by Reece Dinn
I doubt it will. She doesn't seem to understand her people's point of view. These yegeyor were their slaves. They're supposed to treat them like equals knowing what they really are? Let them live in their land that they took from them fairly? The strong do not defeat the weak, then treat them as if they are equals. It's wrong. No wonder they are lashing out. I'm surprised the violence isn't on a larger scale. Back home, if the Emperor freed the slaves there would be civil war by the end of the first day.
If it were me I'd round all the PLA up and have them all in chains before the day is out. Anyone who resists would be executed. While I was at it I'd put Shonmu, his family, and all his little followers in chains too for such blatant disobedience. Maybe put Shonmu's head on a spike for all to see. He has a point, but that is still no excuse to show such disrespect. Lessers should know their place.
'Our relations with the yegeyor who choose to live away from us are imperative to our country's survival,' said Lerama. 'We are not Benigrada. We do not kill our yegeyor allies. There is no “us” and “them”. All who live in this country are Predemagdan. What went before is history.'
Her conviction is admirable, but she is a fool if she thinks this will be the end of it.
'Thank you for your wisdom, Saban,' said the Qotan. 'We are blessed to have you as our ruler.'
Lerama bowed her head slightly in thanks.
'I believe that concludes all the business of the day, unless anyone has something they wish to raise?' said the Qotan.
One of the Tekan on the right of the room rose, a feeble looking young man whose robe hung from his slight frame. His features were small, but his hair was long, black, and tied back, like a woman. He entered into the pose of address.
'The Council shall hear Tekan Jojen,' said the Qotan.
'I wish to bring to the Council's attention the blight that has been threatening our farms in the north increasingly for the past five months now, and from what I have heard here in the south too. I speak of the purple mist that drives our animals to murderous rage.'
Shonmu and his supporters instantly waved away the issue, shouting at Jojen to sit back down. The Tekans around Jojen angrily shouted back.
'Quiet please,' said the Qotan, raising his hands to both parties.
Shonmu got to his feet. 'This farmer's talk has no place here.'
'No place?' spat Jojen. 'Are you saying that this “mist” is not a danger?'
'What mist? Have you seen it for yourself?'
'Well, no. But we have heard stories from farmers of it attacking our livestock and..'
'Attacking? Attacking in what way?'
'It, err... touches them and drives them mad.'
Shonmu laughed. 'It touches them. Quick, call the military at once.' Shonmu's supporters joined him in laughing.
'Farmers have lost herds to the mist,' shouted Jojen, but his voice was drowned out by the laughter.
One of Shonmu's supporters got to his feet, a fat man with greying hair and a thin beard. Shonmu sat back down to allow him to speak.
'Have you any evidence of this “mist”?' said the fat Tekan. 'A strange mist that appears then vanishes without a trace? Seems unlikely.'
'The evidence is the piles of bodies that have been left in its wake,' said Jojen.
The tall, bald Tekan with the large belly who had spoken earlier stood up and moved to stand beside Jojen. 'I assure the Council,' he said, 'that this “mist” is an issue. It may not be affecting you all as much down here, but up north it is a menace. The farmers say that those the “mist” touches become murderous, disfigured, and kill all around them. And they become very difficult to put down. In one story it was said that a trobaam took over ten bullets before it died. It wounded one man and killed half a dozen other trobaam.'
Shonmu got back to his feet. 'You know what I think? I think that these farmers are becoming slack, allowing their herds to become feral, and are making up stories of purple mists and blood crazed animals to compensate for it.'
The Tekans on the right were on the feet shouting at Shonmu. Shonmu's supporters rose and shouted back. Once again the Council degenerated into a shouting match between two factions.
The Qotan sighed, looking up to Lerama.
Lerama nodded and tapped one of her Guards on the shoulder. The six Guards stomped their rifles, silencing the bickering Tekans. When everyone had returned to their seats Lerama spoke.
'What would you have us do, Jojen?' she said. 'I cannot send troops out to hunt a mist that may, or may not, exist. It is impractical. And what if it is a device of the gods? Their will to cull the herds? From my understanding this “mist”, whatever it is, only affects our livestock. To me it is not a matter of national incident. My advice would be for our farmers to be extra vigilant and keep a closer watch on their herds.'
