by Reece Dinn
Koma nodded, tiredly. 'Of course, Sabu.' She yawned.
We're going on an adventure, my love. We'll be chased by my mother's men, like Julma and Ronmu in Tale of the Romantics are chased by soldiers, but we will escape them. I will see my father again, and introduce him to you. No one will stop us. Not my mother or her evil lover. We will be free, if only for a little while. I just hope the Socrae doesn't demand my mother's approval to give me Guards first.
Chapter Forty Nine
Awon tied bandages tight around his hands. The tension in the air was intoxicating, his nerves tingled. This was it. His chance to prove himself. Become the most feared guy in the city. He'd cut down Tombu, his wannabe elf boss Jonbu, and even the Drowner himself. Hack off their heads, tie them to a chain and hang them from his neck for all to see. He spun his axe in his hands, a double sided one that he'd found in one of the storage rooms of their new hideout. It was love at first sight. He'd spent half the night practising with it, imagining burying into Tombu's face.
Norox sat quietly on all fours beside him, occasionally making that whining noise he often made. He'd be fine once the fighting started, Awon knew, in fact he'd probably be more dangerous than him. All those broken fins all over his body made him lethal, it was no surprise that the yegeyor were ordered by law to cover them with leather. Norox hadn't covered them in some time.
Helma kissed Ten on the cheeks over and over, when her face wasn't buried in his chest. Ten himself looked terrified, although Awon wasn't sure if it was the fear of potentially being killed, or being smothered by his lover. Awon barely remembered now that this whole war had began because Ten had stolen Helma from Tombu. He remembered hitting Tombu because he disliked his attitude. Maybe if the guy had approached the situation as less of a cunt then maybe he would've brought Ten out to deal with the matter on his own. He chuckled to himself at the thought.
The rest of the Merchers were psyching themselves up all around the great cavern of the Drowners' former hideout, sharpening weapons, putting on leather armour, or just screaming their lungs out.
Awon held a knife out to Ten. ''ere. Yer'll need this.'
Ten reluctantly took the knife from him. 'I gotta club.'
'Yer ain't gonna be killin' with a club with them skinny arms.'
Ten swallowed hard.
Awon punched him lightly on the arm. 'Relax. Yer'll be fine.' Something struck the ground right next to Awon's feet, making him jump and spin around, axe raised to strike.
'Relax,' said Farma, smiling, showing her cracked teeth. She jostled the whip in her hand. Several knives hung from the belt around her waist.
'Yer fightin'?' asked Awon.
'Course.'
'But yer a girl.'
She frowned. 'Am a woman, actually. Yer a boy. Why you fightin'?'
'Am a man.'
'Yer certainly are.' She gave him a wink.
'Don't yer be gettin' in me way,' said Awon, irritably.
She poked him in the chest. 'Betcha I kill more an' you.'
'Fuck off. Besides, thought yer weren't speakin' ter me?'
She shrugged. 'Got over it, didn't I?'
Awon sniggered. Annoyingly he found he was beginning to like her, ugly though she was.
'ON YER FEET, BOYS,' roared Red from the tunnel entrance on the other side of the cavern, underneath the pathway spiralling up to the surface.
Everyone stood. Norox whined as he rose from four legs to two.
'Will yer stop doin' that,' whispered Awon. 'Makes yer sound like a jenni.'
Norox snorted, nostrils flaring as he cracked his neck.
Red stood aside and Banen strode into the hall, followed by Cutter and Gobmu. Gobmu stood to Banen's left, Cutter his right. Red moved to stand beside Cutter.
'This is it, lads,' said Banen, his bellowing voice filling the whole cavern, making it somehow feel less vast. 'What we been building up to. The big one. After this we're gonna be rulers of this city. People are gonna kiss our fucking feet as we walk down the street. You're gonna be able to fuck who you want, when you want, and you won't even have to pay for it. I'm telling you. Tonight, we're gonna dine on Drowner blood.'
Every Mercher screamed a battle cry, then began chanting, 'Banen, Banen, Banen.'
'THIS CITY IS OURS,' cried Banen, then pounded on his chest.
The Merchers repeated his cry.
