by Drew Wagar
‘They said …’ Pootle looked uncomfortable. ‘Well … they said people from where … people like you can’t …’
Kiri raised her head, her voice edged and raised with anger. ‘A girl from the slums doesn’t deserve to be a candid? Is that what they think?’
Pootle backed away, stuttering uncertainly. ‘I don’t believe them, miss. Truly I don’t. I think you can, I really do.’
Kiri pursed her lips, thinking hard. Her face set in a mask of determination.
‘Begging your pardon, miss,’ Pootle asked. ‘But what is your gift, which caste will you be if you’re chosen?’
Kiri took a deep breath. ‘I want to be a healer.’
Pootle nodded. ‘Like Priestess Charis. That’s a worthy calling. Not so many want to be healers.’
‘We’ll see then,’ she said, her jaw tightening. She turned to Pootle. ‘What do I have to do for this practice?’
‘First you need to dress, miss.’
‘Dress?’
Pootle gestured to a pile of carefully folded clothing laid upon the bed.
‘Your robes for practice, miss.’
Kiri looked at him. He looked back without moving.
‘Go away then!’
‘You want me to call someone else?’
Kiri looked at him with disgust. ‘Of course not, why do you ask?’
‘Only it’s my job miss. ’
‘Your job?’
‘I’m your servant. I do your chores, your washing, your cleaning. I’m supposed to dress you.’
Kiri blinked. ‘Dress me?’
‘Of course, miss. It’s part of what a servant does for the candids and acolytes.’
‘But … you’re a boy!’
‘Yes miss.’
Pootle seemed completely unfazed by her confusion.
‘Oh …’ Kiri didn’t know what to make of it. ‘Then I suppose …’
Pootle set about his task, not commenting on the small nicks and scars that peppered Kiri’s arms and legs, the marks of a life led rough. He seemed totally unconcerned by the task and set about it in a business-like way. Kiri quickly found herself dressed in a black tunic and breeches covered by a loose-fitting dark red gown, tightened about the waist. The sleeves were long and generous, widening at the cuffs. The material was rich and luxurious, edged with silvery thread.
Pootle was quick and efficient, seemingly completely at ease; within half a spell he was done and turned Kiri aside to look at herself in a mirror. The girl who looked back at her looked scared, pale and frightened.
That won’t do.
She clenched her hands and straightened, her expression hardening.
‘It will be an embarrassment to all of us, most of all you. She should have been sent back to where she came from.’
‘I have ensured her place.’ Charis was walking through the long corridors towards the temple. Merrin walked alongside, arguing with her. ‘The risk is mine.’
‘Charis, she’s illiterate, unschooled. She has no manners, no etiquette. She’s barely a step above feral, we’re lucky she can speak.’
‘She is smart and intelligent. She’s survived on her own strength for rounds. Most importantly she has the gift. Strongly too. I sensed her from afar and we found her. We need her. The unrest grows, we must remain firm. If they sense weakness it will go ill for us. Her strong gift is essential. She can help us keep the peace.’
‘Keep the peace? She’s violent, uncontrolled, impulsive …’
‘She will learn. She wants to be a healer, not a fighter. She can be moulded and shaped. I will teach her.’
‘How do you know the smelly little wretch will select you as her teacher? How do you know that she’ll even be chosen as an acolyte? You think people will accept her as a healer? You’re so presumptuous.’
‘She has the gift.’ Charis tone was certain. ‘And who else would have her? It will be my task to school her in our ways. She will choose a caste appropriate for her skills.’
‘She’s a slum-girl, Charis.’ Merrin turned, stopping Charis with an outstretched arm. Merrin dropped her voice. ‘No good will come of it. How will you tame her foul tongue? What if she curses and profanes the ceremony? How’s she going to manage the kai? She’ll never learn it in time. Daine candids are looked up to, what will the provinces think of our training when we field someone who can’t even hold a weapon the right way up?’
‘Kiri will manage. She’s defended herself with weapons out of necessity in the past.’
‘Please tell me she’ll be clean. You’ll teach her how to wash and dress at the very least?’
