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«Yeah, you’re onto me.» Sabiri shook her head, regretting ever agreeing to this conversation.
«I always am, and you’re always dodging questions! You need to work on yourself. Every day you need to make yourself do what’s right, what’s good for you and for all of us!»
Star was right. Shit, of course she was right! But… Sabiri cursed herself for the thousandth time today. She hated it! Keeping it all in her head already felt hardly bearable, but now when Star mentioned it out loud! That foul feeling at the bottom of her stomach… That feeling of helplessness… She hated it!
Sabiri sighed heavily. «That’s so stupid! Even if we leave the numbers of scouts intact, there are quite a few roads leading to us! Who knows if and when a new trouble would arise? Who knows exactly what would happen? How can I possibly risk getting us killed if I reduce our military numbers? But how can I keep spending so much when it’s peaceful? Even you showed up to complain about our expenses.»
«Sabiri.» Star smiled. «Don’t worry. We’ll sit down and discuss this. I know you can do it. Do you really think I’d make you my war mistress without having faith in you?»
Sabiri shook her head. «Screw that «faith’! There are facts, there’s information, and there’s crap! I do know that if we let ourselves relax, if our soldiers forget how to fight – we’re screwed when the danger comes! I don’t have «faith’ in that – I know it for a fact.»
Sabiri was about to snap but managed to control herself. She felt pathetic. And then she felt remorse. Star wasn’t at fault here. She didn’t have to listen to her yelling.
«So, should the danger come?» Star was trying a different approach. «Wouldn’t we see it coming? Couldn’t we face it together with our allies?»
«Grrr!» Sabiri let the anger out and stopped.
Could we? Would we have time? Certainly not, if the enemy is good. We shouldn’t hope to face amateurs, but we also must be realistic! Everybody is demanding me to know the future!
They stopped near the house of one of the tailors. Standing near the door was a wooden statue of an igni. It was either guarding the home, or welcoming guests. While it was as tall as a real igni, the sculpture was lacking the detail and life, especially that tail made of simple rope. Flaking paint wasn’t improving the looks, but it still was a piece of great work.
Sabiri pointed at the statue. «If we set up a bunch of them on the walls, then the enemy would overestimate our numbers greatly. Should I count on that? How can I count on anything when so many lives are at stake? How can I choose anything even remotely dangerous? But how can I keep spending more than absolutely necessary?»
Star came closer and put her hand on Sabiri’s shoulder. «Sabiri, calm down. We’ll figure it out. I’m definitely helping you with this.»
Sabiri sighed heavily. «Isn’t the final call still my responsibility?»
Star, no doubt, wanted to say something else, something encouraging perhaps. But her attention was taken by a scout, rushing as fast as the wind towards them. There was a piece of paper in her hand, and it didn’t look like good news.
A solution
She could not believe it! She just couldn’t! When they started moving towards Imbrergoso, she thought it was just a coincidence. When they entered the village, she thought that some sort of misunderstanding had occurred. When they were locked in the dungeon, she was expecting them to be released in a matter of minutes. But no! She was sitting on this wooden, hard bench for hours now!
«What the fuck is going on?» Iskrila asked Haileen.
Haileen was making her thousandth round of their cell, looking strangely thin and small without her armor. The ceiling was almost low enough to be scratched by her horns, making Iskrila think they were in a big container of sorts, not in the basement of a building. Loud clacking of Haileen’s hooves on the stone floor was both annoying and reassuring. That sound was enough to remind Iskrila that she wasn’t alone.
But no matter how much she was worried about herself, about Haileen, another thought was much more terrifying. Sabiri can’t bury yet another person she loved! The very thought of it made her blood chill. Iskrila tried to perish the thought, but it kept appearing in her brain. Even now Sabiri was probably dead worried about her, blaming herself for not providing more security with the caravan, cursing herself for not foreseeing the future. No! I must get out of here! I can’t leave Sabiri all alone in this world!
Not alone. Well, all the thoughts in her head wouldn’t leave her alone anyway. The longer she thought about the Drowners she knew, the ones she considered friends, the ones she knew for ages, the hotter her blood boiled. How could they? Why? For what? What was the reason, the point?
She wanted to beat the answer out of them. She wanted to pummel her fist into their fucking faces! She wanted to mutilate them with her claws! The claws that refused to retreat back into her fingertips because she was so on edge! She needed to get out of here. Oh, Sabiri, please don’t worry too much! It’ll be okay. The moment I get out of this freaking dungeon!
