by John O.
“What do we do now?” she asked her handler.
“We do nothing for now. Stay alert and maintain your cover. I’m sure by now it’s obvious to you that we cannot afford to see each other for a while.”
The fact that he was right did not make it any less devastating. Their little trysts were what made her life bearable. Her very stability would be at risk if she could not draw strength from him every now and then. Noticing her pain, he kissed her deeply. The kiss lasted for a while before she whispered in a sad yet husky tone, “…take me one last time.” That was all the instruction he needed as he lifted her up and proceeded to ravage her like it was the end of time itself.
8
Yosi Sint and Rosi Lite rode through the gates of the Helesp. It had been a tiring and uneventful journey from the Ispris’ Residence, having taken a different route from the much shorter, albeit treacherous, Cemetery Street.
“Rosi. Remember to act as though we witnessed nothing out of the ordinary on this journey. No mention of the attempted ambush or the missing Spyinmes. Though it is true that by day’s end, it will be apparent that they are missing, if it is known that we are aware of the Kawachi’s involvement, the one who supplied the information will become wary. We must act as though we know nothing of it, that we may be able to closely observe our suspects and discover their true intentions, with any hope.”
“I understand. If I may ask, have you any suspects already?”
“My guess is that the Spyinme who ran reconnaissance during the period must have been in on the conspiracy. Yes, it is possible that others could have accurately timed the three’s movement and sought them. However, such a risky mission requires the complicity of the reconnaissance officer so as to ensure that no interference would occur during the abduction. If we never came to know about the hand of the Kawachi in this, we might have blamed it on random outlaws. But the Kawachi, if the Ispris can be believed, are an expensive sect who would only operate under specific orders of their client.”
“I see. As you said, others may be involved in this. There seems to be too many leaks within the Helesp at the moment, if you include what Roy and Remy Ni attempted,” said Rosi,
“That is true. I will take my time to assess if some of these insurgents will eventually come to respect and support my rule. If they do not, I will be left with no choice but to let justice prevail.”
“I hope this time is not too long Sire. A lot of harm can be done within a short time. Decisive treatment of this lot might be more effective,” advised Rosi.
“I will take that into consideration,” Yosi concluded as he saw Zach Sen approach to welcome them.
Alighting from their horses, they handed the reins over to the stable boys as Zach Sen greeted them.
“Welcome back, lord HN and Leade Rosi Lite,” he said before whispering “It is a good thing to see you both alive and well. This can only mean the attempt on your life was a fiasco.”
“Indeed. Let us speak in private about this later,” Yosi replied. “Thank you very much for taking care of the Helesp in my absence. Thanks also for your quick thinking. I am lucky to have you on my team.”
“You flatter me, Sire, but you are welcome either way.”
They were met by a Spyinme as they entered the Helesp. On seeing her, Yosi said, “You must be Mila Thorne.”
Surprised that he knew of her, she concluded that Maya must have discussed her with him, “That is me, lord HN. I am pleased to finally meet you.”
“And I you,” he replied courteously.
Looking at another Spyinme, he said, “And you must be Lythia Sands.”
Equally surprised, she replied, “Yes, lord HN. Welcome back. You must be famished after your journey. I’ll proceed to inform Maya of your arrival.”
“Thank you,” Yosi replied smiling.
He was grateful that the hall was somewhat scant at this time, for most of the Spyinmes were on duty, and those who weren’t were observing their free time. The Leades were also studying at this time, according to the time table instituted by the first HN.
As Yosi departed for his personal quarters, he noticed that Rahel Ni had entered the hall. Their eyes met and he spotted the barely discernible shiver of her body.
“Rahel, I hope you are feeling much better now.” he inquired.
“Yes, lord HN,” she replied and looked away with the hope that he hadn’t noticed her discomfort.
On reaching the stairway, he bid good day to everyone else and began for his room. At the same time, in the room where the Leades studied, Roy Ni, who had effectively gathered Remy’s birds and covered his tracks, wondered how it was that the HN still lived. Perhaps Lector Stev Even had grown cold feet at the last minute? Not likely. Something must have foiled the plan. Had Remy’s initiative been discovered earlier than he once thought? If this was the case then the HN may have been warned in time to avoid the ambush. But what did this mean for all of them? If it was true that the plot had been discovered, then Remy, Stev Even and his Studes, as well as his self, could all be tried for treason. A cold fear gripped him as he considered the possibilities. Remy had acted hastily, he regretted. They had failed and danger now loomed over them. A shrewd HN would not immediately come after them. He would rather take his time to identify fact from speculation before deciding on a course of action. The case against them would be more speculation than fact, of this he was sure. But with the way the HN had executed Marc and Jetsi, there was no telling as to how calculated he would be about this situation. Staring at his manuscript, Roy could not bring himself to focus on it any longer.
