by Ada Haynes
The first thing she would do after finding Sonam back would be to plunge him herself into the Lake, then ask Nukri to transfer the boy in and out the Valley. That way, Sonam would be as protected as any other As’mir. She would never lose him again.
“We are going to find Sonam, Toshio, and I’ll never let him out of my sight again.”
“I can imagine. I suppose you want us to start on those files as soon as possible?”
Shona smiled and pushed a box in his direction. “Indeed. Most of it is in English, but we may need some help with the Thai. Thank you for helping me, Toshio. I know you’re not convinced Sonam is alive, but I want my son safe.”
He reluctantly nodded. “We’ll find him, Shona. Dead or alive, we’ll find him.”
52
The woman was exasperating. Ekbeth had taken care of her cat and mouse play with Najeb, but she had now found a new way to irritate him.
“Are you having fun, Kimiel? I know I should not have cancelled our dinner yesterday, but…”
She raised a hand, a sign to hold on for a moment. The next moment, a huge sofa appeared in front of her—the living room sofa from his Zurich house, to be precise.
She opened her eyes slowly, and turned towards Nukri na Liom. The old man was staring at Ekbeth, obviously torn between complimenting his pupil and avoiding further escalation of Ekbeth’s fury.
Kimiel turned towards Ekbeth and smiled. “Yes, you shouldn’t have, but I’m getting used to your busy schedule. I expect you to make it right tonight. What do you think, Ekbeth? Can we swap that horrible striped thing in your main reception room with this? It’s so much more comfortable.”
He tried to maintain a scowl on his face, but it was suddenly difficult. They had tried both sofas on one of their few evenings together, and indeed that one had been much more appropriate for their experiment of that evening. Not something Nukri needed to know.
“I’d rather not. That vase you moved earlier broke, for your information.”
She looked contrite. “Oh, sorry. I found it quite ugly, anyway.”
Nukri hid his amusement with a subtle cough, but Ekbeth was not fooled. He knew his relationship with Kimiel was currently a constant source of amusement among the community.
“It was my mother’s favorite, Kimiel! I’d very much appreciate if you could leave my furniture alone. Why don’t you practice with the McLeans’ furniture instead?”
“Well, they don’t have much furniture to start with, and I don’t know the pieces as well as yours. Nukri told me to practice on familiar objects.”
Keeping the fact that they were practically living together a secret was also impossible, especially with her constant not-so-subtle hints. Though “Living together” was a gross exaggeration. They barely managed to cross each other’s path to share a meal or talk once or twice per week. What he knew for sure was that she was sleeping in his bed in Kse’Annilis most nights. It was him who had trouble getting there.
Ekbeth had told her that if she wanted to avoid pressure from the Aramalinyia about weddings, they had to be discreet. The Aramalinyia was old fashioned and romantic that way.
Kimiel just ignored his advice. Discretion formed no part of her personality. She was also far too direct. It did not shock Ekbeth that much, but the rest of the community was still adjusting to her ways.
“What do you think, Ekbeth? Do I have a future as a Caller?”
He raised one brow. “Did I miss something? Are you marrying Nukri?”
The old Caller looked offended. “I had no such intention, Ekbeth…”
Kimiel laughed. “Relax, Nukri. Ekbeth was joking. I’m not marrying anyone. That tradition of the family tasks does not make sense to me. Is there really no way for me to become a Caller if I want to?”
Both men shook their heads. Ekbeth explained, “Not in the Valley, at least. I told you already: from the beginning, each family was assigned a task for the whole community. For example, our Family is in charge of the Finances. The Na Dearghs of the supplies. The Na Ghorms of the Library, The Na Saoilcheachs of the Health care. If you’re born in that family, for instance, you’ll have to learn how to cure people. Bad luck for you if you can’t stand the sight of blood.”
“Yeah, yeah, you’ve told me. And the McLeans are in charge of party organizing and any other entertainment. I wonder why my family got the worst part of the cake.”
