The Desolate Empire Series: Books 1-3

by Christina Ochs

  “That’s a kind way of putting it. I am convinced that Julia would be the first to send me to the Imperata if she knew what I was preaching. She has told me in no uncertain terms I must not reveal these things to the congregation.”

  “You’ve spoken with her about this?” This was worrisome. “If she has forbidden these teachings, I’m afraid she or I will have to arrest you soon. It seems my uncle acted within his rights though I deplore his methods. Why did you defy her?”

  “At first the changes in Moralta gave me hope. When Lucian Maximus introduced the new teachings there, many of the clergy hoped they would be spread throughout the empire.”

  “Moralta is paying a dreadful price for its defiance. I’d rather not follow its lead.” Talk of rebellion of any kind made Kendryk uneasy.

  “To be fair, the Moraltan problem is more than just a religious one. Their nobility was quick to challenge Teodora’s legitimacy. I take it you have no such plans.”

  “I do not.” Though Kendryk had misgivings aplenty about Teodora Inferrara, he was unlikely to share them with anyone besides his wife.

  “In that case, challenging the Temple is a separate matter and might be accomplished peacefully.”

  “But I don’t agree that it’s separate. With Teodora so interested in religious matters, I fear she will take any challenge to the Temple as a personal insult.”

  “She might.” Landrus shrugged. “But she will have no legal basis for action.”

  “She doesn’t need one. Teodora Inferrara does not strike me as the most rational creature. And it’s safe to say that her closest adviser, Livilla Maxima, is a fanatic. I’m certain she orchestrated the brutal response to the Moraltan rebellion. I don’t wish to be next.”

  Landrus sighed. “Your are making very reasonable arguments. The problem is this: what the Scrolls teach defies all reasonable thought and action. We stand on the edge of a precipice and if we don’t act soon, we will follow our gods off it.”

  Kendryk sipped more tea while he gathered his thoughts. “I’m afraid I don’t quite follow you.” In truth, he feared he understood all too well, though he hoped he was mistaken. “I realize that you have had access to the Holy Scrolls and know things that the rest of us don’t. But not everyone who’s read them agrees with you. Take Acon Benet. I studied with him for a time, and he understood the Scrolls better than anyone. Yet, he mentioned none of these things.”

  “You studied with Benet? He was impressive. I was always sorry that I never got the chance to meet him while he lived. I have read everything he wrote, and he had a firm grasp of the truth, in his way.”

  “Benet was also an adept politician.” Kendryk suddenly felt the loss of his teacher with a pang. “I don’t believe he was content with the state of the Faith, but he was good at making small changes, and making them often, while upsetting no one.”

  “Unfortunately, I lack his gift of diplomacy. No, it’s true,” he added, as Kendryk opened his mouth to protest. “But the time for diplomacy has passed. We must change the Faith right now. There is no more time. The final battle fast approaches and if it comes upon us in our present state, I don’t dare to think of the outcome.”

  Braeden

  “Think we’ll have trouble here, sir?” Reno Torresia asked. He’d been with the hussars almost as long as Braeden and was his most reliable captain.

  It was their fourth stop of the day, and the sun sat just above the western hills, touching the tops of the budding trees. This was a larger town than any others they’d seen so far even though it was still a distance from the main road. It even had a high wooden stockade and a gate that swung shut as the hussars approached. This one might be a bigger challenge.

  “Hard to say,” Braeden said. “I’d close the gate too if I saw us coming.” Until now, the villages they’d seen had no fortifications. “I’ll send Dura to talk to them. She speaks the best Moraltan and maybe they won’t be as frightened by a girl.”

  “Or they’ll be more frightened.” Reno grinned.

  “I’ll tell her to act sweet. If she can.”

  Prompt as always, Franca appeared as soon as Braeden called for her. “Need that gate opened sir?”

  “I just want to speak to whoever’s in charge here. A town this size ought to have a chief. I’ll guarantee his safety. I just want a word.”

