by K S Nikakis
‘When I asked her directly whether she sought you, she denied it, but I wondered if it were true then, and it’s certainly not been true since. She’s been gone more than three zadics and yet still you wait for her return. It delays our lein-trysting, and unlike you, I don’t have the luxury of time,’ she said, glancing down at her belly.
‘You’re right, Ithreya, I do wait for her return, and it grieves me to cause you pain. But nothing was resolved between us, and the way she left …’ He leaned forward and took her hands. ‘I want my lein-tryst with you to be because Viv came back, because I chose a future with you.’ He rose and stood staring into the fire. ‘Did Drasen tell you what happened at Stelin Ridge?’
‘He said she’d been stabbed and ran into the sidari stands, that the Syld went after her and came back alone. He said the Syld said the elddra had taken her.’
‘And about Baraghan en-Esh-accom?’
‘He said Baraghan hadn’t been part of the Syld’s band, and had ruined their attack. He said if Viv hadn’t reached Fariye first, the traders would have killed her. It’s how Viv was stabbed.’
‘I don’t know everything that happened there either, but I know there are places apart from The Wheel. It’s where the Angellus came from and probably returned to.’
‘That’s what my father believed.’
‘Viv came from one of those places.’
Ithreya stared at him. ‘Are you saying she’s Angellus?’
‘Not according to Baraghan en-Esh-accom,’ said Sehereden, and outlined what Baraghan had told his lein.
There was a long silence while Ithreya digested it. ‘But … if Viv came here by accident, why didn’t she just leave? If Baraghan en-Esh-accom could, surely she could as well?’
‘I think she stayed for Fariye.’
‘And you think she’ll come back for Fariye too?’
‘If she survived Stelin Ridge. Ataghan said she was dead when Thrisdane retrieved her.’
‘She wasn’t dead,’ said Ithreya.
Sehereden’s head swiveled. ‘How can you be so sure?’
‘Because I’ve seen her.’
‘What?! Where?’
‘Here, in Esh-accom, at the dances tonight. And you’re right, Sehereden. She came back for Fariye.’
Dawn was close before Sehereden set off on Fara. Taris was still in the stable, which meant his lein was on foot, wherever he was, but Sehereden could wait no longer. He needed to speak with Viv and depending on their conversation, leave time to visit Esh-accom’s Sylds. His hesitation hurt Ithreya, but entering a leinship with doubt in his heart, could hurt her more.
He had no idea why Viv hadn’t come to the Ataghan’s compound. If she had returned for Fariye’s sake, simply seeing Fariye wouldn’t be enough to fulfil her pledge. He had no idea where she was staying either. She had nothing to trade, given her belongings remained at the compound, and she had no friends in Esh-accom to call on—unless she’d left straight after seeing Fariye.
He urged Fara to a gallop, glad the streets were deserted. Esh-accom’s Sylds prohibited riding at speed but last night’s revelers still slept. He’d check the Old Quarter first. Viv had visited the elddra there before and they might have offered one of their kind a bed. He clattered across Axian, and swerved down the narrow street, slowing as Fara stumbled on the cobbles.
The shabby building looked even more dilapidated in the early light, and he beat on the door. It was discourteous to visit so early, but his need was urgent. He waited, beat again, and the door was opened by a man with his arm in a sling.
Sehereden gave a brief bow. ‘I beg your pardon for disturbing you. I am Sehereden en-Scinta-ril, and I’m searching for an elddra called Viv. Is she within?’
‘No.’
The man’s surliness went beyond displeasure at being pulled from his bed, and Sehereden eyed him. ‘Has she been here?’
‘Not here. If you’re wantin’ to speak to her, you’re too late. She’s gone. If you’re wantin’ to know where, her lover Baraghan en-Esh-accom might help, if he chooses.’
‘Thank you for your aid,’ said Sehereden, and with another brief bow, leapt onto Fara. The servant’s dislike of Baraghan was obvious but at least his claim that Baraghan was Viv’s lover told him where she was. And if she’d left, had she headed to Tahsin’s sett or to the door Baraghan and Thrisdane used at Stelin Ridge?
