The Courier's Quest

by T. S. Valmond

  22

  THAT NIGHT, RASHA'S DREAMS were filled with images of the old woman and a mysterious tree. A large tree with white bark and magenta leaves. A color not found anywhere in nature. The tree swayed back and forth as if waving to her. Rasha woke feeling tired and anxious. Her sick friends didn't have much time. The lyrical message stayed with her long after the dreams had subsided. She hummed the lyrics to a tune from her dream while she dressed.

  Over breakfast, she broached the subject with her parents.

  "Have you ever heard of The Niramaya Tree?"

  "Who told you about that?" her mother asked.

  "Fantasy,” her father said at the same time.

  "A crone approached me in the temple and said it holds the cure to the plague that is sweeping the kingdoms."

  "The Niramaya Tree is an ancient legend. I have heard nothing of it since I was a child." Her mother rubbed at her arms.

  "Is there something wrong?" Rasha asked as she noted her mother's odd behavior.

  "No, I had an odd feeling like we shouldn't be discussing it."

  "Imaginings," her father said between bites.

  "Either way, I need to ask around to find out if anyone has ever seen this tree," Rasha said and shrugged one shoulder.

  "Waste of time," her father said.

  He shook his head and muttered something about her getting married.

  "Be careful, child," her mother said, reaching over and grabbing Rasha's arm with a death grip.

  Rasha pulled her arm away and nodded. Her mother seemed so strange, so altered. The old woman had an unnerving way, perhaps her mother had seen her, but before she could ask about it a guard at the door interrupted them.

  "There is a visitor for her royal highness, Rasha."

  Rasha nodded and stood up to leave. She bowed to her parents and excused herself. Her mother's worried eyes followed her every movement. Once they were out in the corridor and out of range of her parents’ hearing, the guard spoke again.

  "A greenie, he refused to give his name."

  "Do not refer to the Tero-Joro in that way. No doubt it is only Ebere."

  Rasha realized then she should have contacted him a long time ago. He might have had an idea where to find Ladi. Ever since he'd kissed her, he'd had a new sort of confidence that was interesting to see. Rasha wondered what he would be willing to do to help her. When the guard reached the corridor, he stopped and stepped to one side, allowing her to see who'd arrived. The build on this person was too slight and the stance too casual. Ebere had a much more formal way about him. She glanced at the figure draped in oversized clothing and hair tucked into a large cap. It wasn't a man at all but a girl. It was Ladi. The recognition must have touched her eyes because Ladi gave a slight shake of her head before she bowed low.

  "Your highness, I beg a moment of your time."

  Ladi didn't want to reveal her true identity to the guards nearby. Rasha played along, unsure of the end goal. She raised a hand and gestured toward the gardens. As much as they needed privacy, she couldn't be seen with another man while in the middle of the New Choosing even if it was only pretense. She avoided the tall hedges and walked along the straight path away from the doors.

  Ladi walked a step behind her and followed her into the tall hedges. The weather was warm this time of year, and she welcomed the breeze beneath her lifted skirts as she avoided tripping on them.

  "Where in the name of the Universal have you been?" Rasha asked once they were out of hearing of the guards.

  "I'll explain everything."

  The large fountain in the garden would serve to mask their voices and Ladi's face. She couldn't sit down in the dress she wore and instead indicated with a nod of her head that Ladi should sit down.

  Rasha looked her over again, taking in the clothes. They did look like something Ebere would wear.

  "Why are you dressed like Ebere?"

  “Why are you dressed like a princess?”

  Rasha was about to say something and then looked down at her yellow gown. Yes, she did look a bit ridiculous with all the ruffles and lace but she had her reasons so she shrugged.

  "Ebere loaned me these so that I could come to you without getting caught,”Ladi said. “I don't want anyone to recognize me. I need to maintain complete anonymity until the truth is revealed. "

  "What truth?" Rasha's patience was wearing down. "You've yet to tell me anything of substance."

