by Reece Dinn
'Get ready lads,' said Batterox, readying his rifle. 'Those trobaam may panic and run from the sound of the rifles, so we need to be quick. Hit the drivers first, then the guards. We need as many down as we can so Cutter and the others can do their job.'
The Brebuu made a sound and he too readied his rifle. The others followed suit.
Awon's rifle shook in his hands as he continued to shiver. There was no way he was going to hit anything shaking like he was. He'd be better hitting the trobaam. They were bigger targets. Make them buckle and run. Maybe they'd take out a guard or two as they did.
The wagons drew near.
The guys on the other rooftop were ready to shoot too.
Down below, across the road Cutter and the rest of his men lay in wait in the shadows. Under shelter.
The wagons were big and covered with thick grey tarpaulin, the rain beating on them, water pouring over the edges. It was impossible to tell what was underneath them.
Awon's teeth chattered together. He tensed, trying to keep his rifle steady as he aimed it. He had one good shot to make, the recoil of the rifle would throw him off balance too much so he probably wouldn't get a decent second shot. He had to make it count. If he'd been allowed to practice he might have been of more use. Or if he'd been allowed to wait under shelter.
The wagons creaked closer.
'Steady, lads,' said Batterox. 'Drivers, then guards. Remember. They look slow, but those trobaam can run fast when they need to.'
'When the second wagon rolls past, shoot,' said Hoten.
The rain fell harder, and was colder too, Awon's body numbing. He continued to shiver though. The sight of his rifle wavered erratically as he aimed for one of the trobaam pulling the third wagon. It was the best chance he'd have at killing something.
The front wagon rolled past, the trobaam pulling it grunting as it passed by. Its light fur was wet and shaggy, Awon imagined it smelt awful. The driver of the wagon wore a dark brown cloak over his head, protecting him from the rain. Awon wished he had one. He decided that if he got the chance he'd steal it from him.
The second wagon approached.
'Steady,' whispered Batterox. The rain dripped from his hard, stone white yegeyor skin. Clearly handy skin to have in these conditions.
Something moved beneath the second wagon's tarpaulin. It lifted up a little, revealing several figures. A couple of rifle muzzles poked out the sides.
'Shit,' cried Awon. He squeezed the trigger, and his rifle unleashed a mighty wail as it fired, the rifle butt slamming into his shoulder as it recoiled and he was flung back. He didn't see if he hit anything.
The wail of more rifle fire filled the air, and to his surprise, the edges of the rooftop exploded as bullet beams tore through it, two beams punching through both Hoten and Jakamata. Their bodies were flung back, and by the time they crashed down they were dead.
'Fucking Konar,' bleated Batterox, scrambling back.
The Brebuu fired off two shots before it too scrambled away.
More bullet beams blew apart the rooftop, splinters filling the air like a cloud.
Down below Konar were jumping out of the backs of the wagons, shooting up at the rooftops and into the shadows around the buildings.
'Kill them,' cried Awon, picking himself up. Quickly he aimed and fired at the nearest trobaam. The beam burned into its side and the animal cried out. It buckled, kicking the one beside it in the head. That too cried out and buckled. The two trobaam charged forward, throwing the driver from the wagon, and they crashed into the back of the wagon in front of them.
More of the rooftop exploded as bullet beams blasted through it.
'Run,' bleated Batterox. He grabbed Awon's arm and yanked him back.
Konar were running into the alleyways, giving chase to the guys on the ground.
'Across the rooftops,' bellowed the Brebuu.
Batterox nodded.
'Fuck that,' cried Awon, trying to wriggle out of the yegeyor's grip to shoot again. As he did another bullet beam blasted through the rooftop, narrowly missing both him and Batterox. Batterox yanked him back again and the rifle was flung out of his grip, toppling over the edge of the roof.
'Come on,' cried the yegeyor.
The Brebuu had already jumped across to the next rooftop. Batterox followed, dragging Awon with him. More bullet beams tore through the rooftop, through the spot he'd been just moments before.
They ran from one roof to another, the wails of the Konar's rifles drowning out their footfalls. Below they could see Konar pursuing them, occasionally taking a shot when they could.
