‘I don’t believe that,’ Kylon said. ‘Just because the men didn’t give you a name doesn’t mean you haven’t got one. All that time, stuck in the women’s enclosure. Your mother and sisters, they must have called you something.’
The girl said nothing.
‘You shouldn’t be in here,’ Kylon went on. ‘You were just in the wrong place when we arrived in Broadwater. Married to the wrong guy. How old are you?’
‘She’s fourteen,’ Hodang said.
‘Be quiet,’ Kylon said. ‘I was talking to her.’
She glanced at him, her eyes narrow.
‘If you need some privacy, let Flora know,’ he said. ‘There’s a bathroom across the hall. She’ll take you.’
He turned to the white-faced woman, who nodded. ‘Sure, boss.’
Kylon stood.
‘My name is Fern,’ the girl said.
Kylon nodded.
Flora laughed. ‘You got her to talk.’
The big Clackdomyn knocked on the door, and Leah opened it. He gave the tiniest flash of a smile to Fern, then left, and the door was closed.
‘So Fern, hello,’ Flora grinned.
‘You’re the white-faced witch,’ Fern said. ‘I’ve heard about you. You have dark powers.’
‘That’s me.’
‘Dark powers?’ Hodang said.
‘Keira made all that shit up,’ Niall said. ‘The face-paint was her idea as well. Worked a treat, the warriors are terrified of her.’
‘Niall!’ Flora cried. ‘These people are our fucking captives, stop trying to make friends with them.’
‘So it’s not true?’ Fern said.
‘No,’ Flora said. She frowned at her colleague. ‘Thanks, Niall.’
A look of relief passed over the girl’s face.
‘This can be our secret,’ Flora said.
Fern nodded.
The door opened again. Leah stood in the entrance, scowling.
‘More visitors.’
She stood aside as B’Dang entered, followed by Echtang.
Agang’s rage boiled up and he clenched his fists.
‘Think I’ll stay in for this one,’ Leah said.
Flora and Niall raised their crossbows, covering the room. Agang watched them. If he went for B’Dang he would have two bolts in his chest by the time he had risen to his feet.
‘Good morning, prisoners,’ B’Dang crowed. ‘What a fine time to be alive. Your humiliation gives me such pleasure, I get a hard-on just looking at you.’
‘Fuck you, B’Dang,’ Agang growled, his teeth bared.
‘Simmer down,’ Leah said. ‘B’Dang, cut the crap.’
B’Dang grabbed his crotch. ‘One day, Leah, me and you…’
‘If I ever see your cock I’ll rip it off.’
B’Dang laughed. ‘I fucking love Clackdomyn women.’
Leah rolled her eyes.
‘But I’m not here for that,’ B’Dang said. ‘No, I’ve brought along a special visitor.’
He pulled Echtang forward. The young man stood in an awkward pose, his face filled with disgust.
Agang stood.
‘Nephew,’ he said, his clenched fists trembling. ‘What have you come to say?’
‘Uncle,’ Echtang said, ‘you brought this on yourself.’
‘How dare you?’ Agang spat. ‘You little bastard, after all I’ve done for you…’
‘You threw it all away, uncle,’ Echtang said, ‘when you sold out Sanang to the Holdings.’
‘You understand nothing,’ Agang said, edging closer. The two guards raised their crossbows a fraction, and Leah put a hand onto the hilt of her sword.
‘Everything I’ve worked for,’ Agang went on, ‘was for the people of Sanang, to give them a better, more peaceful life. So I entered into an alliance with the other nations of this world, how does that make me a traitor? You’re the traitor, Echtang, you should be ashamed.’
B’Dang watched from the side, smirking.
‘I’m proud of what I’ve done,’ Echtang said. ‘It’s not an alliance uncle, it’s an empire. An empire only has one ruler: the emperor, everyone else is a slave next to him. You made the whole nation of Sanang slaves.’
‘I freed the slaves,’ Agang cried.
‘You whored yourself to the Emperor.’
Agang roared and jumped forwards. Leah drew her sword and pointed it at Agang’s neck. He skidded to a halt just as the tip grazed his throat, and froze, his eyes bulging.
