mattress and that he was suffocating in
the heat, despite the cold it must have been outside.
.P
He was vaguely aware of what was going on around him, but
when he tried to remember, reality escaped him, his headache
worsened, and he soon forgot everything around him. When he
finally woke up with a clearer head and lay disoriented on
his pallet, it was daylight, but he could not tell which day
it was. The whole winter could have passed, and he would not
have noticed.
.P
As soon as he straightened up, Boron, sitting barely a step
away like a silent watchman, looked up and smiled at him.
The Placid's questioning expression spoke louder than his
tongue. Dashvara answered with a tired, smiling pout.
.D
.Bdia
I think I'm beginning to live again,
.Edia
he assured.
.P
In fact, his mind was no longer so confused, and his body was
no longer burning with fever. He was just tired. He glanced
down at his bandaged arm before glancing around the tower
room. It was deserted, but the door, ajar, let in the quiet
murmur of conversation. He recognized Makarva's light voice,
as well as Orafe's deeper stentorian voice. After rubbing
his eyes, he asked:
.D
.Bdia
How long have I been here?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Three days,
.Edia
Boron answered.
.Bdia
The fever broke last night, and you've been asleep half a
day. You burned like a campfire, but Tsu says that now you
are out of danger. A little water?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara agreed, then lay back down, feeling dizzy.
.D
.Bdia
Did the assassin spill the beans?
.Edia
he asked after a moment.
.P
Boron winced and hesitated.
.D
.Bdia
Apparently, she couldn't say anything. An Essimean in the
palace explained to us that her tongue was cut out a few
years ago for rebellion.
.Edia
Dashvara wrinkled his nose, and the Placid added with obvious
embarrassment,
.Bdia
That night… some Xalyas lost their temper. They
tried to get into the building where the Essimeans were
keeping the murderess prisoner… Nothing serious happened,
.Edia
he assured at once under Dashvara's alarmed eyes.
.Bdia
Anyway, at dawn, the Essimeans themselves executed her.
.Edia
He paused and uncomfortably corrected,
.Bdia
Let's just say that nothing
.Sm very
serious happened, largely because of the Titiaka who
interfered.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow.
.D
.Bdia
He interfered?
.Edia
he repeated, dumbfounded.
.Bdia
Kuriag?
.Edia
.P
He paled at the thought of the young elf blocking the way
of a bunch of angry Xalyas.
.D
.Bdia
He used a strange spell,
.Edia
Boron nodded.
.Bdia
I was behind and didn't feel anything, but Miflin says
it had to do with the marks on our arms. He says they stood
there for a while as if paralyzed. In the end, they
surrounded us, and we had to put down our weapons.
.Edia
He shrugged.
.Bdia
I guess the Titiaka prevented a tragedy from happening. But
more than a few are angry with him after what he did.
.Edia
He shook his head.
.Bdia
Anyway, he's not a bad guy. He even came here to help Tsu
fix you up when he found out you were still alive.
.Edia
He sighed,
.Bdia
If only we could get out of this town…
.Edia
.P
He fell silent, as if exhausted from talking so much in one
go. Dashvara remained meditative, both relieved that
nothing disastrous had happened during his delirium and
exasperated by the fatigue that prevented him from
concentrating on anything too complicated.
.D
.Bdia
What about the crypt?
.Edia
he asked at last.
.P
Boron's eyes sparkled.
.D
.Bdia
We opened it.
.Edia
Under Dashvara's eager eyes, he lowered his voice and said
with unusual excitement,
.Bdia
It's full of weapons, Dash. The captain said we weren't to
touch it for now… But I got to see them. They're old, but
they're in good condition. All of them belonged to the
Ancient Kings.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled, but his smile gradually faded. Well, okay,
they had weapons. But his brothers already had them. And
arming Aralika's young Xalya slaves to make their way
through the Essimean soldiers would have been a death
sentence. Definitely, they needed a well-thought-out plan to
get out of this situation. Unless Kuriag renegotiated with
Todakwa. In which case… demons, in which case, he was ready
to hand the swords over to the Legitimate and make him lord
of the Xalyas. And more. As if guessing his thoughts, Boron
added in a low voice:
.D
.Bdia
There's more good news. In this crypt, there is a tunnel
that opens with the same magical key. It was Tah who found
it.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
A tunnel?
.Edia
Dashvara repeated, gripped.
.D
.Bdia
Yep. It's a bit of a narrow tunnel, but we can get through.
According to Tah, it leads into an Essimean house on the
outskirts of Aralika. The captain says it might become
useful to us.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
And pretty damn useful,
.Epenso
Dashvara thought cheerfully. Well, it would have been
better if the tunnel had opened up even further, but…
anyway, it could give them the advantage of surprise. Boron
smiled and stood up.
.D
.Bdia
Tsu asked me to let him know when you wake up. I'll be
right back.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded, and from his pallet, he saw the Placid walk
silently away towards the exit. He closed his eyes, opened
them again, tried to fight off the fatigue… and failed.
Almost without realizing it, he fell into a deep, restful
sleep. He had one of those pleasant dreams he used to have
regularly: he was sitting on the sparse grass of Xalya,
accompanied by Lusombra and Sunrise, and with a heart full
of peace, he was talking to his horses gently, under the
immense steppe sky…
.P
He awoke to a growing commotion outside. A single lantern on
the statue of the Eternal Bird gently lit the interior of
the tower. It was dark. The door was ajar, and he caught a
glimpse of Lumon's silhouette just in time as he stepped
out, perhaps to find out what all the fuss was about. And,
indeed, what could be the reason?
.P
Frowning, puzzled, Dashvara tried to straighten up, but then,
without meaning to, he moved his right arm, and a sharp pain
left him paralyzed for a few seconds. Oh, hell… Maybe the
Captain was right when he said he'd been through worse
things, but… hell, it still hurt. He huffed, catching his
breath. With some effort he managed to sit up, grabbed a jug of
milk with his left hand, and took long sips before turning his
attention to the plate full of strange vegetables that had
been left out. Was it typical Essimean food? In any
case, he found it tasted like the devil. He was chewing,
hesitating whether to spit or not, when, noticing that the
commotion was increasing, he left his meal aside with relief in
order to satisfy his curiosity… However, as soon as he
started to get up, a bald head appeared through the door. It
was Miflin. The Poet's eyes widened when he saw him sitting on
his pallet, and he smiled broadly before exclaiming:
.D
.Bdia
Dash! You're awake!
.Edia
He walked in as he joyfully called out,
.Bdia
Guess what happened.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked at him, intrigued. He ventured mockingly:
.D
.Bdia
A red nadre has swallowed Todakwa.
.Edia
.P
Miflin laughed.
.D
.Bdia
If only that could be true. No. Apparently, the villages of
Nanda and Lifdor have risen up. I bet my hair that Zefrek is
behind it.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara blinked, stunned. The Shalussis had
.qt risen up ?
.D
.Bdia
Liadirlá, seriously?
.Edia
.P
Miflin smiled with all his teeth, but it was Makarva who
answered, storming in.
.D
.Bdia
So seriously that the Essimean are on the warpath!
.Edia
He smiled.
.Bdia
How is the King of the Eternal Bird doing?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
Alive and more or less clearheaded at last. What exactly
happened?
.Edia
.P
Miflin explained all at once:
.D
.Bdia
Tsu and the Titiaka have taken care of you, you have risen
again, and now Todakwa dares not lay a hand on you, because
everyone think that Skâra has blessed you. Isn't that wonderful?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara had expected an explanation about the Shalussis,
but the Poet's answer made him pout in amazement. Skâra had
blessed him? Had She? Makarva reasoned:
.D
.Bdia
I'd say it was rather the Eternal Bird in this tower that
protected you.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Yeah, sure,
.Edia
Miflin scoffed.
.Bdia
The Eternal Bird doesn't work miracles, Mak.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
this one conceded,
.Bdia
but it is said that only the Ancient Kings were able to
survive the red snake venom. And Dashvara did. It's as if
the Eternal Bird of the Tower adopted him. I'm not the only
one who says so.
.Edia
.P
Miflin gave Dashvara a mocking look.
.D
.Bdia
Mak thinks you're divine, Dash.
.Edia
.P
Makarva gave him a brotherly slap as he protested:
.D
.Bdia
So what if I thinks he is?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Divine or not,
.Edia
Dashvara interjected, amused,
.Bdia
I don't think Todakwa is very fond of this situation. On one
side Zefrek, on the other the Xalyas…
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
And perhaps Raxifar of Akinoa,
.Epenso
he added mentally. Miflin approved with triumphant joy:
.D
.Bdia
He must be red with anger!
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded with a crooked smile.
.D
.Bdia
This is all beginning to take a good turn,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
But don't be fooled, brothers. The Essimeans have already
shown us their treachery. And we are still trapped in their
kingdom.
.Edia
.P
Makarva and Miflin nodded, and the former assured:
.D
.Bdia
Don't worry: we sleep like cats. Besides, now that you've
been blessed by Skâra, they won't dare touch us.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked skeptical, Miflin elbowed Makarva, and he was
opening his mouth to throw some jibe when Tsu appeared
through the door. For a moment, the drow showed a hint of
exasperation, as if he was displeased that the two young
Xalyas were talking with his patient, but then he resumed an
inexpressive and quiet face and approached saying:
.D
.Bdia
I'll change your bandage. I see you haven't eaten it all
yet,
.Edia
he observed with a frown.
.Bdia
You should finish. These are ogroyes that come straight from
Titiaka. They're delicious.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Ogroyes,
.Edia
Dashvara repeated in a hushed whisper. Since when did people
eat ogroyes on the steppe?
.Bdia
Does it have anything to do with ogres? No, because they
taste of the devil… A-a-yea,
.Edia
he breathed in sharply, glowering at his arm.
.D
.Bdia
Try not to move your arm, will you?
.Edia
the drow growled in a dry tone.
.Bdia
It needs absolute rest for at least two weeks. I'm not
kidding. Wait, I'll bring some boiling water. An infusion
will do you good.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I'll bring it,
.Edia
Miflin interjected.
.P
Dashvara sighed softly. Two weeks. Clearly, he was going to
have the doctor behind him longer than the last time he'd
been resuscitated. He caught Makarva's mocking smile and
rolled his eyes. No choice, then…
.D
.Bdia
Ayshat, Tsu,
.Edia
he pronounced.
.P
The drow, already leaning close to him, looked at him with
his reddish eyes, arched an eyebrow, shrugged his shoulders,
as if to say that there was no need to say thank you, and he
was about to remove the bandage. Dashvara smiled inwardly.
Skâra, what the hell, he thought. If She must bless
someone, then rather than him, She should bless the drow.
.P
.salto
.P
For the next three days, Dashvara did not leave the tower
under Tsu's express orders… and the Captain's. Had Zorvun
guessed that Kuriag might not be the target of this
assassination? Who knows. In any case, as long as Dashvara
was in the tower,
.qt protected
by the Eternal Bird and Skâra, the Xalyas had a sacred
reason to keep the Essimeans from entering and, therefore,
to keep the crypt's weapons within their reach.
.P
So Dashvara played the obedient patient and spent long hours
on top of the tower, looking out over the steppe. He looked
northeast, not toward Xalya, but toward the land of the
Honyrs. Towards his naâsga. At times, he almost thought he
saw her black eyes magically drawn before him. But most of
the time, what he saw were the houses of Aralika, the
vegetable gardens and the bands of horses and flocks of
sheep, perhaps guarded by some Xalya child. The Fadul River,
lined with shrubs and stones, meandered with its clear,
sparkling waters from the northeast. And beyond the river,
halfway between Essimea and Xalya, lay an ocean of rosy and
white shrubs. The Xalyas called it the Death Meadow,
because, four decades ago, they had won a bloody battle
there against the Akinoas. Well… won, that was a way of
speaking, because they had lost more men there than in all
the following decades. Yes, they had managed to save the
Dungeon of Nayul from the savage clutches… only to have it
fall five years later in another battle that had ended in
defeat for the sons of the Eternal Bird. It was said that,
since then, on the meadow, the pink bushes bled brother
blood, and the white ones cried out for vengeance…
.P
.Bpenso
So many senseless deaths.
.Epenso
.P
Silently, Dashvara leaned back in his chair and looked up at
a completely blue sky.
.D
.Bdia
So many senseless deaths,
.Edia
he repeated softly. And what for, in the end? So that the Essimeans
would end up dominating the steppe with the support of a
foreign federation that lived miles away. Was there a more
absurd reality?
.P
The sound of footsteps on the stairs interrupted his
thoughts. He looked down, heard panting, and soon saw the
captain's face, flushed with effort. No sooner had he
arrived than he breathed out:
.D
.Bdia
Devils, Dash… One of these days you'll end up killing me.
.Edia
He exhaled, catching his breath under Dashvara's amused look,
and announced:
.Bdia
I bring news.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stood up, indicating the chair with his left hand:
.D
.Bdia
Age before beauty, Captain.
.Edia
.P
The latter rolled his eyes and, ignoring the invitation,
said:
.D
.Bdia
The Shalussis have taken control of their former villages,
and the Essimeans will send about two-hundred warriors to
claim them back. That would leave that many Essimeans ready to
defend Aralika. It's a good opportunity to leave this city
all together,
.Edia
he asserted.
.Bdia
If we manage to get far enough away, they won't dare follow
us.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded, excited by the prospect.
.D
.Bdia
When are those two hundred going to leave?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Tomorrow,
.Edia
the captain replied.
.Bdia
They probably won't get to Lamasta until the next day… We
can leave during that night and go along the river. If they
turn back to stop us… we'd be in trouble,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
But it wouldn't make sense to turn back and give the
Shalussis more time to organize. This is not a harmless
uprising,
.Edia
he assured.
.Bdia
Zefrek knows what he is doing. I don't know how he managed
it, but apparently he's armed his people to the teeth.
According to Garag, the Dazbonians must have sold them
weapons cheaply. That Federate kept spewing venom against
the Republicans throughout the meal. He even says he'll send
some Ryscodran mercenaries he has in Ergaika to help the
Essimeans crush the rebellion…
.Edia
He shook his head with a grimace of disgust.
.Bdia
I don't like that diplomat at all.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Do the Xalyas know yet?
.Edia
Dashvara asked.
.D
.Bdia
Not the details. I'll fill them in. But I remind you that you
are still the lord, son. You're the one who has to give the
orders.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched a mocking eyebrow.
.D
.Bdia
Aye, sir. I like your plan. Though I still think the corpse
idea wasn't so bad.
.Edia
He smiled broadly and, regaining his seriousness, asked,
.Bdia
What do we do with the weapons from the crypt?
.Edia
.P
The captain pouted.
.D
.Bdia
I suggest we take them out through the tunnel and hide them
in our saddlebags. I don't think it's a good idea to give
them to these boys so soon. Some of them I've instructed a
little in Xalya, and they know the basics… but those under
fourteen, I wouldn't let them have a sword in their hands
unless it was absolutely necessary.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Without a doubt,
.Edia
Dashvara approved.
.P
He scratched his neck nervously, all too aware that this
escape could end in a bloodbath. If they all used the tunnel
to get through, they could get to the outskirts of the city
without anyone seeing them. The disadvantage was that it
would take them at least an hour to get through, if not
more, and they would run the risk of being caught by the
Essimean in one place and killed like dogs. Or of being
surprised by the dawn too early.
.P
He shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
What about your son-in-law?
.Edia
he asked.
.D
.Bdia
Bah,
.Edia
the captain sighed. He dropped into the chair, saying,
.Bdia
The boy is not stupid, but he is more lost than a puppy.
It's a good thing he decided to travel to the steppe before
returning to Titiaka, or else those citizens would have been
all over him from the start.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed, meditative. He hadn't told the Legitimate
about the crypt yet. He had been able to visit it the day
before, borrowing the golden key again under the pretext
that he was
.qt looking for the entrance to Nabakaji's crypt .
Kuriag and
Asmoan, according to Tah, did not suspect that he had
already found it a week ago. And, so far, it had been for
the best. However… hadn't he promised Kuriag Dikaksunora
that he would inform him of all his decisions whenever
possible?
.P
.Bpenso
Well, go ahead and tell him, Dash,
.Epenso
he scoffed.
.Bpenso
Tell him you intend to go with your people through a tunnel
concealed under the Feather. He won't know to do, he'll be
anxious, and in any case, the Essimeans will think him a
complete fool for losing his newly acquired two-hundred
Xalyas so quickly.
.Epenso
.P
In fact, as far as he knew, Kuriag had finally succeeded in
obtaining the Xalyas from Essimea in exchange for a promise to
deny them the right to settle on the steppe as a free
people. The condition was revolting, but Dashvara understood
that it was the best the young elf could come up with to at
least remove his people from Todakwa's power. And he hoped
that, in Kuriag's presence, the Essimeans would think twice
before rushing to attack his new slaves.
.P
.Bpenso
Anyway, you promised him, Dash. You promised to inform him.
.Epenso
.P
And, after all he had done, he deserved a thousand times to
be informed. His Eternal Bird urged Dashvara to talk to Kuriag
Dikaksunora. He had to tell him about the crypt and show it
to him… maybe once they had hidden the weapons? Then there
wouldn't be much left for him to see. Aside from the messy
piles of swords, spears, and shields, and aside from the
hidden tunnel, the crypt seemed all too ordinary: it was
a simple rectangular room with a stone coffin in the middle.
No one had dared touch the lid, not even Dashvara, even
though he had burned an entire candle examining the writings
engraved on it in ancient Oy'vat. Most of them were maxims
that Maloven had repeated to him over and over during his
childhood, but not all of them. One sentence had
particularly stuck with him; it said:
.P
.Bparoles
Death to the man who leads his brothers to certain death.
.Eparoles
.P
These words had robbed him of many hours of sleep, and still
continued to torment him. Every time he recalled them, he
couldn't help but think of his lord father and remember how
he had sent his people to their deaths. But at the same
time, he scoffed at himself, because, on the day Xalya had
fallen, had he not convinced himself that Vifkan of Xalya had
done the right thing, that he had followed his Eternal Bird
in fighting to the death, and that he had instead condemned
his son to a shameful life by forcing him to flee?
.P
How far away those times were now, and yet he kept such a
vivid image of them in his mind… After a silence, he noticed
the Captain's curious look and shook his head with a snort.
.D
.Bdia
Philosopher's worries,
.Edia
he explained.
.P
He turned and leaned on the edge of the tower, this time
looking southeastward to the Shalussi lands. He seemed to
see columns of smoke rising in the distance behind the
hills. Houses on fire? Probably. He hesitated before
deciding to ask:
.D
.Bdia
Do you think our Dahars is still the same as it was,
Captain?
.Edia
.P
He waited with impatience and apprehension for Zorvun's
answer. He heard him rise from the chair, approach, and lean
against the battlements. The captain gazed along with him at
the columns of smoke before finally replying:
.D
.Bdia
In Titiaka, if you remember, you repeated some words Maloven
told you.
.Bqt
It's not the feathers that are important, but the strength
that sustains them.
.Eqt
.Edia
Dashvara faintly smiled, remembering, and the captain
concluded,
.Bdia
Perhaps the feathers have changed a bit… Certainly,
everyone's feather has changed, and that is natural. But the
strength has not changed, Dashvara. It is still the same.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara believed him and nodded, relieved. Zorvun added in
a lighter voice:
.D
.Bdia
You should come downstairs. A real meal will do you good,
and not all that weird food Tsu gives you. You've got your
head in the clouds, so much that you're thinking like a
shaard. And it's not practical to have to climb all those
stairs to visit the Immortal King.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes and stepped away from the niche
with a sigh:
.D
.Bdia
You are right. My head is my undoing. If I could change it,
I'd change it for Maef's. His thoughts, at least, are always
clear.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Too much clear, I'd say,
.Edia
the captain snorted, amused.
.P
As they headed for the stairs, Dashvara said:
.D
.Bdia
I'll talk to Kuriag. We need to let him know we're leaving.
.Edia
.P
The captain grimaced, hesitated, and finally admitted:
.D
.Bdia
I think he already suspects something.
.Edia
At Dashvara's surprised look, he explained briefly,
.Bdia
My daughter. She reads my mind like an open book.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
All the more reason to go talk to him then. We don't want
our master to get upset. Maybe he'll even want to come with
us,
.Edia
he added, very amused.
.P
The captain nodded, a thoughtful twinkle in his eye.
.D
.Bdia
If only that could be true! I would treat him like a son.
.Edia
.P
And so, with a half-felt calm, one perhaps thinking of his
daughter's future, the other of his people's, the two Xalyas
began their descent from the Tower of the Ancient Kings.
.Ch Freedom
What the captain had not anticipated was that Todakwa would
invite Kuriag Dikaksunora to be among the spectators who
would watch as the Essimeans gloriously crushed the Shalussi
revolt. Naturally, Kuriag had felt obliged to accept and had
decided to take the opportunity to send all his new slaves
to the port of Ergaika: he thought he would part with them
halfway while he continued his journey to Lamasta. Dashvara
had heard about it from Api: the Legitimate had not even
felt it necessary to come and inform him directly. The news
had stunned him. Why on earth was Todakwa going to travel
for what he himself had apparently called
.Bqt
a riot of savages with machetes
.Eqt ?
Well, maybe because he wanted to show the Titiaka how
admirably his men put down revolts. In any case, Aralika
awoke very early that morning, and the first rays of the sun
found His Excellency under the morning drizzle, dressed in
brand new sowna scale armor and surrounded by Ragails and
Xalyas. Seeing the bustle of the Great Square from a
loophole in the tower, Dashvara sighed. Why make plans if
they always fell through?
.P
They weren't really going to fall through, anyway: the
escape was still going to happen. Except that instead of
running away from Aralika, they would be running away from a
camp full of soldiers on the alert and armed to the teeth…
.D
.Bdia
Dash!
.Edia
a voice whispered.
.P
Dashvara looked away from the embrasure and saw Miflin waving
at him with a big smile.
.Bpenso
Finally,
.Epenso
he sighed, relieved. They had managed to hide the weapons.
He walked down the stairs to the busy room.
.D
.Bdia
Are they all there?
.Edia
he asked.
.D
.Bdia
Not the bigger shields,
.Edia
the Poet admitted.
.Bdia
Those, we hid in the tunnel, in case one day… you never
know. But there's not a saber left, and the spears are all on
the litter. You're going to be lying on one hell of an
arsenal, cousin,
.Edia
he laughed.
.P
Dashvara glanced at the litter the Xalyas had requested the
day before to carry the injured steppe lord… He wasn't
particularly thrilled about having to travel in a litter
instead of riding Sunrise, but he had to admit that it was a
perfect way to conceal the weapons… It was Lumon's idea: the
Archer always had good ideas. The problem was, the thing was
going to weigh a ton.
.P
Makarva took him by the left shoulder, inviting him to come
closer.
.D
.Bdia
We've put cushions and everything in to make you
comfortable, my lord!
.Edia
his friend cried out with mocking enthusiasm.
.Bdia
You'll be like a king.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes. Well, no choice. He briefly
examined the litter to make sure the weapons were well
camouflaged, then climbed in and sat down with a broad
smile.
.D
.Bdia
Like a princess,
.Edia
he declared.
.P
His assessment generated bursts of laughter, which turned to
grunts as several lifted the palanquin. Orafe called out:
.D
.Bdia
Bah. I would have thought this thing would weigh more.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It was the ogroyes that made him skinny as a spear,
.Edia
Kodarah lamented, jokingly.
.P
Smiling, Dashvara stretched out among the cushions,
listening to his brothers' comments, and he chuckled
good-humoredly:
.D
.Bdia
Forward, my brothers, gallop on! Let us not stay behind, or
the Essimean will think us lazy.
.Edia
.P
His words generated snorts. Sashava replied:
.D
.Bdia
Try to act sick, Dash. If you don't, our people will think
ill of you. Makarva, draw the curtains. It's better if
they don't see him. Let's go, boys.
.Edia
.P
The Grumpy waved his crutch to encourage the troop, the tower
doors opened, and the litter went out. Hidden in his
comfortable palanquin, Dashvara concentrated on the sounds
he heard: horses' breaths and hooves, voices, shouted
orders… Aralika's exit was endless. At one point, he tried to
look out, and someone slapped him.
.Sm -t penso Devils ,
he sighed.
.P
After crossing the river, the going was terribly monotonous.
Fortunately Dashvara had borrowed a box of books from Kuriag
Dikaksunora. He had started one on the history of the
University of Titiaka, but he soon got bored and moved on to
another volume. This one told of the life of a religious
order of Cili who sent missionaries to places as far away as
the Northern Empire of Iskamangra… He was not particularly
interested in the subject, but at least, he understood it,
and he read on, comfortably ensconced in his princess bunk
as his brothers carried him off… All for the sake of those
spears!
.P
The thought of having all the surviving Xalya people
following the litter moved him so much that he regularly
interrupted his reading, and more than once, he stopped
himself at the last moment from opening the curtains to make
sure his people were alive and on their way to freedom.
.P
Or to death.
.P
He gritted his teeth in exasperation.
.P
.Bpenso
Well, you're going to damn well encourage your people with
such thoughts, Dash. Read your missionaries and stop
thinking.
.Epenso
.P
He followed his own advice and found himself finally
captivated by the lives of these Cilian clerics who were
landing in distant lands without even knowing what they
would find. At noon, they took a break, and Tsu's dark hand reached
between the curtains to feed him. Ogroyes. Dashvara swallowed
with a grimace that turned into a small smile when he saw
that, on the other side, a human hand had slipped a generous
piece of cheese inside the litter. He ate the whole thing,
and then took a nap like a good Xalya. When he woke up, they
had already started walking again, and a heavy rain was
pounding against the ground. Ideal for an escape, Dashvara
grumbled inwardly: they would slip and sprawl every two
steps, and the Essimeans would get them back muddy,
exhausted and ridiculed.
.P
.Bpenso
Liadirlá… sometimes I wish I could stop thinking.
.Epenso
.P
He received a drop of water on the top of his head and
looked up. The canvas above was not completely waterproof,
apparently. Soon the drops turned into a steady stream and
Dashvara had to change places and put all the books back in
the box. After putting on his blue hood, he waited, getting
wetter and wetter. Then the wind began to blow and, in a
gust, the canvas flew away. Dashvara could not hold back a
loud burst of laughter. Orafe grunted, Miflin clicked his
tongue, and a Xalya child shouted through the crashing rain:
.D
.Bdia
The lord! I see the lord!
.Edia
.P
Dashvara felt hundreds of eyes turn towards him. He gave
them an emotional smile and a bow of the head. He couldn't
see their reactions very well because of the rain, and to
his disappointment, his brothers were quick: they quickly
retrieved the main canvas and put it back without almost
having to stop.
.P
When they camped for the night it had stopped raining, but
the wind continued to blow stubbornly. Someone drew aside
the curtain soon after the litter was laid, and Dashvara
called out in Oy'vat:
.D
.Bdia
You guys are not going to leave me locked up here all night,
are you? I'm as wet as a fish.
.Edia
He swallowed his words as he recognized Kuriag.
.Bdia
Oh, Excellency,
.Edia
he snorted in the Common Tongue.
.P
Careful not to move his right arm, he stepped out of the
litter box and straightened. Kuriag cleared his throat, took
a quick glance at the Xalyas who were watching him out of
the corner of their eyes while going about their tasks, and
said:
.D
.Bdia
I need to talk to you seriously.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Of course,
.Edia
Dashvara agreed. And, noticing the captain's annoyed pout,
he cried out loudly,
.Bdia
I feel much better right now than I did this morning. If I
keep on staying in here like a man at death's door, I'll end
up dying for good. Of boredom.
.Edia
.P
No one protested. After all, what really mattered was to get
the litter out. Pretending to be sicker than he was did not
help dispel the suspicions of the Essimeans, nor did it
contribute to the morale of the Xalyas. And the latter was
fundamental. So he tried to keep himself upright, strong,
and serene…
.Bpenso
As did my lord father,
.Epenso
he thought wryly.
.P
As his tent was not yet set up, the elf pointed to one of
the many desert hills in that area, and they both walked
away, watched by both the Xalyas and the Essimeans. As soon
as they were out of range of prying ears, Kuriag blurted
out:
.D
.Bdia
I know you'll try to leave. I don't know how or where to,
but I know it. And I warn you that the Essimean know it too.
.Edia
.P
He almost sounded apologetic. Dashvara shrugged and grunted
in pain as he moved his arm. He replied:
.D
.Bdia
Fantastic. Everyone knows it and everyone knows that
everyone knows it. What's the big deal?
.Edia
.P
The Legitimate frowned, and Dashvara smiled as he concluded:
.D
.Bdia
You listen to your Eternal Bird, Kuriag, without knowing it.
Know that you are helping us escape. Otherwise, you would
have split us up and had Garag escort the unarmed Xalyas
directly to Ergaika. But you didn't. It is you who is
leading us to escape, Excellency. And yet,
.Edia
he shook his head sadly,
.Bdia
you are still a prisoner of your obligations. You must
maintain your family's reputation, its trade agreements… and
continue to support the Essimean people your father
supported. But you could also do something different. I've
been thinking about it for the last few days, and I'm
certain now that Todakwa will never in a million years let
the Xalyas settle freely on the steppe. Still, we want to stay.
So… we will fight to stay. And we will not lose. Not if we
can ally ourselves with the Shalussis and the Akinoas and
get the support of the Honyrs. Essimea will tremble,
.Edia
he asserted in a low, deep voice.
.Bdia
Don't look at me like that, Kuriag. My Eternal Bird hates
war. It really hates it. But this is not a war. This is a
fight for our clan. For our steppe and our freedom. I don't
want to shed any more blood, except perhaps Todakwa's, but
it is what it is, Excellency. I cannot change the twisted
ways of the Essimean. And I cannot give up freedom. So, in
the midst of so much absurdity, I choose hope. I choose
swords, Excellency. And now… it's up to you to decide whose
side you're on.
.Edia
The elf looked at him with wide eyes. Dashvara concluded,
.Bdia
Todakwa has betrayed the truce he made with my father. He is
a traitor. And there is no dishonor in betraying a traitor.
If you help us… if you prevent Titiaka from intervening, I
swear on my life that once peace is won, I'll give my
Eternal Bird into your hands. I know I owe it to you.
.Edia
.P
He cleared his throat, moved his arm unintentionally again,
and cursed under his breath. Kuriag's expression was one of
fear, sadness and bitterness.
.D
.Bdia
You don't owe me anything,
.Edia
he said finally in a whisper.
.Bdia
You saved my life.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara remembered the murderess and pouted. No, he hadn't
actually saved him, but, at that moment, he thought not to
disabuse him.
.Bpenso
You're worse than an Essimean snake, Dash…
.Epenso
.D
.Bdia
Maybe,
.Edia
he replied.
.Bdia
Or maybe not. Who knows whom that steppian was aiming at,
Excellency.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag straightened up, stunned.
.D
.Bdia
You mean she wanted to kill
.Sm you ?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No idea,
.Edia
Dashvara admitted.
.Bdia
Anyway, what does it matter now. I'm alive, you're alive: it
remains to be seen which side you want to live on.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag bit his cheek, nervous.
.D
.Bdia
I see… In that case…
.Edia
He scratched his head.
.Bdia
I don't know, Dashvara, I'm in a tight spot here. I wanted
to visit dungeons, I wanted to see the ancient monuments of
the Ancient Kings… But Lessi is right. The sajits here are
no better than in Titiaka.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara wondered if he meant him or others. He wisely
did not ask. He understood that Kuriag needed time to
decide whether he should send the Essimeans to hell—along
with his family's agreements—or whether he
should follow the straight and narrow, which Atasiag would
most likely advise. The problem was that they had no time
left.
.D
.Bdia
The Shalussis,
.Edia
Kuriag said then, absorbed. He looked up at Dashvara with
troubled eyes.
.Bdia
You say you're going to ally with them?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara couldn't help but glance around uncomfortably
before nodding.
.D
.Bdia
That's the plan. Let's just say… that's what the Captain,
Lumon and I thought we'd do. We haven't told the others yet.
I don't know how they'll take it. But it's the best escape
route, and certainly the Essimean won't expect it: the
Shalussis have always been our sworn enemies. This is our
best bet,
.Edia
he assured.
.Bdia
The Honyr lands are too far away. We don't have enough
horses. The Essimeans would have us surrounded before we got
there.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag moistened his lips.
.D
.Bdia
What if the Shalussis don't want to join forces?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
If Zefrek is leading the rebellion, he will ally himself. I
have no doubt of that.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag nodded, breathed in, then out, saying:
.D
.Bdia
Then… I wish you luck, Dashvara of Xalya. But, as I told you
once before, I disapprove of any conflict. I will disapprove
of you using weapons. And I will disapprove of the Essimeans
using theirs. I may be ingenuous in saying this, but I'd
rather be so than have my hands stained with blood. I am
fully convinced of that. Lessi too,
.Edia
he added with a faint smile.
.Bdia
She and I have the same worldview. The same Eternal Bird.
But I know that not everyone is fortunate enough to be able
to keep an Eternal Bird so intact. So… may Cili
guide your soul, Dashvara. You are free.
.Edia
.P
For a moment, Dashvara nodded without fully grasping the
meaning of these last words. Then he arched an eyebrow.
.D
.Bdia
Free?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I'm setting you free,
.Edia
Kuriag asserted, getting a little flustered.
.Bdia
I don't know who that murderess wanted to kill, but it
doesn't matter. You stepped in. And that's a strong reason
to set you free. No one can deny that. Even though… I
suppose you already considered yourself a free man, anyway.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
I will not feel free until my people are effectively free.
But that doesn't just depend on you, Kuriag. It depends on
this,
.Edia
he gave the pommel of the sword a firm tap,
.Bdia
and also on my ability to raise the spirits of a broken
people,
.Edia
he admitted with a chill.
.P
Kuriag made a muffled sound. The young elf was now showing a
distant attitude, as if he already imagined that this whole
thing was going to end badly, yet he didn't dare prevent
Dashvara from throwing himself headlong into hell either.
.D
.Bdia
I understand,
.Edia
the Legitimate muttered.
.Bdia
I suppose that… it's better that I don't know any more than
this. As a matter of fact, I already know too much.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara hesitated.
.D
.Bdia
Indeed,
.Edia
he conceded. He reached into his pocket and handed him back
the golden key.
.Bdia
Asmoan was right. There is a crypt beneath the Feather. It
opens from the pedestal of the Eternal Bird. You will find
down there the tomb of the first shaard of the steppe. On it…
you will be able to read wise words that will surely be to
your liking, Excellency.
.Edia
Kuriag looked at him in amazement. The Xalya took a step
back.
.Bdia
Know that… you will always be welcome in my clan, if one day
you return in search of dungeons and Eternal Birds…
.Edia
he smiled,
.Bdia
or even if you wish to stay forever. You know. Our Dahars is
not so different from yours, I assure you.
.Edia
There was a silence, and before Kuriag could replied, Dashvara
said:
.Bdia
Good night, Excellency.
.Edia
.P
He didn't give him time to answer either: he bowed his head
respectfully, turned around and went back to the Xalyas'
camp. The sky was darkening fast, and by the time he ate his
dinner, it was already completely dark. Luck was on their
side: there would be no Gems, no Moon, and no Candles to
light the Essimeans that night. Only the stars.
.P
During the meal, Dashvara glanced at his people, and they
glanced back at him, as if waiting for him to do something…
to tell them something, perhaps? And what could he
tell them? That they should have courage? That now that he
was here, he would save them all? Ha, that couldn't be
more pretentious.
.P
His brothers had been more effective in reconnecting with
the lost people. Miflin and Kodarah had been reunited with
their mother, Sedrios with his grandson, Lumon with his
bride, and Kaldaka with his son… All of them had been
reunited with relatives, Dashvara included. But for some
stupid reason, instead of going to them, he sat there,
increasingly nervous and sure that if he opened his mouth,
he would give his people the image of a mad philosopher and
not a capable leader. Interrupting his crisis of confidence,
Zorvun said:
.D
.Bdia
Go talk to them, Dashvara. I think they need it as much as
you do.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara didn't require to be told twice; nevertheless, when he
got up, he opted to approach them in a roundabout way,
without entering directly into the midst of his people.
.D
.Bdia
You're prowling around us like you don't know if we're
nadres or sheep,
.Edia
a voice suddenly scoffed.
.P
Dashvara turned, and in the light of the torches, he saw a
young Xalya who, though seven years younger, looked
surprisingly like him. He laughed and exclaimed in
disbelief:
.D
.Bdia
Eternal Bird, Tinan, my brother!
.Edia
.P
They were not blood brothers, but they had grown up together
in the dungeon despite the age difference. Tinan, as the son
of an officer, had started patrolling with Zorvun at a young
age, and Dashvara considered him just another little
brother. They wanted to shake hands, but they ran into a
silly problem: Dashvara still had his right arm in a splint
and Tinan had his left arm amputated. They rolled their
eyes, and Dashvara patted him hard on the shoulder, assuring:
.D
.Bdia
More like nadres than sheep. You have no idea how
intimidating an entire camp of Xalyas can be. Terrifying.
.Edia
.P
Tinan smiled broadly, and so did those beside him.
From then on, Dashvara ceased to shy away and immersed
himself in the midst of his people; he shook vigorous hands,
ruffled the hair of curious children, and answered all sorts
of questions:
.D
.Bdia
It's almost healed already, thank you,
.Edia
he assured, speaking of his arm.
.Bdia
Diumcili? Bah. Well, the others must have told you already.
A country of civilized people. The boat trip was the worst
part. Ah,
.Edia
he smiled as he heard someone mention his two deaths,
.Bdia
the resurrections, yeah, what an odd story, huh? It all started
with the red snake I killed in Nanda's village. Since then,
its spirit has been stalking me. But I left the evil spirits
in the Feather for good… And now the Eternal Bird is smiling
on me. But tell me how those years with the Essimeans went.
.Edia
.P
The mere mention of their former masters made many of them
gloomy. The stories poured in, and Dashvara listened to
them. Most of the surviving Xalyas had been enslaved first
by the Akinoas and Shalussis and sold almost immediately to
the Essimean in exchange for food, horses and gold… gold for the
incorrigible Shalussis. The abuse of their masters, the work
in the mines, the prohibitions, the dehumanization that his
people had suffered during those three years outraged him
to the point he could not contain his grunts and cursing.
.D
.Bdia
They whipped my brother Namozara to death,
.Edia
interjected a youth of about twelve, in the Common Tongue.
.D
.Bdia
Not Namozara, no: he died on his own,
.Edia
a cousin of Dashvara's replied.
.Bdia
They left him halfway between Xalya and Aralika because he
couldn't walk any further.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Because they had riddled him with lashes,
.Edia
the kid insisted.
.Bdia
And, when we arrived, nineteen died in the name of Skâra.
Isn't that right? All because we are Xalyas. Because we are
the cursed people.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
We're not cursed, Youk,
.Edia
the cousin replied.
.D
.Bdia
The priests say otherwise,
.Edia
the boy retorted.
.Bdia
And they say that that's why we don't have a dungeon
anymore. And that Skâra—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
And do you believe everything the black-tunics tell you,
kid?
.Edia
Miflin scoffed.
.P
The child raised his head, looking at him with confusion.
.D
.Bdia
No?
.Edia
.P
He said it hesitantly, as if questioning. The adult
Xalyas gasped, Miflin gave Youk a friendly knock, and
Dashvara shook his head in concern. How successful had the
Essimeans been at indoctrinating Xalya children? From what
he'd been told, during those three years, everyone who
worked in the city had to attend at least one daily
oration in honor of Skâra or face punishment. And it was
clear that, for Youk, Skâra was not a foreign deity. Perhaps
she was now even more familiar to him than the concept of
the Dahars. Just thinking about it made him shudder.
.D
.Bdia
Cursed, yeah, perhaps we are,
.Edia
Miflin's mother then let out bitterly.
.Bdia
May Vifkan of Xalya still be alive! His death has taken the
lives of us all.
.Edia
.P
Several nodded darkly, and sitting down with his people,
Dashvara… kept silent. Let's face it, could he claim to
replace his lord father? No. He didn't have the same
charisma or experience. He was, in truth, simply a slightly
educated soldier who had spent his life thinking and not
commanding, doubting and not deciding. He knew he could not
inspire the same confidence as the previous steppe lord. And
yet… He noticed the Captain's watchful gaze from the other
side of the circle, and he understood… he understood that,
despite everything, his people wanted someone to take the
reins. And the power of tradition demanded that it be him.
He cleared his throat and stood up. His movement silenced
the conversations and a respectful, appraising silence
settled among the Xalyas. Dashvara cleared his throat again.
Liadirlá, he frankly was not made for this… He finally spoke
up:
.D
.Bdia
Xalyas. I wanted to tell you that… I'm glad to see you all
at last and… Look, I'm not going to lie to you: I know I
lack experience. I'm not like my lord father, and I
certainly don't intend to be either. Be that as it may, be
sure that, as Xalya, I desire more than anything else the
good of our people. That's why I ask you… I just ask you to
trust my decisions and those of the captain. Our goal is not
to send you to Death, but to Life.
.Edia
.P
There was a silence, and Dashvara tried not to fidget.
.Bpenso
There you go, Dash, rushing in demanding their trust when
you've only just met them again. The perfect leader. It
shows that you're your father's son…
.Epenso
.P
Then Tinan intervened in a firm and fervent voice:
.D
.Bdia
Even if it were to my death, I would follow you, my lord. In
Aralika, we lost everything. Even our dignity. Death doesn't
scare me. I only want revenge.
.Edia
.P
This immediately generated a vehement wave of support and
confidence. With some unease, Dashvara wondered where this
support was directed, to him or to Tinan.
.P
.Bpenso
Revenge,
.Epenso
he repeated to himself with a shudder.
.P
That one word oozed all the pain of the vexations
suffered during those three years. It oozed hope.
.P
.Bpenso
And blood, Dash. Your people are thirsty of blood.
.Epenso
.P
But hey, being realistic, wasn't he himself? He hesitated and
said to himself: no. Yes, he wished to stay in the steppe,
he wished to be done with the Essimean kingdom and with
Todakwa. He wished for justice to be done. But he was not
willing to send his people to their deaths for it.
.P
However, this was not the right time to try to calm the
spirits. It was good that they were heated: it would have
been worse if they were downcast and discouraged. So he
simply replied in a loud voice:
.D
.Bdia
The Eternal Bird is flying again for all of us, and with
your help, I will do everything I can to make sure it does
not fall again.
.Edia
As he saw that many were nodding, he concluded,
.Bdia
And now rest and be ready to go. We will distribute the
weapons as arranged. Do not show them and, by the Eternal
Bird, do not use them without express permission. To do
so might send us all to the grave.
.Edia
.P
He glanced at the faces barely lit by the torchlight. They
all looked so young… including most of the women that had
been spared by the Essimeans. Very few of them knew how to
wield a sword, and yet Dashvara saw not a single face that
expressed fear: after three years of slavery, they were
eager to embark on any path that would lead them to freedom.
.P
He bowed his head, and instead of sitting back down, he left
the circle, which quickly scattered. Makarva soon joined him,
calling out:
.D
.Bdia
You're not doing as bad as you think, Dash.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes. His friend had always had this uncanny
ability to guess his brothers' state of mind, and his own
more than anyone else's.
.D
.Bdia
If you say so,
.Edia
Dashvara replied, rubbing his neck.
.Bdia
So, are you ready for the ride?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Of course,
.Edia
Makarva assured with a slight sigh.
.P
The plan was simple: they would take advantage of the
darkness of the night to escape, without forgetting to show
that they were armed so that the Essimeans would think twice
before attacking them and prefer to wait until dawn to do
so. In the meantime, Makarva and Alta would ride to Lamasta,
ask to see Zefrek of Shalussi and offer him the support of
the Xalyas if he would grant them refuge behind his lines in
exchange. And, if he did not accept… they would always have
the option of continuing east, leaving the Shalussi between
them and the Essimean. What he knew for certain was that
Zefrek would not fight the Xalyas when he had a stronger
enemy at his doorstep.
.P
They barely spoke for the next two hours. The Essimean
watchers passed around the Xalya camp more and more often.
The Ragails had settled in front of Kuriag Dikaksunora's
tent, and while some were sleeping, others were only
pretending to do so.
.P
.Bpenso
Everyone is waiting.
.Epenso
.P
Lying on his cloak by the litter box, Dashvara glanced down
at his bag. It was almost empty. Who knows where Tahisran
was now. Probably in the Agoskurian's tent, chatting with
Api: those two got along just fine.
.P
Only the crackle of torches and the wind broke the silence
as Atok crept up beside him and whispered:
.D
.Bdia
Everything is in order, my lord.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded, stopped fiddling with the pommel of
Siranaga's sword, and without further hesitation stood up.
The Xalyas followed suit, and almost simultaneously, the
torches around the Xalya camp went out. Darkness enveloped
them almost completely as they grabbed their packs, weapons
and reins and headed east. The alarm was immediately raised.
.P
First, there was a shout in Galka, then someone blew the war
horn. It was a sound so startling and so powerful that for a
moment Dashvara feared that the Essimean would risk fighting
them in the dead of night. Perhaps they had light spells
like those of the Ragails. He had not thought of that, but
in any case, he had no alternative but to continue to move
away, so he bellowed to his people:
.D
.Bdia
Don't stay back! Move forward. And silently.
.Edia
.P
The flight turned into a breathless race. Dashvara, now
riding Sunrise, was watching for movement in the Essimean
camp. The warriors had already formed a defensive line, but
for the moment, they did not seem to want to launch an
attack. As for the Ragails, he did not see them anywhere.
Captain Djamin must have stayed near the Legitimate.
.P
They went down the hill, and more than one stumbled and fell
in the mud, but all of them got back to their feet. The
younger ones had been
ordered to stay in the lead; the armed Xalyas led the way,
some on foot, others perched on their mounts. The horses,
disturbed by the sound of the alarm, unaccustomed to riding
at night, stirred and snorted, but nothing a veteran rider
could not handle. Alta and the Honyrs had done an excellent
job in choosing them.
.P
The first Xalyas were already reaching the next hill when
Dashvara saw a horse ride through the lines of torches in
the camp and into the night, towards them. He arched his
eyebrows. An Essimean messenger, perhaps? It didn't look
like one, the way it galloped… Then he understood and
muttered:
.D
.Bdia
What an idiot! His horse will end up twisting a leg.
.Edia
.P
It was Api, no doubt. When the young demon caught up with
them, Alta had to step in and grab and pull the reins to
bring the mount to a stop. The boy called out cheerfully:
.D
.Bdia
Mawer, I'm not doing so bad, did you see?
.Edia
.P
Alta grumbled something about unconscious riders.
Approaching on Sunrise, Dashvara ranted at the demon:
.D
.Bdia
Exactly what are you doing, boy?
.Edia
.P
All they needed now was that the Essimeans rushed in on
them under the pretext of retrieving the young man. He could
not see his face, but he guessed that he was smiling when he
replied:
.D
.Bdia
I carry a shadow. I am curious to know: where are you going?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked up at the starry sky and grumbled:
.D
.Bdia
That is our business.
.Edia
He glanced around the Essimean camp again and called out:
.Bdia
Alta, Mak! You may leave. They don't seem to want to attack,
and the sooner you leave, the sooner we can get help.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
If we manage to get any,
.Edia
Makarva muttered. He obviously didn't like the plan to go to
the Shalussis, but Dashvara knew that he and Alta would make
the best diplomats of all. At least, unlike the others, they
were able to control their impulses.
.P
As the two Xalyas waved and trotted off into the night, Api
mused:
.D
.Bdia
Getting help, huh? The Honyrs are close, then.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed.
.D
.Bdia
I'd head back to camp if I were you, Api. This is not a
game. If the Essimeans catch you in the middle, they are
capable of mistaking you for a Xalya and ripping your head
off.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Thrilling!
.Edia
Api retorted with obvious mockery.
.Bdia
If you'll allow me, great immortal lord, I'll stand by your
side and watch over your shadow. What do you say?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed again.
.D
.Bdia
How ridiculous. Tahisran can take care of himself. I'll say
it again: for your sake, go back to camp,
.Edia
he growled at him.
.P
He spurred Sunrise and started down the next hill. After a
moment, he turned and thought he saw the figure of Api,
following the troop. He suppressed a swearword that turned
into a sharp sigh. Damn demons.
.P
For the next hour the progress became more regular. No one,
not even the youngest children, made a single complaint.
They walked in silence up and down the barren hills of the
ancient lands of Lifdor, barely lit by the stars.
.P
The Xalya horsemen followed the advance from afar, forming a
wide circle around it to ensure that no Essimean detachment
would take them by surprise. It would not have been so
unlikely that the Essimean would have sent their cavalry to
surround them. However, time passed, and no one raised an
alarm. That was not surprising either. All in all, Todakwa
could at most offer to retrieve the lost slaves, but he
would not dare slaughter them. Not without Kuriag's prior
permission. And Dashvara knew perfectly well that the
Legitimate would never give such permission.
.P
Even so, Todakwa could also take action without Kuriag's
knowledge. He was an Essimean. He was a treacherous snake.
And Dashvara was suspicious. That's why, even if allying
with the Shalussis meant committing to a camp, he still
thought it was safer than crossing half the steppe with
two-hundred people without sufficient food and horses… The
Essimean would just have to wait until they were weakened,
then appear and sacrifice them to their cursed god without
telling anything to the Titiaka good master.
.P
They advanced eastward, with the objective of deceiving the
Essimean's surveillance and making them believe that they
were heading for Xalya. After a while, however, the captain
ordered a change of direction to the south. Now Dashvara was
walking with his people, pulling the reins of Sunrise. His
right arm was burning. Tsu's ointments barely numbed the
pain, and only the darkness managed to hide his strained
face.
.D
.Bdia
My lord,
.Edia
a voice came from his left. Dashvara turned his head.
.Bdia
Can I ask why we are heading south?
.Edia
.P
It was young Tinan. Dashvara silently cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
You can. We are heading south because there is an ally
there.
.Edia
.P
There was silence.
.D
.Bdia
An… ally?
.Edia
Tinan hesitated.
.D
.Bdia
That's right, an ally,
.Edia
Dashvara asserted casually.
.Bdia
Zefrek of Shalussi, son of Nanda of Shalussi.
.Edia
.P
His answer generated gasps and murmurs. They already knew
the story of Nanda's murder and had recently been told about the
reunion with Zefrek on Matswad Island… but until then, they
had no idea that he and the captain were leading them to
Lamasta. More than one must have thought: now I understand
where Alta and Makarva have gone. And others must have
thought: now I understand why our new lord said he was not
like Vifkan of Xalya. Tinan inhaled sharply.
.D
.Bdia
A Shalussi,
.Edia
he spat in a trembling voice.
.Bdia
The Shalussis killed us in Xalya too. They threw stones at
you in Aralika! They are savages. They are enemies.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara felt as if he were hearing himself a few years
back. Liadirlá, how these words now seemed ingenuous. In
any case, the young Xalya's strong protest displeased him.
He replied:
.D
.Bdia
They
.Sm were
enemies. Times are changing, Tinan. They too have been
enslaved. You yourself have had to cohabit with them, I
bet. And you must have seen… they are not demons.
.Edia
.P
An amused murmur was heard: a little further on, Api
muttered something in a low voice, perhaps to Tahisran. In a
muffled voice, Tinan protested:
.D
.Bdia
But… excuse me, my lord, but why don't we go north, to the
Steppe Thieves people? The captain said they would help us.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara sighed loudly.
.D
.Bdia
I'm sure they will. But, for now, they are too far away for us to
do so, given our situation, sîzan. The Shalussis are our
best option. The captain thinks so too, these are not
delusions of mine, rest assured.
.Edia
.P
He couldn't help the hint of exasperation in his voice. It
annoyed him that Tinan would try to question his decisions,
not so much because it made him lose credit and legitimacy
with his people, but because it only added doubt to the
mountain of doubt he already had in his head. As if guessing
that his intervention was not welcome, Tinan cleared his
throat.
.D
.Bdia
All right, my lord. I was only trying to understand.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara pouted in the darkness, both embarrassed and
mocking. Had he said
.qt all right ?
Had he? He couldn't remember any of his lord father's
officers ever saying
.qt all right
to his lord father, as if he could disagree.
.P
.Bpenso
A thousand demons, Dash, you pay attention to truly
ridiculous details… You who didn't want to be a lord, now
you're going to take offense because you're treated more
like a brother than a steppe lord? Liadirlá, stop trying to
imitate Vifkan, get off your pedestal, and be glad that young
Xalya is willing to consider a Shalussi as an ally… That's
already quite a feat.
.Epenso
.P
He shook his head and finally answered:
.D
.Bdia
I know, sîzan. And I would have explained it to you all
better… if we hadn't had the Essimeans spying on us. Don't
worry. Everything will be all right.
.Edia
.P
The conversation ended there. There were still murmurs among
the Xalyas, but none of them objected further. It was almost
surprising. Was it because they were too tired? Or was it
because they didn't have such blind hatred for the Shalussis
after all? Unless it was because they were used to being
commanded and wanted to trust him and the captain. A mixture
of all that, perhaps.
.P
They went on for hours under the starry sky. They passed a
barn and a slope full of bushes, but other than that, the
path they took was simple: they just kept going straight on,
sometimes crossing flat areas, other times small hills with
more or less even ground. In the immensity of this space,
one could only hear the murmurs of the wind and the furtive
steps of two hundred Xalyas.
.P
They were crossing a great plain, and the sentries had drawn
nearer, seeing no danger, when they suddenly saw a light in
the darkness. Dashvara was not the first to see it, because
not only had he dismounted but he was also still a little
weak, his arm was hurting more with every movement, and all
in all, his mind was not very keen or attentive to what was
going on around. He was even beginning to feel dizzy. If
only that assassin had been less deft and his arrow had
reached Todakwa…
.P
He looked up when he heard the captain's voice thunder:
.D
.Bdia
Halt!
.Edia
.P
Dashvara frowned, stopped with the others, and felt his legs
wobble. He breathed in, gritted his teeth, and since Sunrise
was carrying two half-asleep children and he didn't dare
mount without help anyway, he left the reins in a random hand
and walked up to the head of the line to see what was going
on.
.P
Then he saw the light, in the distance. To the southeast, he
determined, after glancing at the constellations. In fact,
there were several lights.
.D
.Bdia
… barn,
.Edia
Lumon's voice was saying from atop his mount.
.Bdia
There are too many lights.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Devils, and they're coming!
.Edia
Pik hissed.
.P
There was a silence during which the Xalyas watched the
lights, then Lumon asked:
.D
.Bdia
How do you know they are approaching? I don't see it so
clearly,
.Edia
he admitted.
.D
.Bdia
It's dark, that's why,
.Edia
Miflin joked.
.Bdia
If you can't see, Archer, we cannot either.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I feel like they're coming too,
.Edia
Kodarah interjected.
.P
There were murmurs, some approving, some not. Dashvara
unintentionally hit the side of a horse and gasped in pain.
Liadirlá… The Poet called out:
.D
.Bdia
Dash? Are you around here? I can't see anything…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Down here,
.Edia
Dashvara answered, exhaling and cursing his arm.
.Bdia
I can't see much either, and even less from below. Maybe it
would be a good idea for someone to approach the hills;
hopefully they'll manage to find out more from up there…
Lumon?
.Edia
.P
The Archer immediately replied:
.D
.Bdia
I'm going.
