No, child. I will not let you make this sacrifice.
Anaali’s voice was a cool balm that gave Sheyn the strength to answer. “You said I could trade my life for his.”
And so you have. But I need you in the mortal realm.
Sheyn felt the ephemeral touch of the Goddess as invisible lips brushed his forehead in a kiss of blessing and farewell.
I will stand guard at the Threshold until the rift is mended.
Tears froze in Sheyn’s eyes. “Thank you. I’ll honor you as best I can.”
The group in the center of the square gasped in surprise as Sheyn dropped from the air. Aeriq caught him and steadied him on his feet. Sheyn looked around and saw he was back in Taar Muergan surrounded by a crowd of curious onlookers.
“Pearl!” Luks said weakly.
Sheyn reached out, and Luks took his hand. “The way is barred,” Sheyn said. “Kandaar need never fear an attack by demons again.” He looked around once more. “Where is Kashyan?”
“Pearl,” Kholya said gently. “Have you forgotten—?”
“Quiet.” Sheyn closed his eyes and concentrated. Every fiber of his being strained to find some trace of Kashyan as he prayed the Bastard hadn’t been lost in between this world and the next. Blindly, he turned his face to the moon, questing like a hound for an elusive scent. A red glow appeared against the darkness like a burning coal in the night. Abruptly he dropped to his knees and stretched out his hands, reaching for something only he could see. After a few moments, Kashyan materialized on the stones in front of Sheyn.
“Great Raas!” Kholya exclaimed as he knelt beside Sheyn. “Can it be true?”
Kashyan stirred and opened his eyes. His gaze met Sheyn’s, and a slow smile formed on his lips. “Why did you dawdle for so long?” he asked hoarsely.
Sheyn threw his arms around Kashyan and held him tightly. “I’ll never let you go again,” he said in Kashyan’s ear.
Kholya put his arms around Sheyn and Kashyan, and Luks knelt to be part of the glad embrace. The four stayed that way for some time, giving thanks for the return of their lost loved one. The crowd drifted away, but the people did not forget what they’d seen, and Pearl’s fame grew a hundredfold by morning.
KASHYAN SLEPT soundly in Sheyn’s arms until midday. At noon, Kholya and Luks couldn’t bear to wait any longer and invaded Sheyn’s quarters with a platoon of servants. Food was set out, and the servants left the royal brothers alone with their daaksim.
“I still can’t believe it,” Kholya said as he hugged Kashyan.
Kashyan hugged back until Kholya’s ribs creaked. “I’m sorry I caused everyone so much worry.”
“I’m glad you’re back, my lord,” Luks said with a shy smile.
Kashyan swept Luks up and soundly kissed his cheek before setting him on his feet again. “Are you really happy I’m back? I seem to remember being harsh with you.”
“Your harshness is much easier to bear than Pearl’s grief.”
Kashyan turned to the young man at his side. “You grieved for me?”
Sheyn slapped Kashyan’s arm hard enough to make him wince. “I cried like a lost child, but now I wonder why.”
Kashyan put his arms around Sheyn, holding him close. “Tell me to stop teasing you and I will.”
“Barbarian,” Sheyn said in mock irritation. “You’ve returned to me. You can do whatever you like.”
“If that’s so, I’ll ask Kholya and Velvet to leave us alone.”
“Not until I’ve eaten,” Sheyn answered instantly.
Luks laughed as he went to the table. “Come and eat, all of you. I’m so happy I could float about the room like a fish in a pond.”
Sheyn came over to hug Luks. He picked up a cluster of red fruits and put one in his mouth before feeding one to Luks. He smiled when Kashyan opened his mouth and begged for a treat.
“It’s as though you were never gone,” Kholya said, slapping his brother on the back.
“No, it isn’t,” Sheyn contradicted.
“Well, at least you haven’t changed,” Kashyan said, squeezing Sheyn. “Are you laughing at me?” he asked when Sheyn reacted to his statement.
“I think he’s laughing because he’s changed so much,” Aeriq said, and everyone turned to stare at him. “May I come in?” he asked from the doorway.