‘That’s not worthy and you know it. I have assigned her a servant.’
‘And what if the high priestess doesn’t choose her? What then?’
‘She will.’ Charis’ answer was firm and confident.
‘You can’t be certain. Then what? How will we manage this little fiend of yours then?’
Charis stopped and turned to face Merrin. ‘She will be chosen and that’s an end of it. I’m sure Rihanna will be chosen too. You don’t need to worry about your daughter.’
‘Rihanna has nothing to fear from your vagabond,’ Merrin snapped. ‘You will quickly grow tired of her lack of breeding, mark my words.’
Charis smiled and resumed walking.
‘We shall see.’
Pootle had led Kiri down and out through the cloister.
‘Here you go, miss,’ Pootle said, gesturing towards the temple.
‘Aren’t you coming?’ Kiri asked.
Pootle laughed. ‘Hardly miss. No men allowed in the piazza save for the choir.’
‘Oh …’
Pootle stepped from one foot to another for a moment. Kiri looked at him expectantly.
‘It’s only a practice miss. Don’t worry too much. The choosing is passes away. You’ll have time to learn it all.’
Kiri nodded and ventured a small smile.
‘Thank you.’
She walked forward into an area in front of the temple. She saw a number of people point in her direction. Clearly stories about her had spread beyond the confines of the priestesses. Ahead she saw the other candids from Daine already lined up behind Charis and Merrin. All were standing under an unfurled banner with the crest of the city of Daine proudly emblazoned across it. Around the piazza were other flags of different colours, each representing other towns and cities within Drayden. Clustered under them were more young girls, in groups between two and ten, headed up by priestesses from the temple. Beyond and held back by a thick purple-coloured rope that ran around the edge of the piazza, were what Kiri took to be family groups, watching their daughters.
Most of the girls looked excited by the events around them, but Kiri noticed several, particularly in the smaller groups, looking agitated, nervous and fraught, their faces pale with the evidence of recent tears hastily concealed. Some stood unmoving, blankly staring into the distance.
They don’t want to be here … why?
As she approached Charis looked up and smiled, beckoning her across. Pootle bowed and was dismissed. She could see a line-up of five girls, all dressed in the same coloured gown as herself, standing before the priestesses.
Candids from Daine …
Two were standing straight, looking ahead unmoving, but the other three looked across at her, scrutinising her every detail. They were all dressed as she was, in dark red gowns similar in design to those the priestesses wore, only less ornate.
Kiri stared back at each one in turn, her face set in a frown. A pair of twins were first. They had to be Joyce and Jessie. Both had sandy hair, cut in a bob. Both wore identical haughty expressions. Kiri got the distinct impression they were looking down on her immediately.
The slum girl who can’t even read or write …
Tasha had to be the next one. She was far taller, dark-skinned with black hair tied up in a knot atop her head, though the left side was shaved down to the skin just like Nerina’s. She was looking straight ahead, her
bearing erect and strong as if she was on guard. She hadn’t turned when Kiri arrived. Kiri could see the taut muscles and the balanced stance; the girl was a natural athlete, probably already skilled in the arts of war. Kiri noticed a brief flicker of the eyes towards her and that was the only response her arrival generated.
Not even interested in me …
Sahria was obvious too. Shorter than Tasha, she had a long length of luxurious blonde hair that she carelessly flicked aside as Kiri approached, lowering her head so strands of gold fell across one side of her face. Her eyes were bright blue, her skin pale yet glowing with health. Kiri could already see finely plucked eyebrows, exquisitely applied face colours and neatly manicured nails. It all made Kiri feel unkempt and clumsy. She focussed on walking without stumbling. The girl was already a beauty and would be devastating when she was older. Kiri was given a quick disinterested glance up and down and that was that.
