by D. L. Kramer
"What happened to ye out there?" Kile asked when she was out of earshot.
Paki wondered if Kile could spot some subtle change about his person in the faint light. It wouldn't be dawn for at least an hour, but the sky was already starting to lighten. He didn't feel any differently outside. The only thing that had changed were his memories.
"Nothing?" he asked hoping Kile would accept it. He knew he wasn't nearly as good a liar as Bear and didn't expect to be believed.
"Tyran broke off the line about four hours ago," Kile said. "He tried runnin' off to the northwest. I 'ad to use the flute to lure 'im back and that's when I noticed both ye and Rena were gone. Now I see ye coming back from that direction."
Paki could feel Kile's eyes watching him and was glad it was still too dark to see any distance clearly. He realized Tyran must have felt the sense of danger his memories brought back to him. When he relived being attacked by Zared, Tyran had tried to reach him.
"There wasn't anything there," Paki insisted after a moment. This much was true, Zared was long gone from the Wardsman's Woods. "We found what looked like a ruined house and I sort of got turned around. I wasn't sure where I was for a moment."
"Ye found the mansion?" Kile asked, his voice calmer. "They say it was one of the gods' when the world was first bein' born."
"It looked old enough," Paki agreed, hoping Kile's tone meant he was accepting what he said.
"I don't know for sure," Kile shrugged. "But even Mo'ani's said it was." He nodded to the camp. "Ye'd better go get some rest, we've still got some distance to cover."
Paki nodded and walked past Kile, glad the questions had ended. The next time he felt memories like Zared's attack becoming clearer, he would have to make sure Tyran knew he was all right.
Paki managed to get some rest, if not actual sleep. His mind was working too fast and he decided he would be grateful for what rest he could get. They broke camp shortly after dawn and began the trip to the east through the woods. Paki kept to himself, trying to sort out his thoughts as they rode.
As they traveled, Bear asked Paki more than a few times if he was all right, and Paki would just nod, not sure what or how to tell his friend. Bear had centered his entire life on Nahtan's coming, and Paki couldn't help but wonder if he'd accept his friend as his king.
Paki remembered something Rena had asked him about Nahtan back in Takis Hold: "Will you be disappointed when you meet him?" Thinking back on many of their conversations, he realized now she was dropping hints to him all along. Her comment of not thinking he'd learn to handle his sword as quickly as he had, the way she'd look at him whenever Nahtan's name was mentioned. She was trying to prepare him for learning who he was, but he was so wrapped up in other things he hadn't noticed. Likewise Meda's encouraging him to read as many of the old myths as he could. Paki shuddered to think of what the memories would have done to him if he hadn't known about the fight between the two lions beforehand. This way, he had some idea of what was going to happen, and only relived his own emotions and injuries.
As the days passed, Paki slowly began to accept who he was. The denial he first felt was slowly worn away by the truth. Alsynder had spent centuries here in the Wardsman's Woods waiting for him, and Paki felt the honesty in every word the woodsman said. He had no idea what he was expected to do next, and decided to just bide his time and trust Halona would move things along when they needed to be.
The trees were beginning to thin when Mo'ani invited Paki to go along with him and Jaron to look for fresh game, even though this trip through the Wardsman's Woods had yet to show a single trail. Not really wanting to stay at the camp, Paki agreed.
"You've been very quiet lately," Mo'ani commented to Paki when they were quite a distance from the camp.
Paki shrugged, not sure what to say. "I've just...been thinking a lot," he said.
Jaron knelt to check some bushes off the side of the path for any sign of animals.
"Thy destiny hath found thee," the Dweller said evenly, standing back up and dusting off his hands. He faced Paki's surprised look. "There are some of us who knew thy true person when first we met you."
Paki turned to look at Mo'ani, who only nodded his head slowly.
"How did you know?" he asked.
Mo'ani sighed. "The soothsayer who told me what Zakris wanted me to do also told me the circumstances that would bring you to me." He paused for a second, and Paki thought he looked uncomfortable for the slightest moment. "I had accepted Zakris' request that I train this army, but I hadn't bargained on training a king."