“This was decided after the massacre, Kimiel. The McLeans lived outside the Valley, so they got a task that did not require constant involvement in the day-to-day management of the community.”
“No wonder the rest of the community does not look upon the McLeans in a good light. We’re just buffoons!”
He cracked a smile. “You certainly are entertaining us at the moment. Today, a try at Calling. What is it going to be tomorrow?”
Kimiel shrugged. “Keremli never needed a Caller to go from one place to another. Nukri told me anyone could learn to master this gift, if needed. So I gave it a try, under his supervision.”
“Fine with me, as long as you leave my furniture alone. And, on another note, the Aramalinyia wants to see us.”
Kimiel made a face. “More oracle?”
Ekbeth nodded. He had warned her this would happen, and he had been right. The Aramalinyia was asking at least once a week when they would begin preparations for their wedding. They just kept inventing reasons for not doing so, but their excuses were starting to sound rather thin.
To his own surprise, he was not as opposed to the idea as some weeks ago. They had spent a lot of time together recently, he and Kimiel. He had to admit she could be quite charming when left to her own devices. And she probably was the best lover he had ever had, even though her pregnancy was starting to get in the way.
He was still mad at her, but almost decided to propose to her again. Only she had not given any sign that she had changed her mind yet. And she still refused to confide in him. Vastly irritating.
What they needed was more time. The Aramalinyia just had to be patient.
They said goodbye to Nukri, and started the slow descent towards the Lake. She stepped in some muck that had gathered on the stairs and looked at it with disgust. “Yuck! What is this? Are they ever going to clean the place?”
“Once in ten years only, I’m afraid. I won’t let you fall, don’t worry.”
She took his arm.
“Nukri is an old sweet man. He doesn’t complain much, but I’m sure he feels terribly alone on his own in this big tower all day. He told me about his granddaughter, Akalabeth Kas’el na Liom, but he got a bit emotional when I asked where she was. Does she ever visit?”
“No. She’s been banished from Kse’Annilis.”
Kimiel frowned. “Banished? Why was she banished?”
“Fell in love with the wrong person.”
She stopped, obviously incredulous. “But, Ekbeth, she and Nukri are the last of the Na Lioms, the Caller’s family. Nukri is not eternal. He’ll die eventually. Who’s going to replace him then?”
“Good question. One everyone seems to currently avoid. We are talking of very stubborn people here, Kimiel. They would never admit their mistake. Until it’s too late.”
“Ah. I see. Unless Nukri marries again and has children.”
“I was joking up there, Kimiel. Nukri will not marry again. He’s almost as old as the Aramalinyia.”
She stepped carefully around another heap of indeterminate garbage, before answering, “I know. I suppose the same rules applies to Najeb and his taste for architecture?”
“More or less. His family originally comes from outside the Valley, with no As’mir connection, and they have been the Na Duibhnes’ bodyguards for a long time. Why should they change orientation now? And architecture is the prerogative of the Na Liathes!”
“This sounds hopeless. Can’t you change families?”
“The only way inside the Valley is by marriage, but Najeb is bidding too high. The Akeneires’el of the Na Liathes will never be w
illing to give him his daughter’s hand. Oh yes, everyone is aware of their feelings for each other. To the exception of her father, I hope. We just turn a blind eye to it.”
He paused. “The only alternative is exile. Outside here, you can become whatever you want. That has been Akalabeth’s choice. But not everyone is as courageous. We live a very protected life here. Even the most stupid among us realize it. Turning your back on it is a difficult choice.”
Kimiel kept silent for a time.
“You know what, Ekbeth. Something is so very wrong here. Everything happens in secret! You cannot take any initiative in the open. There’s always something, a law or a custom, preventing the smallest change. No room for spontaneity! And the punishments are ridiculously harsh. Ara’s trial for anyone who dares come against them!”
She suddenly hissed. Ekbeth was not surprised this time. She should have learned better than to insult the Goddess by now.
