by Alicia Fabel
“The final challenge,” announced Prince Ashur. “The victor will be the champion for Apprentice Vera.”
“Where’s Dipwad?” Vera whispered, looking for the kargadan challenger.
Kuwari shushed her. No one else seemed concerned by his absence.
“The challengers will fight. Each competitor as they are, no other weapons permitted. The fight ends with first blood. Prepare yourselves.”
“What’s that mean?” Vera asked.
“Exactly what it sounds like. Whoever draws blood first, wins.”
“So Kale just has to punch him in the nose if he shows up?” Vera folded her arms smugly. “Cake.”
“It may be more difficult than that,” warned Kuwari.
Just then, a unicorn stepped forward. A frigging for-reals unicorn. Complete with hooves, silver mane, and glimmering horn, which Vera knew was as sharp as a blade. The unicorn dipped its head at the prince before facing Kale. The crowd moved without prompting to create a ring around the challengers.
“That’s Hutran?”
“Yes.”
“But that’s not fair. The prince said no weapons.”
“The prince said they would fight as they are, which for Hutran means the benefit of a horn. It’s not an additional weapon. It’s part of him.”
“What a crock.” Vera’s heart stuttered in her chest.
Esta met Vera’s eyes through the crowd. Her expression was solemn. When she had Vera’s attention, she tipped her head meaningfully. Vera remembered the woman’s counsel from that morning, to keep herself together no matter what and to keep her head high. Vera squared her shoulders. Everything will be fine.
“Challengers begin,” announced Ashur.
“Kick that unicorn’s ass, Kale!” she yelled, not caring that the kargadan glared daggers at her. Whether for her inappropriate cheer or the hated nickname, she gave zero craps. Glare all you want, you cheating jerks. Kale’s lips twitched, but he didn’t take his eyes off Hutran. He stilled. Vera knew he wouldn’t give away anything with his body, so she studied Hutran, waiting for him to make the first move. And he did. His flank twitched just before he attacked. Kale twisted, spinning out of horn range and then came down with a fist, slamming it into Hutrans’s back. It was not a hit that would draw blood, but it had to hurt. Hutran stumbled and swung around to face Kale. He tossed his head, looking half-crazed.
Kale shifted, circling Hutran while the kargadan turned with him. Vera knew Kale wouldn’t strike, not when he needed to keep away from the horn, which would slice his skin like paper. This was his way of unnerving the kargadan, making him lash out. It worked. Hutran lunged, horn first. Kale leaped to the side and spun to land another hit. Hutran anticipated and kicked out with his rear legs. Kale jumped back, but one hoof caught him in the ribs. He grunted from the impact and quickly backed away. Hutran took advantage, lashing out with his horn. Kale ducked, swerving to the side, but Hutran was relentless. The crowd moved out of the way as the fight neared the edge of the ring.
“The Guardian bleeds!” yelled a woman.
Vera scanned him. A red stain soaked through his shirt where Hutran had kicked him. The kargadan had managed to break the skin, and Kale hadn’t healed fast enough. Hutran backed away. Vera’s shoulders fell. Well, suck. Kale’s eyes flew to her. She read the defeat there but kept her composure. It wasn’t over yet. They just had to switch to plan B. She wished she’d had time to tell Kale she had a plan B. And what it was. He’s not going to like this.
“Hutran is the victor,” called Prince Ashur.
Sand and dirt swirled around Hutran, rising like a tornado around him. When it fell, the cocky kargadan was back in the form Vera was familiar with, brown eyes and all.
Murdak Enlil stepped forward to make it official. “Hutran, as the victor, you are apprentice Vera’s champion. You may claim her for your mate.”
“I challenge Hutran!” Vera cried out. The villagers turned as one to gape at her. “I challenge for the right to be my own champion.”
The scorpions whooped and cheered while Ashur and Enlil stood dumbfounded. She had no idea what Kale’s reaction was. He’d become an unreadable statue.
“You cannot be your own champion,” argued Hutran.
“Why not?” she asked. “If I beat you, it means I’m the one best capable of protecting myself. There’re no rules against a female challenger—a friend checked for me.”