Jaron smiled. "Thou art the only one with memories of kings--both good and bad," he pointed out to Mo'ani. "Thy allies would not know what to teach him."
Mo'ani glanced at Jaron. "I finally came to that conclusion myself," he nodded.
"All this time you both knew and never said anything?" Paki asked. "Who else knows?"
"Tosia," Jaron answered. "And Lord Othon. I know not if Jerai hath realized it yet."
Paki turned to Mo'ani, waiting for him to answer.
"Myself, Meda, Pater Isak and Rena are the only ones at the Stronghold who know," Mo'ani said. "That's why I wouldn't let Kile send Rena to Bavol Hold."
"Anyone else?" Paki asked. He didn't know why he felt the need to know, but he did.
"No one I know of," Mo'ani shook his head.
"Nor me," Jaron agreed.
Paki nodded. "That means I have to find a way to tell Sewati," he sighed, then looked at Mo'ani. "I'm just getting used to this entire thing, and part of me still wants to tell everyone they're wrong. I don't know what to do."
Mo'ani nodded in understanding. "You're actually handling this better than I thought you would," he admitted.
"I don't think I have a choice," Paki said. "Alsynder and Rena were pretty insistent when they told me."
"Don't worry about Sewati for now," Mo'ani advised him. "As a matter of fact, I wouldn't worry about anyone just yet."
"I was already thinking I should keep it to myself," Paki nodded.
"Perhaps thee was told now," Jaron said slowly. "So thy heart and mind could prepare to stand against those who would not believe thee at first."
"Maybe," Paki shrugged. He paused, hearing a rustling ahead of him. He motioned for Mo'ani and Jaron to hold still, and slowly approached the thick bushes growing around the base of a large oak. He heard the rustling again, and silently pulled his skinning knife from his boot. Parting the lowest branches, he saw a large hare struggling weakly to untangle itself from a snare. "Thank you, Alsynder," Paki whispered, recognizing the wire around the hare's neck. Moving quickly, he caught the hare by its' hind legs and pulled it up. With a quick downward thrust with the hilt of his knife, he broke its' neck, killing it instantly. Removing the snare and tossing it back into the bush, he turned back to Mo'ani and Jaron. "I don't think we'll find much more than this," he said, holding up the hare. "But it's not dried."
"No, it's not," Mo'ani agreed. "I just hope it'll feed all of us."
They took the hare back to the camp, where it was quickly skinned and set to cook over the fire. When it was done, even the smallest bones were stripped of their meat, and Tiimu given the gristle and bones to chew on. They each went to their bedrolls that night a little more content than any night in the previous couple of weeks.
A couple of days later, they started the climb up the dried riverbed. The river ran much fuller now than when Paki and Bear first went to the Dwellers' valley, but Jaron and Kile were able to lead them along a higher path, keeping them clear of the rushing water. It was early evening when they finally reached the top. Even in the fading light, Paki was again overcome with the sight of the lush valley below the stark mountains.
They rode down the mountain in single file with Kile in the lead. The small group was greeted almost immediately by a feeling of celebration. Though Jerai wouldn't be getting married for almost two weeks, the Dwellers' preparations were obviously taking up most of their time.
Kile led them to Othon's tower, an
d Jaron and Tosia bid them farewell as they turned toward their ranch. Othon's stablemaster appeared almost immediately, taking each of their horses as they dismounted. Bear lifted Tiimu from his saddlebag as Chase was led away, putting the fox over his shoulder.
One of Othon's servants met them at the door, ushering them inside. The windows on the lowest level were uncovered, and a light evening breeze drifted through the tower.
"His Lordship awaits thee in the upper library," the servant told them, bowing to Mo'ani. "Would thou like me to escort thy party there?"
"We know the way," Mo'ani answered. "Thank you, though."
The servant bowed to them again, and disappeared down a side hall. Mo'ani led them to the winding staircase that would take them to Othon's library. At the top of the stairs, he turned down the hall and stopped outside the heavy wooden door.
Bear motioned to the carving in the door before Mo'ani opened it, pointing out some of the intricate details. Paki nodded his head, having already noticed them. All of the wooden doors in Othon's tower were covered with the detailed carvings. Many were so detailed, individual hairs on the horses could be made out.