“What can I say? he said. “It’s not that bad! As’mirin believe in traditions.”
“What traditions? From what I’ve seen so far, most of the As’mirin knowledge has been lost over the centuries. You are only living a pretense of a life here, Ekbeth.”
He looked quickly around him, hoping no one was overhearing this conversation. The Goddess was not the only one sensitive on this specific issue.
Not that Shona was wrong, though.
“One of the reasons why I don’t live here permanently, Kimiel. You’re not the only one who’s noticed that. I do what I can to change things, Kimiel. As an Akeneires’el, I do have some leverage in this community.”
“Too little, Ekbeth. Not what is really needed to save the As’mirin. Don’t tell me you don’t see the community is dying.”
“True. But the only person who can bring the necessary changes without incurring death is the Aramalinyia. She’s a bit more open to new ideas than most of the rest, but only so much.” He held two fingers a half-inch from each other to make his point.
“So, everyone has to stay miserable.”
“Not everyone is miserable, Kimiel. Most of my family is perfectly happy with their life.”
“Oh yeah? I see them more as a nest of snakes that only look for ways to make everyone else’s life miserable! Don’t tell me they are happy! I’ve looked at those budget requests on your desk. Ridiculous!”
“Kimiel. I agree… but I was not joking about the death risks. Most of the time, the complaints don’t even reach the Councils. Poison is widely used to get rid of trouble makers.”
“All that sneakiness makes me sick, Ekbeth. I’m for a more direct approach.”
“And we’ve seen what comes of your approach! I don’t plan to kill all the people who annoy me, Kimiel.”
“Ekbeth! I’m really not that bad! There are other ways. Have you ever thought of putting the complainers in a position of power? I’ve understood that it’s quite a common management practice on the Other Side.”
The advice took him by surprise. He shook his head, puzzled. Why had he never thought of this before?
“Actually, it’s not a bad idea. I’ll think about it.”
They had arrived at the bottom of the stairs and the Aramalinyia’s house stood in front of them. “Here we are. What shall we tell her this time?”
53
Shona was lazily stretched on a chaise longue by the pool at Ekbeth’s place in Zurich, trying to concentrate on a book, when Najeb came up to her and handed her a phone. It was Toshio.
Reading the administration files had brought up more names than expected. So Toshio had gone to China to check on their suspects. They had both agreed the Triads would collaborate better if she was not present, so she had stayed behind.
It had taken a few weeks but he had managed to bring the list to three potential Chinese suspects. He summarized their profiles.
One was a small local museum director, collector of jade items—actually, a fervent admirer of Yeshe’s work. Shona had met him numerous times in the past. She would probably have dismissed him as a suspect, until Toshio informed her that he had a few relatives enrolled in the army. More troubling, Toshio had not been able to find a valid reason as to why the pharmaceutical company made a transfer to his account of more than a million dollars. Maybe it was in payment of a smuggled antique artifact, but Toshio had some doubts. After all, he had a pretty tight control of the Chinese antiquities market. Such a big transaction would not have gone totally unnoticed, at least not by him.
The second suspect was a high-ranking military man himself. The company had sent him money regularly, anonymously. Toshio had discovered that the man had a serious gambling issue, which, to support his weakness, made him open to corruption. Shona thought he was probably their best shot.
The last one was a multimillionaire industrial man, who had businesses spread all over the country. So a lot of connections and influence. His company was producing some of the chemicals needed by the Thai business. The money transfers might have been legitimate there.
Toshio explained, “I selected that one because he’s a close business friend of your main suspect, Kellerman. All three have a connection to Kellerman, as a matter of fact.”
Shona knew Toshio was testing her. She was actually glad he at least had taken Kellerman into consideration in the search. She did her best to sound casual when she answered, “Good. So who is our best bet from this trio?”
