The Phoenix of Kiymako

by Ashley Capes

  “So she was chosen because she was willing to go along with whatever Hiruso is up to?” Never asked.

  “Yes. Muka and Wanatek suspected that he was moving to supplant the Divine Throne. They could never prove anything. They at least wanted to be in a position to respond to any hostile moves.”

  He lowered his voice a moment. “Is it safe to talk so? I wouldn’t want to bring unwanted attention down on your inn.”

  “Not to worry, all who work here are friend to Muka and I.”

  Never took another drink. “I’ve meant to ask him, but how did he earn the name Sword of Stone?”

  “Ah, that is a simple tale. Do you know what the tobake is?”

  He shook his head.

  “It is a formal challenge, a test of a monk’s lunai, I suppose – issued over grievances between warriors, and though I know the story I know not the reason behind it for he will not say.”

  “Sounds serious.”

  “I believe so. But the tobake pitted Muka against a dozen men – one after the other. He had to prevent each man from moving him, blade against blade. Of course, his challenger faced Muka last, hoping his lunai would have weakened.” She paused to smile. “It had not. And since all failed, that is how he became known as Sword of Stone.”

  “I see you’re hard at work gathering our supplies, Never.” Muka stood in the doorway, Ayuni beside him.

  Never raised his cup. It hadn’t impaired his vision yet – or his judgement, but it was certainly a strong drink. “Teyeon forced me to drink with her.”

  “That I believe,” he said as he approached the bar.

  They took seats and Teyeon organised more cups – wine for Muka and the tart juice favoured by the Kiymako for Ayuni. “Bad news?” she asked them.

  Muka nodded. “Yes. But we might be able to turn it to our advantage if Never’s willing to take a risk.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “You say that like there’s a chance I won’t be willing to take a risk.”

  Chapter 27

  “The Hammers were sent to Yalinamo but will not make it known to the temples when they have arrived,” Muka explained.

  “So that’s the bad news?” Never asked. “That Hiruso has sent his hounds exactly where he expected we would be travelling? Not good news, precisely, but perhaps not a surprise either.”

  “That’s part of it,” Ayuni said. “But the orders are that I must be spared no matter the cost – even if it puts innocents in danger. Or kills them. Brother Hiruso wants you too, though not as much from what we learnt.”

  Never frowned.

  “It gets more troublesome,” Muka said. “There have been highly-accurate drawings of each of us shared between the temples and an impressive reward offered for anyone who helps apprehend us. If the population is also searching, we’re significantly out numbered.”

  “And these drawings pre-date our disguise at least?”

  “Yes,” Muka said. “But that’s where I think we need to counter Hiruso’s efforts by laying a false trail.”

  “Sounds good. What do you have in mind?”

  “Let’s show them the real Never a few times. Once in Sigawa at dawn, then in Akurik around noon and finally Okana before evening. Force people to chase rumours to make our path to the mountains easier.”

  Never was nodding slowly. “And these places you mention are far apart?”

  “Yes, but perhaps not for someone with your gifts,” Muka said.

  “Then I’d better get some rest before dark – sounds like I’ll be sharing the night with naught but the moon.”

  “I’ll prepare a map,” Muka said. “Even in the dark, Sigawa will be easy to find, and in order to beat the dawn you’ll have to leave before midnight.”

  “Ah. My joy knows no bounds, hearing that.” Curiosity glittered in Teyeon’s eyes, but she did not ask what was doubtless on her mind and Never wasn’t going to volunteer the information. He’d leave that up to Muka; best if the man decided whether Teyeon knowing more would endanger her any further. “Forgive me, we still need supplies.”

  “It’s no trouble,” Muka said.

  “I’ll bring you something to eat, if you like?” Ayuni asked.

  “If I’m awake, that would be wonderful,” he said as he started toward the room he shared with Muka. He blinked rapidly as he walked; maybe the Smiling Fool had been stronger than he realised – that or the batena had obviously not been very potent.

  Once he had found his room, closed the door and curtains, removed his boots, most of his knives and his tunic and made himself comfortable, Never closed his eyes and drew in a series of long, deep breaths. He lay there in the growing dark, breathing and keeping still, but true sleep eluded him... he simply drifted in and out of full consciousness until a knock came at the door.

  “Never?”

  Ayuni with food.

  Perhaps not a bad idea. “I’m awake,” he called.

  The handle squeaked as light bled into the room, Ayuni’s silhouette following. The scent of spice reached him before she did and he rose to open the small lamp. Ayuni handed him his tray and sat on Muka’s bed, but did not speak at first.

  He lifted a fork and speared a piece of meat, eating a few pieces. Gamey, but hot and welcome. “You planning on watching me eat all of this?” Never asked with a smile.

  Ayuni shook her head, and though she attempted a smile it seemed to break apart before it formed. “Never... I want to ask you something.”

  “Of course.” He set his meal aside.

