by Reece Dinn
The temple erupted with applause. The Monster clapped her hands together enthusiastically, seemingly forgetting about her deformity for a moment.
'What about the darkness?' someone shouted from the back. 'That which we go back to when we die. It that governs who returns to this mortal realm, and in what form. What of Dorai?'
'Blasphemer,' cried the Koku-bier. 'Konar. Remove him at once.'
There was clinking as Konar marched over to take away whoever had shouted.
'Dorai will have us all, in the end. We come from it, and go back to it. He is the true element. The father of the gods. He...' His voice vanished as the Konar grabbed the man. There was some muffled cries as he was dragged away.
He probably won't even make it to the cells. I've heard what these Konar do to Benigradan fanatics. It reassured her to know that no matter how savage the Predemagdans seemed, there were worse countries to have been sent to. Benigrada, home of the obsessed. From what she'd heard of Beingrada the people there spent their time worshipping this Dorai, the god of darkness and death, making blood tributes and sacrifices to it, and gods only knew what else. They must have gotten this idea of a death god from some merchant from the Broken Kingdoms. I've heard those savages have even stranger gods than the Predemagdans do. Koma found it crazy that the belief in this Dorai had led to the civil war that split Predemagda into Predemagda and Beingrada, the border between the two countries the Olsap Plateau.
'Come on,' said the Monster, nudging her. 'I want to speak with the Koku-Bier in private.'
Koma forced herself not to roll her eyes. Fortunately they were seated near the front of the temple, so there weren't many people to bypass to reach the Koku.
'Barren,' cried the Monster, rushing down the aisle to him. People flung themselves aside to let her pass. Koma hurried after her, keeping her eyes lowered to avoid leering gazes.
'Sabu, what a pleasant surprise,' said the Koku-bier. 'It's so nice to see you at one of my sermons again. You really are taking the teachings of Shadar seriously of late.'
'That was a most uplifting sermon,' said the Monster. 'Most uplifting.'
'Thank you, Sabu.' The Koku-bier bowed his head.
'I need to speak with you in private.'
'Of course, Sabu.' The Koku-bier motioned for one of his younger Koku to come to him. A teenage Koku in green robes hurried over to the Koku-bier's side.
'I shall be back in a short while,' he said to the younger Koku. 'Please tell those that wish to speak with me to wait here and I shall be with them as soon as I can.'
'Yes, Koku,' said the young Koku, bowing. He scampered away.
The Koku-bier gestured to the rear of the temple. 'Shall we go to my chambers?'
'Please,' said the Monster.
Koma was about to return to her seat, but the Monster grabbed her arm and dragged her with her, which caused Koma to tremble and gag. She brushed the hand off her, pulling a face as she did. The Monster said nothing. They went through the curtains that blocked off the rear of the temple.
The Koku-bier led them through the winding, wooden walled corridors of the private part of the temple. They were far darker and cramped than they'd seemed from the outside. Koma didn't care for the confined space. Sweet incense burned along the corridors, making the short journey more tolerable, but she worried that in the close confines there was too much chance of awkward, or even inappropriate, touching.
They took a right and the Koku-bier parted a brown curtain and stepped inside, holding it open for both Koma and the Monster. He eyed Koma suspiciously as she stepped into his chambers, but didn't voice his misgivings this time. Must realise that the Monster will only tell me what is said anyway.
The Koku-bier's chambers were sparsely decorated, just a wooden desk with two grebbin sat on it, a candle, and a sealed scroll the only furniture. So he can read? There were no chairs, but many green pillows lay scattered all over the floor.
'Please take a seat,' said the Koku-bier, gesturing to the pillows.
Sitting on the floor? Gods. Is this so we're closer to this Nuchai? As if a god would care where you sat.
The Monster sat down on the biggest pillow and it swallowed up her gaunt frame. Koma tried to hide her amusement as she sat down, but then too was swallowed up by her pillow and had to pull herself out, to her annoyance.