He needed to know if he were to catch her. He galloped back along the narrow street, reached Axian, and sped into Anaten quarter. Baraghan’s compound was quiet and as he considered being discourteous yet again, a servant exited the stable with water buckets, and Sehereden hurriedly introduced himself. ‘I seek the elddra Viv, who I believe was here.’
The man nodded. ‘Violet Iris Vacia’s gone to Tahsin en-Kama-ril’s sett. Shall I tell Baraghan en-Esh-accom of your arrival?’
‘There’s no need to disturb him,’ said Sehereden, urging Fara towards the gate. ‘And thank you for your aid,’ he tossed over his shoulder.
Chapter 17
Sehereden left Esh-accom at a full gallop but didn’t follow the track long before he struck sunwise towards the Ristaval forests. Viv would have sought safety there as she had before and his jaw clenched he imagined her trudging through the dark alone. He hoped she hadn’t gone far before resting, but then recalled she rarely slept. She’d also be keen to reach Tahsin’s sett. The fact she went there rather than left permanently, explained why she hadn’t spoken to Fariye last night, but been content to see her instead.
He rode hard and when sunlight pierced the trees, slowed to call her name. Even if she’d walked all night, he should have caught her by now, unless she was deeper in the trees. She might even have cut towards Stelin Ridge to seek shelter in its tunnels, or be running. He’d seen her push herself past the point of exhaustion before.
Sehereden urged Fara into the trees but had to slow. Stelin Ridge was a long way off but pockets of icestone popped up here and there, as if the ridge sprawled underground. He skirted an overgrown crevice, too small for a man to fall into, but enough to break a horse’s leg, and concentrated on helping Fara find a way forward.
Juts of icestone broke the surface and he cursed. He must have chanced on a secondary ridge. The shadows told him the sun was clear of the horizon and he briefly considered heading back to the forest’s margin, but pushed on, and was rewarded with a smooth sweep of ground. He sped up again and urged Fara up a small rise. There was a drop on the other side, steep but less demanding than ridge jumps Ataghan led and let Fara choose the route down .
Fara leapt, landed, and leapt again, the second landing less sure. Fara’s haunches went from under him sending a slurry of stone down the slope, and more followed as he struggled to find purchase.
Sehereden considered leaping off to aid his mount’s recovery, and then the slope gave way completely and Fara rolled. Sehereden was aware of being airborne, and of shock as his head slammed into a tree, and then nothing.
Ataghan watched the sun rise from atop Esh-accom’s wall. He’d spent the night prowling the streets, but could rest now, at least for a little. The festivities ended tonight but knowing he’d not be granted children lacked its usual bitterness. Sehereden would be gifted, and the leinship meant the child would be Ataghan’s as well.
He’d take his band and their kin back to the Scinta-ril tomorrow, but Ithreya would stay in Esh-accom to birth. There were birth-women here to aid her, and Baraghan, whose surgeon’s skills extended to labouring women. Then Sehereden would return at Horse Zadic to bring his lein-tryst and son or daughter to the Scinta-ril. Ataghan smiled as he imagined Fariye’s excitement, then came off the wall, taking the steps two at a time, and headed back into the Miraj quarter.
His good mood dissipated in the shadowed street and he wondered if his uneasiness were seeded by weariness. He quickened his pace and scanned when he entered the yard. Fara was missing. Shornon guarded and he waved him over. ‘Where’s my lein?’
‘I don’t know, Syld. He
left before sunrise and was in a hurry.’
Taris moved restlessly but the stallion’s fragmented images told him nothing, and he strode into the building. The flow of conversation from the hall told him his band enjoyed a late breakfast, and then Fariye sped from her room and leapt into his arms. ‘Da! You’re back! Come and have breakfast. Mereya’s made more endesi. They’re so nice!’
‘In a moment, Fariye. Is Ithreya there?’
Fariye shook her head. ‘I think she’s still sleeping. Hurry, won’t you, da? Or they’ll be none left!’ She wriggled from his arms and darted back towards the hall and Ataghan continued up the passageway, knocked on Ithreya’s door, and went in. She sat by the fire, a shawl over her sleeping gown, her pallor obvious, even in the dim light.
‘Are you unwell?’ he asked, wondering if Sehereden’s dash had been for Baraghan.
