by Paul Heisel
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Dead or alive?
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Feln responded, shut the book, and stuffed it in his robe. It was probably best if he kept it with him always.
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Over the next three days he resisted the temptation to spend all his time in the Map Room. The dragons were at their destinations, and he expected Sli to show up any time to bring him the news or bear him away to destinations unknown. The later seemed more likely. At his direction, De took all the books from the provinces and tallied the current names, giving him an approximation of the number of Favored Ones. The tally was interesting.
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Shisaru 245
Hikimi 217
Emesia 185
Furawa 150
Ashimo 120
Safun 70
Daiwer-dar 25
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It was clear to him if Favored Ones indicated power, then he now knew why the Emperor favored Shisaru – they had not only the most land, they had the most Favored Ones. Feln wasn’t sure why the Emperor had so few belts, but perhaps he didn’t need that many. The small number of belts with Safun caused him to worry. At least twenty of them were with the teams sent out to administer justice, others were held by the samurai and nobles throughout his family’s lands. Ashimo, where the monks were, had nearly twice as many belts as Safun.
At random he took the books of names and read them aloud in the Map Room, marveling at the magic as the figurines would take their proper place on the map. When the map became too cluttered, he commanded all of them back to the teak chest. Back to his primary concern, he asked for Kojo to return to the map. He could see that Suun was getting close and would make the deadline if she kept up her pace. He hoped she would be successful. Feln closed the Map Room and returned to the study, greeted by De who informed him that Zu was expecting him for training. Feln thanked De and went to work out his frustrations by exercising. It always did the trick and it made him a better statesman to know he could defend himself with steel. He imagined even Suun would be impressed with his honed abilities.
After training, he washed and readied for an early evening session with the administrators. While De was helping him with robes and prepping him for the persons who would be at the banquet, a messenger came into the room unannounced. There was no great decree or dramatic proclamation, he simply said, “A dragon from the Emperor has arrived.”
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Sli landed in the courtyard, causing a stir among those unaccustomed to dragons. Feln's personal guards, who were warned of Sli’s imminent arrival, did nothing to provoke the beast and kept their distance while keeping the court goers from interfering. Feln approached the red dragon, looking at those yellow eyes. He swore Sli looked happy, or at least content.
“There’s a message for you,” Sli said, voice booming. The massive head nodded toward a new dragon-sized saddle that was strapped on his back. Feln climbed up and popped open the leather compartment, pulling from it a scroll case. He wondered, was this poisoned as well? After donning gloves, he opened the case. Inside he found a message, inviting him to attend the funeral of Chang at the palace in Hiru. All Most Favoreds were required to attend, no exceptions would be allowed. Hiru would provide for everyone’s needs during their time at his palace. There would be a reception in Chang’s honor and an additional ceremony formally elevating Hiru to the position as Most Favored. Feln smelled a trap. He put the case back.
“How were your travels south?” he asked.
Sli groaned, throaty and guttural. If a dragon could look surprised this was it. “Perhaps we can find a place more private to speak? There are too many humans here.”
Feln motioned to De, who was keeping his distance. “I must go to Emesia to honor Chang. Please gather my things and supplies. Have a feast brought to the training fortress in the mountains. The administrators must make decisions in my stead, and they may rotate and take my place at the banquets. See that it’s done. After I show the dragon where the training compound is, I will join you at the palace.”
De bowed. “Any food in particular you want brought to the compound?”
“Sli?” Feln asked.
“Roasted pigs,” the dragon replied.
De looked the dragon from snout to tail. “What, ten or twelve?”
“That will do,” Sli said.
Feln jumped atop the saddle and settled in. It was much more comfortable than bareback on rough scales. Sli launched himself into the air, buffeting the ground and sending dust and dirt flying. He shot into the sky and glided in a circular pattern over the residence.
“The fortress in the mountains is that way, not far,” Feln said. “I’ll show you where and then you can take me back to my palace. I’ll meet you at the fortress later. I didn’t expect to see you with a saddle. I’m surprised you allowed it.”
Sli responded with a roar and sped toward the structure, nearly spilling Feln from his seat.
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Outside of the training facility there was enough clear space for Sli to relax comfortably and not feel thousands of eyes upon him. Servants attended to him, washing his scales with water and pouring spiced wine into his gaping maw. Feln returned from the palace with his things, and later the roasted pigs came by wagon, along with other foods. Feln joined the dragon at dinnertime, dismissing the servants and leaving them alone. Feln laughed when he watched Sli poke a hole in a wine cask with his claw, pick it up with his teeth, and drain the whole thing down his gullet.
“I didn’t know you were an expert drinker of wines,” Feln said. He had a sip himself and relaxed.
Sli discarded the cask and snatched one of the roasted pigs, gulping down the succulent meat. “We aren't allowed wine, so this is a delight for me. It's excellent.”
“I’m sure it is. So, tell me, how was your trip to the south?”
“You are the strangest Most Favored I have ever met,” Sli said. “How do you know where I went?”
Feln ignored the question. “Were you successful?”
“I did find a mate and did my duty to the clan.”