  Franca nodded, jumped off her horse, strode to a cart carrying the lances and found one with a white banner.

  “What’s that for?” Reno asked.

  “So they know we come in peace sir, at least for now.” Franca leapt back on her horse and started for the gate, lance straight up.

  “Not used to coming in peace, are you?” Braeden laughed.

  “Can’t say I ever have.” Reno looked offended. “What’s the point of all this anyway? There can’t be many rebels left after Kaleva, and even if any are on the run, they’d never come this far west.”

  “I agree. Still, we don’t give the orders.”

  They both looked at the gate as Franca cantered back.

  “That was quick,” Braeden said.

  “The person you want to speak with is already there. She’s not a chief exactly; more like the last chief’s widow and mother of a future one.”

  Braeden hoped he’d be dealing with a person of sense. So far, he’d found the Moraltan commoners to be even more proud and stubborn than their princes, which made for plenty of trouble.

  Braeden picked a few others to join him. He kept the entourage small since it looked like the town would cooperate. “You too, Dura,” he said to Franca. “Your Moraltan is better than mine.”

  As they neared the gate, it opened a crack, and several people came out. One was a woman in a bright blue dress and yellow turban. Two churlish-looking young men accompanied her. Intelligent gray eyes gleamed out of her sun-lined face, and Braeden hoped she’d be less stubborn than she was smart.

  Braeden jumped from his horse, and threw the reins across the saddle, knowing Kazmir would stay put. He made a small bow as he stood in front of her. In these matters, it didn’t hurt to be courteous. “Braeden Terris of the Novitny Hussars, in service of her Imperial Majesty. I have a few questions and we’ll leave your town in peace.”

  The woman’s mouth quirked upward on one corner as if she didn’t believe him. “You can call me Zluba. I’m in charge of affairs here in Martiz. What do you want?”

  “We are looking for rebels who’ve defied the empress. You might have heard that several Moraltan princes sought to overthrow her. We’ve defeated and arrested them, but some of their supporters are still at large.”

  “Are you accusing us of rebellion?”

  Braeden met her glare. “No, I am not. I am asking if any strangers have come here in the past few days. People you might not otherwise see, who might attract attention. I have a list of those who are still wanted.”

  “I’ll look over your list. But I can answer your question right now. You are the first strangers we’ve seen in these parts in at least a week. As you know, we are not on an important road, and the only people who come here are peddlers and farmers selling in our marketplace.”

  It seemed she was telling the truth, but Braeden had to press a bit more. “Yes, but that also makes it an ideal hiding place for rebels.”

  “That may be, but that doesn’t mean you’ll find any here. You’re welcome to search anywhere you like, and I’ll tell everyone to cooperate.”

  “That’s very kind.” He sensed he wouldn’t find anyone here. Outside Kaleva there were few commoners among the rebels, and it was easy to track down nobles trying to hide anywhere other than their own estates.

  “Thank you for your help.” He reached back for Kazmir’s reins. “We’ll be on our way then.” He wanted to get through the last few towns in the marches and put Moralta behind him.

  She seemed surprised. “You believe me then?”

  “Should I not?”

  “You should, but it’s unusual for armed men to leave without picking
a fight.”

  Braeden shrugged. “It’s no fun fighting civilians.”

  She finally allowed a real smile. “Then you are an unusual man Terris, and I wish there were more like you. Before you go, would you and your men stay for a meal?”

  It was nearing supper-time, so Braeden said, “That’s most kind. I won’t ask you to feed everyone though. They’re like a swarm of locusts.”

  “Why don’t you and your group here come to my house? We’ll send sausage, cheese and ale out to the rest.”

  “Thank you.” Braeden looked at Franca. “Send word that everyone but the pickets should set up for supper. Then come back here.”

  Zluba looked at Franca’s retreating form. “It’s unusual to see women among the hussars.”

  “It’s somewhat uncommon. But any girl who’s good with a horse and lance is welcome in my banner.”