“No clue yet, but we may be able to save some time here. Can you get yourself, Najeb and his girlfriend over to Beijing in less than two hours, with some formal clothes? There is a huge Communist Party event tonight at the Forbidden City and our three men are going to attend. I managed to get some invitations. As you know, I’m not happy to let some people know you’re still alive, but I’m sure that seeing your presence will help us to the next step! If the green-haired girl has not lied and can read our potential culprits’ minds.”
Shona hesitated. She had not seen Toshio for the last three weeks, and she had avoided going to the Castle as well. Her pregnancy was starting to be very visible, and she still hadn’t told him. Going to Beijing was probably going to be her last opportunity to help find her son. She’d better make it count.
“We’ll be there. Where do you want to meet?”
“I’ve booked a few suites at the Grand Hotel. All under my name. Try to be discreet when you arrive. I want to keep you a surprise to our friends.”
“Okay. See you in two hours.”
Shona hung up and stretched. “Toshio is expecting us in Beijing, Najeb. You, me and As’leandra. Can you please ask her to come here? We are going to an official event in the Forbidden City. You’re going to love the Grand Hotel! It’s really Old China decadent!”
Najeb did not look so happy by the news, though. “Why are we going there?”
She explained Toshio’s plan. It did not lighten his mood. “It’s too dangerous, Kimiel. I can’t protect you and As’leandra in such a big crowd. If anything happen to either of you…”
“Toshio’s men will also be there. You have trained with them; you know how good they are. We can also ask Nukri to keep an eye on us.”
Najeb finally nodded his agreement. “I am going to get As’leandra. Oh, can she borrow some clothes from you? I don’t think she has anything appropriate for a formal event on this Side.”
She had to laugh. “Najeb! As’leandra is at least three inches taller than I am! My dresses won’t fit her. In fact, I don’t have anything that fits me either. Bring her here, then we’ll go do some shopping in town.”
While Najeb was away, Shona went back inside the house and called Ekbeth’s assistant. The woman was a pearl. She recommended a few boutiques and promised the driver would be ready for them in twenty minutes.
Perfect.
*
As’leandra had probably never worn high heels before, or a gala dress, but it did not show. She looked regal when, under Shona’s supervision, she started walking around her bedroom. But she certainly complained a lo
t about the blond wig Shona had cleverly chosen to place on her head before they came to Beijing. “Do I really have to wear this, Kimiel?”
“Do you really want our hosts to take you for a demon and kill you, As’leandra?”
The younger woman shook her head. “Of course not! But I’ve seen people with green hair in magazines. It’s not so uncommon anymore.”
Shona had to laugh. “You’ll have to show me those magazines one day, As’leandra. Do you remember the staff reactions at the shops in Zurich? Green hair is not common! Those people have dyed their hair green. And I can assure you none of tonight’s party will have green hair.”
“Dye!”
Shona grinned. “I take it from your reaction that dying one’s hair is also a taboo in the Valley?”
“Of course it is! That’s like pretending to be from another family—without their permission!”
As’leandra suddenly started giggling. “I’ve been so stupid! Whenever I saw the green hair, I always thought a lost relative had created his own family on this Side!”
Shona did not comment. She looked at her own dress in the mirror. It was shorter, and not clinging to her body like As’leandra’s. The clever cut of the fabric dissimulated her bulging belly. With a bit of luck, Toshio would not notice anything.
Toshio was waiting for them with Najeb in the living room of the suite. “Hurray! They are finally ready! Women! I’ll never understand why they need so much time to get dressed!”
Shona just ignored him. Najeb for once seemed oblivious of her. He had eyes only for As’leandra.
Then Toshio’s eyes narrowed. “Are you…?”
So much for trying to hide things from her friend. She interrupted him. “Yes, I am. But there’s no way you’re sending me home now that you know it, Toshio.”
“Who’s the father? Ekbeth?”
“Right again. Can we please go?”
Toshio almost refused. He, too, was far too protective sometimes. But in the end, he ordered four more of his men to come along. It was quite a small army that finally left the hotel.