.Edia
.P
He spurred his horse and rode off into the darkness. They
waited with impatience and exhaustion.
.P
.Bpenso
If it's the Essimean, we're in big trouble. If it's the
Shalussis… maybe not so much.
.Epenso
.P
Dashvara tried not to give vent to either his hope or his
enormous doubts. Then the captain broke the silence by
saying:
.D
.Bdia
They're coming. And fast.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded. That was his impression, too. The problem
was that they didn't have time to run for the hills. So he
bellowed orders to create a line with those who carried
spears or swords, and the children and unarmed moved
behind. By the time Lumon returned, the distant lights had
become torches and a thunder of hooves was heading straight
for them.
.D
.Bdia
There are about forty of them!
.Edia
the Archer informed, stopping his mount.
.P
More than one gasped, and muffled voices rose among the
Xalyas. Forty, he said forty, they repeated. Forty horsemen.
Dashvara could feel the anxiety of his people growing by the
second. There were about eighty of them armed, but most of
them had never fought in their lives.
.P
They waited, their hearts clenched; then, amid a flood of
tension, Sashava the Grumpy declared:
.D
.Bdia
The sky is beginning to clear.
.Edia
.P
It was true. The sky to the east was no longer as dark as it
had been a moment ago. And this allowed them to see the
light-colored coats and leather helmets of the approaching
horsemen. They were not wearing Essimean uniforms. Dashvara
smiled with pure relief, and the captain murmured:
.D
.Bdia
Shalussis.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded. They were Shalussis. And the best news was
that they were carrying a black flag as their standard. Not
white, but black. The color of peace.
.Ch Rebels
They barely exchanged words with the Shalussi riders, one of
whom informed them that they were patrolling the area and
had been ordered to escort them to Lamasta. Makarva was
accompanying them, and he added details. Apparently, Alta had
stayed behind to arrange for the arrival of the Xalyas after
Zefrek had promised that they would be welcomed. Orafe
couldn't help but comment aloud:
.D
.Bdia
Well, I hope this Shalussi knows that I'll rip out his eyes,
tongue and head if he sets a trap for us. In that order.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
And so will I, by the Liadirlá!
.Edia
Maef approved.
.P
Both of them were met with a glare from the captain, a
grimace from Dashvara, and an offended expression from the
savages… Realizing that he had not been able to hold his
tongue, Orafe stirred, coughed, and looked away, crossing
his arms nervously. Maef, on the other hand, remained quiet:
he was probably thinking it was just his heart that had
spoken, after all. Dashvara sighed.
.P
.Bpenso
And this is Xalya diplomacy at its finest…
.Epenso
.P
They were exhausted, but as no one was particularly keen on
sleeping between two armies, they continued their march,
escorted by the Shalussi patrol. They arrived at Lamasta in
the middle of the afternoon, worn out and with only one
thought in mind: to sleep and not to open their eyes until
the next morning. And that's what they all did. Dashvara the
first. Since when was a Xalya able to close his eyes and
sleep with an armed Shalussi only a few steps away? Well…
sometimes fatigue put the most ancestral enmities to sleep.
So, after settling down half-awake in a shelter with a more
or less waterproof roof, the Xalyas let the savages watch
over them and their horses.
.P
Dashvara woke up to the sound of birds cooing. He opened his
eyes and found himself face to face with a pigeon. It was
enclosed in a small circular cage. A child, perhaps of
Shivara's age, crouched beside it, trying to stroke the
bird's feathers by running a finger between the bars, his
expression very attentive. The rest of the Xalyas, for the
most part, were already awake.
.P
.Bpenso
And the lord of the steppe sleeps like a lazy bodun.
.Epenso
.P
Dashvara rubbed his eyes, glanced at his arm, and saw that
Tsu had changed his bandage while he was asleep. He had
slept so soundly that, if an Essimean horse had come along
and trampled him, he would not have even noticed.
.P
He straightened up on the dirt floor of the shelter, scanned
the area, and noticed a group of Xalya children standing
nearby glancing at him curiously. Not at him, he realized,
but at his arm with the rolled-up sleeve. At the three marks
he wore. He gave them a comical pout, and gesturing to his
marks, he said casually:
.D
.Bdia
Nice tattoos, right? Good morning, kids.
.Edia
.P
They answered him with a certain shyness, as if they did not
dare to speak to him. Dashvara rolled his eyes, and after
glancing around and making sure that all seemed to be
relatively peaceful in the village, he spotted the plate of
ogroyes, winced, and let out:
.D
.Bdia
If anyone manages to find me something edible for lunch,
I'll tell you a story that only the descendants of the
Eternal Bird remember today.
.Edia
.P
To his delight, they hurried to find him something to eat
besides the ogroyes, and after settling down in front of this
group of children, he began to tell the story of the wolf
wanted by his brothers, the same story he had told Atasiag
in Titiaka in the autumn, except that this time he told it
with more theatrical effect, adding dialogue and
onomatopoeia. He managed to elicit laughter and expressions
of delight and amazement even from the older ones, who must
have heard the tale more than once. He ended with this:
.D
.Bdia
Then the lone wolf thought: Liadirlá, how lucky they found
me! And, for the first time in years, he howled with his
brothers, AWOOOOOO!
.Edia
As the children burst out laughing at his demonstration, he
raised an index finger.
.Bdia
In the language of the wolves, that means: long live the
pack! And he howled again: AWOOOOOOO! Which means… You
already know that: Dignity, Trust and…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Fraternity!
.Edia
several cried, glad to know the end.
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
You too are Xalya wolves,
.Edia
he concluded.
.Bdia
Did you like the story?
.Edia
.P
Yes, they had liked it, and they showed it with big smiles
and a loud uproar interspersed with more or less successful
howls. Makarva came up to him with a half-mocking,
half-amused expression.
.D
.Bdia
They're starting to take on Xalya manners,
.Edia
he commented, pointing to the noisy children with his chin,
and resumed in a lower but no less quiet voice,
.Bdia
By the way, Dash. Just you know, we have an army at our
doorstep. There's a leaders' meeting.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara pouted and nodded.
.D
.Bdia
I'm going.
.Edia
.P
With Makarva's help, he fastened his belt with the sabers, then
he put on the blue cloak of the Dikaksunora, ruffled the
hair of the pigeon kid, who was in his way, greeted his
young company and the other Xalyas who had stayed at the
shelter, and finally went out with his old friend.
.P
The day was fine, a little windy and cloudy, but few days
were not so on the steppe. Dashvara looked around the
village carefully as he walked up the hill behind Makarva.
After seeing Aralika, Lamasta seemed small in comparison;
the streets were imprecise, the herds roamed freely, and the
only significant building was the Essimean temple under
construction. However, during the revolt, the temple had
suffered much damage, and Zefrek had decided to take refuge
at the foot of the hill, in a small stone house surrounded
by Shalussi warriors. The warriors observed them warily as they
approached. In a quiet voice, Dashvara introduced himself:
.D
.Bdia
Dashvara of Xalya. Zefrek—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Come in,
.Edia
one of the Shalussis cut him off.
.P
He stepped aside with a haughty expression, and Dashvara
suppressed a grimace before walking with Makarva to the open
door. To no one's surprise, he found that the Captain and
Sashava were already there, chatting with Zefrek and other
Shalussis. When he saw Yodara's face in the midst of all
those stern faces, he couldn't help but smile. The officer
had come out of the revolt alive. His smile froze and
changed to a stony face when his eyes fell on a figure
sitting before the large table. He had barely seen him three
years ago, but he would have recognized him anywhere.
Lifdor. His lips formed the name in a silent hiss. Lifdor of
Shalussi had survived.
.P
.Bpenso
Lifdor, Qwadris and Nanda, of the Shalussi Clan. Shiltapi,
of the clan of Akinoas. Todakwa, of the Essimean clan.
.Epenso
.P
The words echoed in his head with his father's deep, stern
voice.
.P
.Bpenso
Lifdor of Shalussi. Murderer, thief, assassin…
.Epenso
.P
He still remembered his fierce smiling face when he had
chained his people and stolen their horses. He could still
vividly remember his savage battle cry and the victorious
kick he had given a dead Xalya officer in the middle of the
battlefield… The captain's strong hand on his left shoulder
brought him back to reality. Only then did he realize that
his left hand had grabbed the pommel of his sword and was
starting to pull it out…
.D
.Bdia
Dashvara,
.Edia
Zorvun urged him in a low, strained voice.
.Bdia
Come back to the real world, will you?
.Edia
.P
With some effort, Dashvara finally looked away from Lifdor's
mocking expression and met the captain's dark eyes. He
cursed himself inwardly for allowing himself to be carried
away by his impulses in such an irrational manner.
.P
.Bpenso
And you're the one calling them savages, Dash?
.Epenso
he snarled wryly.
.P
He sheathed the sword completely and heard the clearing of
Zefrek's throat. The young Shalussi leader stepped forward.
.D
.Bdia
Welcome to Lamasta, Dashvara of Xalya. It is a pleasure to
welcome your people into my ranks.
.Edia
.P
He held out his hand. Oh, hell, damn the handshake habit…
Dashvara put his hand out and shook it. Zefrek shook it
vigorously, probably with no ill intent, but the pain
brought tears to Dashvara's eyes, he gasped, and the
Shalussi let go of him, looking sorry.
.D
.Bdia
Oh, sorry, I forgot that you—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It's all right,
.Edia
Dashvara assured him under his breath.
.Bdia
It's all right,
.Edia
he repeated.
.Bpenso
Liadirlá, what an image of a steppe lord you give your
hosts…
.Epenso
He inhaled and added,
.Bdia
Thank you for welcoming my people, Zefrek. I see you've been
efficient since the last time we met. Uh… Well. How is the
matter with the Essimeans going?
.Edia
.P
Zefrek shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
We are confident that we can drive them away.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded and spent the next few moments listening to
the Shalussi warriors, not without noticing that the Xalyas
were more of a spectator than an actor in this whole story…
.P
.Bpenso
Bystanders, but afterwards, no doubt we'll have to draw
our swords to help them. Well, except for me, who will just
listen to Tsu and keep eating ogroyes.
.Epenso
.P
At any rate, he noticed that Zefrek's new position and
recent power had made a radical change in him. Less leery,
more confident, Nanda's son led his little band of rebels
with the air of knowing what he was talking about, as if he
hadn't spent the last three years earning his keep as a
lowly pirate. Beside him, Lifdor was obviously trying to
play the experienced guide, and Zefrek took his advice
respectfully, but treated it as what it was, advice, not
orders. The veteran warrior seemed to take his inferior
position patiently, surely because the one who had brought
the weapons and led the rebellion so far was Zefrek and not
him. Despite the urge to remove him from his sight, Dashvara
had to admit that Lifdor probably didn't have the same
venomous spirit as Todakwa: he was a Shalussi, and like the
Xalyas, he probably had a sense of honor. He was, in the
end, a damn savage capable of killing for gold, but
who would never have had the idea of enslaving the entire
steppe, let alone trading with such distant foreigners.
.P
While the five Xalyas silently watched the defense plan,
messengers came regularly to inform of the advance of the
Essimean army. Apparently, they had not rushed forward,
probably because they were waiting for reinforcements and
because they did not want to provoke the Shalussis
unnecessarily, knowing that they were holding several of
their own prisoners, including Ashiwa of Essimea, Todakwa's
brother. Lifdor considered it very possible that a
detachment would attempt to cross the river to surround the
village and cut off any possible escape. Dashvara inwardly
agreed that they would try to surround the village, but he
doubted that it would be for fear of escape; rather, they must have
feared that the rebels would receive more help from Dazbon
at the south. However, throughout the conversation, no
Shalussi mentioned the Dazbonians. In the end, who knows,
maybe those didn't yet know whether it was beneficial for
them to intervene in the relations between Essimea and
Diumcili and just wanted to sow discord. More
discord. As if there wasn't enough of it already. It was no
wonder the Ancient Kings called this land the Rock of
Hell. And yet, it wasn't as if a thousand tribes lived
here: now, they were basically just four big clans, plus the
Honyrs… The thought of them tearing each other apart again
made Dashvara very sad. Why was fate so intent on making their
lives hell?
.P
A change in tone in Zefrek's voice made him turn his head
towards him again.
.D
.Bdia
… enough weapons,
.Edia
he was saying,
.Bdia
since we still have men expert in the art of war who do not
possess adequate weapons. As I have seen, there are some of
your people who are armed and have hardly been trained. I
was wondering if you would be willing to temporarily
surrender these weapons to us. This is about defending
Lamasta as best we can.
.Edia
.P
This stuck in his craw. Was Zefrek asking him to give up
weapons to the Shalussis? Was it a joke? Abruptly, he
forced himself to suppress any impulsive response and
reasoned. Technically speaking, Zefrek was right: it was
better for these weapons to be in the hands of experts than
in the hands of dismayed teenagers, even if the idea of
handing them over seemed no less risky and demoralizing. He
glanced at Zorvun and Sashava. Whereas the latter was
glaring at Zefrek, about to explode, the captain nodded
slightly. Dashvara sighed inwardly, and under the watchful gaze of the
ten or so Shalussi warriors, he crossed his arms, nodding
calmly and saying:
.D
.Bdia
You shall have the weapons.
.Edia
.P
Zefrek smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you.
.Edia
.P
In his slight smile, Dashvara thought he read a,
.Bqt
You see, lord of the Xalyas? Your people have barely a few
capable warriors and you are not even in fighting condition:
whether you like it or not, I am now in command.
.Eqt
.Bpenso
Well, sure, and the ilawatelks fly too.
.Epenso
Dashvara made a slight sardonic grimace and retorted:
.D
.Bdia
You're welcome. These are weapons of the Ancient Kings. I
hope that those who use them will shed murderous blood and
save innocent lives.
.Edia
.P
His words were met with impassive expressions. Perhaps some
people saw some reproach in it. However, at this moment,
Dashvara was not thinking so much about the past actions of
the Shalussis, but rather that these weapons, old as they
were, must have also defended murderers and shed the blood
of the innocent. A sword had no other master than the one
who wielded it.
.P
It wasn't long before they ended the meeting, and as the
Captain hurried out of the house, Dashvara, Yodara, Sashava,
and Makarva followed him. They did not forget to slow their
pace so as not to leave the Grumpy behind.
.D
.Bdia
That's the last straw,
.Edia
this one muttered as he moved forward on his crutches.
.Bdia
As soon as they push the Essimeans back, they'll come down
on us and we won't have anything to defend ourselves with.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
First, they must repel the Essimeans,
.Edia
the captain replied without stopping.
.Bdia
Those devils will bring reinforcements from Ergaika and more
cavalry from Aralika. Let's say about seven hundred in
total. Zefrek's army is barely two-hundred men strong. And
even though they are very skilled in combat, they lack
organization. Anyway, I don't think Zefrek is coming after
us, my friend. If I were him, I would worry about my own
people first. A rider must control his horse before he can
ride it.
.Edia
.P
Back at the shelter, the captain took care of collecting the
weapons, and Dashvara took Makarva aside, drawing a puzzled
pout from him.
.D
.Bdia
What's going on, Dash?
.Edia
.P
He hesitated, for he knew that his idea would not be well
received. He glanced at the clouds, at the dusty path, at
the Xalyas' faces listening intently to the captain's orders,
and finally, he made up his mind:
.D
.Bdia
Listen, Mak… I'd like someone to leave from here and head
north to warn my naâsga of our position.
.Edia
.P
His friend immediately turned darker.
.D
.Bdia
You're not asking me to go, are you?
.Edia
He let out a disgruntled snort.
.Bdia
Dash, there are only twenty warriors among us, the Essimeans
are going to attack us, and you want me to leave you behind?
You could send someone else…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Well, okay, then who?
.Edia
Dashvara replied calmly.
.P
Makarva frowned and shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
How could I know, anyone. Atok. He never complains.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
Unlike others
.Epenso ,
Dashvara completed. He gave his friend a mocking smile and
nodded.
.D
.Bdia
Okay. Then I'll just—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I can go,
.Edia
a voice suddenly intervened, interrupting him.
.P
Surprised, Dashvara turned and rolled his eyes when he saw
that the young Tinan had been listening to the conversation.
The teenager added seriously:
.D
.Bdia
I have an amputated arm anyway, so I cannot really be a
warrior… But I am a good rider. And I want to help.
.Edia
.P
His hopeful expression and desire to be of service drew a
wave of affection from Dashvara. He hesitated for a moment,
because the idea of sending Tinan out on the steppe alone
worried him…
.D
.Bdia
I'll go with you, friend,
.Edia
Api's cheerful voice said then. The young demon had emerged
through a window. He passed inside the shelter with an
acrobatic leap, adding,
.Bdia
I don't like the prospect of being stuck in this village at
all. And I'm a good rider too,
.Edia
he joked. He turned sparkling grey eyes to Dashvara.
.Bdia
Is there any particular message we need to convey?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara examined his eager face and shook his head. That
demon…
.D
.Bdia
Let's do that,
.Edia
he agreed.
.Bdia
You'll both go. Tell Yira everything that has happened and
tell her that we are all fine, that the Shalussis are our
allies, and that it will probably take a while for the
Essimeans to decide to do something because the Shalussis
are holding Todakwa's brother prisoner.
.Edia
.P
Tinan nodded, his eyes shining.
.D
.Bdia
I will deliver the message, my lord. Thank you for trusting
me.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
.D
.Bdia
Thank
.Sm you ,
sîzan. You better be careful.
.Edia
He stepped aside, adding,
.Bdia
Bypass the area as much as you can from the east, then ride
north. If you don't find the Honyrs, hopefully they will
find you. Good luck.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Good luck to you too!
.Edia
Api smiled.
.Bdia
I'm afraid that you need it more than we do. Come on, let's
go, mate!
.Edia
he said to Tinan.
.P
After grabbing some food, the two teenagers soon
mounted on horses, but it wasn't until Zefrek gave his
permission that the Shalussi warriors finally let them out
of Lamasta. From the top of the temple hill, Dashvara
watched the two riders gallop eastward until they became
mere black dots. Then he turned to the north, to where most
of the Xalyas who had walked up there were looking… to see
the dark swarm of hundreds of Essimeans who had just settled
on a hill about five miles from Lamasta.
.P
Dashvara felt a disturbing sense of deja-vu at this
situation. The Essimeans, the impending siege, the waiting…
everything was so similar to what he had experienced three
years ago! However, unlike then, they didn't have a dungeon,
but they did have allies. They were all rebellious slaves,
no matter if they were descendants of the Ancient Kings or
the savage tribes. All of them were seeking the same thing:
their freedom.
.P
.Bpenso
And we'll find it, in one way or another,
.Epenso
Dashvara promised himself fervently.
.P
Turning away from the enemy, his eyes wandered to the
northeast, to the vast, simple, lively, peaceful steppe that
the Steppe Thieves—as well as the Xalyas—loved like a
mother.
.D
.Bdia
.Sm -t erare Mâ Sêt ,
.Edia
he murmured in Oy'vat to himself, calling to the steppe, and
he whispered even lower, like a prayer,
.Bdia
Make your land mud and needles under the feet of your
murderers.
.Edia
.Ch The power of Skâra
No needles formed under the feet of the Essimean and not a
drop of water fell during the next three days. The weather
was good, and the Essimean army waited patiently for the
rebels to surrender. Todakwa had warned that, if Ashiwa was
mistreated, they would suffer the wrath of Skâra doubly and
that the maximum punishment would be meted out only to the
leaders of the rebellion as long as the Shalussis
surrendered in time. Despite the overwhelming Essimean
superiority, his insidious response had only served to
inflame the Shalussis' rage.
.P
In the midst of the storm, the captain and Dashvara had
given orders to minimize contact with the Shalussis to avoid
tension. So the Xalyas tried not to get too involved, they
helped with the daily chores, fetched water from the river,
fed and milked the livestock, and all in all, they were
basically doing the same thing as they had done in Aralika,
except now they were working for savages and not for the
Death worshippers… Although the improvement was small, it
was encouraging. As the steppian sages used to say, when
you're at the bottom of a well, you can't go any lower.
.P
A growing thunder of hooves made Dashvara look away from the
distant Essimean tents. A Shalussi patrol had just returned
from the east, and from the hillside of the ruined temple, he
could see the lead rider quickly dismount and enter the
Zefrek headquarters.
.P
.Bpenso
News and more news, and we Xalyas are not informed of
anything,
.Epenso
Dashvara grumbled inwardly.
.P
Fortunately, he had Tahisran. Without him, he wouldn't have
learned half of what was going on in Lamasta, let alone what
was going on behind the Essimean lines. The shadow was
capable of creeping around just about anywhere; however, it
had never yet dared to approach the tents of the death
priests when they were awake, so he could not tell much
about the Essimean leader's intentions. When, the night
before, Miflin had suggested that he stabbed Todakwa while
he slept, Tah had been horrified; though the Poet had
assured everyone that it was just a joke, the shadow had
remained very pensive, then he had gone out at nightfall for
a walk and had not appeared since. Dashvara
had rarely seen Miflin so ashamed. Some thought Tah had gone
to kill Todakwa and been captured, others that he was gone
forever… Knowing him, Dashvara bet that he had simply gone
for a long walk and maybe taken a detour to pay Kuriag a visit.
According to Tah, the young Dikaksunora, as a worthy student
of Maloven, was desperate for a peaceful solution to the
conflict. Well, may he find it, but Dashvara doubted very
much that the ancestral contempt all these clans had for
each other could be swept away by common sense.
.D
.Bdia
Dash!
.Edia
Kodarah exclaimed suddenly.
.Bdia
Did you see that?
.Edia
.P
Following the Hairy's gaze, Dashvara turned his attention
back to the Essimean camp. Something was going on there.
.P
He approached the wall of rubble and scanned the distance
along with Kodarah and Lumon. He frowned. It seemed that…
.D
.Bdia
Dammit,
.Edia
a Shalussi hissed, not far from them.
.Bdia
Dammit, dammit, dammit…
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
You can say that again,
.Epenso
Dashvara agreed darkly. The Essimeans were lining up Shalussi
slaves in front of their lines. The warriors moved them
forward enough to show them to the rebels. Then they stopped
and waited. Dashvara shook his head in bewilderment.
.D
.Bdia
What do they expect? That we would hand Ashiwa over to them
in exchange for these slaves?
.Edia
.P
Lumon kept his gaze on the eight Shalussis for a few more
moments before stating:
.D
.Bdia
They are not slaves. They are rebels. I think I recognize
one of them. They were part of the patrol defending the
southern route.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara winced and preferred not to imagine what had
happened to the rest of the patrol… but he didn't have much
hope for the survivors either. As new spectators crowded the
hill, the Essimeans decided they had enough of an audience
already and, one by one, they made the eight prisoners kneel
down. A death-priest who had arrived in the meantime passed
behind the prisoners, and laying his hand on each head, he
recited words which were hardly perceptible from the
distance but which sounded terrible nonetheless. Then,
inexplicably, one of the prisoners collapsed, convulsing and
screaming in pain. The others quickly followed. A few
moments later, none of the eight prisoners was moving. The
Essimeans returned to their camp, leaving eight bodies
behind them and an icy silence.
.P
Were they still alive? Two Shalussis went to check it out,
and by their gestures, everyone guessed the truth from the
distance: the prisoners were dead. The priest had killed
them with his incantations. Skâra, Death Itself, had stolen their
lives through its servant. Faced with such a display of
power, fear of the God of Death gripped all the hearts of
Lamasta, including Dashvara's.
.D
.Bdia
It was nothing more than a crude show,
.Edia
the steppe lord spat out loud, however, as he walked down
the temple hill, surrounded by Xalyas,
.Bdia
They must have poisoned them first.
.Edia
.P
More than one Xalya nodded, but none of them seemed to quite
believe him, least of all the young men who had been slaves
in Aralika: all of them were deeply affected by what had
happened. When Dashvara caught one of them muttering a
prayer in Galka, he gave him an incredulous look, and the
boy blushed like a garfia.
.P
.Bpenso
Liadirlá, what have the Essimeans done to our people…
.Epenso
he lamented.
.P
At the foot of the hill, a large and noisy group of
Shalussis had formed. Above the din of voices, someone
roared with sharp gestures:
.D
.Bdia
Let's destroy the temple! Let's show these rats that their
God does not scare us!
.Edia
.P
His vindictive roar was accompanied by approving thunder,
and within moments, without even consulting Zefrek or
Lifdor, dozens of Shalussis were returning to the top of the
hill with tools of every kind. They spent the rest of the
day eagerly demolishing the temple of Skâra and using the
rubble to build obstacles around the village. In the
evening, they buried the eight murdered Shalussis at the top
of the hill, and Zefrek himself conducted the ceremony,
assisted with Lifdor. From afar, Dashvara and his brothers
watched as they passed by, one by one, to pay their respects
to the dead and to offer them objects of daily life that had
characterized their lives in one way or another. As the rite
was about to end, Dashvara stood up.
.D
.Bdia
Dash,
.Edia
Makarva coughed,
.Bdia
Where are you going?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara watched the curious looks of the Xalyas and
shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
To act like a Xalya,
.Edia
he replied.
.P
And he walked away up the hill. He had hardly taken a few
steps when a dozen Xalyas were already following him. At
first, the Shalussis who noticed them looked suspicious,
then curious, and when Dashvara arrived in front of the
tombs, bent down and placed the wooden Eternal Bird on one
of the mounds of earth, they were hesitant, surprised but
not hostile, for they understood that his gesture had no
other intention than to show respect. So both Zefrek and
Lifdor nodded their heads in acknowledgement. Dashvara
suppressed a gasp.
.P
.Bpenso
I'm not doing this for you, Lifdor,
.Epenso
he muttered inwardly.
.P
Then he actually wondered why he was paying such tribute to
Shalussis who may have been involved in the fall of the
Xalya Dungeon. Perhaps simply because of their death, he thought.
Perhaps simply because dying in this way, defenselessly, as a
prisoner, before the helpless eyes of their own people, was
one of the worst possible deaths. And that made him feel
such rage against the Essimeans that, at that moment, those
eight dead men were almost like brothers to him. Almost.
.P
He was about to get up and leave the Shalussis behind when
he saw a Xalya toddler bend down beside him and place a
feather next to his figure. His name was Jokuey, and as far
as he knew, he was the son of a family of goat herders.
Unlike the other children, he barely made a sound in the
shelter, but for the past four days, he had never forgotten
to feed his precious caged pigeon. Dashvara smiled and
ruffled the child's greasy hair before lifting him off his
healthy arm and congratulating him:
.D
.Bdia
Your Eternal Bird is already beginning to understand the
Dahars of your people, little boy.
.Edia
.P
The toddler did not answer, but as they walked away, he kept
looking over the shoulder of its bearer and did not take his
eyes off his offered feather. Dashvara had scarcely taken
ten steps when, moved by a sudden inspiration, his heart
aflame, he turned to the faces of the Shalussis and
thundered:
.D
.Bdia
Men of the steppe!
.Edia
His deep voice tore through the air.
.Bdia
The Essimeans will pay for all these deaths. And their
murderous leaders will pay with their lives! They think they
are the masters of this place. The Ancient Kings thought the
same thing, and they ended badly. These snakes have not yet
understood that no one should rule the steppe. No clan has
the right to enslave another as Essimea did. And, if the
Essimeans do not understand this, we will teach them by the
sword!
.Edia
.P
He turned to Zefrek and Lifdor of Shalussi and concluded:
.D
.Bdia
If we don't attack now, they will.
.Edia
.P
The two Shalussis exchanged glances. Among the others, there
was a grunt that turned out to be rather approving.
Nevertheless, the Xalyas adopted a slightly defensive
formation just in case; Boron took hold of little Jokuey,
whose eyebrows had furrowed at the commotion.
.P
Finally, Lifdor reacted before Zefrek did. The big man
approached Dashvara without apprehension and said calmly:
.D
.Bdia
I'm sorry to tell you this, but your proposal proves your
lack of experience, young Xalya. Attacking now would be a
tactical mistake.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow and replied:
.D
.Bdia
Really? Well, I think this is the perfect moment to buy time. We
need to nip at their heels. We need to harass them enough to
keep them from launching a major offensive before our
reinforcements arrive.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
And before morale drops dramatically,
.Epenso
he added to himself. Lifdor gave a mocking cough.
.D
.Bdia
Reinforcements?
.Edia
he repeated.
.Bdia
You mean the Steppe Thieves? Those people have never
intervened in any war. They won't be coming.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
They will come.
.Edia
.P
It was not Dashvara who had spoken this time, but Sirk Is
Rhad, the only Honyr left among the Xalyas. His face,
distorted by the scar, reflected an unwavering confidence.
.D
.Bdia
My people will come and unite with the Xalya Clan,
.Edia
he affirmed.
.P
Voices rose from all sides. Lifdor raised a hand to calm the
spirits, and his gesture alone was enough.
.D
.Bdia
Even if they do come,
.Edia
the Shalussi chief said with less mockery than before,
.Bdia
I doubt that there are more than a hundred warriors. And
correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the Steppe Thieves
were not allowed to fight the sajits.
.Edia
.P
This generated a mixture of mocking smiles and curious
expressions. Sirk Is Rhad rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bdia
Our Eternal Bird forbids us to kill without first knowing
the deeds of our victim,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
But I assure you, if anyone tries to steal our cattle, he
will not go away without knowing our justice. It is not for
nothing that foreigners say we are the best warriors on the
steppe.
.Edia
.P
His voice was not arrogant, but rather frank; however,
Dashvara was certain that, at that moment, more than one
Shalussi felt eager to verify such a statement. Zefrek
intervened:
.D
.Bdia
Some little diversionary maneuvers can't hurt. Do you have a
particular attack in mind?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded.
.D
.Bdia
Mainly, attack the vanguards, seize their weapons… and
regain control of the southern route.
.Edia
.P
Zefrek nodded, convinced.
.D
.Bdia
Mind to take care of it?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
With pleasure.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I'm joining the expedition,
.Edia
interjected a voice among the Shalussis.
.P
Dashvara turned, saw the brown-bearded face of the man who
had spoken, and cocked his head to one side. It looked
familiar. Then he understood, and his smile widened. It was
Andrek of Shalussi, Rokuish's older brother. He hadn't found
him particularly likeable three years ago, he had seemed an
impulsive man with narrow-minded ideas, but time had changed
them both. Perhaps for the better. So he bowed his head
solemnly.
.D
.Bdia
Any help is welcome.
.Edia
.P
And certainly very welcome, for now that they were down to
eighteen armed Xalyas, without their allies, they would be
hard pressed to do much. But, as he expected, the Shalussis
were in a sociable mood that day, they had only one thing on
their minds: revenge for their dead brothers.
.salto
After four days of inactivity, Sunrise was tugging at her
bit, anxious to gallop away, but Dashvara held her back
firmly. With all the healing energies Tsu had lavished on
his injured arm over the past two weeks, it was almost
healed, and despite the drow's instructions, Dashvara was
confident he would be able to fight and use at least one
sword if needed.
.P
The dusk was already filling the sky when the troop of
horsemen, consisting of fifteen Xalyas and thirty Shalussis,
reached the Rocky Meadows of the Bakhia River, southwest of
Lamasta. They detoured to the south, and as the sky
darkened, they emerged from the hills and spotted the
Essimean squad's campfire. According to Zefrek's spies,
there were about twenty of them. Dashvara did not wait to
organize or plan. After observing the camp for a few
moments, he only said in a low but deep voice:
.D
.Bdia
Remember, the more prisoners we take, the better. Let's
teach them a lesson, steppemen.
.Edia
.P
And they launched the attack. They were already halfway
there when a sentry gave the alarm. They still arrived at
the camp, surprising their victims with shouts, screams and
the thunder of hooves. The Essimeans reacted by making a
desperate defensive formation, but some remained separated,
and the attack lasted the time of a sigh: the Xalyas
surrounded them around the campfire, and with an immaculate
sword in his hand, Dashvara roared:
.D
.Bdia
Surrender, lay down your weapons, and we'll let you live!
.Edia
.P
The faces of the Essimeans, lit by the fire, reflected a
glow of hope. It was not long before they all surrendered.
Two of them had received slight wounds. The rest were
unharmed. They stripped them of all their possessions,
weapons, blankets, horses, and food.
.D
.Bdia
What about the sentry?
.Edia
Andrek asked.
.P
Dashvara glanced towards the dark steppe and replied with a
touch of amusement:
.D
.Bdia
Let him run and explain to Todakwa what happened.
.Edia
.P
The return to Lamasta was made along the river on the south
bank. Although the way was more direct, it was dark, and they
were leading prisoners, so they took as long or longer than
on the way out. When they saw the distant lights of Lamasta
and the Essimean camp, one daring man tried to escape.
Having freed himself from the rope that bound him, he rushed
towards the river… and he did not manage to reach it alive.
When Dashvara heard the hiss of the sword and the splash of
water, he grimaced but made no comment. Especially since the
Shalussi who had acted was the father of one of the eight
murdered that day… He could hardly talk to him about mercy
and tact, and could only hope that it would at least ease
his pain a little.
.P
At any rate, the treatment received by the escapee convinced
the other prisoners that they had better behave themselves,
and they arrived at Lamasta without further incident. The
success of the excursion was greeted with joy, and arms and
horses were soon redistributed. The lives of the prisoners
were respected, though the Shalussis abused them as much as
they could by spitting insults at them and blaspheming
against Skâra. Nevertheless, they did not touch them. By
tacit law, they recognized that Dashvara, as leader of the
expedition, had the right of life over them. The problem was
that Dashvara would also be responsible for feeding them if he
decided to leave them alive… and the Shalussis had no
obligation to help him.
.P
.Bpenso
Well, they'll starve if they have to, but I won't kill them
with my swords,
.Epenso
Dashvara decided.
.P
And so he ordered the eighteen prisoners to be taken to a
stone house, and there, they were locked up. As they were
returning to the shelter, Captain Zorvun approached. He had
not participated in the outing, for he had spent the whole
day giving combat lessons to the Xalya people, and so much
activity had exhausted him.
.D
.Bdia
Congratulations,
.Edia
he said, greeting him.
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you, Captain. That was quite easy. We attacked them
by surprise.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Hmm… Too bad I didn't see it,
.Edia
Zorvun admitted.
.Bdia
What are you going to do with the prisoners?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed, and as they entered the shelter, he said:
.D
.Bdia
For the moment, just interrogate their leader.
.Edia
And, answering an implied question from the captain, he
asserted,
.Bdia
I am not going to kill them. That would be playing into the
hands of Todakwa and Skâra. We Xalyas are not like that.
.Edia
.P
Zorvun nodded thoughtfully.
.D
.Bdia
That seems about right to me.
.Edia
.P
With a smile, Dashvara accepted the bowl of milk handed to
him by young Youk and drank as the captain added:
.D
.Bdia
By the way, Dashvara. Tahisran has returned. And he says the
Essimeans have located a large group of people heading here
from the northeast.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nearly choked on the milk. He looked at the
captain, his eyes wide and his heart pounding.
.D
.Bdia
How far away?
.Edia
.P
It was Tahisran who answered in a mental voice:
.P
.Bdm
At two days. That is, at one day, now. Kuriag begs you to
leave Lamasta at once, go east, separate yourself from the
rebels and unite with the Honyrs. He says that, if you
manage to get far enough away, Todakwa will not pursue you.
.Edm
.P
The shadow didn't put much conviction in his voice, and
Dashvara knew why when he added:
.P
.Bdm
I think Todakwa knows that Kuriag manages to communicate
with you in some way, Dash. I don't think he knows about me,
but… I feel like the information he's giving Kuriag is
skewed. I don't think the Essimeans have any intention of
letting you leave Lamasta.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara shook his head and handed the empty bowl back to
Youk, saying:
.D
.Bdia
Even if they let us run, only a scoundrel would be
abandoning the Shalussis at a time like this. But we will
still have to clear the way to the northeast somehow.
.Edia
.P
Despite his fatigue, excitement was coursing through his
body. To think that his naâsga was so close, and to find
that Shokr Is Set had actually succeeded in making the
Steppe Thieves take action in favor of his people… it was
the best gift he could have asked for in those moments. He
turned his eyes to the dark shape looming between the
shadows and the flickering light of a torch, and he smiled,
happy.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you, Tah. You are a champion. Do you know that, all
this time, the Poet has been more restless than Pik because
he thought that you had gone to kill Todakwa and that
you had been captured?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Beh, I didn't think he'd actually do it,
.Edia
Miflin protested, walking up to them with an embarrassed pout.
.Bdia
I was afraid he had got mad at me, that's all.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara caught Tah's smile and let them both chat as he
moved away to his pallet. He was exhausted, and his arm was
starting to burn again. So when Tsu approached, he let him
examine his wound without protest. It was already closed,
though not quite healed. Dashvara felt the sense of peace
that came over him every time Tsu cast his healing spells.
For a few moments, he fought sleep, thinking of the Essimeans
surrounding the village, thinking of his new prisoners and
of the friendlier relationship that had begun to emerge
between Xalyas and Shalussis, and, of course, thinking of
his naâsga. Her soft voice echoed in his head as if she were
actually speaking to him. Before fatigue overwhelmed
everything else, he heard her whisper in his mind:
.P
.Bpenso
Just because you can't see me, it doesn't mean I'm not close
to you.
.Epenso
.Ch The Queen of Death
Lamasta awoke to the burst of horns and chaotic screams.
Dashvara woke up with a start and unintentionally moved his
arm, which made him wince in pain, but that was an
improvement: he did not see stars anymore and was no longer
bent double. As the Xalyas were shaken out of their sleep in
the shelter, he fastened his belt and cloak and was putting
on his boots when, drawing aside the curtain of the
entrance, Alta appeared and vociferated:
.D
.Bdia
The Essimean infantry have advanced from the north! They're
setting up their damn catapults.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara made a face. Apparently Todakwa had given up hope of
Lamasta surrendering on its own and was going to force the
issue, starting with his infernal machines. The loss of his
southwestern squad must have irritated him…
.P
Suddenly, they were startled by a crashing sound like a dead
red nadre exploding. For a moment, Dashvara stood still. He
exchanged a look of confusion with his brothers.
.D
.Bdia
Liadirlá, what was that?
.Edia
Orafe gasped.
.P
To the warriors' surprise, it was Lariya, Miflin's
mother, who bitterly declared:
.D
.Bdia
Explosive disks.
.Edia
Seeing that everyone was looking at her in amazement, she
coughed and explained,
.Bdia
A while back, I heard from a death-priest that they were
perfecting a new weapon invented by Daeya, Todakwa's wife
herself. She is a powerful alchemist. And beautiful and cold
as Death.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shuddered, remembering the pale, tattooed face of
Todakwa's wife. He had only seen her once, but he remembered
well the absolute serenity that emanated from her. The
serenity of Death.
.P
.Bpenso
To think that that witch of Skâra is now riding Lusombra…
.Epenso
.P
Hearing another explosion, he let out a grunt and headed
outside without a word. By the time the Xalyas approached
the edge of Lamasta, dozens of magical explosive projectiles
had already been launched. Many of them exploded in the air
or didn't even reach the village, but some hit the rubble
walls, destabilizing them, causing them to collapse and
damaging the ditches that had been dug on both sides of the
hill. One of them even hit a house and created such a gap
that Dashvara stood for a moment staring at the hole with
bulging eyes, before another explosion drew him out of his
stupor.
.D
.Bdia
We should keep the horses away,
.Edia
Alta considered.
.P
He was right: the horses in the paddocks sensed the danger
and whirled around in anguish at the unusual noise. When one
of them managed to jump over the fence, the Xalyas rushed to
help the Shalussis calm the commotion, which was not an easy task. The
Essimeans were probably having a great time watching the
turmoil from afar… Throughout the morning, the damn
devils kept using their catapults, throwing rocks, bags of
black powder, or explosive disks depending on the mood of the
moment. When a projectile shattered a hut and nearly burned
an entire family alive, indignant Shalussis tried to ride
out against the machines. Fortunately, Lifdor intervened in
time and brought them to their senses: a charge in that
situation would have been a massacre, they would have lost
men and horses stupidly and, in the end, for nothing. The
catapults, all things considered, caused more chaos and
smoke than real casualties, for they had all taken cover out
of their range. Moreover, when the attacks diminished, they
took advantage of the stone rubble of the damaged outlying
houses to reinforce the defenses. These were beginning to
resemble real barricades, and after many hours of deafening
noise and bangs, the realization that Lamasta was still
standing proudly lifted everyone's spirits.
.P
.Bpenso
It remains to be seen for how long,
.Epenso
Dashvara thought as he stroked Sunrise's forehead over the
fence of the paddock.
.P
Under his hand, chilled by the winter wind, Sunrise gave a
snort and gently shook her head, shaking her freshly brushed
white mane before leaning toward a shoot of grass at the foot
of the fence. Now, the horses were quiet, and several
Xalyas were busy petting them and giving them water,
mentally exhausted after the stressful morning. In the air,
there was still a slight cloud of smoke mixed with a strong
smell of burning and dust. After the Shalussi rebellion and
the explosions of Daeya, the beautiful Lamasta of Lifdor
looked messy and ruined. But so what? The houses could be
rebuilt. The important thing was that no one died that day.
.P
.Bpenso
Not yet,
.Epenso
Dashvara thought darkly.
.P
Stepping away from the paddock, he glanced toward the
nearby Xalyas' shelter. The women were busy, as were the men
and the younger ones: they were shaking off the ever-present
dust, bringing buckets of water from the river, stuffing
arrows, and caring for each other. Just seeing them like
this, hearing their voices and feeling the familiarity of
the past come alive again, made Dashvara feel an
unconditional respect for his people in that moment. The
Xalyas might have seemed quite alien to the siege if they
had not glanced frequently, like prey on the alert, at the
dusty, treacherous sky. Did they fear another catapult
attack, or a new and even more terrible invention by Daeya
of Essimea?
.P
Dashvara heard a rumour going up in the village and he
stopped, his heart anxious and hopeful at the same time. His
optimistic side was already showing him the approaching
Honyr warriors led by his naâsga while his pessimistic side
was telling him: this is it, Dash, we are doomed, Todakwa is
attacking. However, no alarm horn sounded. Eager for news,
he was about to head into the racket with his brothers when,
seeing young Youk appear running, leaping through the
rubble, he arched an eyebrow questioningly, and the boy's
face lit up with excitement.
.D
.Bdia
Guess what happened? The Essimeans have surrounded us!
.Edia
he cried, stopping his run in front of the Xalya warriors.
.Bdia
They crossed the river last night, and Zefrek's patrols saw
nothing. At least two hundred riders, according to Lifdor.
Hold on, there's more!
.Edia
he added as Dashvara and his brothers swore through their
teeth.
.Bdia
Apparently, the Essimeans also attacked a village east of
here. And they crushed them like rats! So said a man named
Fushek who just arrived. He is wounded, and Zefrek wants to
know if the drow can treat him. I know who Fushek is.
A friend of mine from Aralika told me that he was a great
master-at-arms and that for the last three years he has been
living in the desert without water or anything to eat,
waiting for the right time to return and free his people
and…
.Edia
.P
Lumon ruffled his hair to thank him for the information, and
the Xalya warriors stopped paying attention to him. Some of
them immediately moved away towards the river to check on
Youk's claims about the Essimean cavalry; the captain
remained deep in thought, and one of Dashvara's cousins
scolded the boy for wandering around the Shalussis by
himself… As a response, Youk snorted loudly, and Dashvara
gave him a light knock on the head.
.D
.Bdia
Have some respect, boy. Atok, warn Tsu, will you? Captain,
.Edia
he added and gave a quizzical nod to Sashava and Yodara.
.Bdia
What do you think of all this?
.Edia
.P
Zorvun let out a long sigh.
.D
.Bdia
First, Zefrek would do well to rely on competent
people. Second, if Todakwa launches the attack this
afternoon, I doubt we can hold out for more than two or
three days, at the most. They have more cavalry than we have, more
ammunition, more men, more everything. These barricades will
hardly delay them, and Todakwa knows it.
.Edia
.P
Nothing new, but Dashvara had to acknowledge that the
picture was indeed not encouraging.
.D
.Bdia
Then what is he waiting for to launch the offensive?
.Edia
Orafe growled.
.D
.Bdia
Especially if he knows the Honyrs are on their way,
.Edia
Miflin commented.
.Bdia
He should hurry up.
.Edia
.P
As soon as the Poet had spoken, Dashvara noticed that both
Taw and Ged changed their expressions slightly, as if they
weren't too sure that the Honyrs would actually come to
their aid. And well, who could blame them for their
distrust? The Steppe Thieves, after all, had always been
perceived by the Xalyas as a distant people, full of secrets,
and anything but sociable with other clans. Still, after
listening to Shokr Is Set's stories, Dashvara had come to
understand that their two peoples were, at heart, very
similar, and he trusted the new shaard and Yira to urge the
Honyrs to at least help them get out of this siege alive. He
opined:
.D
.Bdia
Todakwa is a very theatrical man. It would not surprise me
if he wanted to make this rebellion a lesson for his slaves.
He cut us off by seizing Nanda's village… Now all he has to
do is attack.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
And flood the land with rebel blood,
.Epenso
he added to himself with a gloomy heart.
.Bpenso
Unless Kuriag can minimize the damage and manage to get them
to let us live despite everything… but there are limits.
Todakwa may be willing to do a lot to win Kuriag's favor,
but he won't act as a weak leader. Lenient maybe… but not weak.
.Epenso
.P
He suppressed a grunt.
.P
.Bpenso
Already thinking about surrender, Dash?
.Epenso
he snarled at himself.
.Bpenso
It's one thing to not be as stubborn as your lord father and
another to start flapping your wings at the slightest sound.
To run away or surrender now would be to throw yourself into
the mouth of the wolf.
.Epenso
.P
At that moment, he met Zorvun's dark eyes and realized that
he was nervously smoothing his beard. He stopped,
uncomfortable, and the captain cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
Let's go see Zefrek,
.Edia
he suggested. Dashvara nodded, and as he walked down the
dusty street, the captain added, lowering his voice,
.Bdia
You know? You should be a little more… how shall I put it,
indignant about not being kept informed by the pirate. This
is starting to get insulting.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara pouted.
.D
.Bdia
It is,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
I was thinking… maybe Zefrek thinks that giving us more
attention would be detrimental to his charisma.
.Edia
.P
The captain let out a dull laugh.
.D
.Bdia
Zefrek is losing his authority among his people for other,
more obvious reasons,
.Edia
he assured.
.Bdia
This young man could be a good leader, but he lacks
experience. And, in a situation like this, it is
understandable that a warrior would rather follow a veteran
than a novice.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded, looking grim.
.D
.Bdia
You mean Lifdor.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Right,
.Edia
Zorvun confirmed.
.Bdia
That man lost his reputation by resigning himself to being
enslaved, but now he's getting it back and… truthfully, if
he can get his clan in order, it can't hurt us.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara did not reply. He preferred not to talk about
Lifdor. The name alone irked him. Although he didn't
trust Zefrek completely, he would have preferred that he
didn't delegate decisions to this savage chieftain.
.P
By the time they reached the Shalussi headquarters, the
atmosphere was restless, and the arrival of the Xalyas went
largely unnoticed. Anger and worry vibrated in the air. No
wonder, for these Shalussis had companions and relatives in
the village of Nanda, and now they had to wonder what the
Essimean had done with them. A burly, gray-haired man sat
outside Zefrek's hut, a crossbow bolt still stuck in his
leg and his clothes bloody. At that moment, Dashvara heard
him refuse the blanket that was handed to him with a sharp
gesture and insist in a deep voice:
.D
.Bdia
I couldn't see everything. I was patrolling the northern
area. By the time I galloped into the village, those
bastards had already devastated everything. If I had been
there from the beginning, I would have fought to the last
drop of my blood, have no doubt.
.Edia
.P
As the Shalussis hissed curses against the Essimeans,
Dashvara detailed Fushek's face curiously. Nanda's
master-at-arms was noticeably skinnier than the last time he'd
seen him, and the rebellion, the injury, the flight on
horseback had clearly exhausted him, but he nonetheless
exuded a powerful force of rectitude and confidence.
Remembering the beating Fushek had given him the first time
they'd fought with training swords, Dashvara thought with
amusement that, while outsiders might admire the elegance of
Xalya close combat, the Shalussis' was, frankly, more
practical and less risky.
.D
.Bdia
You,
.Edia
Fushek said suddenly.
.P
The sudden silence that followed this word snapped Dashvara
out of his thoughts. He then noticed that the master-at-arms
had stood up despite his injury and was glaring at him. His
lips managed to relax to spit out:
.D
.Bdia
You Xalya traitor murderer. You killed Nanda of Shalussi,
and you dare to approach these honorable men?
.Edia
His voice reflected anger and disbelief. He drew his sword
in one swift motion, roaring,
.Bdia
You should be dead!
.Edia
.P
Dashvara felt his brothers tense up and put their hands on
the pommels of their swords. Alarmed, he abruptly raised a
hand.
.D
.Bdia
Calm yourself, brothers. He won't do anything,
.Edia
he assured in Common Tongue.
.P
At that moment, he saw how Zefrek, alerted by the voices,
promptly exited the headquarters. The young Shalussi
analyzed the situation at a glance and stepped forward,
intervening:
.D
.Bdia
Fushek! The Xalyas are here to fight for freedom just like
us.
.Edia
.P
Fushek's eyes flashed.
.D
.Bdia
His own son,
.Edia
he growled in a hoarse voice.
.Bdia
Is his own son capable of fighting side by side with his
father's murderer? If, at least, he had killed him in a
duel, but no!
.Edia
He waved his saber angrily at Dashvara.
.Bdia
This man posed as a Shalussi. For two weeks, he stayed in my
village, feigning like a snake to treacherously attack Nanda
with the help of a whore.
.Edia
This time, he really spat towards Dashvara, irate.
.Bdia
The Xalyas are incapable of accepting defeat and do not
deserve the mercy we have shown them. After Nanda's death,
nothing but misfortunes happened. The death of innocent
people. You Xalya rat,
.Edia
he croaked.
.Bdia
Perhaps I will die fighting the Essimeans, but I will never
agree to fight alongside such vermin. I would rather die
than ally myself with a scoundrel.
.Edia
His lips twisted.
.Bdia
Look at him! He can't even defend himself and explain how a
warrior can stoop to such vileness.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara restrained himself from rolling his eyes or putting
on an expression of disbelief and tried to remain impassive.
Clearly, so much desert sun had not done this good man any
good, he thought, trying to relax. He took a quick glance
around. The Shalussis, friendly in the morning, seemed to
have completely changed their attitude and were now looking
at him with contempt. Without even touching the pommel of
his swords, fully aware that he and his brothers were in a
very bad position surrounded like this, Dashvara replied:
.D
.Bdia
I admit it was a villainy, Fushek. But Zaadma had nothing to
do with it…
.Edia
Fushek let out a contemptuous snort, and Dashvara hesitated.
He thought to explain that the reason he had done all this
was to obey his lord father's orders even if it meant going
against his own Eternal Bird. But he held back. The
Shalussis could see him as a scoundrel if they wanted but
never as a son who washed his honor over his own father's.
Finally, he concluded,
.Bdia
The past is the past. Our clans have been enemies, but they
have no reason to be anymore. In the last three years, we
have all suffered because of the Essimeans. And it seems to
me that, at the moment, Todakwa is a more pressing problem.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I don't doubt it,
.Edia
Lifdor interjected. Surrounded by his most loyal men, the
Shalussi leader took a few steps forward.
.Bdia
But, given that you have only eighteen warriors and we have
two hundred and twenty… your presence doesn't exactly help
us. Zefrek's hospitality has its limits. Your people use up
our food, distract my men, and don't work hard enough.
Except for your doctor,
.Edia
he gestured with his chin at the drow who was cautiously
approaching Fushek,
.Bdia
the others are dead weight to Lamasta. I think they should
play a part in the defense as well.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stared at him with a mixture of irritation and
amazement.
.D
.Bdia
And with which weapons?
.Edia
he replied.
.D
.Bdia
With rocks, rubble… I'd improvise something,
.Edia
the Shalussi leader assured.
.Bdia
Given their lack of experience, they wouldn't be much help,
but we could use the faster kids to retrieve the arrows and
send messages.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara clenched his jaws. Was he really suggesting sending
children into the middle of a battlefield to retrieve
arrows? He suppressed a low growl.
.P
.Bpenso
This Shalussi believes that we Xalyas are, as the Federates
would say, Doomed flesh. Damned scoundrel.
.Epenso
.P
The answer was simple, so he didn't hesitate and shook his
head, saying:
.D
.Bdia
I am sorry, but I refuse to let you use my people in this
way, Lifdor.
.Edia
.P
The Shalussi leader's eyes smiled, mocking.
.D
.Bdia
I thought so. Well. If it's like that, you won't mind
going back to the shelter Zefrek lent you and letting us
clan members talk in peace.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara suppressed a grimace at his dismissal and nodded,
feigning a calmness he didn't feel at all.
.D
.Bdia
But of course,
.Edia
he said.
.P
He glanced at Zefrek's dark face, met Fushek's even darker
gaze, and without further ado bowed his head curtly, turned
his back on them, and left, returning with his brothers to
the shelter, feeling the renewed hostility of the Shalussis
upon him. The conversation had been a disaster. Not only had
he failed to propose a negotiation plan to continue delaying
Todakwa's attack, but Lifdor had made it clear to him in
front of his men that the Xalyas were there only thanks to his
generosity and that it was better that they keep quiet. And
all Dashvara could do was bow his head. He sighed inwardly.
.P
.Bpenso
Liadirlá, may the Honyrs come quickly…
.Epenso
.P
A glance at his brothers informed him that Lifdor's change
in attitude worried them as much as it did him. Except for
one of them: to his surprise, he saw that the captain was
smiling. Faced with Dashvara's questioning expression,
Zorvun blurted out:
.D
.Bdia
Let's rejoice, boys. Lifdor has given us the perfect excuse
not to fight on the front lines. It will give us time to
think. And time, my son, is the unarmed man's greatest
weapon.
.Edia
.P
He patted Dashvara on the shoulder, and Dashvara coughed and
smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Your optimism puts my mind at rest, Captain. Though,
frankly, I'm out of ideas,
.Edia
he admitted, stopping in front of the shelter.
.Bdia
This isn't a typical clan fight where only a few die, we
steal some loot, and make peace. Todakwa has Titiaka's
backing, a well-equipped army, plus explosives and all…
He's not going to negotiate.
.Edia
.P
The captain walked into the shelter, replying:
.D
.Bdia
Let's not rule out any possibilities. We still hold his
brother prisoner, plus eighteen Essimean warriors, it's not
small matter. As long as they're in Lamasta, Todakwa won't dare
push too hard.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
But he won't back down either,
.Edia
Yodara pointed out.
.Bdia
Even with the arrival of the Honyrs. He will not leave
without crushing the rebellion.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
And even less so with the support of the Federates,
.Edia
Sashava conceded, and he raised one of his crutches to tap
Dashvara on the calf as he said,
.Bdia
If you ask me, boy, we should make sure the Honyrs are on
their way, and if they are, try to breach to them. We'll get
nowhere by staying here putting up with this Shalussi scum.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded, fully in agreement, and turned to the
Xalyas in the shelter; while some were looking at him out of the corner
of their eyes, others stared openly at him with obvious expectation… Dashvara
swallowed. Once, long ago, his father had told him that a
good lord should be able to allay the fears of his people
and allow them to understand his actions. He remembered that
he had asked him then why they should understand; were they
not men of the same Dahars? Didn't they owe loyalty to their
lord anyway? Lord Vifkan had nodded solemnly as he replied,
.Bpenso
Of course they owe me loyalty, but loyalty is earned with
trust, my son. The Xalya lord leads the Dahars of his people
and he must be strong. He must show at all times that he is
a worthy reflection of the Eternal Birds of his people.