Sli took another cask of wine, stabbed the top, and drank down the contents. Feln nodded, now unsure if he wanted to hear any of the details. The mating rituals of dragons, while of interest to him, wasn’t foremost on his mind. He had asked about it to make sure Sli knew he was a friend, and that he was interested in the dragon’s life and wellbeing. It was the decent thing to do. “When do you have to take me to Emesia?”
“We need to be there in two weeks,” he replied. “We have plenty of time to get you there at a leisurely pace.”
The dragon seemed relieved to be talking about a subject other than his successful mating. Feln noted Sli had drained a third cask, and he wondered, how much wine would it take to get a dragon drunk? He hoped he wouldn’t find out. Sli grabbed another roasted pig and crunched it whole.
“So when do we leave?” Feln asked.
“Whenever you would like. Tomorrow if you want, and we can take it slow, stop often to eat and sleep. I can show you more of Pyndira too. My guess is you want to arrive right on time, though, and not one minute earlier.”
“You’re correct. Sli, am I going to regret this trip?”
The dragon considered the question and grabbed another roasted pig. He crunched as he thought about his response, then swallowed the morsel and put his head level with Feln.
“It’s not for me to say. There are rumors, whispers really, that Hiru will try to kill you. I heard that when I was back in Daiwer-dar.”
“So it’s a trap for me.”
“Indeed. I would be cautious.”
“Anything else I need to know?”
Sli took another cask and downed the wine. He let out a belch that smelled of wine and roasted pork, not at all pleasant. “I am bound to the will of the Emperor, to the family of the Emperor, his son in particular has made my allegiances clear to me. Whatever they command, I’m supposed to do. Both reminded me of that. Yuki was particularly insistent that I follow
orders.”
Feln was beginning to catch on, or at least he thought he was. “If they ordered you to kill me, you would do that?”
“If it was necessary, I would be bound to do so. I may not like it, but I would have to. There would be other repercussions of course to complicate me murdering you. It would seriously damage the relationship between my clan and the Emperor, which is already strained. I must tell you, though, if I was ordered to dispose of you, I would issue a warning.”
“Give me a head start?”
“Yes, I think I would still catch you regardless. Let's hope they never order me to do such a terrible deed.”
“Agreed.” The overlying threat of all of this made him shiver. Would the Emperor become that desperate?
“Sli, if I asked you to help me, you would do that?”
“Only if I was ordered by the Emperor or his family would I help you. I must follow the orders given me. I'm bound by this collar to do as the royal family says.”
Feln grinned. “Yuki ordered you to help me, didn't he?”
“Yes,” Sli said. If a dragon could smile this expression was it. “But I can’t help you directly in the sense you may be thinking. I can’t drop in on Hiru and swallow him in one gulp if that’s what you’re planning. Whatever I do, it must be done…discretely. This is for Yuki’s sake. If the Emperor found out, I’m not sure what would happen. The relationship between father and son is stressed, and this now extends to the political. The Emperor and Warlord are at odds with each other.”
Feln paused and took a sip of wine, the overwhelming flavors exploded and took over his mundane pallet. The wine was excellent, far too good for a simple monk like him just gulping it down. He hoped in the future he would appreciate the more cultured opportunities that were ahead of him. “If I tell you my plan, will you betray me?”
“Only to the Warlord of Pyndira.”
“Not the Emperor?”
Sli snorted. “The Emperor gives commands. He doesn’t listen to anything I say anyway, nor does he pay enough attention. Your plans will be safe with me. However, if does ask me, I will have to answer.”
“I don't mind you telling the truth to the Emperor,” Feln said. “It is a risk I’ll have to take. There will be one thing to do tomorrow before we leave.” With that, Feln told him the orders he had given Suun, how he planned to confront Hiru, free Iristi, and escape. Now Sli was part of that scheme and he would be useful fleeing from Hiru. Feln wasn’t sure what to think when Sli erupted into a series of booming laughs. He was sure the dragon was heard in every corner of Safun. In the back of his mind, though, it lingered what the Warlord of Pyndira would want in return for this favor. It would be significant.
Chapter 8 - Executed
The weather held, thankfully, and Feln was happy to be gliding toward Hiru. It was early morning, the sun peeking over the mountains in the east, stretching rays of warmth upon his backside. Sli took them down, intent on delivering Feln at the last possible moment. It was the fourteenth day since Sli had arrived in Safun, and tonight the whole plan would unfold in Emesia. If any part of the plan failed, Feln was sure he would be dead. Trust in Suun, Sli, and others would have to see him through. It all made his heart flutter with dread. As the fresh, cool morning air chilled him, Feln rubbed his arms and moved his legs to restore circulation. He touched the Dragonfly blade and the magic book, reflecting on the latest message he received from Suun. He could still see the words.
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Kojo captured and relocated to the house you indicated. It was vacant as you guessed. We've secured it and are awaiting your signal.
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There was no doubt he made the right decision to place Suun in Emesia, now it was time for him to make a statement. He was going to punish Hiru for killing Chang, bring justice upon Kojo, and he was going to snatch Iristi from right underneath Hiru’s nose. With any luck, he would take Iristi back to Hou and leave her in the care of her uncle Rayu, then he would be on his way back to Owori shortly thereafter by transporting from the Hou city square.
