Guardian

by Amanda McLaren

  She tapped her foot, crossing her arms over her chest. “I think we should leave that in Fay’s hands for now. We need rest, since we just patrolled the road to the Refugee camp. Besides, if Anna doesn’t show up I think Ryeger and I will offer to look for her and Teresa.”

  I nodded tensely. “You’re right.”

  “Would you like Veeri and Tess to look into the amulets right now instead? Veeri’s Azhi, so maybe she’ll get further anyway.”

  Why is she talking to me like I’m in charge?

  //Isn’t that normal? //

  “Not really. Sybel and Ryeger give me orders and advice.”

  //You and Sybel are about equals, though, right? //

  “We’re not wolves, Sanquility. That isn’t how things work. They’re above me…well, at least I thought they were.”

  //Maybe it’s because you know more? //

  “Oh really? I’m not the one who knows enough to say something bigger is going down!”

  “No, no. It’s fine. Fay needs something to distract her from all this anyway.” I answered uneasily. “But I have a favor to ask. Would you two investigate what Quinn’s gotten into? I don’t like it when that prick gets this quiet for this long; he’s always getting into something nasty.”

  My friend gave a small chuckle. “No problem. He spends all his free time drinking in the tavern or inn. Shouldn’t be a problem to get him drunk and weasel a little information out of the twit.”

  “Don’t do it openly – especially if my sister’s around.” Sanquility added hastily.

  “Why?” Her fingers tapped her arm in interest.

  The Azhi replied smoothly. “I trust Lyrea about as much as a trust a rabid, starving mongrel.”

  Sybel shrugged nonchalantly. “As you wish. It still won’t be too much of a hassle. I’ll keep you in the loop.”

  “I appreciate it. We’ll talk later.”

  With a nod for goodbye, we took our leave. To my disbelief, we came out to see Fay petting Redemption. Ryeger was standing warily several feet away with a look of awe stamped on his face. The tall, powerful man’s gray eyes reflected my own shock as he ran his hand through his dirty blond hair. His muscles and big hands always made me nervous. When he noticed me, he gave a single nod and headed inside. Taking my sister’s carefully, I led her and Sanquility out into the streets.

  “What’s Sybel want?” Fay inquired casually.

  “Just asking about Sanquility.” I shrugged it off like lying to her was nothing. “I hope you’re hungry!”

  Fay gave me a dirty look. She shook her head at me. “As hungry as I am, Xia, I want to hear the truth more.”

  How in the Seven’s name does she always know?

  Sanquility shook her head. “It’s just a warrior heart to heart, Fay. If it becomes spiritual I’m sure Xia will come to you for help.”

  Fay instantly relaxed. “Alright. Now, about these fish. How are we going to wrestle them for a good price from that jerk? He hates you.”

  I pursed my lips in thought. “He always charges double for half-charred, scrawny fish. Hmmm…the Temple would hear about a threat…maybe a bribe for better fish?”

  My Azhi lover winked. “With me around, sweet lips?”

  Fay gasped. “Did you just call her sweet lips?”

  I smacked Sanquility’s ass. “You are a bad ass, aren’t you? Maybe he’ll give it to us if we let you do the talking.”

  My little sister frowned. “Stop playing around you two!”

  “Who said we’re playing around?” I replied playfully.

  Fay cocked an eyebrow. “You two got…close. I guess I’ll have to have a talk with Chrono.”

  I glared at her. “Now hold on a second. Chrono hasn’t touched you, has he?”

  Fay rolled her eyes. “Like he’s brave enough to even stand alone in a room with me! Sybel would kick his ass as hard as you would!”

  “Good.” I grumbled. “He deserves it.”

  Fay’s voice took an octave higher as she changed the subject. “Besides the point of our love lives, we have enough money saved to last us a long time. We can spend this one. Veer

  “Then spend your half as you see fit, Fay.” I told her kindly, giving her a kiss on the forehead. “Supper’s on me.”

  “Can I spend some of your half?” San asked quietly. I peered at her strangely. “What? I have an idea! Besides, I helped you earn that!”