'But, Saban. Farmers have been hurt,' said Jojen.
'Farmers are injured all the time. Surely it is only the same.'
'Well not exactly..'
'If you feel it is a pressing matter, Tekan, then deal with the matter yourselves. Commission Konar to go out and support the farmers. I'm sure they are more than able to resolve this issue. I shall even instruct the Coinan to send extra funds to the northern cities so that you are able to hire and train more Konar. Do you find this acceptable?'
'Yes. Thank you, Saban,' said Jojen.
Several of the Tekans around him murmured their approval as well.
'Then it is settled,' said the Qotan.
Shonmu glared across the room at the northern Tekan, but remained quiet.
So this “mist” attacks livestock? Is it attacking the livestock back home too? Is that why the Shadows are interested in it? Surely the dragons can dispose of it? Unless it is attacking them too. Koma swallowed hard. The thought of a dragon attacking a city in a violent rage, burning it to the ground, was a terrifying prospect. We'd stand just as little chance as the savages do.
'Is there any more business to discuss?' the Qotan asked.
The room remained quiet.
'Then this Council is adjourned.'
Finally. Thought that'd never end.
The Monster was the first to rise from her seat. Koma had almost forgotten she was even there. She looked at Koma with those disgusting small eyes of hers and rolled them.
Reluctantly Koma approached her, looking over the Monster's shoulders, watching everyone leave.
'Here,' said the Monster, producing a small purse from her robe with her good hand. She handed it to Koma. 'I told Olima I would give you your wage for the month. You deserve a bonus, and I knew you wouldn't get it if I allowed her to give it to you. Hope you enjoy it.' She didn't meet Koma's eye, or smile, but Koma felt something akin to warmth from her.
'Thank you, Sabu,' said Koma as sweetly as she could. The words felt horrible coming out of her mouth.
'I've had enough of people for one day. You're dismissed. I'll send for you if I need you,' said the Monster.
The Ragi have blessed me today. A day to myself. Shame it's in this awful place, but it's better than nothing. What to do?
The Qotan and Socrae-al stood at the foot of the dais talking to Lerama, the Saban's Guard having parted to let them through.
'She made me eat with him last night,' said the Monster.
'The Socrae-al?' asked Koma.
The Monster nodded. 'He tried to be nice to me. Be my friend. My father even. Telling me that they should arrange for me to be married. She expects me be okay with her betrayal. Go along with it. I was nearly sick. I had to leave. Later mother came to my room and we had another argument.'
'That's terrible.' Koma tried to make her voice as sympathetic as she could, but it didn't sound convincing even to her.
'She wants to talk to me once we're done here. Teach me more about the Council. Gods, it's dull. Is this what being a Saban is going to be like?'
'Probably, Sabu.'
'I may run away.'
Not if I kill you first. 'You'll be fine, Sabu,' said Koma.
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'Maybe.'
The hall was emptied now save for those around the dais.
'Do you need anything from me before I go?' asked Koma.
The Monster sat back on her seat. 'No. Go.'
'Thank you, Sabu.' Koma tried to contain her excitement as she walked down the steps of the dais, across the floor of the hall, and out of the big doors merging with the departing crowd. With every step she took she felt like she was being freed of her shackles, if only for a day.
The glare of the sun hurt her eyes as she stepped outside, forcing her to shield them. When her eyes had adjusted she lowered her arm. The long, flat white stone paved tier stretched out before her. People and carriages headed across the tier to the lifts back down to below, returning to their homes.
There was nothing up here. She would have to go down two tiers before she could find something to do. The thought left a bitter taste in her mouth. I hate my life.
Chapter Fourteen
It reeked of piss and shit. A blocked drain, the Konar had said. Awon knew they'd done it on purpose, just to get under their skin. He paced around the dark, dirty, grey stoned cell, looking for a way to break out. The cell bars were too strong and secure, although their black metal was beginning to rust. The bars of the window were the same, and far too narrow for even him to squeeze through. He'd fight his way out if he had to.
