The First Five Days: of the Lionean Saga

by John O.

  The man suddenly brought out a knife and leveled it at the Lector. “You will join me in my grave if you don’t budge. You wish me to die, for you see me as a loose end, but you will die with me I can assure you.”

  Johatsu hoped to the Almighty Spirit that no one had overheard the row. This was unacceptable! With cunning, he invited the man in and closed the door. A few moments later, Rosi heard the sounds indicative of a metallic clash. Rosi was tempted to take a closer look but he knew he would compromise his presence if he did. Exercising a little patience, he waited in the shadows for what seemed like an eternity before the door opened. Johatsu emerged carrying a wrapped up sack. It was evident that the agent was now lifeless and was contained within. Johatsu looked around cautiously before proceeding towards Rosi. Evidently he attempted to use the trees as cover while he proceeded to bury the body of evidence somewhere.

  Rosi considered whether to depart unseen or confront the Lector. As Johatsu approached, he decided the latter was the better option.

  With a steely voice he called out, “Lector Johatsu Foté. You are under arrest for murder and treason.”

  Johatsu, who had obviously not expected any confrontation, was nonplussed by Rosi’s pronouncement. Rosi emerged with his sword leveled at the Lector and said, “You’ll be wise not to resist me, Lector, lest your life be forfeit.”

  Thinking on his feet, the Lector replied, “Don’t be so hasty to condemn your beloved HN to death. If I die, he dies. For I alone know where the antidote is.”

  Rosi’s countenance remained unreadable as he said, “You do not know where it is, Johatsu Foté. I could read that much from your reaction to the now dead assassin. I won’t hesitate to do you in, should you force my hand.”

  Johatsu suddenly threw the lifeless body at Rosi and attempted to run for his cottage. Rosi was not to be bested, for he aptly dodged and simultaneously launched three knives that struck the Lector in his lower limbs, incapacitating him. Rosi immediately proceeded to strike one of the Lector’s pressure points in order to render him unconscious. As he regarded the bodies, he wondered how to transport both to the Helesp. He would need the agent’s body as evidence if Johatsu was to be sentenced appropriately at the Ishe’s court. He then remembered that a Spyinme must be assigned to the front section of the area where they had been. The agent had been smart enough to avoid that area as he moved undetected. If he could quickly make his way to the Spyinme, he may be able to borrow her horse and convey the Lector to the Helesp. How would he explain himself to the guards though? He had not come in through the gates and yet he was within. He thought for a few minutes and decided on a course of action. He dragged the two bodies into the Lector’s house as a means of securing them. After that, he went to the Spyinmes’ post to find a surprised Magi Rukka. He quickly briefed her on what had happened and had her ride out of the province. He described the spot where they had descended into the tunnels and asked her to keep her horse some distance away. To avoid being seen, she was to move towards the point on foot while he conveyed the bodies through the tunnel in order to meet her there. That was the best they could do in the circumstances and, as such, she acquiesced and the pair set about to actualizing the plan.

  Yosi Sint barely slept as a result of the presence of Zach Sen and the healer who stood watch at the door. He felt perfectly fine and began to wonder if the assassin had failed to poison him in the end. Perhaps the poison was in the sweeteners he attempted to place in the Kucha drink. It was already one hour left to the Hen’s Hour and his mind was occupied by the inquisition appointment he had with the Ispris. What would he ask her? How would she react? What if he was wasting his time? These and many more questions plagued his mind. To calm himself, he asked the Leade and the healer to excuse him in order to perform his morning routines.

  Prisca Foté awoke at thirty minutes before the Hen’s Hour and set about to preparing for the coming interrogation. She washed and preened herself until the Hen’s Hour came. She then proceeded to check on the healer only to find that he hadn’t slept in his bed. She quickly rushed to his study only to find his head buried in a sheaf of papers. With a light tap, she woke him up and said, “Good morning, father.”

  “Prisca. Good morning. I didn’t realize when I slept off here. What time is it now?” the healer replied with blurred eyes typical of the waking moment.

