by Oxford, Rain
“No. This is exciting for me,” the woman on the bed said. She spoke softly, hesitantly as if she had been abused for speaking. “I grew up an orphan of Banjii when my parents were killed trying to cross the Togi. The man who found me had to decide where to send me. In choosing between a halfway decent life in Mijii and a horrible imprisonment on Banjii, he must have decided I was not worthy of mercy.”
“Many people love Banjii.”
“People who can leave do. Orphans girls on Banjii are the lowest of any class. Even when we turn of age, we cannot leave. Being sold as servants is the highest honor we can receive.”
The older woman sat beside the orphan on the bed. “Taron-sep is a man to whom nothing came easily. Because of that, he now demands the best, whether it is something he wants or not. He has worked for his riches.”
“I heard he is cruel.”
“What is your name?”
“Verda.”
Orphans had the family name of their orphanage unless they were adopted, which was rare. Usually, they preferred to be referred to by their given name, like a child, rather than to use their orphan name.
“He will find you pretty and that can be a good thing,” the older woman said. “His favorite girl is treated like a queen. Welcome his advances and never deny him. If you deny him, he will make your life miserable, and he will still take what he wants.”
“It must be better than being an orphan.”
The older woman stood and walked to the door without responding, then stopped and turned. “Stay in your room and lock your door at night unless Taron-sep has specifically demanded otherwise.” With that warning, she left.
Instead of locking her door as she was warned, Verda repositioned herself on the bed and turned off the lamp. I sighed, silently, and rolled my eyes. I reached out with my power to feel her mind as she tried desperately to sleep. Subtly, I was able to calm her thoughts and induce a deeper sleep than she was used to.
Once I knew she wouldn’t wake for hours, I got out from under the bed and left the room. As soon as I closed the door, I focused my magic to lock it from the inside.
I wandered the halls, trying to find a reason to kill the master of this house. It would have been a simple matter to kill him and leave, but I wanted to make sure he was guilty. This was the reason I took a physical form; so that I could live like mortals did. What was the point if I only ever took shortcuts?
There was a malevolent presence in this house, but it was illusive in a way that I doubted it was actually a person. When demons came to mind, I pushed the idea aside, because I was really tired of those pests and their impending war. I had no doubt that my husband could crush their little movement to take over.
Finding nothing, I returned to Verda’s room, crawled back under her bed, and went to sleep.
* * *
I woke as the orphan was getting out of bed. What woke her was obvious. On the third floor, I shouldn’t have been able to hear shouting, but it was as clear as day. I focused my magic to bend light around me until I was entirely invisible to a mortal. Once I got out from under the bed, I took my first good look at the girl.
She was thin, nearly as tall as me, and had light brown hair with dark purple eyes. There were no scars on her face, but I knew without seeing them that there were many on her back. I could sense the abuse she took over the years. I shut that out.
Mortals are so delicate.
Verda opened her window and looked out over the edge to see what the commotion was about. I stayed by the wall so she didn’t sense me or bump into me, but I could clearly hear the situation. A man was yelling at his servants for being incompetent.
The mountain views were gorgeous, but Verda paid them no attention. She got changed out of her ragged white dress into a light blue dress that was just as thin and then left the room. As soon as she closed the door behind her, I locked it and sat on the bed. After sleeping so close to her all night, it was easy to find her mind among the other servants. She had very little magical ability, so her mind was completely unprotected.
When I felt her thoughts clearly, her anxiety and hope that this would be better than her life on Banjii, I opened my eyes. I saw through her eyes, heard her thoughts, and felt her breathe deeply.
With no instructions, hunger drove her towards the weak scent of food until she found the kitchen. Timidly, she knocked, but received no response. I couldn’t see behind her and felt her startle when she was pushed out of the way. Another girl passed her impatiently and entered the kitchen. She followed with hesitation.
The kitchen was large and every surface was covered in cooking utensils, not in an orderly fashion but as if nobody worried about sanitation. There was a large counter in the center of the room with pans handing from a low, metal rack. Using a tiny, cleared space on the counter was an old, plump woman whose wrinkles, scars, and permanent scowl betrayed a life of hating her work.
I hope that is not me in fifty years, Verda thought, even as shame for such a judgment made her want to apologize.
The woman turned as if she heard Verda and her scowl deepened. “Are you the new girl?” she asked. Her voice was as harsh as she looked. The girl who had shoved Verda snagged a piece of bread from the woman’s board, gave the woman a quick kiss on the cheek, and dumped a stack of dishes on top of the top of the other dishes already overflowing the sink. The woman ignored the girl the entire time. “Well?” she prompted, getting even more irritated.
“Yes,” Verda said, almost squeaking.
The woman picked up the tray of food she was working on and shoved it into Verda’s hands. “Take this to Taron-sep. If you want food tomorrow, you have to get in here a lot earlier.”
The pushy girl went to the fridge and pulled out a plate of food, then stopped in front of Verda and offered a friendly smile. She wore a yellow dress that was made with quality material and she was cleaner than most people I had seen in the mansion. Her eyes were aquamarine and would have been pretty if not for the greedy glint in them. Her long, gold-blond hair was braided and hung over her shoulder.