'They take some getting used to I know,' said the Koku-bier, easing himself down onto one of the smaller pillows. 'But they sure are comfortable.'
If you like being swallowed up by quicksand, sure.
'What can I do for you, Sabu?' he asked, though it was clear from his expression that he knew what she was about to ask.
'I can't find proof,' said the Monster. 'We've been through everything we can think of in the Archives, but there's nothing that matches what I'm looking for. I think you might be right.'
The Koku-bier folded his arms. 'Not that I agree with your belief, Sabu, but just because you cannot find what it is you seek does not mean that it doesn't exist.'
'You mean it does?'
'I didn't say that. What I'm saying is there is far more to the world than what is in those Archives. The vast archives of the Tier-Shanan people are said to hold all the information in the world. An over-exaggeration I'm sure, but still.'
The Monster leaned forward. 'So you're saying that I should travel to Tier-Shanan?'
She can't be this stupid, surely?
'No, Sabu. That's not what I am saying. And even if I were, I fear that avenue has been closed to us. You've of course heard of the invasion? Gods know what those people are doing to that beautiful country. Burning everything no doubt.' The Koku-bier's face creased with what appeared to be genuine sadness.
'Then what am I to do? I can't give up. I know what I saw,' said the Monster.
'Your belief is strong, Sabu. I feel it. As much as I cannot condone your course of action, for many reasons, I have not seen what you've seen,' said the Koku-bier.
Of course not. You're not a complete imbecile.
'You must do what you feel is right, as I have said. If what you believe is the truth then I have faith that you will find the strength to obtain the answer. You are the daughter of Sabans. If anyone can find the answer, it is you. What I will advise though, Sabu, is to not let your search for an answer distract you from your lessons. Serving the people is, above all else, your true mission once you become Saban. The people will one day look to you for guidance, for strength, wisdom. You must learn to be that source. If you don't the people will suffer. There are far greater perils coming than the affairs of your mother and her friend.'
The Monster jumped to her feet. 'Are you saying that the murder of my father is not important?' she snapped.
'Sabu, please lower your voice,' pleaded the Koku-bier, gesturing for her to sit back down.
'My father's killers will be brought to justice.'
'I'm sure they will, Sabu. One way or another. What I meant was that the looming crisis with the Raginarsaru is of greater precedent. The fate of more than our nation may hang in the balance.'
From the look on the Monster's face it was clear she didn't agree, but she didn't press the matter further.
Ladies and gentlemen, the future Saban of Predemagda. Show them your hands. Oh wait. Koma covered her mouth to hide her giggle.
'If I can't find the answer in the Archives, then where should I look?' the Monster asked.
'I don't know, Saima.'
The obvious next step would to be to find a specialist. I'm sure there's one or two down in the slums that engage in such behaviour. Not going to suggest that though. It'd mean be dragged down there with her. I might slit her throat if she suggests it herself.
'Well, thank you for your guidance as always, Barren,' the Monster said in a sickeningly sweet voice.
The Koku-bier rose and stretched out his arms to offer her a hug. The Monster hugged him, a little too willingly it seemed to Koma. He closed his eyes as he hugged her and, to Koma's eye at least, sniffed her
hair. So he is drawn to her. I knew it. Don't understand why. Forbidden fruit? I suppose when you're cooped up in this temple with a bunch of men all day, every day, then a gaunt, horrible little Monster would seem like a beauty.
Koma cringed, shivering, as their hug went on for longer than the couple of seconds hugs usually lasted for.
They parted and the Monster turned to Koma. 'Let's go,' she said.
The Koku-bier led them back out to the temple's front. When they were on the temple floor he said his goodbyes then made himself available to the people who'd been waiting for him after the sermon.
The three Saban's Guard who'd escorted Koma and the Monster waited at the entrance, stood rigidly to attention. When they saw the Monster they sprang into motion. One of them clinked on ahead, the other two fell in behind her and Koma.
A couple of Konar sat outside on burmaback, watching over the milling crowd. When they sighted the Monster they rode forward, clearing the way for them.