Esta winked, her eyes shining with pride.
“That’s because no one ever thought a female would be that absurd,” said Hutran.
“Are you afraid to accept my challenge, Hutran? Are you afraid I’ll show all these people that I am stronger than you?” Vera taunted.
“You would not beat me, only hurt yourself. I’ll not allow it.”
“Except you are not my guardian,” Vera informed him. “A challenge has been issued. The only way out of it is to forfeit or accept. Either way, you have no say in what I can or cannot do until you win... If you can.”
“You forget something,” said Hutran. “Murdak Enlil can make a new law whenever he feels it is necessary for the safety of his herd. I am sure this is one of those times.”
“Your Majesty,” began Kuwari. “May I?”
“Make it fast, Kuwari,” said Enlil.
“I only wish to urge caution. If laws change on a whim anytime a kargadan’s pride is at stake, then what power will our laws hold in the future? If Hutran fears for Vera’s safety, then perhaps a forfeit is the correct response. After all, the challenge was never meant to force a kargadan woman into mating against her will.”
“You said she is important to our people,” said Prince Ashur.
“She is,” Kuwari assured. “But I was wrong to go about it as I have. There is still more to this that I must discuss with you.”
“I accept the challenge,” announced Hutran, ending the debate.
Of course this couldn’t have gone the easy way. Vera released the breath she’d been holding. I’m gonna drop this pig to his knees.
The marduk looked surprised but said, “It looks like my decision is no longer needed. We have two challengers. The victor will be Vera’s champion.”
“I would like to request that the challenges be completed today,” said Hutran. “Before the mating moon has passed.”
“That seems unfair,” began the prince, as if fairness was suddenly a priority for him.
“I accept those terms,” said Vera.
The prince gave her a pitying look.
“What’s the first challenge?” she persisted.
“I’m not sure.” The prince massaged his temples. “I did not prepare another round of challenges.”
“How about a repeat of the previous challenges?” suggested Vera.
“Hutran will have the advantage of practice,” said Ashur.
“He’s also injured which takes away that advantage.” Vera gave Hutran a cold look. “Plus, I’m smarter than him, so I’m not worried.”
“Hutran?”
“If that’s what she wants, I accept.” He rolled his head from side to side. “It will get this over quickly.”
“We’ll begin with a riddle then,” began Prince Ashur, seeming tired. “A different one, however—“
“Don’t we need to toast first? To demonstrate our honor?” Vera asked with an edge to her words.
Hutran and the prince stiffened. Yeaaah. Don’t like being called out on your crap, do ya? Prince Ashur pressed his lips together and waved at a kargadan standing in the corner. They dashed inside. As fast as they were back with eitr, Vera suspected there’d been some waiting. Probably to celebrate Hutran’s bogus win. Vera accepted her cup happily—the stuff was yummy.
“To the victor,” Prince Ashur said simply.
Vera drained her cup, and someone took it from her. Next up, the riddle, which she knew would go to Hutran. She wasn’t worried.
Prince Ashur took a breath and said, “A person sees the door of a home open and close. But for th
em, it remains locked. Who are they?”
“An obstinate fool,” answered Hutran, throwing a pointed look Vera’s way.
She nearly laughed. Wow, I’ve got them wound tighter than normal. Vera kept her face unreadable, though, not wanting to royally piss them off yet. That would come later. Unbeknownst to those around her, Vera began rousing her demas, getting it excited. She’d need it ready to come out and play in a little bit.
“Hutran is the victor of the first challenge,” announced Ashur. “Next, the race to retrieve a pearl. The first to place a pearl in my hand will be the victor.”
“Be right back.” Hutran didn’t even bother running.
Vera let him get to the edge of the square before calling out, “Go ahead and save your energy.” She pulled two pearls from her pocket. “Kale, which one was yours?”
“The pink one,” he answered with a teensy bit of amusement finally showing on his face.
“Here, you can have this one.” Vera plucked the gray pearl from her palm and dropped it into Ashur’s hand. Her demas sulked. It wanted to swim. Sorry little guy. I promise we’ll find a beach and practice with our gills after I’m free.