  I chuckled, in a good mood for once. “Fine. After supper.”

  The three of us found the shop in the market place. The man glared at me from behind the counter. “Roasted Gulbus, right?”

  “Three of them.” Sanquility told him firmly.

  The merchant scrutinized the Azhi for several seconds before grabbing three rainbow scaled fish with two rows of pike-like teeth and long, v-shaped tails. Mean-looking spikes ran along their backs. Two of them had a single horn on the forehead.

  We watched as he chopped off the heads, removed their spikes, gutted them and coated them in spices. He roasted them in front of us, too. None of us spoke. He served up three plates of a well roasted meal. For once mine wasn’t crispy crunchy or over seasoned.

  “How much?” I huffed.

  He’s going to charge double what he usually does!

  “Nothing.”

  I gave him the death glare. “I’m not stealing from you, old man. You’re not worth the temple down my throat about an extra bronze piece.”

  He sneered at me. “I won’t take coin from an Azhi as old as the Black Wolf. No matter how much I hate you, little wench, I’m no fool. Enjoy your damned fish.”

  I raised my eyebrow at the wolf woman. She winked at me, mouthing I told you so.

  “Let’s go to the docks.” Fay suggested quickly. “I miss looking at the water with you.”

  “I don’t know, Fay,” I began unsurely, glancing back toward the Temple.

  //Common. What creep would pick a fight with the Crimson Blade and the Black Wolf? //

  Fay gave me huge pouty eyes, making my partner snicker. “Please, Xia? I love it there!”

  My heart melted to see the pouting. “…I do have San and my weapons…”

  She leapt up and down with such glee I had to snatch the fish before it could cascade to the ground. Blushing, the priestess settled down. I shook my head, but Sanquility’s smile grew.

  “Are you looking at my sister, San?”

  //Huh? //

  “Don’t huh me! You were watching her boobs!”

  //N-no I wasn’t! //

  Sanquility’s eyes became wide. Fay traded us a look. “It’s so rude to talk about me all privately in your heads.”

  “Sorry; we’ll stop.” I muttered guiltily.

  The walk to the docks was interesting because the usual thieves and assassins didn’t even bother to attempt a move with my guardian and me walking next to my younger sister. If Fay noticed that we were keeping her exactly between us, she didn’t mind it enough to say anything. So it was not only uneventful, but quite enjoyable.

  Sanquility pried all nonchalantly. “What do you remember about your homeland girls?”

  Fay shook her head. “I don’t remember anything, though Xia taught me a little.”

  It took me a moment to trudge up the memories. “It was miles and miles of endless mounds of hot sand. We wore clothing that protected us from dust storms and the heat – I remember our entire bodies being covered in the very light material. I still hate the heavy clothing we wear now; it took me forever to feel like I wasn’t being dragged down or complaining how little it covered. And I remember the first time I saw a Gengesha. It was huge! With amazing feathers that gleamed in the sun….”

  “Gengesha only serve the Monobi Tribe.” Sanquility replied. I leaned in, listening attentively while Fay contemplated her words with child-like focus. “They’re very intelligent birds who will serve no other culture for any reason. The Monobi Tribe are a people from the Beginning. In fact, this settlement was originally theirs but the natives of this area mi
ngled with them and their blood became polluted.” Her voice held a wistful quality to it. “It’s a history I’ll never forget, and will always miss. Especially the strength in their faith, the grace of their particular style of combat…”

  “There’s a certain way my people fight? I remember the Old Gods – and some of the myths. I don’t ever remember fighting.” I was instantly hooked.

  Fay gave a meaningful cough to interrupt, drawing our attention. “No more talking about fighting. I want to hear no more on the subject! Monobi or not, we’re not in the Outlands. Let’s talk about something less violent.”

  “Fay, I don’t remember anything about our people being violent! If they were, their myths and gods wouldn’t be about protecting the earth and its people. In fact, the closest word I remember in the language to war translates to defend home and family. Even the most peaceful culture still needs to know something about fighting to protect themselves.”