  “I know we have not known each other long... but I feel safe with you, ever-since you found me.” She tucked a lock of hair back behind her ear. “And so I feel like I have to ask before tomorrow because we’re heading into such danger – you in Sigawa for a start and Muka and I in the road. The Hammers could be anywhere and there’s the Temple too...” she trailed off, taking a shuddering breath.

  “Whatever you ask,” Never said. “You know I will do.”

  She nodded. “Thank you. Before I ask, however... will you tell me everything you have held back about our father?”

  Never sighed. It wasn’t fair to deny her the truth about her heritage – after all, he’d spent years searching for his own. He knew what it was to wonder and to have no answers. And it would have been worse for Ayuni, since she’d spent years a prisoner, unable even to take her own steps. “I’m not saying I won’t tell you all I know; but I fear you won’t enjoy it.”

  “I am ready.” Not a trace of hesitation in her voice.

  “Very well.” Never outlined all he knew, from what few memories of his own he still possessed – including the rape of his mother – to those given by Snow’s vision, like the strange wolf-like creature. He reiterated the guesswork about the man’s quest to sire more Amouni everywhere he went, and the stories created about Father throughout many lands.

  “Then we may have many more siblings?” Ayuni asked. Her face appeared near-drained of colour, as it had been since hearing of the rape. But she hadn’t asked him to stop, either.

  Never shrugged. “I am not certain. One thing makes me unsure – why would Father’s blood grant me a vision of Kiymako yet no-where else?”

  “Then we are the last?”

  “Perhaps of his line,” Never said, before explaining about Cog.

  “I see.” Ayuni frowned. “But surely there are no other Ascended Amouni?”

  “I do not believe so. Why?” He leant forward. “I know I have promised to tell you everything, but I do not know if I have the knowledge to unlock your wings – Snow may have taken that with him to the grave.”

  Now she did smile. “Do not fear; that is not my wish.”

  “Ah – you’re concerned there could be more like our father.”

  “Yes.”

  “Snow told me that when Father was put to death by the old Empress
of Marlosa they scattered his bones, and what remained I have locked away in Pacela’s Temple,” Never said. “None will come anew from Father – so as I said before, I fear he left only you and I. Unless you have any siblings by your mother?”

  “No,” she said. “There was only Mother and me.”

  “Was she a healer like you?” Never asked. “You have not spoken of her much.”

  “I know. Sometimes it’s hard to remember without the pain of our separation added to the memories, even the happy ones. But she was a monk. Her role within the temple was unique I think, to our village. It was her responsibility to chronicle the lives of all who lived there – she used to teach me my letters by lamplight. I can still see her hands before me, quill moving steadily.”

  “She must have been not without influence then,” Never said.

  “I think at times.” She smiled then. “One thing I do remember was a particular young man begging mother not to reveal the truth of his various indiscretions.”

  “I wonder if she ever wrote about our father.”

  “Not that she ever mentioned but no doubt I was too young. We will ask when we see her – I would love to read any such writings also,” Ayuni said, then fell silent.

  “So, what of your request?” Never asked.

  “I have been thinking on what you told me, about Brother Hiruso. He inferred he knew Father.”

  “Yes. He seemed disappointed that Father had not taught me more about being Amouni.”

  “Then it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they knew one another, even that they shared a common goal – if that is true, Hiruso may have been keeping me for more than my healing abilities.”

  Never frowned – a rush of anger coming with it, though he kept his voice calm somehow. “Have you ever sensed he wishes for you to bear a child?”

  “No, but perhaps he even fears the risks of childbirth? After all, if I were to die the healing salves they make will cease forever.”

  “Perhaps a valid fear. If we compare the amount of women Father attacked with his children and it would seem birthrates for Amouni are quite low.”

  “Exactly,” she said with a grim nod. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if Hiruso decided to take that risk if he was desperate enough to create more of my blood via a child. And if that happens, Never... I want you to promise that you will do everything you can to kill me before any birth occurs.”

  Never felt his eyes widen.

  “I am serious. Considering my bloodline, he will no doubt place himself as father of any offspring, and such a child will be too terrible to contemplate.”

  “Ayuni...” Never moved to sit beside her. She had a point about the potential power of a child born of Temple and Amouni heritage but what she was asking was pure madness. He could not take the life of a sibling all over again. She was the last of his family; it was simply not possible. “I cannot. And you cannot know that is what he seeks.”

  “But I fear it, and who else can I trust? If we are captured tomorrow...”

  Never took her hand. “If that happens I will find you.”

  “But what if you’re too late? He may be desperate enough to risk a child now that you are here.”

  “If that was his plan he has waited years longer than he might have, Ayuni.”

  “I know. But it’s still the most likely scenario, isn’t it?”

  “I will not let that come to pass,” he said. “And neither would you – I saw what happened to the warriors who chased you.”

  “What if he can withstand even that?”

  “He cannot. You are strong, Ayuni,” Never said firmly. He tried to put all the confidence he had in her into the words, but he did not know if it was enough. “Don’t forget that.”

  Yet she gave his hand a squeeze then stood. “Thank you. I should let you rest. Fly true, Brother.”

  “And you, Sister.”