Banen continued to beat his chest as he strode through his crew to the foot of the pathway that led up top. Cutter fell in behind him, Gobmu and Red after him. When Banen began to climb the path he chanted, 'this city is fucking ours. This city is fucking ours. We'll drink it dry and bathe it in blood. This city is fucking ours.'
The rest of the crew fell in behind their leaders, taking up the chant themselves as they followed them up.
As Awon made to move someone grabbed his arm.
Helma moved in close to him. 'Yer keep 'im safe fer me,' she whispered. 'Please?'
Awon nodded.
She rose on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. 'Fer luck.'
Awon turned his back on her, and found Farma glaring at him. 'Was fer luck,' he said.
Farma came up close to him and kissed him hard in the lips. 'Cos I can,' she whispered.
Ten sidled up to his other side, and Norox followed close behind him. Batterox and the Brebuu walked a little ways ahead of them, both yegeyor and brebuu had a mug of ale in their hand, chanting and drinking as they walked.
'See that,' Awon said to Norox over his shoulder. 'That's wha' yer should be like.'
'They're hardened killers,' said Norox.
'Says six kills 'ere. Wha' does it take ter be hardened? Twenty?' Awon laughed.
Norox didn't respond.
Awon and Farma took up the chant. 'This city is fuckin' ours. This city is fuckin' ours. We'll drink it dry an' bathe it in blood. This city is fuckin' ours.' All the way up to the top they chanted it, chanting until their throats were sore and their lungs empty.
The city was quiet, the gang's footfalls loud as they stomped down the side streets of Nograi District, their chanting having died away by the time they'd stepped out into the light of an overcast day.
No one was around. Occasionally Awon spotted a shadow behind a curtained window, but it'd vanish as quickly as it came. The tension was unbearable. He just wanted to run on ahead and be there already. His axe thirsted for blood.
'Think am gonna call yer Tenemu, after me father,' he said to the axe.
Farma smirked 'Yer gonna name yer weapon?'
'Fuck yer. Why not?'
'No reason. It's jus' a bit weird.'
Awon grinned. 'It's a part of me. I can feel it. A guy should be close with 'is weapon I think.'
'Whatever.'
They walked out onto the deserted main road.
'Did the Konar order everyone to stay inside?' Norox asked from behind.
'Probably,' said Awon.
Up ahead a newsreader was reading aloud from his scroll to the empty street. His voice was even louder than Banen's, and carried all the way down the road to them.
'..gons have taken Zanaidu. It is confirmed. The Zanaidun forces were swiftly routed by the evil Raginarsaru. Those that did not flee south into our lands, or west across the mountains to the Broken Kingdoms are to be presumed dead, or enslaved. The Raginarsaru numbers are not known, but are estimated at near thirty thousand.
'Our great and powerful Saban sends forces to defend our northern borders. She decrees that there is no cause for alarm at this present moment. The dragon army has shown no signs of hostility towards our great nation. She advises however that until contact has been made citizens are to ration their supplies, and prepare for a few months of hardship.'
'The Raginarsaru did it then?' said Norox. 'No wonder everywhere is so quiet. There's going to be war.'
'Where's this Zanaidu place? I 'eard it before,' said Awon.
'It's north of us. Where most of our grain and stuff comes from.'
'Ah, that's why I 'eard of
it.'
'You're so clueless sometimes.'
The newsreader continued to read as they walked by him, stood alone on his little wooden box. He paused for a moment, then repeated the news again from the start.
'Dunno why they don' jus' use them grebbin things ter read the news,' said Awon. ''em little things can talk fer hours.'
'Some people need jobs,' said Norox.
Many Konar stood guarding the gate to Main District. No one raised a rifle or an alarm as the Merchers approached. Instinctively Awon, and everyone else, stiffened at the sight of them, preparing to either run or fight. As they passed through the gate the Konar did nothing, just watched with keen interest. When they were all through the Konar fell in behind them.
'This city is fucking ours. This city is fucking ours,' bellowed Banen up ahead. 'We'll drink it dry and bathe it in blood. This city is fucking ours.'
Everyone once again took up the chant as they headed down the main road to the City Square, Awon shouting as loud as he could.
'I don't wanna fight,' Ten suddenly said.
Awon looked down at him. 'Bit late for that, eh?'
'They'll kill me. I ain't no fighter.'