The sun was barely shining through a few small windows, indicating that it was already evening. Oh, those naughty windows, baiting her so with the freedom they promised! Not only were they too small for the igni to squeeze through, but those thick metal bars made her question their size. Made her feel that it was possible to escape that way! And the glass in the window was totally cutting off their ability to hear what was going on! Many little birds loved to sing at this hour, but today she wouldn’t hear a thing.
Screw these windows! First, the inmates would have to breach even thicker metal bars of the cells. She remembered coming here all those hundreds of years ago just to see how those bars were made. Lots of work and lots of metal, but she did make the same bars for her own village. She was so proud of her work!
Needing to cool off, Iskrila looked at her wounded leg. She’d removed the bandage an hour ago. There was quite a lot of dry blood, red against her dark-green skin, but the wound had already closed. Iskrila carefully tried to get up. It was a bit painful, but manageable. She took a step. Then another.
«I’ll heal in an hour or two,» she said. «Should we even think of escaping?»
Haileen stopped strolling around and looked at her. Same calm expression, Iskrila noted, if a bit preoccupied.
«You asked what was going on – I think I know the answer,» Haileen finally said. «But I don’t know why it happened. Nor do I know what would happen next.»
«Eh?» Iskrila started measuring the cell back and forth. «So, what is happening exactly?»
«Judging by the time we’ve been here – it was no coincidence, no mistake. Drowners do intend to keep us here, at least for a while. But that ambush was strange, indeed. It did not feel like they were oblivious as to who they were attacking, more like they were not prepared to face us. Were not willing to kill us, perhaps. And maybe that is the reason your amulet failed to warn you in time?»
Iskrila had no idea why her artifact had failed so miserably, but those words made her remember Aip. The way she fell on the ground, pierced by the arrows. The way the Drowners surrounded her body, arguing in whispers whether they should pull the arrows out. Iskrila’s hands clenched into fists, digging her claws deep into her skin. She felt how blood started seeping through her fingers, heard it drop onto the floor, but she didn’t care. She wanted blood. She needed it. Drowners must pay for what they’ve done!
The sudden clang of the lock finally brought the wait to an end. Both igni came closer to the bars, intending to see and hear their captors better. The door creaked, letting some fresh air inside. Two guards stayed at the door, and the third person entered.
Iskrila knew that skinny, red face very well. Recognized the harsh look of those bright green eyes. Remembered those long, twisted horns. Familiar silver earrings flashed in the light as Jaesa alone stepped inside.
She waited for the lock to close; only then did she start talking. «I’d say „good evening,“ but it wasn’t particularly good for you.»
Iskrila used to like Jaesa’s hoarse voice, but now it sounded like she was mocking her!
«Cut the crap!» Iskrila yelled. «What the actual fuck? Why did you attack us? Why didn’t you finish us off? And where the heck is Aip? If you killed her, Demon Lord’s the witness – I’ll rip your throat apart and drink your fucking blood. All of it!»
Jaesa just snickered, then looked at Haileen, expecting her to talk as well. But Haileen was silent.
«Sure.» Jaesa found a stool and sat in front of the cell. «I won’t say that I’ve killed Aip. Especially because I didn’t know her name.»
Bam! Iskrila bashed the metal bars, desperate to get her hands on Jaesa’s throat. Her heart was beating so hard and so fast, fueled by the uncontrollable rage. Doesn’t even know her name! I must get my claws on that face! She has to suffer! She has to freaking die!
«Haileen.» Jaesa turned her head. «You probably noticed something strange during the attack. I’ve no idea what happened exactly, but my people have apparently mistaken you for a foreign caravan. It’s Star’s fault, really. I told her many times about the importance of wearing a sigil.»
Star’s fault? Star’s fault? Iskrila couldn’t believe her ears. How does she dare to even mention her!
«I see.» Haileen’s ever-calm voice answered. «But since you have not offered an apology for attacking us, I believe the outcome was still desirable for you.»
Jaesa looked away and sighed. «I didn’t want to kill any of Star’s people. Or any people of the tribes. I am sorry, but apologizing is the only thing I can do, really. I didn’t even want to rob any of the tribes. After all, we’ve settled here to cooperate, to help each other. We started from nothing, the four of us. We grew, we expanded. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the rest.»
Iskrila interjected. «Didn’t want to rob – then where’s my amulet?»