“I am Omeda-do Josin, Taron-sep’s personal servant. I decide what girls get what jobs, so you will do well to do exactly as I say. Once you give Taron-sep his meal, you will get started on cleaning the main floor bedrooms.” She left without another word.
That was rude. Verda looked back at the cook. “Is Omeda-do really in charge?” she asked.
“She is today. For the last month, she has been the favorite of Taron-sep, so until a girl who is prettier comes or Omeda-do oversteps her boundaries, she makes the calls when it comes to the servants. Now, you are making Taron-sep wait for his food. Go!” she barked and pushed Verda out.
“Wait, where is---” the door slammed closed.
Verda was frustrated; people always wanted to push her around. She searched the entire main floor of the mansion with the food as her stomach growled violently. Every person she passed ignored her, even when she tried to ask them for direction. The slices of meat and eggs were cold by the time she finally found Taron-sep.
Taron-sep was sitting in a large, fancy chair with dark blue velvet cushions. The man looked like child in it as far as I was concerned. The room was empty of any décor, as the person in the chair was clearly supposed to be the center of attention. There wasn’t even a side table.
Taron-sep was middle-aged with short, dark brown hair and cold eyes. His clothes were black and formal, including a tight, thick, collared jacket, despite the fact that it was summer. He was thin and tall, and for some very odd reason, I imagined him with a long walking cane.
A bodyguard stood to his right while three men stood before him. Taron-sep wasn’t a king, but he was sure playing at it. Duran had a very strong governmental system which put the needs of the people first. Kings, except for on Mokii, were more like figureheads than actual rulers. This man just wanted power.
It was difficult to prepare for danger when I was seeing through someone else’s eyes because I couldn’t mak
e Verda move without alerting her of my presence. Verda was skittish enough as she entered the room slowly. Taron-sep ignored her approach except to reach out and grab a piece of bread.
The three men in front of the king were sputtering over each other, talking about not having enough supplies, not making enough money for food, or how people were afraid to work at night because something was killing girls.
“And because you are young girl, you are afraid?” Taron-sep taunted them.
They hesitated. “I have two daughters who have no mother to watch over them at night,” one man said. “If something is killing the girls, I will not work when I should be protecting my daughters.”
“Then take your daughters and leave my town. I will be sure to replace you with someone who does not complain so much. Abro-do?”
“Yes, Taron-sep?”
“Replace this man with someone who does not complain so much.”
“Yes, Taron-sep.”
“I never complain!” one man shouted, apparently volunteering for the impromptu job opening. Verda turned so that I could see a line of five young men, but she focused on her job when Taron-sep reached for a piece of meat, still without acknowledging Verda, and stuck it in his mouth. He grimaced, causing Verda to step back in fear.
“Why is my food cold?!”
The guard, Abro-do, took Verda’s arm roughly enough that the platter clattered loudly to the floor. “I will lock her in the dungeon and have a fresh tray brought to you,” Abro-do promised.
Taron-sep, finally looking at the girl, had an expression that sent a shiver down Verda’s spine. “Wait,” he said. “What is your name?”
“Verda.”
“Are you not of age?”
“I am twenty-two, but I am an orphan.”
“I hate orphans; I have never met an orphan who was taught proper manners. Abro-do, find her someone to teach her and get her a family name.” Abro-do took her arm, gentler this time, and started to lead her out of the room. “Also, give her a bath and send her to my room tonight after dinner.”
* * *
Verda was introduced to an older maid who was instructed to train the orphan in every aspect of her duties. I distanced myself from the girl’s mind when she began her afternoon of cleaning and explored the mansion, invisible to the average eye once more. Unfortunately, anyone who was skilled in magic and watching for the signs of this particular illusion would be able to spot me. Furthermore, discovering my spell would also alert them that I had a reason to hide.
Still, this was what I enjoyed doing. My brothers thought I was ridiculous and childish when I wanted to meddle with mortals, but it was interesting and I was fantastic at it. From this kind of work, I learned so much about what it was to be alive. Mortals were amazing because in the face of losing their short, short lives, aspects of their souls surfaced that they didn’t even know they had.
I have seen men that cowered from their own shadows their entire lives stare death in its face to save a stranger, and I have seen some that wore confidence like a shield, only to prove they were no braver than a fish when it came to losing their material possessions. I once saw a woman save a child she didn’t know from a serogou that had wandered to far from the Aradlin forest.
I met a man who had lost his ability to speak or walk after being beaten to death by his father. He was resuscitated by Kiro, who came across him abandoned in an alleyway. Despite struggling with his disability and being unable to get justice, the man married the love of his life. When his father discovered him ten years later and broke into his home, it was his wife who was in danger. The crippled man who was terrified of his father stood tall, called for assistance, and defended his wife until police arrived.
Verda did make a friend during the day. A girl named Maida, who was only seventeen, never left her room for anything it seemed. As Verda cleaned the teenager’s room, they chatted about life at the manor. Maida’s mother worked in the town, but when people started dying, she was confined to the mansion.