  Sanquility gave an avid nod. “Very well spoken. The Monobi shunned actual war and acts of meaningless violence, but still needed a way to protect themselves. Much like Xia fights to protect, so did they. There are all sorts of dangers there, since it hasn’t changed much since the beginning. Wild animals, marauders and other tribes are a constant threat. They have to be able to protect themselves at night in a sandstorm if need be, so their fighting style is quite unique.”

  “Can you tell me more about their faith? Xia started to teach me but the Priest called it heathenism and wouldn’t let me learn.” Fay’s eyes were full of wonder.

  “You’ll find this interesting; it’s where the Seven Gods faith originally appeared. It’s only considered heathenism around here because the myths reflect that the Fallen One was originally the God of Creation, and father to the Seven Gods.”

  “I was taught that the God of Creation split into Eight, and the part of him that was Sin created the Fallen One.” Fay replied with great interest.

  “That’s because the people of this area refuse to believe that it was human’s sin and desecration of the sacred laws that corrupted the Creator. When he Fell from their sin, he awakened all the souls of the humans who didn’t deserve to live in His Court, twisting them into Azhi.”

  Fay frowned at the concept. “Well, I wouldn’t call it heathenism just because it isn’t what I believe…but it’s nice to know that we’re connected to our ancestors in some way.”

  “I’m sure you’re more open-minded about it, Fay. A lot of people want to believe that the Temple is unique in allowing women to fight, too. They’ll tell you you’re lying if you tell them that women lead in the Outlands. Very few of the tribes let a man lead on his own. Nor is there a split between religion and politics. A priestess and a priest are the tribe’s healers and spiritual leaders, but there is a warrior couple who leads the everyday activities. They work together to guide the tribe and keep them healthy.”

  “Amazing…”

  “Teach me how to fight like them?”

  “Xia! You said you’d stop!!” Fay’s voice was shrill. Feeling my cheeks flush, I rubbed the back of my neck.

  “Sorry…”

  San ran her hand through her hair. “We’ll talk about training when Fay’s not right here, okay?”

  “Traitor.” I teased.

  Fay stopped dead, thrusting her plate into my heads to speed over to a stand with a squeal, leaving me stunning a moment. Then I spotted them; six white dogs with short fur except around their ears, legs and tails, which was feathered. They had long, tall legs and sleek bodies built for running. Their long, whip-like tails wagged back and forth as Fay lavished them with her love.

  “They’re Al’ha’ti!” Fay cried in glee.

  The sight of them gave me a sad smile and a twinge of bitter sweet fondness.

  “Where in the world did you hear that word?” The shop keeper asked with wide eyes and awe in his voice. “Only the tribal people call them that. ‘Round here they’re called Sand Wolves.”

  “They’re dogs, not wolves, and the direct translation is Dog of the Sand Sea.” I corrected bluntly. “Our family owned six of them, and I had one of those dogs with me when we came to this forsaken place.”

  “Then you’re from the Outlands?”

  I breathed in deep, closing my eyes to block the memories of the voyage here. “Yes. A long time ago, but it’s our homeland.”

  Sanquility eyed the dogs with interest. “Where did you get them?”

  “Same place I got the Gengesha, but the Gengesha took off running the moment we hit land. I should’ve never bought the blasted thing; nobody could’ve contained such a creature. Raiders are no-good anyway, but I don’t like what they do to the native beasts. They don’t treat ‘um right.”

  A shiver ran down my spine at the thought. “How much?” I asked quietly.

  “Six gold per pup.”

  Fay gasped. “That’s so much! They’re dogs!”

  “There were twenty of them when I got them. They don’t take to the sea very well, miss. Getting them was hard enough, let alone them living this long.” I could tell from his tone he wasn’t enjoying this. “Know what? For you two, I’ll drop it to three per pup. How about that? I’ll still make some money off these six.”

  Fay did the math and counted the gold. “I can afford to take all of them off your hands like that!”

  “Fay!” I gave her a sharp look. “I’m off hunting wild beasts all the time and you’re studying constantly. Puppies are a lot like kids, and don’t need to be left all alone half the day!”