'My mother has turned him against me,' the Monster whispered in Koma's ear.
'What?'
'I could feel it in his hug. He's been turned. I can't trust him any more.'
She really is deluded. 'Didn't seem that way to me,' said Koma.
'Of course not. You don't know him. I'm telling you she's gotten to him. Or Paulu has intimidated him in some way.'
So she's referring to the Socrae-al by his first name now. Interesting. 'I'm sure you're right, Sabu.'
'They don't want me to find out the truth. But I will, Koma. Just you wait. Even though they've gotten to him he still tried to give me advice. I am the daughter of Sabans, and I will find the answer.' She smiled evilly, and stroked her deformity with her good hand under the sleeves of her dark green and gold robe.
'As you say, Sabu.' I hope that means we no longer have to come down here and mingle with these awful creatures. Koma caught the eye of two brebuu staring at them as they walked by, those large dark eyes of theirs looked like they could swallow her up whole. Their long orange faces moved in unusual ways as they spoke, large floppy ears flapping with every movement of their heads. She forced herself to look down at the ground and ignore them.
'I've been wrong about you, Koma,' said the Monster.
Koma eyed her curiously. 'In what way?'
'You've been a faithful handmaiden, and your friendship has gotten me through this difficult period. Thank you. I will try and repay you in some way.' She tried to smile at Koma as sweetly as she could, but to Koma it just made her look like she was suffering painful bowel movements.
'You're welcome, Sabu.' You can repay me by throwing yourself from the nearest rooftop.
On the side of one of the buildings was a crude image of Lerama sucking on the Socrae-al's cock. Koma burst into laughter. She tried to stop herself but couldn't. The likeness was uncanny. There wasn't any need to write beside it who the images depicted. The Monster noticed it too and, to Koma's surprise, giggled.
'It is quite funny,' she said. 'Even I don't understand why they're still trying to hide their affair. Their plan worked. They may as well flaunt it now.'
When Koma realised that the two of them were actually enjoying the same thing she stopped laughing instantly. Bitch.
Chapter Thirty Four
The Dragon Shadows were nearly two moons late. Koma had been up to the roof and waited every night until she'd been certain that no one was coming, then had sneaked back to her room. She'd slept little. The exhaustion was pushing her to the brink of collapse. Even the Monster had noticed her weariness, although, naturally, she'd done nothing to help her.
She stood in her usual spot behind the Monster's seat up on the dais in the City Hall. She yawned, quickly covering her mouth when she felt the eyes of everyone in the hall look up at her. Even Lerama glanced back at her. Nervously she turned her eyes downward. Gods. Drawing attention to myself, what a stupid thing to do.
'As I was saying,' said Lerama, with a hint of annoyance in her voice. 'The Raginarsaru's invasion of Tier-Shanan is a clear sign of maliciousness. Unlike before there can be no misunderstanding their intentions.'
Shonmu, predictably, was up on his feet to respond. 'Are you therefore stating that you were wrong when you suggested there could be other motives behind their invasion of Farhaven?'
Lerama waited a moment before responding. 'Yes, Tekan. That appears to be the case.'
'So your judgement isn't infallible? We could have been better prepared if we'd acted sooner?'
'No man, or woman's, judgement is infallible. That is why we are a democracy, Tekan.'
Shonmu tried to hide the smug grin that was spreading across his face. Several of his supporters clapped him on the back as he sat down.
Not all the Tekans could attend this meeting of the Council of Sab, due to the short notice Lerama had given for it. All but the two most northern Tekans had made the journey, leaving the Council composed of a southern majority, most of whom were supporters of Shonmu. A bad move by Lerama.
The Qotan at least was allied with Lerama. The second most powerful man in the country being on your side would normally stand for something. But when he is an old man with little support himself it doesn't bode well. Shonmu may well usurp Lerama before the dragons come. I'm guessing he'll do it through a vote of no confidence and a push for an election. And with the Monster not of age to rule, and no other heirs in the Damna family, they'll be usurped from power. I don't think the Qotan would take the Saban's Seat, and with him having no heirs either he'd be forced to step down, elections would have to be held to replace both families. Shonmu's family would certainly gain the Qotan's Seat at the very least. The joys of Predemagdan democracy.