.Epenso
.P
A worthy reflection… Well, Dashvara now understood how
difficult it was to make decisions for an entire people. And
he understood that he wasn't born to do this. Because
otherwise he wouldn't have been standing there, motionless
and mute in front of his people, his heart pounding with
indecision and fear and with the shameful urge to gallop out
of there… would he? He wished to do all he could for his
people, of course, but as a man, as the man he had always
been, not as a lord whose role he was far from understanding
and who was supposed to get a whole people out of a deadly
trap alive and with the Dahars intact.
.P
Makarva slid in front of him, his expression worried.
.D
.Bdia
Dash? Are you okay?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gave his friend an absorbed look, mumbled something
unintelligible by way of assent, made a vague, embarrassed
gesture, turned, and walked out of the shelter.
.P
.Bpenso
Damn coward.
.Epenso
.P
He strode toward the horse pen, growling inwardly:
.P
.Bpenso
Worse than that. A fool. If your own people frighten you,
lord of the steppe, go back to Matswad, make yourself a
pirate, and get busy boarding ships and freeing slaves. These
will not frighten you, because you don't know them, do you?
Because they don't expect you to do anything for them.
.Epenso
.P
He snorted loudly and, leaning on the fence, exchanged a look
with Sunrise. The mare approached and gently nudged him with
her nose while Dashvara ran a hand through her white mane,
between her ears.
.D
.Bdia
You are right,
.Sm -t erare daâra ,
.Edia
he told her in Oy'vat after a silence.
.Bdia
There's nothing worse than having a philosopher lord.
.Edia
.P
The horse seemed to smile at him, and a voice behind him said
in an amused tone:
.D
.Bdia
Of course there are worse things than that. Having an
unconscious young man blinded by power would be far worse.
.Edia
Rolling his eyes, Dashvara turned to see the captain
approach and add,
.Bdia
Or a man capable of sending children to retrieve lost
arrows. Or a man unable to doubt his own actions at a time
when it is vital to do so.
.Edia
He leaned against the fence and concluded with a shake of
his head,
.Bdia
See? We Xalyas cannot complain about our lord.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
Well, I'll be the only one complaining, then.
.Edia
He gave a meditative pout under the captain's questioning
gaze.
.Bdia
You understand… I can't help but think that my lord father
would have done things with more discernment. He would not
have accepted Zefrek's hospitality, he would have crossed
the steppe, I know that, and even if some had died on the
journey, others would probably have survived. And we would
have walked straight to Mount Bakhia.
.Edia
He sketched a smile.
.Bdia
In the Tower of the Eternal Bird, I told myself that, if we
reached that mountain, we would be safe at last. It's something I
keep thinking about lately,
.Edia
he admitted. The captain arched an eyebrow, and Dashvara made
an embarrassed pout.
.Bdia
I know it doesn't make any sense… What the hell would we do on that
mountain? Starve, at most. But my instincts keep telling me
that we need to get to that mountain.
.Edia
.P
In fact, the persistence with which he thought about it had
managed to worry him. It was as if he had pinned all his
hopes on a great pile of earth and rock… a pile that was
somehow sacred to the Xalyas, true, but all in all, a mere
mountain. The captain received his words with an intrigued
expression.
.D
.Bdia
Who knows,
.Edia
he mused.
.Bdia
Maybe your instincts are leading us down the right path. I
won't tell you not to listen to instinct. Although,
as my father used to say, don't let the future blind you. We
are still in Lamasta surrounded by Essimeans…
.Edia
His gaze wandered past his lord, and Dashvara saw him squint
with interest as he finished,
.Bdia
And it looks like there are some breaking news.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara turned and saw that Andrek of Shalussi was
approaching them at a fast pace. The brother of Rokuish
rounded the paddock and stopped a few paces from the two
Xalyas, unceremoniously calling out:
.D
.Bdia
A messenger from Todakwa has arrived. He proposes a
diplomatic meeting, and Lifdor and Zefrek are willing to
attend. But Todakwa demands the presence of the…
.Edia
His lips twisted into a mocking pout as he pronounced:
.Bdia
lord of the steppe.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara frowned. A diplomatic meeting? Knowing the
Essimeans, this smelled like a trap.
.D
.Bdia
Where is the meeting place?
.Edia
he asked.
.P
Andrek pointed to the northeast.
.D
.Bdia
When Zefrek leaves, he will blow the horn.
.Edia
.P
He was already about to walk away when the captain called out:
.D
.Bdia
Wait. How many men can go with him?
.Edia
.P
Andrek shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
No one specified anything, but… since this is a diplomatic
meeting, I suppose it's not appropriate to bring too many.
Besides, I don't think Zefrek would allow anything to happen
to your leader.
.Edia
He hesitated, and his eyes alternated between the two of them
before he added,
.Bdia
From what the messenger said, there are going to be other
guests at this meeting.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara straightened up at the good news and smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you.
.Edia
.P
Andrek nodded and left. Dashvara watched him walk
away with a mixture of impatience and concern. More guests…
It could only be the Honyrs. Or the Akinoas, he corrected
himself. He shook his head, and before the captain could
comment, he said cheerfully:
.D
.Bdia
On second thought, I don't think it's a trap, and that means
there's not going to be an attack today. That's good news.
.Edia
He paused, thoughtful.
.Bdia
I'm curious as to what Todakwa wants to tell us.
.Edia
.P
He clicked his tongue at Sunrise and, after opening the gate
to the paddock, took the reins of his horse. He didn't even
need help getting on her back, proof that his arm was
beginning to be not totally useless anymore.
.D
.Bdia
I hope you're not thinking of going alone,
.Edia
the captain coughed after quietly watching him move around.
.P
Dashvara tugged on the reins and hesitated before admitting:
.D
.Bdia
Hm-no. Warn Lumon and Sirk Is Rhad. They will accompany me.
.Edia
As the captain pouted, clearly displeased that he had only
planned to have two men escort him, Dashvara observed,
.Bdia
Right now, there's more danger in Lamasta than out there.
And if Todakwa has planned to trap us…
.Edia
he shrugged,
.Bdia
well, we already
.Sm are
trapped, aren't we? I'll be back alive, Captain, I promise.
.Edia
.P
Zorvun frowned, but eventually nodded.
.D
.Bdia
You better.
.Edia
.P
And he disappeared into the shelter to warn the Archer and
the Honyr. Zefrek soon sounded the horn, and nearly all the
Xalyas and Shalussis watched the little procession depart.
There were nineteen in all. Sixteen warriors, Zefrek, a
Shalussi sage named Meyda, and the lord of the steppe.
Lifdor had remained in Lamasta as the relief leader, perhaps
secretly hoping that Todakwa would liquidate Zefrek,
allowing him to replace Zefrek for good… or perhaps not. Who
knows what this Shalussi might have in mind. Maybe those
thoughts were too twisted even for him. Maybe. But Dashvara
didn't trust him at all.
.P
As they rode across the vast expanse of grass toward a wing
of the Essimean army, Zefrek positioned himself beside him.
The last three days had not gone well for him. His face was
tense and dry, he had dark circles under his eyes… If
he'd seen a Xalya with that look, Dashvara could only say:
go to sleep,
brother. With a face like that, he would inspire more pity
and mockery in the Essimean than fear. Even Dashvara felt
pity. The young pirate had thought himself very clever in
obtaining weapons from the Dazbonians, he had initiated the
rebellion, he had reclaimed the Shalussi territory in a
matter of days… Until then, everything had been overwhelming
victories, and now that he saw defeat approaching at the
hands of the Essimean power, loyalties were waning, trust
was wavering… and Zefrek was sinking.
.P
Dashvara suppressed a compassionate pout. He found it stupidly
comforting that, while he had no experience as a leader,
Zefrek had even less.
.P
The Shalussi then broke the silence.
.D
.Bdia
When you spoke with Fushek… you didn't give him the real
reason why you killed my father.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara said nothing, and Zefrek continued:
.D
.Bdia
A son's duty is also essential among the Shalussis. Mine
should have been to kill you. But I didn't.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
You tried,
.Edia
Dashvara replied with a hint of amusement in his voice.
.P
Zefrek grimaced.
.D
.Bdia
I did. But in a way that makes me ashamed today. The past is
the past, as you well said…
.Edia
Dashvara nodded calmly, and Zefrek added,
.Bdia
But it is also the present. Fushek is right. My honor
depends on this revenge. I betrayed my father when I
promised not to kill you and when I allied myself with the
Xalyas.
.Edia
.P
He paused, and Dashvara gave him a confused look. What was he
getting at by speaking to him with such frankness?
.D
.Bdia
I'm curious to know,
.Edia
Zefrek admitted.
.Bdia
What would you have done in my place?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow.
.D
.Bdia
If you had killed my father and spared my life for trying to
take yours?
.Edia
The young pirate nodded, and Dashvara pondered for a moment.
He shrugged and gave him a sardonic smile.
.Bdia
I would think of other things, like doing everything I can to
save my people and free them from the Essimean clutches…
Fixing my people's problems before my own. Out of curiosity,
what would
.Sm you
have done if the Xalyas had destroyed your clan and your
father had ordered you to kill the Xalya leader and his
children?
.Edia
.P
Zefrek's tired eyes sparkled. He was silent for a moment
before answering:
.D
.Bdia
I wouldn't even need an express order.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded, and the conversation ended there. They had
resolved absolutely nothing… but at least it was clear to
those around them that the issue of honor between them was a
complex one: both were right to have acted as they had, and
both had decided to make peace… For the moment, the alliance
still stood, which was all that mattered.
.P
They came to the foot of a small elevation. Up there was the meeting
point, a point supposedly equidistant from the two camps. As
they climbed the hill, Dashvara could not help but notice
that, in reality, it was significantly closer to the Essimean
camp.
.P
Todakwa was already there with his personal guard, as was
Kuriag Dikaksunora with the Ragails. As he reached the top
of the hill, Dashvara surveyed the area and could see a line
of horsemen approaching from the north. They were little
more than sixty or so. From a distance, they might have
looked like Essimeans, since they were all dressed in black.
But they wore scarves covering their faces, and the mere way
they rode identified them as Steppe Thieves. The joy of
seeing them at last made Dashvara forget the rather small
number of riders, and he exchanged a broad, hopeful smile
with Lumon and Sirk Is Rhad before turning again to follow
the progress of the Honyrs. At the head of the line came two
riders, one hefty, the other slender. Dashvara fixed his
eyes on the latter feeling a flash of emotion welling up in
his chest. It was Yira, wasn't it? It had to be her. Yes, it
was her! His heart confirmed it before his eyes. For a
moment, he forgot all about Todakwa and, guessing that the
Essimeans would not let them all get any closer than they
had to, he rode out to meet them. It seemed to him that
months had passed since he had seen his naâsga. When she
dismounted with Shokr Is Set, he did the same and strode
towards the Honyrs with a broad smile.
.D
.Bdia
You are a thousand times welcome!
.Edia
he said in a deep Oy'vat voice.
.P
Shokr Is Set replied:
.D
.Bdia
We would be more if we had arrived earlier. And there aren't
many of us… But we all come with the desire to help.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Thanks to you, Great Sage,
.Edia
Dashvara said, moved.
.Bdia
And to all of you for coming,
.Edia
he added, bowing to the riders who had stayed a few steps
behind.
.D
.Bdia
The pleasure is all ours, Dash!
.Edia
Zamoy replied in a loud, teasingly voice, as the Honyrs
responded ceremoniously by bowing their heads in turn from
their mounts.
.Bdia
I hear you did another makarvary in Aralika. Liadirlá, what
you want is to scare us to death, cousin! How are my
brothers?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
They're all fine,
.Edia
Dashvara assured, and he bowed to the Honyrs again.
.Bdia
May the Eternal Bird bless you.
.Edia
.P
He watched the Honyrs with the same intensity with which
they watched him; it was the first time he had seen so many
Steppe Thieves. They gave off those very same legendary mysterious
vibes that Dashvara had admired as a child. And it was not only
because of the black scarves: they rode with the pride of
some steppian kings… and, at the same time, they looked like
shadows from the past. He tried to guess, in spite of their
veiled faces, whether there was a leader among these
warriors who was willing to speak, someone who represented
them… but no one spoke. Then he resumed:
.D
.Bdia
Honyrs, thank you for hosting the Xalya women who traveled
to your lands, you have my gratitude. I would have preferred
our meeting to take place in a quieter place but… Anyway, I
hope we can talk more soon.
.Edia
Then he spotted the teenager that was approaching them,
pulling the reins of his horse with his one hand, and he
added with a smile,
.Bdia
Good work, Tinan.
.Edia
.P
The young Xalya blushed with satisfaction. Dashvara looked
around for Api, but saw him nowhere, and deciding that he
would worry about this demon later, he finally turned to
Yira. Her eyes scanned the Essimeans with a strange
intensity, but as Dashvara approached, the sursha raised her
gaze to him, and lowered it with amusement when he bowed
respectfully and kissed her gloved hand.
.D
.Bdia
Ayshat, naâsga. A thousand thanks for coming back safe and
sound and bringing hope with you,
.Edia
he said in common.
.P
Yira rolled her eyes and whispered:
.D
.Bdia
I felt like an undead without you, Dashvara of Xalya.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara widened his eyes and laughed.
.D
.Bdia
Careful, naâsga, that's Xalya humor,
.Edia
he warned her. He kissed her forehead covered by the black
scarf and whispered,
.Bdia
It was I who felt like an undead without you. Your absence
is worse than red snake venom,
.Edia
he assured her.
.Bdia
But I am alive again now. It remains to be seen for how
long,
.Edia
he confessed casually, and he turned to the Essimeans, saying,
.Bdia
Now I have hope. Maybe a horse will just fall from the sky
on Todakwa's head, and he'll finally leave us alone. That
would be perfect.
.Edia
.P
Yira laughed quietly, slightly tense. By now, all eyes were
on Todakwa. The Essimean leader had already started a
conversation with Zefrek, and it would have been natural for
him to join them… but Dashvara did not approach them
immediately. He left his horse in the care of his brothers
and took advantage of the moment to ask the most important
thing:
.D
.Bdia
Great Sage. How many days on horseback is the Honyr
territory?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
About five days at a brisk pace,
.Edia
Shokr Is Set replied.
.P
.Bpenso
Five
.Epenso ,
Dashvara repeated to himself.
.D
.Bdia
How many others do you think would be willing to take up
arms?
.Edia
.P
Shokr Is Set gave him a curious look.
.D
.Bdia
I don't know,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
Given the short time we had to convince them, and given that
it's not easy to reach all the families in the clan…
fifty-six volunteers is more than I expected at first. It's
also true that in winter, they don't have much else to do.
But it's understandable that many of the warriors didn't
want to leave their lands unprotected.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
Which means that we will hardly get more
.Epenso ,
Dashvara completed. He did not lose hope. That fifty-six Honyrs
were willing to leave their lands to help a people of the
Eternal Bird they had previously looked down upon was rather
miraculous. Shokr Is Set must have been really convincing.
And so must have been his naâsga.
.P
Dashvara watched Todakwa's and Zefrek's movements for a few
moments before taking a breath and saying:
.D
.Bdia
Well, let's go.
.Edia
.P
And with a quiet walk, accompanied by Shokr Is Set and Yira,
he made his way towards the meeting. As he approached, his
eyes met those of Todakwa. He gave him a defiant, mocking
look.
.P
.Bpenso
If you lay a trap for us now, you rotten rat, I'll send you
go meet Skâra Itself…
.Epenso
.Ch The Pact
.D
.Bdia
Otherwise, I will have no choice but to send my army against
Lamasta,
.Edia
Todakwa was saying.
.P
Dashvara stopped a few steps away from Zefrek. His eyebrows
were furrowed.
.D
.Bdia
Your brother is in perfect health,
.Edia
the Shalussi replied at last.
.Bdia
So are the other prisoners, including the eighteen
Essimeans captured last night. The word of a Shalussi does
not lie.
.Edia
He glanced at Dashvara and added,
.Bdia
I am willing to exchange your prisoners for ours, but in the
case of yesterday's Essimeans, the decision belongs to
Dashvara of Xalya. He was the one who made the capture.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara suppressed an incredulous grunt. So they were
talking about a prisoner exchange? Seeing no better
opportunity to get rid of these captured Essimeans, he
replied:
.D
.Bdia
I accept the exchange.
.Edia
.P
Todakwa approved the exchange in turn, as if he was doing
them a favor. Zefrek immediately sent one of his men to free
the prisoners, and Dashvara stepped aside to call Tinan:
.D
.Bdia
Follow him and tell everyone that everything is fine for
now.
.Edia
.P
Tinan nodded and hurried after the Shalussis. Good. One problem less.
Now came the question of Ashiwa and the siege, Dashvara
guessed. Obeying a slight gesture from Todakwa, three young
Essimeans approached an imposing, ornate chair, and the
Essimean leader sat like a king as he was wrapped in a large
cloak so pure white it looked as if it had never been used.
That he should sit while the others remained standing seemed
out of place to Dashvara. Others would have thought he was
showing signs of weakness by doing so… but Todakwa was an
Essimean, he had a different way of thinking, and Dashvara
bet that his purpose was to assert his authority and stand
out as the little ruler of this meeting.
.D
.Bdia
The illegitimate rebellion you have started, Zefrek,
.Edia
he pronounced from his seat,
.Bdia
has resulted in the deaths of part of my people. I will
hardly be able to forgive such an offense, but today I am
willing to be merciful. The best you can do is to surrender,
evacuate Lamasta, and abandon the steppe as soon as
possible.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
That's not what we came here to do, Todakwa,
.Edia
Zefrek replied, his voice strained.
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
the Essimean conceded.
.Bdia
But, if you were to open your eyes, you would see that my
army is larger than yours, that Titiaka is willing to send
more men, that the weapons they can provide us with are
better than those of the Republic, and that the Republic is
not helping you… If I wanted to, I could make you disappear
like a grain of salt in the water,
.Sm at any time .
.Edia
He clasped his hands together under the loose sleeves of his
immortal blue tunic and gave them a slight smile as his
vivacious eyes detailed them all calmly.
.Bdia
Do you know what I see, steppemen? I see primitive tribal
leaders facing a modern civilization and unable to accept
that they must submit to it for the sake of their people.
Xalyas, you have lost much of what the Ancient Kings taught
you. Shalussis, you have never been more than uneducated
shepherds who will never see beyond your flock… You are
doomed to failure. You stay behind for fear of being
defeated and you do not realize that you have already lost.
Essimea brings the steppe back to life. And it will continue
to grow, no matter how many obstacles stand in her way.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
And he believes it, the damned snake…
.Epenso
Dashvara grinned fiercely at him and exploded first in a
biting tone:
.D
.Bdia
It brings us back to life, eh? Well, I'm sorry to say that
your modern civilization isn't going anywhere, Todakwa.
.Edia
He glanced tensely towards the Ragails and Kuriag before
stating,
.Bdia
Diumcili is using you. It is selling you illusions of
wealth, and all the while, it is extracting gold and
salbronix from your mines, devouring your livestock… It
will eventually devour your people and your modernity. Even
the ancient kings did not succeed in destroying the steppe
as you do. You want your land to grow, you say,
.Edia
he huffed sarcastically.
.Bdia
I suppose you already know that he who grows much falls from
greater heights and the fall is harder.
.Edia
.P
Todakwa's smile had widened, becoming truly obnoxious.
.D
.Bdia
Hmm. I chatted once with Vifkan of Xalya, perhaps eight or
ten years ago,
.Edia
he commented calmly.
.Bdia
A straight, rigid, stubborn man… He had no ambition other
than to continue living as he had always lived. He and his
father before him led your clan to its doom. Too bad you
chose the same path. By now, you and your people could be on
a ship to Titiaka. But you chose war.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I chose freedom,
.Edia
Dashvara retorted with a dull roar.
.Bdia
If it were not for your army, Todakwa, if it were not for
the slaves that you have subjugated and that wish to be
free, I would long ago have gone to some part of the steppe
where your abject modernity and your glorious Skâra are not
heard of. And know, Todakwa,
.Edia
he added angrily,
.Bdia
that my father did not lead my clan to its doom.
.Sm You
caused its doom by attacking it. You abuse your power as the
Lords of the Steppe and the Ancient Kings once did against the
weak. But you act differently. Instead of pushing
back the neighboring tribes, you enslave them, you
indoctrinate their children, you force them to worship a
deity that is not theirs, you deform our Dahars by poisoning
it little by little… If you think you have succeeded, you
are mistaken. My people are still faithful to the Eternal
Bird.
.Edia
.P
Todakwa raised his eyebrows, looking unimpressed.
.D
.Bdia
Allow me to doubt it,
.Edia
he replied.
.Bdia
I can assure you that you'll found in your clan young
people who think in Galka, pray in Galka, and dream in Galka.
The power of Skâra is greater than that of the Eternal Bird,
Dashvara. Because it goes beyond our sajit understanding.
That's why it has a greater impact among the young: because
they believe in life and death before they understand them.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara did not know how to answer that. He was aware that
he had been carried away by Todakwa's insulting words, and he
recriminated himself for that. If they had gathered there,
it was not to convince each other of their good ideals, it
was not to sell deities to each other or to throw cutting
remarks at each other, it was to find a satisfactory
solution to the siege of Lamasta.
.P
After a brief silence, Todakwa added:
.D
.Bdia
A conflict does not suit either of us now. The Diumcilians
believe that the Dazbonians will continue to support you if
you manage to settle, and while Republican support has been
rather burlesque so far, a larger conflict between the
Republic and the Federation could have disastrous results on
the steppe if we do not resolve this in a civilized manner.
That leaves us with two options: either I crush the
rebellion and neither of us can doubt my victory, or I offer
you the opportunity to surrender, but since you have so far
only kept refusing to do so, Kuriag Dikaksunora here has
suggested I offer a third option.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow and turned to Kuriag. Seeing the
attention focused on him, the young Titiaka moistened his
lips. His face was almost as white as Todakwa's majestic
cloak.
.D
.Bdia
Well, here goes…
.Edia
The Titiaka cleared his throat, finally breaking the silence,
and took on a more ceremonious tone as he continued:
.Bdia
The Titiaka Council has ordered that Federated
reinforcements be sent to Ergaika. They will arrive in a few
days. The Council recognizes that these lands are Essimean
and has condemned the rebellion as a slave revolt. And
therefore,
.Edia
he continued, as solemn as ever,
.Bdia
your claims are illegitimate and are not accepted by either
Essimean or his allies. Common sense would dictate that you
realize that your situation is untenable. I, Kuriag
Dikaksunora, as a master of slaves involved in the revolt
and as an official member of the Council of Titiaka, ask
you, both Shalussis and Xalyas, to consider this.
.Edia
He coughed softly, and though everything that Federate said
stuck in his throat, Dashvara struggled to suppress a smile
at seeing him so uncomfortable.
.Bdia
Essimea is willing to let the rebels live, acknowledge the
existence of the Shalussi and Xalya clans and grant them
rights. In exchange, the leaders of these clans will have to
swear loyalty to Essimea, live under its wing as vassals
and…
.Edia
The gasps from Dashvara, Zefrek, and the Shalussi woman sage
drew a grimace from him, and he hastily concluded,
.Bdia
and submit to certain obligations in exchange for certain
rights, all of which are detailed in… uh… the written
agreement here.
.Edia
.P
He held out a paper scroll which a young Essimean took and
passed, not to Dashvara, but to Zefrek. Dashvara was
seething. A vassalage agreement. Kuriag was trying to sell them a
vassalage agreement! He was so bewildered that it took him a
moment to realize that Zefrek was looking at the parchment
with real embarrassment. The young Shalussi cleared his
throat and handed him the paper. Dashvara took it and,
glancing at the long list of conditions and verbiage,
realized that Zefrek had not read it. Simply because he
couldn't read.
.P
.Bpenso
Lucky you,
.Epenso
he sighed.
.P
Reading this scroll was going to be torture. Just glancing
at it was already shameful. Todakwa's mocking look didn't
help. He would have liked to throw not only the scroll, but
an entire library in his face. However… did they have
another option? Letting out a strangled, hoarse sound,
Dashvara was about to read aloud, for Zefrek's sake, but
thought better of it. Yira was reading over his shoulder…
Dashvara looked away from the sheet and rolled it up again.
.D
.Bdia
We will need three days to examine this proposal.
.Edia
.P
Todakwa rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bdia
Two days,
.Edia
he replied.
.Bdia
At the dawn of Alkanshe Day, you will give me your
answer and release Ashiwa. If you do not deliver him alive
and well, Skâra will fall on your heads.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara frowned without answering. The Shalussi sage said:
.D
.Bdia
Death falls on all heads, and treachery has never been a
good match for nature. Storms and drought will wipe out your
empire if you are not careful, Todakwa.
.Edia
.P
The Essimean leader smiled.
.D
.Bdia
That Skâra will decide, for everything is born in her and
everything dies in her.
.Edia
He stood up and turned to Shokr Is Set.
.Bdia
I will allow the Steppe Thieves to enter Lamasta if they so
desire. However, if you enter, you will be showing your
support for the Xalyas and you will have to suffer the
consequences of Dashvara of Xalya's decision. I understand
that you come with the intention of uniting your clans…
Vassalage would then extend to the Steppe Thieves if
accepted.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara hissed inwardly.
.Bpenso
Killing two birds with one stone, vermin?
.Epenso
He replied:
.D
.Bdia
The Honyrs have yet to swear any loyalty to me.
.Edia
.P
Todakwa wryly bowed his head as a farewell and gestured.
.D
.Bdia
May Skâra guide you to the right path and feed you with her
wisdom.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
May your Eternal Bird pluck its feathers and burn in hell…
.Epenso
.P
Dashvara bit his tongue and replied with a short, curt,
polite bow. The meeting ended. Zefrek was red with anger.
The Shalussi sage's lips were pursed in a thin line of
displeasure, Shokr Is Set was grim…
.P
.Bpenso
To hell with the snake!
.Epenso
Dashvara pestered as he climbed back onto Sunrise.
.Ch "Youk"
The Honyrs decided to pass and enter Lamasta, a detail that
didn't worry Dashvara much, as he had come to the conclusion
that sooner or later he would have no option but to accept
Todakwa's pact if he didn't want the Xalyas wiped off
the map, and under those circumstances, he was never going to
accept the Honyrs swearing loyalty to a damned vassal of a
damned rotten rat.
.P
They arrived in Lamasta without him almost realizing the
journey. His mind was racing. And the scroll in his right
fist weighed down on him like an anvil. He held back the
urge to smash it to bits, dismounted in front of the
shelter, and let a boy lead Sunrise to the enclosure. The
Xalyas surrounded him and greeted Shokr Is Set, Yira and the
newly arrived Honyrs with welcoming smiles. Captain Zorvun
stopped in front of Dashvara and, seeing the young Xalya
hesitate, he arched an eyebrow and observed:
.D
.Bdia
It was a short meeting. And, from the look of you, something
tells me it didn't go well.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Are they going to launch the attack?
.Edia
Shurta asked.
.P
Dashvara grimaced and shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
No. Forget it. Todakwa is proving to be a reasonable
devil. Er… It's time to go discuss this… matter with Zefrek
and Lifdor. We have two days to think about it.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Think about what?
.Edia
Zorvun asked warily.
.P
Dashvara looked him in the eye and coughed daintily.
.D
.Bdia
Remember what you told me in Titiaka about pragmatism and
pride? Well… I think it is appropriate for us to consider
Todakwa's proposal,
.Edia
he asserted and held up the scroll for a moment, adding,
.Bdia
While I read this to the Shalussis, please welcome and
settle the Honyrs as best you can. Their coming is a credit
to their people, and it honors ours.
.Edia
.P
He bowed his head and walked away towards the headquarters.
Several of the brothers followed him, full of curiosity.
.D
.Bdia
What the hell kind of proposal are you talking about?
.Edia
Sashava asked, panting with his crutches as they sped along.
.P
Dashvara shortened his steps and summarily explained:
.D
.Bdia
The serpent wants an oath of vassalage.
.Edia
.P
More than one person was stunned. Zorvun huffed in
disbelief. The newly arrived Xalyas had not yet been
informed either, and now they were as dumbstruck as the
others. Aligra wore a mournful expression worthy of a tale
of terror—the Liadirlá knew why she hadn't stayed with the
other Xalya women in Honyr territory. Zamoy was the first to
react:
.D
.Bdia
Ah the bloody devil!
.Edia
.P
The Baldy was choking with indignation and said no more.
The astonishment had left them all speechless. They were
already reaching the headquarters when Lumon asked:
.D
.Bdia
What exactly does this vassalage imply?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
I don't know. The scroll explains it in detail. I decided
not to refuse rashly. It was Kuriag's idea. Todakwa simply
liked it… though I'm sure he imposed his own conditions
anyway.
.Edia
.P
This time, when they reached the headquarters, they were not
turned away, and Dashvara went inside with the captain, Yira,
Yodara, Lumon, and Sashava. The whole Shalussi leadership
was present; given the variety of origins, the group wasn't
small. About
twenty veteran warriors were already there, shouting in a
thunderous hubbub. Dashvara stopped, watched them patiently
and, little by little, the tumult calmed down, and the eyes
turned towards him. When a relative silence had settled, he
unfolded the paper scroll and said:
.D
.Bdia
Todakwa has suggested we consider his proposal. If you
agree, I'll read the terms aloud to you, and then we'll
comment on them separately if you feel it's more
appropriate.
.Edia
.P
Zefrek intervened:
.D
.Bdia
I think in this case it is appropriate for both clans to
have a joint discussion.
.Edia
.P
The chieftains nodded one after the other with varying
degrees of enthusiasm, and Dashvara began to read. The
beginning was a tirade presenting the agreement,
with technical words that half of the Shalussis present
probably did not understand, Dashvara suspected. Even he couldn't
understand all those complicated phrases… This text had to
come from the mind of a scholar… and he doubted it
was from Kuriag Dikaksunora. From his cousin the diplomat,
then, perhaps? Who knows. In any case, the series of
conditions began without surprises: Todakwa demanded
absolute loyalty, the right to conscript in case of war,
freedom of movement in the territories of each clan, he
prescribed certain prohibitions and reserved the right to
impose more rules of a minor nature relating to hunting,
livestock, and a long et cetera, without the possibility of
refusal on the part of the vassals, even though they could
.qt appeal .
He also imposed the presence of death-priests to
educate and give glory to Skâra. He explicitly denied Lifdor
the right to lead the clan of Shalussis and demanded that a
single leader represent each clan. In exchange for all
this, he promised to help his vassals when they needed it,
to lower the prices according to their possibilities and to
ensure the respect of their culture and identity within the
new steppian power…
.D
.Bdia
The new steppian power,
.Edia
Sashava spat.
.Bdia
I would gladly drag that Essimean snake across the steppe!
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Better not. His blood would poison the land,
.Edia
the captain growled with restrained rage.
.P
Dashvara finished the section and finally reached the last
sentence:
.D
.Bdia
The following signatories accept the pact and commit to
abide by it for the next twelve years.
.Edia
.P
Zorvun arched an eyebrow.
.D
.Bdia
Twelve years?
.Edia
he repeated.
.P
Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
I suppose it must be so that we don't get the idea of
rebelling beforehand and wisely wait until the validity
date.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Which is not going to happen anyway,
.Edia
Lifdor croaked.
.Bdia
We're not going to accept such humiliation.
.Edia
.P
Many supported his view vehemently, but others did not seem
at all so convinced. All in all, this was a victory over the
servitude they had known until then. The pact, on the
whole, was obviously appealing to them.
.P
Once again, the Xalyas were more spectators than actors in
the conversation that followed the reading of the pact.
Voices became heated. Those who argued for vassalage were
called cowards and traitors, and they in turn called the
latter reckless fools for persisting in confronting a
growing army of Essimeans who offered to free their enslaved
women and children and leave them relatively in peace.
.D
.Bdia
The Essimeans fear us!
.Edia
roared one with a grizzled beard and a powerful voice.
.Bdia
If they do not attack us, it is because they know that their
spells are no match for a good sword stroke. We are warriors
and they are mere wimps. Let us impose our own pact!
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
We can add conditions,
.Edia
Zefrek commented, drumming on the table.
.D
.Bdia
Conditions are not enough,
.Edia
Lifdor replied.
.Bdia
My honor categorically forbids me to even consider making a
pact of vassalage with that vermin.
.Edia
.P
His assertion ended in a stentorian thunder, which obtained
many echoes. Dashvara rubbed his forehead, wrinkled by so
much noise. He tried, in vain, to pick out some constructive
comment from the chaotic voices that were rising. Zorvun
commented in his ear:
.D
.Bdia
It reminds me of when we used to celebrate horse races in
Xalya.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara's lips curved. But his smile twisted when he
thought that the party now being held threatened to turn
into a brawl. After waiting a few more seconds, Dashvara
shook his head and said to his brothers:
.D
.Bdia
Today we will get nowhere. The sun will soon set. It will be
better if we return to the shelter and share dinner with the
Honyrs.
.Edia
.P
Zorvun agreed but said:
.D
.Bdia
I'm going to stay here for a while longer. I'm curious to know
what Zefrek thinks about all this.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shrugged, and leaving the captain there, he and the
others headed for the exit after a quick general salute to
which the Shalussi leaders barely responded.
.P
.Bpenso
As if we didn't already have enough racket in the morning
with the explosive disks… It will be best if the Shalussis
go to sleep and let their dreams give them advice before
they make a hasty decision.
.Epenso
.P
Dashvara felt even more worried than a few hours earlier,
for the simple reason that Todakwa's proposal threatened to
tear both Shalussis and Xalyas apart, between those who were
happy to accept a ray of light in exchange for chains and
those who wished to win their freedom and die carrying out
an honorable revenge. And, honestly, something in Dashvara,
perhaps fatigue, wisdom, love for his people, or who knows
what, made him lean towards the former.
.P
.Bpenso
We'll still be able to rebel if Todakwa doesn't keep to the
pact,
.Epenso
he thought on one hand.
.P
But another little voice mocked him:
.P
.Bpenso
Don't you feel like you're settling for less, Dash? You no
longer seek freedom, nor revenge, nor justice. Your only
concern is saving your people from death and complete
slavery and you even feel grateful for Kuriag's
intervention…
.Epenso
.P
He spent the whole evening with a muddled head. The Xalyas
happily shared their little bit of food with the Steppe
Thieves, and those in turn shared some sort of milk cake that
drew enthusiastic comments, which were soon stifled so as
not to disturb the Honyrs as they ate in their ritual
silence. They had already finished eating for a while
when a group of five teenagers returned noisily, surrounding
a young Youk in wet and muddy clothes. Standing up, Miflin's
mother huffed.
.D
.Bdia
Eternal Bird, where have you been? Take off that shirt,
Youk, it's a mess. What the hell happened to you?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
He's so clumsy! He fell flat on his face!
.Edia
one of the companions laughed.
.P
The boy did not answer, and to everyone's amazement, he made
his way through the crowd with lightning speed and tried to
escape. He did not succeed: Captain Zorvun, who was standing
at the entrance, chatting with Yodara, grabbed him by the
neck.
.D
.Bdia
Hey! Where are you going, kid?
.Edia
.P
Alerted by Youk's deeply altered face, Dashvara put aside
his meditations on the pact and followed the scene with
curiosity. Confronted with the Captain's question, the
child did not utter a word. Zorvun frowned, and Lariya joined
them, obviously annoyed by the young Xalya's behavior, but
not only by that: seeing two of the kids who had accompanied
him laughing under his breath, Dashvara turned dark,
guessing what had happened.
.D
.Bdia
Come on,
.Edia
Lariya sighed.
.Bdia
Take off that shirt, I'll wash it.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No!
.Edia
Youk retorted, stirring abruptly. If Zorvun hadn't held him
in a firm grip, he would have rushed for the exit.
.P
Before his puzzling refusal, Lariya stepped forward and forced him to
remove it. Youk didn't resist, but his face became violently
flushed. And everyone soon understood why. His chest was
covered in tattoos. Skâra tattoos with patterns and Galka
signs clearly identifiable by their black and blue colors.
.P
Surprise seized them all, and Youk took advantage of it.
With his cheeks flooded with tears and his eyes bulging, he
jerked free and ran out of the shelter. The others did not
react immediately; then finally, there were gasps and
comments, and over them, Orafe bellowed:
.D
.Bdia
I curse the Essimean and spit on their dead!
.Edia
.P
From the knowing looks the two kids who had laughed before
exchanged, Dashvara deduced that they already knew Youk's
secret and had been pestering him because of it. He kept
their faces in mind and decided that he would personally
teach them a lesson they would never forget.
.P
.Bpenso
Looks like Todakwa gave me back Essimean demons instead of
Xalyas,
.Epenso
he muttered, annoyed.
.P
Makarva had gone out in the night to look for the boy. After
a few minutes, he returned, a worried expression on his
face.
.D
.Bdia
I can't find him. I have no clue where he disappeared to.
.Edia
.P
Worried, others were rising to search for him when suddenly
a loud cry was heard outside, whether of alarm or protest,
Dashvara could not determine, but the sound of hooves that
followed made him fear the worst. He was reaching the
entrance when the stentorian voice of the captain tore
through the night:
.D
.Bdia
Come back here, you fool!
.Edia
.P
He was speaking to Youk. Except that Youk was already riding
away into the night shadows and he could only hear him from
a distance. He didn't listen to him anyway: he kept
galloping. Dashvara hissed an imprecation and took off running
towards the paddock. More than one person had the same idea
at the same time, and Dashvara braked before ordering:
.D
.Bdia
Boron, Alta! Your horses are the fastest. Bring the boy
back.
.Edia
.P
A few moments later, the Placid and Alta were galloping
north out of Lamasta. Towards the Essimean camp. Dashvara
exhaled sharply. Just the thought that Youk might think he'd
be safer there than with his people made Dashvara feel
horrible. Mostly because it wasn't Youk's fault but others',
and mainly his own
fault for despising Skâra and its rituals, for
condemning the death-priests and their practices, for
denigrating everything the young Xalyas had learned in the
past three years under the Essimeans. Certainly, Dashvara
only felt fear and contempt for that deity, simply because she was
Essimean and her worshippers were hostile to him… The
problem was that the young Xalyas had felt that contempt.
Hence some were ready to show their elders that, for them,
Skâra was nothing, even if it was not true; and hence
others, with the Divinity branded in their minds, even
tattooed by the death-priests, were dying of shame in
silence. And, as the great, blind, stupid steppe lord he
was, Dashvara had seen nothing.
.P
.Bpenso
Brilliant, Dash. You are no match for the King of the Blind.
Please remember that, first and foremost, these people are
human like you. They are united by the tolerance and trust
that reign between us. And, in this, you have failed Youk.
We have failed all our young people completely.
.Epenso
.P
He rubbed his forehead tiredly, and Todakwa's words came
back to echo in his head,
.Bparoles
you'll found in your clan young people who think in Galka,
pray in Galka, and dream in Galka…
.Eparoles
True. It was true. Their death-priests had achieved something
unthinkable. Something that would have made his lord father
turn over in his grave.
.P
.Bpenso
Pah. At this point, Lord Vifkan would have already died of
horror after everything that happened.
.Epenso
.P
He felt a hand silently take his, and he answered gently,
turning his eyes to those of his naâsga.
.D
.Bdia
What are you thinking about?
.Edia
she asked, curious.
.P
Dashvara glanced around. They were halfway between the
shelter and the horse paddock, and the Xalyas were wandering and
talking in low voices, scanning the darkness and hoping for
the boy's return. The Honyrs had almost all stayed inside,
getting ready to sleep after an exhausting day. He hadn't
had a chance to really talk to them yet, other than the
usual politeness. They were probably wondering if they had
fallen into some sort of trap by entering Lamasta to defend
a half-dead people who was, all in all, planning to betray
one of the most essential bases of its Eternal Bird and
submit to Todakwa. He sighed.
.D
.Bdia
About a thousand kinds of things,
.Edia
he admitted at last.
.Bdia
Todakwa. The Shalussis. The Honyrs. My people. And my
stupidity… As Maloven used to say, he who wants to embrace
everything ends up grasping only emptiness.
.Edia
.P
Yira let out a slight amused gasp.
.D
.Bdia
Are you trying to embrace your stupidity?
.Edia
she teased.
.P
Dashvara smiled and argued:
.D
.Bdia
To fix it, one must first understand it.
.Edia
.P
He took his naâsga by the waist and scanned the darkness
with her. On the village hillside there was an entire line
of burning torches and the occasional silhouette of a
Shalussi sentry. That Boron and Alta were taking so long was
beginning to worry him seriously.
.D
.Bdia
Dash,
.Edia
Yira said suddenly, breaking the relative silence of the
night.
.Bdia
Tell me… what do you think of this pact?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara grimaced.
.D
.Bdia
I don't know,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
Sometimes it seems to me the right way, other times a
folly—really, I don't know. I'm suspicious of Todakwa,
naturally.
.Edia
.P
He sensed Yira's assent.
.D
.Bdia
Maybe Todakwa isn't just doing this to please Kuriag
Dikaksunora,
.Edia
she mused.
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow and looked at her in surprise.
.D
.Bdia
What do you mean?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Mm… Well. If I were Todakwa, the ones I should be most
worried about right now would be the Federates. They're
going to send soldiers to the steppe, and believe me, when
the Titiaka Council sends soldiers, they don't pack them
back in anytime soon. By making the Xalyas and Shalussis
his vassals, Todakwa is ensuring that you won't weaken his
own clan and that you will even help him in case of…
.Edia
she shrugged,
.Bdia
potential unwanted invasions.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stood looking at her, stunned. Finally, he
breathed out.
.D
.Bdia
Gosh.
.Edia
He smiled broadly.
.Bdia
You are the worthy daughter of Atasiag Peykat, naâsga.
You're good at this sort of thing.
.Edia
.P
The light of a torch illuminated Yira's amused eyes.
.D
.Bdia
Not as much as my father,
.Edia
she assured.
.Bdia
But, from listening to him, I've learned a few lessons.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled, once again glad to have her by his side
despite the situation. He was pondering on her words when
Miflin announced from a distance:
.D
.Bdia
They're coming back!
.Edia
.P
The horses' hooves could be heard approaching. Anxiously,
Dashvara scanned the darkness, and when he finally saw the
riders, he felt a chill that had nothing to do with the cold
of the night. Yes, Alta and Boron were coming back… but
without Youk.
.Ch "A Xalya does not surrender"
Alta jumped down from his horse.
.D
.Bdia
Too late, he crossed the lines,
.Edia
the Xalya gasped hastily.
.Bdia
I'm sorry.
.Edia
He looked tormented. His brothers tried to console him
despite their own disappointment and nervousness, and Alta
exclaimed,
.Bdia
May the Liadirlá protect this boy! If I'd forced my Alrahila
more, maybe I could have caught up with him… but doing so
in this dark was madness. That boy… Devils. If the Essimeans
were to hurt him…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
They won't hurt him,
.Edia
the captain assured in a steady voice.
.Bdia
They're waiting for an answer about the pact. It would be
absurd to stir up trouble.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
The Essimeans are absurd,
.Edia
Orafe croaked.
.Bdia
To think that they branded a kid as an object…!
.Edia
He choked and roared:
.Bdia
Wretched devils!
.Edia
.P
More than one Shalussi had approached to see what was going
on and were casting curious looks. Dashvara raised a hand.
.D
.Bdia
Take it easy, brothers. The captain is right: they will not
harm him. And, tomorrow, I will go in person to bring him
back.
.Edia
Anticipating protests, he raised another hand—inwardly
rejoicing that he no longer felt pain in his arm—and said,
.Bdia
I feel personally responsible for this incident. Besides,
the captain is right: until this pact thing is settled,
there will be no bloodshed. Todakwa will respect the truce.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Like he respected it three years ago, you mean?
.Edia
Zamoy retorted sarcastically.
.P
Dashvara grimaced and faced skeptical expressions. He
insisted:
.D
.Bdia
That was different. Look, I'm the first to be suspicious of
that snake, but in this case, he's not interested in
conflict. He wants peace with the steppe clans.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Peace, as if!
.Edia
Zamoy protested.
.Bdia
He wants to see us subdued, Dash! He wants to humiliate us.
.Edia
.P
Orafe elbowed him, and the Baldy huffed but fell
silent. There was a deep silence during which Dashvara
caught his brothers' insinuation: they would follow him no
matter what he decided. They understood the risks now better
than ever and what was at stake: the future of two hundred
Xalyas. But if Dashvara felt the risk was necessary, they
would throw themselves body and soul into battle.
.P
.Bpenso
And you don't know how much I fear you for that, brothers…
.Epenso
.P
Dashvara breathed in and finally broke the silence.
.D
.Bdia
Today has been a very long day. Tomorrow will be a new day.
And it will no doubt light up my head with more constructive
ideas than I have right now, so… I bid you all good night,
brothers.
.Edia
.P
They answered him, and all but the watchmen went back inside
to their makeshift pallets and extinguished the torches. As
he did every night, Tsu again used his ointments and spells
on his arm, and while the drow worked, Dashvara kept a
pensive silence. Finally, despite the energies that were
beginning to dull his mind, he tried to brighten up and
said:
.\" pallets
.D
.Bdia
Tsu.
.Edia
The drow looked up, slightly arching a questioning eyebrow,
before returning to his work. Dashvara hesitated,
.Bdia
How is Fushek?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Not very well,
.Edia
Tsu admitted.
.Bdia
I pulled the bolt out, and he lost a lot of blood. But he'll
live, I think. He's a strong man.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded, glad to hear that despite the rather hostile
reception the Shalussi had given him.
.D
.Bdia
Good,
.Edia
he muttered. And then he turned his head to the bouncing bag
and inquired:
.Bdia
Tah? Are you sleeping? I was wondering—
.Edia
.P
The shadow interrupted him with a mocking cough, completing:
.P
.Bdm
Wondering whether I could go and see if everything is all
right with the boy, don't you? I'll go.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you, Tah. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
.Edia
.P
The shadow answered with a mental smile, stepped out of the
bag in the dim light of the shelter and disappeared in a
perfect silence. In the room, one could hear only whispers,
throat clearing, and a few coughs. Tsu stepped aside.
.D
.Bdia
I'm done. You know, Dash? The more you think, the
more you stress, and the more you stress, the longer it will
take for the wound to heal and I'll be forced to give you
more of these ogroyes.
.Edia
.P
In his eyes there was a slight joking glint. Dashvara looked
at him with amusement.
.D
.Bdia
If you don't give me any more of that nasty food, it's
because you ran out of it, admit it.
.Edia
.P
Tsu shook his head, and a slight smile came over his dark,
drow face.
.D
.Bdia
Bah, go sleep already,
.Edia
he told him.
.P
He got up, and Dashvara wished him good night. The
essenciatic energies spared him a bad moment trying to fall
asleep: entwined with his naâsga, he sank into a deep sleep.
.P
.salto
.P
He awoke after hours—or perhaps days—of climbing and
climbing Mount Bakhia to the sky. He straightened up on his
straw mattress, discarding the last fragments of his
exhausting dream. His naâsga was not beside him, and the shelter
was relatively empty: there was only a young woman sitting
near the entrance with the youngest children of the group.
Dashvara met her gaze and shook his head with a snort.
.D
.Bdia
Uh… Hello, Morgara. Where the hell is everyone?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
We didn't want to wake you up,
.Edia
she explained.
.Bdia
The others are outside. Can't you hear the commotion? Zefrek
and Lifdor are about to duel.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara was putting on his boots, but at these words, he
looked up abruptly. They were going to duel? Seriously? He
let out a scornful growl followed by an incredulous laugh,
finished putting on his boots, and promptly buckled his belt,
grabbed his cloak, and headed for the exit wishing all the
brats good morning. As soon as he stepped outside, the cold
whipped through him. He wrapped the cloak around himself,
glancing up at the leaden sky before turning his attention
to the large group that had gathered for the duel: it was
taking place in one of the paddocks adjacent to the Xalya
and Honyr horses, and many of his people had climbed on
the fences to try and see over the Shalussis' heads without
needing to mingle with them. While there was a peaceful
hubbub among the Xalya spectators, among the Shalussis it
was different: they were shouting like brutes.
.P
As he approached, Dashvara thought he heard a dull thump
above the din, like a sword hitting a shield. Joining the
captain, he asked:
.D
.Bdia
And do we know why they're doing this exactly?
.Edia
.P
Zorvun huffed, quietly stepping away from the fence.
.D
.Bdia
Just a matter between savages. By the way, Dash. Guess whose
horse Youk took last night.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara's eyes widened in alarm.
.D
.Bdia
Wasn't it ours?
.Edia
.P
Zorvun sighed.
.D
.Bdia
No. It was a Honyr horse.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara turned pale. Oh, devils. It wasn't hard to imagine
its owner's state of mind. And even less so knowing the
attachment the Honyrs showed to their horses: if the Xalyas
took care of their mounts as if they were close friends, the
Honyrs treated them like true goddesses.
.D
.Bdia
They're trying to be understanding,
.Edia
Zorvun assured, bringing his head closer to make himself
heard over the ruckus the Shalussis were making.
.Bdia
But that horse… we have to get it back at all costs.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded.
.D
.Bdia
Surely. Where is the Honyr? Did you try to appease him?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I did, of course. But it'd be nice if you'd appease him
too. He's that big fellow with the red belt. That's Sirk Is
Rhad's father. He doesn't want to give his name.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara detailed the man. Knowing Sirk Is Rhad's initial
contempt for all
.qt zoks ,
he guessed that his father must not
be an example of tolerance either. He approached him, and as
he got near, the Honyrs observed him gravely. Clearly, they
didn't seem to enjoy the duel as much as the Xalyas,
and far less than the Shalussis. He stopped in front of Sirk
Is Rhad's father and got straight to the point:
.D
.Bdia
I apologize, Honyr. Your horse will be returned to you as
soon as possible. I will try to make up for this… uh…
.Edia
He was about to say
.qt mishap ,
but thought better of it and said,
.Bdia
this misfortune.
.Edia
.P
A thunder of shouts and chants went up among the Shalussis.
Dashvara snorted, and turning again to the Honyrs, he
raised his voice and added:
.D
.Bdia
On the other hand, I promise you all that, if I agree to this
pact, Todakwa will have to let you return to your land
without causing you any trouble. You need not worry about
that.
.Edia
.P
Sirk Is Rhad's father glared at him, his eyebrows furrowed.
.D
.Bdia
First you stole my son,
.Edia
he pronounced in a bark,
.Bdia
then my horse…what's the next surprise?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara frowned in turn, tense.
.P
.Bpenso
Well, Dash, did you think that everyone came here to swear
loyalty and die in exchange for forgiveness to their people
for the actions of Sifiara the Traitor? You are so naive.
Sometimes you seem as ingenuous as Maloven.
.Epenso
.P
He forced himself to relax and said:
.D
.Bdia
You are mistaken. If you wish your son to return to the
north, so be it. I have no right to interfere with a
decision like this.
.Edia
The Honyr watched him as if trying to guess whether this zok
was sincere with him. Dashvara took a step back and added
for all the Honyrs:
.Bdia
The Great Sage told me the history of your clan and said
that some of you would welcome forgiveness from a steppe
lord and… since I am most likely the only one still alive, I
would like to take this opportunity to express this
forgiveness to you in person, though I fear my word may not
be worth much, but… as the last lord of the steppe, let me
reassure all those who continue to doubt and tell them that
Sifiara's descendants don't have to be ashamed of their
ancestor's betrayal. It's enough for a man to be ashamed of
his own mistakes; he doesn't have to feel shame for the
actions of all his ancestors.
.Edia
.P
He fell silent, and only then did he realize that now not
only were the Honyrs listening to him, but also the Xalyas.
The commotion had died down. The duel had ended. And
Dashvara had missed the result. He tried to guess it from
the commotion he had heard, in vain. But then, who could
have won? Lifdor most likely. He was a veteran warrior.
.P
He bowed to the Honyrs, not quite sure if he should expect a
response to his speech… Then Sirk Is Rhad's father spoke:
.D
.Bdia
Your words are well received. I respect the wish of our
Great Sage and appreciate the esteem he has aroused in you.
But, you see, our history has taught us many things. And
that is why my people will never agree to be reborn to a
clan willing to give up their Eternal Bird under the
Essimean yoke.
.Edia
.P
His voice was steady, unyielding, but not hostile. Dashvara
nodded with his throat tightened. Clearly, this Honyr had an
obvious influence on his clan. He breathed in and
acknowledged:
.D
.Bdia
I can't feel hurt by your accusation.
.Edia
Unlike others, he noted, seeing Xalyas' expressions around
him.
.Bdia
Besides, I can't see it as a real accusation either. The
Eternal Bird is not an unalterable mountain. Just as yours
has learned lessons from your distant past, so ours has
learned them from a more recent but no less harsh past. If
I am to accept the Essimean yoke, it will be because I will
have considered that not to do so would be to send my people
to the slaughter. As Nabakaji said: death to the man who
leads his brothers to certain death.
.Edia
.P
Sirk Is Rhad's father returned an indecipherable look and
replied:
.D
.Bdia
The dissensions I have had with Lord Vifkan in the past will
not fade with time. However, the Great Sage says that his
son has an Eternal Bird more like ours. I have come to
verify this.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow, wondering what this Honyr
expected him to do, in this case, for it was clear that he
would not approve of him sending his people to their deaths,
nor would he find it worthy of a lord to bow his head to
zoks who had destroyed the ancient steppe. Not knowing quite
what to say, he made a gesture and said in an affable tone:
.D
.Bdia
Well, you're free to verify anything you want, good man.
Meanwhile, our home is yours.
.Edia
.P
He bowed, the Honyr did the same, and Dashvara joined his
brothers. He pointed his chin towards the enclosure where
the duel had taken place and asked:
.D
.Bdia
Is he dead?
.Edia
.P
Zamoy laughed.
.D
.Bdia
Of course not! The pirate is a gentleman. He let him live.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gasped in surprise.
.D
.Bdia
Did Zefrek win?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
By a stroke of luck,
.Edia
Lumon confirmed as the others began to comment on the duel
animatedly.
.P
That caught him off guard. On the one hand, it was good news,
and on the other, not so much. One good thing was that
Zefrek was obviously in favor of a more peaceful arrangement
of the siege: he must have thought that the pact would give
him the official legitimacy he lacked, and as a matter of
fact, what
he had to worry about most now were the dissensions among
his own people and the stories of internal revenge within
his clan. The trouble was, the latter could potentially hurt them
all, for if the Shalussis started fighting in the middle of
Lamasta… the Xalyas would have to take sides or run away and
accept the pact without possible renegotiation.
.P
Dashvara turned his head in several directions, his eyebrows
furrowed, increasingly agitated.
.D
.Bdia
Where is Yira?
.Edia
.P
Several people looked for her with him, in vain. A dull fear
came over Dashvara. She hadn't gone off by herself to look
for Youk, had she? Or, who knows, maybe a Shalussi had
caught her prowling the village at night and… Then, to his
relief, he saw her. The sursha had just appeared at the end
of the village's main street, along with Shokr Is Set.