'Fuckin' Konar,' he muttered.
'Stay still, lad,' said Gentemu. 'You're making me dizzy.' The old man sported a black eye and a swollen lip. He'd not come out of the fight well.
'I'll do as I like, old cunt,' said Awon.
Oaten sat in the corner, asleep against the wall. There wasn't a scratch on him. Either he was better in a fight than Awon had given him credit for, or he'd hidden like the cowardly little girl he'd assumed him to be.
'Sit down,' said Batterox, making a grumbling sound. 'You're making me dizzy too.'
Awon didn't stop his pacing.
Batterox was unmarked too, but Awon knew full well the yegeyor had been in the thick of it. It's what Awon loved most about the yegeyor, they were handy to have by your side in a scrap. Batterox sat on the small wooden bench, his bulky frame taking up almost the whole of it. His arms and legs were shackled, the chains thick and heavy, he wasn't going anywhere in a hurry.
Norox was in the cell across from him. His friend had been silent since they'd been locked up, a sullen look on his face. He sat on the floor, head held in his hands. The fins on his body had been bound tight in leather covering, which looked even thicker than those he usually wore, and his arms and legs were shackled like Batterox's.
Awon pressed his face through the bars of the cell. 'Norox. Yer alright?'
Norox looked up, his sad eyes fixing on him. The yegeyor grunted, then made that whining noise he often made.
'Gonna find a way outta 'ere. Might take some time, but I will,' said Awon.
'Yer got spirit, kid,' said Red, emerging out of the darkness of Norox's cell. 'Shame yer got shit fer brains, otherwise I might be a little more optimistic.' The big man sneered, flashing his crooked teeth.
Awon spat on the floor. 'Did yer see what happened ter Ten?' he asked Norox.
Norox shook his head.
'Reckon he ran, like I said to. Hope they didn't get 'im,' said Awon.
Norox grunted again.
'Shut up a second,' said Batterox. 'Newsreader's gonna start any minute.'
'You listen ter the news?' scoffed Awon.
'What's it to you if I do?' He tried to rise but his heavy shackles made it difficult. 'Hop up on this bench, poke that empty head out the window, and listen for me.'
'How much yer willin' pay me?'
'Do it or I'll smash your skull in.'
Awon sniggered. 'Yer lucky I've nothin' better ter do.' He hopped up on the bench and pressed his ear through the window bars.
Somewhere in the street below people had gathered to listen to the news, chattering amongst themselves while they waited.
'Nothin's happenin',' he said.
'Hasn't started yet, that's why,' said Batterox.
Awon stepped up onto his tip toes and peered down at the street below.
The newsreader was pushing his way through the throng, carrying the wooden box he stood on under his arm. He was fat and bald, his orange and red robe making him look like a giant orange fruit that would burst at any moment.
'Was the first Council of Sab yesterday with the new Saban. Want to hear what she's said,' said Batterox. 'Hope she keeps her husband's word and doesn't send my kin back to the mountains.'
The majority of the crowd was made up of yegeyor. There was actually more in the crowd than Awon had ever seen together before in his life. Half of them were mountain dwellers, standing on all fours, their naked bodies defining them.
Two Konar stood watch on either side of the crowd, rifles at the ready.
The newsreader put his box down and stood up on it. It looked like it would capsize under his bulk. He produced a scroll from his robe, a rare sight. Only the newsreader's still used scrolls, and some archivists. Most people used the grebbin to record things instead, which meant that most people's ability to read amounted to little more than reading signposts in the street.
Grebbins amused Awon. He couldn't help but poke and prod the little blue creatures as they droned on. One time he flicked one in the eye and it'd made the funniest sound he'd ever heard, like a laughing screech.
The newsreader cleared his throat. 'Good morning. Yesterday the first Council of Sab chaired by Saban Lerama was held with full attendance. By majority vote, it has been decreed that any man caught, or suspected of, being a member of the Predemagda Liberation Army will be imprisoned for a minimum of ten years. Furthermore, any man caught, or suspected of, abusing a yegeyor citizen, either physical of verbal, shall be imprisoned for a minimum of ten years.'
