by Davis Ashura
*I was thinking of Hal'El Wrestiva,* Aia answered.
*Why?*
*The smell of this place reminded me of him,* Aia said, going on to explain what she noticed. She nosed the black blade sheathed at Rukh's side. *Why don't you get rid of that? It smells wrong.*
*I can't just leave it lying around, and the Magisterium made no mention of what they wanted done with it.* Rukh said. *It's best if I hold on to it for now.*
Aia huffed. *I don't like it. And I don't like the smoky smell around here.*
*Do you want to go somewhere else?* Rukh asked, moving as if to rise off his bench.
*No,* Aia answered quickly. She used a paw to hold one of Rukh's legs in place, careful to keep her claws sheathed.
If they went anywhere else, there would likely be others around, and if there were others around, then Rukh's attention would be diverted. And that just wouldn't do. Right now, Aia wasn't willing to share her Human with anyone else, not even Jessira. Tomorrow would bring great change, and she likely wouldn't see Rukh much afterward. He would be too busy, either seeing off the Ashokan young on their journey across the waters, or manning the Inner Wall. In both cases, Aia couldn't be with him.
Starting tomorrow, their time together would be limited.
The future, generally cloudy and murky, was clear now, and it was bleak. There was a certainty about what was to come. The Demon Wind, Suwraith, would soon breach the final wall around Ashoka. She would pour into the city like a flood of hate and hunger with murder and destruction trailing Her wake. Ashoka would fall, burned even worse than the grounds around the Shektan House Seat. It would happen soon. Aia could sense it. She tasted death on the air. It hovered like a storm cloud whose presence was felt before it was seen.
But before that tragedy occurred, Aia wanted to savor this moment as thoroughly as possible. She wanted to enjoy the few times she had left with Rukh because in that future she sensed, Rukh would almost assuredly die. She might die.
*You need to leave the city while you still can,* Rukh advised.
Aia didn't bother answering. Instead, she merely bumped his forehead with her own. It was a thump that was hard enough to be affectionate but still hurt. He'd gone over the same advice with her several times already.
*Females,* Rukh muttered.
*Jessira said the same thing to you, didn't she?* Aia said smugly. She always knew Rukh's mate was special.
*She won't see reason,* Rukh responded. *And neither will you.*
*We are females, which means we are wise,* Aia said. *Perhaps you should think on that.*
*You mean you're wise enough to stay in danger when safety can be had?* Rukh said with a laugh. *Not much wisdom in that.*
Aia switched her tail in annoyance. She had wanted a quiet time with her Human; not an argument or mockery. It was unacceptable. *Quiet,* she ordered.
*I will not be quiet,* Rukh responded. *I know you think I'm your Human, but you're also my Kesarin . . .* he began.
Aia had heard enough. She belonged to no one, Human or otherwise. She placed a paw on Rukh's forehead, letting the claws out, just enough to put sharp pressure on his skin. *I choose who belongs in my life.*
*And when you let me in your life, you put yourself in mine,* Rukh said. *You are my Kesarin as much as I am your Human. I will grieve if you die just as much as you would for me if I passed away first. It's how love works.*
Aia eyes slitted in irritation. *You don't own me,* she growled.
*I never said I did,* Rukh said.
*Love means you think you own me or at least a part of me,* Aia said, growing steadily more aggravated with him.
*No it doesn't,* Rukh countered. *Now take your paw off my face.*
Aia didn't like his tone. It was too demanding. Who was he to demand anything of her? Her tail swished, and her ears flattened in annoyance, but still, she did as he asked.
Rukh sighed a moment later and surprised her by pulling her face close to his, touching his forehead to hers. *I wish I could see you run across the Hunters Flats. I wish I could see Shon and Thrum chase after you and never catch you. I wish I could see you live free, even of this bond we share if that's what it takes to see you safe and alive. That's what it means to love.*
Aia tested his words, searching for the flaw that indicated he thought he could control her. She found none. In fact . . . Aia blinked surprise when she realized that she wanted something very similar for Rukh. She loved her Human.
