Tereka spun to see who was behind her. A man stood on the path about twenty yards above her. Tall, with olive skin and dark hair, the man wore blue pants and a dark green cloak. Was he a Risker or a bandit? And which was the greater threat?
22
The man took a step towards Tereka. “Are you hurt?”
“No.” She wanted to ask who he was but was afraid of the answer. She struggled to control her ragged breathing as Da walked up beside her.
“Thank you,” he called to the man. “Good shooting.”
The stranger nodded. “Are you lost?”
“No, just looking to get to Mikkeliad.”
He frowned. “And your business?” The man’s voice held a note of ice that made Tereka shiver. He must be a Risker. A bandit would be robbing, not asking questions.
“To find an old friend,” Da answered. “Tuli Shirdelo, or at least she was. I don’t remember her married name.”
“Who’s looking for her?”
“Tarkio Sabidur. I’ve traded with her family for years.”
The man’s face broke into a broad smile. “Tarkio, is that you? Don’t stand in the shadows if you don’t want to be shot.”
“Chen?” Da laughed. “Of all people, you were the one I wanted to see most.”
“So happens I’d just finished my turn on guard duty when I heard that warboar.” He grinned. “Tuli will be thrilled to see you. And her married name is Pasdar, just so you know.” He looked at Tereka. “And you are?”
Da answered before she could speak. “My apprentice, Tereka.”
“Apprentice. I see.” He gave Tereka a sharp look. “Well, come on then.”
Tereka stumbled along the trail behind the others. So much didn’t make sense to her. Da must have done a lot of trading with these Riskers if they were so happy to see him again. It was strange that her intelligent and shrewd father would have friends among these barbarians, friends he never talked about. Odd, too, that he introduced her as his apprentice, not his daughter. There was something Da wasn’t telling her. He was full of secrets, Da was. Like who her mother was. She’d have to find the right moment to press him about that.
They climbed into sunlight. The air warmed and Tereka’s face grew sticky. She waved her hand to chase away buzzing flies. The path wove past a grove of oak trees and led to steps cut in the rock face of the mountain. The steps rose steeply, hemmed in by sheer rock on either side.
As she followed Chen, Tereka studied his clothing, puzzling over the vivid colors. No one in the villages wore any hue besides gray, brown, or black. They’d been told colored dyes were a waste of resources, and besides, wearing the same colors was how everyone would be equal. Chen’s green tunic showed no signs of dirt or wear. She would have expected a few rips or bloodstains, not something so obviously well-cared for.
She turned her attention to the steps, which were littered with loose pebbles. Better to pay attention to her footing than worry about what Riskers wore.
After what felt like hours to Tereka’s aching legs, but in reality, couldn’t have been more than one, the steps ended at a plateau, its meadow covered with bobbing yellow and pink wildflowers. A cluster of buildings stood about half a mile away.
To keep up with Da and Chen, she quickened her steps along the path they’d made through the meadow’s high grasses. As they approached the settlement, Tereka’s skin crawled. She wondered what kind of vermin or insects lived with the unwashed Riskers. Maybe this is one reason Groa threw them out, Da’s unsavory friends. She steeled herself to endure whatever squalor awaited them.
Chen led the way to the nearest dwelling. Tereka stopped, staring. The first floor of the two-story structure was built of stone, the upper, of wood painted pine green. Intricate carvings resembling lace framed all the windows. Which appeared to have glass panes. No one in Trofmose had glass, except the konameis. Was this Chen one of the rulers?
Tereka didn’t have time to recover from her surprise. Chen flung open the door and called inside, “We have guests, light of my life.” He motioned for her and Da to enter.
Da went inside. When Tereka followed her senses were assaulted, but not by the stench she’d been expecting. First, the aroma of something savory cooking. Then the light, afternoon sunshine spilling through the glazed windows. The breeze that wafted through the open windows, tempering warmth that came from a fire roaring in a fireplace big enough to walk into. A large pot hanging over the flames was most likely the source of the odor making Tereka’s mouth water. A dark-haired woman who looked about thirty-five kissed Chen.