“That doesn’t count,” contested Hutran.
“Why not?” Vera asked. “Did he say we had to jump a chasm or dive into a river to get the pearl? No, he didn’t. Don’t be a sore loser, Hutran. It’s not attractive.”
Oh boy, he’s getting pissed now. The scorpion clan stomped their feet with delight, kicking up dirt.
“I will not fight her to blood,” Hutran said angrily. “This challenge needs to end.” He eyed Enlil, making it clear he wanted the marduk to do something.
“How about the first to knock the other on their rear, then?” suggested Vera. “That work for everyone’s sensibilities?”
The prince nodded, seeming to relax. He looked like the past twenty minutes had aged him. And he hadn’t even found out yet that the girl he was supposed to marry was knocked up by a fish-man. Poor guy. Then again, he did conspire to trap Vera in an arranged marriage. Being knocked down a few pegs might be good for him.
“Can we get this over with?” Hutran asked.
“Agreed,” said Vera.
“As you are,” said Ashur. “No weapons. Prepare yourselves.”
The crowd did not move to leave as much space as they had earlier. Vera wondered if she should be offended by that. Nah. The looks on their faces in a few minutes will make up for it. She shucked her outer clothes to reveal her Earth-wear, and then removed the scarf from her hair. She’d braided and wound it into a knot earlier. Just in case. She wore it like that when she had to spar with Kale—ever since he’d grabbed a fist of hair that one time and used it to leverage her into the dirt. Kale cocked an eyebrow.
“What?” she said. “You told me to be prepared for anything, in case running wasn’t an option.”
“Yeah, but I never thought you’d pick a fight with a unicorn.” Kale grinned. “Now grind him into the dirt.”
“You need time to change?” Vera asked Hutran.
“I’m good like this.”
“Suit yourself.” Vera stilled, sinking into her training.
“Are you ready?” asked Prince Ashur. Vera nodded. Hutran rolled his eyes. “Challengers begin.”
Vera breathed in and out, staring the kargadan in the eyes. The jerk didn’t even try. He just lumbered forward and struck out a soft fist to shove her over. Vera bent out of the way, grabbed the hand, and pulled. He wasn’t ready for that and stumbled forward. Vera spun around and kicked him in the butt with the bottom of her tennis shoe. Almost the exact same move Kale had made earlier. The man was a fool to underestimate her.
“You do realize the Guardian trained me, right?” Vera asked the red-faced man. “He’s kinda committed to making sure I stay alive.”
“Pay attention, Vera,” Kale coached from the sidelines.
Vera rolled her shoulders and bounced on her toes.
“This ends now,” growled Hutran. He ran at her like a freight train.
Vera didn’t dodge. She opened her mouth and unleashed her cool new demas superpower. She could sing now. The audience threw their hands over their ears. One woman threw up, the vomit splattered the dirt and people’s feet. Hot damn. It’s working. The scorpions laughed hysterically at the back, where they’d carefully retreated before the fight started. Hutran hunched over, grasping his head with both hands. Vera walked up to him. He swiped out with one hand to grab her, but it just let more sound into his ears, where it wreaked beautiful havoc.
“Cocky bastard,” she said, aiming a foot at his crotch. Kale always said, aim for the soft spots. Down went Dumb-dumb.
Vera reined in her demas. The lightning-filled mist was beyond pleased with itself. Kargadan around her released their ears cautiously. The prince looked a little green. Maybe Greeny wouldn’t stand out so much after all. The scorpions rushed her, whooping and cheering.
Esta scooped her into a hug. “Well done, brave girl.”
“Thanks for helping me believe in me.”
“Best entertainment ever,” cried Darien.
“Apprentice Vera, you are the champion,” announced Ashur. “You have the right to claim yourself.”
“Yay, I claim me,” Vera shouted, throwing her arms in the air.
The kargadan began moving away, their expressions as gray as the sky above. No one challenged her. Not a single one of them wanted all her awesomeness in their life. Boom!
“Since no one else wishes to challenge, I proclaim you the champion for…for you,” said the prince. “I would be interested to know how you managed that trick just now, however.”