“Come here and meet Kashyan,” Sheyn said. He could feel Kashyan’s sharp curiosity edged with tension, and he hurried to speak again. “Aeriq Toureyn is a very good friend of mine from my homeland.”
Kashyan insisted on hearing the tale of Aeriq’s journey as they ate. When Aeriq ended with his rescue by Sheyn, Kashyan reached across to clasp Aeriq’s forearm. “You’re a brave man,” he said sincerely.
Aeriq smiled. “No braver than you. I admire any man who can survive Sheyn’s love.”
Kashyan looked perplexed for a moment before he broke into hearty laughter. “There were more than a few moments when I feared for my life, my sanity, or my naaks.”
“You’re both very amusing,” Sheyn said.
Kashyan winked at Aeriq. “When you knew Pearl, did he often say one thing when he meant the opposite?”
Aeriq laughed. “Often.”
“Before you goad Pearl into violence,” Kholya said, “I’d like to know what Aeriq’s plans are.”
“Now that I know Sheyn is alive and well, I shall return to Dey Larone to give the news to his parents. And I have a business to run.”
“I hope you won’t leave right away,” Kashyan said. “I think coming back from the dead deserves a celebration of some sort, and I think Pearl would like you to stay for that.”
“Don’t start thinking you know what I like or don’t like,” Sheyn said.
“I know one or two things you like.” Kashyan smiled at Sheyn.
“You see this?” Sheyn asked Aeriq as he gestured to Kashyan’s comical leer. “This is what I’ve been contending with in this primitive country.”
“I’d say you’ve coped rather well,” Aeriq answered. “I hope your friends know you’re joking.”
“We learned to accept Pearl’s odd sense of humor,” Luks said.
Sheyn shot Luks a betrayed look, but then he smiled. “It took me some time to learn the local ways. Thank the Lady I had Velvet to teach me better manners.”
Luks kissed Sheyn’s cheek. “If you don’t mind,” he said, “I’d prefer to be called Djulz now.”
“I’m so proud of you,” Sheyn said. “You actually asked for something you wanted.”
Aeriq stood. “I’ll leave you now. I only came to see if Sheyn was well, and I can see that he is very well indeed.”
“We should go too, my lord.” Luks looked to Kholya.
“Yes, Djulz is right,” Kholya said. “I’m sure I have some business or other to attend to. Ruling a kingdom is not as easy as commanding an army.”
“If you have time, Your Majesty, I’d like to have a word with you about opening trade routes into Kandaar,” Aeriq said.
“We have always stood apart,” Kholya said. “Kandaar has never wanted anything from the world beyond the Kurais.” He paused. “But so many things are changing. Perhaps that will change too.”
“I hope so. I’ve seen quite a few things in Kandaar that the west would find worth trading for. I’d like to start importing khai as soon as possible.”
“Come, then, and we’ll discuss it.” Kholya turned to Kashyan. “I’ll see you this evening. In the meanwhile, don’t tire yourself out.”
“I came back from death. The last thing I want is sleep,” Kashyan said.
“I’ll make sure the Bastard spends a fair amount of time on his back,” Sheyn said. “Close the door as you leave.”
Kholya took Luks’s hand and gestured to Aeriq to follow. Kashyan lounged back on the divan and gave Sheyn an inquiring look. Sheyn let his robe drop to the floor and welcomed his lord home in every way known to him.
Chapter 30
AERIQ TUCKED his gloves into his belt and walked br
iskly toward the main courtyard of the palace. It had taken him longer than expected to pack the personal belongings he’d collected while he was a guest of King Kholya. In the past three months, he’d received so many presents that he needed six trunks to carry them.
As he entered the breezeway between the palace and the guardhouse, someone called out to him. Aeriq stopped and turned to see Kashyan hurrying after him. “Yes, Your Highness?”
“I wanted a word with you alone.”
“I see.” Aeriq felt a twinge of apprehension, but he smiled politely.
“You and Pearl…. You were more than friends, weren’t you?”
Aeriq answered honestly. “I wanted to marry him.” He smiled. “He didn’t feel the same way.”