All the yegeyor cheered as one, their bleating so loud Awon thought the ears of those around them must be bleeding.
'What's happenin'?' shouted Red.
'The newsreader guy said anyone hurts a yegeyor they get thrown in 'ere,' said Awon.
'She's done more than I thought she would,' said Batterox. 'Good.'
'Not gonna stop the PLA I don't think,' said Gentemu.
Batterox's flared his nostrils. 'No. But it's a start.'
The newsreader continued. 'The Council also wishes to caution citizens to be extra vigilant when travelling in between cities, or to those that live in villages, of wild animal attacks. A disease is spreading down from the north that affects livestock, driving them mad. It is advised to travel in groups of three or four if you must do so, and to stick to the main roads.'
'What's he saying now?' asked Batterox.
'Sumthin' bout mad animals attackin' people,' said Awon.
Batterox snorted.
The newsreader droned on. Awon stopped listening, instead trying to focus on what the crowd of yegeyor were saying, but their bleating was difficult to discern.
'What's else is there?' asked Batterox, grumbling a little.
'This news has been brought to you in association with Cronba Bakeries, producers of the finest bread in all the land. Thank you,' said the newsreader.
'Sumthin' 'bout bread,' said Awon.
The yegeyor below continued to bleat. The other guys slunk away, their heads down.
'Can I get down now?' asked Awon.
'Yes. But keep still,' said Batterox, grumpily.
Awon jumped down off the bench, full of fresh energy. He clenched his fists and began punching the air, imagining beating on Tombu's big chin.
Batterox smacked his shackles on the bench. 'What did I just say?'
'Said to keep still. I ain't movin' 'round,' said Awon, continuing to punch.
'But you're not fucking still.'
'Want me to stop? Get up and stop me.'
Betterox smiled, his big lips folding back to reveal large white teeth. 'You're a little bastard, you know that?'
A
won shrugged, then continued his imaginary fight. 'What we gonna do 'bout the Drowners, boss?' he shouted to Red.
'Bastards're probably swarmin' across my turf as we speak, takin' it fer themselves,' said the huge man, his head resting against the bars of the cell. 'When we get outta here, or more likely if, we got some fightin' ter do.'
'Good.'
'Glad yer up to it, lad. Cos this started cos of you. So yer gonna get me my stuff back. Don't care if we 'ave ter kill the whole fuckin' lot of 'em.'
Awon punched the palm of his hand with his other fist. 'I'm up fer that.'
Red sighed. 'Just 'ope Cutter don't cut our hearts out first.'
'He'd do that?'
'Probably. He's a nasty fucker that one.'
The doors down the corridor groaned open and several heavy footsteps stomped down to them.
'The fuck yer want?' Red shouted up to them.
Awon stopped his imaginary fight and went to the bars.
Four Konar stopped in front of the cells, rifles at their sides. One of them, an overweight guy whose armour was far too tight for him, stepped forward. His face was dotted with small tufts of hair, like he'd tried to shave himself without a mirror.
'Got some questions to ask,' he said, his voice rough. He clicked a finger at Batterox. 'Starting with you.' He clicked his finger again and this time pointed at Norox. 'And you.'
Norox's head shot up.
'Not very subtle are yers?' said Red.
Ekviv emerged from the darkness of Red's cell, the dark skinned man near invisible save for his yellow tattoo. 'Not hear the news?'
'That law don't apply to criminals, cunt,' said one of the other Konar.
'We're not the PLA. We're Konar,' said the badly shaved Konar. 'Got a job to do. Now stand back. Don't want no funny business.'
Awon pressed his face through the bars. 'Kill him, I'll rip out yer throat. Hear me?'
The Konar stepped close enough to the bars that he could spit on him. 'Stand back. I ain't playing with you.'
'Make me.'
'Open this one first.'
'Lad, step back,' said Batterox. 'It's not worth it. Trust me.'
Awon shot him a dark look, but the hardness in the yegeyor's eyes made him suddenly obey. Even in shackles two yegeyor against four guys seemed an easy fight, as long as they took out the Konar's rifles. Awon stepped back, fists clenched tight at his sides.