Othon looked up from his seat beside the window as the group filed into the room. His two heavy canes rested against the arm of his chair. His legs and feet twisted inwards slightly, his legs not having the strength to hold them straight. Jerai sat in a chair beside his father, an open book on his lap.
The library was lined with shelves filled with books and scrolls. Two carved wooden benches ran before two of the shelves, and ornate wood chairs sat in a semi-circle around the fireplace. None of the lamps were lit yet, and the only light came from the flickering fire.
Othon's eyes flickered to Paki when he entered, and he smiled faintly. Paki and Bear both nodded to Jerai, and Paki couldn't help but notice the strained look in his friend's eyes. Apparently he was already feeling some of the pressure his new position held.
"The Wardsman hath told me thee were wearing a cloak of Jensina's symbols," Othon said to Paki. Next he looked at Kile. "He hath broken thy own record, surely thy life was over that day." Even with his formal speech, there was no mistaking the teasing tone in his voice. "Please, sit, all of you," Othon motioned to the various carved wood furniture in the library.
"My life's not quite over," Kile answered, taking one of the chairs beside Othon. Mo'ani sat in the chair on the other side of Jerai while Paki, Bear and Rena sat on one of the benches. Tiimu jumped from Bear's shoulder and began sniffing the wolf skin on the floor in front of the fireplace.
Othon turned to Mo'ani next. "It hath been a long time," he nodded. "Thy trips to our valley are not nearly so frequent as they were in my youth."
"Fate has a way of keeping me busy with other things," Mo'ani answered. "I was last here when Arynne was sick," he continued after a moment. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to get back when she died."
Paki looked over to Jerai, and saw him mouth the word "mother". He nodded his head and whispered it to Bear and Rena.
"She passed in her sleep," Othon said. "But we hath other things to concentrate on now."
"So we're told," Mo'ani nodded, looking at Jerai. "Congratulations," he said to him.
"Or condolences," Bear added.
"I think it's more the latter," Jerai sighed. "My father keeps trying to tell me how wonderful it is to be lord."
"And ye can't help but wonder why he's leavin' it then?" Kile asked.
Jerai nodded.
"I told thee why," Othon looked over at his son. "The Dwellers need a lord who can move without the aid of a horse or two servants to hold him up."
"Then make Jaron lord," Jerai said to his father.
"Jaron is not my son." Othon's tone told everyone he wasn't going to be argued with, and Jerai backed down immediately. Othon turned to Paki and Bear next. "Perhaps the two of thee could keep Jerai from running off before his wedding?"
"I don't think they're the two to ask that of," Mo'ani said.
"I'm not going anywhere," Jerai said. "I told you I wouldn't. Besides, the only way out of here is through the Wardsman's Woods, and the Wardsman would just come and tell you where I was."
"We are truly blessed to have such a powerful ally," Othon said, his voice once again teasing. He turned to Paki. "Hath thy horse been a suitable replacement for the great stallion thou lost?"
"Yes, thank you," Paki said, hoping his tone conveyed his honest gratitude. "Tyran has a lot of spirit and I'm still getting used to him. He's been very loyal so far, though."
"He shall become even more so as he matures," Othon said.
"That's what Kile said," Paki nodded.
"And how is Nicho?" Othon asked Kile.
"Gettin' more foul tempered as each year passes," Kile answered. "But he's one of the best warhorses ye've ever bred."
"Not nearly so foul tempered as Lord Devayne's horse, I hope," Othon said.
"No horse is that bad," Mo'ani shook his head.
They were interrupted by a knock on the door. A servant opened the door and bowed to Othon. "The rooms thou requested are ready, M'lord," she said. "And thy table shall be set within the hour."
"Thank you," Othon said, then looked at the group around him. "I trust all of thee would prefer some time to wash before dinner?" he asked.
"I think that's a good idea," Kile said, nodding.
"Thy rooms can be found in the north wing," Othon said. He nodded to the servant, and she stepped into the hall to wait for them. "I'll meet thee in the dining hall within an hour."