‘Back off,’ Leah said.
B’Dang fell into gales of laughter.
Agang took a step back, a trickle of blood rolling down his neck. Echtang was shaking, his eyes wide with fright.
‘They murdered your brother,’ Agang said.
‘He was weak,’ Echtang said, ‘and a fool.’
Agang shook his head. ‘You two were like sons to me. I remember the day I took you into my household. A pair of young, frightened boys, their father dead, their mother, my sister, butchered before their eyes. I swore that day I would look after you. I always knew that you’d grow into a fine man, and you have, but it pains me that you’ve chosen this path, the way of never-ending war and suffering. Once you have invaded the Plateau and won, what then? Will B’Dang be king? Will his rule be better than mine?’
‘They killed my mother because of you,’ Echtang said. ‘You’re right, I was young, but I remember.’
‘You ungrateful wretch,’ Agang sneered. ‘Your mother would hide her head in shame at what you’ve become, were she still alive.’
The young man’s face twisted in rage, and Leah put out her arm.
‘I think this meeting is over,’ she said. ‘Knew it was a fucking bad idea.’
Echtang spat on the floor in front of Agang.
‘I’ve had a splendid time,’ said B’Dang. ‘It’s always nice to see families getting along.’
‘You’re a stirring wee shitebag,’ Leah said. ‘Come on, time to go.’
She opened the door and gestured.
Echtang turned without a word, and walked from the cell. B’Dang lingered, leering at Agang.
‘I’m going to mould that boy,’ he said. ‘I look forward to breaking him first.’
Agang stood his ground, staring at B’Dang.
‘Move,’ Leah said.
B’Dang mock-bowed, and left, Leah following him out and closing the door.
Agang went to the window, pushing his head out as far as it would go. He closed his eyes as the rain hit his face, and screamed, his voice drowned out by the roar of the storm.
He turned, and slumped to the floor, his back to the wall.
‘You did well, Agang,’ Hodang said. ‘I was sure you were going to hit him or your nephew, and then things might have got very messy indeed.’
‘Fuck you, map-maker.’
Hodang blinked, then nodded.
‘Well I’m glad you stayed calm,’ Niall said, his crossbow across his knees. ‘I would’ve hated having to shoot you. Not sure Flora would have been too bothered though.’
The white-faced witch shrugged.
Niall rummaged in a pocket, and pulled out a weedstick.
‘You’re kidding me, right?’ Flora said. ‘You’re going to spark one up in here?’
‘Yeah. That was heavy as fuck. I honestly thought there was going to be bloodshed.’
Flora nodded. ‘You can never tell when B’Dang’s around, I suppose.’
Niall lit the weedstick, and took a long drag.
‘Is Keira good friends with B’Dang?’ Hodang said.
Niall snorted. ‘I wouldn’t exactly say that…’
‘Shut up, Niall,’ Flora muttered.
‘I was thinking,’ Hodang went on. ‘Keira seems to be the one in charge here, so what does she need B’Dang for?’
‘Sometimes,’ Niall laughed, ‘I reckon it’s because he amuses her, like a performing monkey.’
‘A rather murderous monkey,’ Hodang said.
Flora growled at Niall.
&
nbsp; ‘What?’ the Holdings man said.
‘Stop fucking talking to them,’ she said. ‘You’re blabbering like a fool.’
‘Maybe it’s not the talking that’s the problem,’ Hodang said, ‘but the subject matter. Perhaps we should speak about something that we all find agreeable.’
‘Like what?’ Niall said.
‘What’s Keira planning to do?’ Hodang suggested.
Flora shook her head.
‘What about you, Flora?’ Hodang said. ‘Why don’t you tell us about yourself?’
She grimaced. ‘You’re so transparent. Trying to wheedle your way in. I’m not your friend. You’re my prisoner. Right now I have more respect for Agang, at least he’s not toadying up to his captors. Have a little dignity, man.’
Agang laughed, as Hodang flushed in embarrassment.