Everyone watched them approach with curiosity. Before anyone
could ask, Shokr Is Set said:
.D
.Bdia
We've been talking with Ashiwa of Essimea. I think we
should convince Zefrek to release him right away.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara frowned in surprise. Free Ashiwa even before they
agreed to the pact? Well, why not? At this point, it wasn't
going to do them much good whether they accepted or refused
the pact, and with his brother freed, Todakwa couldn't
refuse to return the favor by handing over Youk. So he
approved of the Great Sage's advice without hesitation and
promised:
.D
.Bdia
As soon as the Shalussis calm down, I'll go see him.
.Edia
.P
Except that the Shalussis refused to let them pass to
headquarters:
.qt we'll send for you ,
they said.
.Bpenso
As if we were their subjects
.Epenso ,
Dashvara hissed as he walked back to the shelter, seething
with anger.
.P
But they had no alternative but to wait, and so he waited
impatiently. He ate a frugal breakfast, and after tending to
Sunrise, he spent the morning carving a small wooden horse
while receiving regular reports about what was happening in the village. Tah
had not returned, and that worried him, but as Yira said, it
could be that the sun had caught him in the middle of the
Essimean camp and he had not dared to cross the sparse
grassy terrain that separated him from Lamasta. Unless he'd
stayed to talk with Api. As far as he knew, the young demon
had been reaccepted into the camp thanks to the intervention
of Asmoan of Gravia. The lucky boy seemed to be able to move
with almost as much freedom as the shadow.
.P
There were at least two more duels between the Shalussis
that morning and more than one heated argument in the
streets. The Xalyas who wandered off to nose around all told him
the same thing: Zefrek was still locked up at headquarters,
in a meeting with the chieftains. Some said he had been
murdered, others that he had fled, and still others,
inspired by the old Shalussi woman sage, believed that he was the
Chosen One of their clan, that he was, by virtue of his
travels, a learned man, and thus would finally, somehow,
bring peace and freedom to their families… In short, Lamasta
was tearing itself apart under the distant gaze of the
Essimean army, and the Shalussi warriors, as ill-informed as
the Xalyas, spent the entire morning worried and infuriated,
nerve-racked and expectant. This explained why, in a few hours,
there were more clashes with the Xalyas than in all the
previous days: to begin with, after having accepted that the
Xalyas milk their cattle, several Shalussis refused to give
them a share of the milk as usual and demanded it all for
themselves, stating that the devils
.Bqt
did not need to eat
.Eqt ;
others even refused to let them work for them, and more than
one provoked them with insults that were no longer hidden
but clear as water… Since the Shalussis did not have the
same scruples as the Akinoas towards the dead, their words
made more than one Xalya explode with anger inwardly. But,
to Dashvara's astonishment, none of them violated his order
not to respond to provocation. Not even Maef. Something
Dashvara would not have thought possible. Surely, his people
were beginning to show admirable composure.
.P
In any case, the unspoken agreement of mutual respect fell apart,
the alliance wavered, and it was on the verge of breaking
completely when, around noon, four Shalussis came to him at
the shelter, dragging a boy and accusing
.Bqt
that Xalya rat
.Eqt ,
of stealing a cheese. They were beside themselves with rage.
.D
.Bdia
You know we're not going to kill children so you send them
to steal from us!
.Edia
one roared.
.Bdia
You sons of rats… Now that the Honyrs are here to kiss your asses,
you think you're safe, huh? Well, you're mistaken. This is
Shalussi territory here. If you start not going straight,
we'll let you starve to death and cut your legs off!
.Edia
.P
He violently shoved the alleged thief, who lay at his
lord's feet, holding back his tears like a brave man.
Dashvara took the kid by the arm and lifted him up
effortlessly.
.D
.Bdia
Tell me, boy. Is it true that you tried to take a cheese
that wasn't yours?
.Edia
.P
The child shook his head without daring to speak. His movement
generated more cursing from the Shalussis, which made
Dashvara grimace with deep weariness. Unable to determine
who was lying, he apologized in a gruff tone, and the story
fortunately ended there.
.P
He followed the four complainers with a dark look as they
walked away with a kingly gait. The renewed hostility of the
Shalussis troubled him deeply. Until now, they had treated
the Xalyas with relative leniency and compassion… but the
arrival of the Honyrs had reversed the situation. Was it
because they feared the Xalyas would unite with the Steppe
Thieves? With this union, the Shalussis would become the
weakest clan in Rocdinfer, except perhaps for the Akinoas…
and the prospect frightened them. Unlike Todakwa: he would
not move a finger to prevent this union as long as Dashvara
accepted to become his vassal, because he would be justly
delighted to, at long last, have some influence over the
Honyrs. But the Shalussis… they would have preferred that
the lord of the steppe be buried fifty feet underground.
.P
.Bpenso
Well, let them try to bury me,
.Epenso
he grumbled inwardly. When he lost sight of the four
Shalussis, he spat out loud:
.D
.Bdia
Shalussis. They will never change.
.Edia
He ruffled the little thief's hair without holding him to
account and admitted to Zorvun,
.Bdia
Either Zefrek is truly dead or he is deliberately ignoring
us.
.Edia
.P
It turned out that the second hypothesis was the right one,
for in the afternoon, just when Dashvara was about to go and inform
the Shalussi chieftains that, seeing the way things were, the Xalyas
would make their own decisions without consulting anyone, a
messenger arrived to announce that Zefrek had invited him to
join him north of the village.
.D
.Bdia
Faster than a bodun,
.Edia
Dashvara commented mockingly, pleased in spite of himself.
.P
The young messenger merely made a puzzled face. Dashvara
was ready. Accompanied by a dozen brothers, he strode to
the north. Seeing him, Sirk Is Rhad hurried to separate
himself from the Honyr group and join them, clearly
determined to show his father who his true lord was.
Dashvara couldn't help but give him a brotherly smile
despite the dark look the father was probably giving them at
the moment.
.P
The sky had become cloudless, and a cold sun now shone down on
Lamasta. To the north of the village, near the barricades of
rubble, was a large group of horsemen. The dense dust kicked
up by their mounts mingled with the warm breaths emanating
from their mouths in the winter air. No voices could be
heard, except for some murmuring intermingled with the
horses' snorts. They were obviously preparing to go
somewhere. Whether it would be with weapons drawn or with
heads down remained to be seen.
.P
Dashvara spotted Zefrek and approached with a firm gait and
cautious eyes. He noticed the half-concealed bandage the
pirate wore on his wrist, probably injured in the morning's
duel. Other than that, he looked much better than he had the
day before, and he exuded a clear, bright confidence. The
duel had been beneficial to him.
.D
.Bdia
Zefrek of Shalussi,
.Edia
he greeted him in a deep voice.
.D
.Bdia
Dashvara of Xalya,
.Edia
the Shalussi chief replied, without dismounting.
.Bdia
I apologize for not inviting you to the meeting this
morning, but, as you must understand, I had to deal with
matters that concerned only the clan. We have finally
settled them, and we have also thought long and hard about
the pact proposed by Todakwa… I suppose you must have done
the same, and I would like to know your conclusion on the
matter.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara glanced at the Shalussi faces and scanned Zefrek's
expression, trying to guess what
.Sm his
conclusion was on the matter. Finally, he answered
truthfully:
.D
.Bdia
It all depends on yours. If you accept, we will have no
alternative but to accept as well.
.Edia
.P
His answer drew an amused pout from Zefrek.
.D
.Bdia
Quite right,
.Edia
he conceded.
.Bdia
And if I decided to refuse?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara frowned.
.Bpenso
Are you playing with me, pirate?
.Epenso
He shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
If you refuse, it's probably because you know you'll get
more help from Dazbon soon.
.Edia
.P
Zefrek's smile widened. Yes, he didn't care about his
opinion, Dashvara confirmed without batting an eye. It was
clear that he had already made up his mind.
.D
.Bdia
It's not just the Republicans who could help us,
.Edia
the Shalussi leader replied.
.Bdia
There are also the Akinoas.
.Edia
.P
Startled, Dashvara squinted, watching him carefully.
.D
.Bdia
Have you heard from Raxifar?
.Edia
.P
The Shalussi nodded calmly.
.D
.Bdia
He attacked the northern mines with about twenty men and
women of his people.
.Edia
As the Xalyas looked at him in amazement, he detailed,
.Bdia
Apparently the miners were almost all Akinoas. He rescued
them, and since they were being chased and had no horses,
they dug themselves into the Dungeon of Nayul, northeast of
Aralika. And they are still there.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed. Clearly, Raxifar was in as much trouble as
they were…
.D
.Bdia
How did you get that information?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Through an Essimean messenger,
.Edia
Zefrek replied.
.Bdia
Todakwa must have thought that the news would prompt us to
accept the pact more quickly.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara wondered what other news this pirate could be
hiding from him, and with a sardonic smile, he replied:
.D
.Bdia
Very kind of him. Let's speak plainly, Zefrek of Shalussi:
are you going to accept the pact, yes or no?
.Edia
.P
Zefrek exchanged a look with his companions before nodding.
.D
.Bdia
I'm thinking of imposing new conditions, and I want to talk
to Todakwa privately about it. But yes, I consider the pact
to be beneficial to us. I have decided to release Ashiwa at
once and speak with Todakwa. I invite you to accompany me.
.Edia
.P
It took Dashvara a few seconds to digest his answer, though
it was no surprise. He could feel the Xalyas' lack of power
in this matter painfully.
.D
.Bdia
So be it,
.Edia
he said in a husky voice.
.Bdia
Todakwa had better keep his word. I'll be right back.
.Edia
.P
He greeted him and turned his back with some abruptness. He
returned to the Xalya area, heavy hearted and surrounded by
silence. As soon as he returned, he said to everyone in a
loud voice:
.D
.Bdia
Xalyas, we surrender. Gather everything together and prepare
to leave Lamasta. We are not going to stay in this Shalussi
lair any longer than we have to.
.Edia
.P
They all obeyed promptly without commenting once on
Dashvara's decision. They must not have wanted to think
about it too much either: after all, the lord decided what
was best, didn't he? Dashvara sighed.
.P
.Bpenso
Stop complaining about your responsibilities, Dash: you were
supposedly raised to handle them.
.Epenso
.P
He climbed onto Sunrise's back and gently patted her neck.
His father's voice resurfaced from death at that moment and
resounded in his head with the force of a hammer:
.Bparoles
A Xalya does not surrender!
.Eparoles
it thundered. And Maloven's softer, calmer voice whispered
to him,
.Bparoles
To surrender because you're facing an unavoidable outcome is
not to surrender but to act wisely
.Eparoles .
Dashvara's lips curved into an ironic pout.
.P
.Bpenso
Surrender? Devils, no. A Xalya does not surrender: he signs
pacts.
.Epenso
.Ch Reminiscences
Todakwa's reception was pompous and unnecessarily paternal. He
scarcely bothered to speak to the defeated chiefs: after
ascertaining that Ashiwa had not been tortured, Todakwa at
once sent cartloads of food and wood to Lamasta out of
compassion for the starving vanquished, and, before anything
was signed, he and his army entered the village and set up
his own headquarters at the top of the hill to spend the
night.
.P
As a result, the streets were filled with Essimean guards,
the Shalussis did not stray from their fires, and the Xalyas
remained huddled in their shelter with the Honyrs, not daring
to go out. They had no news of Tah, nor of Kuriag, nor of the
Akinoas. And they didn't know much about Youk: when Dashvara
had asked to get him back, Todakwa, with obvious mockery,
had replied that he wasn't stopping Youk from coming back,
that the boy was in the care of the death-priests for the
time being and wished to stay with them. Nor had they
recovered the horse of the Honyr patriarch: apparently it
had galloped off to the north and no one had been able to
catch it. Dashvara had reiterated his apology, increasingly
ashamed and embarrassed by what had happened: this stupid
incident had inevitably put Sirk Is Rhad's father in a bad
mood, and Dashvara understood him completely. Well… at
least, that night they went to bed without a wisp of hunger.
Todakwa must have believed the saying that hearts are won by
satiating stomachs.
.P
The official acceptance of the pact took place the next day,
in the presence of all. It was Alkanshe Day, a
sacred date for the Essimeans, and apparently during the
Alkanshe, all conflict was forbidden because the Rebirth of
Skâra was being celebrated and everyone had to sing and
dance in her honor. Several Xalya boys had tried to explain
to Dashvara how Death could be reborn, but it turned out
that even they, after three years of praying, could not
understand it.
.P
.Bpenso
Rest assured, Dash,
.Epenso
he said to himself as he ate a hearty breakfast.
.Bpenso
Soon you'll have a death-priest by your side all day to
explain everything in detail.
.Epenso
.P
Outside, there were already sounds of instruments and
animated voices. His brothers were having lunch beside him,
not as noisy as usual. They were not gloomy either, but
rather worried about the future. As for the Honyrs, they had
not tasted a bite of the food offered by Todakwa: they used
their own provisions, surely secretly despising the Xalyas
who accepted it without any scruples.
.P
.Bpenso
Bah, aren't masters supposed to feed their slaves?
.Epenso
Dashvara laughed inwardly, sardonically.
.P
He had learned his lesson well in Diumcili: anything that
was good for his people was welcome. There was nothing
honorable about starving to death with delicious cakes at
hand. Would he have thought the same thing three years ago?
No, certainly not. Three years ago, he would have roared
like a nadre, feeling his Eternal Bird under attack. He
smiled. Sometimes he regretted losing that stubborn purity
of his adolescence. And yet, with it, he would never have
survived the Border, never have agreed to be Atasiag's
slave or treacherously killed Rayeshag Korfu, and never have
returned to the steppe. Which didn't mean he was especially
happy to bow his head to Todakwa… but, in such a small clan,
survival and common sense came first.
.D
.Bdia
Hey, Philosopher! You're going to miss the ceremony if you
think so much,
.Edia
Makarva mocked him.
.P
His brothers had already risen.
.D
.Bdia
They wouldn't dare start without me,
.Edia
Dashvara replied with a wolfish grin.
.Bdia
I only hope it won't last too long. Modernity has a bad
habit of making useless things last.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
At any rate, today you will appear dressed as the lord of
the Xalyas,
.Edia
a cheerful voice intervened behind him.
.P
Dashvara turned, eyebrows arched, and saw several Xalya
women approaching, carrying a long dark cloth in their
hands. He stood up, his heart beating rapidly. Could it be…?
.D
.Bdia
The shelshami?
.Edia
he murmured, amazed.
.P
It was the black scarf his father wore for ceremonies and
peaceful encounters with other clans. He would have
recognized it anywhere: it had the same decorations around
the edges and a small white bead, a gift from Dakia, that
Lord Vifkan wore against his chest, hidden from foreign
eyes. He gasped.
.D
.Bdia
H-how…? I mean, how did the Essimeans not—?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Your mother gave it to me to hide,
.Edia
his aunt Lariya explained.
.Bdia
And she told me that the day I gave it back to you, you
would have accomplished your mission.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara felt a chill and pulled his hand away from the
cloth, looking serious.
.D
.Bdia
Then I can't wear it. Not while Lifdor and Todakwa are still
alive.
.Edia
.P
He saw Lariya's eyes smile and a fiery, defiant glint shine
in them as she moved forward unfolding the cloth.
.D
.Bdia
Before the sun rises again, you will have saved your people,
.Edia
she pronounced with serene solemnity, covering him with the
shelshami.
.Bdia
If you must kill Todakwa, do it. Do justice. Save the pride
of your people. It is I, Lariya, sister of Dakia of Xalya,
who asks this of you. This serpent has robbed us of our
dignity. If we must die to regain it, so be it. Either way,
our dead will not rise again, my lord. Our clan is dying.
And our pride… only your blade can restore it, Dashvara of
Xalya.
.Edia
.P
With the help of other women, Lariya had finished dressing
her lord in the black scarf. Her words had left Dashvara
stunned, confused, enthralled… He hadn't expected
this. And from the stricken expressions of his brothers, he
guessed that they had not either. For a moment, he saw
himself trapped by his own people. He wanted to do what was
best for them, and it turned out that they were not asking
for peace or love: they were asking for justice and revenge.
.P
As Lumon had once said, they were more dead than alive, and his
enslaved people had continued to live only in utter despair.
But now that they had a lord back, they wished for him to
give them back their lives, even if it was to die
immediately after.
.P
.Bpenso
They wish you dead, Dash,
.Epenso
he understood with a shudder.
.Bpenso
They wish Todakwa dead more than they want their clan to live,
because they think their clan is already dead.
.Epenso
.P
.Bpenso
What madness.
.Epenso
.P
.Bpenso
But they're your people, Dash, and you understand them,
admit it, you understand their desire for revenge because
part of you is dying to enact it.
.Epenso
.P
.Bpenso
But you won't.
.Epenso
.P
As if guessing his thoughts, Lariya's eyes glowered.
.D
.Bdia
Only your blade can save the Dahars of your people,
.Edia
she insisted.
.P
And with what confidence and firmness she said it…! Both
moved and appalled, Dashvara bowed to his aunt and the other
Xalya women and said:
.D
.Bdia
I will do what my Eternal Bird dictates to me,
.Sm -t erare sîzinez ,
and my swords will perform their duty. But at the proper
place and time. Impatience is the enemy of the hunter.
.Edia
He smiled at the young Xalyas' serious but determined looks
and took Lariya's hand to squeeze it gently.
.Bdia
Thank you for keeping the shelshami, Aunt Lariya. I will try
to wear it with as much dignity as my lord father.
.Edia
.P
The mother of the Triplets hesitated, but seemed to consider
that her words had had the desired effect, for she did not
insist and merely said:
.D
.Bdia
May our Dahars guide you, my lord.
.Edia
.P
Fortunately, Lariya was not as brash and overbearing as her
sister was, and she hoped that her words would be enough to
make her lord understand that the lives of his people should
not be an obstacle to his duty. The problem was that, for
Dashvara, his people had been more of a goal than an
obstacle… as well as a shield that protected him from his
own impulses. Duty, duty, he repeated to himself irritably.
Who better than he could understand his real duty?
.Bpenso
The Dahars of your people,
.Epenso
a small voice told him. But, according to tradition, it was
the lord who was supposed to represent It. So, no
matter what he did, his people would follow him, right?
According to tradition, they would follow him to death or to
the most brutal humiliation. Such was the power of the lord
of the steppe. And such was what Atasiag had called the
fanaticism of the Eternal Bird.
.P
.Bpenso
Rejoice, Dash: if you had five thousand Xalyas under your
command, the whole steppe would be at your feet…
.Epenso
.P
He suppressed a wave of self-deprecation and glanced at his
people. His brothers were looking at him with a strange
fascination. They looked as if they had seen a ghost under
that shelshami. The ghost of his father, perhaps?
.P
.Bpenso
Well, don't get your hopes up, brothers. It is not Lord
Vifkan who stands before you: it is only me.
.Epenso
.P
A horn sounded outside, echoed by others. It was time. With
a calmness that surprised him, Dashvara reached out to take
his naâsga's hand, kissed it, clearly sensing her trouble,
and took one last look at his people before saying:
.D
.Bdia
Let's go.
.Edia
.P
And they went out of the shelter.
.P
The Essimeans had been active that morning: they had cleared
the streets of all rubble, they had even decorated them with
blue and white banners. The white symbolized the rebirth of
Skâra; the blue, its immortality. And Dashvara always
wondered: how could one be immortal and reborn? The
Essimeans and their crazy stories…
.P
He glanced back to see that the Honyrs had decided to accept
the invitation and follow them to the ceremony site. Hell,
he would have given his sabers to know what these men had
really come looking for.
.P
The ceremony would take place outside the village. The music
had died down and now everyone was waiting for Todakwa to
arrive. Dashvara stopped the Xalyas before they could
advance into the midst of the Essimeans. More than one was
watching them brazenly. Yet there was none of the ancestral
contempt that the Shalussis had for them, but rather a
mixture of curiosity and compassion. Yes, compassion.
Perhaps because what their eyes saw was a harmless group of
women and children defended by a handful of disgraced
warriors and a leader wrapped in a traditional shelshami who
clung stoically to his Dahars and Eternal Bird as he walked
towards his own abyss.
.P
.Bpenso
You can keep your hypocritical compassion, Essimeans,
.Epenso
Dashvara hissed mentally.
.P
When Zefrek arrived with his men, the atmosphere became
tense. Essimeans and Shalussis were glaring at each other with murderous
eyes. They were the true rivals of the steppe now. It was
strange to note that the Xalyas were now but a small secondary
group of steppe people from a bygone age in this place. So
were the Honyrs.
.P
Soon after Zefrek's arrival, Todakwa appeared with his
cohort, and those of his people cheered him by bowing
deeply to the ground while uttering words in Galka. With
this stream of kneelers, the field of vision was cleared, and
Dashvara could clearly see the Essimean chief stop in front
of a large white flag. He was accompanied by his wife and
his brother Ashiwa, but there was no sign of Kuriag
Dikaksunora. As the Essimeans rose to their feet, Dashvara
saw a tattooed death-priest walking up to the Xalyas. He
bowed slightly to him and said in Galka:
.D
.Bdia
Peace be with you, Dashvara of Xalya.
.Edia
And he added in the Common Tongue:
.Bdia
This way.
.Edia
.P
He told him so in a courteous tone, waving him forward
before leading the way through the Essimean crowd. Dashvara
softly inhaled the cold morning air and
stepped forward, surrounded by Yira, Arvara, and Makarva. The
others had orders not to move from there unless things went
really wrong.
.P
The Essimeans watched in silence as the defeated approached
the pavilion. Stopping in front, Dashvara gave
a curt nod to Zefrek and glanced at the table with the
scrolls before turning to Todakwa. The leader of Essimea was
talking in a low voice with his wife. While the former was
smiling, betraying his joviality, Daeya's
pale face crisscrossed with tattoos reflected an absent
serenity. It was as if what was happening around her did not
affect her, as if she was beyond the world of the living.
And yet, she had taken great pains to invent those explosive
disks to attack Lamasta…
.P
Turning to the two steppian chiefs, Todakwa made a welcoming
gesture.
.D
.Bdia
The Alkanshe awakens today to clear, sunny skies. I hope you
had a pleasant night.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stopped himself from rolling his eyes and, nodding
wordlessly, looked around at the many death-priests
surrounding them. He noticed a small figure trying to hide
behind the black tunic of one of them.
.P
It was Youk.
.P
The boy was staring at the ground and was so pale that he
looked as if he were about to faint. His head had been
shaved again, perhaps in honor of the Alkanshe, and he wore
a grey tunic that reached to his feet. He looked up, met
Dashvara's gaze, gasped, and the death-priest at his side
grabbed him by the neck and whispered something in his ear.
His words calmed him immediately, and Youk remained as still
as a statue. He did not look up again.
.P
Meanwhile, Todakwa and Zefrek had finished their formalities,
and Dashvara had not loosened his lips, merely shaking his
head, grunting without paying any real attention. Finally,
they turned their attention to the scrolls on the table.
Zefrek signed his name—most likely, someone must have
taught him how to do it the day before—and he knelt before
Todakwa, pledging his loyalty. Dashvara took his time. He
reread the pact from beginning to end, and when he reached
the end, he frowned. In a dry voice he read:
.D
.Bdia
As the owner of the signatory, the Dikaksunora family
reserves the right to terminate the pact at any time and
regain power over its property.
.Edia
He let out a growl and put the parchment down on the table
with an abrupt gesture.
.Bdia
This was not in the original pact. What's the meaning of
this?
.Edia
.P
He perceived Todakwa's slight grimace; nevertheless, it was
not he who answered, but a voice behind him.
.D
.Bdia
It means that you Xalyas are still property of the
Dikaksunora.
.Edia
.P
When Dashvara saw the tall figure detach itself from the
Essimeans and walk around the table, he felt his blood run
cold in his veins. That face… Liadirlá, he knew that face.
It was the first foreigner he had hated with all his
soul. The envoy of Menfag Dikaksunora. Tsu's master and the
one who had forced Tsu to torture him in Dazbon.
.D
.Bdia
Arviyag,
.Edia
he snarled under his breath.
.P
He spat out the name in disdain and disbelief. The elegant
Titiaka gave him a slight, cold smile.
.D
.Bdia
Your heart must be darker than a well, Dashvara of Xalya.
Kuriag Dikaksunora bought you to protect him and guide him
on the steppe, didn't he? He gave you weapons, horses, food,
and money. And, in return, he simply asked for your loyalty.
Loyalty!
.Edia
he laughed. His laughter died as quickly as it came.
.Bdia
Let me sum up your exploits, Xalya. You mocked your master
repeatedly, pretended to save him, posed as a resurrected
man, and betrayed your master's trust without any qualms by
running away, confronting his allies, and not worrying for a
moment about the man who bought you for a thousand-five
hundred dragons.
.Edia
His sentence ended in a bark. He clicked his tongue
dismissively.
.Bdia
You've learned nothing in the last few years. If you had
been my slave, you would have ended up in a pit with a
bloody back, begging for your life to be cut short, Xalya.
.Edia
.P
Several strong men stood by his side, along with his loyal
servant, Paopag, and… Garag Dikaksunora, the diplomat.
Seeing them together like this, it was clear that Garag and
Arviyag shared familiar features, except that the former was
clearly a half-elf, while Arviyag's elf features were barely
discernible. The latter placed both hands on the table
without taking his penetrating eyes off Dashvara.
.D
.Bdia
Maybe I shouldn't have let you live that day.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara struggled inwardly not to pull out his swords and
cut off this viper's head. He replied:
.D
.Bdia
Maybe. Where's Kuriag?
.Edia
.P
A dangerous glint passed through Arviyag's eyes.
.D
.Bdia
Where is Kuriag?
.Edia
he repeated.
.Bdia
Are you worried about him now? Really?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara frowned, suddenly concerned.
.D
.Bdia
Did something happen to him?
.Edia
.P
He saw Arviyag exchange a mocking smile with Garag and drum
on the table. That all the Essimeans and Shalussis were
there listening to him did not seem to bother him.
.D
.Bdia
This pact between the Essimeans and the Xalyas is useless,
.Edia
he said at last.
.Bdia
And Todakwa agrees with me on the matter: if you do not
unite with the Steppe Thieves, your… clan?
.Edia
he smiled mockingly,
.Bdia
will not live on. It has no livestock, it has no food, no
weapons, no horses. You will not survive the winter. And
Kuriag will not help you: you are runaway slaves.
.Edia
He made a vague gesture turning back to Dashvara with
predatory eyes.
.Bdia
Without help, you are doomed.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara clenched his jaws. Why all the drama? To tell the
truth, it was no surprise: Todakwa was simply not willing to
make a pact if he didn't unite with the Honyrs… And Arviyag
was counting on him not doing so, but why? To give Kuriag
back his escaped slaves and get into his good graces? Unless
something happened to Kuriag? In that case… who knows
who
.qt owned
the Xalyas now. The mere thought that the young
elf might have been murdered upset him, saddened him, and
strangely enough, filled him with shame, for, if he had not
fled from the Essimeans, perhaps he could have saved him.
Ignoring Arviyag's words, he repeated:
.D
.Bdia
Where's Kuriag?
.Edia
.P
Arviyag rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bdia
Again! Your master is on a sightseeing tour with his
Agoskurian friend. Riding from dungeon to dungeon. It was
better for him not to be here today. Your influence on him
has proven to be very negative.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara sighed with relief. Well, at least Kuriag was okay.
After quickly running his eyes over Daeya, Todakwa, Garag,
and Arviyag, he casually waved his hand.
.D
.Bdia
Well? What is your plan then? Slit our throats? I'm sure
you'll succeed, but not without us slicing off a few of your
heads in the process too. Perhaps not many,
.Edia
he acknowledged calmly.
.Bdia
But it won't be for lack of trying.
.Edia
.P
Arviyag laughed.
.D
.Bdia
And so spoke the barbarian!
.Edia
.P
He straightened up, gripping the edges of his elegant
Titiaka coat with both hands. His clothes made him look even
thinner than he was. He reminded Dashvara of one of those dandies
from Titiaka's Bright-Casino. All he lacked was a baton.
.P
From the corner of his eye, Dashvara calculated the
distances…
.P
.Bparoles
Only your blade can save the Dahars of your people.
.Eparoles
.P
His hunter's eyes sought prey for his blade. But his mind
kept telling him: not yet, Dash, there is still hope…
.D
.Bdia
Sentencing you to death would be a possibility,
.Edia
Arviyag replied lightly.
.Bdia
But I don't think Todakwa would appreciate a massacre being
carried out on a holy day like this.
.Edia
He inclined his head towards the Essimean leader and added,
.Bdia
Besides, we are civilized people, Xalya, and we prefer to
kill the guilty. And in this case… I do believe that the one
who must pay the price is the leader.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched his eyebrows.
.D
.Bdia
Wise words,
.Edia
he agreed.
.Bdia
Then, according to you, I should be civilized and beg Kuriag
Dikaksunora to slit my throat.
.Edia
.P
Arviyag smiled.
.D
.Bdia
For example. That would be a good start. But, if one of my
men were to slice it for you, the problem would be just as
well settled—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Do you really think so?
.Edia
Dashvara interrupted briskly.
.Bdia
You really think the problem would be solved by killing the
lord of the Xalyas? Touch me and you'll have a hundred angry
Xalyas ready to die to avenge me.
.Edia
.P
Arviyag returned a mocking expression.
.D
.Bdia
Oh. Your people love you so much.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara felt Makarva grow restless, and he placed a soothing
hand on his arm while giving the Titiaka a venomous look. He
turned to Todakwa and roared:
.D
.Bdia
Essimean! I agreed to the proposed pact. To change it now is
to break the rules.
.Edia
.P
Todakwa had watched the exchange with interest. He shook his
head with an expression that was meant to be conciliatory.
.D
.Bdia
You are slaves of the Dikaksunora, Dashvara of Xalya. What I
offered was a theoretical pact with the implied condition of
allying the Honyrs within my domains. But it looks like they
don't want to support you, and since the Dikaksunora don't
wish to free you… your future depends on them. I don't feel
I have the right to interfere in this matter. You have been
sold and bought, and the law of ownership is worth more than
anything else.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
To hell with your modern laws,
.Epenso
Dashvara hissed mentally. He glanced at Zefrek, but Zefrek
had already sworn loyalty to Todakwa and had returned to his
people. His message was clear: he would not interfere, and
as a man of his word, he would honor the pact he had just
accepted. Dashvara tried to remain calm under the clear eyes
of Daeya of Essimea who was staring at him. Truthfully, he
was really beginning to feel on the edge of the abyss.
.D
.Bdia
What about Raxifar of Akinoa?
.Edia
he asked after a tense silence.
.P
Todakwa rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bdia
Kuriag has agreed to hand him over to me for the damage
done. His sacrificial blood will feed Skâra very soon.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara exhaled and closed his eyes briefly.
.Bpenso
Liadirlá, give me strength…
.Epenso
He couldn't believe that Kuriag had acceded to sending
Raxifar to his death. However… it should not be forgotten
that this Akinoa had murdered his father. Kuriag's leniency
had been admirable, but perhaps his family had changed his
mind. Devils. Certainly, with relatives like Garag and
Arviyag, and knowing that Kuriag, despite his high
principles, was quite impressionable… this young elf was
capable of giving any order if convinced that it was the
right thing to do. And if, by moving away from Lamasta, he
had given full power to his cousins…
.P
.Bpenso
May the sand bury them,
.Epenso
he raged.
.P
Todakwa's voice interrupted his thoughts. He had turned to
his people, addressing a prayer in Galka, to which they
responded in a deep chorus, intoning a song. The mournful
melody of the beginning soon took on a happier and faster
tone. Dashvara had no idea how long this would last, but it
was clear that Todakwa had considered the pact ceremony over
and had initiated the Alkanshe festival. He glanced at Yira,
Makarva, and Arvara. All three of them returned his gaze,
their eyes shining with concern. Yira whispered:
.D
.Bdia
We must find Kuriag.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara had thought of fleeing, of fighting to the death,
of stooping to humiliating pleas, but he had not thought that Kuriag
could still come to their aid. However, his naâsga was
right: Kuriag would never dare to condemn his wife's people
as long as they were in front of him. The problem was that
they had no idea where he could be now. From dungeon to
dungeon… Damn! There were at least a dozen monuments of the
Ancient Kings in the area.
.P
A few steps away, Arviyag was chatting with Garag… Dashvara
took a step back. No one looked at him. He frowned and
turned to Youk. The boy was still staring at his feet as he
sang, but as if alerted by a sixth sense, he looked up at
his lord. Dashvara motioned for him to come closer. His
neighbor, the death-priest, was so busy singing that he did
not notice anything as the boy walked away. At first his movements
were hesitant, but, probably because he could read only
forgiveness and friendship in Dashvara's eyes, he grew
bolder, approached, and even ceased singing to ask:
.D
.Bdia
Is it true that this foreigner will kill you?
.Edia
.P
He said it in a tone of commiseration and solidarity, as if
he understood that Dashvara might be his lord but he was
also, like him, a slave, and there was nothing he could do
to avoid it. Dashvara returned a fierce smile.
.D
.Bdia
I'm looking forward to seeing him try. You gave us all quite
a scare by going off like an ilawatelk. Come on, let's go
home with the others.
.Edia
.P
But Youk became reserved, and with his head down, he refused
vigorously.
.D
.Bdia
I can't,
.Edia
he said.
.P
Dashvara armed himself with patience.
.D
.Bdia
Of course you can. A few tattoos don't mean anything, kid. I
have tattoos too, see them?
.Edia
He rolled up the sleeve of his right arm to show him the
marks.
.Bdia
They're paint. Colors. Nothing more.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
That's a lie,
.Edia
Youk replied, backing away.
.Bdia
If they put those tattoos on you, it's because they bought
you. And it's the same for me. Skâra bought me. I'm from
Skâra. And I can't go away because, if I do, She'll
punish me.
.Edia
.P
He said it defiantly and firmly. Dashvara looked at him,
gripped.
.D
.Bdia
Wait,
.Edia
he told him, grabbing Youk by the arm when the boy pretended
to walk away. Looking him in the eye, he said,
.Bdia
So be it. You belong to Skâra. No problem, you hear me? No
problem at all. I only want you to come back with us.
Because you are a Xalya, Youk. A Xalya of Skâra if you like,
but a Xalya at heart.
.Edia
.P
Youk pressed his lips together without saying anything.
Dashvara added:
.D
.Bdia
I imagine it is not easy for you to choose. But know that
your people want you to come back. A brother returns to his
pack to help them. And you, you must help them, because they
need you, Youk. Just because you're a Xalya doesn't mean you
have to hate the death-priests or Skâra. You must only follow
your Eternal Bird.
.Edia
.P
Youk seemed to ponder, but Dashvara had no time to let him
think, so he simply pushed him gently. The boy did not
resist, and finally, they walked away to their people between
two lines of Essimeans who were still singing. They were
welcomed back with great concern, for although the Xalyas could
not hear all the conversation, they had heard enough to know
that things had gone wrong. Dashvara in any case briefly
summarized what had happened in a neutral, almost casual
voice:
.D
.Bdia
Todakwa may be a snake, but, in this case, the foreigners
take the cake: they don't want me to sign a pact because,
naturally, we are their slaves.
.Edia
.P
Inwardly, he couldn't help but think that it was a miracle
that they were all still alive. A more impetuous man than
Arviyag would have had them all killed during the night, and
the Liadirlá knew how easy it would have been to lock them
in the shelter and burn them all alive. But Arviyag and
Garag were pragmatic men, perhaps even the former more so
than the latter, and apparently they were not going to make
any hasty decisions.
.P
.Bpenso
Which doesn't mean they won't send us to our deaths in the
near future,
.Epenso
he mused.
.P
The song of the Essimeans ended at that moment, and a
death-priest declaimed words in Galka. The sons of Skâra
broke off their lines and, led by Todakwa and his wife, went
to the river to cover their arms with mud, to purify
themselves perhaps, Dashvara did not know. As the drumming
and clamouring subsided, his eyes wandered from the festive
procession to the armed Essimean who were not participating.
He also noticed the considerable number of foreign
mercenaries that the Essimean lines had so far obscured from
him. There were the twenty or so Ryscodrans from Garag,
of course, but also other warriors, perhaps as many as
eighty, who were likely in the service of Arviyag. All of
them were sibilian, and there were faint dark patches on
their greyish skin caused by the dry air and cold of the
steppe. Their inscrutable faces, as well as their austere
appearance and clothing, reflected the indifference and
.qt mercenary spirit
that Dashvara had seen many times before on the Border.
They were, in brief, men rescued perhaps from the galleys,
from piracy, from misery, who had been trained to kill for
money.
.D
.Bdia
The sibilians of the Skasna Islands,
.Edia
Tsu's voice croaked beside him.
.Bdia
Eight years ago, Menfag Dikaksunora promised them freedom
for their families in exchange for their lifetime service.
Apparently, they serve Arviyag now.
.Edia
.P
He spoke the name of his former master in a terribly neutral
voice. Dashvara looked at the sibilians with a certain
solidarity, and his opinion of them improved, but they did
not seem any less dangerous to him, on the contrary.
.D
.Bdia
The Honyrs are leaving,
.Edia
Lumon said suddenly.
.P
Dashvara did not turn to see them walk away: his eyes
watched Arviyag and Garag approaching at a desperately slow
pace. Had they made a decision? With a look of fear and
shame, Sirk Is Rhad stood before him and bowed.
.D
.Bdia
Let me talk to my father, sîzan. I know I can convince him
to help us.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shook his head sadly.
.D
.Bdia
Helping us would bring more trouble than benefit to the
Honyrs, sîzan. Your father is being careful, that's all.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
He's a coward,
.Edia
Sirk Is Rhad hissed and, after a brief silence, admitted,
.Bdia
He ordered me to follow him.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Then follow him,
.Edia
Dashvara said. Facing the Honyr's defiant face, he smiled
and laid a brotherly hand on his shoulder.
.Bdia
There is no point in throwing yourself into an abyss if you
cannot save those who are already there. I have forgiven
your people, and I am certain that the Honyrs will continue
our Dahars. And that you will defend it no matter what, to
the death, but in your own land, sîzan, not here. Tinan,
.Edia
he called.
.Bdia
Accompany him to the paddocks and tell his father that
from now on Sunrise belongs to him.
.Edia
As Sirk Is Rhad widened his eyes and began to protest, he
stopped him,
.Bdia
I would rather see my horse in the hands of a brother than
in the hands of a stranger. And now go. Nandrivá, sîzan,
.Edia
he insisted, pleading with him.
.Bdia
Nandrivá.
.Edia
.P
His lord's command added to his father's made him desist:
Sirk Is Rhad bowed, trembling slightly, and he uttered
softly:
.D
.Bdia
My Eternal Bird will die with you, sîzan. Not before nor
after.
.Edia
.P
And with those words, he and Tinan walked quickly away
towards the Honyrs who were leaving to take back their
horses on the other side of the village. Arviyag and Garag
were still approaching without hurrying. Shaking his head,
Shokr Is Set sighed in Oy'vat:
.D
.Bdia
Kark Is Tork has a proud Eternal Bird.
.Edia
.P
So that was his name… Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
He wishes to save his son. I respect his wish and his
caution. After all, we don't know each other.
.Edia
.P
From the corner of his eye he saw the curious look that the
Great Sage was giving him. Dashvara wondered if he would
obey him, too, if he asked him to leave. His intuition told
him he wouldn't. And, in a way, he was glad to have him by his side.
In any case, he had no shortage of advisors: the captain
with his pragmatic, proud, rational mind; Yodara with his
practical, more thorough advice; Shokr Is Set with his
knowledge; and… his people, who, just this morning had
advised him to pull out the swords and face Todakwa. An
advice that part of Dashvara was eager to put into practice.
But the Essimean chief would never agree to a duel: he was a
priest, not a warrior, and besides, fighting an enemy that
was already defeated made no sense. Therefore, the only way
to fulfill Lariya's wish was to proceed as he had done with
Nanda: kill him treacherously. And the Xalya people would be
dishonored and avenged… And yet, the more he thought about
it the more it seemed to him that listening to his people in
this case, even on the verge of death, was a mistake.
Because killing Todakwa now would mean leaving the steppe to
the Titiakas.
.P
Arviyag and Garag were approaching, surrounded by
bodyguards. Both were in good spirits, chatting casually in
a language that resembled Titiaka's Diumcilian dialect but
which Dashvara did not understand. He exchanged patient
glances with his brothers. Tsu had his red eyes fixed on
Arviyag. He didn't seem to be listening to what the Titiaka men were
saying, even though he probably could understand them.
Something about his petrified face made Dashvara sense that
he was stuck, recalling his past life.
.P
Arviyag finally fell silent, paused, and looked down at Tsu.
His eyes sparkled.
.D
.Bdia
Jovial as ever, drow.
.Edia
He smiled.
.Bdia
It's ironic that after letting you go, you've eventually
returned to the same family. And I'm glad you did. The
mission Cili assigns us is already written at birth. And
you, drow, were born to serve me.
.Edia
.P
He held out a hand and motioned for him to come closer.
Tsu's expression was one of stone. In fact, it looked as if
he had turned entirely to stone, for he did not move, even
when Arviyag frowned.
.D
.Bdia
Don't you obey your old master, drow? Perhaps it is the
surprise of seeing me. Come closer,
.Edia
he ordered.
.P
Tsu did not move. Dashvara intervened:
.D
.Bdia
He will move when you have explained what you think you
are doing in our master's absence.
.Edia
.P
Arviyag grinned broadly before barking:
.D
.Bdia
Bring him to me!
.Edia
.P
Two sibilians walked towards the Xalyas without any
apprehension.
.Bpenso
Damn them…
.Epenso ,
Dashvara hissed. Before they could grab Tsu, he tried to
intervene, but then the drow came out of his immobility,
firmly pushed him aside, and moved forward as inexpressively
as the sibilians who were escorting him. They removed a
dagger from his boot and, without any need, pushed him
forward. Tsu managed to regain his balance, and to the
dismay of Dashvara—and probably of all his
brothers—they saw him bow his head low and pronounce:
.D
.Bdia
I beg your pardon,
.Sm -t erare khazag .
.Edia
.P
Arviyag didn't seem to mind the drow's slow response, for he
merely smiled at him, thoughtful, and turned to
Garag to make a comment in his dialect before addressing Tsu
in the same language. The drow nodded and briefly replied
something that made his former master pout with
satisfaction. Dashvara was contemplating the scene, his jaws
so tight that his head was starting to throb.
.P
.Bpenso
It is I who beg your pardon, Tsu,
.Epenso
he sighed.
.Bpenso
For not being able to keep our pride and our lives at
the same time. I'm sorry, a thousand times sorry. You should
have gone with Shjak's drows and with that queen whose luck
medallion you gave me.
.Epenso
.P
His heart bled to see Tsu bowing down to a man who for years
had made him hate himself for what he was, who had made him
a torturer and scarred him for life. He, who had never known
freedom, had had the misfortune to come across a people of
steppian humans who, like him, wore the cursed marks on
their arms.
.P
Precisely at the moment he thought of the marks, he felt a
sudden twinge in his arm that made him gasp in surprise. And
he wasn't the only one: his brothers huffed and grunted at
the same time, and more than one grabbed his arm just where the
Dikaksunora mark was… Dashvara hissed, and his eyes immediately
turned to Arviyag. Seeing the Titiaka's satisfied expression, he
understood what had happened. By some means, this scoundrel
had used the same trick that Kuriag had used in Aralika to
prevent his brothers from killing the murderess. Except this
time, he hadn't performed any spells… or maybe he had?
.P
Dashvara glanced at Arviyag's hand, not the free one, but
the one he held in his coat pocket. He was holding something
there, he bet. Something, some damned magara…
.D
.Bdia
That kind of trick is limited,
.Edia
Yira whispered, guessing the problem.
.Bdia
He's only trying to scare you.
.Edia
.P
Really? Well, let's just say he succeeded. Oh hell, he
did. Dashvara's heart was pounding; whether it was
due to surprise, magic, or apprehension, he couldn't tell. If only he could
tear off that mark! But it was rooted in his arm as if it
were already part of his own body.
.P
He breathed in to calm himself and glared at Arviyag. The
Titiaka now wore a disapproving expression. He said in a
stern voice:
.D
.Bdia
Kuriag Dikaksunora intended to release you at the end of his
tour of the steppe. But the Xalya kinglet's ambition knows no
bounds. He wanted his master to make a fool of himself in
front of a steppe chief by buying a hundred and eighty
savages. One hundred and eighty,
.Edia
he repeated with evident mockery.
.Bdia
And what did the kinglet want him to do with them? Let him set
them free! Because he knew that his master was a young man
who was still suggestible and didn't know how to say
.qt no .
And the kinglet ran away in the middle of the night with one
hundred and eighty women and children,
.Edia
he scoffed.
.Bdia
And he joined a rebellion! So to speak, without weapons,
without horses, and without warriors. An anecdote worthy of
a fairy tale, except that the kinglet had forgotten that
he who betrays pays for it, and dearly.
.Edia
.P
His smile had turned into a detached pout. He added:
.D
.Bdia
Bring him to me.
.Edia
.P
The Xalyas reacted suddenly, positioning themselves in front
of Dashvara. The latter growled:
.D
.Bdia
Hold your horses, Xalyas. You'll have plenty of time to
pounce on that snake if he dares not respect the Alkanshe
peace of his host.
.Edia
.P
He spoke loudly, so that Arviyag could hear him, and he made
his way through his reluctant people to approach the
sibilians and the foreign rat. They took away his swords,
but they let him move forward without pushing him, until one
of them held out a hand, beckoning him to stop. Garag was
commenting something to Arviyag in his dialect. As soon as
he fell silent, Dashvara spoke up:
.D
.Bdia
I am willing to pay for my escape on behalf of all my
people. However, I'm afraid that only my master can decide
the appropriate punishment.
.Edia
.P
Arviyag rolled his eyes and quietly took a few steps
forward, walking around him, while saying:
.D
.Bdia
Do you remember, proud Xalya, what state the drow left you
in three years ago? Or perhaps you have forgotten? I think
not. The interrogation thimbles destroyed your pure, unwavering
ideals. They broke you. And that is something no man can
forget.
.Edia
Dashvara couldn't help but feel again the wave of helplessness
and despair that had overcome him that damned day. He
shuddered very slightly. And he felt a hint of satisfaction
when the Titiaka confirmed,
.Bdia
Something you'll never recover from. You howled like a wounded
dog in your savage tongue. Then you spoke. You betrayed your
people in exchange of your life. And now you want me to
believe you're willing to
.Sm die
for your people? Really? After proving that you have more of a
slave's soul than a lord's, after crawling on the ground to
save your life, you want to show off your pride and
sacrifice to me?
.Edia
.P
He let out a jeering snort and, without warning, took him by
the right arm, just at the level of the wound that had not
yet fully healed, and squeezed. A sharp pain made Dashvara
wheeze deeply and jerkily. He staggered, gasping for breath.
Releasing him, Arviyag stood in front of him and watched
him with a mixture of indifference and mockery. The Xalyas
watched the scene like a bunch of angry and petrified
nadres, aware that pulling out their swords would only
condemn themselves and break the Alkanshe's truce. Dashvara
had not yet caught his breath when Arviyag added:
.D
.Bdia
You think your master will save your neck one more time. And
he probably will. But, when he does, Xalya, he'll be saving
a loyal, submissive slave, not a rebellious, useless savage.
And I will see to that personally.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara glared back at him. At this moment, he would have
gladly shown him how savage and rebellious he felt… However,
he controlled himself, for there was a hint of hope in
Arviyag's words: the Titiaka had just admitted that he
wouldn't dare kill him… Or maybe he just didn't want to.
At the end of the day, what was stopping him from killing him? Kuriag? The
young elf knew the limits of the patience of traditional
Titiaka masters, and he could hardly blame his cousins for
liquidating a fugitive slave, let alone one who was insolent
and disobedient when captured. Therefore, if Arviyag let him
live, it was because he hoped to get something out of him.
.P
.Bpenso
Maybe he wants to have fun with you one more time, Dash.
.Epenso
.P
His heart clenched and burst with rage at the same time.
.P
.Bpenso
This devil wants to kill you inside.
.Epenso
.P
The question was why. Perhaps for simple entertainment?
.P
.Bpenso
Bah. Be positive, Dash: as long as the viper's eyes are on
you, he won't bite your people. You just have to put on a
nice show of humility for him to be satisfied.
.Epenso
.P
As Dashvara did not loosen his lips, Arviyag soon stepped
aside and raised a hand. He ordered his sibilian warriors:
.D
.Bdia
Take them all to the camp! Confiscate the weapons and
horses. And take that man to my personal tent,
.Edia
he tossed, referring to Dashvara. He followed up with a
gesture to Tsu, adding simply,
.Bdia
Drow.
.Edia
.P
He wanted the drow to follow him. Tsu obeyed and walked away
behind Arviyag and Garag. His red eyes looked like two ice
diamonds. When he met his gaze, Dashvara tried to give him
as reassuring an expression as possible. All in all, for the
moment, they had just fallen back into the Diumcilian net,
that's all.
.P
For a moment, he feared the Xalyas would resist and refuse
to surrender their weapons. However, when he nodded at the
silent question and the captain handed over his sabers, the
others followed suit with silence or mere gasps of
bitterness. At no time did Skasnan sibilians express mockery
or pleasure in disarming them, but they showed no less cold
indifference accompanied by unwarranted jostling.
.Bpenso
Eight years in the service of the Dikaksunora must have made
them fools
.Epenso ,
Dashvara muttered through his teeth as he watched one of
them search a ten-year-old. Or maybe they were already like
that before.
.P
They soon all started walking away from the Essimeans and
Shalussis, and as he moved forward surrounded by sibilians,
Dashvara bet that Lariya and Aligra must be cursing him
inwardly. What kind of lord had fate in store for them, who
deemed the lives of his people more important than their
honor?
.Bqt
Unworthy lord who throws down his Eternal Bird and condemns
our people!
.Eqt
they most likely thought. Fool who hopes that a foreigner
whom he calls master will come to save us! Fool who
humiliates himself for us before foreigners…
.P
.Bpenso
And I will humiliate myself as much as I have to humiliate
myself, Xalyas,
.Epenso
Dashvara thought.
.Bpenso
And I will fight as hard as I have to fight, humiliating
myself if I have to. After three years of slavery in distant
lands, it will not be impatience or pride that will make me
make the same mistakes as my father. Perhaps I will make
other kinds of mistakes. But I will not stop fighting to save
you, Xalyas. And that's just what I'm doing even if I don't
look like it.
.Epenso
.P
Or at least he was trying to convince himself of that. For,
while he was sure that provoking Arviyag would have been
simply suicidal, playing along with him could be just as
risky.
.Ch "Race to the sunset"
The Federates had set up camp on the riverbank west of
Lamasta; there, dozens of workers of all kinds and races were
busy doing chores. All were dressed in blue uniforms with gold
patterns, and many wore black belts that marked them as
recent slaves. Hearing a sibilian barking orders while
gesticulating, Dashvara realized that these workers couldn't
even speak the Common Tongue. He assumed they were from
some remote land, though he could not determine from where.
No doubt Tsu would have guessed at a glance. The drow had a
lot of experience in this area.
.P
As they set up the other Xalyas near the camp, they led
Dashvara between the tents to a pavilion as large as the one
the Essimeans had set up for their feast; however, on it
were many blue designs of the Dikaksunora bird next to a
golden flower, Arviyag's personal symbol.
.P
They did not take him into the pavilion but into a
small adjoining tent, and not surprisingly, they tied him in
irons to a heavy chest. And there they left him, under the
indifferent gaze of a sibilian who stood watch at the
entrance. His guard looked as talkative as a rock. Sighing,
Dashvara tried to find a comfortable position, and not
finding it, he sighed again, crossed his legs and stopped
fidgeting.
.P
Arviyag was seemingly in no hurry to speak to him, for the
next few hours he gave no sign of life, and Dashvara spent
them in that same position, listening to the sounds of the
camp. The more time passed, the more he wondered if Arviyag
was not waiting for the end of the Alkanshe so that he could
unsheathe the sword and execute the Xalyas without offending
the Essimeans. Would he execute them all? Or only the
warriors? Or only the leader, as he had said. And how would
his people react then?
.P
.Bpenso
They'd try taking revenge, Dash.
.Epenso
.P
He shook his head sarcastically.
.P
.Bpenso
Without swords? Do you really think they are that suicidal?
No. They have a people to defend, and they would defend it.
They would try to run away. And they'd probably end up just
as badly.
.Epenso
.P
He sighed.
.P
.Bpenso
Always imagining the worst, Dash. Think of Kuriag. He's your
final salvation. The son of the one who poisoned the entire
Pilgrim Ocean coast. The loyal student of Maloven. And the
boy who has kept an Eternal Bird intact until now. Let's see
if this one will still remain intact when he returns and
discovers two-hundred dead bodies of the Eternal Bird.
.Epenso
.P
He huffed, and his irons creaked and bit into his wrists. His
thoughts swirled, and a growing anguish roiled inside him, an
anguish that had to do with his people, but not only, no, it
also had to do with him and Arviyag. With the fear that that man
inspired in him. He had feared death, the brizzias of the
Border, the loss of his people… but this fear was different.
This was a fear branded into his memory with a red hot iron.
And with it came that shame he had never been able to fully
overcome, though he knew rationally that a tortured man
rarely stood firm. Probably, his lord father would have. But
he didn't. And that was why he felt unmasked before Arviyag,
he felt defenseless because that snake had seen that, in
reality, the lord of the Xalyas was only a coward and, worse,
a broken slave.
.P
.Bpenso
Will you please stop thinking nonsense?
.Epenso
he lectured himself.
.Bpenso
Arviyag tortured you, Dash. You are not an Eternal Bird made
of iron, you are a man. And Arviyag is one too. He too makes
mistakes. Think about it. He too makes mistakes,
.Epenso
he repeated to himself.
.P
Outside it was dark, the crickets were chirping, the river
water was murmuring, the wind was whispering against the
tent, and Arviyag still did not appear. Now Dashvara was
regretting that Yira had gone with them: he thought he was
selfish to have fallen in love with such a beautiful soul
and to have asked her to join his clan, only to see him die
on the steppe two months later. Or to see him return to
Titiaka, a slave as before.
.P
.Bpenso
Come now, Dash, have you forgotten that, when you were in
Titiaka, you wished more than once to give up your freedom
and stay with your naâsga? Your life there was good. Atasiag gave you
everything you needed except freedom. Kuriag was even
willing to make you free. The only condition was to
leave the steppe. Only that. Only to say goodbye forever to
the mother who saw you being born. Only to exile your clan
and kill it inside.
.Epenso
.P
He moistened his dry lips. His tongue was thirsty. And the
position was so uncomfortable that he frequently moved,
trying to improve it, but that only made the irons attached
to the trunk shake and flay his skin, causing him searing
pain.
.P
Everything was dark except for the light of the torch
shining outside. His eyes were following the hypnotic
flickering of the flames as they suddenly saw a shadow pass
in front of them. For a moment, he didn't pay attention to
it, thinking his own eyelids had just blinked, but then he
felt a slight draft and heard a whisper.
.D
.Bdia
Dash…
.Edia
.P
Dashvara squinted and turned his head in several directions
before saying:
.D
.Bdia
Tah?
.Edia
.P
But what he had heard was not a mental voice, it was a sajit
voice. He called himself a fool for not recognizing it at
once.