Mo'ani and Kile both stood, followed by Paki, Bear and Rena. Bear scooped up Tiimu, once again putting the fox over his shoulder. The servant led them to their separate quarters before disappearing down a flight of narrow stairs at the end of the hall. In his room, Paki shook the travel dust from his cloak and breeches, then pulled off his tunic. Unstrapping the narrow sheath on his left forearm, he tossed the dagger onto the bed beside his sword. Filling the bowl on the washstand with fresh water, he washed his face, neck and hair. He was just pulling his tunic back on again when someone knocked on the door.
"Come in," he called, wringing the excess water from his hair, then running his fingers through it to straighten it.
The door opened, letting in Jerai. He closed the door behind him, and stood, staring at Paki.
"What?" Paki asked. He buckled his belt and pouch back around his waist again.
"It is you, isn't it?" he asked, his deep voice quiet. "I didn't believe it at first, but as soon as I saw you again..."
Paki sighed, then nodded his head slowly. He should have guessed that Jerai would know he was Nahtan. The Dwellers seemed to be more perceptive than most. "You should have been there when I found out," he said. He hoped it wouldn't change anything in their friendship, something he also hoped about his friendship with Bear.
"The Wardsman came and told us you knew," Jerai paused for a long second. "Does Sewati know?"
Paki shook his head. "I don't know how to tell him, either."
"I think he'll figure it out," Jerai predicted. "He's always been pretty good at those things."
"A little too good," Paki agreed.
Jerai was silent for another moment. "What does it feel like?" he asked.
Paki sat on the bed and rolled up his left sleeve. Taking the sheathed dagger, he began buckling it back onto his forearm.
"It's like all of a sudden, everything I read about Jensina's baby has become my memories, not just memories of a story," he described. "I get these flashes of things, and they don't make sense to me right now. People, places, emotions--some I think might fit together somehow, others don't seem to fit at all."
"I can't imagine..." Jerai shook his head. His light eyes met Paki's. "What are you?" he asked carefully. "I mean, your soul--"
Paki shrugged. "I don't know," he admitted. "I think these sudden images I see might tell me, but--like I said--they don't make sense."
"Do you have any idea what you're going to do?"
P
aki shook his head. "Not right now, I don't think the time's right to do anything. I'm pretty sure Halona has her own schedule for things, and nothing's going to happen until she wants it to." He finished buckling the sheath and rolled his sleeve back down. Back at the Stronghold, it was getting too warm to wear long sleeves, but spring was just starting here in the valley, so he could still wear them without raising questions.
"That sounds like her," Jerai nodded.
"Now what about you?" Paki asked. "Why didn't you say anything about Siara when you brought Tyran down?"
Jerai shrugged. "I figured she was the least obnoxious of the girls my age," he answered. "And I really hadn't been intending to get married just yet."
"Just like I hadn't intended on becoming everyone's idea of a king?" Paki asked, smiling.
"Exactly," Jerai nodded. "It just sort of got dropped on me."
"I know the feeling," Nahtan agreed.
The next few weeks passed quickly, and each day faster than the last. Paki and Bear got reacquainted with Siara, and Rena kept her from intruding on Jerai's time with his friends. As their wedding day drew closer, Jerai became more nervous. Both Paki and Bear tried to find ways for him to vent his anxiety, and Paki and Jerai eventually ended up facing each other with their swords. The mock fights became a daily affair, and before long they were drawing a crowd.
The Dwellers' kora swords were heavier than most, and Jerai could absorb the powerful blows of Paki's longsword with little trouble. Jerai was also able to twist his sword around Paki's and nearly disarmed him a number of times. More often than not, they beat each other into exhaustion with neither one ever gaining the upper hand, making most of the bets for or against them no good.
The morning of the wedding, Jerai drug Paki down to the fenced corral an hour or so before dawn. The corral was a new one, and hadn't been used yet for anything other than their fights.
Jerai managed to trap Paki in one corner, and Paki was about to resort to desperate measures to free himself when Kile and Othon appeared beside them. Kile was holding one of Othon's arms while the Dweller lord held onto his two canes.
"Looks like ye got ye'reself into a bit of a mess, lad," Kile said to Paki.