Rukh rested his head against her neck and hugged her tight. Aia had grown to enjoy that expression of his affection, and her eyes closed. She purred, and all was forgiven.
*My chin itches,* she whispered. *Can you scratch it?*
*Always.*
Centered within the dining hall of the Shektan House Seat was a long table, easily able to fit the nine people seated about it. It could have managed twice that number. The firefly lamps in the wall sconces and in the chandelier hanging from the coffered ceiling had been turned down. It left the room luminous, soft with a golden light reflected off the almond-colored walls, the wide-paneled mahogany wainscoting, and the teak table. The scents of spiced food filled the space, but the platters from which the aromas originated were all but empty.
The meal was over, and Bree wished this moment could be frozen in candle wax. Her family was gathered here, laughing, teasing, and loving one another. It was likely the last time she would see all these people she loved so much.
Her eyes glistened. She was leaving tomorrow and nearly everyone else in this room was staying, even Sign. Bree wasn't sure she could still go through it and leave them. In some ways, she had trouble accepting that Ashoka was actually in danger of falling. So much about the city was still normal. There were still people going about their work, cooking, cleaning, running their errands, opening their restaurants, and even performing or singing in the playhouses. She wondered if she was making the right decision by leaving.
“You have to go,” Nanna said. He sat to her right while Rukh sat to her left and Amma sat directly across the table.
“Is it that obvious?” Bree asked with a smile.
“Only to those who know you,” Rukh said.
“We really should have convinced her to play cards with us more often,” Jaresh quipped. “She has absolutely no ability to hide her emotions.”
Farn grinned like a shark. “We'd have left her penniless every time.”
“You're lucky you didn't play me,” Jessira said. “I would have taken all your money.”
Farn eyed her askance. “You never struck me as someone who could . . .” He seemed to run out of words and simply waved his hands in Jessira's general direction.
“You don't think she has the ability to maintain a distant, unreadable focus?” Laya provided for him even while she grinned. “If you truly believe so, then, by all means, please teach her these gambling games.”
Sign chuckled as well. “Am I allowed to wager on the outcome?”
Farn looked from one woman to the other, an expression of uncertainty on his face. “Er . . .”
“Just to provide you some perspective,” Nanna began, “Jessira often beats me at chess. She does so while wearing the most bland expression imaginable. Most times she doesn't even seem to be paying attention to the game until it's over and she's won.”
“Jessira is good at everything,” Rukh said in a patently ridiculous, cloying voice. “It's why I love her so.”
Bree threw a roll at him.
Amma laughed. It was good to see her enjoying herself. Though she tried to hide her grief, Bree knew how much her paralysis continued to pain her.
Rukh surprised Bree when he reached over and squeezed her hand. He flicked a glance at Amma, who was engaged in a conversation with Sign. “I'll watch out for her,” he whispered.
Bree squeezed his hand in return. “Thank you,” she whispered back to him.
Nanna must have overheard their brief interaction, and he shook his head in disbelief. “All the arguments the two
of you got into when you were children,” he said. “Who would have ever thought that you would get along so well as adults?”
“Sign and Jessira were the same way,” Laya said. “When they were children, they fought like two cats in a sack.”
Bree looked at the two women in surprise. “But you're so close now,” she said. “I would have never guessed you didn't always get along.”
“We didn't,” Sign confirmed. “Growing up, I was always closest to my brother, Court.”
“And I was closest to Lure,” Jessira said. “We did everything together.”
“And now it's you and Rukh who do everything together,” Jaresh said.
Bree stared at him, perplexed and unsure as to what he meant. There were so many odd and lurid meanings to what he'd just said.
Jaresh must have replayed the words in his mind because he was reddened with embarrassment. “You know what I meant to say,” he said.
The table laughed, while Sign reached over and playfully pushed his head before running her fingers through his hair.
Bree had known Jaresh and Sign had been seeing one another, but until tonight, she hadn't realized just how deep their feelings went. Sign was willing to stay in Ashoka because of Jaresh. Their love had come as a pleasant surprise to her, and she was glad for them.