  Zluba took his arm as the gate swung open before them. “I like you. Maybe I’ll keep you. We could use a tame hussar or two in these parts.”

  Kendryk

  If anyone else had been preaching of final battles and the end of the gods, Kendryk might easily have dismissed them as a fool and crackpot. But something about Father Landrus compelled Kendryk to at least entertain those thoughts, unsettling though they might be.

  “I wish I could accept what you say.” Kendryk shook his head. “But I can’t recall Benet or anyone else speaking of this battle. To put yourself and others at risk because you’ve interpreted the Holy Scrolls in such an unusual way seems reckless.”

  “But that’s just it.” Landrus put his cup down untouched. “I’m not alone in interpreting the Scrolls this way. If you read them yourself, you would see they are quite plain on this matter. The problem is that those allowed to read the Scrolls may not speak of them in any way that opposes current Temple dogma.”

  “Hasn’t it always been so? The Imperata and her scholars are the final word on interpretation. It would be a fine state of affairs if every priest and priestess could read them without guidance.”

  “Would it?” Landrus looked at Kendryk intently. “Why should interpretation be confined to the elite? With the fate of our world at stake, shouldn’t everyone be allowed to seek the truth?”

  Kendryk tried to order his whirling thoughts. He finished his cup of tea and put it on the table next to Landrus. Then he said, “It’s never occurred to me that anyone besides Temple scholars should interpret theology or that the truth might be kept from us. A public discussion is needed. I can’t be the only one who wants to learn more. Although I’m concerned that it might be seen as an act of rebellion.”

  “That worries me as well, but it’s no excuse for inaction. Once we know the truth, we are obligated by the gods to follow it. Offending those in power is no reason to hold back. In fact, it’s because those in power are trying to suppress this truth that we must expose it. If the outcome of the great battle hinges upon what’s being kept from us, doesn’t it make you wonder why the High Temple is doing so?”

  “If what you say is true, then yes.” Kendryk leaned forward, fixing his gaze on the priest. “Please, Father Landrus, understand that I am not altogether opposed to what you are doing. But my considerations go beyond the spiritual. I’d be a poor ruler if I let you run amok without regard for the problems you might cause. I can’t match you for knowledge of theology, but from the little I have learned, I realize that certain truths in the Scrolls remain hidden. But Benet was one of those few allowed to read them, and he never mentioned a great battle.”

  “The Temple has been effective at convincing those with access to the Scrolls to remain silent. You’ve no doubt heard of priests and priestesses being burned as heretics from time to time. Anyone brave enough to look further into those cases would find they only wished to teach what they’d learned.”

  “Then how is it you hold your life so cheap?”

  “I don’t. But what good is my life if our world is plunged into darkness? None of us will survive if the Holy Family is overcome.”

  “I wish I there were some proof that what you are saying is true.” A knot grew in Kendryk’s stomach.

  “If you read the relevant passages, you would understand everything.”

  “I don’t think you realize how much I would like that.” Since Kendryk was a small boy he’d dreamed of studying the Scrolls himself someday. “Please understand Father, I sympathize with your position. But if you continue teaching these things, I will have to arrest you. Not by my choice, but because it is my duty. If my uncle had been wise enough to come when you were alone, you would be in his dungeon, and I could not help you.

  “Though I could arrest you right now if you refuse to stop spreading these teachings, I won’t. I need to consider what you have said, then speak with my advisers. If I must arrest you I will try to prevent you from being tried by the Imperata in Forli. The only alternative is to try you here without fanfare and send you into exile. You cannot be found innocent under the current law. I am sorry.”

  Landrus’s burning eyes softened. “No Your Grace, please don’t apologize. It’s clear you wish to do the right thing. You are bound by a great many duties that the rest of us never need consider. I am sure you will think about this at length. But be sure to spend as much time in prayer. I know that the gods never abandon those who call upon them with humility. I have every faith you will find the right path.”