‘I’m well, thank you, Syld.’
‘Do you know where Sehereden is?’
‘Not exactly. He’s gone in search of Viv.’
‘Viv? Why in Soaich’s name would he do that? Especially now?’
‘Because she’s here and he wants to be sure …’
‘Sure of what?’ he interrupted furiously. ‘He has everything a man could want!’ He took several rounds of the room. His watchers had told him the elddra had left, but maybe Sehereden had seen her before she’d gone. But he would have told Ataghan. ‘How did he know she was here?’ he demanded, swinging back.
‘I told him.’ Ataghan stared at her in disbelief. ‘I saw her at the dancing last night. It was obvious she wanted to see Fariye, and when I noticed her, she gestured me to keep quiet.’
‘And you didn’t! You know what you’re risking, don’t you?’
Ithreya clutched the shawl and wedged herself upright. ‘I’ve always known what I’m risking, Syld! That Sehereden would lein-tryst with me when his heart belonged to Viv. I was willing to risk it when I thought her dead, but not when I knew she lived. Sehereden’s choice needs to be made freely.’
‘Do you know where he searches?’
‘No. Viv didn’t come here so I have no idea where …’ Ithreya’s eyes narrowed. ‘But she did come here, didn’t she, Syld?’
‘I won’t have her disrupting Fariye’s life again when she’s started to settle.’
‘Started to settle? She cries for Viv every night! And you forget, Syld; Viv’s her lein!’
‘I forget nothing!’ he said, and strode to the door. ‘You would do well not to upset yourself, Ithreya, not while you carry!’ he said, and slammed the door behind him.
He paused in the passageway, too infuriated to join his men in the hall, and went back to the yard. Taris was agitated now, and while Ataghan knew the images of storm clouds might be triggered by his own upset, every bone in his body screamed that something was amiss.
The elddra was probably with Baraghan, but Sehereden knew nothing of Baraghan’s claim on her, so he wouldn’t have gone there. It was also possible the elddra was in the Old Quarter with her own kind, but if she were, Sehereden would have returned by now—which meant he searched beyond the walls.
Ataghan’s thoughts raced. If Sehereden believed she headed for Tahsin’s sett of misfits, he’d be in a hurry to catch her before she got too far ahead. He’d be short on time too, if he wanted to lein-tryst with her tonight or with Ithreya. And even if he wanted to salve his conscience by giving the elddra a proper farewell, he still needed to get back in time to visit the Sylds.
Ataghan’s anger surged again but was matched by dread. If the elddra had been at the dancing last night, she wouldn’t have got far even if she’d left immediately, unless … He strode back inside and his men fell silent at his appearance.
‘Taris needs a gallop and I’d like some company,’ he said brusquely. There was a chorus of volunteers but he chose only the men of his original band, and Drasen, because he was from Ithreya’s sett. ‘We meet at the gate,’ he said, and the men hurried out.
‘But da, you’ll miss out on the endesi,’ said Fariye plaintively.
He bent so his face was level with hers. ‘Ithreya’s not feeling well, Fari. Will you take her some, and ask Mereya for some semna?’ Fariye nodded solemnly, and he kissed her on the cheek. ‘And ask Mereya to bake some more so I can have some when I get back.’
Ataghan had no need to speak as they left the settlement. His men knew him well enough to know this was no pleasure jaunt. He passed word back that his lein had ridden out that morning and not returned, and to fan out. Some stayed parallel with the track, and some rode several lengths inside the trees, but he took Brithergen and Drasen with him sunwise.
His companions held their silence but Ataghan barely noticed, his attention on what Taris sent. Escadi horses communicated more powerfully than other Valen horses, both between themselves and with their riders, and the link was strong between Taris and Fara. Sehereden and he had chosen their stallions together and ridden together since, and what Taris relayed sent sweat oozing from Ataghan’s body.
‘Syld!’
It was Drasen and he brought Taris to a stop, but it was Brithergen who pointed away to the trees on their left. Taris whinnied, but Fara remained mute, flanks dark with sweat, head hanging.
‘His leg,’ hissed Brithergen.
Even from a distance they saw the bone through the hide. Brithergen and Drasen looked at him uncertainly but Ataghan’s mind reeled under the onslaught of images Fara sent.