Bree smiled at a sudden recognition. It seemed both her brothers found OutCaste women irresistible.
She chuckled over the notion before turning her attention back to the discussion at the table.
Rukh was in the midst of describing a conversation featuring the Bael, Li-Choke. “So Jessira tells him that we don't think of one another as brother and sister, and Choke asks us, 'then how do you think of one another?' It took him a moment to figure it out, and then he says in his most solemn surprised tone, 'oh'.”
Once again, the table broke out in laughter.
“Well, I'm glad he found you, and that you saved Chak-Soon,” Laya said. “I wouldn't be here if not for that Tigon.” She smiled fondly.
Farn took her hand. “We both owe those two Chimeras quite a lot,” he said.
“They aren't Chimeras,” Rukh corrected. “Not anymore. They haven't decided on a name for themselves, but Chimeras isn't it.”
“Speaking of the siege,” Jaresh said. “Has anyone heard how much longer the Oasis is supposed to hold up?”
“We aren't to talk about the siege tonight,” Nanna said. “That topic is banned. Tonight, we're a family having dinner. Nothing more. There will be no talk about death or destruction.”
“In that case, to life, family, and love,” Jaresh said raising a toast.
Like the dullest of animals, even after the rope has noosed 'round our necks, still we struggle vainly for life.
~Attribution unknown
Lienna paused in Her work. On the far side of the city, something unusual was happening. Curiosity roused in Her mind, and She rose skyward, extending Her vision. There, along the shores of the Sickle Sea, a thousand boats had been launched into the water.
Lienna's gaze sharpened.
All of them were crammed with the stink of Ashoka's most repellent refuse: Humanity. It seemed the rats hoped to flee the sinking ship by boarding a different one.
Lienna smiled. Their hope was misplaced. She would drown them all, baptize them to death in the pure water.
“There are children aboard those vessels,” Mother cried out. For once, She didn't sound distant and distracted but rather all too awake and aware. “You can't kill them.”
“You must kill them,” Mistress Arisa proclaimed. “Though young, still they are My enemies. Remember, Hume was once a child. You should use the power with which You were gifted and kill them before any of them reach adulthood and become a scourge.”
Lienna didn't need Mistress Arisa's advice. She knew what needed to be done. Child or otherwise, the only good Human was a dead Human. Her mind decided, Lienna disregarded Mother's exhortations and leapt forward. Those on the boats . . . they would all die, from oldest to youngest.
She approached with the speed of a tornado. The vessels disappeared from view. No doubt, the Humans had Blended, but it didn't matter. There was no chance for the ships to escape. She could sense the Humans scurrying about down below. Their Blends didn't hide their Jivatmas.
So long as Father wasn't down below, this would be an easy culling.
“Culling implies that You will allow some of them to live,” Mistress Arisa said. “Surely even You aren't so addled as to allow survivors.”
“None will live,” Lienna said. “Now be silent!”
Needles of pain stabbed Lienna's mind, but She threw them off. It was something She found Herself able to do more and more often, but each instance still filled Her with a thrill. Although Lienna didn't have enough children to altogether banish Mistress from Her mind, there were enough for Her to best Her fearsome, false goddess.
“You grow bold, Girl,” Mistress Arisa said in a silky, deadly voice. “Be cautious of Your arrogance lest it be Your downfall.”
Lienna secretly sneered at Mistress Arisa. Her opinions no longer mattered, if they ever had. However, in this one instance—what to do with the Humans and their ships—She and Mistress were in agreement.
“Set aside this wicked plan,” Mother implored. “Your madness need not drive You to such evil.”
Lienna ignored Mother's unneeded advice. She had an idea on how best to destroy the ships. She would set them alight, burn them to broken spars, before finally swamping them.
As She descended, silvery beams of light lanced into Her. It wasn't painful, but there were so many of them. They hit Her from every ship. Ten thousand feathers had a weight, and Lienna slowed. More lances of light impacted Her.