‘But seeing as you asked so nicely,’ Flora went on, ‘I’m from a little market town in the Holdings, on an estate called Hold Cane. I’m the youngest of three daughters, and while my sisters were learning the family business, I joined the cavalry. If I’d been born in this shithole country, I would have been stuck inside an enclosure with all the other girls, and some man would have decided what happened to me. In the Holdings, I used to complain that girls were treated unfairly. “Why is the prophet always a man?” I would ask. But that was before I came here. Never mind Keira, here’s a little hint of my plans. Once we smash through that wall, I am never coming back to Sanang.’
‘Me neither,’ Niall said, his eyelids sagging. ‘I’ve never been anywhere so fucked up.’
‘Will you go back to the Holdings?’ Fern said.
Flora turned to her. ‘Probably. I don’t know what’ll be left of Plateau City by the time Keira’s finished with it.’
‘I wish I could come with you.’
Flora raised an eyebrow, and shook her head.
‘Let’s just concentrate on being guards and prisoners.’
The hours passed, the rain continuing all day. Niall smoked another weedstick, his eyes heavy, while Flora watched them like a bird of prey. Fern got up and approached her.
‘Miss,’ she said, then whispered something in her ear.
‘Yeah, sure,’ she said, standing. ‘Give me a chance to stretch my legs.’
She kicked Niall. ‘Stay awake.’
He grunted. Flora walked Fern to the door, and opened it.
Agang tensed, sensing an opportunity, but relaxed as Leah came in to replace Flora.
‘How’s it going, boys?’
‘Comfortable enough with these blankets, thank you,’ Hodang said.
‘I’ll get more food for you soon. Did the girl eat?’
‘Eventually,’ Hodang said. ‘I could hear her stomach rumbling from here.’
She looked at Agang. ‘How about you? Calmed down?’
Agang shrugged.
‘Good enough,’ Leah said, then sighed. ‘Pyre’s arsehole, I hate having to baby-sit you wee fuckheads. Everyone’s getting hammered tonight, and I have to stay here.’
She sat.
‘How long have you known Keira, Miss Leah?’ Hodang said.
She squinted at him. ‘Fucking long enough. What about you? I hear you’re thinking of flipping over to our side. If we’ll take you, that is.’
Hodang bowed his head.
‘You want the truth? I’m scared. Scared of being tortured or losing my life. I know what B’Dang’s like, he’s a killer. I want to live, I admit it, but part of me says if Keira is going to invade the Plateau, and I’m coming along for the ride, then I want to see the job done properly, and I know I could be useful for that. I’ve already organised one invasion, I know what I’m doing.’
Agang shook his head. ‘You’ve forgotten all loyalty to me, haven’t you? You just suck up to whoever’s in power.’
Hodang smiled, though his eyes were cold. ‘You were king for less than eight thirds. Over in a flash, really. Still, we did some good work together. Freeing the slaves, for instance. I was opposed at first, but in the end I had to agree it was a good thing we did.’
Agang felt an urge to strike the old man, but bit his lip and bowed his head. Hodang had made up his mind. Who was he to blame him for it? An eight-thirds king. A joke.
He heard the door open and footsteps enter.
‘Let’s make this fucking quick.’
Agang looked up to see Keira striding into the cell, Kylon behind her.
‘Hodang,’ Keira said, stopping in the middle of the room. ‘Get up.’
The old man stood.
‘I hear you’ve the makings of a right wee traitor.’
‘I serve Sanang,’ Hodang said, straightening his spine.
Keira laughed. ‘So what do you think of us attacking the empire?’
‘I confess,’ he said, ‘that I didn’t understand all that Kylon said to us, about a plan made by the god of the Holdings, that would destroy us, but I’ve no love for the empire. I regret the day we agreed to the Emperor’s demands, but I admit we thought we were doing the right thing at the time. We were mistaken, and I’d like the chance to make up for that mistake.’
Keira turned her head. ‘Kylon?’
‘I’m minded to say aye.’
‘Me too,’ Keira said. ‘Right, Hodang, you’re out of here. Come and stand by me.’
Hodang grinned and moved close to Kylon, just behind Keira.
‘Agang,’ Keira said, then paused as the door opened. Flora came in, leading Fern by the arm.