  "I left you at the Keep, didn't you see what was happening there?"

  "You didn't leave me much to go on. Things have changed little from what I could see."

  "That's my point. Things haven't changed. The kingdom of Ishola has all but been ignored."

  "Not by Bolaji choice. You forget they were the ones who demanded independence from the other ten kingdoms and it was granted. We have a peaceful relationship but the Wola keep their own rules and laws to avoid any uncomfortable transition."

  "That's not the point. They are purposely excluded, but that's not the worst of it,” Ladi hissed. She pulled out a small package. The package she'd been tasked to carry.

  Rasha stared down at the brown paper wrapping the box.

  "What are you still doing with that? You shouldn't have it,” Rasha said backing up from the thing.

  "Look at this. Things aren't as they appear." Ladi stood up and pushed the package at Rasha, forcing it into her hands.

  Rasha looked down at the small package. The light brown wrapping had shifted and the thin tie was loose. She removed the packaging and stared at the black device in her hand. Then she looked up at Ladi, who nodded in confirmation, her lips pressed together into a thin line, before sitting back down on the edge of the fountain.

  Rasha turned the small black device over in her hand. She'd seen many like them. A controller used against the beasts, to control the collars. Most of the beasts had their collars removed. Some feared removing them even now due to how many died trying to do the same. This controller could force them into submission again.

  "Who?" Rasha asked.

  "I don't know yet, that's why I'm here. I need your help. I lost track of them and they've begun to take the beasts and they have two of my Wola friends and I want them back." Ladi's voice rose with her anger.

  Rasha used her hand to indicate she was getting too loud and Ladi bit off her rant.

  "How many of these have you seen?" Rasha asked.

  "The entire graduating class at the Keep received a box of the same dimensions as mine. I was the only one to open mine."

  "Yahtz," Rasha said under her breath. "Where were they going?"

  "They were sent to the leaders of the kingdoms, from what I could gather. This one was going to Chilali."

  "Interesting."

  "Interesting? Is that all you can say?" Ladi stood again and paced in front of her. "The kingdoms could gather against the beasts, starting a war for no good reason."

  "Not that," Rasha said and waved a hand again to get Ladi to calm down. "My father mentioned nothing about not receiving a package or expecting a package."

  "I beg your pardon but is your father much on sharing his private business with his rogue daughter?"

  Rasha didn't let the sarcasm bother her. "Not in particular but it is a courier matter. He wouldn't hesitate to mention that I wasn't doing my duty as a princess or in making deliveries. Plus, if he wanted to control the beasts himself he would be proud of it. Too proud to keep it to himself.”

  "So he doesn't know about it?"

  "No, I don't think he does, which means most likely none of them know about it." Rasha put the device back into Ladi's hand. "However, they all came from one place and we need to go back there to get answers."

  "I know, that's why I sent you,” Ladi said with a roll of her eyes.

  "Yes, as I recall, you left me at the Keep with less information than a newborn piko. No, this time we go in prepared. There's only one problem."

  "What?"

  "The plague is spreading, everyone is getting sick
and Chiza and Jak have very little time."

  "Oh." Ladi's mouth formed the word, and the sound was a whisper on the wind. "What if there's no cure?"

  Rasha couldn't entertain the thought even for a second and shook her head.

  "Your people are working on a cure. There may also be an alternative. It lies within a tree."

  "Where?"

  "The old woman didn't say precisely."

  "The old woman?"

  "There was an old woman at the temple. She gave me a riddle. I think it's supposed to lead me to this Niramaya Tree."

  Ladi stroked her chin. It seemed to be a mannerism left over from the boyish clothes she wore.

  "Tell me the riddle and let's see if we can't solve it together. The sooner we get the cure to them, the sooner we can get to the Keep and resolve this matter." She shook the device in her hand.