  “The Hen’s Hour. I have to leave for the Helesp now. May my assistants stay here until I return?”

  “Of course. They may stay for as long as they please. Do have a nice day, dear. Send Yosi my regards.”

  “Thanks. I will,” Prisca replied and proceeded to join her Aisprises who sat in the living room. “Jena, Cara, I don’t know how long I’ll be at the Helesp. When it is time, please begin the prayers whether or not I have returned.”

  The girls nodded and watched her leave. Although she had tried to downplay her summoning to the Helesp, her assistants knew that it was more than just a courtesy visit. As she left, Cara whispered to no one in particular, “May the Almighty Spirit be with you, Prisca.”

  While mounting her horse, the Ispris reminded herself to remain calm irrespective of any provocation that may occur. Despite her feelings for him, she realized Yosi was only doing his job and she could not afford to take things personally. She resolved to remain cooperative in order not to increase the already high levels of suspicion.

  Yosi Sint emerged from his room and made his way towards the area where the new couple slept. He knocked and was admitted after a few minutes. The couple was evidently surprised that he had come to them as opposed to summoning them to his room.

  “Good morning. Thanks for having me in,” he began.

  “It is I who is grateful to you for taking me in,” Sido replied, apparently still trying to make up for his unseemly outburst the night before.

  “Leades Rosi, Ron, and Zach have all briefed me on your story. I would like to hear it from you this time around.”

  Surita nodded and began to narrate their ordeal. She had repeated it so many times that in a matter of minutes, she was done. Yosi had closed his eyes as he listened; for a slight wave of dizziness had come upon him. He wondered if it was the poison or just lack of sleep. Notwithstanding, he had listened intently until Surita was finished.

  A few moments later, after what the couple thought to be an uncomfortable silence, the HN replied.

  “I commend you two for your courage and quick thinking, otherwise you would both be dead and the information about Loila and the Nukamchi would have died with you. You expect some punishment for your role in the Main Farm raid but as the HN, I have judged that you merit none.”

  The look of relief on their faces signaled the HN to pause, during which they expressed their gratitude for his benevolence.

  He then continued by saying, “Sido Minabi. Now that you are wed to a Spyinme, perhaps it is time for you to relocate closer to the Central District. I am aware that you are no longer used to residing within the Provinces and, as such, I believe a position as a Sentor would suit you well. You will be near your wife and yet you avoid the ‘troubles’ of living within the Provinces. Fair?”

  Surita’s eyes watered while Sido, who could not contain his joy, proceeded to hug the HN. It was only after he wrapped his arms around Yosi that he realized how inappropriate his behavior was. With an awkward smile, he released the HN and scratched his head saying, “I’m sorry. I just… I just… Words cannot express my gratitude at your−−”

  “There’s no need,” Yosi interjected. “You deserve the honor. I’m aware that you never trained as a Stude. As a result, we will need to shape you up to the standard required of Sentors. I’ll assign you to a Sentor, Raiden Ni, who will help you in that regard. Meanwhile, I expect that you need to return to your home to say your goodbyes. In fact, from what you two have said, your mother remains unaware that you’ve wed. For this reason I will let you two take the week off, if you wish, in order to do what you must before assuming your new role.”

>   The couple thanked the HN for his understanding, thinking he was finished. In actual fact, he wasn’t, for he turned to Surita and said. “Spyinme Stone. Forgive me, Spyinme Surita Minabi. You have handled yourself with courage and demonstrated immense inner strength that has seen you thus far. My sister’s passing has created a vacancy among the ranks and I’ve decided how it is to be filled. In the past, only one Spyinme leader oversaw the group, despite having two shifts that alternate weekly. I’ve decided to amend it such that each shift shall now have its own leader. I hereby appoint you leader of the B-shift, while Spyinme Mila will assume the position of the A-shift. I already have both decrees in writing.”