.D
.Bdia
Naâsga,
.Edia
he gasped softly, suddenly worried,
.Bdia
you shouldn't—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Shhh…
.Edia
Yira shushed him, crouching down beside him.
.Bdia
I think I've figured out Kuriag's whereabouts. I heard one of
Garag's secretaries mention Amystorb's dungeon. And Alta
says it's located to the west. I'm going to go look for it.
And you're coming with me,
.Edia
she affirmed.
.Bdia
Arviyag will not touch you.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara's eyes widened in the darkness in disbelief.
.D
.Bdia
What?
.Edia
.P
Yira had just grabbed the irons and focused on freeing him,
muffling the noise with spells. Who knows how she'd managed
to steal the key… Dashvara shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
Naâsga,
.Edia
he whispered.
.Bdia
I can't—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Your people know nothing,
.Edia
Yira interrupted him even quieter:
.Bdia
they will not be able to punish it any more than they
already do. Trust me. Come,
.Edia
she insisted.
.P
Dashvara didn't protest. Running away with Yira was risky,
but the idea was a thousand times more attractive than
staying in this tent and waiting for Arviyag to use his
torture thimbles on him again… probably using Tsu once again.
That possibility alone terrified him. No, it was better to
leave and hope they could find Kuriag before Arviyag found
them.
.P
Freed from his shackles, he pulled the shelshami up to cover
his face and followed Yira into an unearthly cloud of
darkness. They were surrounded by harmonic shadows, he
realized. It remained to be seen whether these tricks would
be enough to fool the Essimean vigilance…
.P
Instead of going through the entrance in front of the guard,
they went through the back, tearing open the tent. The camp
was relatively quiet compared to the distant drumming in
Lamasta. A light brighter than the others caught Dashvara's
attention. He sighted four long rows of lying silhouettes
between the tents, and his heart sank. For a horrible
moment, he imagined that Arviyag had killed them all… but
then he saw movement and sighed with relief: his people was
still alive and well. Under close surveillance and chained,
but alive. Everything seemed to indicate that his people had had a much
more terrible day than he had… Suddenly, Yira tugged at his
sleeve, and Dashvara followed her, barely controlling his rage.
He was still wondering if he shouldn't have stayed behind
after all when they found themselves outside the camp,
apparently unseen.
.P
They walked along the riverbank, and the trees and shrubs
soon obscured the camp and Lamasta. For a good while they
said nothing and just kept walking in the dark. Then
Dashvara said:
.D
.Bdia
Naâsga…
.Edia
He felt Yira slow his pace.
.Bdia
How did you find the key?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Mm…
.Edia
she said, amused.
.Bdia
A child's game. I stole it from the guard. Problem is, he
could find out at any time.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed, shaking his head.
.D
.Bdia
I don't know if this was a good idea…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Would you rather have stayed and let Arviyag torture you?
.Edia
Yira replied.
.Bdia
I know what he was planning. That man…
.Edia
her voice trembled,
.Bdia
talked to Tsu. I couldn't hear what they were saying. But
Tsu looked… very shaken. Especially when Arviyag gave him
that black case. The poor drow threw himself at his feet.
Really, Dash. Tsu… is always so quiet and reserved… By
Serenity, I couldn't believe my eyes,
.Edia
she admitted in a whisper.
.P
Dashvara's heart sank. He remembered perfectly the black
case where Tsu once kept his torture thimbles…
.D
.Bdia
That snake,
.Edia
he hissed. He stifled a growl, calmed himself, or at least
tried to, and blurted out:
.Bdia
We need horses.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Zefrek will give them to us,
.Edia
Yira assured, and perceiving Dashvara's amazement, she
explained,
.Bdia
I gave him the three hundred dragons my father gave me.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara blinked, stunned.
.D
.Bdia
Atasiag gave you three hundred dragons?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Yep. I didn't think I'd need it, but the captain says that,
with the Shalussis, it's a technique that always works. And
it did work,
.Edia
she declared, regaining some cheer.
.P
Dashvara frowned.
.D
.Bdia
The captain,
.Edia
he repeated.
.Bdia
The captain knows what we're trying to do, then.
.Edia
.P
Yira hesitated.
.D
.Bdia
Yes… And Alta too. Just them, I think. And Sashava.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
All of them then,
.Epenso
Dashvara deduced. He shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
As long as Arviyag doesn't take it out on them…
.Edia
.P
The mere thought that his escape might bring retaliation on
his people filled him with extreme anxiety. He only hoped
that Arviyag would focus on pursuing him.
.P
Interrupting his thoughts, Yira took him by the arm to stop
him, and they crouched. They were already perhaps six hundred
paces from the Titiaka camp, they had moved away from the
river, and the trees had given way to shrubs. Beyond them lay
the vast plain of the Kawalsh, which separated Lamasta from
the ocean and the dunes of Ergaika. He asked:
.D
.Bdia
And you're sure Kuriag is in the Amystorb domains?
.Edia
.P
He heard the sigh of his naâsga.
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
she confessed.
.Bdia
That's what I heard the secretary say. I could be
wrong, but it makes sense that they're to the west. That's
the safest area. Everything else could be infested with
Shalussi rebels or red nadres or… well, I don't think his
cousins would let Kuriag go to a more dangerous area, do
you?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed.
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
he agreed,
.Bdia
unless they intend to get rid of him. This murderess—we
don't know yet who she meant to kill.
.Edia
.P
The idea seemed to catch Yira off guard.
.D
.Bdia
Well,
.Edia
she coughed, amused.
.Bdia
You're starting to think like Atasiag Peykat too, Dash.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bdia
I'm getting civilized. In spite of myself. Is this the
meeting place?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It's a little further. Can you see anything?
.Edia
.P
Yira had straightened up slightly. Dashvara scanned the
darkness. A winter wind was whistling in his ears. It was
coming from the east, he noted with relief. This would be an
advantage for them: the wind would carry any noise that
might betray them away from their enemies' ears and alert
them to their pursuers. Besides, the Gem was clearly visible
in the sky tonight and would light their way through the
Kawalsh.
.P
.Bpenso
The Eternal Bird of the Steppe Lords is with me,
.Epenso
he rejoiced. Or at least It hadn't completely abandoned him…
He shook his head. He could see no sign of a sentry in the
area.
.D
.Bdia
Let's go,
.Edia
he said finally.
.P
They stood up and walked on between the bushes. It was not
long before they located the horses. They were saddled,
fresh, and, wonder of life, they carried canteens full of water.
Dashvara hastily pulled the shelshami away from his face for
a moment to drink before slowly turning around. There didn't
seem to be anyone around. And, yet, he would have bet that
there was someone. He gently stroked his mount's forehead
and then, to his amazement, he realized that he knew the
horse. It was Sunrise! Surprise gave way to confusion. Had
Tinan not been able to convey his message to Kark Is Tork?
Had the Honyr refused the horse? And how was it that Zefrek
had it in his possession if…?
.P
He snorted.
.D
.Bdia
We bought our own horses?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Lifdor and his people stole some random horses to escape and
continue the rebellion,
.Edia
Yira explained.
.Bdia
And, before the Titiakas confiscated them, Zefrek took
advantage of the mess to hide these two among his people.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Four,
.Edia
corrected a voice among the shadows.
.Bdia
Four horses. Four riders.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara turned, stunned.
.D
.Bdia
Sîzan!
.Edia
he exclaimed. What in the world was Sirk Is Rhad doing here?
The Honyr was approaching, pulling his horse, and he wasn't
coming alone. When he saw the fourth rider and recognized
Tinan, Dashvara huffed,
.Bdia
And you expect me to believe that Todakwa didn't notice?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Perhaps he's realized something,
.Edia
Yira admitted while taking the reins of her mount.
.Bdia
But, at the moment, he doesn't seem to be in a hurry to help
the Titiakas get their slaves back.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Devils. Now that's good news.
.Edia
He inhaled.
.Bdia
I propose we ride straight west. I think I remember where
Amystorb's dungeon is. I've never been there, but, fortunately,
Maloven hammered the maps into my head…
.Edia
He suddenly fell silent as he heard distant shouts from the
camp. Oh, no, demons… so fast? He swore.
.Bdia
Mawer… we'd better get out of here.
.Edia
.P
They led the horses out of the shrubbery before mounting
them and heading west. They moved at a steady trot, not
wanting to tire their mounts. With a little luck, by the
time the Titiakas found their trail, they would be far
enough away. Dashvara glanced back frequently, expecting
the light of the torches to appear at any moment. And he was
not mistaken. After a while he could see them in the
distance. They were perhaps two miles off. Maybe less. It
was difficult to calculate distances in the dark.
.P
They crossed a small river by the light of the Gem, and the
small undulation of the land made them lose sight of their
pursuers. They took the opportunity to pick up the pace for
a good bit of the way up the stream before dismounting to
give the horses a rest. By now the torches of their pursuers
were a good three miles away.
.P
Though the cold wind continued to blow and numb them, all
was deserted and quiet on the vast expanse of grass. Only
now and then could one see some cloud of shining insects
rising in the night to rest a few steps away.
.D
.Bdia
Those are alurhias,
.Edia
Tinan said in a serene voice, addressing Yira. The boy
walked beside her, a few paces behind Dashvara and Sirk
Is Rhad, and the wind carried his words.
.Bdia
In Oy'vat, it means messengers of peace. They are the first
to flee when herds of red nadres or scale-nefarious
approach. In Xalya, we knew how to read their movements, and
thanks to them, we could guess where the red nadres were
before they attacked our herds. When they land on your hand,
it means that you are trustworthy and that your Eternal Bird
has no evil thoughts. And it is true. They used to land all
the time on Boron's hand.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled as he remembered. Well, really, the reason
the alurhias landed on the Placid so much was more due to
his lack of response than to any stories of good or bad
thoughts, but the belief had its charm nonetheless. Tinan's
and Yira's whispers were lost in the distance, and Dashvara
could hardly hear them anymore. Sirk Is Rhad walked by his
side, scanning the night. Out of the corner of his eye,
Dashvara studied him and wondered for the umpteenth time:
why has he returned? Finally, he broke the silence.
.D
.Bdia
Sirk Is Rhad,
.Edia
he pronounced.
.Bdia
I am glad you have returned, and I thank you for your help.
But I think you should return with the Honyrs now.
.Edia
.P
In the light of the Gem, he saw the steppeman sigh and shake
his head negatively. Dashvara insisted:
.D
.Bdia
By coming with me, you will only succeed in becoming a slave
like me. My Eternal Bird owes you more than you know. And I
would owe you even more if you would do me one last favor.
.Edia
He moistened his lips and whispered to himself,
.Bdia
Take Tinan. He's the only one you can save. And he's a smart
boy. In the absence of a direct heir… I appoint him lord of
the Xalyas. You are witness, sîzan. If I die or if I return
to Titiaka, I count on you to tell him.
.Edia
.P
The request had come out of his mouth spontaneously. He
guessed Sirk Is Rhad's surprise. Perhaps he was surprised
that he would choose a sixteen-year-old boy he hadn't even
seen in the last three years? Well, as Maloven said, know
the boy and you'll know the man. He knew Tinan as a blood
brother: he was not sensitive like Makarva, he was not
impulsive like Zamoy, nor lazy like Kodarah. He was young,
that was a fact, but Dashvara perceived in him a lordly soul
far more seasoned than his own. His decision, in the end,
seemed quite wise.
.D
.Bdia
You have my word,
.Edia
the Honyr said at last. For a moment, there was only the
whistling of the wind. Then he said,
.Bdia
My father has left with another horse. He asked me to thank
you for your gift, but he says he cannot accept it because
he does not feel worthy of such an honor. I assure you there
was no irony in his words.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded slowly, not quite understanding what kind of
honor he was talking about.
.D
.Bdia
I believe you,
.Edia
he said, however.
.D
.Bdia
I know he feels guilty for leaving you behind,
.Edia
Sirk Is Rhad resumed after a silence.
.Bdia
And I ask your forgiveness again on his behalf, sîzan. And
in the name of my people. My people have failed you. And
they failed their Eternal Bird in condemning the last lord
of the steppe…
.Edia
He breathed in,
.Bdia
Perhaps you do not see it, sîzan, but what my people will
lose, what they are giving up, is hope. From this day
forward, they will be nothing more than a dead clan,
forgiven by a lord they have abandoned… The worst betrayal
of all, it was not Sifiara of Rorsy who committed it,
.Edia
he murmured,
.Bdia
but my father.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shook his head and was about to protest his unjust
conviction, but Sirk Is Rhad continued:
.D
.Bdia
I told Kark Is Tork that if he left behind the last lord of
the steppe, he should also leave behind his own son. He
answered me to follow my Eternal Bird. And that is what I
have come to do, sîzan. I did not think to join my people
because it is my people who must join you. But, if you wish
me to take the boy to safety, I will. I will take care of
him. But I will not go unless you tell me there is no hope.
.Edia
.P
His words seized Dashvara's heart for a moment.
.Bpenso
Well, Dash, what have you done for this man who used to
despise you to be now willing to do anything for you? The
Eternal Bird of the Xalyas must be rubbing off… But come on,
Dash,
.Epenso
he chided himself inwardly.
.Bpenso
Would you mock those who offer you their loyalty?
.Epenso
.P
In reality, he was far from mocking the Honyr; rather, he
felt even more crushed.
.D
.Bdia
Hope,
.Edia
he repeated. He stopped Sunrise and glanced at the lights
that continued to chase them. They had gained quite a bit of
ground. He sighed somberly.
.Bdia
There is hope, there is. However, not in me, sîzan, but in Kuriag. I
may be a lord of the steppe, but he is the heir to an
infinitely more powerful family. Our beliefs, our values,
cannot open the cage where the clan is locked up. Brute
force would be fatal to us; so we will bow our head and
wait for the young Titiaka to use his key to free us… or take
us as prisoners to the Federation.
.Edia
He climbed onto Sunrise, trying to move his arm as little as
possible, and concluded,
.Bdia
That's the reality, sîzan. As a steppian sage said, if you
are weaker than your enemy, learn to be weak and not
stubborn: your defeat will be less violent. And now choose:
either you save my heir or…
.Edia
a sardonic smile stretched his lips,
.Bdia
you come to humiliate yourself with me.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara hardly waited for an answer. Immediately, he called:
.D
.Bdia
Tinan! Follow Sirk Is Rhad wherever he goes. That's an
order. Did you hear me?
.Edia
.P
He saw the boy's figure in the darkness, and his answer came
with a touch of confusion:
.D
.Bdia
Yes, my lord.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Perfect. And now let's move on. With any luck, by dawn, we
will manage to see the dungeon.
.Edia
.P
They all got back on their horses and rode on. For the
moment, the best they could do was to follow the stream and
hope they didn't go the wrong way. One good thing was that
their pursuers were wasting time groping their trail in the
dark and their horses might not have as much stamina as
theirs. The problem was that they were most likely
accompanied by an Essimean or Shalussi guide who
would lead them with much more discernment than Dashvara
could, since he knew this area only from maps he had not
studied for perhaps more than six years.
.P
More than half the night had already passed when Sirk Is
Rhad called out:
.D
.Bdia
You don't leave me much choice, sîzan.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded with a slight smile and replied:
.D
.Bdia
Cross the stream and follow the path north. With any luck,
they won't see your tracks until tomorrow.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
What…?
.Edia
Tinan gasped.
.Bdia
I don't understand…
.Edia
.P
Dashvara replied:
.D
.Bdia
Safe journey, brothers. May the Eternal Bird light your way.
Especially yours, Tinan.
.Edia
.P
He heeled his horse, and as he and Yira rode away from the
Honyr and Tinan, he felt a strange and consoling hope grow
within him. Tinan was to be saved, along with the five Xalya
women and the little Shivara who had remained with the
Honyrs. Tinan would remain in the steppe. And there would
still be a lord, no matter what Todakwa and the outsiders
said… He shook his head, smiling. He couldn't quite explain
why that idea filled him with peace.
.P
.Bpenso
Hypocrite. Really, you can't explain it to yourself? I'll
explain it to you, Dash: you just thought that, with a second
steppe lord, the first one doesn't have to act like one,
right?
.Epenso
.P
Dashvara sighed heavily, but he couldn't help feeling oddly
light. The lights behind were getting closer and closer.
.P
.Bpenso
As long as those lights don't catch up with us before the
lights of dawn, we'll have a chance to see the dungeon and
gallop towards it…
.Epenso
.P
When the sky began to turn blue, their pursuers were
significantly closer. They had wasted no time in making sure
they were going upstream: they knew where the creek was. Also,
seeing them so close, Dashvara had started to ramble,
imagining that they were being captured. And killed. And his
hope slowly turned into an unbearable and strange fatality.
.D
.Bdia
Dash!
.Edia
Yira shouted, a few steps ahead of him.
.Bdia
Is this the dungeon?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara's heart leapt. He stopped watching his pursuers and
looked with anxious avidity at what Yira was pointing to.
There, in the distance between the morning shadows, perhaps
five miles away, stood a ruined stone structure. Dashvara
tugged on the reins and gave a thoughtful pout, his eyes
glinting at the tower.
.D
.Bdia
I couldn't say for sure,
.Edia
he confessed.
.Bdia
But it may be.
.Edia
.P
They gave their mounts a drink and drank in turn before
resuming their ride. They were exhausted. Even Yira, for,
even though she didn't need to sleep that much, she had used
a lot of harmonies to get around the Titiaka camp without
being seen, and she hadn't quite recovered yet. Fortunately,
they hadn't overtaxed their horses so far, and though they'd
been trotting all night, they still seemed to have some
energy left. And they were going to have to prove it, Dashvara
understood, glancing back: their pursuers had accelerated
their pace.
.D
.Bdia
At this rate, they'll catch us before we reach the tower,
.Edia
he calculated aloud. Yira returned his worried look, and
Dashvara smiled,
.Bdia
Now you'll see what steppe horses are capable of, naâsga.
Don't worry: trust your mare. Mine will guide her.
.Edia
.P
He patted Sunrise's neck and said in a powerful voice:
.D
.Bdia
Prove that you are the queen of the steppe,
.Sm -t erare daâra .
Oahey!
.Edia
.P
And the race began. The ground was slightly uphill, but it
was steady. Dashvara and Yira kept up a fast trot for a
while until their pursuers, already seeing them without
difficulty in the rising dawn, urged their mounts into a
gallop. There were about twenty of them, and not all of them
were Arviyag's sibilians, far from it. Ten were. But the
other ten were Essimeans, no doubt, and they went ahead,
happy to show these sons of the sea that their horses were
better, that they were better riders and that the steppe was
their land. After a while, they were less than half a mile
away… and the tower was still several hundred paces away.
Dashvara scanned the tower. There were horses and tents near
the ruins, and a standard. A white standard. The
Dikaksunora's, with any luck.
.D
.Bdia
Gallop, Sunrise!
.Edia
Dashvara cried in Oy'vat as he rose in his stirrups.
.Bdia
Gallop like the wind!
.Edia
.P
Sunrise bolted in excitement and dashed off. At that moment, she was
just as fast as Lusombra: she rode across the steppe with a
clatter of hooves and the elegance and confidence of a true
queen. The Titiakas' horses were fast… but Dashvara was sure
that Sunrise would win the race. He made sure of that by
continuing to prod and praise her, and not to be outdone,
Yira's mare followed closely behind. He only hoped that his
naâsga, unused to riding, would trust her mount's instincts.
.D
.Bdia
.Sm -t erare Arigá rhad kab, dawana is set !
.Edia
he shouted.
.Bdia
.Sm -t erare Liá Liadirlá kab !
.Edia
.P
Gallop like the wind, queen of the steppe, fly like the
Liadirlá!
.P
They arrived at the small dungeon of Amystorb having outrun the
Essimeans. Dashvara let Sunrise slow her pace as he surveyed
the area. In addition to the twelve Ragails, there were
about twenty armed sibilians, he noted with a twitch. The
arrival of the two pursued riders had caused a ruckus and
awakened everyone. He saw the tall, strong figure of Asmoan
of Gravia emerging from his orange tent, and he saw a Ragail
stop the young Api from leaving the camp to satisfy his
curiosity. But he did not see Kuriag Dikaksunora. However,
given the presence of the Ragails, he had to be there.
.P
He leapt down from his horse and stroked Sunrise's forehead,
whispering in her ear:
.D
.Bdia
Ayshat, Sunrise. The soul of the steppe vibrates in your
heart. Bless you a thousand times over…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
What's the meaning of all this?
.Edia
a voice roared.
.P
Dashvara turned and found himself facing Captain Djamin. The
Ragail wore a stern expression. Not hostile, for it was
difficult to be hostile to a man who carried no weapons. But
it was clear that he was not happy to see him again. In all
fairness, since they had known each other, Dashvara had done
nothing but deceive his vigilance.
.P
And the time had come to atone.
.P
As a group of Ragails approached with less and less
apprehension, seeing that there was no danger, Dashvara
stepped aside from Sunrise. And, dismissing his pride,
he knelt on the steppe earth and uttered loudly:
.D
.Bdia
I have come to apologize to my master, Kuriag Dikaksunora,
and ask him to have mercy on my people.
.Edia
.Ch The messenger
The Ragail captain reacted at first with a skeptical frown,
then shrugged his shoulders and, without even answering,
said to one of his men:
.D
.Bdia
Go and warn His Excellency.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I heard him,
.Edia
a voice then replied among the soldiers.
.P
They stepped aside, and Kuriag Dikaksunora stepped forward.
Lessi, Zraliprat, Asmoan, and Api followed him. The young
elf was covered in a thick fur coat and wore a dagger on his
belt. A dagger, Dashvara repeated to himself in disbelief.
Since when did the peaceful Dikaksunora carry weapons?
Kuriag met his eyes before turning to the horsemen who had
been chasing Dashvara and who were now arriving like a
mighty thunder, raising a dense cloud of dust. Among the
Essimeans was Ashiwa, Todakwa's brother, Dashvara noticed.
One of the sibilians shouted from his horse:
.D
.Bdia
My respects, Excellency! This man escaped from my master's
camp with the help of this woman. We have been following
them since Lamasta. And we believe two more headed north.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag nodded slowly. His rather impassive expression didn't
precisely calm Dashvara. The sibilian stepped down.
.D
.Bdia
With your permission, Excellency. Arviyag ordered me to
bring him back.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag frowned.
.D
.Bdia
I've seen everything here that I wanted to visit and I was
already thinking of returning to Lamasta. You can go back
and inform Arviyag, soldier. My men will take care of the
other two fugitives as well as these two.
.Edia
.P
Despite its natural lack of expression, the sibilian's face
reflected a certain resentment as his eyes fell on Dashvara,
as if it was Dashvara's fault that he hadn't been able to
sleep all night… and, in a way, it was. He nodded curtly.
.D
.Bdia
Yes, Excellency. However, we have been informed that this
woman is not your slave but a freedwoman. She has entered
our master's own tent. Her actions deserve punishment. I ask
your permission to take her to my master.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara tensed and half-swallowed a hoarse growl, turning
to Kuriag. The Titiaka breathed in.
.D
.Bdia
Yira is the adopted daughter of a good friend of mine from
Titiaka. I hope Arviyag will take that into account.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara was stunned, or rather, outraged. Was Kuriag really
giving this sibilian permission to take Yira away? He stood
up abruptly, stepping between his naâsga and the sibilian.
.D
.Bdia
You have no right to touch her!
.Edia
he roared.
.Bdia
She's a citizen.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
She's a freedwoman,
.Edia
Kuriag replied. Dashvara was surprised by his dry tone. He
softened it slightly when he added,
.Bdia
I'm sure Arviyag will merely seek compensation from Atasiag Peykat.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara huffed.
.D
.Bdia
Well, he's free to do so! But he won't take Yira.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag observed him with exasperation.
.D
.Bdia
I'm afraid you're in a bad position to demand anything,
Dashvara of Xalya.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
Devils, devils, devils…
.Epenso
Dashvara felt Yira's hand against his. He gently squeezed it. He
had not expected this at all. Wasn't Yira a close friend of
Lessi's? And she got along well with Kuriag. Why the hell
was that Federate letting them take her away?
.Bpenso
To punish you, Dash. To show you how badly you've behaved…
.Epenso
If only he could explain to him the consequences of leaving
Yira in the hands of Arviyag's men! Seeing three sibilians
approaching, he hurriedly called out:
.D
.Bdia
Arviyag holds all my people in chains. I beg you,
Excellency. You don't know what this man is capable of. If
you'll allow me to speak to you in private…
.Edia
.P
The Ragail captain himself interrupted him, grabbing him by
the arm with one of his men and forcing him away from Yira.
And as the sibilians grabbed her, Dashvara gasped, a stream of
curses stuck in his throat, and he stammered a dying:
.D
.Bdia
Liadirlá…
.Edia
.P
When they tried to take off her gloves and bind her hands,
Yira resisted by struggling and enveloping herself with
chaotic harmonies, the
Ragails undid her spells, and Dashvara burst into curses. He
had the wisdom to imprecate in Oy'vat. When they finally managed
to remove the sursha's right glove and revealed her bone
hand, a silence of pure amazement fell over Amystorb's dungeon.
Dashvara took advantage of the moment. His racing mind cleared
enough to realize that the two Ragails holding him were as
stunned as the others at such a sight. With a jerk, he broke
free and lunged towards Sunrise, dodged a sibilian's arm,
grabbed the mare's neck and went up so fast that pain
throbbed in his arm, but he barely noticed. His eyes were
focused solely on Yira. He reached for her and… two
sibilians who were in his way grabbed him and took advantage
of the fact that he was still unsteady on his feet to pull
on him. Dashvara fell heavily to the ground, and the pain
exploded in his head. He heard Sunrise neigh in surprise
and felt her rub her nostrils against his shoulder, as if to
make sure he wasn't hurt. Hurt? He was. Mortally wounded, at
that. His heart had burst into a thousand pieces. Because he
knew that, by the time he got to his feet, Yira would be
dead. Dead.
.D
.Bdia
Arazmihá!
.Edia
a voice suddenly exclaimed.
.P
The scream echoed in other throats. Dashvara finally managed
to raise his head and was stunned by what he saw. His naâsga
had revealed her white hair and mortic face as if in
defiance of death, and both the Essimeans who accompanied
Kuriag and those who had pursued them had reacted not with
horror but with obvious wonder. The proof of this was that
many had fallen to their knees and were still clamouring:
.D
.Bdia
Arazmihá!
.Edia
.P
If Dashvara remembered his Galka lessons correctly, the word
meant
.qt the messenger .
And not just any messenger, he guessed with amazement. They
had taken her for the messenger of Skâra.
.P
The reaction of the Essimeans further confused the sibilians
and Titiakas. The former had retreated in fear, while the
Ragails, more steadfast, tried to assess the
situation coolly. They dared not execute the undead nor
approach her. Out of the corner of his eye, Dashvara saw how
several of them had positioned themselves in front of Kuriag
Dikaksunora, perhaps fearing that Yira might become a real
danger to their protégé. Asmoan's eyes glowed brightly; he
had a horrified expression on his face. Lessi, very pale,
was moving her lips as if she were whispering a prayer to
Cili. As for Kuriag… the young elf looked like he had been
hit on the head with an anvil.
.D
.Bdia
Hey,
.Edia
a nearby voice whispered to him then.
.Bdia
You knew, didn't you?
.Edia
.P
Api had crouched beside Dashvara. The Xalya was feeling as
if a brizzia had crushed his right arm. He grunted.
.D
.Bdia
She's my wife. Of course I knew, kid.
.Edia
.P
Api smiled under his hood.
.D
.Bdia
Of course,
.Edia
he repeated.
.Bdia
And Atasiag too, I suppose.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes, understanding what this young
demon was getting at. That Atasiag had adopted a necromancer
girl when demons abominated the death arts was…
.D
.Bdia
Interesting,
.Edia
Api said, receiving no immediate response. Yes, interesting,
to say the least, Dashvara completed. Not to say that it
could get Atasiag into serious trouble when the news flew to
Titiaka. The boy added,
.Bdia
Well, your wife has a chance of a thousand demons. These
death worshippers are literally in ecstasy.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara grunted in response, sitting up straight despite
the pain. He took Sunrise's head in his hands as she pawed
restlessly, and he whispered softly:
.D
.Bdia
Calm down,
.Sm -t erare daâra .
Everything's fine.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Everything's fine,
.Edia
Api agreed with a slight scoff.
.P
Kindly, the young demon held out a hand to help him up.
Dashvara hesitated, looking at him in amazement.
.Bpenso
I spoke to Sunrise in Oy'vat and that boy answered me in the
Common Tongue… Really, I'm going to end up believing that
demons can speak the Wise Tongue of the Ancient Kings.
.Epenso
Shaking his head, he ignored Api's helping hand, muttering,
.Bpenso
I'm not hurt, kid
.Epenso ,
and instead stood up, clutching at Sunrise's leaning neck.
As a matter of fact, he wasn't hurt, or at least that was his
impression, but he was dead tired and all the commotion
around him wasn't helping him focus. Once he was on his
feet, however, all his attention was fixed on his naâsga.
Her gaze reflected a mixture of amazement, concern, and
fear, and when he met it, Dashvara pouted, guessing that
neither of them knew how to handle the situation. He took a
step towards Yira, but stopped when he saw Ashiwa of Essimea
himself kneel before her. The Essimean said something, but
it was in Galka, and Dashvara could not understand it. And,
obviously, his naâsga even less. But, hell, who would
imagine that the messenger of Skâra would not know the
language of his worshippers? Dashvara suppressed a snort and
turned his head toward the Ragails. Captain Djamin had
joined Kuriag and was speaking to him in a low, agitated
voice while the young man kept his eyes fixed on the black
and blue magic that vibrated on Yira's face. Black for death
and blue for immortality, Dashvara thought in wonder.
.D
.Bdia
Praise be to Skâra,
.Edia
he murmured.
.P
Praise a hundred thousand times, he thought, gasping.
Because his believers had just saved Yira's life. At least
for now.
.P
Amazement gradually gave way to various reactions.
Approaching on their knees, the Essimeans all spoke at once
in Galka, transported, in a hubbub of prayers,
requests, and blessings addressed to the Messenger. And
Ashiwa, as Todakwa's brother, showed no less faith and
fervor. After all, everything in the image that Yira
offered indicated to them that she was without doubt a
messenger of Skâra. The sibilians, for their part, had
regrouped and were casting questioning glances at Kuriag
Dikaksunora and the Ragail captain, waiting for their
intervention. Which did not come. Instead, Ashiwa made the
first move; realizing that his people were making a spectacle of
themselves and that Yira was not answering probably because
she did not understand the Galka, he stood up, bowed to the
messenger, and said in the Common Tongue:
.D
.Bdia
Allow me, Arazmihá, to have the honor of guiding you to our
lords Todakwa and Daeya so that you may deliver the Message
to them.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
The message
.Epenso ,
Dashvara repeated to himself, confused. Liadirlá… what
message? At that moment, two Ragails blocked his view,
grabbed him, and dragged him away. Dashvara did not
protest. Now that Yira was safe, he didn't care about
anything but sleeping. Sleep. Yes, he wished he could have
slept through the day. But they wouldn't let him. They took
him into a tent—Kuriag's tent—searched him, took off his
shelshami, made him kneel down, and one of them grabbed him,
and punched him in the stomach, leaving him breathless.
.D
.Bdia
That's for deceiving us, Xalya,
.Edia
the Ragail growled at him. And, placing a hand on his head, he
slammed it against the earth without too much roughness,
adding,
.Bdia
If you raise your head again, I'll let you have a taste of
my new whip.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara still did not answer. The Ragails were being more
forgiving than he had expected. Maybe they felt sorry for
him too. After all, Compassion was one of Cili's Graces, and
these elite soldiers were good Cilians…
.P
In this position, he was sure to fall asleep within minutes.
Unfortunately, Kuriag arrived too soon. He heard his voice
near the entrance of the tent. He heard horses' hooves. And
he heard various shouts that told him the Federates were
breaking camp. Finally, he heard footsteps in the tent, and a
Ragail pulled him by the hair to his feet. Dashvara looked
up at Kuriag. The expression on Kuriag's face did not bode
well. The young elf was getting more than tired of the
continuous surprises his slaves had in store for him.
.D
.Bdia
You knew,
.Edia
he threw out in a tone that was at the time incredulous,
disgusted, and accusatory.
.Bdia
Does Atasiag know?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shook his head heavily and replied a simple:
.D
.Bdia
No.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag clicked his tongue, agitated, as he approached him.
.D
.Bdia
Tell me the truth, Xalya,
.Edia
he demanded.
.Bdia
Does Atasiag know?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara breathed in calmly and looked him in the eye.
.D
.Bdia
Atasiag was my master before you. Even if he knew, I would
not betray him. But I assure you he did not know Yira was
using the arts of Skâra,
.Edia
he lied.
.P
An annoyed glint passed through Kuriag's eyes. He opened and
closed his fists. Dashvara suppressed a mocking pout.
.P
.Bpenso
Well, Excellency? Do you feel like using the whip? Well, go
ahead and do it. You'll prove that your Eternal Bird is not
as peaceful as you said.
.Epenso
.P
Kuriag must have seen the mockery in his expression, for he
let out a snort and croaked:
.D
.Bdia
Keep laughing at me, Dashvara, and you'll know what it's
like to have a Titiaka master.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara felt a wave of disappointment and sadness when he
heard this.
.D
.Bdia
I'm not laughing at you, Excellen—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Quiet,
.Edia
Kuriag cut him off. And he made a curt gesture.
.Bdia
I mistakenly believed that the Eternal Bird was an ideal, a
way of life towards a civilization of peace and tolerance.
You have deceived me, Xalya. The Eternal Bird is a delusion.
A fraud. It died with the Ancient Kings.
.Edia
He shook his head and corrected,
.Bdia
It died with Maloven. But the essence, the energy that
vibrated in the Ancient Kings, died with them. And it has not
returned, nor will it ever return to your clan.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara frowned. The energy that vibrated in the Ancient Kings…
The demons, he realized with a twitch. Kuriag was referring to
demons. Had Asmoan told him about them? Presumably. But he
didn't seem to have told him everything. In particular, he
didn't seem to have told him literally about demons.
Otherwise, if they had found out that the Xalyas were
descendants of demons… the Liadirlá knew what his benevolent
master would have thought, but in any case he would not have
used the word
.qt peace
or
.qt tolerance .
.P
As the silence dragged on, Dashvara fought off fatigue and
tried to think of an answer. That the Eternal Bird was a
delusion, he said? A fraud? He gasped and let out:
.D
.Bdia
This is… absurd, Excellency.
.Edia
.P
He received a hard slap from a Ragail. Kuriag raised a hand
to urge moderation.
.D
.Bdia
Absurd?
.Edia
the Titiaka repeated then.
.Bdia
It is not. In fact, it is the reality: the Xalyas disowned
the Eternal Bird two centuries ago. They betrayed their king
along with other peoples of the steppe. Like that of Amystorb,
.Edia
he said, pointing vaguely in the direction of the dungeon.
.Bdia
You doomed the kingdom to extinction. You killed each other.
And the reason you don't do it now is because you can't.
Because, if you send your people to fight now, it will die
out forever. Not because you do not wish to struggle. Not
because you are not capable of killing. Before you fled, you
said you would choose hope and you would choose swords, but
you soon realized that you were too weak. And that your only
hope here… was me.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag's green eyes turned to him with a mixture of defiance and
authority. He added:
.D
.Bdia
Now I understand that I was wrong about you, Dashvara. You
want to save your people, and nothing else exists for you. I
respect your feelings. But I don't respect your ways. You've
betrayed my trust again and again, and you've proven that
you're not capable of taking care of your clan any better
than I am. To make matters worse, you run away from Arviyag
and Garag's camp, begging me to help you, even though I
specifically ordered my cousins to take care of you while I
was away. Did you think, then, that Arviyag was chastising
your people without my consent?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara returned a look of pure amazement, and another wave
of sadness mixed with guilt and fear oppressed his heart.
.P
.Bpenso
What did you expect?
.Epenso
he growled.
.Bpenso
That after mocking him in front of everyone repeatedly, he
would forgive you just by kneeling before him? You didn't
just lose his trust, Dash. You also attacked his dignity.
His family is setting him straight, and you're not the one
who'll restore his Eternal Bird because you're the one who
stabbed it.
.Epenso
.P
He sighed silently and, with sincerity, confessed:
.D
.Bdia
I thought so, Excellency. With all due respect, I thought
so. I'm sorry.
.Edia
.P
They both looked into each other's eyes until Dashvara
lowered his head and thought,
.Bpenso
I'm sorry that neither of us will be able to break free of
who we are.
.Epenso
.D
.Bdia
Don't pretend,
.Edia
Kuriag then said briskly breaking the silence.
.Bdia
Don't feign a submission you don't feel.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara could not avoid letting out an amused snort.
.D
.Bdia
Believe me, I feel it, Excellency. I feel it and I suffer
it, but I would suffer it far more if you left my people in
the hands of Arviyag.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Then perhaps that is what I should do,
.Edia
Kuriag replied with obvious irritation.
.Bdia
To tame a horse, you start by tying it very short before you
give it more freedom, isn't that true?
.Edia
.P
Without looking at him, Dashvara did not answer.
.P
.Bpenso
No, federate. To tame a horse, you must first let it run.
.Epenso
He swallowed.
.Bpenso
So it's like that, you no longer want to set us free. You want us all
to yourself, don't you? Because your family told you, enough
is enough. Because now you truly believe that we Xalyas, we are
unable to fend for ourselves. Because we are a lost and
abandoned people who don't even have an
.qt Eternal Bird
vibrating inside. Have you forgotten what Maloven taught
you, Kuriag? The Eternal Bird is not a fraud, it is not an
energy, it is a star that guides and shines in all hearts.
.Epenso
.P
Dashvara would have liked to tell him that, but Kuriag
didn't give him the time. In a tense, saturated tone, he
ordered:
.D
.Bdia
Take him away. We'll be on our way in half an hour.
.Edia
.P
The Ragails put Dashvara on his feet and led him out of the
tent. They did not bind his hands; it was not necessary.
They simply led him back to Sunrise, and one of them said to
him:
.D
.Bdia
Sit here and wait for the departure order.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded without loosening his lips, soothed Sunrise,
released the saddle and harness and, despite his fatigue,
continued to care for her and gave her a drink before making
her lie down. Finally he lay down against her, glancing
around. Most of the tents had already been packed up, the
sibilians were saddling their mounts, and a few steppians
had stepped forward to lead the way. In the distance,
crossing the plain to the southeast, the distant silhouettes
of a dozen horsemen could still be seen. It was Ashiwa and
his men. And, no doubt, they had taken Yira with them. Dashvara
couldn't help but feel a dull ache, even though he knew his
naâsga was safer with the Essimeans than with the Federates.
He doubted that Todakwa and his wife would be as gullible as
Ashiwa but…
.P
.Bpenso
But they'll respect her anyway,
.Epenso
he mentally asserted.
.P
He would have bet his sabers.
.Bpenso
Sabers you don't have, Dash,
.Epenso
he reminded himself, lowering his gaze. His eyes fell on the
red marks on his wrists, and he cursed Arviyag. He remembered
the satisfied expression on his face three years ago when he
had appeared in the torture chamber and listened to Paopag's
report. What had happened then was foggy in Dashvara's mind,
but he remembered that at one point the Titiaka trader had
laid his hand on his head and said lightly,
.Bpenso
You will live, young man. You will live and serve the
Federation.
.Epenso
And he had been right: for three years, Dashvara had served
the Federation. And there was every indication that he
would have to keep serving it. Unless a blessed red snake bit
Garag and Arviyag. Unless Kuriag changed his mind… Dashvara
sighed and rubbed his eyes, exhausted. The morning light
barely warmed the earth, and the wind continued to blow,
carrying scattered clouds across the sky at great speed. The
wind was now coming directly from the Bladhy Desert, and the
air, laden with a sandy haze, was dry and cold. But this did
not prevent Dashvara from sinking quickly into a deep sleep.
.P
He dreamed that he was walking on the steppe, not the steppe
of Kawalsh, but the steppe of Xalya. The sparse grass turned
to dry earth and sand, the shrubs disappeared,
and the Dungeon of Xalya in the distance was as beautiful as
ever. He was alone. There was nothing in this vast expanse
of land but air, distance, and immensity. Then his father's
voice called behind him:
.D
.Bm
.Bdia
Behold, son, the land of your birth. Respect it because it
is yours and you belong to it.
.Edia
.Em
.P
Dashvara wanted to turn around, but for some strange reason
he couldn't, so he kept going.
.D
.Bm
.Bdia
The savages have stolen the land from you,
.Edia
his lord father added with evident rage.
.Bdia
The savages and foreigners invaded the steppe and killed my
people. Your people.
.Edia
His voice grew louder as he said,
.Bdia
Kill them all, son. KILL THEM.
.Edia
.Em
.P
.Bm
DISHONOR THEM!
.Em
.P
The scream was so loud that Dashvara woke up feeling as if
he had a pack of milfids screaming in his ears. He supported
his head, gasping:
.D
.Bdia
Oh, Liadirlá…
.Edia
.P
He received a light kick from a boot, and as he looked up,
he saw Captain Djamin looking at him questioningly.
.D
.Bdia
Bad dreams?
.Edia
he asked.
.P
Still numb with torpor, Dashvara winced and shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
Stupid dreams.
.Edia
.P
Captain Djamin arched his eyebrows and said calmly:
.D
.Bdia
Get up. We're leaving.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded and stood up at the same time as Sunrise,
noticing that the sky was now completely clear and that a
good hour had passed since he had fallen asleep with that
stupid dream.
.P
.Bpenso
Dishonor them,
.Epenso
he repeated to himself.
.Bpenso
Sure, and how do you expect me to do it, my lord? By
spitting in their faces? Even you don't know what you would
do if you were in my place, father. Without swords, without
men, without dignity… You were so afraid to die like that
that you chose to die taking your brothers with you. I don't
condemn you. Perhaps my Eternal Bird is too attached to
hope. But yours was too attached to pride.
.Epenso
.P
He noticed that the Ragail captain was watching him curiously.
.D
.Bdia
Thinking of a new escapade, Xalya?
.Edia
.P
The tone was mocking but affable. Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
I was thinking about that stupid dream.
.Edia
.P
He took the canteen and drank before worrying about
Sunrise. Most people were already riding away, heading east.
.Bpenso
East?
.Epenso
Dashvara repeated to himself, frowning. Lamasta was to the
southeast. Captain Djamin had just mounted his own horse
when he said:
.D
.Bdia
May I ask what this stupid dream was about?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara glanced at him in surprise and almost asked if
slaves were also required to tell their dreams, but he
changed his mind and shrugged before climbing onto Sunrise.
.D
.Bdia
It's quite simple. I was walking on the steppe, and my father
said to me: kill them all. He told me the same thing a few
hours before he died. And the thing is, I haven't killed
them all yet.
.Edia
.P
Captain Djamin had frowned. They were at the tail of the
procession. In front of them, his men were riding. Kuriag
Dikaksunora was almost at the head of the line beside his
wife. After a silence, the Ragail calmly questioned:
.D
.Bdia
Who?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes.
.P
.Bpenso
Why in the world are you telling this to this foreigner,
Dash? Because fatigue is making you think like a red nadre.
Or because you simply need to talk about something. Or to
talk about this to anyone. Or maybe not to anyone. So far,
Djamin has always proven to be an honorable man, you have
respect for him and… bam, here you are talking to him about
killing them all. Very clever, Dash. Maybe he'll get you in
handcuffs just in case, you know?
.Epenso
.P
He cleared his throat and replied:
.D
.Bdia
In the dream, he didn't specify. But, anyway, captain, it
was a stupid dream, as I said. Nothing more.
.Edia
.P
The captain did not reply. After a moment, he observed:
.D
.Bdia
This is a gem of great value.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow and then saw that the Ragail was
handing him the shelshami. Really? Was he giving it back to
him? No doubt he didn't know what it represented. With a
mixture of astonishment and avidity, he took it back.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you. It's a desert gem.
.Edia
.P
It was true: his mother had found it when she was still
living as a nomadic Xalya trading with the Bladhy tribes.
And she had given it to her husband years later. It was
almost strange that she hadn't given him a skull instead, he
thought with some irony. Perhaps Dakia of Xalya had not been
so gruesome in her youth.
.P
Impassive, Djamin said nothing more, and Dashvara promptly
adjusted the black scarf on his head. They rode for a long time in
silence, crossing the stream and advancing towards the
endless, bare hills that populated the area between Aralika
and Lamasta. Was this some kind of shortcut to the latter?
It didn't look like it. It looked more like they were
heading for the former. The sky, blue at dawn, had become
cloudy, and a chill wind was whipping Dashvara's face. It chilled
him to the bone, but at least it washed away his fatigue. It
was not long before the rain came down on them, accompanied
by deafening lightning and thunder. A sibilian pointed
through the rain to a lone tree that had caught fire, and
Dashvara, fascinated, remembered in that instant the words
of the Shalussi sage:
.Bpenso
Storms and drought will wipe out your empire if you are not
careful, Todakwa.
.Epenso
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Captain Djamin make a
devotional sign in Cili's name.
.P
The storm did not last: it passed almost as quickly as a
flash of lightning and left the steppe scarcely more humid and
the air diaphanous and serene. The Titiakas and their slaves
climbed back on their horses, glancing at the tree that
continued to blaze in the distance. Now they were heading
northeast, Dashvara realized. Taking advantage of the fact
that Captain Djamin was riding close by, he asked him:
.D
.Bdia
We're not going to Lamasta, are we?
.Edia
.P
The Ragail glanced up from his horse and replied a simple:
.D
.Bdia
No.
.Edia
.P
They took several breaks during the day and bought milk from
a group of Essimean shepherds, but Dashvara was not invited
to eat or drink. He did not complain. In any case, he was so
tired that he did not feel hungry or cold. He could hardly
even realize how tired he was. Towards evening, they stopped
at the foot of a hill where an old Shalussi watchtower stood
and pitched tents. Forgotten by the others who were busy,
Dashvara looked after Sunrise as best he could, whispering
soft words into her ear and caressing her as he recited in
Oy'vat:
.Bl -t verse
.It Ride, brother, ride,
.It Let the sun shine on your path
.It And open the closed doors
.It To your Eternal Bird in its bosom.
.It In your heart and in your land
.It Make your own destiny
.It Honor your clan with love
.It And strength of spirit.
.It Ride, brother, ride
.It Toward the cruel enemy.
.El
.P
His tender voice betrayed more sadness than vehemence. He
repeated in a whisper:
.D
.Bdia
Honor your clan with love and strength of spirit. Love I do
not lack, Sunrise,
.Edia
he murmured, stroking her between the ears as she laid her
large head in his lap.
.Bdia
And I do not lack courage. Nor the Eternal Bird, no matter what
Kuriag says. What I lack is…
.Edia
.P
His eyes lifted to the sibilians and the Ragails but barely
stopped on them; they wandered beyond, to the rays of
sunlight that still lit the sky towards the west. He sighed
and looked down again at his mare with a melancholic
half-smile.
.D
.Bdia
What I need are two hundred pearls like you. A steppeman
without a horse is a bird without wings.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Nice phrase,
.Edia
Api's voice said. Dashvara gasped. The young demon was
approaching him with a bowl. He handed it to him and, as
Dashvara was slow to respond, added,
.Bdia
A man without food is a bag of bones.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara made an amused pout and accepted the bowl.
.D
.Bdia
Thanks.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Don't thank me. It was Djamin who asked me to bring it to
you.
.Edia
He crouched down as Dashvara gulped down the dinner and
watched him for a moment before adding,
.Bdia
It's funny. Oy'vat, I mean. So different from Tajal and
at the same time so similar. I'll be able to speak it in no
time at all.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara returned a thoughtful look before setting the empty
bowl down and asking:
.D
.Bdia
What's Tajal?
.Edia
.P
Api smiled, looking mysterious and mocking.
.D
.Bdia
.Sm The Tongue ,
.Edia
he answered, with emphasis on the two words.
.Bdia
Oy'vat comes from it. But it's much softer and less
guttural and… maybe a little simpler. Yes, I believe it is.
Learning Tajal is a living hell. That's why I asked my
mentor to teach me.
.Edia
He let out a few soft grunts as if something had gotten
stuck in his throat and smiled broadly.
.Bdia
I just said goodnight to you.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked at him in amazement, for indeed he thought
he recognized the strange guttural sound as a simple
.qt Taü srin .
He shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
Demons.
.Edia
.P
Api laughed as he stood up, empty bowl in hand, and repeated
in Common Tongue:
.D
.Bdia
Good night.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded, and as the demon moved away into the
growing shadows of dusk, he whispered:
.D
.Bdia
.Sm -t erare Taü srin ,
kid.
.Edia
.P
That night, he had the same dream again, but worse, for
along with his father's voice came the image of Sheroda's
yellow eyes repeating,
.Bqt
You are guilty, you have killed!
.Eqt
and this, together with his father's sempiternal
.Bqt
kill them all
.Eqt ,
confused him so much that he woke up soon after falling
asleep, breathing heavily, and he did not sleep a wink for
the rest of the night.
.P
His eyes gazed at the stars for a long time, as he once did in the
courtyard of Atasiag's house, except that, that night, Yira
was not with him. The constellation of Scorpion was not
visible: it was winter, and in winter, it wasn't visible.
Towards midnight, the stars were swallowed up by the clouds,
and in a complete calm, the first snowflakes fell. They had
been late in coming. This was a bad sign. As the saying
goes:
.Bqt
Late snowflakes makes the winter long and sharp
.Eqt .
Wrapped in his cloak and huddled against Sunrise,
Dashvara listened to the silence of the camp and tried in
vain to fall asleep again. His mind seemed to have forgotten
how to sleep.
.P
Shortly before dawn, a murmur disturbed his unalterable
vigil. He frowned and… heard a whisper again.
.P
.Bdm
Dash, are you awake?
.Edm
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Tah,
.Edia
he whispered.
.Bdia
Are you there?
.Edia
.P
For a moment, he thought he had dreamed the mental voice,
but then the shadow confirmed:
.P
.Bdm
Yes. You can't even imagine, it's a real mess,
.Edm
he sighed.
.Bdm
I just got back from the camp where the others are. They're
just over there, a few hills away. They asked me about you,
and I told them you were fine. Them, on the other hand…
well, except for the younger ones, their hands are all tied
and… I think more than one was whipped, but… I could barely
talk to them because the Titiakas had lit quite a few
torches around.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara shuddered at his words. Hands tied. Whipped. And
Kuriag knew about it. Yes, he surely did, didn't he? And he
was letting Arviyag abuse his slaves to tame them in their
own land.
.D
.Bdia
What about Tsu?
.Edia
he whispered.
.P
.Bdm
Tsu? I haven't seen him,
.Edm
the shadow admitted, and he blew out a mental snort,
muttering,
.Bdm
I don't like snow. It tickles even more than the rain.
.Edm
.P
Alarmed by Tah's agitation, Sunrise raised her head.
Dashvara calmed his mare with a gesture before asking in a
low, curious voice:
.D
.Bdia
Where have you been all this time?
.Edia
.P
.Bdm
Oh, well…
.Edm
Tahisran coughed.
.Bdm
It's complicated. I went looking for Youk and found him, but
I couldn't talk to him because they put him in the
death-priests' tents. So, afterwards, I went to see Api. And
it turns out he was with Asmoan, Kuriag, and his two cousins
and…
.Edm
He hesitated,
.Bdm
I heard something I shouldn't have. Something about the
pact.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara winced.
.D
.Bdia
You heard that Arviyag and Garag would invalidate it for the
Xalyas,
.Edia
he guessed darkly.
.P
.Bdm
That's right,
.Edm
the shadow affirmed, embarrassed.
.Bdm
Kuriag didn't want me to warn you because he was afraid you
would try to run away. He told me it wasn't in your best
interest to run away, but he didn't explain why and… Well, it
just so happened that dawn caught me in the Essimean camp, I
stuffed myself into Api's pack, and… Boo, when I woke up, I
was riding across the steppe visiting tombs and dungeons.
Api said he only
.qt half
realized I was in his bag. Mmph,
.Edm
he growled.
.P
Dashvara couldn't help but smile as he imagined Tahisran's
surprise upon awakening. The shadow added in a relativistic
tone:
.P
.Bdm
I suppose that, anyway, in daylight, I could hardly have
returned to Lamasta without anyone seeing me. The steppe is
a bad land for shadows.
.Edm
.P
Dashvara nodded.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you for checking on my people, Tah. Arviyag will pay
dearly for what he does,
.Edia
he asserted and, realizing he had raised his voice slightly,
lowered it as he murmured with no apparent connection,
.Bdia
The Essimeans took Yira away.
.Edia
.P
He sensed the shadow's assent as well as his concern.
.P
.Bdm
I know. Api told me what happened.
.Edm
.P
There was silence. The snowflakes kept on falling. The
sky, though overcast, was beginning to lighten.
.Bpenso
Yira
.Epenso ,
Dashvara thought with a sudden wave of anxiety. A horrible
thought had just crossed his mind. What if Yira wasn't so
safe with the Essimeans, after all? What if…? The image of
his naâsga sacrificed to the glory of Skâra assailed him, and
a tremor ran through his body. After all, what did he know
of the Essimeans and their Divinity? He knew nothing.
Perhaps, after she had delivered her message, the Arazmihá
would die and… He let out an exhausted groan.
.D
.Bdia
Why?
.Edia
He straightened, his heart racing, before he lay back down,
unconsciously clutching the shelshami bead in his fist.
.Bdia
My Eternal Bird is going to die, Tah,
.Edia
he muttered.
.Bdia
I feel like I'm riding into Death, pursued by monsters. I'm
damnably trapped. I know what Arviyag wants to do with me,
and I don't know how to stop him. But that's not the worst
of all. If anything happens to my naâsga, my death will be
the most horrible of all deaths.
.Edia
.P
His eyes had grown wide open, staring at the darkness as if a
red snake had slithered into his heart to bite him. Whether
it was his fatigue or his constant inner struggle, he felt
like he was on the verge of losing his mind, much like the
day Atasiag had taken him to Sheroda's. Except this time it
lasted much longer. Tah's consolations were useless: they
slipped away like water on glass. As soon as daylight broke,
he mechanically ate what Api brought him, and the only thing
he managed to do properly was to saddle up Sunrise and get
on his horse to continue the journey. The Ragails, the
sibilians, the men who had joined them from Lamasta… they
all seemed to have come out of a dreadful unreal world.
.P
.Bpenso
You're losing your cool, Dash,
.Epenso
a small, exasperated voice told him.
.Bpenso
Think about it: your hands aren't tied, no one has tortured
you yet, and why would they? Kuriag is not like Arviyag. He
will protect you all…
.Epenso
.P
.Bpenso
Protect us, but of course,
.Epenso
he replied sharply.
.P
.Bpenso
Bah. The thing is, you're scared to death. Because of the
thimbles. Admit it,
.Epenso
he scoffed with a mental hiss.
.P
His own thoughts kept him so busy that it was Sunrise who
took it upon herself to follow the procession without the
aid of her rider.
.P
At nightfall, when they were setting up camp again, and as
Dashvara watched from a distance as his people made their
way across the steppe on foot, Api came and brought him
dinner again, and this time, he said cheerfully:
.D
.Bdia
I hear your wife is creating quite a stir in Aralika.
Todakwa is going to throw a big party in two weeks, and he
has invited Kuriag to say goodbye before he leaves.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked at him for a moment, as if dazed, before
asking:
.D
.Bdia
Is Yira okay?