From rooftop to rooftop they went, zig-zagging across the narrow streets. When they reached the next main road they were done for. The Konar had them.
The Brebuu bellowed as a bullet beam shot up through the roof in front of him, snarling something in his native tongue.
'How'd they know we'd be coming?' asked Awon.
'Obviously the Drowners have made a deal with the Konar again,' said Batterox. 'They're probably backing them after what we did that prison.'
'Fuckin' Konar.'
'Worry about that later. Need to get off this roof without getting shot,' said the Brebuu.
'I say we jump down an' kill 'em,' said Awon.
'Go for it. I won't be joining you,' said Batterox.
More beams tore through the rooftop around them. Several splinters stabbed into the backs of Awon's slick legs, making him yelp.
'Bastards,' he spat.
There was nothing but rooftops all around, most made of wood. Those made of stone were too high to jump up to, and then they'd be trapped up there even if they did reach them.
Thick black smoke rose out through the chimney of a nearby building. The forge of a blacksmith if Awon wasn't mistaken.
'Got an idea,' he said, rushing off towards the smoke.
'What?' both Batterox and the Brebuu cried.
Seconds later he heard them stomping after him, followed by more rifle fire. He jumped onto the roof of the blacksmith's. Batterox and the Brebuu caught up moments later.
'We need to break through,' Awon yelled, pointing at the roof.
Batterox frowned. 'What?'
'Just do it. I'm too light.'
The Brebuu leapt into the air and crashed down, breaking through the soaked wood. Awon jumped down after him, then Batterox after him.
The blacksmith scrambled away from his forge, a hammer in his hand. His apron was covered in soot, his cheeks and thin beard dirtied with it too.
'Wh-wh-wh-wh-what's going on out there?' he stammered. 'Who're...who're you?'
'Kill him quick,' said Awon.
The Brebuu didn't hesitate and levelled his rifle at him.
'Wait,' screeched the blacksmith.
The Brebuu fired. The bullet beam tore through the blacksmith's chest and out into the forge's fire. The flames flared wildly, licking out at the blacksmith as he hit the ground.
'We need to burn this place. Burn all the buildings around us. Distract 'em with rescuin' people,' said Awon, grabbing a plank of wood and rushing over to the forge.
'Good thinking, lad,' bleated Batterox. 'You're not as dumb as you act.'
The Brebuu grabbed an unlit oil lamp hanging from the wall and smashed it. Awon's plank caught fire in the forge and he pulled it out, then threw it at the oil soaked wall. It ignited instantly. Batterox grabbed a couple of bottles of something and poured it over anything wooden around him.
Awon grabbed more wooden objects, set them on fire, then threw them at what Batterox had poured liquid over. He then grabbed the blacksmith's poker and began flicking hot coals out of the forge all over the floor. Parts of the floor were covered with straw and that too ignited.
'Grab more planks,' shouted Awon. 'We'll throw them through the windows of houses we pass.'
Flames quickly engulfed the smithery, dense black smoke filling the air.
The Brebuu grabbed more burning wood, then broke through the front door of the smithery. Batter
ox followed it out. Awon grabbed another burning piece of wood and ran out after them.
A bullet beam shot right past his face.
Batterox bleated and returned fire. The head of the Konar he shot at exploded.
The Brebuu threw its burning wood through the window of the house next to them. It didn't wait to see if it'd set fire to anything else.
'They've split up,' cried Batterox, levelling his rifle ahead as another Konar came around the corner. The yegeyor fired. The beam hit the Konar on his chest plate. It sent him flying back, but didn't pierce through. The rifle blasts couldn't penetrate yorae plate mail.
'This way,' cried Awon,' running back the way they'd come. He knew the Konar would have ran ahead of them. When they came back they'd have to deal with the burning buildings. He threw his burning plank through the first window he saw.
Behind them the smithery was ablaze, smoke billowing up out of the one the Brebuu had torched too.
'Head south, then we'll climb the district wall where it meets the city wall. There's cover there. Hopefully we'll make it without getting shot,' bleated Batterox.