  He retrieved two parchments from his robe and handed them over to the couple saying, “One documents your appointment as Sentor, Sido, while the other is for you, Surita. Perhaps I should also hand you the one for Mila in order for you to help deliver it to her. Be aware that these positions come with huge responsibility. The nation is besieged with contemptible scheming and a threat of Norwan invasion. Your aptitude in these positions will be vital in ensuring the survival of Lionea. I will also see to it that you’re fully involved in the investigation of the Nukamchi threat, so ensure that you are prepared. That will be all for now,” He concluded.

  He proceeded to hand over the parchment for Mila as Surita thanked him amidst tears of appreciation. As he left the couple, he couldn’t help but be grateful at the opportunity to bring such joy to well deserving people. Where they had expected some impugning, they received promotions instead. With a smile, he proceeded towards his room to await the Ispris’ arrival.

  Jessamine Sint opened her eyes to find that dawn had broken. She said a brief prayer and proceeded to wash herself. She then wore a seductive gown after which she painted her lips and preened herself. Reaching into her bag, she retrieved a small vial which she examined amidst consideration of whether or not to use its content. With a sigh, she slipped the vial into her robe and proceeded to depart from the cabin. As she did, she sincerely hoped that she wasn’t making a wrong move by adding her own twist to the mission.

  Things had largely gone according to plan, the only minor interruption being when the Lector almost awoke from unconsciousness. Rosi had easily sent him back with an effective strike. Spyinme Magi Rukka had not only delivered a horse, but had also managed to acquire a cart in order to contain the bodies. With gratitude to the Almighty Spirit, Rosi began the three hour journey through the outer main road.

  Leade Ron Riten announced the arrival of the Ispris as she approached the Helesp grounds. Shortly after she alighted her horse, he escorted her into the hall where Rahel Ni was sitting in her usual position. Surprised, Rahel wondered whether to fake a faint for the purpose of consistency. Unfortunately she had contemplated for too long and she had no choice but to reply the Ispris when asked, “Good morning, miss. How’s your health now?”

  “I’m fine, thank you,” Rahel replied awkwardly.

  Prisca smiled at her as she ascended the stairs. Mila Thorne, who had received her appointment decree from Surita and had just finished clearing up after the HN’s morning meal, emerged from the room to meet eye to eye with the Ispris. Mila immediately wondered who she was and why she was visiting the HN. Unknown to all, her sights had been on the HN ever since she first laid eyes on him. Recalling a divination by the Ispri on how she would find herself in a struggle with two women for the HN’s heart, she instinctively knew that one of her rivals was before her. The Ispris, on the other hand, knew that it was the Spyinme leader’s duty to serve the HN or delegate accordingly. Was this woman Maya’s replacement? She was the second woman she had seen in her dream. While she could not immediately be described as beautiful, there was something alluring about her looks and manner. If this woman would spend so much time in close proximity to the HN, her own position in his heart may come to dwindle rapidly, she feared.

  Their brief moment of sizing each other up ended as Mila made way for Ron and the Ispris to enter the room. As they entered, Mila went towards Rahel and asked with some urgency, “Do you know who that woman is?”

  “Yes,” Rahel replied with a smile, “She is the Ispris.”

  Mila could not contain her surprise as she realized the woman was technically higher in rank than she was.

  “You look surprised,” Rahel, who was still smiling, remarked.

  “That’s because I am. I always thought the Ispris was much older. But she doesn’t look more than twenty years of age.”

  “Are you sure that is all there is to it?”

  “What are you getting at, Rahel?” questioned Mila.

  “It’s just that the Ispris is so beautiful, she will pose a threat to the wife of any man. Perhaps you’re worried that the HN has his sights on her, which is why she has come to visit.”

  “While I won’t deny it, I will not admit it either. But considering the two Leades, who are also in the room, I reckon her presence is on account of official matters.”

  “Who knows?” Rahel teased, obviously enjoying Mila’s discomfort.

  Meanwhile, Prisca, who was now within the HN’s room, brought her nerves under control as she set eyes on her would-be interrogator.