The woman turned to Da. She gasped and clapped her hands to her mouth. With two quick steps, she moved to Da and threw her arms around him. He smiled and embraced her. “It’s good to see you, too, Tuli.” He pointed at Tereka. “My apprentice.”
Tuli blinked and her mouth opened slightly. Tereka thought the woman was going to say something but changed her mind. “Take off your boots, friends. I’ll see about some dinner.”
They did as they were told, lining up their leather boots near the fire. Tuli seated them on a wooden bench near a long table and handed them felt slippers for their feet.
As she and Da put on their slippers, Tereka took the chance to look around. Instead of a dirt floor strewn with rubbish as she expected, it was smooth wood, polished so she could see the reflection of the flames. Red and orange woven mats were scattered around, adding to the warmth of the room. The furniture, while plain, was well-made and sturdy, like it had been built to serve generations. Tereka surreptitiously ran her hand along the seat of the bench. Not a splinter or hint of roughness. She shook her head. This was the work of savages?
She studied Tuli as she stirred the pot over the fire. Shining dark hair, braided off her face hung down her back. Her vivid blue eyes with traces of laugh lines at the corners above high cheekbones, a full mouth and pointed chin. She wore a blue dress with pleats that hugged her curves. Tereka could barely believe that a Risker would dress so well.
When Chen set a plate in front of Tereka, she could only stare at it. She’d been told Riskers ate with their hands off stones and leaves. This plate was fine pottery, not wood or metal like the villagers used. Its smooth white surface glistened and a painted ring of tiny green leaves and red flowers decorated the edge. Who had time to add decoration to plates when it served no purpose?
Tuli brought a steaming pot to the table and ladled meat and carrots onto the mounds of rice on their plates. She took her seat, then looked expectantly at Chen. He held his right hand up to the ceiling and said, “We thank the sky-god for life, food, and guests.”
Tereka lowered her eyes to keep her hosts from seeing her disdain. These Riskers might live better than she thought, but they were ignorant and superstitious, nonetheless.
“Tarkio, how long has it been?” Tuli asked. She picked up her spoon and motioned for the others to begin eating.
“Must be three, four years. Since you’ve been moving your honey to Zafrad rather than taking it down the mountain yourselves.”
Chen nodded. “Easier that way, and not so many problems with bandits.”
Tuli winked at Tereka. “But not nearly as exciting.”
“You haven’t changed at all, Tuli.” Da leaned forward. “I would have mistaken you for your daughter.”
She laughed. “If I had one. We still only have the six sons.”
“None as brave as their mother,” put in Chen.
Da speared a carrot with his fork. “Where are they all now?”
“They’re over at my parents, helping pluck chickens,” Chen said. “Then they all get to sleep in the barn. The boys think that’s a rare treat.”
“What about you, Tarkio?” Tuli pushed a basket of bread toward him. “How’s your wife?”
“Not sure.” Da tore a hunk of bread from the loaf.
“Not sure?” Tuli asked.
“Groa doesn’t want me around.”
Tereka’s eyebrows twitched. Talk about an understatement
.
“Still? I thought she’d have forgiven you by now. I’m sorry.” Tuli paused, then studied Tereka’s face. “This is your apprentice, you say?”
“Yes, soon to have her own license.”
“It’s about time you brought her to meet us, then.” Tuli tipped her head to the side. “But I’ve been hoping that one day you’d bring my niece around.”
Da dropped his head and toyed with his stew. Tereka wondered what Da would be doing with the niece of a Risker.
Tuli leaned over and touched Tereka’s hand. “Since Tarkio won’t tell me, what’s your name?”
“Tereka, if you please.”
With a gasp, Tuli scrutinized Tereka’s face. “The voice, did you hear it? Her voice is like Iskra’s.”
Tereka stared back at Tuli and pulled her eyebrows together. Who was Iskra? Da was no help. He sat frozen in his seat and was staring down at his plate.