.Edia
.P
Api watched him curiously.
.D
.Bdia
Yes. I don't know much,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
Except that Todakwa put her on a pedestal. Say, Dashvara,
you know something? You look terrible. How long has it been
since you last slept?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara grimaced.
.D
.Bdia
I slept a little on the horse. I think.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Really?
.Edia
Api marveled.
.Bdia
You can sleep on a horse? Well, I slept on a dragon—but a
horse!
.Edia
.P
He was impressed. Dashvara grunted and made a slight gesture
before turning his attention to his bowl. He was still
chewing without much enthusiasm when he heard the sounds of
boots on the ground and a dry voice saying:
.D
.Bdia
My master wants to see you.
.Edia
.P
Unsurprised, Dashvara looked up painfully into the greyish,
impassive face of the sibilian. He was the one who had led
the chase. Receiving no immediate response, two sibilians
grabbed him, and Dashvara abandoned his bowl and stood up.
Under Api's worried, frowning gaze, he walked away, taking
one last look at his mare, who was grazing quietly a few
feet away, looking for grass in the snow. He saw her raise
her head towards him, and he clicked his tongue gently, not
to call her, but to tell her not to worry and to continue
grazing.
.P
.Bpenso
Right now, you can't help me, my sweet.
.Epenso
.P
Soon, he could no longer see her because of the tents, the
workers, and the horses. What he could see, however, were the
Xalyas, whom the sibilians were setting up, hands bound, in
several rows for the night. Only the youngest children
escaped such precautions, and one of them, recognizing
Dashvara, wanted to come closer, but his mother called out
to him harshly with a touch of fear in her voice. As for the
Xalya warriors, they all looked up at him with the same
expectant movement. Zamoy stretched his neck. Captain Zorvun
looked relieved and worried at the same time. And in the
face of so many eyes, Dashvara tried to look more energetic
than he really was. But as soon as the sibilians brought him
into a large tent, and he saw the table set up in the middle,
his heart froze completely, and he lost his composure. On that
table were ropes. And behind it stood Tsu, his sleeves
rolled up and a black case in his hand.
.P
In the drow's stony face, his eyes blazed, terrified.
Dashvara suddenly felt overwhelmed by a wave of memories
more vivid than ever. The pain. The helplessness. The
terror. Death… Pain, he repeated to himself, dizzy. And he
began to tremble from head to toe.
.P
.Bpenso
Your feather is not going to rise again from this, Dash…
.Epenso
.Ch A false god
If they had brought him into the lair of a brizzia or a nest
of harpies, he would not have felt as terrified. Right now,
this case, these thimbles, were a thousand times worse than
death.
.P
His reaction was not planned at all, it was spontaneous:
he turned around and tried to run away. No sooner had he
made his move than the sibilians grabbed him and pushed him
further towards the table. Dashvara struggled, as he had
struggled that day in Dazbon. All in vain. They stripped his
torso, strapped him to the table, and only then did they
move away, revealing Paopag, Tsu, and the case.
.D
.Bdia
Don't think I'm doing this for the pleasure of tormenting
you, son,
.Edia
Arviyag's voice said to him from a corner out of his field
of vision.
.Bdia
The reason I'm so interested in you is because there are
people in the Federation who continue to be convinced that
the Eternal Bird is stronger than Cili and that you are the
King. The true Immortal King who has already risen twice.
What nonsense, isn't it? But the fact is that you have at
least a thousand and five hundred followers in Titiaka and
to put an end to this madness, you're going to have to
publicly declare that you are a false king of a false god.
And to make it sound convincing… I'm going to put it in your
head until you, too, are convinced. Okay?
.Edia
he finished in a serene tone, as if he were asking him for
any banality.
.P
Dashvara's mind processed his words very slowly. His fatigue
was not helping. Nor was the terror that was taking over
him. But he still felt a wave of amazement and
incomprehension. One thousand five hundred followers? In
Titiaka? Where did Arviyag get such nonsense from?
.D
.Bdia
Just a moment,
.Edia
he growled.
.Bdia
I never meant to convert anyone. These followers…
.Edia
He exhaled sharply, lying on the table.
.Bdia
I had nothing to do with that. I am not a king. And the
Eternal Bird is no god. That much is already clear in my
head. It's not necessary… it's not necessary,
.Edia
he repeated in a daze, and managed to finish his sentence by
stammering,
.Bdia
t-to open that.
.Edia
.P
He was talking about the case. He looked away from it,
nauseated, and wandered his gaze over the faces of the
sibilians and Paopag; he tried to turn his neck in vain to
see Arviyag, and he insisted:
.D
.Bdia
It's not necessary.
.Edia
.P
There was silence. Dashvara saw that Tsu's red eyes were
shining. How had Arviyag convinced him? By threatening to go
after the other Xalyas, surely.
.D
.Bdia
Perhaps,
.Edia
the Titiaka merchant finally admitted in a thoughtful tone.
.Bdia
Yes, perhaps it is not necessary.
.Edia
He paused.
.Bdia
I am curious to know. Do simple thimbles really scare you that
much? I'm seriously asking. I've never tried.
.Edia
.P
His tone was mocking and curious at the same time. Dashvara
clenched his jaws and, trying to overcome the tetanizing
fear that threatened to take hold of him every time he
looked at that damned case, he replied:
.D
.Bdia
There's nothing stopping you from trying.
.Edia
.P
Arviyag clicked his tongue. Dashvara heard him move behind
him and felt his hand rest on his right arm, examining the
wound caused by the poisoned arrow. The Titiaka stepped
aside after a few moments and appeared before Dashvara's
eyes, resuming:
.D
.Bdia
You didn't answer me. What are you afraid of? Pain? Death?
Don't worry, I won't kill you. That power is in Kuriag's
hands, and I'm not going to make you a martyr. I just want
you not to disappoint me when Titiaka's delegation arrives
in Aralika and sees you. I want you to show yourself as what
you are: the fugitive leader of a clan that has come
crawling back to its master.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara did not falter when he assured him in a neutral
voice:
.D
.Bdia
I am very aware of that.
.Edia
.P
Arviyag looked him in the eye and gave him a disapproving
pout when he said:
.D
.Bdia
But not enough. Tsu,
.Edia
he said,
.Bdia
I hope you haven't lost your touch.
.Edia
He took a step back inviting the drow to come closer.
.Bdia
He's all yours.
.Edia
.P
Wide-eyed, Dashvara watched as Tsu set the black case down
and opened it. He protested, stirring on the table:
.D
.Bdia
That's not necessary, Arviyag. You know it isn't. I am a
slave, I know that. I can promise you I won't run away
again.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I don't care about that,
.Edia
Arviyag patiently assured,
.Bdia
I care far more about the one thousand five hundred Titiakas
followers. You can run away all you want once you deny your
false god, but I doubt you'll try after that. However, I
promised your master that I wouldn't be too hard on you…
.Edia
He rolled his eyes.
.Bdia
And I will keep my word.
.Edia
.P
He added some words in a Diumcilian dialect for Tsu, and Tsu
nodded silently. A sibilian stepped forward to gag Dashvara,
and Dashvara glared at him as he could not speak. Finally,
the sibilian stepped aside, and Dashvara could see Tsu place
the thimbles on his fingers… he placed
.Sm all
of them with amazing speed and, even more quickly, he placed
them on himself, on his head, without hesitation and…
.D
.Bdia
No!
.Edia
Arviyag cried.
.P
Horrified, Dashvara would have roared even louder had he not
been gagged. Fortunately, there were two sibilians right
next to him, and they reacted quickly, pushing the thimbles away
from the drow's head before he had time to create a spell.
.P
.Bpenso
Damn it, drow! Have you gone mad?
.Epenso
.P
Yes, he had gone mad. His mouth was now spitting out
unintelligible words, and his eyes were blazing, disturbed.
Dashvara had never seen him like this. Arviyag gave a curt
command, obviously upset, and the two sibilians who were
grabbing Tsu dragged him out of the tent after removing the
thimbles. Arviyag exchanged a few words in Diumcilian with
Paopag, and then he poked his head out at the tent entrance
and barked:
.D
.Bdia
Darigat! Come in.
.Edia
.P
The man named Darigat entered. He was not a sibilian, but
one of the black-belted workers. A recent slave. He was a
tall, blond, golden-skinned elf, perhaps an elfocane, and
when he saw Dashvara lying on the table, his face quivered
slightly. He bowed to his master with an interrogative:
.D
.Bdia
.Sm Khazag ?
.Edia
.P
His voice was soft and melodious. Arviyag ordered him:
.D
.Bdia
Take care of this man. Paopag: don't forget to repeat the
lessons. Tomorrow, we will arrive in Aralika. The journey
will be a respite for the Xalya. Work hard.
.Edia
.P
And with those words, he left without even glancing at
Dashvara, who was starting to get seriously dizzy. He hoped they
wouldn't punish Tsu too harshly. And he hoped Paopag would
be merciful and not be as demanding as Arviyag. And as he
hoped, his body broke out in sweat despite the cold, his
chest heaved precipitously, and his eyes feverishly
gazed at Darigat as he put on the thimbles. Given his
diligence and confidence, this was not the first time he had
used them. He'd been in Arviyag's service for less than a
year, yet he had already used them… When he saw them
approaching, Dashvara let out a groan that was muffled by
the gag.
.salto
.Bm
.D
.Bdia
Ho-Hope?
.Edia
he whispered.
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
a voice said to him,
.Bdia
there is no hope if you don't do what I tell you. There is
no forgiveness.
.Edia
.P
And another deeper voice reminded him:
.qt The red nadres do not forgive, my son: they devour .
He opened his eyes wide.
Captain? Was it the captain? No. It couldn't have been. The
steppe lord struggled to fill his lungs with air. They were
on fire. His whole body was on fire.
.D
.Bdia
The steppe is dying,
.Edia
he croaked in horror.
.Bdia
It's being torn apart. I see it. It's shaking. It's shaking.
Brothers… The world is falling apart. The sky … The sky! The
Eternal Bird…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It doesn't fly,
.Edia
the voice told him in a suave tone.
.Bdia
It doesn't fly because It doesn't exist anymore.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It doesn't exist,
.Edia
the steppe lord repeated.
.Bdia
The Eternal Bird does not exist. Yes, it does,
.Edia
he suddenly protested.
.P
An excruciating pain shook him to the core, and the voice
said:
.D
.Bdia
It doesn't exist.
.Edia
.P
The lord of the steppe was weeping.
.D
.Bdia
It doesn't exist,
.Edia
he repeated.
.Bdia
They lied to me. It doesn't exist.
.Edia
.P
Several shocks passed through him, his eyes dried up, and his
mind sank deep into a sea of apathy.
.D
.Bdia
Tell me,
.Edia
the voice said.
.Bdia
Who are you?
.Edia
.P
The steppe lord did not answer immediately. Finally, he
stammered:
.D
.Bdia
Dash. I'm Dash.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
And who's your master?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
The steppe,
.Edia
he stammered.
.P
A new jolt of pain shot through him and left him convulsing
in a dark world. It was a more powerful shock. He had been
wrong, he realized. He tried to think and remember the
lesson. At last, he found the answer and panted.
.D
.Bdia
Kuriag… My master. Please… Nandrivá…
.Edia
.P
The pleading or perhaps the use of the savage tongue earned
him another discharge. He didn't know how long he had been
like this. Days. Weeks. An eternity. It didn't matter to him
anymore. He just wanted the ordeal to end soon. But it did
not stop … It would never stop, he understood. Never.
.Em
.salto
.D
.Bdia
What did you do to him?
.Edia
.P
Fear and dismay vibrated in that voice. Sitting on a pallet,
Dashvara slowly looked up and saw a different face. Let's
say, different from the ones he was used to seeing since he
had started to cease to exist. That's what he told himself
inside: that he had begun to cease to exist. That was the
little he could tell himself. He swallowed as he finally
recognized the new arrival. It was the master.
.D
.Bdia
Not a single lash during our absence, Excellency,
.Edia
Arviyag assured. He hadn't seen that one in a long time
either, Dashvara remarked. A helpless hatred came over him
as the elegant Titiaka added,
.Bdia
He won't give you any trouble for a long time, I give you my
word. And, in any case, he's ready to see the priest and his
witnesses. This Eternal Bird thing will fall by itself after
that,
.Edia
he affirmed.
.P
He spoke with satisfaction. His eyes fell on Dashvara, and
the Xalya looked back at him apathetically. He couldn't
really feel anything. The hatred had vanished as quickly as
it had come.
.D
.Bdia
Get up,
.Edia
Paopag told him.
.P
Now that was the voice of lessons and discharges. Glancing
at Paopag, as if seeking confirmation, Dashvara stood up.
His legs were wobbly. He felt like a dead feather suspended
in time. Part of him longed to ask Kuriag questions, to talk
about his naâsga, his brothers, the Eternal Bird… but the
mere thought of saying the word
.qt Liadirlá
terrified him. Helplessness chained him, and after
ruthlessly repressing his thoughts, now he simply brushed
them away, swept them away.
.D
.Bdia
Leave us alone,
.Edia
Kuriag suddenly ordered.
.P
Arviyag hesitated.
.D
.Bdia
I advise against it, Excellency. At least, let Paopag stay.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I said, leave us alone,
.Edia
Kuriag insisted, stubbornly.
.P
The next moment, Dashvara saw Paopag walk away, the door
closed, and he found himself in the room, alone, before his
master. He felt anguish and dismay at the new situation, and
his heart quickened, but he did not move. The young elf
looked at him, his face pale under the light of the lantern.
The silence continued, and Dashvara was barely aware of it.
He was beginning to faint and to see black spots in front of
his eyes. Finally, he was forced to lean awkwardly against
the wall and sit back down on his pallet. A muffled gasp
broke the silence.
.D
.Bdia
I'm so sorry…
.Edia
.P
Kuriag's voice broke. The Titiaka approached him and, seeing
that Dashvara remained impassive, he dared to put a hand on
his forehead. Dashvara waited for the shock to come, but it
didn't come. Instead, he felt a slight flow of energy
probing him. And he saw the elf's expression contract into a
pout of confusion. Finally, he withdrew his hand and stepped
away, looking frightened.
.D
.Bdia
I didn't know… I mean… I knew but… I didn't
imagine… Oh, merciful Cili. I'm doing this for my family,
.Edia
he muttered in a guilty tone.
.Bdia
I'm doing it for Titiaka. The Federation cannot afford any
more dissension than it already has. You… understand me,
don't you? I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry,
.Edia
he repeated.
.P
His words were to Dashvara like grains of sand lost in the
desert. He understood them, of course he did. But he didn't
care. Shaken by a slight spasm, he finally let out
awkwardly:
.D
.Bdia
The Eternal… The Eternal Bird… does not exist…
.Edia
.P
Kuriag bit his lips and said nothing. After another long
silence, he stood up and assured:
.D
.Bdia
You'll get over it.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara returned his gaze, expressionless, his eyes dry.
He felt a thousand miles away. In another world. In another
reality.
.P
He hardly noticed when Kuriag left. But when Paopag and
Darigat returned, and he saw the thimbles coming towards him, he
focused all his attention on them. He no longer felt terror
in front of them, or at least, he had learned to assume it.
He endured them as one endures a horribly cold day, without
even realizing that he was no longer tied up, that the door
was not locked and that he could have tried to flee. Just
at least tried… But there was no hope.
.Ch The Sons of the Eternal Bird
The earth shook beneath his feet. The five savage chiefs
were advancing towards him, their swords drawn. There was no
mercy in their eyes. Only death. Qwadris made the first cut
and vanished into the dark fog that filled the steppe.
Shiltapi, the great black Akinoa, was next. He lifted his
axe, exposing his yellow teeth, and without a word he cut it
down. At that moment, Dashvara thought, confused:
.P
.Bpenso
The Shalussis killed you. Raxifar lied to me. You are alive!
.Epenso
.P
Then he felt Nanda's cold blade of Shalussi coming from
behind him and pressing against his throat.
.P
.Bpenso
This is justice,
.Epenso
he acknowledged calmly;
.Bpenso
I did the same thing.
.Epenso
.P
When Nanda disappeared and Dashvara died for the third time,
it was the turn of Lifdor of Shalussi to approach; but the
nearer he came the less visible he was, and at last, the savage
disappeared before he could reach Dashvara. Only the
tattooed figure of Todakwa, the son of Death, remained in
the dark, dead steppe. In a suspended silence, the Essimean
opened his mouth and a voice from beyond the grave echoed in
Dashvara's head:
.D
.Bdia
Your destiny is defeat. Civilization wins, the past loses.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Loses…
.Edia
the echo said.
.D
.Bdia
The Eternal Bird does not exist.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Loses, loses…
.Edia
.P
Suddenly, the earth shook with a creaking sound and Todakwa's
face turned into a skull that grew and grew, stretching its
deathly mouth towards Dashvara, towards the steppe, towards
everything around him…
.P
Dashvara woke up with a start. Unlike the other nights,
Paopag had not come to talk to him and Darigat had not come
with his thimbles either. He was not immune to nightmares, far
from it. Since Paopag had left him, he had woken up at least
a dozen times, covered in sweat, exhausted, anxious,
surrounded by darkness and silence. Maybe it wasn't even
night. He could only tell by the meals that were brought to
him… and sometimes he couldn't always remember if he had
eaten. Time became blurred and ceased to make sense.
.P
This time, however, the door had opened, and a light now
shone into the room. There was only a straw mattress, two
chairs, and a sturdy table. In the doorway, Dashvara could
make out several figures. He recognized Paopag's, and a
mixture of anxiety and relief, of hatred and affection, came
over him.
.D
.Bdia
Paopag,
.Edia
he uttered in a slow voice, straightening up awkwardly.
.P
His movements, saturated with energy foreign to his body,
were awkward and clumsy like his mind. However, he could feel
a slight improvement now, surely due to the fact that he had
not received any visitors that night.
.P
Stumbling, he walked towards the table as usual. To his
surprise, Paopag stopped him with one hand.
.D
.Bdia
No, my boy. Today we're going to treat you like a prince.
Come.
.Edia
.P
He took him gently by the arm, as one takes a lost child,
and Dashvara let himself be led away without question. He
didn't even think of asking any.
.P
He was disconcerted, however, when Paopag beckoned him into
a bathtub that several workers were filling with water.
Dashvara obeyed, and the warm water revived him. At least a
little. When he emerged from the tub, they gave him back the
shirt, tunic, leather armor, and blue cloak of the
Dikaksunora. They even gave him back the shelshami. Despite
his numbness, Dashvara felt a certain irony. They had just
destroyed the lord of the Xalyas, and these foreigners were
still dressing him in the scarf of leadership. It was
ridiculous.
.P
Paopag examined him from head to toe and smiled.
.D
.Bdia
You're ready. Do you remember the lessons?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded and was about to recite the spiel as
usual, but Paopag stopped him, looking amused.
.D
.Bdia
I trust you to impress our guests. Let's go.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara followed him out of the room. They went up the
stairs. And, for the first time, he saw daylight. That is,
for the first time since… Well, since he was Dash, the slave
of Paopag?
.Bpenso
Of Kuriag
.Epenso ,
he corrected with a shudder. Kuriag, not Paopag.
.D
.Bdia
Dash,
.Edia
Paopag's voice said suddenly.
.P
Dashvara realized that he had stopped in the middle of a
corridor without realizing it. He started walking again.
Finally, they came to a living room where the sound of
cutlery and voices could be heard. After seeing Kuriag at
the end of the table, Dashvara stopped looking at the other
faces. He didn't see Yira, he didn't see any Xalya: the rest
was dust in his eyes.
.P
Paopag stopped him with a gesture, and they both waited.
Dashvara didn't feel so dizzy anymore, and this fact held
all his attention until Paopag gently pushed him forward.
The guests had turned to them and were staring at him
brazenly. A brief flash of lucidity made him realize that he
had to do something.
.P
.Bpenso
The lessons,
.Epenso
he thought.
.Bpenso
You must repeat them.
.Epenso
.P
And he repeated them slowly, shuddering, for in his
imagination his body continued to receive shocks and
continued to suffer. He could not make sense of them, they
were only sounds to him. Yet deep down he knew that in
another life he would have turned pale if he had listened to any
Xalya deny the Eternal Bird in this way, but… he was no
longer a Xalya, he was not even a man. He was a slave. He
had not finished his fourth sentence when, to his confusion,
a guest interrupted him with a laugh:
.D
.Bdia
And this is the man whom two thousand citizens worship? Any
prophet in Titiaka does better than him!
.Edia
.P
People laughed. A human Titiaka between two ages
intervened:
.D
.Bdia
I confess I am disappointed. But perhaps the manners of this
savage are due to the fact that he is intimidated.
.Edia
.P
Laughter ran through the table.
.D
.Bdia
Intimidated! Maybe so,
.Edia
Arviyag opined with a slight smile as joking comments were
heard. 
.P
Among these guests, only two people did not show a bit of
joviality apart from Dashvara: Kuriag and Paopag. The former
was pale. The second looked impatient and watched Dashvara
carefully. The latter had turned towards him, dazed. His
apathy was gradually giving way to a feeling of anxiety, and
his breathing quickened. He wanted to return to the room
with the table and the pallet. He wanted silence. He wanted
Paopag to get him out of there. But he didn't dare ask.
.D
.Bdia
Well!
.Edia
Kuriag then said. His voice trembled slightly, and he cleared
his throat to make it firmer.
.Bdia
You tell us that this tale of the Eternal Bird is a
fabrication. That means that you and your people have been
wrong and have been wrong for centuries. Almighty Cili
punishes the pagans. And a good Titiaka must apply her Law.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded. Meanwhile, Paopag had approached him and he
helped him to his knees, whispering:
.D
.Bdia
Almighty Cili…
.Edia
.P
That was the beginning of the lesson. Dashvara recited it,
this time trying not to swallow the words.
.D
.Bdia
Almighty Cili, tear from this soul the spider of shadows
that debases it. By Serenity, forgive me. By Courtesy,
forgive me. By Discretion, forgive me. By Constance,
forgive me. By Patience, forgive me. By
Sacrifice, forgive me. By Dignity, forgive me.
By Fortitude, forgive me. By Sympathy, forgive me.
By Humility, forgive me. By Compassion, forgive
me. By the Eleven Graces that glorify thee, receive thy…
receive thy subject and let the graces… let the disgraces
fall upon my soul if I break thy Law.
.Edia
.P
He fell silent, suddenly stuck. He had performed very badly,
he thought. He'd gotten it wrong at least twice. And
something told him he hadn't finished, that he was missing a
sentence, and as he racked his brains to find it, he felt a
hand rest on his shelshami, and a deep voice said:
.D
.Bdia
Almighty Cili is merciful to ignorance and accepts your
repentance.
.Edia
.P
It was a priest of Cili, who had risen from the table to
forgive him. Dashvara felt a slight energy sweep through
him, and when he looked up, he thought he saw a glint of
understanding and compassion in the priest's eyes. Relief
washed over him as he saw that this priest was not upset
even though he had not recited the entire lesson.
.D
.Bdia
Arise, creature of Cili. Serve your master well and Cili
will be pleased.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stood up, and that was all. Paopag led him out of
the living room, and when they had moved away, he said to
him:
.D
.Bdia
Mission accomplished, good man. See how simple it was? You've
calmed all these people down and done everything you had
to do. And this is where I leave you,
.Edia
he declared as they reached a door.
.Bdia
Your people are waiting for you outside.
.Edia
He patted his shoulder.
.Bdia
Don't let your condition distress you too much: any man ends
up like this after two weeks of torture. In a few days
you'll start to feel better, don't worry. Good luck,
steppeman.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara felt totally confused. His people were waiting for
him outside, he said? His people? This was so incredible! He
grabbed Paopag by the arm as this one was about to head back
out into the hallway.
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
he growled.
.Bdia
Wait. Paopag, wait. You can't leave me like this. My people…
they'll think I've gone stupid,
.Edia
he huffed.
.Bdia
And I have. I have sand in my head. Sand that burns. Really.
.Edia
.P
Paopag pouted, embarrassed, and jerked his arm free.
.D
.Bdia
You'll get over it,
.Edia
he assured.
.Bdia
I assure you, if I'd wanted to make a dimwit of you, I would
have used even more intensive techniques.
.Edia
He held out a hand and opened the door, adding dryly,
.Bdia
Go.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara reluctantly stepped outside. His fear was swept
away as soon as he saw that indeed, beyond the sibilian
patrol guarding the gate, were Makarva, Lumon, the captain…
Ignoring the sibilians altogether, he hurried toward his
own. His brothers in turn came forward in a pack, calling his
name and hurling words at him in the savage language…
.Bpenso
The Wise Tongue,
.Epenso
a small voice in his mind corrected.
.Bpenso
The Oy'vat. The language of the Ancient Kings…
.Epenso
It was so strange and beautiful to be reunited with brothers
you thought you'd lost, to be in a familiar world again, and
yet at the same time… at the same time, something inside him
failed to get truly excited. He felt like a ghost moving in
a world where he did not belong. The energy of the thimbles
kept him chained and dead.
.P
The hubbub of voices quickly died down, and expressions
became worried. Someone spat a curse as he turned his gaze
to the sibilians guarding the house where the Titiakas were
staying… Aware that his lack of responsiveness was confusing
them all, Dashvara forced himself to give them a slight
smile and said:
.D
.Bdia
Mission accomplished, brothers.
.Edia
.P
And he blew out a half-crazed laugh, for even in this state
he could not help thinking:
.P
.Bpenso
They break you, humiliate you, enslave you, and steal your
soul, and you can't think of anything better to do than
repeat Paopag's words. Mission accomplished. Yes, mission
accomplished: you buried your soul before your body, great
lord.
.Epenso
.P
His laughter did not seem to calm anyone, on the contrary.
.D
.Bdia
Come on, son,
.Edia
the captain said, pulling him along.
.Bdia
Did they hurt you?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara frowned and thought for a few moments before coming
to the conclusion that the more he opened his mouth, the
more they would see that his mind was misguided. He clung to
this thought and shook his head in response.
.P
His brothers led him to a large covered stable where all the
Xalyas had settled until Kuriag left Aralika and returned to
Titiaka. They brought him food, but Dashvara barely touched it.
No one asked him about what they had done to him: Tsu must
have explained the essentials to them. When he saw Tsu
sitting in a corner, a forgotten book in his hand, Dashvara
understood that these last days had not been kind to the
drow either. He would have liked to go and see him, to talk
to him, to tell him something that would erase the suffering
of both of them… but he was too exhausted for that. So,
after a few moments, he simply lay down on the straw
mattress where brotherly hands had led him and fell into a
deep sleep.
.P
He awoke with his mind filled with horrible creatures and
shrill sounds. Supporting his head with both hands, it took
him a moment to realize that many Xalyas were surrounding
him and another moment to realize that noises were coming
from his throat. The noises seemed unintelligible before he
finally heard the words:
.D
.Bdia
Death… death… Paopag… Please, kill me… Paopag…
.Edia
.P
He fell silent as soon as he realized he was delirious,
shame overtook him, and he let his hands fall back, though
his head still throbbed.
.D
.Bdia
I'm sorry, brothers,
.Edia
he snorted, his heart so oppressed it hurt.
.Bdia
You should throw me to hell, to the dogs, to the nadres, or
something. I'm sorry.
.Edia
.P
Tsu's dark hand came to rest on his forehead. It felt
like ice. Shokr Is Set knelt beside him, saying in a serene
voice:
.D
.Bdia
Do not ask forgiveness for what your enemies have done to
you. Ask your brothers for help, and your feather will rise
again.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
My feather,
.Epenso
Dashvara repeated to himself.
.Bpenso
There is something you don't know, Great Sage: there is no
such thing as the Eternal Bird. There is no feather, there
is no will, there is no hope… There is only suffering.
.Epenso
.P
He suddenly felt a spell flowing inside him, his mind went
dark, his body shuddered with pain, and he nervously pushed
Tsu aside.
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
he panted.
.D
.Bdia
I'm only trying to help you,
.Edia
Tsu whispered.
.Bdia
Your body is saturated with energy. I'm only trying—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
Dashvara cut him off.
.D
.Bdia
It hurts, I know it does,
.Edia
the drow whispered softly,
.Bdia
I know it does. But it will help you, trust me.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara trusted Tsu, of course. And, not to disappoint his
brothers, he accepted his help. Tsu gave instructions to be
left alone, and they hung a screen in front of the pallet. It
was still daylight, and distant music flowed into the shelter. The
whispered voices of the Xalyas could be heard in the
stables. Dashvara stopped worrying about his surroundings as
Tsu began to balance his energies. He felt that the drow was
torturing him, purely and simply, more than
.qt balancing
him. And yet, instead of numbing him, the pain cleared his mind.
It was as if Tsu was ripping out the mind-numbing claws that
clung to him one by one. The problem was that so many spells
required a lot of energy, and the drow eventually showed
obvious signs of exhaustion. Seeing it, Dashvara gently
pushed him aside with one hand.
.D
.Bdia
That's enough, Tsu. Thank you. I feel better now. Really.
.Edia
.P
His body was still sorely beaten, but his mind had cleared,
and realizing it, filled him with joy, worry, fatigue, shame,
hope, despair, and… well, a multitude of conflicting
emotions flowed through him, leaving him at a loss.
At a loss… but alive.
.D
.Bdia
A little more and I'll stop,
.Edia
Tsu promised.
.P
The drow continued to cast spells until he really couldn't
go on anymore and went to bed, exhausted, with Dashvara's
silent blessing. How many times had he had to use this kind
of spells on his patients? He preferred not to think about
it.
.P
Some time had passed, and the light in the stables had faded,
but it was still daytime. Dashvara pushed aside the canvas and
saw that his brothers had not strayed far. Makarva, Zamoy,
Lumon, and Miflin were playing katutas in an unusual
silence. As soon as he peeked out, his brothers turned
to face him. All of them tried to hide their deep concern,
but to no avail. With somewhat shaky limbs, but with the
firm intention of proving to the Xalyas that their lord had
not become a simpleton, Dashvara stood up and went to sit with
the katutas players with a sigh. He asked:
.D
.Bdia
How much time has passed?
.Edia
.P
Makarva arched an eyebrow.
.D
.Bdia
Since you've been in Aralika? Two weeks.
.Edia
.P
There was a silence. Two weeks at Paopag's hands.
.Bpenso
You could tell me a year, I'd believe it as well,
.Epenso
Dashvara sighed. He shook his head and leaned against the
wall, trying to sort out his thoughts. Makarva was about to
move a piece on the checkerboard, when suddenly he let his
hand fall back and exhaled sharply.
.D
.Bdia
Believe me, we knew nothing, Dash. We were chained, and the
Ragails were watching us at all hours. They took us to Skâra
Hill, west of here, to attend a ceremony, and we did not
return to Aralika until last night. It was only there that
we heard from Tsu that Arviyag…
.Edia
.P
Makarva hesitated, and Zamoy hissed:
.D
.Bdia
That rat should be buried.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Death is little to this vermin,
.Edia
Kodarah asserted.
.Bdia
His head will roll at your feet one day, Dash. I swear by my
Eternal Bird.
.Edia
.P
Rarely did one hear the Hairy assert anything with such
fervor. Makarva shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
They only took the chains off us this morning, when they
told us they would release you. Kuriag—
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
That damned demon!
.Edia
Orafe raged.
.Bdia
He said he regretted it! Like hell he regrets it,
.Edia
he spat disdainfully.
.Bdia
I liked Atasiag a thousand times better. That boy is a
danger in the hands of his cousins. If he thinks apologizing
is enough—
.Edia
.P
Zamoy cut him off with a croak:
.D
.Bdia
If his wife wasn't the captain's daughter, I'd have punched
that traitorous dog right in the face! He'd deserve to be
tortured like he let you be, Dash. Yes, you bet he deserves
it.
.Edia
.P
He fell silent in shock under Dashvara's fixed gaze. The
steppe lord slowly shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
he said.
.Bdia
He doesn't deserve something like that.
.Edia
.P
He meant it. Kuriag was probably guilty of closing his eyes,
but his Eternal Bird had suffered enough on his own when he
had opened them.
.P
.Bpenso
In your great generosity, lord of the steppe, you even feel
compassion for your torturing master,
.Epenso
he scoffed.
.Bpenso
All because his Eternal Bird has ceased to be so pure and
innocent. And the more he listens to his cousins, the darker
he will become… And he knows it.
.Epenso
.P
He observed the position of the pieces without really paying
attention to them. After a silence, he asked:
.D
.Bdia
And Yira?
.Edia
.P
He immediately felt a change in the air and didn't
fail to notice the indefinable pouts of his brothers.
Makarva cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
She's fine,
.Edia
he assured.
.Bdia
In all honesty, we haven't been able to see much of her in the last
two weeks. The Federates haven't been mingling with the
Essimeans. According to the captain, Todakwa didn't like the
fact that so many Diumcilians have landed at Ergaika.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
That snake shouldn't be surprised,
.Edia
Lumon said calmly.
.Bdia
As they say, kill your neighbors and others will come and
take your everything.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara frowned and insisted:
.D
.Bdia
Yira. Where is she?
.Edia
.P
No one answered him. Makarva moved a piece, his expression
hesitant, and finally said:
.D
.Bdia
With the Essimeans. They took her up to the Hill of Skâra to
bless the place and spend five days and nights there before
pronouncing a certain message. We stayed at the
bottom of the hill, so we didn't see anything, but it really
looks like… uh… it really looks like they took her as their
messenger. And tonight there will be a party again because
it's Bushkia Baw, the Night of Immortality, and… well, Yira
will be the queen of the procession, I guess.
.Edia
.P
He was about to add something, but he stopped. In turn,
Lumon opened and closed his mouth, undecided… Zamoy snorted
and said:
.D
.Bdia
Say, cousin. Why didn't you tell us she was…? I mean, Yira
is… a beautiful person, but this is… Liadirlá,
.Edia
he croaked, agitated,
.Bdia
you told us she wasn't taking off her veil because it was a
sacred tradition, Dash, and this…
.Edia
He made a strangled sound.
.Bdia
Oh, hell, forget what I said.
.Edia
.P
He looked down and nervously moved a piece on the katuta
board. Dashvara tried not to take offense and, speaking in a
steady voice, replied:
.D
.Bdia
My naâsga uses this magic to fight for her life. There is
nothing wrong with that.
.Edia
.P
Makarva nodded vigorously.
.D
.Bdia
I believe you, Dash. You have chosen her for your wife, and
that is enough for me to consider her a sister. I know her.
It's just that…
.Edia
he paused to search for his words and concluded,
.Bdia
it was a surprise.
.Edia
.P
Other brothers and Xalya women corroborated with quiet
gasps. Dashvara felt a slight dizziness, pouted, and said
laconically:
.D
.Bdia
She didn't say anything, so neither did I.
.Edia
.P
Makarva smiled and gave him a gentle tap on the shoulder.
.D
.Bdia
We don't blame you, Dash. Nor Yira, let that be clear.
All things considered, we Xalyas are… uh… tolerant, aren't
we? By the way, how's the wound on your shoulder?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched his eyebrows at the sudden change of
subject.
.Bpenso
Tolerant, but they haven't assimilated it yet,
.Epenso
he realized. Well, they would in time. So he moved his arm,
gesticulated, and considered:
.D
.Bdia
I guess it's healed. Which is good timing because…
.Edia
he grinned both fiercely and tiredly,
.Bdia
I'm dying to decapitate Arviyag and Todakwa.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
If I were you, I would wait instead of being rash,
.Edia
a voice suddenly intervened.
.P
It was the captain. He had just entered the stables and was
walking towards them, accompanied by Sashava and Arvara.
Attracted by the gathering, several Xalya boys and girls
approached, curious. Zorvun gave Dashvara a delighted
expression.
.D
.Bdia
You're more alert now,
.Edia
he observed.
.D
.Bdia
Not quite,
.Edia
Dashvara admitted,
.Bdia
but Tsu brought me back to life. And I don't think it's
being rash to go and kill those two devils now after all the
time I've been waiting.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
There's news,
.Edia
Zorvun replied in an enthusiastic tone.
.Bdia
And quite a few. I spoke personally with Todakwa and…
.Edia
He glanced around the stables as if to make sure that only
Xalyas were there and continued,
.Bdia
First, Yira convinced him to help us if we rebel against the
Titiakas. And help us for real: weapons to defend ourselves
and clothes, food and livestock to get through the winter.
And he is offering us a lasting alliance agreement.
.Edia
.P
All the Xalyas present stood and stared at the captain,
their mouths agape. Dashvara massaged his forehead in a
daze.
.D
.Bdia
This is absurd. If he invites us to rebel, his agreements
with the Titiakas fall apart. Why would he do something so
stupid?
.Edia
.P
The captain had little control over his emotion as he
explained:
.D
.Bdia
It is the Titiakas who are stupid. Wherever they go, they
think they can impose their laws, bribe complacent clan
chiefs, and take slaves by the handful, salbronix, horses…
Well, Todakwa may be a treacherous snake, but he's not a
Shalussi fond of gold. For the past two weeks, the
Titiakas have not stopped mocking Skâra, the Arazmihá, his
people, and their traditions… And he can't stand it. That's
why, among other things, he wants to send them back to the
sea.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara took in his words with deep perplexity. He could
not understand why Todakwa would turn against his allies
only because some Titiakas had mocked Skâra… Lumon objected:
.D
.Bdia
And how does he intend to send them back to the sea? His
strength barely equals that of the Titiakas on the steppe.
Has he gone mad?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Perhaps he thought the Arazmihá would scare them all away!
.Edia
Zamoy joked. And he gave a curt pout of apology.
.Bdia
Sorry, Dash.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes. Shurta reasoned:
.D
.Bdia
Either Todakwa has gone mad or he wants us to rebel again so
that the Titiakas will sentence us to death.
.Edia
.P
Zorvun smiled. Dashvara cleared his throat impatiently.
.D
.Bdia
What are you hiding from us, Captain?
.Edia
.P
The captain widened his smile and said:
.D
.Bdia
I have other reasons to believe that this time Todakwa is
not trying to deceive us: it is said that Arviyag and an
uncle of Todakwa's want to foment a revolt precisely because
the Essimean leader is not sufficiently complacent with
their affairs.
.Edia
He rolled his eyes.
.Bdia
The problem is that the arrival of the Arazmihá has delayed
their plans, Todakwa has sensed the betrayal and wants to
get ahead of them. And, naturally, this Essimean is very
much hoping that you will help him throw his enemies into
the sea, Dashvara.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara suddenly burst out laughing in disbelief.
.D
.Bdia
Me? And how? By yelling at them, maybe?
.Edia
.P
The captain shook his head and grew solemn as he finally
said:
.D
.Bdia
The circle of Honyr sages has decided to support you.
Nine-hundred Honyrs are marching on Aralika to demand that
their rightful lord, the lord of the Eternal Bird, be
returned to them.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stared at him, frozen. The Honyrs… the Honyrs were
going to help them? In that moment, he no longer felt tired,
dizzy, or lightheaded. Even Paopag's lessons ceased to affect
him as he stood up and fervently uttered in Oy'vat:
.D
.Bdia
May our Dahars bless the Honyrs!
.Edia
He breathed in, filling his lungs with air, and stated in a
voice vibrant with emotion,
.Bdia
There is hope, Xalyas. Liadirlá exists. The Liadirlá exists,
.Edia
he repeated.
.Bdia
There is hope…
.Edia
.P
Carried away by emotion, he was a little delirious, but his
joy was obvious, and the Xalyas did not worry too much when
they heard him repeat himself. They celebrated the good news
with him, albeit quietly, in case some Ragail or sibilian
heard them and went in to see what was going on.
.P
When Youk came and brought Dashvara a bowl full of milk,
Dashvara smiled, accepted it, and drank it all down as if he
were drinking life itself.
.D
.Bdia
Thanks, kid. There is nothing better than mare's milk to
cure an Eternal Bird.
.Edia
And as the boy smiled, he assured as he brought his hand to
his chest,
.Bdia
I can feel it coming back to life here inside, brothers.
These snakes will not make me believe that they have stolen
my soul or that I have denied something I cannot deny as
long as I live. As a steppian sage said, there is one
thing a man of the Eternal Bird never gives up: to rise
again, no matter how many times he is knocked down.
.Edia
He smiled, because in reality no steppian sage had said that
phrase: it was he who had written it, one day, on the wood of the
Tower of Compassion… but it didn't matter who had said it,
as long as it was true.
.Bdia
I can feel It flapping its wings again,
.Edia
he murmured,
.Bdia
and riding through the steppe skies.
.Edia
.P
Zamoy elbowed Miflin.
.D
.Bdia
Poet, you should put rhymes to all this. Our lord is
inspired today.
.Edia
.P
The Xalyas smiled. Dashvara suddenly frowned.
.D
.Bdia
By the way. What about Sunrise? I haven't even had time to…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
She's with the other horses,
.Edia
Alta quieted him, pointing to the back of the stables, and
assured him with sincerity,
.Bdia
I've been taking care of her like my own horse.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara returned a grateful smile. He was feeling more and
more alive by
the second. Just the thought that the Honyrs were supporting
him and coming in such numbers, just the hope that the
Xalyas would not return to Titiaka filled him with
happiness. In that moment, he did not even allow himself to
scoff at his hopes, nor did it matter to him that the
Titiakas might choose to fight to stay, because he would
fight, this time he would definitely fight. They would push the
civilized back to the ocean. And the thimbles would fly away,
along with Paopag, Arviyag, and their damned civilization.
.P
The Xalyas were now commenting spiritedly on how best to
rebel, and the captain was expressing concern for Kuriag and
Lessi, insisting that no harm befall them. Leaning against
one of the stone walls of the stables, Shokr Is Set watched
them serenely and quietly. Seeing him, Dashvara stepped
aside from the others and bowed deeply to the Honyr.
.D
.Bdia
I am eternally grateful to your people, Great Sage. Whether
or not they succeed in getting us out of here alive, their
attempt proves that their Eternal Bird is the best in the
entire steppe.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
And worthy of the Xalyas,
.Edia
Shokr Is Set smiled, inclining his head in turn.
.P
Dashvara looked at him curiously.
.D
.Bdia
You don't seem surprised at the decision they made,
.Edia
he observed.
.P
Smiling, the Great Sage shrugged his shoulders and, with
unmistakable affection, simply said:
.D
.Bdia
I know my people.
.Edia
.Ch Night of Immortality
Apparently, the Night of Immortality did not impose peaceful
laws like the Alkanshe, for the Essimeans planned to
surround the Titiakas' house that very night. Still
exhausted, Dashvara took advantage of the last hours of the
day to sleep. He awoke several times from nightmares and, for
a moment, feared that his mind would relapse, but the
closeness of his people gave him strength to put aside any
concerns other than the impending betrayal. Betrayal? Yes,
betrayal to the treacherous invaders.
.P
It was past midnight, but religious music and songs could
still be heard throughout Aralika when a death-priest came to
the stables on the pretext of blessing the Xalya children
and asking them to recite a prayer in honor of Skâra. The
children obediently responded by creating a Galka chorus,
and the Xalya warriors struggled to suppress their grimaces,
but they did not protest, or if they did, it was in a low
voice. In any case, they soon realized that the
death-priest's purpose was not to make the children sing: as
soon as the song rose in the stables, the Essimean took
advantage of the noise and bowed to the captain and
Dashvara, saying:
.D
.Bdia
Todakwa sends his respects to Dashvara of Xalya and
reiterates his offer of peace and alliance. Accept it and
our warriors will act tonight and protect your people.
Todakwa gives his word.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
This time, no need for civilized scrolls,
.Epenso
Dashvara remarked with amusement. And they were even bowing to
him. That an army of Honyrs was headed for Aralika was a
game-changer… He replied:
.D
.Bdia
Tell your leader that we Xalyas accept the alliance and
are ready to neutralize the foreigners.
.Edia
.P
The death-priest bowed his head again and pointed to one of
his assistants.
.D
.Bdia
Myarandi will give you all the information you need about
the sibilian guard and the Titiakas' house.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Thank you,
.Edia
Dashvara said.
.Bdia
Just one thing. I would like to be sure that Kuriag
Dikaksunora will not be harmed. As well as his wife and the
Agoskurian accompanying her, her assistant, and… the Ragails.
Killing the Ragails would be a mistake. They are the elite
Diumcilian guard.
.Edia
.P
The priest hesitated.
.D
.Bdia
I believe Todakwa and your captain have already agreed on
the subject.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow, surprised, and Captain
Zorvun cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
I must have forgotten to mention it. Todakwa said he invited
them all to the Temple to witness the sacred rituals of the…
er… Arazmihá. Apparently they're going to stay there all
night.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara was confused, for he had the impression that the
Captain had already told him all this. Yet he couldn't
remember. Devils. Tsu may have freed his mind from alien
energies, and his people had undoubtedly given him back
hope, but it hadn't fixed his head completely… far from it.
With a shudder, he nodded, feigning tranquility.
.D
.Bdia
Oh, right, you did tell me, Captain.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
In any case,
.Edia
the death-priest interjected,
.Bdia
as Todakwa told your captain, our objective is to stop the
invaders and drive them back to Ergaika and their ships.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
Invaders,
.Epenso
Dashvara repeated to himself mockingly. Since when had
Todakwa been calling his old civilized allies
.qt invaders ?
.Bpenso
Since the Titiakas thought of getting rid of him for the
sake of their plans of conquest, certainly.
.Epenso
.P
The death-priest did not stay for long, but left the man called
Myarandi to answer all the technical questions and to act as a
messenger. On his way out, he made a sign of blessing to the
children who were continuing their religious singing under
the supervision of a disciple of Skâra. As soon as the
priest and the disciple were gone, Orafe grumbled in
exasperation:
.D
.Bdia
You can shut up now, kids, that's enough of that!
.Edia
.P
The song lost its harmony and died, and silence fell in the
stables. The torch at the entrance barely lit them. There
was no wind, it was cold, and a blinding fog seeped in,
choking the light.
.P
They learned from Myarandi the exact number of sibilians in
the camp and the number of night guards watching the
courtyard and the Titiaka house. The latter had been built
by the Diumcilians themselves four years ago and had, as far
as Dashvara could tell, all the amenities of a typical
Titiaka house… not to mention the underground torture
chamber, he thought wryly. The Essimeans would take care of
the camp's forces, leaving the Xalyas to neutralize the
house's guard of about thirty men and arrest the citizens
and workers inside the building.
.D
.Bdia
The weapons will be here soon,
.Edia
Myarandi assured.
.Bdia
The attack will take place two hours before dawn. The house
will burn and those inside will have to come out.
.Edia
.P
The Essimeans and their fire tactics… Dashvara thanked him
for his explanations and inwardly hoped he wouldn't forget
them the next minute. Tension hung in the air. Some of his
people were still convinced that Todakwa was setting a trap
for them; they didn't trust him, and that was
understandable: three years of servitude at the hands of the
Essimeans had scarred them for life. On the other hand,
other Xalyas seemed even more willing to accept
an alliance with them than their brothers on the Border.
Dashvara could feel it. And yet, he knew that none of them
were going to spit on what looked to be the salvation of
their clan. Dashvara smiled.
.P
.Bpenso
A few more hours and you will have your freedom, lord of the
steppe. A few more hours and you won't have to fight
anymore.
.Epenso
.P
How many times had he said the same thing to himself! And
how many times had he had to suffer a disappointment. But a
disappointment was always better than nothing. It was better
to walk and receive blows than to remain passive forever.
.P
.Bpenso
The steppe is vast, but if you keep riding, you'll get
everywhere,
.Epenso
he thought with conviction.
.P
The Ragails and sibilians may have been watching the stables
just in case, but they didn't know Aralika's secrets. Among
other things, the ancient Kark Is Set had many tunnels under
the city. At one point, they heard a faint sound against a
trap door hidden under a thin layer of earth, and Dashvara
straightened up to see the boards lift and reveal, amidst
the shadows, the figure of an Essimean. He came out and, not
recognizing the Xalya leader in the darkness of the night, he
bowed randomly and said in a low voice:
.D
.Bdia
Todakwa keeps his word.
.Edia
.P
Other Essimeans were coming up, carrying bags. They brought
weapons. Almost without making a sound, they laid their
burdens on the ground, and the one who had arrived first
said:
.D
.Bdia
Todakwa has asked me to guide those of you who will not
fight to safety.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded. That was decided. He gestured, and the women
and children began to descend through the hatch. The boys
over fourteen had stubbornly stayed, and Dashvara had eventually
accepted them, making them promise to follow his
instructions to the letter. Some of the women who had led a
more nomadic than sedentary life in Xalya and had learned to
wield spears and bows also stayed. Aligra was not one of
them… but she had expressed her desire to join them and
Dashvara had not dared to say no. That Xalya had a way of
getting what she wanted with a simple look.
.P
In total, seventy-two of them remained, which was more than
enough to defeat the Titiaka guard with Essimean help. The
thought of killing these sibilians saddened Dashvara,
because, all things considered, they were mere slaves who
had given their lives for their families… But he wasn't
going to let them take away the lives of his own.
.P
As the Xalyas worked silently to distribute weapons, one
Essimean wavered, undecided, two blades sheathed in his
hands. He scanned the faces until his gaze fell on Dashvara.
Then he stepped forward, and Dashvara sensed more than one
of his brothers turning, wary, to watch the Essimean's
movements. The latter bowed as he presented the two weapons:
.D
.Bdia
The Arazmihá sends these swords to the lord of the Xalyas.
.Edia
.P
He bowed more deeply than any other Essimean, probably
because this was a matter in which the Arazmihá in person
was involved. Dashvara grabbed one of the weapons and understood
that Yira had just sent him Siranaga's black swords. By some
means, she had managed to retrieve them from Arviyag, thanks
to Todakwa probably.
.Bpenso
The best part of this gift is knowing it came from you,
naâsga…
.Epenso
Smiling, Dashvara accepted the swords, saying:
.D
.Bdia
Tell the Arazmihá that tonight these swords will dance
together as our Eternal Birds.
.Edia
.P
The Essimean bowed his head and soon disappeared through the
trapdoor with his companions. They had done all of this so
quietly that the Federates had not bothered to look in the
stables. Dashvara girded his sabers as he approached the
entrance. He came to where Lumon was standing guard and
leaned over to look out to the southwest. In the fog, the
torchlight of the sibilian camp, not much more than a
hundred paces away, was barely visible. By the time the
sibilians realized, the steppians would have fallen on them.
.P
About three hours before dawn, instruments and songs could
still be heard in the town square. A moment later, a young
messenger appeared through the hatch, and the Xalyas led him
to Dashvara in the dark.
.D
.Bdia
It is time,
.Edia
the messenger declared in a whisper.
.Bdia
All are at their posts and ready to attack. I must guide you
to your position.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara frowned.
.D
.Bdia
Is Kuriag Dikaksunora still in the Temple?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
In the Tower,
.Edia
the guide corrected to his astonishment.
.Bdia
After the rituals of the Arazmihá, Todakwa has just invited
him to contemplate the constellations above the mist atop
the Feather. We don't betray in the Temple. It is a sacred
place.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
Mmph, and the Tower of the Eternal Bird is not?
.Epenso
Dashvara shrugged, and the guide added:
.D
.Bdia
The Ragails are at the foot of the Tower except for the two
who were standing guard out here: two of our own neutralized
them,
.Edia
he informed.
.P
Dashvara tensed.
.D
.Bdia
Dead?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
No,
.Edia
he assured.
.Bdia
Unconscious. Ah, Todakwa doesn't answer for the safety of the
Ragail guard, but he assures that the Dikaksunora and his
wife will suffer no harm.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara sighed.
.D
.Bdia
Good.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I must lead you to your position,
.Edia
the guide repeated with some impatience.
.Bdia
We must act quickly, for the wind will soon rise, and it will
blow away the fog.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded.
.D
.Bdia
Well, let's go.
.Edia
.P
After scanning the darkness again, he waved, and Miflin
extinguished the torch at the entrance. Grabbing the spears,
they marched out in a line, the veterans in front and the
younger men behind. They left only Sashava and a boy in the
stables to watch over the horses and Tsu: the drow was still
in a deep sleep, and it didn't look like he would wake up all
night.
.P
The Essimean guide led them around the sibilian settlement,
down a street to the north, and then out past the Titiakas'
house. The lights of the camp were visible, but not much
more could be seen through the dense fog. The festive music
and religious chants continued to drown out any noise that
might betray them. The guide stopped, approached a figure in
the mist, and for a terrible moment, Dashvara imagined that
this had all been a set-up to highlight yet another betrayal
by the Xalyas and force Kuriag to execute them all… But then
there was an obvious cry of pain from the other side of the
sibilian camp. The Essimeans were attacking. Dashvara squinted at
the night and wondered how the hell they could fight in this
darkness when suddenly there was thundering noise with a
flash of light, followed by high flames… then more
thundering flashes and more flames.
.D
.Bdia
Devils,
.Edia
Dashvara muttered.
.P
The Essimeans were using explosive discs against the
sibilians to confuse and separate them. And they had just
set fire to the roof of the Titiakas' house. After listening
for a few moments to the chaos of shouting and clashing,
Dashvara reacted.
.D
.Bdia
Uh… Captain? Shouldn't we be attacking?
.Edia
.P
Zorvun took a moment to reply, and when he did, it was to
comment calmly:
.D
.Bdia
The Essimeans are real snakes.
.Edia
He said it in an impressed, not reproving tone. He paused
and admitted,
.Bdia
Yes, I suppose it is our turn to attack. The Essimeans are
leaving us a clear path to get to the home guards. And, by
the way, Dashvara: stay back and see that the boys don't
advance any further than they have to.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded, the captain barked orders, Yodara repeated
them, and the Xalyas approached the house. The sibilian
guard was clearly visible from the flames rising from the
house. There were about thirty of them, as expected. Once
they were close enough, the Xalyas started running and
shouting like savages, roaring in unison:
.D
.Bdia
XALYAS!
.Edia
.P
The front line threw the javelins, the sibilian formation
broke, and the Xalyas attacked with spears and sabers without
ceasing to shout.
.P
Obediently, Dashvara stayed between his brothers and the
younger ones, making sure that the latter did not give in to
their desire to imitate their elders and merely had their
backs. From his position, he could see two sibilians trying
to open the door to the courtyard of the house, but to no
avail. Clearly, the brave Titiakas had locked themselves
inside, leaving their soldiers with only one option: to
fight. Seeing a sibilian fleeing the fight and running
towards them blindly, Dashvara raised his black swords. In
one motion, he wounded him, the sibilian rolled to the
ground, and only then did Dashvara realize that he was
unarmed. He was about to finish him off when a thought held
him back. On his sword, wasn't it written
.Bqt
Life Saver
.Eqt ?
.P
.Bpenso
But you do save them, Dash. You are saving some of them…and
killing others.
.Epenso
.P
The sibilian on the ground watched death come, unmoved.
There was a mixture of resignation and immense fatigue in
his eyes, but not a hint of fear. You can't fear death when
you think you've lived through it for eight years. Dashvara
understood him so well… He shook his head and drew away his
sabers before vociferating:
.D
.Bdia
Surrender if you want to live, slaves of Titiaka!
.Edia
.P
Surprise shone in the eyes of the downed sibilian. Dashvara
perceived his slight assent. He was surrendering. Perfect.