With a smile, Jaesa pulled a chain from her pocket. And on the chain dangled a metallic object. It looked like a flat, round amulet almost the size of a person’s hand. Shiny, silvery surface flashed in the light, revealing complex carvings on the surface. It looked like a sun fused with a many pointed star. A part of the design looked rectangular and sharp, a part was smooth and curvy, and the rim of the amulet was covered with a pattern of incredibly tiny details. The whole thing was constantly radiating bright blue light that looked especially spectacular against Jaesa’s red skin.
«I said exactly what I meant.» Jaesa was clearly mesmerized by the artifact. «I’ll give it back the moment you’re out of here, despite it being magical and immensely valuable. Where did you get it?»
Iskrila would answer this question, but even though she doubted that Jaesa would keep her word, she was also relieved to see the artifact intact.
«So, you did want to rob, but only if the caravan was foreign?» Haileen asked. «I guess you finally gave up on the idea of convincing the chiefs and decided to do it alone?»
Jaesa smiled and snickered. «Yes, you’ve always been quick with your brain, Haileen. Your capture can illustrate how serious I am much better than any words. Don’t overstep your boundaries – and you’ll be fine.»
«What point?» Iskrila spat, too enraged to speak properly. «What boundaries? What the fuck are you up to? You think we would let you get away with this?»
Once again, Jaesa sighed and looked away. While her eyes were searching the cell for the answer, her fingers kept playing with the artifact’s chain.
«No, you probably won’t,» she finally found the words. «Whatever Star decides to do, you’d carry on her orders to the letter.»
Jaesa stood up and went towards the exit. In the doorway, she stopped and added, «I won’t risk my throat and let you go, but neither do I intend to make enemies with you. So don’t hesitate to ask the guards for whatever you like. I’ve sent the word. Star should come for you tomorrow.»
Promise
From the distance, Imbrergoso looked exactly like any other igni settlement. Dozens upon dozens of one- or two-story wooden homes, rounded up behind a circular, wooden wall. The wall wasn’t exactly circular, as it cut off in the lake, allowing easy and safe access to water. Several layers of massive logs were dug deep into the ground, making the wall thick enough to walk on top of it. The defenders had a superb view from their ten-meter elevation. Coated with thick layers of dirt and dust, baked for hundreds of years under the hot sun, the wall was now black, making the lit torches on top of it look especially bright in contrast.
Two massive banners were hanging on the wall from both sides of the giant gates. The symbol on them – Sabiri never used to think about it. It was just a crude picture of a fish, facing to the left. The mouth was open, showing long, sharp teeth. What was the key? Those teeth? The reason they chose this symbol? Sabiri wondered, if it was their way to say, «If you mess with us – you’ll feed the fish!» No, shit, of course it wasn’t. Drowners really were good people. They still are, but Jaesa… Would Drowners let her do that, or would they dethrone her and try to make amends?
It seemed like they were standing there forever. The Drowners up on the wall kept looking down on them. With their bows and arrows ready, they were pacing back and forth, watching every move of their unwelcome guests. And the guests were looking up at them, having gathered outside the arrows’ range, yet still too close for comfort. Even at their numbers, even fully armed and armored, they still looked small and insignificant compared to the village. Yet, they didn’t come to fight today. No whispers, no commands – everyone kept quiet, waiting for what was to come, listening to the giant banners on the wall flapping in the wind.
«Why didn’t her amulet warn her?» Sabiri asked.
The only head in a masked helmet turned to her.
«Maybe it did, just too late?» Star’s voice said, muffled by the mask. «Maybe it’s the only reason Iskrila is still alive? Whatever the reason, I doubt we would ever know. Aside from Demon Lord, who else could tell us how the artifact works? Sadly, he answers only when he wants.»
The letter from Jaesa was clear, but Sabiri couldn’t stop feeling anxious. What if Jaesa changes her mind? What if Iskrila did something stupid? Oh, Iskrila! As Sabiri thought of her, she once again felt that weird jerk in her diaphragm, like the ground under her hooves was suddenly gone. She’ll be alright. I’ll see her again soon, just need to wait.
Like in the old times, Star was leading the procession today. Standing in front of her seventy soldiers, her seventy people, she would be the first to receive the blow from the enemy. She would be the first to discover a trap hidden under the grass and the leaves. Sabiri wanted to convince her to back off, to not be on the very front. Yet, seeing those milk-white eyes under the mask killed any resolve Sabiri had.