People were filing toward Hiru’s palace, and Feln could see from his vantage point thousands upon thousands were paying their respects to the fallen Chang. In the courtyard there was a raised pyre, upon it the embalmed and enshrouded body of Chang lay undisturbed. People filed by, walking on a viewing platform that would be consumed by flames as well. Sli drifted past the palace, gliding toward the prison tower. There was a new roof. He banked again, drifting downward toward the palace. The red dragon buffeted the air with his wings, slowing to a hover and landed softly away from the crowds of people. Feln stepped down from the saddle, thankful to be off it, and took his supplies but left his prized Dragonfly blade with Sli. With that, Sli vaulted into the air and flew into the sky. Feln swallowed hard as he watched the great beast depart, hoping the dragon would keep to his promise and carry out his part of the plan. Guards and bureaucrats approached, false smiles of welcome adorned their faces.
“I am Feln-en-Xialao-Narneth, Most Favored of Safun.” He held up the Emperor’s scroll case. “I’m here by decree to show my respects to Chang.”
They bowed, the bureaucrats introduced themselves while the guards looked at him with searing stares. Two of the guards came forward and gave curt bows. “We’ve been assigned to escort you.”
The group led Feln to the palace and directed him inside. They went past the bureaucrats who were still chatting with petitioners, and they traveled up where the living quarters were. There he was put in the same room he and Iristi had occupied before, only this time it didn’t have the warmth that he remembered. The room felt empty. Feln put down his supplies and stretched, yawning, wondering if it would be appropriate for him to take a nap. He didn’t know what the schedule was or if he was going to be summoned soon, and he wasn’t sure if Hiru would try to kill him early in the visit. Feln relaxed on the bed, staring at the ceiling. He rubbed his arm on the empty spot on the bed where Iristi had been, imagining Owori there in her stead. He smiled. Here he was in Emesia, several days travel by dragon to Hou, where he would return to Malurrion and Owori. He felt…happy. He would be going home soon and he would get to see her in Sabrin.
A rap on the door brought him to his feet. The door was still distant from him, so he waited for the caller to enter. When no one came, he told them to come inside. Through the door came Sesa, the administrator who first greeted him and Iristi months ago. So, Hiru had gathered a familiar face – what, to make him feel comfortable? For him to drop his guard? Nonsense!
“Greetings Sesa,” Feln said.
“Greetings Feln.” He bowed. “I have been assigned to go over the schedule with you. The Emperor has arrived. There’s a reception tonight, you are invited to attend if you wish. Tomorrow there will be a private viewing of Chang, then tomorrow night we will commit him to the heavens by fire. Once the pyre is a smoking ruin and his ashes collected, you will be allowed to depart at your leisure.”
“Very well. Where is Iristi?”
“You’ll have to speak with Hiru about that,” Sesa replied, his response sounding scripted.
“Is she well?”
“Is there anything else?”
It was clear Sesa wasn’t going to talk to him about Iristi. “Can you rouse me when it’s time for the reception?” Feln asked.
“Of course. How much time do you need to prepare?”
“An hour?”
“I’ll have a servant wake you if I’m occupied. Sleep well.”
Sesa departed and closed the door behind him, not looking back.
There was an icy feeling about all of this, and Feln couldn’t imagine what the reception was going to be like. Would it be pleasant and cordial, or would everyone stare at him and accuse? Did they want to execute him publicly for the murder of Chang? He would have to see. No matter what happened, though, he was going to make sure his plan went forward.
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Feln woke on his own, his first obstacle was to implement the first part of the plan.
Though he abhorred it, he put on a fashionable outfit tailored to represent a variation of the Safun uniform. It was a deep blue, almost black, and was accented with gold buttons and gold thread. There was a matching felt hat that fit snugly on his head, constructed like a cooking pot but with no handle. It had gold and jewels along the base, then blue felt up four or five inches to the plain top. Feln looked at himself in the mirror. Surprised, he didn’t look half bad. Supposedly this was the latest fashion and it would stand out amongst the privileged. That’s what he wanted – to stand out – so everyone would remember what he looked like, so there was no question this was the Most Favored of Safun.
The reception was to be in a grand ballroom and Feln guessed it would be well attended. He still had time, so he went to his supplies and pulled out the plain looking book. He sat on the bed and flipped through the pages until he came to the one marked by the red sash, then he took the quill and scratched a note. There was a delay, but not enough to cause concern. While he waited, he ate food from his supplies. He wasn’t about to eat one solitary thing here. Soon a message came.
In position. I can see the palace from here.
Feln walked to the balcony doors, unlocked and opened them, and then he stood outside and stretched his arms. He looked at the book.
I see you.
He scratched another note, closed the book, and walked to the front door. His best guess was Hiru was going to try to kill him tonight, perhaps after the banquet when so many people were drunk with wine and tired from the days of travel. He was vulnerable, he knew that, but would have to rely on his instincts to see him through this. Feln took the book and set it aside, then opened the front door. The guards were there, as well as two escorts.