Clearly she knows it too …
The final girl also stood out dramatically. Rihanna was amongst the tallest, just a little taller than Kiri, though short of Tasha. Her skin was slightly freckled, but her green eyes blazed out from the otherwise tanned face. Her hair was a shocking bright red, worn long on the right side, but shaved two fingers width around the ear on the left with a thin strip of hair left between the shaves. The third person with this strange style of hair. Kiri wondered whether it had any particular significance. Rihanna also stood like Tasha, stiff and erect, but she looked around as Kiri approached, her eyes narrowing in recognition. Kiri saw her gaze dart quickly around as she took in Kiri’s form, sizing her up, gauging her. Kiri raised her head a touch, staring directly back. Green eyes fenced with blue.
She’s bears me no goodwill, just like her mother …
Kiri stopped next to Charis, still not having broken eye contact with Rihanna. Both girls continued to glare at each other, daring each other to turn away first, both unwilling to do so. Rihanna’s mouth was set in a firm straight line, her lips narrow and pursed.
‘Kiri,’ Charis said, with a smile, turning to her. Kiri allowed her gaze to slide disdainfully away from Rihanna in order to look up at Charis. She managed a small smile.
‘Hello Charis,’ Kiri snapped, moodily.
Charis’ eyes narrowed briefly.
‘You remember Merrin, I think?’ Charis replied, daintily sidestepping. Kiri looked across to Merrin. Merrin’s expression was scornful, she didn’t even look at Kiri.
‘I trust she’s clean this time?’ Merrin said to Charis loud enough to be overheard, ignoring Kiri completely. Kiri felt rather than saw the amusement on the faces of the other candids. She bristled, profanities coming easily to her lips. Immediately she felt Charis’ hand on her shoulder.
Do not rise to provocation, Kiri. For now, know your place. They do not know of the abilities you have. It will not be long before you earn the respect that is due …
Why didn’t you tell me about all this? Kiri retorted, furiously. You should have told me! How am I supposed to …?
Trust in yourself. Remain calm, watch and observe closely. And behave!
The instruction was laced with belief and confidence, with an undercurrent of tense formality. Kiri bit down on her frustration and took a deep breath to calm herself. She swallowed and then managed a curtsey to Merrin.
‘I am washed, scrubbed, cleaned and dressed,’ Kiri replied, with just a small measure of tartness in her voice, doing her best to echo the accents around her. A smile flickered around Charis’ mouth as Merrin’s face twisted with annoyance.
Better, but don’t antagonise her …
A warm glow of approval came through the seeing before Charis took her hand away.
Before Merrin could say anything in response, Charis turned.
‘Kiri, I have something for you.’
Kiri looked up as Charis pulled a long staff out of an embroidered bag slung over her shoulder. She held it horizontally in both hands and gave a slight bow, offering it to Kiri, palms upwards and outstretched.
‘Kiri, this is your kai.’
Kiri looked back at her, one eyebrow raised and decided to be contrary. ‘It’s a stick.’
How am I supposed to use that?
Charis didn’t smile, but kept her gaze level. ‘It is a kai, you will treat it with the respect it is due, one day a weapon like this may save your life.’
‘But I don’t want to fight, I want to be a healer …’
All priestesses must learn to defend themselves at the very least. It is a dangerous world …
Kiri caught the sense of seriousness in Charis’ words and voice. Gingerly she took the kai and held it as Charis had done. It was heavy in her palms, furler wood undoubtedly, smooth and straight.
Valuable too …
Charis clapped her hands for attention.
‘Candids, we will now begin. A warm up first. Prepare yourselves.’
The priestesses summoned them together and led them through a series of stretches. Kiri was happy to discover she was still reasonably supple, though Tasha and Rihanna were clearly in better condition. All around them, other candids were undertaking a similar routine.
Charis led them in a series of patterned moves, first with the feet and then combining those movements with swings and parries with the kai. It felt artificial to Kiri, too ritualised to be useful, but she just about managed to keep up. Her own use of branches and sticks to defend herself in the past had left her reasonably at ease holding the kai. Kiri watched in admiration at the way Charis moved. It was supremely elegant, but each move contained a power and precision that showed it could have been lethal in application. She tried to copy as best she could.