'Jus' stay by me, yer jenni. Or Norox. Or jus' stay near the back.'
He nodded, but his face was reddening, creasing up like he was about to cry.
'Look 'ere. There cums a time when a guy's gotta get blood on 'is knife,' said Awon. 'Today is yer time. Time ter be a man.'
Ten nodded again, but he could tell that his friend didn't agree, which annoyed him as he'd given such a rousing speech.
The Square was up ahead. The whole area had been cleared so that it was just one big, flat, paved battleground. The Drowners were already there, lined up on the opposite side of it. Konar were dotted around, all armed with rifles, many on burmaback.
At the top of the square, to Awon's left, was the Konar-kas, distinctive due to his shiny, oversized armour. He too sat on burmaback and was surrounded by guys who Awon assumed where also Konar officers. These guys wore bronze armour, but theirs wasn't oversized like the Konar-kas' was.
The Merchers spread out across their side of the square, Banen, Cutter, Gobmu, and Red standing front and centre. Awon shoved his way as close to them as he could. Norox, Ten, and Farma coming up beside him too.
The excitement was too much for Awon to contain. They were there. Right across from him. Tombu was somewhere amongst them. Finally, he'd settle the score. He scanned the enemy ranks, looking for his face, but he couldn't be seen. The Drowner was the only one that stood out, his blue skin like the colour of the sky in the daylight. He stepped forward and approached the middle of the square.
Banen went to meet him in the centre. The Konar-kas kicked the sides of his burma and padded over on burmaback as well. The three came together in the middle of the square.
The Konar-kas spoke first, his voice loud enough to be heard all across the square. 'This is it. One final fight. Winner takes all. When there is a clear victor my men will stop the battle. When we do you are all to put your weapons down immediately. Failure to do so will result in you all being shot without question. Do you understand?'
'Aye,' shouted Banen.
'That is acceptable, as long as you don't betray your word,' said the Drowner.
'Then it is settled. When I give the signal you will begin fighting,' said the Konar-kas. He turned his burma back around and returned to his officers.
'You ready, you blue skinned cunt,' said Banen, looming over the smaller man.
'Your size won't save you. Not from me. You'll drown in your own blood, I shall see to it personally,' the Drowner replied, producing two long curved blades from behind his back.
Banen prodded him in the shoulder. 'Am gonna come straight for you.'
The Drowner smirked up at the bigger man, then the two of them returned to their guys.
'This is it, lads,' said Awon to those around him. 'Time ter settle this.' He spun Tenemu in his hands, then kissed the axehead.
A silence hung in the air as every guy held their breath.
One of the officers beside the Konar-kas raised his rifle, aiming up at the sky. Awon heart skipped a beat.
From every direction came the sudden sound of marching men. It was faint at first, but quickly grew in volume.
Awon spun around to see what was coming up behind them.
Blow horns split the air.
Soldiers dressed in white and silver armour marched down the road. The Konar darted to the sides of the road to make way for them. To Awon's surprise the Konar were suddenly very nervous.
He glanced back at the Drowners. Soldiers too were coming up behind them. More soldiers came from the direction of the City Gates. These marched into the centre of the square in two rows. They stopped and separated out creating a small lane in between them. One row of soldiers turned to face the Merchers, the other row the Drowners. As one, the soldiers raised their rifles at the gangs. Each soldier stood stock still, their rifles unwavering, these guys far more disciplined than Konar.
The soldiers coming down the road behind Awon halted. The front soldiers crouched down and aimed their rifles, then the row behind them took aim over the heads of the front row.
Soldiers on burmback rode down the lane from the direction of the City Gate, passing between the rows of soldiers in the centre of the square. Cavalry. They spread out down the length of the square. In the middle of them rode a man whose armour gleamed like none Awon had ever seen. It was bulkier than even the Konar-kas', but on this guy it didn't look ridiculous. The guy wasn't as big as Banen or Red, but he was well built, filling his white and gold armour well. He didn't carry a rifle but he was equipped with a long, one handed sword that hung by his side, the blade curving a little. A sabre, if Awon presumed correctly. He'd seen one at the market for sale one time. He'd wanted it but hadn't been able to afford it.