«Remember the days when we were in it together? Fighting off raiders and slavers, all while barely armored and with crappy, fragile weapons?»
The shape of Star’s eyes changed as she smiled. «Seems like yesterday. We weren’t exactly together, though. We built our villages apart to increase the chance to find resources. To keep the others safe in case one village got raided. But you’re right: we’ve always had each other’s backs.»
Star caught the tip of her tail and was now playing with her fingers on its smooth, hard surface, as was her habit. No Drowners’ entourage popped off from the gates. Are you alright there, Iskrila? Sabiri asked herself. Looking at Star, who was now most likely deep in her memories, Sabiri remembered her own habit and crossed her arms.
«None of us was ready, none had experience, or knew what to do. I remember what it was like trying to sleep, not knowing if I was going to wake up.» Sabiri felt a shiver, awoken by the memories.
«I remember how terrified I was going into battle. But not you. We’re alive, we’ve had peace for ages now, and it’s only because of you! You never seemed afraid, or nervous. Even when we had to retreat, you’d always put yourself between us and the enemy. You led us even injured, all the way through.»
Star shook her head. «The only thing I was afraid of was losing any of you. Sadly, sometimes I did. And we will never see those people ever again. But don’t worry. We won’t lose Iskrila or Haileen today. Jaesa’s word is solid.»
«Solid my ass!» Sabiri wanted to let her rage out, but the distant gates finally started to open.
They didn’t open fully, but wide enough to let out quite a procession. Even before she saw Iskrila, Sabiri’s heart began to race in anticipation. There she is! A warm, sweet feeling of lightness filled Sabiri from top to bottom. Iskrila was alive and well! Sabiri’s brain didn’t even notice the heavy chains Iskrila was wearing. Oh, she noticed me! Iskrila tried to wave her hand, but the chain wouldn’t let her. Only now did Sabiri realize that Haileen was alive as well, chained to the same tie as Iskrila.
Behind them, a few Drowners were leading an equi they captured yesterday. Their equi was pushing their cart, hopefully still with its contents. And on top of it was laid Aip’s body. Sabiri’s soul ached when she was it, even though she was used to seeing death. Your death will be avenged, Sabiri thought, switching her attention to the leader of the procession.
Fucking Jaesa! Anger overwhelmed Sabiri’s heart the second she saw that red face and recognized those horns. She won’t get away with this shit! The low buzzing of whispers that filled the air told Sabiri that she wasn’t alone in her hatred. Alas, Star was right. If they killed, hurt, or captured Jaesa, the whole Imbrergoso would retaliate. They were not prepared for a real war, there was no certainty who would win, and the losses would be enormous. Our time will come!
It took about a minute for the procession to cross the field of grass between the main road and the village. The whole time Jaesa paid no attention to the soldiers behind Star and Sabiri’s backs. Her only audience was her equal, another’s tribe chief, Star, her old friend. But Star didn’t answer in kind, noting that Iskrila and Haileen looked unharmed, trying to ease Sabiri’s mind.
At first, Sabiri thought Jaesa would stop a few steps before the group. That she would let her hostages go at least some distance. But apparently, she had nothing to fear or hide from a bunch of armed and armored igni who were extremely angry with her. Sabiri looked around, made sure no one was aiming their bows at Jaesa or her people. A few soldiers were clearly gritting their teeth, struggling not to let the primal roar go. They were very close to Aip, and Sabiri understood their feelings all too well. All the fear, helplessness, and anger she felt yesterday after hearing the news about Iskrila – what would haunt her for days.
No! Sabiri pulled herself back to reality. They were not there to fight, so she needed to act accordingly, to think accordingly. So, she just stood there, hoping to reunite with Iskrila very soon. Oh, praise Demon Lord! Without saying a word, without wasting any time, Jaesa turned around and put her key inside Iskrila’s shackles. A second later, a heavy body crashed into Sabiri, almost knocking her over, almost crushing her ribs in an air-squeezing hug.
«I’m so glad you’re okay,» Sabiri wheezed, returning Iskrila’s embrace.
Smiling, Haileen came closer. «Let her breathe, please.»
Iskrila stepped back, allowing Sabiri to look at her beautiful face up close. The expression of joy and happiness she saw perfectly reflected what Sabiri was feeling herself. She almost forgot Jaesa was just a few steps in front of her. But she didn’t forget to give Haileen a proper hug before the reality intervened.