The servants were very strange. I knew they were frightened of being killed, but it was still daylight. They didn’t speak to each other unless it was absolutely necessary, not even to gossip. I did, at one point, overhear Omeda-do arguing with Taron-sep about Verda going to his room that night. Taron-sep just stared at her, amused, and then sent her out. It sounded like Taron-sep needed a new favorite.
There was a presence in the mansion, as if the fear the servants felt was a tangible creature that stalked the shadows. It was also aware of me, but too far from the physical world for my magic to identify. Without my physical form, it would have been easy. On the other hand, it wouldn’t have been any fun.
Verda was bathed, dressed in a clean dress, and then sent to her new master’s room. I slipped back into her mind, almost regretfully, for she had no food all day and could think of little more by then than her hunger.
Upon entering the bedroom, she instantly spotted the tray of food on the table. “You may eat as you wait here for Taron-sep,” Abro-do offered before he shut the door. As hungry as she was, Verda was smart; she scanned the room before she took a step further into it.
The room was as pretentious as I had expected. The walls were dark, the ceiling was high, and the hardwood floor was littered with soft rugs. A huge bed dominated the center of the room with more black satin pillows and blankets than any bed needed. There was a grand fireplace on one wall and a glass door to a balcony on the wall opposite from Verda. To the side of the fireplace was a glass, two-person table set up with food and a drink.
Spotting no monster lurking in the corner, Verda sat at the table and started scarfing down the food. The food itself tasted fine, but I instantly noticed a problem with the drink. It was kamitsue juice, yet there was something tangy… an aftertaste. I knew potions and I knew potion ingredients.
“Stop drinking that,” I told her.
I’m thirsty, she thought, but put the drink down. Did I just… who was that? Her mind began trying to spot the flaws in her reality, which meant it was only a matter of time before she found me. Even if she couldn’t block me, it would make my job more difficult if she fought me.
I stayed silent and before she could push any further, the door opened. Verda shrank back in the seat when Taron-sep entered the room, locked his door, and leered at the orphan. “I knew you would clean up well,” he said.
When she didn’t answer, he started advancing on her. I could feel the apprehension churn in her stomach until she thought she was going to throw up. “I think I should go back to my room.” Her voice was soft, but I knew there was something in her. There was strength in her that people had tried very hard to beat out of her. She needed self-confidence to bring it out.
“You are not going anywhere tonight.” He grasped her arm, pulled her roughly to her feet, and kissed her abrasively. This was her first kiss. She tried to pull away, but he was stronger as he held her still with one hand and pulled up her dress with his other.
Disgusted, I allowed my own strength to assist Verda until she was able to push him away. This wasn’t all I did, however. I slapped the man for forcing himself on a submissive girl who was barely legal.
Clueless as to what happened, Verda made a terrified sound. “I am sorry. I…” His glare made her mouth snap shut.
“Get out.”
She ran with everything she had, not even slowing down until she reached her room. She never passed a single person, for everyone in the manor was afraid to be out at night. While Verda was terrified of being beaten and sent to the dungeon, she missed the threat that followed her. The same presence I had sensed before was watching her.
I didn’t bother to make myself invisible, but it was dark enough that she didn’t see me until her eyes had a moment to adjust. I waited, silently, on the bed while she pressed her back against the door as if she was about to run. She wouldn’t; this was her room. It was small, cold, and had no personal affects, but this was the only room she had ever had, so she wasn’
t about to give it up. Besides, I looked harmless.
“Who are you?” she asked.
Sago were extremely suspicious by nature compared to humans due to their understanding of the gods. They were afraid of us and hated us for it. “I am someone who can help you,” I said. I specifically didn’t say I would help her.
“I know your voice. You were in my head. You made me strike Taron-sep.”
“Yes.”
“He will kill me.”
“No. He may be mad, but he will think twice before touching you again. Besides, depending on my investigation, he may not live long enough to invite you back to his room.” We spent an hour talking and then I convinced her to sleep. She would accept me in her mind because she knew I could help her.
* * *
We were both woken very early by arguing in the field. After Verda listened intently for about ten minutes, I demanded she get breakfast before it was all gone. She left the room fully aware of my invasion of her mind.
Her breakfast included stale bread, but at least it was food. When she was instructed to bring Taron-sep his meal, her heard thudded faster with each step. She opened the door, the man’s eyes narrowed on her, and she froze. Apparently the orphan forgot about my presence, because she wasn’t expecting my push until she was halfway across the room. I made her stand tall and hold the plate steady as she came to a stop beside him.
“Is it hot this time?” he sneered.
“It is not cold.”
I was surprised at her bold statement, for I didn’t make her say the words or keep her voice so steady. She was adamant that she would not take the blame for the cook’s oversight if it was too cold for the man’s liking.
He ate while listening to two of the men from the previous day make the same complaints about lack of supplies. I started to withdraw my mind with Verda spoke.
“There is a machine…” she stopped, stumbling over her thoughts as every eye in the room turned to her. I considered forcing her to speak, but decided that she needed to find the strength in herself. “I heard about a radar unit on Mokii used to find nutrient deposits in---”