'Aye,' said Awon, although he had no idea which way was south. One of them grabbed him by his shirt and jerked him down an alleyway with them.
They ran and ran, the rain beating down hard, disorientating them, hiding their pursuers behind a wall of water. Every shadow was a threat, around every corner another place a Konar could attack from. Their nerves were frayed but they kept running, knowing that if they were caught this time they wouldn't be going to prison.
Chapter Thirty Nine
Kanisha dodged out of her mother's grasping reach.
'For pity's sake, Kanisha,' her mother said with a sigh. 'I was merely attempting to fix your hair.'
'Please refrain from doing so. I shall fix it myself,' she replied, brushing her hair straight with her hands.
Her mother sighed again. 'No, not like that.'
Kanisha allowed her hair to fall messily over her shoulders. 'It is fine.'
'You will not grow to become a lady if you do not take pride in your appearance.'
Down by the river bank her three sisters, Jayeh, Flosha, and Donoko chased one another, sticking flowers in each other's hair.
'Allow Jayeh to become a lady,' said Kanisha. 'Some women are not meant to be ladies of the court. Besides, the status of our family is not one of great importance. I do not comprehend why you feel it is important for us to be ladies. Would it not be beneficial for us to accept our lot in life, that we must labour in order to survive? No Drakah will whisk us away to be his wife and raise the Telah family name to a higher standing. It is preposterous.'
Her mother shifted on the bench, smoothing the creases out of her plain blue dress. 'If you present yourself as a lady, as opposed to a field peasant, then perhaps it is within the realms of possibility.'
'Ludicrous, mother. Ludicrous.'
Flosha dived on top of Donoko, pinning her arms to the ground. Jayeh ran over and placed a blue iblip flower into her hair, its petals shimmering in the sunlight.
'I suppose it is,' said her mother. 'I mean how in heavens are you to marry a man when you will not allow any one to even touch you?'
'I cannot help it,' said Kanisha, absent mindedly. 'Nor can I prevent people from touching me. It is the way of things.'
Jayeh was now chasing Flosha down the riverbank with a white daila flower, Donoko chasing after her with the flower that'd been placed in hers.
'I know,' said her mother. 'I wish it were not so, but such is life.'
'At least you have three other daughters with whom you may fulfil your dreams. Allow me to assist you in keeping a roof over our heads and food on our table while you do so.' She watched Jayeh's hair glisten in the afternoon sun as she ran. Her long, shiny blonde hair was a thing of wonder to Kanisha. The eldest of her younger sisters was by far the most beautiful of them all. She is the one who has the potential to marry above her station, not I, thought Kanisha. If she continues to practice her dance routines she may be able to pass through the qualification trials of Yemerodon Dance School and become a real dancer. She shall have many admirers from all classes if she achieves that. First we must raise the money so she can enter.
Kanisha sat down beside her mother on the bench, not close, but closer than she usually dared. There was a hands-width between them. 'I do love you, mother. I do not know what I would do if I were to lose you.'
Her mother raised her hand as if to touch her on the face, but pulled it away, thinking better of it. 'I love you too, my beautiful daughter.'
'I shall be fine, mother. As long as I have all of you I am content.'
Koma rolled over in her bed, wrapping the sheets tight around her.
No. I'm still here. She didn't open her eyes, instead burying her face in her pillow. What time is it? I don't care either way. What does it matter?
The door to her room burst open, causing her to jump.
'Koma, why are you still in bed?' Olima yelled, the Head Servant even more irritable than she usually was.
Koma didn't turn over.
Olima moved to her bedside. 'I know you're awake. Get up. The Sabu has been awake for an hour now and she is still not dressed. It's unacceptable.'
'She can dress herself,' Koma said into her pillow. Actually I'd be surprised if she could, the imbecile.
'What was that?'
She could feel Olima's breath on the back of her neck. She peeled her face out of her pillow. 'I said I'm not feeling very well.'
Olima flicked her on the back of the head. 'What's wrong? Were you out again last night with one of your lovers? Drink too much wine?'
'What? Don't be disgusting.'