“Your majesty,” Kuwari cut in. “As I said earlier, there are some things we should discuss. In private.”
“Yes, yes. I’m going to get a drink,” said Murdak Enlil. “Meet me in my chambers in ten minutes.”
Thunder rolled across the sky, closely followed by lightning. Kargadan looked up in wonder.
“She sang up a thunderstorm.” Darien spread out his arms as the first heavy drops fell.
“But I didn’t mean to.” Vera eyed the darkening clouds nervously. Her demas twisted with laughter. You are ornery, aren’t you? She had a feeling that getting the demas to do as she wanted without any tricks would take some work.
“It’ll pass,” said Esta. “You know, the healer surprised me earlier. He might not be so bad.”
“He’s not the only one,” Vera assured. “There are decent people here.”
“Ready to go home?” Kale asked right behind her ear. Goosebumps broke out across her skin.
“So ready.”
“Good, because our ride is finally here,” he said.
“Did I miss all the fun?” Addamas asked, looking up. “Since when does it rain in Nibiru?”
“Since Vera came to turn the world upside down,” Kale replied.
“Oh, so nothing new.” Addamas winked at her.
“Congratulations, Vera,” said Nisaba, edging through the scorpions. Greeny and Ishtar were behind her.
“You’re up?” Vera scrutinized the woman. She was quickly getting soaked but otherwise looked better than Vera had seen before.
“We’re on our way to start a revolution for the kargadan herd,” Nisaba said.
“How’s your mom holding up?” Vera asked. Ishtar looked ready to throw Greeny in front of a scorpion to save herself if one got too close.
Nisaba leaned in. “She won’t admit it, but she’s thrilled. She’s been up since dawn cooking enough food for three armies. It’s all for her grandbaby.”
“I’m glad.”
“Well, let's hope Ashur and his father are so easily won over.” Nisaba wiped rain from her face. “Will you come back and visit?”
“Oh yeah. I’m going to spoil your little lightning bug. And Kuwari is campaigning for a Vera-order mate service.” Vera cast a look toward the cultural hall where he’d disappeared. “He acts like he’s joking, but I know he’s not.”
> “Hopefully when you come back, my people will resemble the people we once were.”
“You’re not all as bad as I thought. Hutran, yes. But the rest could grow on me. The Tablilu are pretty great too. You should hook Kuwari up with that lady right there,” Vera pointed out Esta, who was scolding Darien for playing in the mud like a child.
“I’ll see what I can do.” Nisaba laughed. “You were here for a week, and I don’t think we’ll ever be the same. Fetu and I will never be able to thank you enough.”
Greeny finally has a name. “Yes, well, you woke up my magic, so we’ll call it even.”
“I’m glad I could. Now you better go.” Nisaba rushed forward to fold Vera in a hug. Then she turned away abruptly to leave, wiping her cheeks. This time it wasn’t the rain. Vera blinked away the sting in her own.
“If you ever need anything,” said Fetu. “All you need is to ask.”
“Thank you, Fetu. Stay salty,” she said grinning.
Fetu gave her an odd look before catching up to Nisaba.
“How long have you been waiting to say that?” asked Kale.
“From the second I found out he has salty superpowers.”
“Salt and storms.” Kale looked up.
“Yeaaah.Whoops?”
Kale opened his mouth to say something, but Vera was lifted into a mass hugging as the scorpion crew said goodbye next.
“Come see us,” said Darien. “It’s much more fun on our side of the realm.”
“Want me to bring back some girls for you too?”
“By Kurmugi, yes!” he pumped a fist in the air.
Esta thunked him in the back of the head. The scorpion mom smoothed back Vera’s hair. “Just promise you won’t stop.”
“Won’t stop what?”
“Being brave.” Esta squeezed her hand. “Show the world that we can all exist together. If all magic can live in one small woman, we can definitely manage in this big broken world of ours. We need each other, but we’ve forgotten that.” She blinked a few times, and Vera’s throat tightened. “Now go. Those boys of yours look as twitchy as a kargadan who stumbled upon a scorpion.”
“Ready?” Vera asked Kale and Addamas.
“Just waiting on you, Miss Popularity,” said Kale.