Tuli rose and walked around the table. “May I?” she asked, her hand poised over Tereka’s hair. Tereka twisted around to look at her and nodded, despite her confusion. “Just a shade lighter than my brother’s,” Tuli said, then put a hand under Tereka’s chin and tipped her face up. “Wiry, tall. The chin is his. If the eyes were green, she’d look just like Xico. I noticed the resemblance the moment I saw her.”
Tereka shook her head. This woman’s brother had nothing to do with her, and she’d never heard of this person whose name sounded like Hee-co. “If you please,” she said to Tuli, “I think you must be mistaking me for someone else.”
Da let out a long breath. “She… is not mistaken.” He smiled sadly at Tereka. “I didn’t think it would be so hard to tell you.”
The next thing Tereka knew, Tuli was hugging her head. “I knew it! I can’t believe she’s finally here.”
Unsure how to free herself from this woman’s embrace, Tereka squirmed. Why was she so glad to see her? And why did Da say Tuli wasn’t mistaken? He couldn’t possibly mean that she was related to Riskers.
Chen stood and pulled Tuli away. “Don’t smother the girl before the rest of us can meet her.” He shook Tereka’s hand. “Welcome. We’ve waited a long time to meet you.”
Tereka’s hand lay limp in Chen’s. She looked at Da for enlightenment, but he was still staring at his plate, head bowed, shoulders hunched nearly to his ears. She pulled her hand back and frowned at Tuli. “I don’t understand. Who are you to me?”
“I’m your aunt.” Tuli put a hand on Tereka’s cheek. “My younger brother was your father.”
23
Tereka jumped to her feet, freeing herself from Tuli’s touch. Her father, a Risker? That just couldn’t be. Her father was sitting next to her as motionless as a dead tree. “Da?” She took a few paces away from the table.
Da raised his head and put a hand on the bench beside him. “Sit. If you please. All of you.” He drew a deep breath. “Tereka, I’m sorry. I was waiting for the right time to tell you. It seems the time is now.”
“To tell me?” Tereka dropped onto the bench a few feet away from him. “You mean, you aren’t my father?” She could feel her face getting hot. It was probably redder than when burned by a cold wind.
“No.”
She stared at him, shaking her head. “But, why— ”
“Your mother, Iskra, was a girl from Gishin. She fell in love with Xico, a Risker. They ran away and got married, and had you.”
“Where are they now?”
He looked at her with sadness swimming in his brown eyes. “You can imagine the response of the village authorities. Your parents fled, but were tracked down and killed.”
Tereka leaned forward and put her face in her hands. “I can’t believe you never told me. You’ve lied to me all my life.”
Da shook his head. “I can explain— ”
“Explain what?” She jerked upright and glared at him. “That my father was a Risker?” She shuddered, writhing with the shame. “And you kept it from me?”
“I couldn’t tell you before you were ready.”
“I’m ready now. I want the whole story.” She ran a hand through the hair on the back of her head and tugged on it. “How did they meet?”
“Your mother had gone to Shinroo for the day. She missed the caravan to return to Gishin and ended up riding with a trader who’d also been late. They caught up with the caravan during a bandit attack. Your mother and the trader fled up the mountain. The bandits caught the trader, but Xico and I were in the woods and shot them before they reached Iskra.”
“You were there?”
“I was. Iskra was badly shaken and scratched up from running through igla pines. We took her to Xico’s house. His mother dressed her wounds and gave her some supper. Then I escorted her home.”
“You took her to a Risker camp? That’s against all the rules.”
“I know. I’ve been over it hundreds of times in my mind. I didn’t want to leave her alone on the mountain and she was in no shape to walk all the way to Gishin. I thought nothing would come of it.”
“And something did, obviously.” Tereka crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes.
Da’s face reddened and he looked down at his hands. “Yes, because I am a fool, Tereka. An arrogant fool.”
“What did you do?”