'Don't try and fool me. I know what you get up to when you're sneaking around at night.'
Now she really did feel ill. 'I don't have a lover. Sometimes I go for a walk around the palace when I can't sleep is all. I don't like the Guards seeing me. They ask questions.'
'What a pathetic excuse.' Olima's gaunt features twisted as she eyed Koma.
'I'm not feeling well. My head is pounding. I'm hot and sweaty. My eyes hurt. My stomach's sore. I can't work today. Can't one of the Saban's handmaiden's attend to her, just for today?'
Olima placed a hand on Koma's head.
Koma farted as she fought down the urge to scream. She began to sweat. Her stomach twisted into a knot.
'You are hot,' said Olima, her face untwisting. 'Perhaps you're telling the truth.'
If I have to get out of this bed today I swear to these so called gods that I will kill that Monster bitch and everyone else in this palace. I've had enough. I can't take this. I need to rest.
'Fine. I'll get one of the other girls to cover for you. Just for today. But be warned, the Sabu will not be happy. And you know all too well what she's like when she's not happy. She'll be moaning for the next moon.'
I'll cut out her tongue and feed it to her. 'Thank you,' whispered Koma.
Olima stormed out of the room, slamming the door closed behind her.
I'll cut yours out too. Koma rolled back over.
She tried to go back to sleep, to return to the dream she was having of her sisters playing on the riverbank, but sleep didn't come for hours. When it finally did she didn't dream of her mother and sisters, but of that night on the roof of the palace with the servant boy, Sanamu. She relived the moment when she cut open his throat. Watched his body fall to the ground. Those dark, dead eyes staring up at her, pleading to her for mercy.
Chapter Forty
Two Months Later
Koma sighed as she stepped out onto the palace rooftop. Why can't they just come to my room again? She wore tight black trousers and a tight black top that clung to her skin. She didn't care for her attire one bit, but it helped her sneak through the palace undetected. Have to be more careful now.
The rooftop was empty.
I hope it's not the one insufferable one who hit me. I'm really not in the mood.
'Yo
u're late again,' someone said behind her, causing her to jump with fright.
She spun around, grabbing her hairpin, ready to stab the person with it if she needed to.
The Shadow appeared from behind the doorway she'd emerged from.
It's not the annoying one. Good. 'I was erring on the side of caution,' she said in the Dragon's Tongue, sliding her hairpin back into place.
'Evidently not cautious enough. I could have slain you without you ever detecting my presence.'
Koma rolled her eyes. 'You are a Shadow. I would be worried if you could not.'
It was a dark night, both moons gone from the sky for the moon's passing, which made it difficult to see anything. She could make out the Shadow's outline, but nothing else. Not that there was much to see of a man dressed head to toe in tight black garb.
'I wish to be gone from this place as promptly as is possible. What do you have to report to me?' said the Shadow.
'There was a Closed Council meeting. I was not allowed to attend. The Saban, Qotan, the Monster, the Socrae-al, the..'
'The Monster? Of whom do you speak?'
Koma shook her head. 'Saima, the Sabu. Sorry, it is just what I call her.'
'To her face?'
'No.'
The Shadow grunted. 'You are truly terrible at this. It is almost as if you wish to be caught by these people.'
If it meant I could go home I'd happily give myself up. 'My apologies. So the Socrae-al was in attendance, as was the Socrae-tu of the north.'
'The Socrae-tu? That is the leader of the northern army, correct?'
Why interrupt me to ask what he already knows? 'That is correct. He was sent for to attend the Council to discuss defences of the northern border should we attack from Zanaidu.'
'I see.' The Shadow tutted. 'A wasted effort on their part. Continue.'
'I was surprised to see that the northern Socrae-tu was a yegeyor. The biggest one I have seen.'
'So? There are yegeyor Tekan in the north are there not?'
'Yes, but..'
'Who else attended?'
Bastard. 'The Coinan, the head treasurer of Predemagda, also participated, as did the Tradan, the master of trade. From what I have heard from observing their meetings they strongly believe we shall invade from the north. They are pulling troops from the west and south to defend their northern border.'
