"What is this you are speaking of? What. . .element?"
"You will come to see it in time. I also have more ideas." Said Omun. He spurred on his mount and the others, upon horses or asses, followed him. Rhajit watched them go. Then he got up and spent his time in Rapheth's tent that day looking through the star maps Rapheth had left behind, the tinkering machine and a few other well worn leather bound books. Such as the Book of the Women. The star maps, while interesting were bewildering so he set those aside. He picked up the Book of the Women and began to read it. He read about Medulla the desert mother, about Ranna the judge and other prophetesses, queens and tribal women who had been appointed by Airend-Ur to play some role or part in the grand tapestry along with the men. He was surprised at how small it was. It was a book he had only heard of briefly, one that had been banned and was still banned. And Rapheth was intending to bring it back to its rightful place among the canon. Hours passed as Rhajit pondered the vast work ahead. He was never really one to ponder anything. He normally just took action. Or reacted to things around him. That was his life. But his life had changed greatly. He had always wanted excitement and adventure. This was on a scale he had never dreamed. Someone had come in silently and brought him supper, setting it down by his arm and he had not noticed. A bowl of herb flour dumplings and peppers in a thin bone broth and a cup of quass. He carefully put the book away and ate in silence, listening to the sounds of talking and singing and camaraderie outside. The camp had calmed down and settled in, waiting for Rapheth to come back. After supper Rhajit came out into the evening air and made his way just outside the village and sat down on a large, smooth rock. The spires of red rock and rusted colored cliffs contrasted with the great verdant cactus plants and dragon trees dotted throughout the mountains. It was then that he finally noticed the sky.
The evening star Elitaph was red like a ruby instead of its normal bluish color.
He nearly wept aloud but instead remained silent. Rhajit wanted this time to himself. All the things he had intended had not come true. Like his revenge on Shishak. Greater things awaited him. His own ways of exacting justice had caused death and destruction. It wasn't justice. It was vengeance he'd wanted. He was grateful that he was given another chance, even in all the mistakes and failures in his life. He stared at the star all evening until the sun went down. A soft melody on a duduk was playing in the camp. He pulled his robes closer about him. When he woke up it was dawn and the sun was not yet up. But against the backdrop of low, rosy light he saw what he was looking for just above the horizon in the east. Hool, hool, hool, aja! Elitaph was red as blood, red as fire and his soul was on fire to see it. The red evening and morning star. He put his hand over his heart, where he once carried that pit of darkness. It was no longer there.
. . .
There were nearly two thousand people waiting in Nachar for him. The camp was ecstatic. When they saw the messenger they called his name.
"Where did you go?" Asked Shukala.
"To the Cave of Forever."
"But where is that?" Asked a tribesman. "We have never seen it."
"The Cave of Forever cannot be traversed by flesh and blood without divine power." Said Saujiah. Someone handed Rapheth a skin of water. He drank it down and handed it off. He went to the village center where crowds upon pressing in upon him. Omun struggled through the crowd to get to him.
"Rapheth! The letter you left. I took some men and went to Susamon as you said to look for sword-smiths and blacksmiths. Most were skeptical and some even threatened to have the law come down upon me. But I found one of near mastery of the craft, a young man with nearly my own skill who consented to work with me. His name is Ugdush. He has a thriving business, a sword and ax making shop." Said Omun.
"This young one is also talented in forging silver and gold." Said Ruz. While Ruz seemed entirely happy that Rapheth was back his brother seemed bewildered and unsure of what to think. This is my fault.
"You seem unsure of me still, Omun." Omun shrugged.
"I cannot blame you. For too long I myself was unsure of my own destiny. How can a man full of doubt of inspire other men?" Rapheth put his hand beneath his robe feeling for the sword. He pulled it out slowly. The star sword shined like a day star.
"Do you doubt me now?" Omun was shocked and began to stammer. All those gathered shouted in exclamation.
"What sort of metal is it made from?" He asked.
"None from this world. I am glad you went through and did as I asked. it showed me that somewhere you expressed faith in me. Show me this young one. Bring me to him. If we can gather others, we will. Perhaps this," he held the sword aloft again before sheathing it, "will inspire them. We will see." Said Rapheth. Saujiah smiled.
"Omun. Your skills will be needed. The steel that the Dyrlander's had to defeat the giants? The army of the Red King must have it. Together with the new swords we will take back what was poisoned and destroyed by the Ainash." A great shout was raised by all the men there.
"Look! The holy warrior of God! Look! The Red King!" Said Saujiah to more shouts and deafening cheers and exclamations.
"First, let us give thanks to Him for without Him I would not have survived. I survived my mother the serpent queen, I survived through wood and wilderness and sea. Through strange lands and strange terrors. Let us praise Him! I have made an error in leaning upon my own wisdom of which I had very little. Let us pray." They did so.
Then Rapheth commanded and all the camp and many more from Nachar and from the other mountain villages and towns joined with them moving toward Susamon. Usif, Achin and all his brothers and uncles, mighty ones. Rapheth called for counsel with his closest men and Saujiah.
"I want to meet this Ugdush, Omun."
"Yes, my lord!"