“I teased Iskra into coming back to the Risker camp, to the wedding of another one of your aunts, Xico’s sister Veressa. I thought it would be amusing to see if timid Iskra would do something against the rules.”
Pressure built in Tereka’s head until she thought it would explode. “How could you?”
“I know. You can’t think of worse insults to hurl at me than I’ve already thrown at myself.”
“Tarkio,” Tuli said, “you’re not responsible.”
“It wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t prodded Iskra to go to the wedding.” He rubbed his hand over his eyes. “She remembered Xico as the handsome young man who’d saved her and they fell in love. No matter what anyone said, they kept meeting. Kaberco was the ephor of Gishin at the time, and he learned of their relationship. He tried all kinds of ways to get Iskra under control. Finally, he and her mother arranged a marriage for her, with a vile man twenty years older than she was.”
Tereka slapped her hands down on the table. “That’s horrible!”
“Iskra had to submit or be taken. She made a different choice. Two nights before her wedding, she fled.”
“Brave of her.”
“It was. Not the kind of thing anyone who knew her would expect. Anyway, Xico’s family helped them get married and get away. They fled into the wild, hoping Kaberco and Iskra’s jilted betrothed would give up.”
“I take it they didn’t.”
“No. They caught them near Litavye. You were two months old.”
“How did I survive?”
“Your parents sacrificed themselves for you. I was in the mountains that overlooked the main trail south of the city trying to find the three of you. All I knew was that Iskra and Xico were hiding with you in a cave.” He paused and a muscle twitched in his face. “I was standing on a promontory, searching for them in the valley below. I saw your da get run through with a sword. All I could do was watch. Soon after, Iskra came down the mountain. They roughed her up, then dragged her off. I’m certain she didn’t live long after that.” He hung his head. “I’m so sorry. It was my fault. I should have done more to help them. All I could do then was search for you, find where they’d left you.”
Tereka clenched and unclenched her fists. “So because of you, I’m an orphan.”
“I did what I could to keep you alive— ”
“No. I don’t want to hear any more from you.” She glared at Da, feeling that she had no one or nothing she could trust.
Chen put a hand on Da’s arm. “Perhaps it would be best if you spent the night with Veressa and Lilio.”
“One night isn’t going to make any difference,” Tereka said. “I’m not sure I ever want to see you again.”
Da opened hi
s mouth, then closed it. He stood lost in thought for a moment. “In the morning, I’ll go to Zafrad, to let your grandparents know you’re here. When you’re ready, Chen or someone will bring you.”
“Go wherever you want.” Tereka looked down at her hands. She remained in that position as Chen and Da put on their boots and cloaks and headed out into the dusk.
Couldn’t she trust anyone? No. Not a single person. The man she thought was her father, who she loved as a father, had lied to her for her entire life. He let her believe she was his road child, an illicit birth, the product of a shameful union. And the truth was even worse. Her real father was a Risker! Maybe that’s why Da never told her. He knew she’d be ashamed.
Even as these thoughts raced through her mind, she had to consider. She wouldn’t scorn to know the Riskers she’d met, had it happened in Trofmose. They weren’t filthy savages, but warm, hospitable people who lived better than the villagers.
Another lie she’d been told. Add that to the Prime Konamei’s guardsmen who don’t guard and the syndics who don’t ensure fairness for everyone. Tereka felt her world had tipped and she was sliding toward a bottomless abyss, clinging to an icy slope in a desperate attempt to regain stability. She dropped her chin to her chest and rested her head in her hands.
A gentle hand touched her shoulder. “You must be tired,” Tuli said. “You can sit by the fire. Talk, if you’d like. I imagine you have a lot of questions.”
Tereka’s first impulse was to tell Tuli to leave her alone. The offer to answer questions, though, made her pause. There was a lot she wanted to know. She raised her head and looked at the woman closely for the first time. The oval of her face, the chin, the nose were exactly like her own. “You are my father’s sister?”
Flicker of the Flame: A YA Epic Fantasy Page 12