  “Good morning, Lord HN,” she began as though they weren’t on personal terms.

  “Good morning, Ispris. Please have a seat,” he replied with a straight face as he motioned towards the seat in front of him. Ron Riten took the seat to the HN’s left while Zach Sen sat on his right. Yosi felt another slight wave of dizziness and once again chose to dismiss it.

  After they had settled in, the HN asked, “Have you broken your fast? Perhaps you would like something to eat?”

  “Thank you for offering but I will manage,” she replied with a smile.

  “Very well. As you must be aware by now, there are a number of unsolved murder cases, all of which share the same pattern of execution by the murderer. Thorough investigations have concluded that the victims could only have been slain by a person with abilities that transcend the natural. To put it plainly, the murderer can fly and disappear. As the HN, I am committed to apprehending this person as quickly as possible in order to prevent another murder. Unfortunately, you are the only person of interest we have at this time, for we’ve heard through credible sources that you possess these abilities in question. Or do you deny these claims?”

  “No, Lord HN. I indeed can fly and disappear,” she replied calmly.

  Yosi proceeded to continue, although he was surprised that she had admitted her abilities so easily. “Have you ever killed a man?”

  “No, I have not.”

  “So you explicitly state that you are not responsible for these murders?”

  “Yes, Lord HN. I have had no hand whatsoever in the murders.”

  “There are others with certain unnatural abilities in Lionea, I am sure you’re aware. Someone who has an ability to link perpetrators to the scene of their crimes happened to identify you as the responsible party in these murders. This person’s ability has never failed us in the past. Are you saying this person has lied to us?”

  “Unfortunately, that seems to be the case, Lord HN. Like I said before, I have no hand in the murders.”

  As Yosi stared at his suspect, he pessimistically reckoned that the interview would yield no additional information.

  Raiden Ni sat alone in the inn as he awaited his meal. Other than the waiters and a woman who sat behind him, there was no one else present. This was not unusual, for it was still early in the day.

  The waitress who he recognized as Siri Hart approached him and smiled. “Good morning, Raiden. I hope your order has been taken?”

  “Siri Hart. Yes it has. How fares it with you this day?”

  “Well. And you?”

  “Well as usual.”

  “Excellent. I was wondering if you would like us to meet up again tonight.”

  “Of course not,” he replied with a bewildered look as though she should have known his answer.

  T
aken aback, the waitress asked, “Why not? Didn’t you have a great time last night?”

  “Oh yes, darling, it was wonderful. However, I have no interest in conquering already conquered territory. Life is boring that way.”

  “Speak plainly please. I fail to catch your meaning.”

  Raiden sighed regrettably before replying, “Don’t take this personal, Siri, but I never sleep with a woman more than once.”

  Siri’s eyes watered as she replied, “How could you say that to me? I gave you my body and all you do is use me as scum?”

  “Relax, lady. For what it’s worth, I also gave you my body, did I not? You better be gone, for I am in no mood for drama. I only wish to break my fast in peace.”

  “Curse you, Raiden Ni,” the teary-eyed waitress replied with venom. “Rest assured that you will come to regret this; I will make sure I’m the last woman you ever sleep with.”

  Raiden watched her leave with an amused countenance. As he shook his head in wonder, he heard the woman behind him whisper, “Men like you are the reason women suffer. Your type should have no place in this world. We will make sure of that.”

  Further amused, Raiden turned around to reply the woman only to find no one there. Amusement gave way to surprise and a tint of dread for he was certain he had seen her when he walked in. He walked up to the other waitresses to ask if they had seen her leave. They replied in the negative, but, however, confirmed that they had seen her enter.

  As he took his seat once more, he recalled when HN Ruki Sen had first informed him of his suspicions. Then, he had regarded them with incredulity. In the face of what just occurred, he realized it was he who had been wrong all along.

  Jessamine made her way towards Set and Jin who were at their usual spot on the deck.