  Kendryk wished he were as certain.

  Janna

  When Janna awoke, her first thought was panic she’d lost the cart and the children in it. She scrambled to get out of the blanket, tangling her feet in her skirt. But they were there, right behind her. Anton was struggling to get Anyezka out of the cart, but she was too heavy for him. He pulled on her harder, and they both rolled into the wet grass.

  “Good morning you two.” Janna smiled at them.

  “Got to wee,” Anyezka said.

  Janna pulled her up and took her into the trees. She caught glimpses of others stirring through the branches. When she got back, the Kalinas were up and getting ready to go. “I wish I could take you along.” She wished even more she could return to Kaleva with them, but she needed to be sure it was safe first.

  “You’ve been kind enough,” Ivor said. “You still have far to go, so don’t wait for us. We’ll do well enough.”

  “I hope so.” Janna reached into her pocket and pulled out two silver coins. She wasn’t sure how much they would buy, but prices in the city were sure to be high.

  Ivor shook his head. “I can’t take your money, you’ll be needing it.”

  “Not in the country.” She pressed it into his hand. “I have everything I need. Who knows what you’ll find back in Kaleva. Please, I want to help.”

  Ivor hesitated, but Greta shot him a look, so he said, “May Ercos keep you then,” and put the coins in his pocket. “If you come back to Kaleva and need a place to stay, ask for Ivor Kalina in the baker’s street. We’ll do what we can for you.”

  Janna passed around hunks of bread for everyone by way of breakfast, loaded up her children, watered the donkey one last time, and they were on their way.

  It was still early, and they were among the first on the move. If they were ahead of the crowds they might make better time. At a point where they were out of sight of other wagons, Janna took out her purse and had Anton put a few of the coins in his pockets.

  “Tell no one you have these. We’ll try to save them for Papa.”

  “Franz says that Papa is dead.” Anton looked ready to cry. “I told him that was a lie. Papa got away, didn’t he?”

  “I’m not sure,” Janna admitted. “I don’t know what happened. We’ll just have to wait for him and find out.”

  “Franz says the soldiers killed every last rebel. Was Papa a rebel?”

  “What’s a rebel?” asked Anyezka.

  “People who fight against the empress. And yes, I suppose Papa was one of them. But we can’t be sure of what happened. Franz knows less than we do. Ev
eryone is just guessing because they weren’t there.”

  The cart bounced down the road. The children slept in the back and Janna dreamed. She didn’t want to think about the farm and Dimir’s relations, so she thought of returning to Kaleva instead. Perhaps they could stay at the Sanova crossroads for a few days until they knew what was happening in the city.

  The road was much emptier now since it seemed most people had already turned back, it was warm under the spring sunshine, and Janna dozed off. She awoke with a start when someone shouted in her ear. It was a messenger on horseback who’d come right up behind her.

  Janna recognized the young woman’s livery as belonging to the Kaleva weaver’s guild. “You said it’s safe to go back?” Hope surged in her chest.

  “It is.” The woman slowed her horse to walk alongside the cart. “I’m headed to the eastern towns to let them know it’s safe to trade again. The looting has stopped, and they didn’t burn anything. The rebel leaders are being hanged tomorrow and that will be the end of it.”

  “Hanged?” Janna gasped. “Are you sure?” She glanced back at the children. To her relief, they were still asleep. She didn’t want them to hear this.

  “The news was everywhere by early morning. The general wasted no time giving the leaders a trial the moment he entered the city.”

  “Have they caught all the rebels?” Janna felt it was foolish to hope, but maybe there was still a chance that Dimir had escaped somehow.

  The woman shrugged. “They’ve caught those inside the city, though they’re still rounding up their families if they can find ‘em, and looking for those who’ve fled to the countryside.”

  Janna’s eyes widened in alarm. She couldn’t go back then. Not for anything. “Who are they looking for in the countryside?” she asked, trying to keep her voice from shaking.