Meanwhile, Yosi, safely behind the confines of his room, took in what was to be his new abode. It was a spacious room with a large ornate bed that stood directly opposite the entrance. Above the bed were paintings of Hinary Rosento, Sen Rosento, Ruki Sen and himself. At the far corner was a table with six chairs, likely used during a private brainstorming session with trusted advisers. The opposite wall was somewhat of a mini-library. Volumes of texts, scrolls and manuscripts were carefully arranged on a shelf that adorned the wall. Making his way towards the window through which Ruki Sen’s attacker entered and egressed, Yosi considered how that feat must have been achieved. The window was too high for the attacker to have entered by climbing. Indeed, it could only have been achieved by flying, he concluded.
Famished beyond measure, he proceeded to wash himself as he awaited Maya’s arrival. The duty of serving the HN with food was the leader of the Spyinmes, who could choose to delegate this to any of her underlings. However, he was sure Maya would gladly do this herself, for it was necessary that they catch up on recent events. As he put on his robe, there was a light knock on his door. Finally, he thought.
“Come in,” he beckoned.
It was indeed the leader of the Spyinmes, armed with a tray containing food, water, and wine. “I come bearing gifts,” she said smiling.
“You came just in time,” he replied. “I will have it on the bed please. My thighs ache from all that riding.”
“As you wish,” she said as she placed the tray on his bedside stool and stood dutifully.
“Please feel free to sit on the bed with me,” he said as he moved towards the bed.
Maya smiled and sat at the edge, “You should know that no Spyinme has ever shared the same bed with the HN.”
“You know so little of history, dear sister. Ruki Sen’s wife and daughter were both Spyinmes.”
“Well informed as usual,” She replied, “It was but a test of how gullible you are. Many would have taken my word for it as leader of the Spyinmes.”
“I cannot afford to be gullible in this office, as you know.”
“Indeed,” Maya replied looking closely at him. “How do you feel?”
“Weary at best. I would never have thought so much could occur in just one day.”
Laughing, she replied, “Welcome to your new world, brother. Everyday henceforth may prove to be eventful, especially for one like you who must be accust
omed to spending a lot of time in the serenity of the Temple. Meanwhile, father sends his greetings. I stopped by at his office today.”
“That is true. I still have his Astragalus.”
“You should have an errand boy deliver it to him on the morrow. He appears to have great a need for it. You know how Father becomes caught up in his experiments.”
“I do. But I would rather try to deliver it myself. I am not yet so occupied that I cannot complete an errand for my father. Regardless, I need to speak to him in person on some matters.”
Knowing her brother, he wasn’t likely to succumb to reason on this. What he didn’t realize was that he was in fact now too busy to run errands for their father. Relenting, she let him enjoy his meal before switching to more grave matters. When he was finished, she smiled and asked, “Do you always rush through your meals, or is this due to hunger?”
“If you call this rushing,” he said smiling, “yes, I was famished, but indeed we are taught not to waste time with meals at the temple, for we must not tarry on things physical in order to ensure adequate time for things spiritual. Now, sister, let us speak concerning the events of today.”
Maya was silent for a while before softly replying, “I suppose you are well aware Leade Marc Even had a family.”
“Yes,” Yosi Sint replied.
Maya continued, “I have known his wife, Beau, for quite a while. She is indeed a lovely lady whose children are still young. I feel awfully sorry for them.”
Yosi Sint was silent, for he knew her true meaning was something like, ‘Did you really have to kill Marc Even and Jetsi Foté?’
Her implicit question made him recall just how forgiving his sister really was. Barely six years ago, she had gone missing without a trace and was last seen by her father, who she had visited in his office. The search lasted for days to no avail. Just when fear and despair began to pervade her loved ones, the Ispri sent word to the HN that he had seen, in a dream, that she was held captive by an abnormally large man who resided by the sea. Fortunately, there was only one known giant on Lionea, who happened to be a Sentor. HN Ruki Sen entrusted the task of her rescue to his aide-in-field, Yosi Sint. On locating the house, which was close to the harbor, Yosi clambered in through an open window. The image that greeted him was one he had tried to shake off ever since. Right before him was a man, so huge that he couldn’t see his sister who was underneath him. Her screams however, were enough to tell him what was going on. With a voice as hard as steel, Yosi ordered him, “Get off her now!”
Surprised, the man turned around to see the lithe figure before him. Standing to his full height in an attempt to intimidate Yosi, he said, “You had better leave my house or the goddess will receive you sooner than you expected.”
Yosi stepped forward, with a look as if possessed by a demon.
“Such impudence!” growled the giant as he picked up his swords, which were lying idly by his side.
Knowing what was to happen, Maya tried, in her weakened state, to crawl away from what was to become an execution ground. Before the giant could lift his swords, he felt his left arm detach from the rest of his body. His shock was followed by immense pain as he watched himself bleed like a flowing river. Disoriented, he barely noticed when Yosi moved behind to deal him a blow that knocked him unconscious.
“Maya, please leave this room if you can, for I am about to deal this man a version of justice that is not fit for a lady to behold.” Yosi said as he unbound his sister and began to bind the rapist using the same ropes.
“Thank you for saving me,” she said weakly and tear-eyed. “What do you intend to do with him?”
He hugged her for a few seconds before asking her once again to leave. “I have to staunch his wound before he bleeds to death.”