  "There's an easy way to resolve this matter for the time being,” Rasha said, then she took back the device and put it on the ground to stomp on it. Her slippered feet did no damage to the device, but the device hurt her foot.

  Ladi moved forward and, with her heavy boots, she stomped on the device then she gathered the pieces.

  "Better keep these for evidence." Ladi gathered the pieces into the cloth and tied the package back together. "Now, tell me exactly what the old woman said to you."

  Once Ladi had heard the riddle twice she smiled.

  "What?"

  "She told you where to find the cure. It won't be easy to get to, but I think we can have the cure before the end of the day."

  "Where is it?"

  "You might want to get changed into your regular clothes and grab your swords because you're not going to like it,” Ladi said crossing her arms.

  23

  THEY STOOD ON THE EDGE of the water. Rasha was pacing back and forth. Zele sat under a tree, watching her nervous movements with fascination.

  "You have to do this," Ladi said for the fifth time.

  "I can't. I don't like the sea. Drowning will ruin my day."

  "You won't drown. The Majiwan will take you down using a breather. It'll be fine."

  "Why don't you do this?"

  "The old woman didn't talk to me, the prince didn't send me, and I'm not the one in love with Jak."

  Rasha stopped and stared at Ladi. She was only fifteen, but she had her moments.

  "Is it that obvious?"

  "Only to anyone who isn't you." Ladi smiled. "The best thing, though, is that Jak loves you back, and he has the patience of Xeku."

  Rasha didn't know what to think about that. She did love Jak. Why was it so impossible to tell him? The idea being obvious to everyone except her made her nauseous. Although maybe that was partly the water too. She remembered why she feared the water. She had almost drowned once. The memory had faded, but the feelings remained. Standing in front of the sea now brought all of those feelings back.

  "Better get it over with," Ladi said with an encouraging smile.

  Rasha opened her mouth and sang the words Ladi had told her would call the Majiwan. The words stuck in her throat and she croaked out the tune. Ladi shook her head once.

  "I better help you or we'll be standing on this hot beach all day." Ladi had retained her boyish clothing for the journey and Rasha's own courier clothes grew warmer against her skin.

  Ladi joined her voice, and the two sang the words to the sea, waiting for the Majiwan to appear.

  Two heads appeared in the water a hundred yards from in front of them and continued toward the beach. To males with staffs and stern expressions. From behind her, Zele stood up and roared at them. Rasha held up a hand to indicate Zele should be calm.

  When their shoulders crested the water, Rasha spoke to them.

  "I'm aware this is not how diplomatic meetings are arranged but I need to speak with your king. It is urgent that I see him."

  Ladi reached out a hand and touched Rasha's arm.

  "Not yet," she said in a low whisper as the men continued to walk toward them. When their feet touched the sand, Ladi gave Rasha a tap to start her request.

  Rasha took a deep breath and started again.

  "My name is Rasha Jenchat Indari, princess of Chilali, and I request an audience with your king. It is a matter of life and death."

  The men looked at each other then back at her. They nodded in unison before turning their backs on her and walking back into the water.

  "Wait, I cannot go in without help. I need a breathing thing."

  They walked on and when their shoulders were touching the water, the one on the left held up a breather, a small clear mask that fit over her face and provided air for her to breathe. The magical device was a wonder. She'd never investigated further as she'd had no intention of going underwater by choice.

  Rasha dared a glance behind her. Ladi gave her one last wave. The current helped carry her under the water, the two mermen doing the rest by tethering her to them. She'd missed the transformation of their legs to fins and decided she might want to see that next time.

  Below the surface of the water, there wasn't much going on. She noted the sun's warmth still carried even with her head well below the surface. She looked left and right but there was nothing here, no fish or anything. Further into the deep blue and greenish sea around them, she swam. Unable to keep up with their speed, they dragged her along while she kicked her feet uselessly behind her. Her ears, the first thing affected by the pressure, grew tight and she pushed the air out of her mouth, trying to keep the pressure equalized. The mask helped, but it wasn't a perfect fit. There was still some pressurizing she had to do herself.