Charis called Rihanna out to the front and demonstrated how the moves were used. Rihanna repeated the pattern they had just learnt with Charis responding with a complimentary set of moves. Kiri began to realise that it was a series of attacking and defensive moves. After demonstrating them a few times, the speed increased until the kais became a blur of speed and hard cracks of noise as each took it in turn to strike and parry. Kiri watched with interest, her fingers itching to try it herself.
Charis got each of them to show their own moves one at a time. Joyce and Jessie’s moves were slow and deliberate, learned by rote but lacking any power or precision, a rough copy of what Charis had so ably demonstrated. Sahria was quicker and more practiced, her moves light and dainty, almost dance-steps. Tasha’s and Rihanna’s movements were slick, smooth and powerful. Kiri could see long evidence of practice and impressive physical fitness. Their technique was flawless to her eyes.
Then it was Kiri’s turn.
She’d been running the moves through her head, trying to remember them. Charis called her forward. Kiri saw Rihanna’s smug expression and could have sworn she gave a slight shake of her head. Merrin looked on impassively.
I won’t get this wrong …
Kiri started the moves. She was far slower than Tasha or Rihanna, but she was steady, methodically unwinding them in her mind, trying to flow from one to the other. Halfway through she almost lost her recall and paused momentarily. She recovered and completed the moves, pleased to see that she’d ended up in the right final position and posture.
Rihanna had her arms folded and was looking away with a bored expression on her face. Charis clapped in delight and walked across.
‘Well done, Kiri,’ she said. ‘Few manage that on their first attempt. You picked that up quickly. Are you sure you haven’t done this before?’
‘No.’ Kiri admitted, catching her breath. ‘It’s easy though, any fool could do it.’
Kiri caught the other candids glaring at her, she ignored them.
‘We’re ready. You will be required to repeat those moves as part of the ceremony. Be seated. We will rest now until …’
Charis was interrupted by the arrival of Nerina. Kiri watched in surprise as the candids around her grew silent. She looked diminutive, slight and ghostly.
‘Charis,’ Nerina said,
her words only just audible to the candids. ‘Don’t you think we should ensure we set the best example with our candids?’
Nerina briefly glanced around at the other candid groups, spread around them on the piazza.
‘Charis looked around in surprise. ‘Launa has already approved them. They are ready for the ritual …’
‘It would not do to have the other provinces outshine Daine,’ Nerina continued. ‘One of their number has not practiced for long.’
Kiri saw Nerina look around and gaze at her, before turning her attention back to Charis. She could also see Merrin smiling with satisfaction.
‘What do you have in mind?’ Charis replied.
‘For those who have learnt the moves, freeform sparring practice,’ Nerina said, raising her voice. ‘Let them put into practice what they’ve learned and demonstrate that candids from Daine are the strongest and most worthy.’
‘Sparring is not necessary for the ceremony,’ Charis replied, uneasily. ‘And only two of the candids have expressed a wish to become warriors.’
‘Don’t you have confidence in their abilities?’ Merrin added, sparing a quick glance at Kiri. ‘Perhaps some of them are weak, unprepared and unsuitable for the inspection of the high-priestess?’
Charis looked across at Kiri. Kiri said nothing, she just aimed an unpleasant glare in Merrin’s direction.
‘I have no doubts,’ Charis said. ‘None at all.’
‘Then it’s decided?’ Nerina asked.
Kiri could see Charis still looked uncomfortable, but she turned to the six candids, gesturing for them to line up. Nerina and Merrin looked on from behind her.
‘We will spar,’ Charis said reluctantly. ‘Use only the moves you have practiced today. You will not strike hard. Contact only for points. Is this understood?’
Kiri watched as Charis looked from one to the other. She saw Rihanna’s eyebrow rise as Kiri caught her eye.
‘Tasha and Kiri, Rihanna and Sahria. Joyce and Jessie.’
Tasha faced off against Kiri, as did Rihanna and Sahria. Kiri could see the look of contempt on Rihanna’s face as she looked across at Sahria. The blonde girl looked scared.
‘Bow,’ Charis called and then, ‘Begin.’