Maya acquiesced and made her way out of sight while Yosi prepared his subject for judgment. That day, to his horror, Yosi discovered what he was truly capable of. He had tortured the man slowly before proceeding to watch him as he bled to death; a fitting end for such a vile criminal. Maya had emerged when she heard the first scream of her captor. Throughout the ordeal, she had cried and begged her implacable brother, urging him to stop the torment of her own tormentor. He hadn’t realized how much it had affected her until she said softly, “Yosi, I have witnessed too much horror for one who has lived so short.” Picking up his short sword, she finished, “Please tell father and mother that I am sorry for the shame I have brought upon them.”
With that, she had proceeded with plans to plunge the sword into her chest, stopped only by Yosi’s unnatural speed and brute strength. “What do you think you are doing?!” he nearly shrieked as he wrested the sword from her? “It is this demon that should be ashamed for what he did to you.”
“You do not understand, Yosi. Although I detest him for what he did to me, I cannot bear the fact that he met such a horrible end for my sake. You did not have to kill him. He could have been sent for trial. He was a dedicated Sentor who lost himself after being rejected for so long. His size was his demise, for no woman considered him, despite his attempts at wooing. Each time he defiled me, he apologized profusely that it had come to that. He did not ask to be as big as he was… If you call him a monster, then what do you call yourself? Tell me!”
“Yosi! Have you heard a word I’ve said?” Maya jolted him back to the present.
Yosi, who was always distressed by the memory, replied, “Yes, Maya. I was lost in thought for a minute.”
“What about? Marc and Jetsi?”
“There’s nothing to think about concerning those two. Nothing.”
“That is what bothers me about you, Yosi. You take men’s lives without concern.”
Yosi calmly considered her as he replied, “I understand that sometimes, there are extenuating circumstances that may force a person to commit unjust acts. With that, you should know that other than the giant’s case where I overreached, I have always acted within the law. Before Ishe Riva adjusted the law two years ago, all murderers and rapists were to be executed immediately. Everyone I killed prior to the amendment was either a murderer or a rapist. Similarly, after the amendment, which stipulated that execution of a rapist only be carried out if the victim died within one month of the day the crime was committed, I have only killed within the confines of that law.”
Understanding his meaning, she asked in surprised, “Marc Even and Jetsi Foté committed these crimes?”
“Exactly. When they challenged my claim, I could have merely subdued and sent them for trial. However, their insubordination afforded me the opportunity to execute them for their crimes.”
“I do not understand. I never heard any allegations of such leveled against either of them.”
“Because you never heard does not mean they were not guilty. Sue Foté, late sister to late Jetsi Foté, committed suicide two years ago. Not a single one knew why she took her life save for the Ispri who just discovered the true reason four days ago. It was revealed to him in a dream, very much like your abductor was revealed to him in such a dream, that Sue took her life because she could not bear the memories of being forcefully taken by her brother, Jetsi. According to his dream, she died two days after the incident. Likewise, Marc Even slew a man over a mere insult and buried the man in the East Forest. I confirmed this as I searched for the Astragalus, for I found the shallow grave of the man as the Ispri said I would.”
“Can the Ispri be wholly trusted? What if he is framing these men for some unknown reason? He knows that you would take his word for it, especially with what occurred with me. You cannot rule this out.”
“It is very unlikely, Maya. He has no motive whatsoever. Remember that I lived with him for many years. Believe me when I say that he is one of the most righteous men in Lionea.”
“I see. Speaking of missing persons, the three Spyinmes I sent to inform the Ispris of your visit are yet to return−I am worried.”
“You have a right to be. There is something you should know.” Yosi proceeded to inform
her about the dead men and horses, how it had saved his life and how the Ispris was able to link the men to the elite criminal sect known as the Kawachi. He concluded by telling her his suspicions that the reconnaissance officer was in on the scheme.
“Almighty Spirit. How can this be? Why abduct them? They are not privy to sensitive information. Loila Even was the reconnaissance officer on duty. Do you want me to investigate her?”
“Very cautiously, for we do not want to set off any bells. You must tell no one about this Loila, not even your close aides. However, have someone do some background checks on the three missing girls. Have her correlate their duty roster over the last two years with any significant events that may be of particular interest to one who bears ill will for Lionea.”
“Your command. What do we do about the missing girls?”
“As you would in a normal situation; only declare them missing after three days, in accordance with the law. After this, we will dispatch a group of Spyinmes and Leades to search for them.”
“I see. You do not want to act now, so as not to let the colluding parties know that you are aware of the girls’ abduction. While I see reason with this, I am not comfortable that we are choosing to do nothing that may help those girls now.”
“See it this way. If we try to do something and word gets back to their captors, they probably will kill the girls to cover their tracks. Doing nothing now in effect saves them in addition to enabling us discover the captors’ intentions,” Yosi convinced.
“True.” Maya agreed, to Yosi’s relief. Switching to more delicate matters as a cool breeze enveloped the room, she asked, “How was your visit with the Ispris?”
Smiling, he said, “That Prisca Foté is a wonder. Beautiful beyond belief, and also quite a talented artist.”