‘Wait here,’ he ordered, and slid from Taris’s back. He kept his steps even, despite the horror that battered him, passed Fara and went on into the trees. There was a small ridge above him and a fresh slide of stone and he followed it down to Sehereden.
He was on his back, eyes open, his skin unmarked by even the smallest scratch, his neck broken. Ataghan fell to his knees. ‘Lein,’ he whispered. ‘Lein.’ He smoothed the hair from Sehereden’s forehead. ‘We swore never to leave each other. Remember that, lein? Remember? You swore never to leave me, Sehereden,’ he said hoarsely. The heat in his veins threatened to consume him, and he slashed his arms to ease the pain. ‘We swore!’ he cried, and collapsed forward.
Fire ravaged him and he slashed his arms again, and when he was able, cut a lock of Sehereden’s hair then kissed him, once on each cheek, and once on the mouth. Then he pulled his sleeves down to cover his bloodied arms, and stumbled back to Fara. He used his knife again, this time to open the big veins on the stallion’s neck, and he let the blood disguise his own. Fara was distressed but all Ataghan could offer was a quick death, and when Fara lay as still as Sehereden, he went back to Drasen and Brithergen.
‘Bring the men back, Drasen,’ he said hoarsely, and when Drasen had left, turned to Brithergen. ‘I need your help with a pyre.’
Brithergen thumped to the ground and pulled Ataghan into his arms. He didn’t say anything, just held him, and then they made their way back to Sehereden and built the pyre. The men returned, in twos and threes, and didn’t speak either, not even when they gently laid Sehereden atop the branches and Brithergen set them alight. But they sang the song the band sang at the end of a long foray. It told of the beauty of friendship, of the Vales, and of the constellations Enda sent, but they sang it without joy, like a dirge, and Ataghan stood with his eyes on the flames, and felt himself burn.
When the fire sank low, he leapt on Taris and led the men back through the trees, and when they reached the track, broke into a gallop. He rode at their head, silent like his band, but after a while Brithergen brought his horse level and Drasen did too, so that they rode either side of him. Esh-accom’s gates swung open and they continued in formation across Axian and into the Miraj quarter.
People stared as they passed, disturbed by their silent grimness, and when Ataghan reached his compound, he left Taris in the yard and entered the building. Mereya’s greeting died on her lips, as she took in his face and blood-stained shirt, but he said nothing, just continued to his room, went in, and locked the door behind him.
Chapter 18
By late that morning, Viv had decided there was no way of quitting Baraghan’s company without making an enemy of him. The simplest thing to do would be to wait for dark, climb out the window, and fly straight upwards, hoping no one noticed. Baraghan might come after her but once she was in Tahsin’s sett, she’d be under his protection. Even the powerful Syld Ataghan en-Scinta-ril had discovered that!
Others moved around the compound but she stayed in her room, uncomfortable at being the guest Baraghan had foisted on them. The sun was well up when Morvin brought her an immense platter of food, which seemed to be breakfast and lunch combined, and after she’d eaten, she organised her pack, discarding the ornate clothes Baraghan had gifted her, in favour of Ithreya’s plainer ones.
Baraghan’s tryst-bracelet was shoved up under her sleeve so as not to antagonise him if he visited, and she stowed the pack behind the bed. Now all she had to do was wait for dark—again. She occupied herself by pacing around the room and was tallying up her fifty-second lap when Baraghan burst in.
‘I’ve been summoned to Ataghan en-Scinta-ril’s compound,’ he said ‘Sehereden’s dead.’
Viv stared at him uncomprehendingly. ‘But …’
‘The Syld’s known as Mad At for a reason, Violet Iris Vacia, but his lein’s death will tip him into insanity.’ Baraghan wrenched her close. ‘Do not go anywhere near that compound, for any reason. Is that understood?’
Viv nodded and Baraghan strode to the door. ‘Sehereden en-Scinta-ril broke his neck between here and Stelin Ridge, in search of you. Mad At will hold you responsible. He’s damaged himself before, and others, but my concern is Sehereden’s would-be lein-tryst. If her child comes now, it won’t survive. Stay here!’