"We will head for the Plain of the White Bones after staying near Susamon for a time. It is a holy place and this is a momentous time."
"What happens after we arrive there?" Asked Parso.
"I shall have message sent to all the tribes in Hybron to come and meet with me there. The swords must be made when they come. Steel swords made from the knowledge of alchemy. The Plain of the White Bones is where I shall gather my army."
"You seem. . .different. More sure of things. Of yourself. It must have been a wondrous walk, the Cave of Forever." Said Parso. Rapheth embraced him.
"I will tell you about it sometime."
"You must write it down. Such things are immeasurably valuable for others. Unless you are forbidden?" They both glanced at Saujiah.
"It is not forbidden." Said the messenger.
"It stands as an eternal mystery, Parso. There are so many questions I still have. Yet, I believe that what a man learns there is what he alone should learn for his own destiny. We know Ishuye walked it but we do not know exactly what he experienced as he did not mention it, other than he received the holy sword afterward. What mattered was that his purpose became clear. After my own walk, my purpose now is clear. I have accepted the divine mantle where before I did not, thinking perhaps that I would not have this destiny at all or that I could manage this on my own strength. But now I have no doubts. Now, I am constant as the Sea Star."
Chapter Twenty-Six
The so-called Red King is still alive. By stealth he has entered the land on the borders through the mountains. The tribesmen support him and we suspect hide him and any with him. I have heard that you have not stirred yourself from Galieh. It matters not how little or inconsequential you think the matter is, my son. Deal with him. I am sending Himmut, my trusted servant and chief staff official in case you need his advice, as you seem to have surrounded yourself with foolish young men and harlots. Or perhaps I have made a mistake in entrusting you with this task. There is always your capable younger brother. He is in Lirumsha as I write this letter, increasing the guilds' power there and building more forges in that city. Always he is busy about the business of the kingdom. Do not fail me or he will replace you.
Teraht, King of Egi and Hybron
He threw the letter into the brazier and watched it burn. The servant finished strapping on the last of his new leather and bronze armor. The breastplate had intricate filigree work and the inside of it incantations to his gods.
Alin would have preferred anything else but dealing with this desert rat. Or moving his court to Jhis. Why could the king not let that deceitful little scorpion brother of his take on this wild ass of the desert? Remu would try some other black treachery against him while he was away from the city. Always his brother was trying to sabotage him. Likely, he was in Lirumsha trying to build it into a rival to Galieh.
But there was no city like Galieh. The city that armored the Iron Fist of the Middle World, Galieh was his city.
He just wished he could kill him already. Once Remu had sent beautifully woven wicker caskets of honey comb as a gift to him for his being given the city of Galieh by their father. In one of those caskets was a nest of camouflaged vipers. Three of his servants died opening that one. Alin had partaken in his fair share of treachery. For that incident, Alin returned the favor by having many sweets and delicacies laced with acerbinum and sent to Remu's harem, under guise as a gift from Remu himself. All of them died.
But he was tired of this game they played. He was ready to rule. He took a sugared grape and fed it to Hatshep, his favorite. She had her skin painted with snake tattoos and she had quite a few poisonous snakes as pets, as did he. In that he and his brother were more like their cousin Taliat than their father, who preferred crocodiles as pets.
He was growing tired and bored. Perhaps if he were king instead the eternal crowned prince always fighting his brother things would improve. Hatshep giggled.
"Do you know, the new queen is always sick? And she is not even with child yet." He frowned at this and then pushed her away from him, setting her roughly upon the divan.
"What is the matter? Did I say something?" She pouted.
"Do not mention that woman to me! I have told you before!"
"I am sorry," she said batting long eyelashes. Alin was in no mood for it today.
"All I need is another son by my father, another boy who will contend and fight me for the throne when he grows up. Never may that happen!" He looked at her, a thought forming.
"What?"
"You look like her, except she is paler than you." She frowned.
"Are you trying to say she is more beautiful than me?" She said indignantly.
"Do not be stupid," he glanced over at the servant.
"Leave us." He said. The servant left. He turned back to her and sat down.
"Listen. Perhaps you can use your wiles upon my father. If I can find a way to insert someone on my side into the queen's household you can work your craft." Hatshep laughed, delighted.
"Now that is the Alin I am accustomed to. Not this sad, listless man I have seen lately. But how will we do this?"
"I have been speaking with Lord Erol. He awaits what plan I have. I may have one now. Wait until my father comes back to Jhis. He will bring her with him. If he leaves her in Egium I will send you there myself. The alchemist has stationed a lady at the royal court who could have you recommended as a lady in waiting to the queen. There, both of you can keep this woman from getting pregnant ever again by any man. And if any child should come, I am sure you can find ways of solving that problem."
"I can."
"But first, my father commands that I go and deal with this desert king. When I arrive back to the city I will send you there." Hatshep rolled over again into his arms.
"To the throne." She said expectantly. He smiled and kissed her.
"What other path is there worth walking?" Inwardly however, he wondered if it was wise to scheme with Lord Erol. He might prove to be his father's man after all. If his plans were discovered, who knew if the alchemist himself would be behind it? There was a knock on the door.