The soldier guy was much prettier than anyone than Awon had seen before. Tanned skin with soft, but clearly manly features that looked like they could take a punch or two. The most interesting thing about the guy was his teeth. They were even brighter than his armour. It was all Awon could look at as the guy opened his mouth to speak.
'All of you, drop your weapons at once,' Shiny Teeth ordered, his voice firm and commanding. He was definitely the one in charge.
More soldiers came up behind the Konar-kas and his officers.
'I said lower your weapons NOW,' ordered Shiny Teeth, 'or my men will open fire. That includes the Konar too.'
'Lower your weapons, lads,' said Banen, placing his large club on the ground, then the knives at his waist.
The rest of the Merchers followed suit. All except Awon. He tightened his grip on Tenemu.
'What yer doin'?' Farma whispered to him, placing her whip and knives on the ground.
'I am the Socrae-al of the Saban's Army of Predemagda,' Shiny Teeth declared. 'From henceforth this “war” is over. Each and every one of you is under arrest, including,' he pointed to the Konar-kas, 'you, Michamu, formerly Konar-kas of Denistas. I am officially stripping you of your rank and title for allowing this depravity to take place. Dismount your burma at once.'
Soldiers approached the Konar-kas as he slowly dismounted his burma, his melted wax features drooping even more.
'Each and every one of you criminals is now under the command, and in service to, the Saban of Predemagda, and the gods, under pain of death. Your service shall end only when you die, or have fulfilled your debt to society, should such a time ever come. Any man who refuses shall be executed here, today.'
'Fuck off yer jenni,' Awon shouted to him.
'Who said that?' the Socrae-al demanded.
'Sir, this one will not lower his weapons,' said one of the soldiers facing Awon. Three soldiers now had their rifles trained on him. 'Should we shoot?' the soldier asked.
Awon raised his axe up over his head. 'Fuckin' try it, yer jennis.'
Norox made to grab Tenemu, but Awon moved out of hi
s reach.
'What are you doing?' cried Norox.
Ten looked up at Awon, panic-stricken.
'Are you trying to get yourself killed?' said Norox.
'I ain't backin' down ter no shiny toothed cunt,' hissed Awon.
Shiny Teeth trotted down the middle of his soldiers until he spotted Awon. 'This one?' he asked, pointing at him.
'He's the only one still holding his weapon, sir,' said the soldier.
Shiny Teeth regarded Awon curiously. 'Do you have a death wish, boy?'
'I ain't afraid of no pretty boy soldier,' Awon shouted back.
'Lower your weapon, or you will be killed. Do you not value your life, or the lives of those around you?'
'Fuck off.' He tried to spit at Shiny Teeth, but his phlegm fell short of the line of soldiers.
'Awon please.' Ten's eyes had become two small pools in his face.
'Awon, lower your weapon, NOW,' snarled Cutter from his left. 'This isn't a fight you can win.'
Awon stepped forward, gesturing at Shiny Teeth. 'Yer look all big an' tough on the back of that burma, but I betcha ain't so tough on the ground, are yer?'
'Ignore him,' Red pleaded to Shiny Teeth. 'The lad's jus' a stupid, big mouthed little shit who don't know when ter shut the fuck up.' He reached over to grab Awon's axe, but Awon moved out of his reach.
'Fuck you, Red. Least I ain't a coward.' Awon raised his axe up at Shiny Teeth. 'Yer want me ter drop my weapon yer gonna 'ave ter make me.'
Shiny Teeth met Awon's glare.
'Should I shoot, sir?' asked one of the soldiers.
'No,' said Shiny Teeth. He pulled his leg over the back of his burma and dropped to the ground with a thud.
His soldiers parted to let him through.
On the ground Shiny Teeth looked just as big, if not bigger. It was clear his size was due more to his body than the armour he wore, which up close appeared to be thinner than it looked from a distance, the opposite to the Konar-kas.
Shiny Teeth drew his sabre.
Awon spat at him, but his phlegm fell short again. 'Yer don't scare me. Thought yer were gonna kill anyone who didn't do as yer said, yer jenni?'
'The rest of your friends seem to value their lives. I'll not shoot them. But if you wish to lose yours then I shall take it myself.' He raised his weapon at Awon. 'What are you waiting for, boy?' He smiled at him with those big gleaming teeth.