Were these Bows? And what was it that surrounded the vessels? It tasted like an Oasis—a multitude of them, one for each ship
Lienna slowed to a halt in stunned disbelief. It was impossible. Only Father had the wherewithal to create such a construction. The Humans lacked the knowledge and Talent to do so. What had Father done? And Lienna knew this had to be His work. No one else could have accomplished such a thing.
She came to a halt above the ships and studied the patterns in the beams of light that the Humans sent against Her. They were Bows, pitiful and weak, but Bows, nonetheless. And if the vermin persisted with them, at some point, they might even become uncomfortable—which is why they would not. Lienna would destroy these Humans down below. They were different and dangerous. She would kill them all before they could spread their filthy knowledge.
“Those down below will be Your undoing, evil girl,” Mother whispered. “Now Your fate is sealed.”
Lienna paused once again in shock. In that moment, Mother had sounded just like Mistress Arisa.
“You should have never been born,” Mother said. “The world would have been a far better place if I had aborted You.”
“No!” Lienna cried out, outraged and horrified by Mother's words. How could She say something so awful to Her daughter, Her only child? It was a savage cruelty. And was it not true that Lienna was a goddess? Mother should be proud of all She'd accomplished. Look at Her children, Her Baels—they were the finest of creatures, and they loved Her.
Her mind in turmoil, Lienna slowly became aware of the world once again when the lances of light, the feeble Bows finally began to make Her flinch. They had grown uncomfortable.
It was only then, when awareness had returned to Her, that She came to see that the children She'd left to hound Ashoka's final wall were being decimated. The Humans were attacking, and without Lienna to throw their boulders aside, Her children were being smashed into gory pulps. Worse, a large contingent of Human warriors had left Ashoka's safety and were carving the Chimeras into bloody tatters.
Lienna rumbled thunder. She had to save Her children. With so few of them still alive, She couldn't afford to allow too many to die. The Humans in their ships would have to be dealt with another time.
“Coward. You
worm. Always afraid of shades and shadows,” Mistress Arisa ridiculed.
“Quiet! I don't need Your distraction right now,” Lienna demanded. For a wonder, Mistress actually listened and fell mute.
Lienna raced back to Ashoka, but even as She did, the Human warriors beyond their wall disengaged and raced back for their gate. She smiled grimly. They'd wandered too far from safety. They wouldn't make it back to the walls of their cursed city. Lienna would tear them into red meat and ribbons.
As She thundered toward the helpless Humans, a thousand beams of light lit up from Ashoka's walls, ripping into Her. Again with the feeble Bows! Once more, it wasn't painful, but it was distracting. Lienna screamed in frustration. These Humans also knew Talents they had no business knowing. It was forbidden.
“Your Father taught them,” Mother whispered in a voice full of triumph. “Though You murdered Me, You were unable to kill Him. He has prepared those down below. They are ready for Your evil. You can never defeat them. They will defeat You. And when Your life's grace grows thin, Your Father will come to end Your miserable existence.”
“You're letting the Humans escape,” Mistress reminded Her. “Was it Your intention, or merely another manifestation of Your incompetence?”
Lienna didn't bother answering. Mother's final words chilled Her.
The ships were two days gone from Ashoka. At first, it hadn't seemed likely that they would survive since, immediately upon their launch, the Sorrow Bringer had charged after the vessels. It was obvious what She would do, but thankfully, the Queen had turned away. The combination of the Bows thrown up by those on the boats and the city's attack on Her Plague must have dissuaded Suwraith's pursuit of the ships.
Whatever the reason, Rukh was grateful. The Maharajs had escaped. Even if the end result meant that the Queen was now perched near the Inner Wall, protecting Her Chimeras as She slung stone after stone at the Oasis, Rukh was . . . well, he wasn't happy, but he was content.
Everyone who remained in the city knew that what would occur next was the best case out of a poor scenario. While they would still defend Ashoka until the last, they knew that ultimately, the city would fall, the city would burn, and the Sorrow Bringer would triumph.