Dashvara stepped aside and, seeing a group of young Xalyas
who had come forward, he told them in an authoritative
voice:
.D
.Bdia
Boys, get back! Don't throw yourselves into battle. Search
the man. He's surrendered.
.Edia
.P
In fact, the battle was over very quickly. The sibilian
guards knew that they had lost, their companions
in the camp were fleeing in disarray… At Dashvara's request,
the Xalyas repeated:
.D
.Bdia
Surrender!
.Edia
.P
And finally, to everyone's relief, the sibilians
surrendered. It was a surprise in a way, but a good one.
Dashvara counted them. There were thirty in all: none had
escaped. Of the fifteen or so on the ground, more than one
had suffered fatal wounds. Even in their agony, they
managed to keep their faces inexpressive, Dashvara observed,
impressed and glum at the same time.
.D
.Bdia
Don't try to run and we'll let you live,
.Edia
he clamored loudly for the survivors.
.P
None of the sibilians said a word or moved, not even when
Orafe cut short the suffering of one of their own before
their eyes. Makarva stopped beside Dashvara to inform him.
.D
.Bdia
We have some wounded, but nothing serious,
.Edia
he announced, and he grimaced wearily as he admitted,
.Bdia
It's kind of sickening to think we're killing each other
among slaves.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched an eyebrow.
.D
.Bdia
Slaves?
.Edia
he repeated.
.Bdia
We're not slaves anymore, Mak. We're free.
.Edia
.P
Makarva opened his mouth, confused, and smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Right, Dash. We're free.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara sheathed the sabers and glanced at the flames
rising from the Titiakas' house. He observed:
.D
.Bdia
If I were them, I would get out quickly, unless they want
to burn to death.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Devils die in fire,
.Edia
Zamoy grumbled.
.P
.Bpenso
Yes,
.Epenso
Dashvara conceded mentally. And yet, he couldn't stop
remembering that Titiaka priest who had forgiven him the day
before… That priest didn't deserve to die in the flames. He
was an intelligent man who had even shown unmistakable
compassion for him by guessing what Arviyag had done to him…
Compassion for the compassionate, he affirmed inwardly. Yes.
If it were possible, he would let this benevolent man live.
And he would expel and send all his companions back to where
they came from.
.P
After removing the prisoners from the house and leaving them
with the Essimean with a promise to treat them with respect,
the Xalyas set about forcing open the main door while the
Essimean patrols still surrounded the house. Meanwhile, the
Titiaka workers managed to put out the fire, and all that
could be seen was the flames from the torches that
surrounded the building. The wind had picked up, clearing
the fog, and the sky was already turning blue when the door
finally broke. The Xalyas and Essimeans flooded into the
courtyard of the house like a tide. The servants made no
attempt to resist and surrendered immediately. The Titiaka
citizens, on the other hand, defended themselves and
entrenched themselves on the first floor. At the foot of a
staircase in the courtyard, Dashvara bellowed:
.D
.Bdia
Put down your weapons, Titiakas! In the name of your Eternal
Bird, put down your weapons!
.Edia
.P
There was no more wild shouting in the courtyard. The
workers had all gathered in a corner and were not making any
noise, the Xalyas were searching the rooms on the ground
floor, and the thirty or so Essimeans who had followed them
were busy plundering everything before setting fire to all the
furniture. Eventually, they all came out, and the Titiaka
citizens, surrounded by flames, were forced to surrender.
At last. The steppians saw them come out of the broken door,
scorched, with various expressions that ranged from pure
terror to the deepest hatred.
.P
Dashvara sighed and turned to see the first rays of sunlight
illuminating the steppe. It was a bloody day, both in the
sky and on the ground. The sibilian camp had been ravaged by
fire. Few of the tents had not been reduced to ashes, and
between them the Essimeans dragged the corpses of the
defeated to pile them in one place. In comparison, Essimean
losses were minimal.
.Bpenso
And ours even more so,
.Epenso
Dashvara rejoiced.
.D
.Bdia
Let's take them to Todakwa!
.Edia
an Essimean warrior shouted.
.P
The Titiakas numbered more than thirty in all. Some were
young, some not so young. Some were merchants, some were
simple travelers, and some were adventurers who had come
with their workers and wives to settle in the steppe and get
rich… Dashvara recognized the priest from the day before.
His three followers were surrounding him closely, perhaps to
protect him or perhaps to make him protect them. As the line
moved on, heading for the Tower of the Eternal Bird,
Dashvara felt a growing restlessness in his heart.
.D
.Bdia
Where…?
.Edia
he muttered.
.P
Demons. Where the hell were Arviyag and Paopag? He spotted
Garag in line, and without thinking, he stepped forward,
grabbed him by the collar of his cloak, and pulled him out
of line with a growl:
.D
.Bdia
Where's Arviyag?
.Edia
The citizen looked in shock and let himself be shaken for a
few seconds without uttering a word as Dashvara barked,
.Bdia
Your cousin, damn you. Where is that assassin?
.Edia
.P
Finally, the diplomat stammered:
.D
.Bdia
I-I don't know. I swear I don't know…
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gave him an angry expression and let go, annoyed.
Had he stayed inside the building? If so, at this point, he
must have turned into a pile of ashes. But if, by some
means, he had managed to escape, then… Liadirlá, then…
.P
A shout drew him from his thoughts. He turned abruptly to
see Youk running like a hare towards his clan. Hell,
shouldn't the boy have stayed with the rest of the Xalyas?
However, his exasperation vanished and was replaced by a
chilling fear when he realized why one of the Xalya boys had
screamed: Youk had blood on his hands. The child came
huffing and puffing and shouted hurriedly:
.D
.Bdia
My lord, my lord!
.Edia
.P
He reached Dashvara and grabbed him by the sleeve, staining
it with blood. Dashvara's anxiety soared.
.D
.Bdia
Breathe, Youk. What happened?
.Edia
he asked.
.P
The boy was breathing heavily. He blurted out:
.D
.Bdia
Sashava is hurt and so is Okuvara, you must come to them!
.Edia
.P
He pulled him by the sleeve, and livid, Dashvara hurried off
to the stables with his brothers. When they arrived, more
than one Essimean had gathered there, Tsu had woken up, and
he and a priest were both trying to save Okuvara. The boy
had a long cut on his back, he had bled a lot and was lying
on the ground, unconscious. As for Sashava… Dashvara felt
his heart clench as he saw the old Xalya lying on his back, his
eyes open and fixed and his hand barely a span away from
where one of his crutches had fallen. The crutches Dashvara
had made for him at the Border. They had not helped him to
defend himself.
.P
He knelt by the body, and the captain did the same, his
expression grave and mournful.
.D
.Bdia
Your Eternal Bird has guided you to your last breath, old
friend,
.Edia
Zorvun whispered.
.P
He took off his glove and reached out to close Sashava's
eyelids. With moist eyes, Dashvara said in a deep, trembling
voice:
.D
.Bdia
You died a free man, Sashava of Xalya. Ayshat for having
lived this far with us.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Ayshat,
.Edia
his brothers repeated in a low voice.
.P
Dashvara looked at the fatal wound for a few seconds: it had
been caused by a dagger. By Arviyag's or Paopag's? Who could
tell, but knowing that Paopag had once stabbed a man in the
back in Dazbon…
.P
.Bpenso
And what does it matter, Dash: you'll kill them both, anyway.
.Epenso
.P
He stood up silently, bowed his head stiffly, and walked to
the back of the stables with a dull anger in his body. Anger
at Arviyag, but also at himself for not leaving more Xalyas
in the stables. Leaving a child and an invalid had been
foolish. And he guessed that Captain Zorvun must be blaming
himself for the same thing right now. However, what was done
was done: Arviyag had simply signed his death.
.P
He looked around at all the mounts and saw that Arviyag had
stolen two steppian horses, leaving his great white
Agoskurian horse behind. Boron's horse and Alta's horse, no
more and no less. He heard Alta's indignant imprecation as
he became aware of the fact. He shook his head and, stroking
Sunrise's forehead, whispered to him:
.D
.Bdia
Arviyag is dead,
.Sm -t erare daâra .
.Edia
He closed his fist then opened it, suddenly calming down as
he stated,
.Bdia
Dead.
.Edia
.P
His mare huffed and puffed, guessing that she would finally
be able to get out of her prison. Dashvara stared at the
saddle, and when he took the reins, he found that most of
his brothers had followed suit. They didn't need words. He
tugged on Sunrise's reins and only stopped at the entrance
to glance at Tsu and the injured boy. The drow was so
focused on tending to him that he preferred not to disturb
him, and without further ado, they exited the stables,
mounted, and rode away.
.P
The first thing they did was to ask the Essimean if they had
found a trail indicating where the two Titiakas might have
gone. They spent a good while circling around without
getting any reliable information, until a dozen Essimean
riders approached; Dashvara recognized Ashiwa among them.
.D
.Bdia
Hail to you, Xalyas!
.Edia
the Essimean shouted. Dashvara bowed his head briefly, and
Ashiwa added,
.Bdia
Our sentries say that two horsemen dressed in Essimean clothes
crossed the river about half an hour ago. Todakwa saw them
from the top of the tower. They headed east.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
East?
.Edia
Captain Zorvun repeated, surprised.
.Bdia
I would have thought they would be heading southwest, toward
Ergaika.
.Edia
.P
Ashiwa smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Arviyag must have assumed that Ergaika would not welcome him
with open arms. The Titiaka Council sent a warrant for his
arrest a few days ago.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched his eyebrows. Really? Pff, if the Federates
ordered Arviyag's arrest, he doubted it would be for his
crimes… Unless Atasiag had intervened… Yes, unless Atasiag
had reached an agreement with the Yordarks and was up to
some incomprehensible shenanigans of his own. He shook his
head and threw out with a hint of sarcasm:
.D
.Bdia
Well, let's go arrest him then.
.Edia
.P
He spurred his mount to cross the river to the east, and all
followed him, including Ashiwa.
.P
They rode at a steady trot up the endless snow-covered hill.
At one point, the slope became gentler still, and they could
see the two riders galloping eastward past a stream which
they had just crossed. They were about four miles away.
Sunrise pulled on the reins, as if anxious to gallop behind
them, but Dashvara held her back and watched the progress of
the two Titiakas. They had just put their horses into a
gallop. Dashvara suppressed a bewildered grimace. Their
horses would tire and get nowhere. And to think that Arviyag
was capable of trading, torturing, betraying… And he wasn't
capable of taking advantage of the two best mounts the
Xalyas had.
.P
After a while, the Titiakas' mounts slowed down. They were
no longer able to sustain any gallop. The Xalyas were now
moving at a fast trot. As their figures drew nearer,
Dashvara again calculated the distance and finally called
out in a thunderous voice:
.D
.Bdia
.Sm -t erare Aswué ,
Xalyas!
.Edia
.P
Death to them… They sent their horses galloping. They would
catch up. Dashvara did not doubt it. When they were only a
few hundred paces away, the Titiakas put their horses back
into a triple gallop, and for a moment, Dashvara wondered if
they had been faking… but no: soon, their horses slowed down
again. Alta cried out in indignation at their mistreatment
of his Alrahila, and as if sensing his indignation, the
horse he had borrowed sped up even more, moving ahead of all
the steppemen. The hills of Xalya were not far off, Dashvara
observed. His heart was vibrating wildly, flying like
Sunrise. The race frightened a band of wild horses, which
fled south. Then Alta shouted:
.D
.Bdia
Yaoy-yaoy-yaoyiii!
.Edia
.P
The Xalyas echoed the cry, and Dashvara smiled fiercely,
betting that the steppe hadn't heard such a barbaric yet
magnificent howl in the last three years. Dropping the
reins, Alta brought both hands to his mouth and whistled.
Despite the wind, the horse keeper's shrill whistle echoed across
the steppe like the cry of an eagle. Alrahila heard it,
recognized it, and reared up with a start. Arviyag lost his
balance and… unaccustomed to the simple saddles the Xalyas
used, he fell. Contempt filled Dashvara. Not only was he a
murderer, but he couldn't ride a horse, and he claimed to be
conquering the steppe? Crazy foreigner!
.P
Alrahila's agitation had spread to Boron's horse, but Paopag
managed to keep himself in the saddle, pulling on the
horse's bit… Surely he was hurting it. Damned man…
.P
Fortunately, they were already upon them. Without slowing
his mount, Lumon shot an arrow at Paopag. And he hit him
right in the chest. The Titiaka, however, did not fall or
try to flee: his attention was fixed on his master. He had
shouted something at him, Arviyag had answered, and Paopag,
spitting blood, was now muttering incomprehensible things.
At last, he fell, and the steppemen stopped their horses.
Several Xalyas were pointing their arrows at Arviyag.
Dashvara jumped down from his mount and shouted:
.D
.Bdia
Throw away that dagger, Titiaka. You won't save your life
with it.
.Edia
.P
Arviyag had risen to his feet and was clutching his pretty
dagger in a trembling fist. He had lost his elegant
confidence. But that snake found it again at once when,
throwing down the dagger, he replied:
.D
.Bdia
Well, savages, what are you going to do? Kill me? Nothing
very difficult, but all you'll get is more blood needlessly
spilled on the steppe.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara uncovered his teeth and asked loudly for Ashiwa:
.D
.Bdia
Is there a compelling reason to arrest him alive, Essimean?
.Edia
.P
Ashiwa shrugged, and an amused twinkle in his eye told
Dashvara that he, too, had no respect for this Titiaka.
Dashvara nodded, and seeing that his aplomb had no effect,
Arviyag stepped back and finally knelt down:
.D
.Bdia
You win, lord of the Xalyas. I was wrong about you. My goal
was to bring peace to the steppe to enrich it and make
Aralika a vibrant center of trade, but Todakwa is a traitor.
He betrayed me. Just as he betrayed you three years ago by
destroying your people. And he will betray you again.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shook his head. Unbelievable. Was he now trying to
sow discord between them and the Essimeans? As he didn't answer
immediately, Arviyag thought perhaps he was on the right
track, he opened his mouth to continue speaking without even
glancing at his companion, his longtime slave, who was dying
beside him. Dashvara didn't let him say another word: he
drew one of Siranaga's swords with lightning speed and
sliced off his head. Clean and fair.
.P
He knelt down beside Paopag, met his gaze shining with pain,
and felt a strange sadness for the man. He hated him, and at
the same time, he had come to see him as his lifeline during
his days of torment. It was… such an absurd feeling. But, in
the end, everything about the man was absurd. Paopag was not
a murderer's soul, and at the same time he was; he was not a
torturer's soul, and how often had he had to assume that
role? What he did have was the soul of a slave. Until the
end, he had tried to save Arviyag. It made Dashvara's heart
ache just to think about it.
.P
Then he saw Paopag's lips move. He was saying something.
Perhaps he was asking for a quick death? Dashvara leaned
over and managed to hear the word:
.D
.Bdia
Sorry.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara put his hand on his head, nodded, not knowing if he
would ever truly forgive him, and then picked up Arviyag's
dagger, placed it over the Titiaka's heart and gave him
eternal rest. It was right that he should die with his
master's dagger, for it was his master who had led him to
his death. He threw down the bloody dagger with contempt,
and turning to his clan, he observed their grave but
approving glances, and he uttered:
.D
.Bdia
The Eternal Bird flies on the steppe, my brothers.
.Edia
.P
He staggered, and Lumon held him up with one arm. His mind
was confused but clear at the same time because he knew he
had just done the right thing. And happy and sad too. And
very, very tired. He said again:
.D
.Bdia
It flies on the steppe. And freely, brothers. Freely.
.Edia
.P
Then, turning towards the hills of Xalya, he saw a rider
watching from the top of one of them. Soon another joined
him. Then another…
.P
The Honyrs had arrived.
.Ch The cup of blood
Dashvara tugged on Sunrise's reins and waited for the Honyrs
to join him. Leading the way was Kark Is Tork accompanied by
two women. As usual, their faces were veiled, but Dashvara
could tell that one of them was very old while the other was
young. He confirmed it when the Honyrs stopped their horses in
front of the Xalyas and revealed their faces. Dashvara
smiled behind his shelshami and uncovered himself in turn
before glancing at the Essimean riders who were already riding
away: Ashiwa had offered to take the bodies to Aralika, and
Dashvara had replied that he would do with them as he
pleased. If it had been up to him, he would have left them
to rot in the steppe.
.D
.Bdia
Lord of the Xalyas!
.Edia
the old Honyr woman pronounced in Oy'vat.
.Bdia
In the name of my family, I, Shire Is Fadul of the Rahiltaw,
have come to swear loyalty to you and your descendants. May
my word seal the hearts of my children, my grandchildren, and
all their descendants.
.Sm -t erare Dahars nalkarat !
.Edia
.P
Her voice was firm and wise. For a moment, Dashvara was left
speechless. The old woman had just spoken the formula that
the steppe lords used to swear loyalty to the Ancient Kings.
Demons, it didn't make sense: he was a steppe lord, not an
Ancient King…
.D
.Bdia
Dash…
.Edia
Zamoy's worried voice whispered to him.
.P
Dashvara reacted and reprimanded himself harshly. His head
was playing tricks on him again and who knows how long the
old woman had been waiting for an answer. With a leap, he
dismounted and bowed deeply to the Honyr.
.D
.Bdia
.Sm -t erare Ayshat ,
Shire Is Fadul. I will never forget that the Xalya people
were freed from their chains thanks to you.
.Sm -t erare Ayshat
and my best wishes to your family.
.Edia
.P
The old woman bowed her head, watching him with smiling
eyes. Dashvara lost himself in those clear, wise eyes, and
his mind began to drift off again… He was startled when he
felt Sunrise's friendly head rest on his shoulder at that
moment. He smiled and stroked her.
.Bpenso
It's all over now, daâra,
.Epenso
he thought.
.Bpenso
The Honyrs have decided to save us, and the foreigners will
not send us back to Titiaka.
.Epenso
This had been the simple goal since he had landed back on
the mainland: to return to the steppe and unite with the
Honyr Clan. Dashvara still had his doubts about where the
Xalyas would stand in the new clan, but, if the Honyr
Eternal Bird was like that of Sirk Is Rhad, Atsan, and Shokr
Is Set, he had high hopes that it would ensure them lasting
peace and friendship. Kark Is Tork spoke in a deep voice.
.D
.Bdia
You beheaded that man,
.Edia
he said.
.Bdia
Why?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched his eyebrows and, without hesitation,
replied calmly:
.D
.Bdia
He was a slave trader. Last night, he killed one of our
people and stole two of our horses. That's why I beheaded
him.
.Edia
.P
He did not mention the torture he had endured, and he was
sure that his brothers thought of it, but they remained
silent. Kark Is Tork then dismounted and bowed, saying:
.D
.Bdia
Your swords have done justice, my lord.
.Sm -t erare Dahars nalkarat !
.Edia
he concluded.
.P
That this middle-aged steppeman would give him his loyalty
filled him with relief and, at the same time, with great
embarrassment… because he wasn't sure what they expected of
him with their solemn oaths. The Honyrs who represented
other families swore their loyalty in turn, and Kark Is Tork
added:
.D
.Bdia
Our warriors are behind that hill. Let me guide you to them
so that each family can see you,
.Edia
he offered.
.P
Dashvara smiled, and to conceal his trouble, he bowed again,
replying:
.D
.Bdia
It will be an honor.
.Edia
.P
He mounted Sunrise, and they climbed the first hill that
separated Essimea from Xalya. Once at the top, he could see
the Honyr army camp on the other hillside. The Essimean
sentries had not exaggerated its size: when he asked Kark Is
Tork how many men were there, the latter told him with
obvious pride that there were nine hundred and thirty.
.D
.Bdia
Some are not Honyrs descended from Sifiara,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
Over the past few centuries, tribes from the north and the
desert have come to our lands. At first, they did not mix,
but now all belong to the same clan. Even those from the
Kabada tribe, from the Esarey Mountains, have come. They are
also… uh… descendants of the steppe lords. They were
deserters,
.Edia
he explained at Dashvara's curious look.
.Bdia
Or nomadic survivors who found themselves without a lord. For
the first time, the Kabada were invited to the circle of
sages. When they heard your story, they were among the first
to support you.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara did not know what to say. It was so strange to
think that so many people he had never seen were so willing
to support him only because, by some chance of life, he was
the firstborn of Vifkan of Xalya and the blood of the
Ancient Kings ran in his veins… He shook his head.
.D
.Bdia
My story?
.Edia
he repeated.
.P
Kark Is Tork glanced at him curiously as they rode, and it
was Shire Is Fadul who replied with obvious satisfaction:
.D
.Bdia
The story that tells how the last lord of the steppe was
sold into slavery and fought for his people without sending
them to their deaths. The story that tells how he twice
survived the red snake venom and revived the Eternal Bird of
the Ancient Kings across the steppe and beyond.
.Edia
.P
The old woman's words left Dashvara wondering. Indeed, he
hadn't sent the clan to their deaths even though he had
wounded their dignity many times along the way, but…
reviving the Eternal Bird of the Ancient Kings, really? This
was a credit that he did not deserve.
.P
His eyes fell on the group of Honyrs riding out of the camp
to meet him. He sighed.
.D
.Bdia
The last Ancient King died two-hundred years ago.
.Edia
He sketched a smile and shrugged.
.Bdia
I am not a king. I am willing to put all my energy into
improving the lives of anyone who respects the Dahars of the
Xalyas. But I come to you as the lord of a devastated clan,
not as a king. Let's leave the kings to history. The heart
of the steppe has no need of them.
.Edia
He tugged on the reins and stroked Sunrise's neck, adding,
.Bdia
The best king is the Liadirlá we have within us. And the
best advisor, our horse.
.Edia
.P
He fell silent, and there was a hush. He cursed himself
inwardly.
.P
.Bpenso
As soon as your head gets a little better, you immediately
start philosophizing again, lord of the steppe. They swear
loyalty to you, and you tell them it is useless… They have
just saved your people from slavery, Dash: you owe them what
they ask, and, if they ask you to be their king, you will
be.
.Epenso
.P
He was about to try to correct his words when the old Honyr
woman said:
.D
.Bdia
.Sm -t erare Dawana hassen-shi yetar .
.Edia
.P
There are no kings among the wise, she said… Dashvara met
her dark, smiling eyes, and perceiving approval and respect
in them, he bowed his head slightly in reply.
.P
.Bpenso
However, a burst of wisdom does not make one wise,
.Epenso
Dashvara thought. And he was sure that this old woman knew
that and would not tire of evaluating his every sentence and
every action.
.P
When they reached the various members of the Honyr families,
they welcomed Dashvara with multiple
.Sm -t erare Dahars nalkarat!
followed by the usual introductions. And once again,
Dashvara was exasperated with his numb mind because he was
completely unable to remember all the names he heard. Tinan
was with them, as were the young Xalya women, and as soon as
little Shivara appeared in their midst, Morzif called to him
with an exclamation of joy and lifted him in his arms. Near
them Sirk Is Rhad smiled broadly, and his scarred face
lost its natural grim look. However, when Dwin was told that
her grandfather had died, there was a respectful silence,
and when Miflin comforted her and walked away with her,
Zamoy commented to lighten the mood:
.D
.Bdia
Sashava will have poet descendants.
.Edia
.P
They smiled, and there were mocking comments wondering if,
besides being poets, they would be bald as well. Dashvara shook his
head, smiling. It couldn't be said that Sashava had a bad
life anyway. Sure, he could have lived for several more
decades, but… well, he had died on the steppe and with his
people. As the steppe sages said,
.Bparoles
Death is the best blessing of life, because it gives it
value: it is like the wind that blows on the steppe, it is
like the water that flows in the rivers, like the cloud that
grows, like the child that is born: death is.
.Eparoles
.P
Taking advantage of the fact that the good mood was
returning among the Xalyas, several Honyrs invited him to
share their meal, and Dashvara gladly accepted, as he was
starving. Thus, he found that the Honyr people and their
allies were enjoying more prosperity than he could have
imagined. Sirk Is Rhad and Shokr Is Set had told them much
about the traditions of their people and their past, but
they had never commented on the present life. And, as
Dashvara understood it that afternoon in talking with so
many of the Honyr and Kabada chiefs, they very rarely went
hungry in the way that the Xalyas had chronically over the
last two decades: every family household had herds of horses
and cattle, and they managed to feed them all well in the
summer and autumn, driving them to the pastures of the
Esarey Mountains, from west to east, and then east to west.
With the first snows, they migrated to the tribes of Lake
Faorok, on the border with the Red Desert, and traded there
with many clans, including merchants from the Iskamangra
Empire. It was from the Iskamangra Empire that they obtained
the black steel to forge their swords, which were light and
resilient as air. They were proud of their weapons, but when
they saw that Dashvara was also carrying black swords and
he explained that they had belonged to Siranaga, they all
marvelled. After a long, noisy and animated examination, a
Honyr woman said:
.D
.Bdia
I'd like to see how the steppe lord handles them. They say
the Xalyas call you the Prince of the Sand like Siranaga. Is
that true?
.Edia
.P
Sitting on a comfortable colored rug, Dashvara looked at her
and realized that she was the same young woman who had
accompanied Kark Is Tork and Shire Is Fadul earlier. If he
remembered correctly, her name was Ladli Is Fadul and she
was the sister of Atsan Is Fadul and the granddaughter of
Shire. He smiled.
.D
.Bdia
That's what they call me,
.Edia
he asserted.
.D
.Bdia
Ladli says Siranaga could fight ten warriors at once!
.Edia
Shivara interjected, sitting down beside his lord with his
top.
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Of course. And they say his horse had legs so wide that they
could crush his enemies,
.Edia
he said, taking on a storytelling tone.
.P
Shivara's eyes widened.
.D
.Bdia
How wide?
.Edia
.P
With a rough expression, Dashvara pretended to embrace a huge
trunk and those listening laughed.
.D
.Bdia
That's not true,
.Edia
the child protested.
.P
Dashvara shrugged, amused.
.D
.Bdia
It's history.
.Edia
.P
He ruffled his hair and stood up heavily under the
questioning gaze of the Honyrs. He explained:
.D
.Bdia
We Xalyas have a habit of taking a nap after eating. If you
don't mind…
.Edia
.P
They immediately pointed out the best yurt for him to rest
in, that of Shire Is Fadul and his granddaughter, Ladli. He
did not even think of protesting that he should be given
another more modest one: he was too exhausted, and he knew
that, if he continued to wait, he would end up revealing not
only his exhaustion but also his torpor. He had probably
already revealed it enough. As soon as he lay down on the
pallet, all the barriers he had erected against fatigue
collapsed. His last thought before sinking heavily into
sleep was for the Eternal Bird of Sashava, for the health of
the young Okuvara, and… for his naâsga.
.P
His dreams, however, were a succession of nightmares. He
dreamed that the dungeon of Xalya was falling, he dreamed
that the steppe was changing into a huge sinking ship, he
dreamed that his naâsga was turning entirely into an undead
and was saying to him gently and apologetically: I am the
Messenger of Skâra… Skâra, repeated the echo. And then the
echo grew louder and the Xalya children began to shout:
Skâra, Skâra…! In the meantime, Paopag's face appeared and
said to him with his father's voice: the Eternal Bird does
not exist, my son, you have betrayed Siranaga, you and your
ancestors, you have killed the Eternal Bird… The voice had
gradually changed, replaced by that of Sheroda, and it hissed
at him: you have killed, Dashvara of Xalya, you are guilty…!
The Eternal Bird does not exist… And as the voices mingled
and repeated themselves while the children continued to
scream, Dashvara felt an immense anguish grow and grow…
Until a small exasperated voice appeared and told him: you
are dreaming, Dash. This is just a nightmare. Wake up, wake
up, wake up…
.Bpenso
SKÂRA!
.Epenso
.P
He woke up drenched in sweat and shaking like a leaf. He sat
up to calm himself, rubbed his face and cursed his dreams.
At first, he was convinced that everything—the fight against
the sibilians, the death of Sashava, and the death of the
Titiakas—had all been a dream too and that he was still, as
always, in the room with Paopag. As always. He spoke his
name in a stammer and… then he saw the inside of the yurt. A
dim light shone through, and blinking, he saw Shire Is
Fadul sitting in the centre of the tent before the
embers of the fire; lifting the teapot, she was pouring hot
water into a cup. He met the old woman's gaze, and she smiled
as she approached.
.D
.Bdia
The
.Sm -t erare saoran
will ward off evil spirits,
.Edia
she assured.
.P
Dashvara arched his eyebrows and accepted the cup with a
nod, trying to brush aside his confusion. His hand was still
shaking. He blushed and breathed in, calming himself down
suddenly.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you,
.Edia
he said. He could not avoid a slightly strained tone. He
glanced around, at the cozy fireplace, the rich decor, the
rugs, the fire… and flinched, waking abruptly to reality.
.Bdia
Liadirlá, is it night already?
.Edia
.P
Shire uncovered her only tooth, and her wrinkled face
wrinkled even more.
.D
.Bdia
You slept through the night, young man. The sky is already
beginning to turn blue.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara's confusion grew. He looked down at the cup of
saoran so as not to look at the old woman. It was the
quintessential steppian drink and consisted simply of saoran
leaves mixed with boiled water and mare's milk.
.P
He took a sip and, after a silence, asked:
.D
.Bdia
My brothers…?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
They went back to Kark Is Set yesterday,
.Edia
Shire informed.
.Bdia
Only one stayed behind, a young man named Makarva. He's outside.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
And you, meanwhile, are sleeping soundly and raving about
stupid nightmares…
.Epenso
Dashvara sighed and took another sip of saoran. The old
woman handed him a plate full of dried berries.
.D
.Bdia
Areberries of Esarey,
.Edia
she explained.
.Bdia
The last of the year. Taste them. They're delicious.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara bowed his head and, under Shire's watchful eye,
tasted the berries. They were, indeed, delicious, but he
dared not eat more than three and returned to his cup, his
thoughts confused. The silence continued. He was vaguely
aware that he should probably have asked questions, thanked
her… in short, done something to do with the present. And yet he
said nothing. His silence, coupled with the nightmare he
kept rehashing, was making him more and more nervous.
Finally, Shire said softly:
.D
.Bdia
I sense that your heart is troubled, young Xalya.
.Edia
.P
The old woman sat on the other side of the yurt and went
back to her spindle and distaff, spinning with expert hands.
Dashvara made an embarrassed pout without knowing what to
say, and, glancing kindly at him, Shire added:
.D
.Bdia
It is not easy to understand your own Eternal Bird.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara breathed in and nodded, suddenly more at ease.
.D
.Bdia
The more I think I understand it, the more it changes and
the more it escapes me,
.Edia
he confessed.
.P
Shire said nothing, but she nodded in turn, as if inviting
him to speak. He did not know her, and yet Dashvara suddenly
felt a wave of respect for this Honyr. Something about her
reminded him of Namamrah, an ancient and renowned steppewoman
sage who, it was said, unlike other sages, did not
understand the language of water, or grass, or wind: she
understood the language of the heart.
.P
.Bpenso
Know thyself,
.Epenso
Namamrah said,
.Bpenso
and thy feather shall remain serene in the face of the fiercest
wind…
.Epenso
.P
Dashvara felt his heart clench painfully. Right now,
although in theory he had achieved what he wanted, freedom
for his people, victory, peace… he still felt more chained
than ever. After another long silence, he put the cup down
and said:
.D
.Bdia
That man…
.Edia
He choked, and his face hardened as he resumed,
.Bdia
That man I killed yesterday was a murderer. My reason told
me: kill him. My brothers' hearts were crying out to me:
kill him. And my Eternal Bird… also felt this desire. To
eliminate this devil and make him disappear from the face of
the earth.
.Edia
.P
A sad rage came over him. He shook his head and looked down
at his hands. In his confusion, he could almost see them
covered in blood.
.D
.Bdia
I am as murderous as Arviyag,
.Edia
he announced in a strangely calm voice,
.Bdia
I have killed men thinking that, by doing so, I was saving the
lives of my brothers, of my people. But, in reality, if I
killed Nanda, it was for revenge. If I killed Rayeshag
Korfu, it was out of rage and contempt. If I killed Arviyag
while he was helpless… it was out of fear and disgust. And
hatred.
.Edia
.P
He frowned and turned bright eyes to the embers that still
gave off heat.
.D
.Bdia
My Eternal Bird has been weak,
.Edia
he asserted.
.Bdia
A steppian sage, Moarvara, used to say that a person's
Eternal Bird was born bound to a cup of blood and that the
way of the wise was that of centering oneself on the foot of
the cup so that it would always be balanced and would never
shed a single drop of blood. It is not the cups of my
brothers that count, he said, nor are the cups of my
enemies. The only cup that counts here is mine. The only one
that is linked to my Eternal Bird. And with my will alone I
can keep it full, if I keep vengeance, pride, cowardice,
lust, ambition, and cruelty away from me. And if other cups
try to break mine, they will not succeed, for my cup is
made of black steel and the claws of my Eternal Bird clasp
it in such a way that my body will spill all its blood
rather than let a single drop of the treasure it clasps
fall.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara swallowed and concluded:
.D
.Bdia
My cup bleeds all over.
.Edia
.P
He fell silent, stiffened, and muttered inwardly,
.Bpenso
Why in the world are you telling the old woman this, Dash?
Maybe you think she's interested in your philosophical
ramblings because she's sworn loyalty to you? Do you think
it matters to her if your cup bleeds all over?
.Epenso
He suppressed a burst of sarcastic laughter.
.Bpenso
The only thing you've shown well is that you're absolutely
nothing like a king. But, what the hell, as long as the
Honyrs have some compassion and are willing to accept your
people, who cares about the rest?
.Epenso
He sighed,
.Bpenso
The best you can do is thank the old woman for breakfast,
call Sunrise, and leave to join your brothers and your
naâsga…
.Epenso
.P
He finished the little that was left in his cup and said:
.D
.Bdia
Forgive my ramblings,
.Sm -t erare ayulâa .
My tongue is wagging more than it should and uttering
nonsensical words. A thousand thanks to you and your
granddaughter for having me in your yurt…
.Edia
.P
He fell silent, for, as he straightened up, the old woman had
raised a hand to stop him. He sat down again, respectful,
though reluctantly. The old woman's face no longer smiled,
but it still reflected an unshakeable serenity.
.D
.Bdia
There is truth in your words, young man,
.Edia
she assured.
.Bdia
Moarvara was not the only one who thought so. There was a
time when our ancestors respected life above all else, they
condemned the hunt, the clan leaders respected their people,
and their people followed them not out of lust or fear, not
for glory, but because respect and love united them.
.Edia
A slight, nondescript pout stretched her lips.
.Bdia
But a mountain, no matter how solid, if it is gradually
eaten away from within, will eventually crumble, and all
that was left on the steppe was a home of ruins. Ruins
crushed, desolate and paralyzed by a glorious empire forged
on blood and power. As you know, young Xalya, over it
reigned those who called themselves Ancient Kings. They
dominated the entire steppe, from the end of Ges to
Aïgstia, from the mountains of Padria to the Highlands.
They were the ones who commanded, and their hordes of
horsemen crossed the steppe, the desert, and the mountains
like incendiary gusts. The Eternal Bird became a lie.
Respect and love became only incomplete, selfish feelings,
chained to one group and blind to the rest. Lust and
ambition were the only motivations of these lords of the
steppe: their hearts were made of stone, their swords were
covered with the blood of their brothers. And those whom we
call zoks—the Essimeans, the Shalussis, the
Akinoas—responded with hatred to their own suffering; they
countered death with death and the symbol of the Eternal
Bird with other symbols. They allied themselves with the
lords of the steppe against other lords. The zoks saw them
kill each other without almost fighting and, therefore, they
won.
.Edia
.P
The old woman spoke peacefully, expressing no sadness for
the history of the steppe.
.Bpenso
History, like death, is,
.Epenso
Dashvara thought, understanding her.
.Bpenso
The past cannot be changed, but we can learn from it.
.Epenso
He repeated the phrase to himself three times before he
realized its deeper meaning: he had killed, but inwardly he
had recognized his mistake, and all he needed was to be
reborn, to put his feather back together… but this time so that
it would never fall again. All he needed was willpower.
.Bpenso
Your will is like the air,
.Epenso
a steppian sage said once:
.Bpenso
A sword may cut through the air, but it cannot break it.
Your will is not a gust that strengthens and weakens: it is
still air, it is like water that, without form, follows its
course downward and becomes a burden to anyone who tries to
give it form.
.Epenso
.P
Dashvara remembered as if it were yesterday the upright
figure of Maloven walking around the library room of the
Xalya Dungeon while reciting the wise words of the ancients
to his young students.
.P
.Bparoles
Every step,
.Eparoles
he used to say.
.Bparoles
Every smile, every blink of the eye, will become a reflection of your
Eternal Bird, and you must think of It through your actions
to know It. The Eternal Bird guides you and you guide It because you are
one with It: when you understand this, there will be no
repentance, for there will be no contradiction in you. Peace
and happiness will fill your soul and nothing can ever
completely extirpate them.
.Eparoles
.P
Dashvara shook his head with some amusement.
.Bpenso
I spent all these years thinking Maloven was an idealistic
visionary and now I'm starting to admire his pacifist ideals.
Rather convenient to do so now that I have an army of
nine-hundred warriors ready to follow my orders.
.Epenso
.P
He sighed and finally asked, confused:
.D
.Bdia
Why do you swear loyalty to me if you believe there should
be no kings,
.Sm -t erare ayulâa ?
.Edia
.P
The old woman smiled, and without ceasing to twist the wool
on her spindle, she replied:
.D
.Bdia
We Honyrs have been a contradictory people since the birth
of our clan. Sifiara never got over his betrayal, and after
years of complete isolation, he returned to Kark Is Set
every year to beg forgiveness from his brother and his
descendants until his death. They never forgave him. His
obsession with raising his feather was such that he imposed
among his people very strict customs, so strict that he
generated a real fanaticism. When one feels that one is
losing one's identity, one clings to it with greater
strength.
.Edia
She sighed softly.
.Bdia
Sifiara educated his children to ensure that his ordinances
were passed down. Instead of nurturing us in a spirit of
vengeance, he instilled in us a sense of guilt, convinced us
that we were a cursed and irredeemably doomed people until
the day a descendant of the Ancient Kings would forgive our
faults.
.Edia
.P
She shook her head.
.D
.Bdia
Then the wars came, and we watched from afar the lords of the
steppe without understanding how sons of the Eternal Bird
could act in such an absurd manner. Until one day we
understood that the Eternal Bird they professed was no
longer the same, that it had become darker and… that their
cups of blood were falling without any restraint. From then
on, we began to despise them,
.Edia
she admitted with steady calm.
.Bdia
You were to us the devils who donned blue feathers in
appearance and trod in practice a lake of blood, depravity,
and oblivion.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded, saddened.
.D
.Bdia
And it's true.
.Edia
.P
The old woman stopped spinning for a moment and looked up
thoughtfully, not at Dashvara but at the door, before
continuing her task. Without disputing Dashvara's statement,
she said:
.D
.Bdia
There is a saying among our people that goes like this,
.Bqt
dying is an art, we all die, but we don't all know how to
die
.Eqt .
.Edia
She tilted her head to one side and observed,
.Bdia
In the same way, we all live, but we don't all know how to
live. Living is an art that is learned and forgotten.
According to my people, children are the wise ones in life,
teenagers forget what they knew instinctively, and adults…
sometimes relearn.
.Edia
.P
A thin smile lit up her aged face, as if this conversation
brought back pleasant memories. She concluded:
.D
.Bdia
Despite their initial doubts, my people are now convinced of
your good faith, Dashvara of Xalya. They yearn to find the
forgiveness that Sifiara has so longed for, and they want to
prove to you that, after so many generations, they are still
loyal to the Eternal Bird of the Ancient Kings. The problem is…
not everyone knows the difference between the Ancient Kings
who lived in a friendly steppe and those who tried to
dominate it by force. Some believe that you will take back
your right and conquer the lands now occupied by the
Essimeans and Shalussis… the zoks. But I know you will not,
.Edia
she pronounced.
.Bdia
And I know you will ease the rules Sifiara has imposed on
us. That is why I have sworn loyalty to you, lord of the
steppe.
.Edia
.P
Her keen eyes fixed on Dashvara's, defiantly, as if to say:
your Eternal Bird had better not deceive my hopes, because
my people need it.
.P
Dashvara struggled to suppress an incredulous pout.
.D
.Bdia
Do some people really think I'm going to fight with the
Essimeans and Shalussis? That would be ridiculous.
.Edia
.P
The old woman shrugged. She had stopped spinning.
.D
.Bdia
The Heart of the Steppe has always been the capital of the
Ancient Kings.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara rolled his eyes.
.D
.Bdia
The best capital in a steppe is one that moves and has no
fixed location. The Essimeans and Shalussis have as much
right to live in Rocdinfer as we do, and I'm not going to
pull out the swords to take back a pile of stone. And I
would say more: as long as the foreigners do not betray us,
let them take the gold and the salbronix. We don't need
them. We Xalyas are only looking for a place to live.
You Honyrs have offered it to us, and therefore, I swear by
my Eternal Bird, Shire Is Fadul, that I will do whatever you
tell me to ease the Honyr conscience. I wish only the
greatest good for your people,
.Edia
he assured.
.D
.Bdia
Which is yours,
.Edia
the old woman smiled.
.Bdia
The Honyrs will always be Honyrs, but they desire no less
that you consider them your people.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara flushed slightly and agreed:
.D
.Bdia
Of course. Anyone who respects the Dahars of the Xalyas is
my brother,
.Sm -t erare ayulâa .
I will always be a Xalya. But it will also be an honor for
me to be recognized as a Honyr.
.Edia
.P
As he spoke these words, he realized that this would be the
best way to make the Honyrs understand that there was no
longer any dishonor for their people since the lord of the
steppe himself was willing to be adopted by them. The old
woman's eyes smiled.
.D
.Bdia
.Sm -t erare Ayshat ,
my son. May your Liadirlá fly in peace.
.Edia
.P
The old woman took up her spinning wheel. She had said all
she wanted to say to him. Dashvara stood up and bowed.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you for your hospitality,
.Sm -t erare ayulâa .
.Edia
.P
He was about to leave the yurt when the Honyr said in a soft
voice:
.D
.Bdia
The smaller the bird, the lighter its flight.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched his eyebrows in confusion. Shire was
smiling, without looking at him, as she continued to spin.
For a moment, he imagined that this old woman was Namamrah
herself, then that she was her reincarnation and then… he
scoffed:
.P
.Bpenso
Is it necessary to wear the name of an ancient sage to be
a sage as well? Nonsense. And now stop reasoning and get
moving.
.Epenso
.P
When he came out of the yurt, the first rays of the sun were
already shining in the east. Like those of the other chiefs
of the clan, the tent was set up on a large cart. And on the
steps of the cart, Dashvara saw with surprise that many
draperies, plates, carpets, pretty vases, and other objects
of unquestionable value were piled up. He stood looking at
this display of wealth in perplexity and was descending the
steps, taking care not to bump into anything, when a loud
laugh made him turn. Makarva was approaching accompanied by
Sirk Is Rhad and Atsan Is Fadul.
.D
.Bdia
Good morning, sîzan!
.Edia
his friend said, cheerfully.
.Bdia
I hope you like presents because you have quite a few.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara's eyes widened, and he turned back to the pile of
riches. Was this all… for him?
.D
.Bdia
Liadirlá,
.Edia
he articulated, dumbfounded.
.P
Makarva and the two Honyrs laughed, and the former added:
.D
.Bdia
And that's not counting the five hundred horses they
promised us.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
Five hundred…
.Epenso ,
Dashvara repeated to himself, stunned. Still unable to
believe his eyes, he reached out a hand to a rolled up
tapestry of purple, white and gold. On it was a wooden
figure. He took it with a strange feeling in his body. It
represented a magnificent horse with its rider. Perched on
the rider's arm was a bird ready to fly. The image of his
lord father came to mind when he taught him to hunt and sent
his eagle soaring through the sky in search of prey…
.D
.Bdia
This one was given to me by an old man who says he knows
you,
.Edia
Atsan Is Fadul interjected,
.Bdia
Apparently he was found half dead two years ago at the foot
of the mountains. He is a zok, but all consider him a great
sage,
.Edia
he assured.
.Bdia
His name is Bashak.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara suddenly looked up. By the Eternal Bird… The old
Shalussi was alive. He smiled and took another look at the
gifts. He let out, touched:
.D
.Bdia
The generosity of the Honyrs is overwhelming.
.Edia
.P
Sirk Is Rhad and Atsan Is Fadul smiled, pleased. Dashvara
paused and felt slightly guilty as he said:
.D
.Bdia
I suppose that, if they're gifts, I can do whatever I want
with them.
.Edia
.P
They looked at him curiously.
.D
.Bdia
Naturally,
.Edia
Sirk Is Rhad confirmed.
.P
Dashvara nodded, and since there were other Honyrs not far
away, he lowered his voice and asked:
.D
.Bdia
You think they'll take offense if I pay a debt with all
this?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
A debt?
.Edia
Makarva repeated, bewildered.
.P
Dashvara cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
The forty horses, Mak. And the weapons and armor. And the
huge favor Kuriag Dikaksunora did us by taking us to the
steppe. That debt.
.Edia
.P
Makarva grimaced, obviously upset that so much wealth was
going to end up in the hands of a foreigner. He objected:
.D
.Bdia
But the Titiaka is rotten with riches, Dash.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shrugged.
.D
.Bdia
We must somehow repair the harm we have done to him. This is
important,
.Edia
he assured.
.Bdia
Kuriag must leave the steppe with his head held high. He's
the only one who can stop the Federates from throwing
themselves at us.
.Edia
.P
Zamoy, Orafe, or some other more impetuous brother would
have huffed and puffed, saying that, if the Federates came,
they would throw them back to the sea with their swords. But
Makarva was a much more reasonable man.
.Bpenso
Probably more than I am,
.Epenso
Dashvara thought. So the young Xalya eventually nodded,
convinced by the argument, and said, pointing to a book:
.D
.Bdia
You can give him the rest, but not that. These are the
thoughts of Sifiara himself. This is for you. And this…
.Edia
he sighed, gesturing vaguely to a pretty checkerboard of
katutas. He reluctantly articulated,
.Bdia
I suppose the Titiaka will know how to use it.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled, took the checkerboard with its finely
crafted pieces and handed it to Makarva.
.D
.Bdia
On second thought, my friend, I'm sure you'll make better
use of it than Kuriag.
.Edia
.P
Makarva looked stunned.
.D
.Bdia
Oh. Really? But… it's yours, Dash. And it's much nicer than
the one we have.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara laughed.
.D
.Bdia
Precisely. That way, when you're united with Shkarah and
have your own yurt, you can invite me to play katutas.
.Edia
.P
Makarva blushed like a garfia. Smiling with all his teeth,
Dashvara put the checkerboard in his hands and gave him a
pat on the shoulder.
.D
.Bdia
Let's get going to Aralika, sîzan.
.Edia
.Ch Life and death
Sashava's coffin had been placed in the Crypt of the Feather,
and the mournful chanting of his brothers had long since
died away when Dashvara, leaning against a battlement on the
top of the tower, let out an impatient grunt. It would soon be evening
and his naâsga was still in the Temple. He hadn't even been
able to see her. Ashiwa had explained under his wrathful
gaze that Todakwa and Daeya of Essimea had gathered with the
Titiakas and that now they had locked themselves in the
Temple with the Arazmihá and the death-priests to celebrate
who knows what event of Skâra. Dashvara had not been able to
repress an exasperated comment about the endless
celebrations of the Essimeans. He hadn't thought he'd said
anything really insulting, just that he doubted the Arazmihá
would want to spend another night celebrating Death, but…
his words had offended, and following the captain's advice,
he'd had to apologize. Apologize. Dashvara huffed, his gaze
fixed on the entrance to the Temple. He hoped to see Yira
pop up at any moment, and at the same time his horrible
imagination was making him see more and more ridiculous,
horrifying possibilities that, had they been true, would
surely have made him forget all his peaceful promises.
.P
After looking over the steppe again and scanning the
southern lands, he waved to Atok, and they both descended the
Feather in silence. Apparently, the Titiakas had not
retaliated immediately after what had happened. All in all,
Todakwa had simply defended himself from treason, had his
own uncle executed along with other Essimeans who had
plotted with Arviyag, and had not even had the traitorous
citizen killed, since
.qt the savages
had already done it for them. The other Titiakas had been released
almost immediately, receiving apologies and compensation.
Probably more than one had known about the betrayal, but
none had the power to carry it out now. In the end, Todakwa
was still the master of Aralika and the southern and western
part of the steppe, and the Titiakas would have no
alternative but to send in their own troops if they wished
to impose their rules as they pleased… which hopefully they
wouldn't do any time soon, since Faag Yordark and the Ragail
guard were now in practical command of Diumcili, and for the
time being, they had their eyes on their own people and not
so much on the lands to be conquered.
.P
When he reached the bottom of the Tower, the Eternal Bird on
the pedestal irresistibly caught his eye. The magical door
to the Crypt had already been closed and even Dwin had
already left. In the main room, he found Zamoy talking in
a low voice with the Hairy. The two brothers paused when
they saw Dashvara appear.
.P
It was bitterly cold, both inside the tower and out, and
Dashvara thought with concern about the nine hundred
warriors who had come to support him. If they didn't make
their way back north and to the winter huts soon, they were
going to have problems, especially with the horses.
.P
His gaze wandered back to the door of the Crypt, and in his
mad rambling, he imagined that the door opened and
Sashava reappeared with his crutches, throwing out one of
his killjoy comments like the good grump that he was… He
shook his head as he breathed in, suddenly aware that this
was no longer the time to be dragged down by memories, and
asked:
.D
.Bdia
Have you heard from Okuvara?
.Edia
.P
Zamoy made a gloomy face.
.D
.Bdia
He's not well, Dash,
.Edia
he sighed.
.Bdia
Tsu's doing what he can, but the boy has lost a lot of
blood. We don't know yet if he'll survive.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded silently, and despite what he had said to
Shire Is Fadul, he could only be glad, at that moment, that
Arviyag and Paopag were indeed dead and buried.
.P
Rubbing his gloves to warm himself, he left the Tower and
was walking towards the Temple with his brothers when Youk
appeared like a whirlwind and, breaking the peace of the
square, shouted:
.D
.Bdia
My lord! Ashiwa says he's already questioned the sibilians
and you can go to them if you want. He charged me with
giving you the message,
.Edia
he boasted.
.P
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Thanks, Youk.
.Edia
.P
When he started walking towards the headquarters where they
had locked up the hundred or so surviving sibilians, the boy
followed him like a shadow. As they left the Pillar Square,
Dashvara saw the captain join them, and faced with his
questioning expression, he explained:
.D
.Bdia
I'm going to see the sibilians.
.Edia
.P
Zorvun pouted and remained silent for a moment. Then he
commented:
.D
.Bdia
I've been told that Yira will be out soon.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched his eyebrows, and he caught himself thinking
that the Essimeans were sending him to the sibilians to keep
him from rushing to Yira as soon as she left the Temple…
Mentally, he rolled his eyes, and preferring not to show his
impatience, he asked:
.D
.Bdia
The gifts… Have they all been delivered?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
It was made as you requested,
.Edia
the captain assured,
.Bdia
half for Kuriag, a quarter for the Essimean snake… I mean,
Todakwa,
.Edia
he smiled mockingly.
.Bdia
The tapestry of the Ancient Kings for the Agoskurian. The
flute for Tsu. And the rest is still in the carts,
.Edia
he concluded.
.D
.Bdia
That's for the sibilians,
.Edia
Dashvara said.
.P
A grunt was immediately heard. Behind him, Zamoy protested:
.D
.Bdia
By all the demons, Dash! Aren't you going to keep anything?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Five hundred horses, is that not enough?
.Edia
Dashvara smiled.
.P
They arrived at the headquarters. Before entering, Dashvara
hesitated and stopped, thinking about what he was going to
do. He had made up his mind since he had left Shire's yurt,
but after the journey and the farewell to Sashava and the
various conversations with the Honyrs, his new
determinations had gradually started to fade away. He took them
back firmly and, under the increasingly curious gazes of his
brothers, nodded to himself and entered. The room where they
had put the sibilians was large, but there were so many of
them that they were packed together like grains of sand in a
bucket. Several Essimeans were watching them, and standing
by their side, Ashiwa greeted Dashvara.
.D
.Bdia
Todakwa thought that, since these men were slaves of the
Diumcilian you killed, you would like to have them as slaves
in turn.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara heard several gasps behind him among the Xalyas. He
himself suppressed a sarcastic grimace and ceremoniously
bowed his head, understanding that this was the gift of
alliance in response to his own. In fact, he was not unhappy
to have legitimate power over the future of the sibilians,
for he had feared Todakwa would keep them all and send them
to the mines.
.P
He approached the first line of sibilians. They were clearly
beginning to suffer from the dryness of the steppe, and
their naturally slimy, greyish faces were covered with
black, chapped patches. Their eyes were reddened, and they
blinked constantly. The steppe was no place for them.
.P
As the Essimeans, realizing that their presence was no
longer necessary, withdrew from the room, Dashvara ordered
the doors closed, took another scrutinizing look at
.qt his
slaves, and finally asked aloud:
.D
.Bdia
Who's your leader?
.Edia
.P
The majority remained impassive, as if he had spoken to a
rock. A sibilian, in fact the same one who had chased him to
Amystorb's keep and brought him into the torture tent,
stepped forward. He did not speak a word. Dashvara stopped
in front of him and felt the tension rise among the
sibilians. This confirmed his intuition: it was their leader,
without a doubt. Out of unhealthy curiosity, Dashvara
wondered how they would react if he were to pull out his
sword and cut off his head like he did with Arviyag…
.P
.Bpenso
Enough of your idiotic thoughts, lord of the steppe.
.Epenso
.P
And he drew the sword. He saw the eyes of the sibilians grow
even darker. But no one moved. Strangely, he had the feeling
that, if their leader died, they would not move either,
perhaps because he had asked them not to. Dashvara heard a
murmur behind him and guessed the anxious expectation of his
brothers. He asked in a quiet voice:
.D
.Bdia
What's your name?
.Edia
.P
The sibilian leader frowned and glared at him, but he did
not answer. Dashvara shrugged and said:
.D
.Bdia
With all due respect, I regret your losses, foreigners. I
consider myself partly responsible. I know that you have
been sacrificing yourselves for your people for eight years.
I wish you could be free as we are and return to your home
in Skasna. Thanks to the Honyrs, I will pay the expenses of
your travel by ship so you can return to your island if you
wish. If what you desire is to avenge your dead brothers or
your master…
.Edia
He took the black sword in both hands and offered it to the
sibilian leader.
.Bdia
Finish quickly,
.Edia
he concluded and proclaimed,
.Bdia
On the honor of the Dahars, no Xalya or Honyr will take
revenge for the blood this sword may shed today.
.Edia
.P
He had surprised their leader, he noticed, satisfied. For a
long moment they stared at each other. Finally, the sibilian
looked down at the sword he now held in his hands and,
unperturbed, replied:
.D
.Bdia
What do you want, Xalya?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
To kill the resentment in your heart, foreigner,
.Edia
Dashvara explained simply.
.P
The sibilian did not seem to take the answer well. It even
seemed to annoy him that Dashvara hadn't simply cut off his
head and instead put him in a situation where he had to make
a decision. Finally, he snorted.
.D
.Bdia
What about your grudge, Xalya? If it weren't for my people,
the
.Sm -t erare krava
wouldn't have tortured you like a dog.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara had no idea what
.Sm -t erare krava
meant in his language, but he guessed it was their usual way
of talking about Arviyag between them… Nothing very
flattering, he supposed.