  They touched the sea floor at last and the mermen stopped to allow her to complete her pressurization. Her head ached but she could see all around her the Majiwan swimming in groups. A large group swam to her left and another to her right as she watched in amazement. She'd heard stories about the life of the Majiwan but this was something one had to see to believe. The array of turquoise, amethyst, and emerald seemed to be in everything and touch everyone.

  Several of the Majiwan stared openly at her as she was led along. The kingdom of the mermaids had few visitors, especially someone from Chilali. Travel across the lands to other nations and kingdoms wasn't strong in either culture. Rasha and the mermen continued their swim to the entrance, to the large palace that dominated the center of their kingdom. Coral covered tall buildings without stairs. A green sort of seaweed covered the windows and offered a bit of privacy. The mermen swam with her through the large doors that stood open and into the underwater palace.

  They reached the king's public chamber. He sat alone with an empty chair at his side. It was common knowledge that the king of Majiwa ruled alone since the death of his wife over ten years ago. His long hair, a three-toned blue, shifted with the movement of the water surrounding him. His grey eyes watched her with interest as she swam awkwardly toward him. The mermen remained tethered to her, keeping her from floating up to the ceiling.

  Rasha remembered her manners and bowed to the king and spread her hands, requesting permission to speak. She sent a silent thanks to Aunt Sochi for all those kingdom etiquette lessons.

  "You may speak and I will listen, you are as welcome as the stars that glisten."

  He greeted her in the traditional rhyming of the Majiwan and Rasha's face went a deep purple. Their language wasn't something she'd mastered. She waved her right hand in circle as she tried think of a lyrical response.

  "Please, you may speak the common language," he said after regarding her struggle.

  "I beg your pardon, your highness, I've yet to master your tongue. I hope you will forgive me," she said, forcing the words out through the mask she wore over her face.

  He waved it away and motioned for her to approach his throne made of a natural coral formed around a throne of stone. It didn't look comfortable, but he rested one elbow on the arm.

  "I am Rasha Jenchat Indari, princess of Chilali. I come here as a courier on behalf of Prince Bashir of I
shola."

  "Princess and courier. That is an interesting combination," he said before prompting her to continue with a nod of his head.

  "The Bolaji kingdoms are in danger of being wiped out by a very serious plague." He didn't seem surprised by the news, he only listened as she continued. "I was told there is a tree, The Niramaya Tree it is called in the common language. It holds the only known cure. We hope you will grant us access to this tree and allow us to gather the needed cure from it."

  The king's face changed, hardened as if he were angry.

  "I cannot allow it."

  Rasha was expecting to be laughed out of the palace for even suggesting such a tree might exist. He hadn't denied the existence of the tree at all. Not only was he aware of the tree and its location, but he refused to let her see it.

  Rasha's jaw tightened and her hand moved to her hip. The mermen lifted their staffs and pointed them at her throat at the small twitch. She relaxed her hands and raised them up in a slow measured movement from her sides. The king watched all of this with a stern expression on his face, but he didn't move.

  "May I ask why you have denied a request that will cause you no harm and will benefit all of Bolaji?"

  "The Niramaya Tree is not for the taking. Its use has always been limited and its location kept secret for generations. My wife could not even be saved by it. The Tree you speak of dies a little each time you take from it. What you're asking will destroy it and leave us with nothing. You have no right to ask us to do this."

  Rasha couldn't believe he was refusing to help. Chiza and Jak were lying in beds dying while the cure was here in Majiwa.

  "Your refusal could mean the end to us all. You must reconsider."

  The king shook his head, his hair swirling around him.

  "I cannot. You must find another way."

  "There is no other way, your own people will die from this. There are two at the palace now in danger."

  The king sat up and ran a hand over his face.