  My heart squeezed in a familiar way.

  I’m one to talk…

  //Kariken? //

  “…Nothing. It’s nothing.”

  Sanquility gently put a hand on my shoulder for comfort without prying. “I could teach them to guard and hunt the way your people did. I’ll show Fay so she can help me in her off-time, so they can be useful to both the Temple and us. They’re excellent trackers; I’m sure it’ll cut out time searching in half.”

  Fay pouted at me with her cute eyes.

  I melted. “Well, alright. But you have to walk them with Chrono! Don’t go wondering off all by yourself through the city streets! And you can only get three of them!”

  “But…”

  I gave her a serious don’t you dare look. “Fay…do you want any of these puppies?”

  “Yes…”

  “Then three of them. And remember – no wondering through the city alone.”

  “Wouldn’t dream of it.” She said almost too sweetly.

  There’s no way I’d have her get rid of any beast that cost me three freaking gold.

  //That’s why she agreed so quickly. Don’t worry; I’ll have somebody keep an eye out for her. She won’t be wondering off alone getting hurt. //

  “Who are you going to call favors from?”

  //Don’t ever doubt the resourcefulness of an Azhi. //

  The gold was exchanged. Fay chose two females who jumped and licked all over her face and a male who laid his head in my lap. Though I’d shoved him off me the moment he did, it charmed Fay.

  “Common puppies.” Fay cooed lovingly. To my surprise, though his sister trailed behind her without a problem, the little male stopped to peer up at me with a wagging tail. Glancing ahead to make sure Fay wasn’t looking, I quickly scratched his ear and reached in to touch his mind gently.

  “What’s your name?”

  ~Al’re. ~

  Al’re means little dog. “Are you the runt?”

  ~Runt? What runt? ~

  “Were you the smallest?”

  ~No. Al’re first born; name was given by master, not mother. ~

  Sanquility chuckled, elbowing me playfully “Like him?”

  “Fay!”

  She looked back with a smile on her face and a knowing look in her eyes.

  “This one’s mine! His name is Al’re and you’re to leave him alone!”

  The priestess in training tittered. “Whatever you say, sis.”

  “
Good.” I replied gruffly.

  I grabbed the dog by his scruff to place him at my heel. “You walk with me.”

  The moment he moved away from it, I gently scooted him back with a short, sharp noise. By the third time he didn’t make another attempt to leave my heel.

  Sanquility gave a low whistle. “You’re not bad.”

  “I trained Seishin and another Al’ha’ti.”

  “You had another dog?”

  “She was the only dog who survived our journey here. She was on the ship, taken by the same people who took us. We shared a tight bond, but Lyrea killed her brutally before agreeing to repent. The only reason I didn’t run her through is because I’d have gotten into serious shit. I was being observed at the time for...what did they call it? Oh yeah – reckless behavior.”

  “I think I would have run her through anyway.” Sanquility mumbled.

  Thinking about it now, I probably would have been better off as a mercenary again than dealing with what Lyrea. But then again, I wouldn’t have been there for Fay – or have met San…

  It was odd for the latter thought to bother me, but it did.

  We reached the dock to peer at the calm ocean waters. Though there were boxes, barrels and crates everywhere, the business of the sailors and dock workers was surprisingly comforting. The smell of the sea air was refreshing – relaxing.

  The three of us sat and ate our fish in silence. It drew up pleasant memories of the sandy dunes and giant birds of my homeland. Even as the sun began to set I was content to remain there for the first time in years.

  Sanquility leaned close to whisper into my ear “One day, I’ll take you back there. Until then, I’ll teach you how they fight.”

  “Thank you Sanquility.” I stretched out to lean against her luxuriously.

  “By the way, something strong is following us. I haven’t a clue who it is, but I don’t think they’re just curious fans.”

  “Fay, let’s head back. We don’t need you catching a cold.” I said as I sat brick straight with a frown.

  She took one look at me, gave a sigh and clambered to her feet. “You’re always so overprotective.”