  Chapter 28

  Evening light cut through the pine and bamboo to fall onto the thatched rooves of Okana. For the third time that day, he found himself perched on a tree, staring down at those unaware – for now – of his presence.

  That would change soon enough.

  He’d left Iri’s fang with Ayuni and Muka where it would do more good. Not that either of the two were defenceless if attacked; he had to remind himself of the fact as he’d flown through the dark sky, searching for the night glow of Sigawa where it winked on the horizon of the forest.

  At dawn, he’d launched himself into a swooping dive, bursting through a market square, where early-risers waited for stall keepers to finish setting out their wares. Shocked cries followed him, and he made certain to bank in the air, to give more time to be seen. In the next town, Akurik, he pulled a similar stunt – tearing across a large clearing where a group of men and women were competing over coloured rings hurled through the air. Both teams – Never assumed that was their purpose – halted their movements to stare and point. Shouts rose up too – someone calling for a weapon it seemed, but he was already twisting up between the branches to disappear.

  Now, perhaps a far grander gesture was warranted.

  Word would have been spreading between the temples by now, and no one town or city would know where he’d appear next – but his previous acts had only been the appetiser. Now would come the main meal.

  Okana had more homes amongst the trees, more walkways spanning them, but below there were shadowy paths and little movement. Perhaps a fitting place for a fountain of crimson-fire? It had to be deserted enough that he hurt no-one, but people had to see him too. The red light would draw attention...

  Never leant out over the branch. Down below, a pair of men headed toward the outskirts of town. It was difficult to tell but one of the men seemed slender, his sharp features familiar, even from a distance.

  Wanatek?

  If it was the rebel leader, what was he seeking here in Okana? Anything Never attempted now would only draw unwanted attention down on the rebel, either directly or via any subsequent searches. The risk was too great; Never had to speak with Wanatek.

  He hid his wings and started climbing down, muttering a curse when his hand burst a bubble of sap. At the sound of a hushed conversation below he paused, breathing a prayer to the surrounding pine needles – if any fell...

  But the voices moved on. Never waited a moment before climbing a little further, then dropped softly to the ground. He circled the remaining houses on the edge of Okana and joined the trail Wanatek had used. He did not have to travel far to come across another home – this one set in a depression beneath the trees.

  Light flickered within. Had the two entered? Who did they visit?

  Or had they already moved on? In the near-dark it wouldn’t be easy to track them, but he heard no small sounds of nearby travel. Never crept toward the house, approaching a window at a crouch. Behind the glass, warm light set a granite statuette of the Phoenix to glittering and voices drifted through.

  “Are you sure about this? I cannot overstate the risk.” Wanatek’s voice.

  “We do not wish to pressure you.” This from a familiar-sounding voice – most likely Etsu, the short woman who’d led Never to his tent back in the Southern Reeds.

  “I am sure. You know I have my own reasons to go along with yours.” The third speaker was a younger woman.

  “Very well. There is much we must prepare now, but thank you,” Wanatek said.

  Never waited as the sound of chairs moving followed. What were they recruiting her for? Obviously the rebellion in Najin, but what exactly was she going to do? Assassinate the Isansho?

  He slipped away from the window.

  Whatever they had planned, Never didn’t want to bring it into jeopardy by causing a stir now. He could still light up the evening with some crimson fire, but perhaps in a smaller town between Okana and Yalinamo.

  He circled
away, putting some distance between himself and Wanatek before selecting a tree to climb, reaching for the lowest limb.

  The faint swish of cloth against cloth came from behind.

  Never rolled to the side. Something struck the ground where he’d stood. He came to his feet, knives in hand. A dark figure was reaching for whatever it had thrown – what looked like a net with weighted ends.

  A breath alerted him to a second attack right before something hit him from behind – another net; the weights clunked into his hip and the heavy mesh bore him to the needle-covered earth. Never twisted, sawing at the netting but it was woven steel thread.

  “Rest easy,” a voice smirked from above.

  Something wet splashed across Never’s face, a cloying scent following. It was so strong that he gagged. The liquid stung his eyes – but the discomfort did not last, as true darkness smothered him, turning the net to gossamer.

  ***

  A rhythmic pain drew him up from the depths of his drug-induced sleep, yet it was not enough to register full consciousness – the sun was bright, and a muted clacking sound lingered, but he could not stay awake.

  ***

  When Never next woke it was to the sound of humming – a man’s voice, an unfamiliar melody. Never opened his eyes, squinting against a strange light. He couldn’t move his arms or legs; he was bound to a bed in a spacious room. He blinked. So spacious, that it bore a round pool set in the floor, immaculate marble edges encircling clear water.

  Above, soft, blue-tinted light fell from a massive skylight; not unlike what he’d seen in the Amber Isle. The humming came from a silver-haired figure in the water; the man facing away from Never. Muscled arms spread across the pool, a giveaway probably as clear as the hair; it was hardly likely that a stranger had taken Never from Okana – it seemed Brother Hiruso had a flair for the dramatic too.

  Or perhaps it was a character flaw.