“I’m not here as a jealous lover. I’m simply curious. Is there anything you can tell me that will help me to please him better?”
“Nothing I did seemed to please him.” Aeriq paused. “Although he did like receiving gifts.”
“All daaksim like presents. I was hoping for something more personal.”
“Prince Kashyan, simply wanting to please him will take you far in his regard, but you don’t need advice from me. Sheyn—Pearl loves you.”
“I thank you for being so honest.”
“You look as if you have another question.”
“How can you bear to let him go without a fight?”
“I don’t find it easy to give him up. Since the first time I saw him, I was obsessed with having him for my own. I came to Kandaar to find him and take him home, but after I found him, I realized that he’s already home.”
“And you’re content with that?”
“Are you asking if I plan to return with an army to try and take him back?”
Kashyan met Aeriq’s eyes. “You would fail.”
“I know. When I stood with him in that square and saw what he was willing to sacrifice for you, I knew he’d never be mine.” Aeriq smiled. “You have a rare treasure. Guard it well.”
“I will.”
“Good. Now I believe people are waiting to see me off.”
Kashyan put a brawny arm around Aeriq’s shoulders and walked with him to the great courtyard in front of the palace. A train of a dozen pack mules accompanied by a troop of royal cavalry was drawn up before the gate. Under the grand arch of the main entrance stood Kholya, Luks, and Sheyn.
“Fare well on the road,” Sheyn said after giving Aeriq a hug. “Tell Mother and Father I love them and miss them.”
Aeriq patted the breast of his new tunic. “I have your letter right here,” he said. “I hope someday you’ll come back to Dey Larone, if only to visit.”
Sheyn looked up at Kashyan and then back at Aeriq. “You understand that if I come, I’ll be bringing a veritable army of savages with me?”
“You’d be a seven moons’ wonder.” Aeriq chuckled and then bowed to Kholya. “Your Majesty, accept my thanks once again for the sampling of goods. I’m certain that I or one of my agents will soon return with orders for more. I hope this will be the beginning of a mutually beneficial exchange between west and east.”
Kholya gripped Aeriq’s forearm for a moment before letting go. “I hope so too. There will be many who oppose the opening of trade routes, but I’m hoping to sway the high king to my side.” He glanced at Luks with a fond smile. “And I have the perfect emissary.”
Aeriq mounted the fine bay gelding Kholya had given him and rode through the gate with his small caravan behind him. He turned and waved and then passed out of sight.
“What shall we do with the rest of the day?” Kashyan asked.
“I have a kingdom to manage,” Kholya said. “With the help of my able councillor.” He gave Luks’s hand a squeeze.
“I think the Hawks would like to greet you,” Sheyn told Kashyan. “And then, no doubt, they’ll lure you into a day of riding, feasting, and drinking.”
“Is there anything wrong with that?” Kashyan asked.
“Not as long as you find time amid all that to top me.”
“Then let’s ride,” Kashyan said. “If Karkaran will have me back.”
Sheyn grinned. “I’ll race you to the stables,” he said. On the last word, he sprinted away.
“I’ll never get the best of him,” Kashyan said.
“Not unless you catch him,” Kholya said.
With Luks’s soft laugh in his ears, Kashyan ran after Sheyn.
IN THE fullness of time, Kholya, King of Muergath, was crowned high king when Djulyan stepped down. When his father died, he put his brother, the Bastard, on the throne of Savaan and never had a more loyal vassal. High King Kholya brought the warring nations of Kandaar together under one flag and one law, though it took the greater part of his lifetime. Trade routes were opened to the west and to the eastern shore. He did away with the practice of taking slaves from a defeated enemy and made it illegal to create daaksim. Existing daaksim were elevated to their former status, and the worship of Anaali came back into favor.
Sheyn remained dedicated to bettering life for the people of Kandaar, whatever their station might be. However, his greatest passion was for the Bastard of Savaan, and he was at Kashyan’s side until the end. After Kashyan died, Sheyn spent his time in the saddle, dispensing justice with succeeding generations of Hawks. He passed into legend long before his years were up and retained the look of a youth of eighteen until the day he was taken into Anaali’s embrace forever. But that was not for a long, long time.