‘Ah,’ said Keira. ‘I’d wondered where you’d got to, my wee white-faced witch. Off to the bog, were ye?’
Flora nodded. She started to escort Fern back to her old position by the far wall.
‘Wait,’ Keira said.
Flora and the girl turned.
‘Fern, aye?’ Keira said.
The girl nodded, and started to tremble.
Keira smirked. ‘Kylon put in a word for you. If you want, I could assign you as the squad’s runner, the one who gets all the shit jobs. You’d have to promise that you won’t run away, and swear that you’ll be faithful.’
Fern’s jaw opened, and she stood frozen.
Flora laughed. ‘She might need a minute to process that.’
A soft sound came from by the door.
‘Who the fuck’s making that noise?’ Keira said. She turned to her right, and saw Niall sitting, snoring in his chair.
She whacked the side of his head with the back of her hand.
‘You been smoking again?’
‘Only a bit, boss, sorry,’ he said, rubbing his cheek.
‘Right everybody, outside,’ Keira said. ‘I want a moment alone with the ex-king.’
Agang watched as the others filed out of the room, until only the firewitch was left.
She sat on a chair, smirking at him.
‘You don’t even know what you’re destroying,’ he said.
Keira snorted. ‘Fern and Hodang can get out of this cell, but you’re staying a prisoner.’
He said nothing, watching as she took out a smokestick and lit it.
‘Could I have some of that?’
She frowned, but drew another out from the pack for him. She lit it off her own, and passed it over, her arm out-stretched.
‘Thanks.’
‘You’re probably wondering why I haven’t killed you,’ she said as they smoked.
Agang nodded.
‘I admit,’ she said, ‘it’s partly to piss off B’Dang. He fucking hates you, and he’s been begging me to let him cut you up into small pieces. It’s funny to watch his face when I tell him no.’
‘I’m alive because it gives you amusement?’
‘Aye,’ she grinned. ‘More importantly, though, I want you to watch me attack the Plateau. You had a go, and you fucked it up. Time to learn how it should be done.’
She stood.
‘We’re moving out in the morning,’ she said. ‘You’re a very lucky guy. I’ll make sure you get an excellent view when we get to the
frontier wall, so you can see me in action.
‘And believe me,’ she winked. ‘You won’t want to miss that.’
Chapter 20
The Offer
Slateford, Rahain Republic – 20th Day, Last Third Autumn 506
Killop’s boots crunched on the gravel surface of the road. The sun was shining through a gap in the thick clouds, and a chill mountain wind scoured the valley. He turned a corner and heard the sound of children playing. Loud squeals echoed through the trees, and he walked into a clearing, where the nursery had been built. There was still snow on the ground after the heavy fall on his birthday six days before, and the Kellach children were running through it, laughing.
He caught sight of Draewyn, who was chatting to a few other supervisors.
They fell silent as he approached, although one or two smiled at him.
‘Good morning,’ he said.
‘Morning, Chief,’ said Draewyn. ‘What can we do for you?’
‘Wondered if you had five minutes.’
‘Sounds serious,’ she said, glancing at the other nursery staff.
‘Can we go inside for a moment?’
‘Aye, Chief,’ she said. ‘This way.’
He followed her into the big timber hall and through a door to her small office.
‘I think you know what this is about,’ he said, as she sat behind her desk.
‘Honestly, I have no idea.’
He smiled. He wasn’t going to get angry, he told himself. He sat.
‘Will we start with why you’ve stopped attending our morning meetings?’
She pursed her lips. ‘I’ve been so busy, and if I can speak frankly, I’m not sure what the point of them is.’
‘You don’t have to attend every one,’ he said, ‘but it’s been six days. You’ve not even sent a deputy, which you agreed to do if you were too busy to come.’
‘I don’t think it’s right to force anyone to go.’
‘Force? Come on, it’s a meeting, not a battle. Bridget works her arse off to arrange everything. The least you could do is send someone, if you can’t be bothered coming yourself.’
She glared at him.
He paused, and took a breath.
‘Is there another reason?’
‘What do you mean?’ she said.
‘It’s not just the meetings, is it? You’ve been avoiding us.’
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