Koma leaned back against the wall, pinching herself again to stay awake. It didn't help matters that she was finding politics less and less interesting by the day. All they do is talk. Talk, talk, talk. She felt herself about to yawn and covered her mouth just in time to stifle it.
'You should go to bed earlier,' one of Lerama's handmaidens whispered in her ear.
Koma glared at her.
Penama smiled, those grey eyes of hers twinkling. 'The gods only know what you've been up to.'
Get away from me. She resisted the urge to jab her in the throat and turned back to the Council.
'It has been confirmed that Kopasi has fallen under Raginarsaru rule as well,' said the Qotan, 'although they have occupied regions of that land for some time now. Seemingly peaceably. Working in conjunction with the Kopasi, and the brebuu of Beikeyak, to mine sieppi stone.'
'The brebuu have fled the country,' said a brown haired Tekan, as he rose and took the posture of address. 'Back to Beikeyak I assume. Those that have survived, at least.'
'The brebuu are valiant warriors,' said the Qotan. 'The fact they have been forced to flee should tell us all we need to know of the Raginarsaru's intentions. They're expanding their borders. The only question is how far are they willing to go?'
Murmurs ran through the hall. People whispered to one another.
We won't rest until you trespassing savages are ash and dust. Koma rubbed her eyes. They were sore, but the pain helped her stay awake.
'Quiet down, please,' shouted the Qotan, banging his stick on the hall floor.
When the hall had quietened Shonmu rose. 'What do you suggest we do, my wise Saban? Should we commit all of our forces and liberate Tier-Shanan? A country we have only limited relations with.'
Lerama rose herself, and walked to the edge of the dais. 'Don't be foolish. But we must prepare ourselves. Trade has already fallen by over half up north in Zanaidu. Many merchants have returned home. Only the most foolhardy, or desperate, would risk trading within such close proximity to a potential invading force. They'd lose their goods, and most likely their lives too.
If the Raginarsaru are to attempt to increase their borders further then Zanaidu shall be their next target.'
The hall erupted with noise as the Tekans and the onlookers in the stands began discussing the revela
tion. Surely they see that it's the next natural move? Zanaidu borders Tier-Shanan and Predemagda. Why has it shocked them so much? Imbeciles.
'Order, please,' cried the Qotan, banging his stick on the floor.
Koma's head throbbed with each bang of the stick. Just what I need, a headache.
Eventually the hall quietened down.
Lerama remained standing as she addressed the Council again. 'I have already discussed deploying more troops to defend our northern border.' She gestured to the Socrae-al sitting directly behind the Qotan's seat. He gave her a slight nod. 'We can safely commit more forces there without weakening our southern and western borders too much. If it is the will of the Council then the plan is already in place to be executed at once. We shall be safe.'
'Why not commit forces into Zanaidu itself?' shouted Shonmu, once again rising to his feet. 'Why should we wait for them to make a move? We'll be in a much better position to repel them if we get there first.'
This time not all of Shonmu's supporters cheered for him. Some actually looked uneasy.
'Because, Tekan, until they act in a way that threatens our nation they are not our enemy,' said Lerama, calmly. 'Acting now may very well start a war that could be avoided.'
'We should crush them while we still can,' cried Shonmu, looking to his supporters around him. Again, not all of them agreed.
The Socrae-al rose. 'You are wrong, Tekan,' he said, his teeth gleaming. For once he wasn't wearing armour but a blood red robe. He looked less powerful without his armour, although still bigger than every human in the room, only the yegeyor in the stands larger. 'We have no idea how vast their forces are, or indeed what they are composed of. We have only rumour and scraps of information. To commit forces now would be far too great a risk. Would you have us try to gain the upper hand and risk a crushing defeat? Or would you rather wait until we have an actual threat to act upon?'