«Nice helmet! But is it nice to talk when I can’t see your face properly?»
Sabiri used to like Jaesa’s way with words, but now she sounded mocking. Sabiri forced herself to remain silent. Star’s horns made her struggle to take off the helmet, which she handed to Sabiri.
«That’s better. I just wanted to apologize personally. I never wanted to attack your people, Star. I regret that my people failed to recognize them. They’ve already forgotten how it felt to be ambushed, but actually performing one – they weren’t ready, they were too stressed. I’ll do my best to train them properly.»
Star squinted her eyes, trying to see something in Jaesa’s.
«Properly? Really? Is this what you worry about?» Star asked. «How can you bring yourself to do such things? Robbing random caravans, killing random people – that’s disgraceful! I wouldn’t believe that was your letter if I didn’t know your handwriting so well.»
Jaesa sighed heavily. «Really, Star? Really? You «couldn’t believe’? Come on! Even Haileen got it. Even she remembered that I wanted to do it for years. I can’t bear it anymore! This way I can quickly get enough coin to move out of this dump. With this much coin I can finally join the Union!»
The variety of feelings quickly changed Star’s expression a few times. She looked at Jaesa from top to bottom, like she was seeing her for the first time. It took a few seconds to find the right words.
«Frankly, I never thought you were serious. The Union is… Fuck, no! How can it be worth the killing and robbing? How can you, a kind and caring person I know, how can you even consider it? I always thought you were saying that just to push me, to make me agree on more than I was comfortable with! You really think we wouldn’t stop you?»
Jaesa snickered. «Well, thanks for having considered me a kind and decent person. I don’t mind the past tense here; it’s still a nice feeling. Sadly, I see no other way. Losing your support, and the support of the other tribes, would be difficult at first. But I focus on the long run.»
«There won’t be a long run!» Star snapped. «The scarce trade you were complaining about – your raids would destroy it entirely! Not me, not any of our tribes could survive without that trade. We’re stopping you before we are ruined, at all costs!»
Jaesa’s grin sank into a smile. «Glad to hear that I would finally push you into action. Yet, something tells me that you would prefer to sit on your hands. Such is your tradition, after all. Let’s hope that I can move soon enough and leave you in peace.»
Without saying anything else, Jaesa raised her hand, holding Iskrila’s artifact. She waited until Star took it, then turned around and went back to the village. Her people followed her slow and steady gait. Sabiri looked at Iskrila, at Haileen. They all silently watched Jaesa go, probably thinking exactly what was on Sabiri’s mind.
«What will she do next?» Sabiri asked out loud. «Whatever it is, it won’t end well for us.»
«Come on.» Star handed Iskrila her amulet. «Let’s try to mitigate the damage.»
No, we all made this decision
Iskrila always hated bad news. No matter how hard she tried to stay positive, or at least neutral, it was impossible for her. She was sitting at her small desk in her small room in the attic of one of her smithies. There were no windows, almost no furniture. Just a few steps behind her chair was a trapdoor that led down to the first and only proper floor.
She paused for a moment just to listen to the sounds coming from down below: the clanking of metal, the sounds of a bellows, the creaking of fire. Usually it helped, but not today. Her people were doing work, providing for the village. But for how much longer would those sounds last?
The entire desk was covered with letters that almost buried a jar with green burning bugs, whose glow was enough to light the small room. The bugs weren’t really burning, that was just their name. But their glow was bright and vibrant. Small jars of ink sat safely on a shelf, alongside some quivers.
«We can’t risk it…» «Our concern is…» «We have to stop dealing in your region…» «Unless you can guarantee the safety…»
None of those letters gave her any hope. No, Iskrila, focus! Take it slow…
As hard as it was to read these, Iskrila made herself reread every single letter, making sure she didn’t miss any. She neatly packed the ones she’d reread, slowly but surely freeing up more and more space on the table. Nothing. Not a single piece of mail that was good! Hopeless, Iskrila dropped her head into her hands. Stressed out, her long claws once again refused to retreat back into her fingertips, accidentally making a few light scratches into her skin. Staring at the brown wood of her table, Iskrila didn’t really mind the pain.
What shall we do? Over the past weeks, the Drowners had made a few more successful attacks, each being bigger, bolder, and more remote. They attacked a few caravans and robbed an outpost. Who knew what they would do next?