"Come!" The door opened, the servant stooped there along with one of Alin's attendants, Corin the armor-bearer, holding Alin's sword.
"My lord prince, all is ready."
"Do you hear that? All is ready. Corin."
"Yes, my lord?"
"Let the governor Caullas know he is the authority in the city once more until my return."
"Do you not need me on this mission my lord?"
"It is such a little thing. No, I do not. You must stay here and help Caullas protect the city while I am gone." Clearly disappointed, Corin handed him his helmet. He went to the door, took his sword and strapped its scabbard to the belt at his waist and left. Outside his palace, called the Satrap's Palace, his warriors were waiting on horseback, dressed in red leather armor and red leather and iron cap helmets and kilts.
"We will bring him back spitted upon spears!" Said the prince, to the laughing of the host.
"Perhaps I shall really bring him back alive. I will have tremendous fun with him then. And my little Hatshep. She is one to make him bleed in ways you cannot imagine."
"Have a feast for it. Do not shut us out, Noble One!" Said one of them. Alin glanced at the warrior and grinned.
"Come. If we stay here too long the rat will have time to dive into one of his sand holes. The word is that he is in the Habad. If we do not find him we will make the subjects there reveal where he is."
Fourteen hundred men on horses, with swords and long spears with the crowned prince leading the their procession headed out of Galieh and went southeast.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The desert prophetess sent waves of tribal men, the Karig, the remnant of the Raea, the Arvadites and others north to the mountains to meet the new king but triumph had not arrived yet. He shifted in his worn cot, his old bones aching. Ilim, his thoughts upon the looming clash of kings was moved to speak with Mother Berenice. He was settled back in his one room house they had reserved for him. His cot was enlarged by some of the young scions for his better comfort in his dotage. Yadua had brought him a hot kettle of kata flower leaf tea with a small pot of kata flower honey to drink, giving him her usual bright smile and quietly left. Ilim was glad to see Yadua and Lia safe and far away from the jackals in Jhis. Young Lia was reading a few passages to him from Sha, the first book of the Holy Aishanna. She was a gifted child, quiet with much on her mind it seemed. Ilim had told Mother Berenice to work with her for this one was much like Anet. Alert to everything but less voluminous with words. No one really knew much about her except what she told Mother Berenice and another young girl who had befriended her. She used to be an acolyte in the temple of the sun goddess and she had seen her father killed in the bowels of the Red Palace. As the girl read on, Ilim's mind wandered again to portents. Mother Berenice would need to know, to warn Anet. He heard a voice waking him from his reverie.
"Father?"
"Yes?"
"You are who everyone says is the prophet."
"Yes."
"Does that mean that you became the prophet with all your powers because you are a prophet?"
"Oh no. Powers?" He chuckled softly.
"Well, it seems, at least from what I saw in the temple of Hec, that one can call upon the gods and summon them to do what they want." She said. Her eyes were wide with intense curiosity. Just like Anet. Ilim stifled his irritation. She was a child merely asking a question.
"No child. I realize it does seem that way. But it is not so. Man exerts his own will on himself, the surrounding world or on other men. But when it comes to the gods, Above and Below, we are merely receptacles. It matters not what one's spiritual tradition is. We do not summon them at will. We pray or call to them in our hour of need and they come. Or not. Whose receptacle we become depends upon whom we worship."
"That is different from what the priestesses said."
"I am sure it is. Gods are powerful beings, far beyond what we mortals can imagine Lia. We tread with fear and caution. It is no small matter, dealing with them. No human commands them."
"I know father."
"Child," he said gently.
"Yes fath
er?"
"That is enough for now. I must see the Mother of the citadel. Do you think you could take me to her study?"
"Of course, father."
. . .
Mechanical wings were fluttering above. Her eyes flew open. In a tiny-winged fury the tinkering bird dove over the balcony, over her head and into the open window and then quickly slowed its momentum and fluttered near the chilyabium. In anticipation she quickly went to the device, grabbing the bird into her hand and fastening it onto the north pole rod. The device came on with a quick swirl of the globe and its rods began to glow but the little bird's jeweled eyes did not light up.
"Oh! Right!" She unscrewed the tinmak bird off and went to a chest and got out her graphic-mechanism and its stylus. She attached the bird to one of its poles. She lit a candle and then lit one of the wires attached to it. It came on. Anet had received the letter and had written back. Instead of transmitting the information on paper, which was becoming scarce, she transmitted it by graphic-mechanism. The words slowly made light impressions upon the clay tablet of the graphic-mechanism. She had to read quickly as the words soon disappeared as soon as the last letter in each word was impressed upon the clay:
Ahaifa!
I shall do just as you and the prophet Ilim have said. I am on my way as you read this letter. Please do one thing for me. Tell the sisters there to be on the watch as I also urge you to be, but then I know you have always watched over us all with great care and wisdom, my mother. Tell my father I wish him health and peace from the First One.
May there be peace within you,
Anet
. . .
"The word you have received, it is disturbing to us. Where are they now?" Asked Shamgar, one of the Karig chieftains.
"According to the dreams, they are headed toward the Habad," said Anet.
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