Glossary
Aanki—a spoiled child, a brat
Ayeesh—an expression of disgust, annoyance, or exasperation
Daaksi, pl. daaksim—a pleasure slave imbued with irresistible appeal and mystic power
Gaerys—a slang word for testicles in the Deysian Protectorate
Jaavi—a Kandaari slang word for penis
Kataash—Kandaari naturally occurring herb. The dried leaves are smoked in a pipe to produce a euphoric state
Khai—Kandaari cultivated herb. The dried leaves are brewed with hot water to make a strong, black tea
Naaks—a Kandaari slang word for testicles
Reyl—a slang word for penis in the Deysian Protectorate
Uvardin—a small fruit pressed for its oil
THE EAST
NATIONS OF KANDAAR
Grus, The Sea of Grass is located roughly in the center of Kandaar, a vast, windy plain covered in grass. The nomadic tribes are known for the swift, greathearted horses they breed. Their God is Grusa, and their banner is a rearing horse in white on a green field.
Kesh, The Utmost East occupies the eastern seaboard of Kandaar. The coast has many friendly harbors and cities dedicated to trade. It is known that if an item cannot be found in the markets of the Utmost East, then it does not exist. The Moon Goddess’s Sanctuary is located in the capital of Weijan. Their Goddess is Anaali, and their banner is a coiled sea dragon in gold on a field of white.
The Land of the Lake is one of the westernmost Kandaari nations, north of Sumadin, cradled between the highlands of Savaan in the east and the Kurais in the west. The largest geographical feature is Lake Khol, seventy leagues across at its widest part. The rest of the land is marsh and lush forests. Their Goddess is Laris, and their banner is a royal blue stag on a pale green field.
Long Isle is the southernmost nation of Kandaar, an island separated from the coasts of Sumadin and Muergath by the Small Sea. The people raise fine-coated goats, spin and dye the wool, and weave all manner of goods. By tradition, the royal palace is located on an islet called The Maiden. Their God is Wei, and their banner is a silver leaping dolphin on a field of bright blue.
Macsaar is located in the northeast of Kandaar, and the landscape varies from the grain fields of the south to the forested mountains of the north. It is the most self-sufficient of the nations and least likely to become involved in war or alliances. Their God is Macs, and their banner is a white wolf on a golden field.
The Misty Vales comprise an area of green mountains wi
th gentle slopes and valleys threaded with silvery streams and cascades. The people raise sheep, cattle, and khai, an herb whose dried leaves are brewed with water to make a refreshing drink. Their Goddess is Besh, and their banner is a golden bear on a field of dark green.
Muergath covers much of southeastern Kandaar and is made up of fields and forests surrounding a broad central plain. The capital, Taar Muergan, is located near the center and is the home of the oldest Red Temple of Taankh, God of Death. Their God is Taankh, and their banner is a red bull on a black field.
Raadana is a long narrow nation with no remarkable geographical features between Muergath and the Utmost East. In ancient times, it bustled with caravans and prosperous way stations, but the principle industry now is raiding. Their Goddess is Raada, and their banner is a rampant lion in orange on a field of yellow.
Savaan is country of soaring peaks and evergreen forests populated by fierce clans uneasily united into a nation under one king. Their reputation as warriors and weaponsmiths is second to none, and the chargers they breed are coveted warhorses. Their God is Raas, and their banner is a black hawk on a red field.
Sumadin occupies the southwest corner of Kandaar. The land is best described as rolling with many hills, forests, and lakes. In the north is a region of marshes that borders Lake Khol. The people are fiercely competitive, and their history is one of invasion and conquest. Their God is Suma, and their banner is a red boar on white.
GODS AND GODDESSES OF KANDAAR
Anaali—Moon Maiden, Goddess of Love, Lady of Swords, Mother of Daaksim. Her symbol is a sword.
Besh—Sky Mother, Maker of Rain, Lady of Light. Her symbol is a star.
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