.D
.Bdia
That's true,
.Edia
he admitted.
.Bdia
But I'm not holding a grudge against you.
.Edia
.P
The sibilian man puffed his nostrils and added with
irritation in a heavy accent:
.D
.Bdia
I tied you to the table myself the first time, and I spent
more than a day guarding the door to the underground room. I
could hear you howling. And I saw you cease to be a man and
become a dog. I am the eyes of your shame,
.Edia
he spat.
.Bdia
And you tell me you're going to pay for a boat back to my
hometown? Lies.
.Edia
.P
He spoke with contempt, convinced that Dashvara was playing
him for a fool. Dashvara sighed and nodded.
.D
.Bdia
These are not lies. But you don't have to believe me. I'll
pay for a boat and let you see for yourself that its sailors
will get you where you want to go.
.Edia
.P
The sibilian leader's face remained impassive as he
retorted:
.D
.Bdia
We don't need sailors. We
.Sm are
sailors.
.Edia
.P
He returned the sword, and Dashvara hesitated before taking
it back. Finally, he sheathed it and stepped aside. Turning
his back on the sibilians, he could see the faces of his
brothers. More than one had an exasperated glint in their
eyes. The reason was simple: their lord had just toyed with
their honor, chaining it to his will and risking his own
life.
.P
.Bpenso
Don't get angry, brothers. All things considered, if the
sibilian doesn't believe in the ship, how could he possibly
believe that you'd let him run me through with the sword
without reacting? Even I can't believe it…
.Epenso
.P
He went out and gave orders that the sibilians should be
released and the horses returned. The Essimeans did not
object to the first order, but the second fell flat, for the
horses of the sibilians had been bought by Arviyag from
Todakwa's uncle, and both being traitors, the question had
to be
.qt investigated
as to who had right of possession over them. In conclusion,
the sibilians would be left without horses.
.P
Dashvara then busied himself with the matter of the ship and
was trying to speak with a Titiaka merchant who refused to
answer him, who knows whether out of fear or arrogance, when
a tumult of voices made him desist, and he turned to the
nearby Temple, hopeful. People were coming out of the
building.
.Bpenso
Liadirlá…
.Epenso
He hurried over with the other Xalyas. Several lines of
red-coated death-priests and disciples were coming down the
white steps, chanting with a deep voice in a monotonous,
unearthly chorus. Even Dashvara found himself stopping and
watching the procession with a mixture of respect and
curiosity. Suddenly all the disciples fell to their knees on
the cobblestones of the square in such an order that it
looked like a dance. Without ceasing to respond to the
chorus of their masters, they imitated their signs and
repeated in Galka:
.D
.Bdia
.Sm -t erare Tush-ba-ni, Arazmihá !
.Edia
.P
They called to the Messenger. This went on for a moment, and
then suddenly all fell silent and lowered their brows to the
ground. On the contrary, Dashvara abruptly raised his head towards
the door of the Temple, and his racing heart skipped a beat.
There, stepping out into the evening light, a creature of
dreams had just appeared. Everything about her was white,
except for her hand and the right side of her face. The
dress, magnificent, was as white as her hair.
.P
.Bpenso
But her eyes are black,
.Epenso
Dashvara thought, dazed.
.Bpenso
I know because I've gazed into them plenty of times before.
It's her, Dash. Don't let Todakwa's tricks fool you. She is
not a divine creature, she is not a goddess: she is your
naâsga.
.Epenso
.P
And yet he felt something very different from love at that
moment: he felt fear. Fear that his naâsga seemed so…
unattainable. Afraid that she might have changed in those
days. It was the first time he had considered this
possibility: that his love might break. It seemed horrible
and absurd to him. And, at the same time, it also seemed
absurd to him that a goddess like the one he was seeing
right now could even remember the savage who had given her
his heart.
.P
.Bpenso
Halt there, Dash. Why on earth do you have a head if you
don't know how to use it? Yira is only playing a pantomime.
She negotiated with Todakwa to save you, Dash. She saved
your people as much as the Honyrs did. Don't start doubting
everything because of an appearance: your naâsga is still
the same.
.Epenso
.P
He had remained so absorbed, captivated by the image of
sublimity that Todakwa had painstakingly created, that it
took him a moment to realize that the Essimean chief was now
facing the Arazmihá; he and his wife had knelt down and
spoken a few words. In any case, they were too far away for
Dashvara to hear them. He also noticed that the Essimeans
had posted themselves near the Xalyas, as if to make them
understand that this was a sacred ceremony and that they
should not interrupt it. When he briefly met Ashiwa's
evaluating gaze, Dashvara gritted his teeth.
.P
.Bpenso
Rest assured, Essimean, I will not rush to my naâsga.
.Epenso
.P
Then Arviyag's last words flashed through his mind.
.Bparoles
And he will betray you again,
.Eparoles
he had said, referring to Todakwa. Dashvara growled low.
Nonsense. Todakwa had no reason to betray them. Not when
he knew that he had nine-hundred warriors at his doorstep.
Unless they surrounded them to slaughter them and…
.Bpenso
No,
.Epenso
he croaked, irritated.
.Bpenso
The Honyrs have positioned themselves on the hills. They can
see any Essimean patrol approaching from leagues away.
.Epenso
.P
And yet… if he had been a man who wanted to establish his
power and his modern civilization and, in short, if he had
been a man like Todakwa, the first thing he would have done
would have been to subdue the steppe peoples. And he would
not have let the strongest people of the steppe after his
own go, and he certainly would not have forged an alliance
with them: he would have crushed them. As his lord father
used to say,
.Bparoles
The lord does not fear the shepherd: he fears the other
lords
.Eparoles .
In spite of everything, Dashvara did not think
that Todakwa would betray them. Not because Todakwa had
improved as a person, nor because the Essimeans could not
launch an effective attack, but rather because Todakwa knew
that the Honyrs would never submit. The only way to control
them was through him, Dashvara of Xalya. Now this one had
shown to be more open to negotiations: he had even agreed to
a vassalage pact.
.Bpenso
But control is not just one way, Essimean. The Arazmihá has
seduced you more than you care to admit. Perhaps you know
that she is by no means a messenger… but, if you have freed
us, Essimean, it is not only because of the nine hundred
Honyrs: it is also because of her.
.Epenso
Dashvara was convinced of that. And the thought hurt him.
Liadirlá! How he wished he could get his naâsga out of there
and ride away already from the Heart of the Steppe, away
from the swords…!, away from the power of Skâra.
.P
His eyes had met Yira's, or so he thought. Shortly
afterwards, a death-priest came and bowed to Dashvara.
.D
.Bdia
Lord of the Xalyas!
.Edia
he proclaimed,
.Bdia
the Arazmihá wishes to speak with you.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara did not repeat this to himself. At the priest's
request, he eagerly left his swords with one of his
brothers, slipped between the Essimeans and climbed the
white stairs of the Temple behind his guide. He felt clumsy,
and so as not to make a fool of himself, he concentrated
hard not to trip over any steps. When they reached the
platform in front of the Temple and were only a few steps
away from Todakwa, Daeya, and the Arazmihá, the priest who
was guiding him knelt down, and Dashvara stopped, his gaze
fixed on his naâsga. He was aware that everyone was watching
him now. He could not think, at this moment, of Todakwa or
his plans, and he thought only that any hasty move might be
misinterpreted by the Essimeans… and perhaps by his naâsga.
But how was he to be misinterpreted by Yira if he went up to
her and took her in his arms as he longed to do and said,
.Bpenso
Let us go, naâsga, let us go away from these fools
.Epenso ?
Nevertheless, at that moment, he saw her so beautiful, he saw
her so adored by all, that all his thoughts fell into a
bottomless pit, and he dared not say anything to her. He
remained there, silent, on the impeccable white stones of
Padria, surrounded by the worshippers of Skâra and in front
of what was then for him more an ideal than a real person.
Then, Yira said in a soft voice:
.D
.Bdia
May your people be happy, Dashvara of Xalya, and may your
heart be happy too.
.Edia
.P
The sursha bowed, turned her back to him and returned to the
Temple. She disappeared there silently, like a ghost, as if
she had never existed. And all this time, Dashvara did
nothing. It all seemed supernatural, divine, horrible,
incomprehensible. His eyes filled with tears, and he could
not understand why. Only when Todakwa seemed to be about to
say something did Dashvara react and say:
.D
.Bdia
Yira!
.Edia
.P
He dashed to the closing door of the Temple and, despite an
Essimean guard standing by, managed to slip inside and
repeated:
.D
.Bdia
Yira!
.Edia
.P
The interior was dark. Light came in only through a skylight
at the back of the huge building. He stepped between the
columns and cried out, increasingly anxious:
.D
.Bdia
Yira, y-you must explain to me. I don't understand.
.Edia
.P
He got no answer, and convinced that she was there even
though he couldn't see her, he stammered:
.D
.Bdia
Please. I know you're there. What you said…does it mean you
don't want to come with me anymore? That you'd rather…live
in this temple?
.Edia
.P
The silence lengthened. And the anguish and confusion spread
through his body, consuming him, saturating him, and
paralyzing his movements. Everything burned, even his eyes.
Sometimes he felt mortally ashamed, sometimes he wondered
what he was ashamed of; and then he realized that he had
fallen to his knees on the hard stone and that his head was
on fire. He did not know what the hell was happening to him.
.P
.Bpenso
It is Skâra,
.Epenso
thought a small, frightened voice in his head.
.Bpenso
Yira is answering you with the power of Skâra and telling
you that you are not worthy, that you are a savage, that you
did not know how to worship her as the Essimeans worship her
now…
.Epenso
.P
A sob shook him as another small voice replied:
.P
.Bpenso
Fool, fool, a hundred thousand times a fool. Get out of here
and make your people safe. Then you will come back and
sacrifice to Skâra and worship the Arazmihá until you die.
.Epenso
.P
.Bpenso
Yes,
.Epenso
he affirmed to himself.
.Bpenso
I swear by my Eternal Bird that I will worship her to the
death.
.Epenso
.P
His thoughts swirled, confused, in his head. Part of him
thought that it was Skâra's power that made him suffer like
this. Another that the death-priests had bewitched him. Yet
another that he was going mad. In all three cases, he felt
equally useless and troubled. It was as if the energy that
the torture thimbles had injected into him had resurfaced to
torment him again.
.P
.Bpenso
How could she want to go back to a savage who can't even
pull himself together?
.Epenso
he chided himself.
.Bpenso
How is she going to want to come back with someone who was
tortured and turned into a dog?
.Epenso
.P
When he thought his tears had stopped, they would
relentlessly resurface, and he would laugh at himself and his
desires.
.P
.Bpenso
Respect the desires of others, before you fulfill your own,
.Epenso
he said to himself.
.Bpenso
Respect the choice of your naâsga.
.Epenso
.P
And finally, creating a poor idea of himself and a sublime idea
of the Arazmihá, he managed to calm himself. And from then
on, he straightened up, cleared his throat, caught his
breath, and began to think. And he thought that, if Yira had
been there, it was impossible that she had not answered him,
and that therefore she must be in some other room of the
Temple. And then he thought that, if Yira wanted to stay,
perhaps Todakwa had something to do with her decision.
Perhaps he had convinced her in some way. Maybe by
blackmailing her into releasing the Xalyas. Maybe… or maybe
not.
.P
Exhausted, he was about to stand up when he heard a quiet
voice behind him:
.D
.Bdia
In principle, only the believers of Skâra are allowed to
enter the Temple.
.Edia
.P
It was Todakwa. Dashvara thought he heard a hint of mockery
in his voice. He turned and saw the Essimean leader sitting
on the edge of a column's pedestal, alone. Through his
reddened, swollen eyes, he could make out the figure, the
tattoos, the casual pose, but he couldn't see the face. Who
knows how long he'd been waiting there. In any case,
someone had lit a candelabra not far away and daylight no
longer entered through the stained glass window at the back.
Night had already fallen.
.P
Dashvara stood up slowly and looked at the Essimean
defiantly.
.D
.Bdia
Everyone believes in Death. And I believe more than ever in
the Arazmihá, Todakwa. Your prying eyes have seen that.
.Edia
.P
Todakwa did not seem to take offense at the biting tone. He
stood up in turn, but did not approach.
.D
.Bdia
Your mind is muddled, lord of the Xalyas,
.Edia
he said.
.Bdia
You think you have lost something of the Arazmihá when in
reality you have lost nothing. As long as you do not forget
her teachings, you will have lost nothing.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara glared at him.
.Bpenso
You are the one confusing me, you Essimean snake.
.Epenso
He glanced around the shadows of the huge hall and thought
he could make out figures, but he wasn't sure. His attention
finally came to rest on the statue in the center. In the
light of the candelabra, he could make out the shape of a
pillar covered with markings. It looked like the one in
the Pillar Square, but larger and taller. What could Yira have
seen in that piece of stone? What did she see in the people
of Skâra that she did not see among the Xalyas?
Civilization? He let out a sinister, sarcastic laugh and
said:
.D
.Bdia
I don't believe it. I am sure the Arazmihá made it clear
that you were to let her go with the Xalyas. To oppose her
desire, is it not to go against Skâra's desire?
.Edia
.P
He was trying to trap him on his own ground… and he guessed
instantly that he would get nowhere that way. Todakwa's
smile seemed hateful to him.
.D
.Bdia
To tell the Great Servant of Skâra that he is going against
Her desire is insulting, young Xalya.
.Edia
.P
There was a silence. Dashvara retorted curtly:
.D
.Bdia
To steal the heart of the Lord of the Steppe is outrageous.
.Edia
.P
He caught Todakwa's gaze and his pensive pout. He seemed to
be saying to him: now that peace is so close, are we really
going to let our people fight over a woman? Are we going to
kill each other over a necromancer who hasn't even expressed
a desire to follow you?
.P
With a heavy heart, Dashvara staggered back as if he had been
hit. And yet, no one had come near him. It was his
nightmares, his thoughts, that attacked him relentlessly in
waves. They were telling him,
.Bpenso
Murderer
.Epenso .
They were telling him,
.Bpenso
Your Eternal Bird is dead
.Epenso .
.P
In a vain effort to regain his composure, he stepped away
from Todakwa and walked to the center, to the pillar. He was
angry at himself for losing his temper in front of Todakwa, but
he was especially angry for not speaking to Yira when
he had her just before him, in front of the Temple. Another
mistake, he thought. And the more mistakes and oversights he
made, the more he became convinced that Arviyag and Paopag
had messed with his head.
.P
Strangely enough, reaching this conclusion suddenly calmed
him; his eyes were hazily wandering on the Galka signs on the
pillar when he realized that Todakwa had approached with the
candelabra. The Essimean placed the candelabra on the stone
rim around the pillar and read in a quiet voice,
translating:
.D
.Bdia
Death lives in time and time lives in us. In us lives Death.
.Edia
He fell silent and murmured a respectful,
.Bdia
.Sm -t erare Skâra shalé .
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked at the Essimean out of the corner of his
eye.
.Bpenso
Kill them,
.Epenso
a familiar voice whispered to him.
.Bpenso
Kill them all.
.Epenso
He let out a long sigh.
.D
.Bdia
I would like to speak with Yira,
.Edia
he said in a strangely calm voice,
.Bdia
Just for a moment. I must hear her say that she wishes to
remain with your people, Todakwa. If not, you must let her
go where she wishes.
.Edia
He sketched a crooked smile as he added,
.Bdia
Death is free. You cannot put chains on her.
.Edia
.P
Todakwa walked around the pillar before answering to his
surprise:
.D
.Bdia
You're right. But I doubt my people would be willing to let
her go without a good reason. And even less so if it's to
have her unite with a people of infidels.
.Edia
.P
He paused a few paces, then turned again to the writings on
the pillar and read them calmly, aloud and in Common
Tongue as he made another turn. He didn't read them all,
only a few, and Dashvara guessed that he wasn't choosing
them at random. Most of them spoke of Skâra as an
all-powerful entity that grew stronger and stronger with
every living thing that was born, for to be born also meant
to die, and in a way, Death also meant Life. Dashvara
listened with increasing disbelief as he understood what
Todakwa was waiting for. Finally, the Essimean fell silent.
His expression of religious reverence did not seem to be
feigned, but who knew with that snake… Dashvara cleared his
throat in the silence of the Temple.
.D
.Bdia
Thank you for the reading, Todakwa. Tell me, you wouldn't by
any chance be suggesting that I… well, that I convert to
.Sm -t erare Skâra ?
.Edia
.P
He almost laughed in disbelief as Todakwa nodded. Eternal
Bird… Surely he was mocking him. However, the Essimean
assured:
.D
.Bdia
I'm not just suggesting it: it's a condition for you to
speak with the Arazmihá and… for the alliance to endure.
.Edia
At Dashvara's stunned eyes, the Essimean shrugged.
.Bdia
Let's be honest: my sovereignty over the other steppian
tribes and my relationship with Titiaka will continue to
give me power that you and the Honyrs will never have. But I
am not a conquering warrior…
.Edia
Here Dashvara could not avoid the look of one who was glad
to hear this. Todakwa rolled his eyes and resumed with a
casual gesture,
.Bdia
I offered you an alliance, and it's still on the table, but
the details have yet to be worked out.
.Edia
Hands behind his back, he took a few steps across the
mosaic-covered floor. His voice echoed in the huge hall as
he declared,
.Bdia
I am willing to recognize the lands of Xalya and the
northern part as Xalya territory. In exchange, the Honyrs
will leave the road free to the Iskamangra Empire, they will
give hospitality to my emissaries, travelers, traders from
Essimea and… their lord will recognize Skâra as his true and
only deity.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara crossed his arms and glanced mockingly at the
figures in the shadows before turning to Todakwa. He found
it hard to believe that this man could think for a moment
that a Xalya, an heir to the Ancient Kings, would embrace
the religion of a savage people.
.Bpenso
Except now, Dash, they are the civilized ones while we are
the savages…
.Epenso
Receiving no immediate response, Todakwa observed:
.D
.Bdia
You would not be the first son of the Eternal Bird to
recognize Skâra. The lords of the steppe may be gone, but
their peoples were not entirely wiped out, and I know many
sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons of slaves who worship
Skâra. I am even willing to allow those who wish to join you
to do so.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched his eyebrows. The proposal was becoming more
and more attractive to him, and for many reasons. Looking
thoughtful, he turned to the pillar and observed the Galka
signs without reading them. Finally, he said:
.D
.Bdia
Abandon the incursions into Honyr lands, open the road south
for us, and allow our herds to go as far as the pastures
east of the Araset and the wells to be used again. Free the
slaves who wish to leave. Free the Arazmihá. And free
Raxifar of Akinoa and his people and give them back their
horses. And, finally, assume that the Eternal Bird is what
we are and do, not a deity. If you accept all this, Todakwa,
I pledge to recognize Skâra as a true deity. I know that
your people call me the Immortal King, and that some think
it is no accident that the Arazmihá was accompanying me.
.Edia
This he knew mostly from the chatter of Youk and other boys.
Seeing Todakwa's pout, he hastened to assure,
.Bdia
There is nothing immortal about me, and frankly, I have no
intention of creating more dissension among your people, on
the contrary. But I doubt that the Essimeans will protest if
the Arazmihá leaves with me just as she came.
.Edia
He shrugged and concluded,
.Bdia
These are my terms.
.Edia
.P
The silence lingered. At least, Todakwa wasn't refusing
immediately, but who knows if he was thinking about his
proposal or if he was already laughing at some treachery he
had in mind against the Honyrs and Xalyas…
.P
Suddenly, Todakwa clicked his tongue. Immediately, the figure
of a young disciple appeared silently in the shadows. His
leader whispered to him, the disciple nodded, said something
in a whispered voice, and vanished again into the darkness
of the temple. Then Todakwa bowed to the pillar and said a
prayer in Galka with a low voice.
.P
.Bpenso
Great,
.Epenso
Dashvara snorted inwardly.
.Bpenso
I talk to him about negotiations, and the Essimean starts
praying. Wonderful. Come on, keep praying, snake, and don't
you dare stop.
.Epenso
.P
He tried not to get angry, though. Finally, Todakwa stood up,
gave Dashvara a half-mocking, half-satisfied smile, picked
up the candelabra, and walked away between the columns.
Dashvara looked at him, dumbfounded. What the hell?! Now he
was leaving?
.P
He took a step toward him, opened his mouth, and was about
to protest when he heard a door open and saw the figure of
the Arazmihá appear between the columns. She was still
wearing the white robe, but now Dashvara was prepared. That
is, as soon as he saw her, he let out his name in a muffled
exclamation and stepped towards her. His hands trembled as
he reached for her hands. He took them from her, and his eyes
looked into hers. He sensed her hesitation and whispered:
.D
.Bdia
You are free now, naâsga.
.Edia
He bowed to her and kissed her hands with feverish fervor
before promising,
.Bdia
You are free to go wherever you wish.
.Edia
.P
Gently, Yira drew nearer, and gradually the harmonic shadows
enveloped them. Soon, Dashvara was unable to see her.
.D
.Bdia
I can't see anything,
.Edia
he snorted.
.P
Yira replied in an amused tone:
.D
.Bdia
Just because you can't see me doesn't mean I'm not close to
you.
.Edia
.P
Her lips found his. Dashvara kissed her and felt the most
complete peace come over him. He bet that the Essimeans in
the Temple could only see a large harmonic shadow, with
perhaps two joined silhouettes, but nothing more. He smiled,
his heart racing, feeling Yira's mortic energy against his
skin, and he thought:
.P
.Bpenso
After that, Essimean snake, you won't be able to say that I
don't worship Skâra.
.Epenso
.Ch Messengers of Peace: Epilogue
His decision to bow to Skâra outraged both the Xalyas and
the Honyrs, but once Dashvara explained that he was doing it
out of conviction, they didn't dare mention the subject
again. At least not in front of him. And so, the next day,
after spending the night at the Temple, he knelt before the
pillar of Skâra and left the sacred building with his naâsga
so that the Essimeans could cheer them and celebrate the
peace between the two peoples. They gave them gifts, not to
the Honyrs but specifically to the Immortal King and the
Arazmihá. Dashvara gave half to Skâra and indirectly to
Todakwa in order to show him that, despite the obvious
support he received from the Essimean people, he had no
intention of taking advantage of it other than to
consolidate the peace.
.P
With the rest, he paid for the boat for the sibilians,
bought food for the journey north, gave gifts to the Honyrs
and his brothers, and gave the Cilian priest who had seen
him deny the Eternal Bird a beautiful steppe cloak made of
horsehair. As the Titiaka priest looked at him in amazement,
Dashvara explained:
.D
.Bdia
I spent three years in the Tower of Compassion, foreigner,
and I deeply respect compassion. You showed it to me when
you saw my dying soul, and for that, I am grateful.
.Edia
.P
The priest's disciples were staring at the Arazmihá and her
mortic face, but then one of them turned to Dashvara for a
moment, his eyebrows furrowed, as if thinking: What is this
savage saying to my master? The priest, however, bowed his
head ceremoniously and accepted the gift, saying:
.D
.Bdia
May Cili continue to light your way.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara smiled and replied:
.D
.Bdia
Skâra and Cili are like the sun, foreigner: they light,
burn, warm, and blind. And the Liadirlá flies, changes its
path, gets burned, goes blind, falls, and takes flight again…
A real dance,
.Edia
he joked.
.Bdia
But worth it.
.Edia
.P
He shook his head, amused, at the priest's bewildered
expression.
.P
.Bpenso
In other words, foreigner, whether the Eternal Bird flies
singing to Skâra or to Cili matters not: the important thing
is that it flies.
.Epenso
.P
He left the priest there to ponder on the Immortal King's
lucidity and turned to Kuriag. He had not spoken with him
since Kuriag had asked his forgiveness for allowing his
torture four days ago. The young elf approached the crowded
street of the Temple. He was surrounded by Ragails. Dashvara
counted them. There were twelve of them. No one was missing.
Even Captain Djamin was there, he noted with relief when he
saw the serious face of the elite warrior. The Ragail's eyes scanned the
crowd as if he expected Todakwa to play another trick on
them at any moment. He also looked tired and disgruntled,
anxious to return home and leave this inhospitable steppe
inhabited by barbarians. Although he wore a thick cloak, he
struggled to keep still in the icy wind, his teeth
chattering and his shaven face flushed with cold. After
glancing at the other Titiaka warriors, Dashvara mentally
confirmed,
.Bpenso
The steppe isn't for you either, Ragails
.Epenso .
.P
Finally, Kuriag Dikaksunora stopped in front of Dashvara and
looked around nervously at the street full of curious eyes.
He looked very uncomfortable. Lessi accompanied him and was
the first to break the silence by addressing Yira and gently
taking her left hand.
.D
.Bdia
I understand you at last, sîzin. I am so happy for you. I
hope we'll always be good friends.
.Edia
.P
The Essimeans were getting restless, probably wondering if
it was acceptable for anyone to touch the Arazmihá. Yira
smiled.
.D
.Bdia
I hope so too, Lessi. With all my heart.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag was pale and agitated. Not surprising, given that he
was facing the man who had killed his cousin. And yet, there
was no anger in him. In fact, there was such an innocence
about him and Lessi that Dashvara marveled again at how much
a pure heart could suffer without losing its purity. Or
barely. Finally, the young elf nodded ceremoniously to the
Immortal King and declared:
.D
.Bdia
Thank you for the gifts, Lord of the Xalyas.
.Edia
.P
Not knowing what to do, the young Titiaka had opted to
retreat behind formalities and a serious and distant tone.
Dashvara smiled.
.D
.Bdia
It was only natural, Excellency. To tell the truth, I still feel
indebted to you. I haven't forgotten all that you have done
for us and I want to do everything I can to repay you.
.Edia
.P
.Bpenso
Like returning his cousin's head, for example?
.Epenso
he thought, ironic.
.P
He cleared his throat and said:
.D
.Bdia
All in all, you bought us for over ten thousand dragons.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag Dikaksunora frowned and shook his head as if he felt
uncomfortable just hearing him mention that.
.D
.Bdia
It doesn't matter,
.Edia
he assured.
.Bdia
I bought you knowing that I would set you free. You owe me
nothing. Really. The best reward is knowing that my wife's
people will finally live free and at peace.
.Edia
.P
He said the last words with a hint of doubt, as if he could
not believe that the steppe would really live in peace from
now on. Dashvara smiled, and under the intrigued gaze of the
Titiaka, he took off the shelshami and said:
.D
.Bdia
It would be an honor for me, Excellency, if you would accept
this stone.
.Edia
He untied the pearl from the black scarf and handed it to
the Titiaka.
.Bdia
It belonged to my father. It is a desert pearl. They say
they are extremely rare.
.Edia
.P
Captain Djamin frowned but did not move as a curious Kuriag
picked up the pearl. Examining it, he let out an incredulous
exclamation.
.D
.Bdia
By Serenity,
.Edia
he gasped.
.Bdia
It's… it's a seren crystal! My father had a very similar one
that he bought for six thousand dragons.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara struggled to suppress a pout of amazement. Really?
Six thousand? He shrugged in good humor.
.D
.Bdia
Well, if it's valuable, so much the better. You can sell it
or throw it in the ocean. It's yours.
.Edia
.P
He could see Kuriag's protests coming, but he was wrong: the
young elf was too stunned to make any objections. Dashvara
exchanged an amused look with Yira and was about to walk
away when, reacting, Kuriag took his eyes off the gem and
said:
.D
.Bdia
Wait.
.Edia
His voice sounded authoritative. He blushed. And, under
Dashvara's questioning gaze, he explained,
.Bdia
You're forgetting the marks. The counter-seal. I have to
apply the counter-seal to you to officially release you.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara couldn't help it: he burst out laughing,
incredulous.
.D
.Bdia
That won't be necessary,
.Edia
he assured.
.D
.Bdia
Yes, it is,
.Edia
Kuriag replied. Dashvara frowned, and the elf admitted,
.Bdia
They are marks with a special pattern. Normally, they are
renewed every year. If they are not… nasty things happen.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara stared at him. Devils, and he was telling him that
only now?
.D
.Bdia
What sort of nasty things?
.Edia
he asked in a dull growl.
.P
Kuriag flushed.
.D
.Bdia
You… you'd rather not know. But I could easily dispatch one
of my men to apply the counter-seal to you. Unfortunately,
all our carrier pigeons escaped during the… the night of the
Bushkia Baw and… I can't send any messages from here.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara sighed loudly.
.D
.Bdia
And you can't undo the magic yourself?
.Edia
.P
Kuriag Dikaksunora opened his mouth, hesitated, caught
Captain Djamin's gaze, and choked.
.D
.Bdia
No. I can't.
.Edia
.P
He was lying. Dashvara watched him, his eyebrows furrowed,
as the young Dikaksunora grew more and more nervous and
assured:
.D
.Bdia
Really, I can't. It takes a lot of skill to properly disable
the marks.
.Edia
.P
Now he sounded sincere. Dashvara nodded mentally.
.Bpenso
Well, all right. What you want is to make sure you get out
of here alive and well as soon as possible. Your caution was
unnecessary and is a bit insulting, but…
.Epenso
He glanced mockingly at Captain Djamin and nodded again more
firmly.
.D
.Bdia
It's fine. I will order that you be escorted to Ergaika
with carts to carry all your belongings, and from there, you
can send carrier pigeons, return home, and send us the
counter-seal. You have my word as a Xalya.
.Edia
.P
Kuriag swallowed.
.D
.Bdia
Good. Thank you,
.Edia
he murmured.
.P
Captain Djamin looked satisfied. Dashvara was about to walk
away but stopped to add:
.D
.Bdia
It would be an honor for me if you and your wife would agree
to share dinner with me tonight in the Honyr camp. We can…
.Edia
he smiled,
.Bdia
talk about Eternal Birds, Ancient Kings, and whatever else
you want, Excellency. You will tell me that the Eternal Bird no
longer exists, and I will tell you otherwise. I will also be
honored if Captain Djamin and Asmoan of Gravia agree to
come.
.Edia
And, seeing Kuriag's slight hesitation, he hastened to say,
.Bdia
You know my Eternal Bird, Kuriag Dikaksunora. I may make
mistakes, certainly, I have made mistakes and I know I will
continue to make mistakes, but my soul is not that of a
traitor. And I can assure you that, even if you consider us
savages, hospitality is a sacred law on the steppe. My clan,
the clan of the Honyrs, will welcome you as a brother
whenever you come to visit us. Let dishonor fall upon him
who does not respect such a fundamental law. There is no
treason,
.Edia
he insisted.
.P
Kuriag had a sad and emotional expression.
.D
.Bdia
I believe you,
.Edia
he assured.
.Bdia
I have come to know you, Dashvara of Xalya. I know that
honorable principles guide you, I cannot deny that. But this
is… well…
.Edia
He shrugged and sketched a smile.
.Bdia
The other day, Asmoan and I were talking about justice, and
we were debating whether it should be guided by the heart or
by reason, and… at some point we came to the conclusion
that, while I am a steady river, you are a river that easily
overflows. No offense meant…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Believe me, I assume it perfectly,
.Edia
Dashvara assured in a cheerful tone.
.Bdia
We've followed different paths of education. And you've
broken free of yours better than I have, I'm afraid.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Not quite,
.Edia
Kuriag muttered.
.P
Dashvara looked at him curiously and decided to be sincere
in turn:
.D
.Bdia
Not quite maybe, but enough to make a savage like me call
you brother without hesitation. You know? I don't think I'm
wrong in saying that you've taught me far more about the
Eternal Bird than I've ever taught you,
.Edia
he pronounced, bowing his head respectfully, and smiled at
Kuriag's astounded expression.
.Bdia
At any rate, I can't complain about the two Titiaka masters
I've had. I hold you both in high regard. I really do. But
don't tell Atasiag: it would go to his head,
.Edia
he joked.
.P
Kuriag laughed, flushed. His expression became comical in
its joyous innocence. He opened his mouth, seemed to
suddenly remember something, and then bowed his head and
said:
.D
.Bdia
It will be an honor to accept your invitation, Immortal
King.
.Edia
.P
If there was irony in the appellation, Dashvara did not
perceive it,
and he wondered if the young elf still believed that he had
really resurrected in Titiaka and a second time in the
Feather. In any case, there was definitely something
supernatural about the whole affair, since he had twice
survived the red snake venom…
.Bpenso
And all because of those damn magic powders I randomly
swallowed in Rocavita,
.Epenso
Dashvara laughed inwardly. Or at least that was the only
explanation Tsu had been unable to refute. He bowed and
replied:
.D
.Bdia
The honor is mine, brother.
.Edia
.P
The Agoskurian scientist and the captain accepted the
invitation, too, and Dashvara finally left with Yira. Throughout
the day, he wisely followed the religious ceremony held in honor
of Skâra and his two envoys. They dipped their hands in the
icy river, drank a glass of blood from the best horse of the
year, and returned to the temple to sit for an interminable
time, so that the priests could read the signs in their
every movement, and thus make sure that, although the winter
was going to be hard, the spring would be early and the
summer would be prosperous. Dashvara restrained himself from
questioning their assertions and whispered to Yira with a
slight gasp:
.D
.Bdia
And you've been putting up with this for two weeks, naâsga?
.Edia
.P
The sursha cleared her throat in amusement. Dashvara admired her
patience. He breathed in the fresh air of the Temple, closed
his eyes, opened them again to see the priests, and… sighed.
.D
.Bdia
All we need is for the Essimean to start sacrificing
children in our honor.
.Edia
.P
Yira shuddered slightly, and as the priests continued their
prayers, she stated in a low voice:
.D
.Bdia
They tried on Skâra Hill, but I told them that Skâra would
not need sacrifices as long as the Arazmihá was with them.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara arched his eyebrows.
.D
.Bdia
Unbelievable. And they listened to you?
.Edia
.P
Yira's eyes smiled.
.D
.Bdia
I am the Arazmihá.
.Edia
.P
.\" ZZZ relectura kaos
Dashvara sighed again and eventually got fed up with the
ceremony. When, at last, Todakwa invited them to eat in his imposing house and
the priests stopped tormenting their heads with their songs
and blessings, he was about to explode. If he had been told
that he had to endure this for two weeks, the Essimeans
would not have found him at dawn. Fortunately, he had an
engagement with Kuriag Dikaksunora, he had invited him to
get to know the Honyrs, and this turned out to be the perfect excuse to
cut the celebrations short. They clarified the alliance with
Todakwa, bowed several times, received a few more blessings,
listened to the sibilian leader's terse thanks for the ship,
and finally left.
.P
Several dozen Honyrs who had accompanied them and two
hundred Xalyas left Aralika. Along with them came two dozen
heirs of the Eternal Bird who, though most of them had been
slaves all their lives, were adventurous enough to hope for
a better life with the Honyrs. Not surprisingly, the
majority did not move. These steppians had their lives
established, and the Xalya Dahars either no longer mattered
to them or reminded them of old enmities with other steppe
lords. So they showed no intention of leaving, and Dashvara
made no effort to convince them either, for the simple
reason that they had not bought enough food supplies for so
many people.
.P
As they rode eastward, crushing the thin layer of snow,
Dashvara noticed that several of his brothers who had
remained at the rear of the procession looked deep in
conversation. They talked, shook their heads, and then fell
silent for quite some time. Before they realized that
Dashvara was watching them, he turned his gaze forward, a
little nervously, for he was convinced that his brothers
were talking about him.
.P
.Bpenso
Yes, of course, since you've spent the day receiving
blessings, hymns, and lavish feasts, you now think they're
all talking about you, huh? You are full of yourself.
.Epenso
.P
He pulled Sunrise away from the procession, stopped her, and
patted her on the neck, whispering:
.D
.Bdia
Soon you will have a refuge in the north, daâra, and you
will not be cold. In the spring, you will graze and grow
strong. And you will see what it is to live free on the
steppe. Yes, you will,
.Edia
he murmured.
.P
They were not far short of the Honyr camp when, seized with
a sudden anxiety, Dashvara approached his brothers and said:
.D
.Bdia
Captain.
.Edia
.P
He was dismayed by the reserved looks his brothers gave him.
Liadirlá… What the hell was happening to them? The Captain
cleared his throat.
.D
.Bdia
Yes, son?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara hesitated, confused. He could not remember what
question had brought him to Zorvun.
.P
.Bpenso
Pff, Dash, you fall apart at the drop of a hat. React, wake up,
show some firmness! Your Eternal Bird tells you that you
have done the right thing in kneeling before Skâra… Stop
doubting: it is all over. Peace reigns in the steppe. Now
make sure to bring peace to your soul.
.Epenso
.D
.Bdia
My son?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara blinked and looked at the captain. The captain was
watching him with serene patience. After a silence, Dashvara
huffed and grunted:
.D
.Bdia
I know what I have done. Now the Essimean people are well
disposed towards us. Something that was unthinkable a month
ago. And Todakwa… well, I didn't cut off his head, I didn't
fulfill my father's revenge, I'm a bad son. But I can live
with that. As long as there is peace on the steppe, what
does it matter if I have to go and say to the Essimean
.qt Skâra shalé
from time to time? What the hell. The customs of the
Essimeans are debatable, but the precepts of Skâra are not
bad. And I did not kneel before Todakwa, but before Skâra.
No, Captain: I do not repent of what I have done.
.Edia
.P
He fell silent. The captain rubbed his forehead, smiling.
.D
.Bdia
I think we all get that, Dashvara.
.Edia
.P
The lord of the steppe arched his eyebrows and looked at his
brothers before shaking his head in confusion.
.D
.Bdia
Then why are you looking at me so strangely?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
We're not looking at you strangely,
.Edia
Zamoy protested.
.P
Dashvara gave him a skeptical expression, and he noticed that
his brothers looked away uncomfortably. Zamoy was the only
one to clearly and abruptly state his thought:
.D
.Bdia
You're the one acting strangely. First, you lend your sword to the
sibilian for him to kill you, then you convert to Skâra and send all
the gifts to the four winds… And now, you accept that
death-priests come to preach us stupidities, and you even
accept that Yira stays in Aralika during the whole winter. I
really didn't expect that last one. As far as I know, it's
your naâsga, right? Or are you, too, going to stay with the
Essimeans, Dash?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara looked at him in disbelief and finally understood
his brothers' concern. He would have burst out laughing if
he hadn't seen them all so anxious. He assured them:
.D
.Bdia
By the Liadirlá, I wouldn't stay with these priests for
a thousand horses! If I allowed the priests to come to our
lands, it was because I allowed
.Sm -t erare any Essimean
to come to our lands. As for Yira…
.Edia
.P
He darkened and looked up to the head of the procession.
There, the sursha was advancing alongside Lessi, Kuriag,
Asmoan, Api, and two priests of Skâra who were escorting
her. He noticed that the two demons were keeping their
distance from Yira, especially the Agoskurian. He resumed:
.D
.Bdia
My naâsga…
.Edia
.P
He smiled at his brothers and said:
.D
.Bdia
It's her decision and I respect it. She hasn't told me why,
but I'm sure she has her reasons. In the spring, I will go
to Aralika, and we will return north together. Don't worry,
brothers. She's still a Xalya.
.Edia
.P
He saw them nod and exchange glances. They couldn't really
understand him, but knowing that he wouldn't be staying with
the Essimeans to play the Immortal King made them almost
sigh in relief.
.P
.Bpenso
Four months,
.Epenso
Dashvara thought, thoughtfully.
.P
Four months and the snow would melt, the grass would grow,
the steppe would be covered with colors… and life would be
reborn.
.P
.salto
.D
.Bdia
My lord, my lord!
.Edia
a distant voice shouted.
.P
Dashvara laid a gentle hand on the sheep's forehead, stopped
shearing, and looked up. Youk rode up the flowery slope,
towards the river and the yurt, and kept repeating:
.D
.Bdia
My looooord!
.Edia
.P
With an expert leap, he dismounted, and the sheep bleated,
agitated. Dashvara clicked his tongue, soothed them, and
raised a hand to greet the boy. When they had traveled north
to Faorok, pragmatism had led the Xalyas to divide
themselves among the various Honyr families. They had
dispersed as needed. There had been many unions that winter
and a continuous movement from yurt to yurt. The Xalya
children and teenagers now had new families and someone who
could quietly teach them everything a good steppian should
know. And, well, before any Honyr had the idea of pushing
Youk away because of his tattoos, Dashvara had gone to meet
him and asked him if he would be able to put up with a
philosopher lord. The boy's face had lit up with happiness.
.P
Dashvara smiled as he remembered. He had no regrets at all
about welcoming the boy into his yurt. His enthusiasm for
everything amazed him, he learned eagerly, and although he
still felt easily ashamed at the slightest mistake, that
didn't stop him from making plenty of them, and well, let's
just say that the boy's presence alone—added to his
herd, the union ceremonies, and the various meetings with
the tribes near Faorok—had given Dashvara the most pleasant
winter in years. Only the presence of his naâsga could have
made him happier. And he would soon go meet her, he
rejoiced.
.P
The boy came up to him panting, and Dashvara said patiently:
.D
.Bdia
I thought you'd stopped calling me lord. What's the matter,
boy? Did you get bitten by a saravy?
.Edia
.P
Youk exhaled sharply.
.D
.Bdia
You won't believe it! I mean, if you see it, you will… but
you have to come and see!
.Edia
He put two fingers in his mouth and whistled before
shouting, turning to the herd of horses grazing freely a
little ways away,
.Bdia
Sunrise! Quick, quick, quick!
.Edia
.P
He was elated. Dashvara sighed. One of Youk's problems was
that sometimes he just forgot to
.Sm explain
what was going on.
.D
.Bdia
Take it easy, kid,
.Edia
he soothed him.
.Bdia
Calm down and don't make me nervous. Sunrise isn't going
anywhere: she's going to stay and graze on the grass. What
do I need to see?
.Edia
.P
Youk huffed, as if it were obvious.
.D
.Bdia
Well, who do you think, the Arazmihá! She has arrived at the
lake. And she's not coming alone.
.Edia
.P
It was as if he had been hit on the head with a hammer and
shown a paradise at the same time. A wave of amazement, haste,
joy, and worry swept over Dashvara. But… but there were
still two weeks to go before…
.D
.Bdia
Liadirlá!
.Edia
he exclaimed in a trembling voice.
.Bdia
Youk… kid… stay here and look after the flock, will you?
Don't let any sheep escape, there's no need for you to shear
them, I'll do it afterwards, and above all, don't ride
Rocdinfer while I'm gone, that stallion has a bad temper and
he's not ready, and, if I don't get back before dark…
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I'll scatter them all with a shout and set the yurt on fire,
.Edia
Youk replied with a broad mocking smile.
.Bdia
Don't worry, Dash, I've been herding since I could stand on
my own two legs.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded, rolling his eyes, and said in an equally
mocking tone:
.D
.Bdia
Do not forget to pray, unfaithful soul, or the Arazmihá will
punish you. But, tell me, just one thing. Yira is doing all
right, isn't she?
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
Wonderfully,
.Edia
Youk assured. And he followed his lord as Dashvara was
already hurrying away from the herd to fetch Silver. The
horse hadn't been ridden for several days and was in better
shape than Sunrise. Behind him, the boy kept on talking,
.Bdia
Ah, I must not forget the jug of milk for Okuvara! Hasn't he
come yet? He said that today Tsu would not give him lessons
and that he would come by here to teach me how to play the
flute. You don't know how much Tsu's teaching him. It's
amazing. Magic stuff is so weird. I don't know how he can
retain so much. And by the way!
.Edia
he added cheerfully.
.Bdia
There's another piece of news, but the captain asked me not
to tell you about it, because you might just fall off your
horse if I do.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara glanced at him, frowning. He hesitated to ask him
for an explanation, but then decided to be patient, climbed
onto Silver, and said:
.D
.Bdia
A Xalya never falls off his horse. And if he does, he does
it on purpose.
.Edia
.P
He smiled and raised his hand to Youk in greeting before
trotting the horse off to the northwest.
.P
The great lake was barely an hour from where they
were, and the itinerary was easy: to get there, all one had to do
was to walk down the slope following the river. More than
one Honyr had already deserted Faorok to the south in search
of new pastures, but most of the clan was still settled
around the big lake and near the river. There was still snow
in the lower mountains of Esarey, but below, it had melted
completely. As a result, the steppe had been transformed
into an ocean of scents and colors: flowers of all kinds
covered it like a coat, white, blue, yellow, red… It was a
real sight. Compared to the lands of Xalya, this region was
pure life. It was another steppe. And a friendlier steppe,
no doubt.
.P
Dashvara made the journey to the lake, picturing in his mind
the smiling black eyes of his naâsga, her hair as white
as the clouds that glided across the sky that day, her
unearthly face, alive and magical, and he heard again her
sweet, joyful voice as if he were already holding the little
sursha in his arms. He longed to see her again. He still did
not understand what madness had made him accept so calmly
Yira's decision to stay in Aralika during the winter. No
matter how much he thought about it, he could find no reason
why Yira would have preferred to stay longer with the
Essimeans. He had endured Makarva's attempts to get him to
take an interest in Ladli, Shire's granddaughter, with
impatience and irritation… Dashvara had come to understand
that his brothers thought the sursha would not return. Of
course, he hadn't listened to them. And he'd been right,
since Yira hadn't even waited for Dashvara to go to her
and she'd traveled to Faorok before the appointed date.
Dashvara smiled. His heart had not doubted for a second that
he would see her again.
.P
The lake of Faorok was surrounded by trees. It formed a
curious border between the Red Desert and the steppe. On one
side was an irregular terrain of reddish stone bristling
with impassable rocks. And on the other side… was the home
of the Xalyas.
.P
He waved at more than one Honyr from afar and rode around
more than one herd before spotting a group of horsemen
riding south. Dashvara's heart stopped for a second before
it began to beat more strongly. The closer the distance got,
the bigger his smile grew. As soon as he recognized his
naâsga among the riders, he became unable to focus on the others. Vaguely,
he knew that the captain, Atok, and several Essimeans were
with her, but that was all. His eyes devoured the figure of
the sursha. Finally, he dismounted, the others walked the
last few steps and… he saw the little creature tied to Yira
with a white cloth. Astonishment filled him. Without a word,
he helped her to the ground, his heart pounding. His gaze
went back and forth from Yira's smiling eyes to the little
creature sleeping soundly against her. Finally, the sursha
let out a muffled, slightly nervous laugh.
.D
.Bdia
Did your tongue freeze, Dashvara of Xalya?
.Edia
.P
This one huffed, and he felt like a blissful idiot when he
asked:
.D
.Bdia
It's… it's ours, isn't it?
.Edia
.P
Yira laughed.
.D
.Bdia
She's our daughter,
.Edia
she asserted.
.D
.Bdia
Our daughter,
.Edia
Dashvara repeated, smiling broadly.
.Bdia
Liadirlá, that's… that's so wonderful,
.Edia
he murmured.
.P
He did not ask her at that moment why she had wanted to stay
in Aralika all winter. Nor did he ask her how a girl could
be born in less than nine months. He would ask her more
questions later. At that moment, he simply took them both in
his arms, kissed his daughter's head and kissed his naâsga's
forehead for a long time before murmuring:
.D
.Bdia
Ayshat, naâsga. Ayshat for coming back.
.Edia
.P
Finally, aware of the others, he wondered what the hell they
were staring at, looked up, and saw them all smiling. He
rolled his eyes.
.Bpenso
You're all very happy now, but you still tried hard to offer
me more naâsgas over the winter, brothers…
.Epenso
.P
Among them, besides Zorvun and Atok, were Kodarah, Sirk Is
Rhad, Atsan Is Fadul, and Shokr Is Set. But there were not
only people from his clan. There was also a Titiaka—probably
the one who was supposed to bring the famous counter-seal—as
well as two Essimeans: a priest and… Ashiwa of Essimea? But
it was not the presence of Todakwa's brother that left him
speechless. When he saw the young woman smiling from the top
of her mount, he gently stepped away from Yira, not
believing his eyes. Instead of being dressed in luxurious Titiaka
clothes, she was in a simple white tunic and a thick steppe
cloak, but it was definitely her. Before he could say
anything, Fayrah jumped to the ground and said:
.D
.Bdia
You were right, sîzan: Lanamiag Korfu was a fool. When he
learned that Atasiag had concealed a necromancer, that idiot
accused me of being a witch, threatened to repudiate me,
and even admitted to me that he had ordered your murder. A
fool,
.Edia
she asserted.
.Bdia
So Father paid me the boat to Dazbon, and I stayed a few
weeks in a very nice house and went to visit Zaadma and
Rokuish and their triplets, they are lovely, and the people
there are very kind, but… Nowhere is better than home,
.Edia
she admitted in a whisper.
.Bdia
So, I came back to the steppe and… well, in the last few
months I've been doing a lot of thinking, sîzan. I hope… I
hope you will forgive me. I only thought I was following my
Eternal Bird.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara shook his head, smiling.
.D
.Bdia
You don't know how glad I am that you are back, sîzin.
There's nothing to forgive. All I can say is… welcome back
to your clan.
.Edia
.P
He kissed her forehead gently and thought:
.P
.Bpenso
The only thing you forgot to bring me was Lusombra,
Essimeans. But I guess everything can't be perfect.
.Epenso
.P
Between brothers and Essimeans, they exchanged news.
Apparently, the Shalussi still had quarrels among
themselves, and the Essimeans were doing nothing to resolve
them. It was said that Lifdor of Shalussi had become a
bandit.
.D
.Bdia
Strange pastime for such an honorable man,
.Edia
Dashvara scoffed.
.P
No one had heard from the Akinoas: since they had regained
their freedom, they had gone north and did not seem to have
any intention of returning. The captain commented:
.D
.Bdia
And it looks like young Kodarah wants to do the same. He
says he's going off on adventures to the east with Api and
Tahisran to look for a certain magical little girl. He's
going to be our legend hunter,
.Edia
he said with mocking pride.
.Bdia
Miflin is already composing a heroic ode in his honor.
.Edia
.D
.Bdia
I do what I want with my life, Captain,
.Edia
the Hairy protested.
.D
.Bdia
Of course, my boy,
.Edia
the captain assured.
.Bdia
I won't be the one to stop you from following your Eternal
Bird.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara could not avoid looking at Kodarah with sincere
surprise. He would have never guessed that the Hairy
had an adventurous spirit. He himself had intended to
travel to Mount Bakhia this summer, as soon as their herds
got a little closer, but… would he go off to have adventures
in the eastern lands, after all the trouble he'd had
returning to the steppe? No way. Kodarah, however, was
younger and was apparently dying to see the world.
.D
.Bdia
When are you leaving?
.Edia
he asked.
.D
.Bdia
In two weeks,
.Edia
Kodarah answered excitedly.
.Bdia
We'll cross the Red Desert to the Kingdom of Deygat, in
Iskamangra. Then we'll cross the entire empire and get to
the Bayland. Then we'll go all the way to the Fire
Republic. That's where Tahisran comes from, so we won't get
lost. And maybe we'll meet that ternian girl, Shaedra.
She'll help us look for the faerie. I mean, the girl. It won't
be easy to find her, Zamoy says I'm crazy… but I don't care,
I'm going with them,
.Edia
he said.
.P
His voice vibrated with anticipation. Dashvara could
only wish him good luck and a safe journey. He had a feeling
he wouldn't see the Hairy again for a long time, but, as
Namamrah said, every Eternal Bird makes its own way through
the wide sky of life.
.P
Dashvara nodded to himself, paused contemplatively, and
turned his eyes to Yira and his daughter. He watched them
for a moment before deciding that he now wanted to be alone
with them and to be able to talk at length and enjoy their
presence and fill the void that the absence of his naâsga
had caused… His impatience was growing by the second, so,
pointing with his thumb in the southern direction, he
declared:
.D
.Bdia
I have some sheep to shear, my brothers. We shall meet again
soon to have this famous counter-seal put on us…
.Edia
.P
The farewells were made quickly and in a serene hubbub of
voices. Fayrah assured them that she preferred to stay by
the lake and that Shire Is Fadul had offered to take her in.
As the riders rode away, Dashvara took Yira back into his
arms, and after looking down at the little creature and
admiring her for a few moments, fascinated, he asked:
.D
.Bdia
What did you name her?
.Edia
.P
Yira pouted innocently.
.D
.Bdia
She was born at night, so… I named her Zrifa. It means night
in the language of my homeland.
.Edia
.P
Zrifa had just woken up and opened her eyelids. A red glow shone
in her dark eyes. She let out a babbling. Dashvara smiled
warmly. Yira whispered:
.D
.Bdia
She was born small but strong. I guess since her mother was
a sursha, she couldn't have been born bigger. Surshas give
birth earlier than humans, but Zrifa really came early.
Apparently she was burning to see her father,
.Edia
she smiled. She bit her lip and, turning serious, she
admitted,
.Bdia
I was afraid I wouldn't be able to deliver anything alive.
It was one of my greatest fears and as soon as I knew that…
Well. I preferred to stay at the Temple. Daeya and Fayrah
have been very helpful to me over the months. And Atasiag
has sent me all sorts of gifts. I heard that Kuriag has
hired him as his High Councilor.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gazed at her, drinking in her words. Then he
smiled.
.D
.Bdia
Kuriag certainly needs a good advisor so that the civilized
don't eat him alive.
.Edia
.P
They fell silent. A fresh wind swept across the steppe,
carrying with it the scent of flowers, the sand of the Red
Desert, and the distant sound of bleating. Then Yira
remarked with amusement:
.D
.Bdia
Didn't you have some sheep to shear?
.Edia
.P
Dashvara nodded vigorously.
.D
.Bdia
Oh right. Yes. That's true. But there's no hurry. I'll show
you the yurt, it's a bit austere at the moment, but we'll
fix it up little by little. Youk lives with me. I hope you
don't mind. He is a very nice boy. Liadirlá, I know what
I'll do. I have some wood left. I'm going to make a crib for
Zrifa as soon as we get there.
.Edia
He paused.
.Bdia
Can I hold her?
.Edia
.P
He took the little colt in his arms. She had gone back to
sleep. Dashvara preferred not to ask Yira about her fears,
since they no longer existed. He didn't want to think about
the past: the only thing that mattered was that his Eternal
Bird was flying in peace and not alone.
.P
They spent the way back home talking about everything and
anything. Night fell before they arrived, and Dashvara
looked pensively at the stars and the Constellation of
Scorpion. Then he heard Yira breathe in softly, looked down,
and saw the cloud of alurhias that had just passed them. It
swirled around, and suddenly, butterflies of light appeared,
and the alurhias moved away a little before returning.
Dashvara rolled his eyes as he saw Yira playing with them.
When he saw lights landing on him, he shook his head and
protested:
.D
.Bdia
It doesn't count. They're harmonies, not real alurhias.
.Edia
.P
Yira smiled.
.D
.Bdia
I swear these ones are not harmonies.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara gave her a skeptical look, and when Yira started
blowing away the bugs that had landed on her, he laughed
heartily.
.D
.Bdia
They are messengers of peace, naâsga. They don't do any
harm, on the contrary. They only bless you.
.Edia
.P
Yira snorted loudly.
.D
.Bdia
I've had enough blessings for my entire life, Dashvara of
Xalya,
.Edia
she growled.
.Bdia
Get these bugs off me. I don't want them anywhere near
Zrifa.
.Edia
.P
Dashvara laughed and did his best to scare the alurhias away
before resuming the walk towards the distant light of the
yurt. To their home.