by S C Gowland
Silence.
Kaoldan took a sip from the glass. The tea was bitter tasting, malty, although the honey did take the edge off.
The Duchess sat back in her chair with a creak. Her golden hair streaked with delicate lines of silver complimented her strong face and blue-green eyes. She had the look of a swan, posed, elegant and at ease. She must have been beautiful in her youth thought Kaoldan, the only evidence of her age the silver in her hair and slight wrinkles around her eyes. She waited looking at her guests calmly and straight in the eye.
The silence seemed to last an age. Kubrean sat silently. Say something Kaoldan thought, anything please.
The Duchess slowly, gently leaned forwards and said simply. ‘I know.’
Kubrean darted a look at her then at Nova and Kaoldan, concerned etched across his face.
‘I have known for days.’ she said with a weary sigh. ‘I don’t know how, and I don’t know why, but I know my daughter did not return here as she left. I had a feeling about eight days ago, something was not right, an anguish, a sense of loss enveloped me and through a process of elimination I have come to this conclusion. I have not told my husband yet, but I wanted to hear it from you first. She is her father’s daughter in many ways, but I am the one with the Fajin inside of me. I chose to keep it a secret, I am no fighter.’ she explained. ‘I can serve a greater cause within this role and that is how it will be. He must not know her powers came from me, agreed.’
‘Agreed’ the men replied in unison.
There seemed to be no choice about it to Kaoldan.
It was not so unusual for Walkers to emerge from none Walker parents, either one or both. It had been known for two Walkers to have children with no abilities at all, but this was the exception rather than the rule.
But to keep it a secret was rare. Clearly, she had her reasons, and that was the way it had to be, but it still left Kaoldan uncertain of her intentions.
‘How did it happen?’ she asked, stirring her tea, eyes fixed on the spoon.
Kubrean looked at her and told the Duchess what had happened; the carnage in the village of Grihr, the sole survivor, the battle that had claimed her daughter’s life. He left out much of the graphic detail, as Kaoldan would have, but the story was fair and accurate.
‘So, she died well?’ asked the Duchess finally looking up her eyes moist. It seemed important to her.
‘Yes.’ replied Kaoldan. ‘It was simply bad luck.’
‘And the one who…’ she paused.
‘Killed.’ said Kubrean.
‘Good.’ she said simply. ‘Bring her to me will you. And say nothing of this to my husband. It will hurt him, more than he will know, and I should be the one to tell him.’
It was at that moment that the doors creaked open announcing the arrival of Duke Lomman. He turned and saw the four at the table, closed the door behind him and then bounded over to them.
‘Excellent.’ he exclaimed, ‘tea how thoughtful of you, my dear.’ He took a seat by Kaoldan as his wife quickly wiped a tear from her eye, a movement that he missed.
‘Yes, I thought it would be a good idea.’ she said smiling at her husband, pouring him a drink adding a larger spoonful of honey to the brew. ‘We were just getting started.’ she added handing him the steaming cup. ‘Kubrean was just about to say what they found at Grihr…’ her eyes fixed upon him.
Kubrean cleared his throat. ‘Things are bad.’ he began.
‘Bad?’ echoed the Duke looking around the table, a worried expression growing on his face.
Kubrean went on to repeat his story, omitting the fate of the Duke’s daughter.
The Duke stood and began to pace the room, nodding as each detail was revealed. He stopped pacing at the mention of Reng, head looking to the ceiling as if the answers lay in the plaster. He frowned, deep in thought. Kubrean paused allowing Lomman to process the information.
‘I know that name.’ he pondered stroking his chin, scratching against the bristles on his face. ‘These developments are indeed worrying. I must speak with others regarding this and the King must be informed. The mention of Reng cannot be taken seriously though can it?’ he turned, his face a picture of concern towards the table.
‘Doubtful.’ offered Kubrean.
‘I am inclined to agree.’ said Nova. ‘His name is being used as nothing more than theatre, a tactic to scare the population and perhaps to act as a banner which the supporters of Krund can rally behind.‘
The Duke hummed his agreement and continued to pace.
‘I do not share all of your belief Nova.’ He stopped and turned. ‘I would like it investigating further.’ he said ‘Please could you make the necessary arrangements to research Reng. I would very much doubt that we would hold any reliable information regarding him here. We are rather a new city and our libraries are rather more self-reflective than outward looking.’ He waved his hands around dismissively. ‘Perhaps best to go to Prava and seek some proper authority and expertise. They have books, scrolls and records going back thousands of years and with it I am sure that you will find many academics willing to share their thoughts on the subject. I would ask that we get this done as quickly as possible, to close off that line of enquiry and put any potential nonsense back in its rightful place.’
He looked at Kubrean expectantly.
‘No need to take Yasmina this time.’ he laughed.
‘No, of course not.’ Kubrean replied, stone-faced and Nova swallowed.
‘Perhaps a good time to begin making your arrangements.’ Rang out the Duchess’s voice. ‘Besides I have things to discuss with my husband, I’m sure you understand gentlemen.’ She asked with polite smile.
Kaoldan, Kubrean and Nova stood stiffly and in unison, taking the hint.
‘I will report to you upon our return.’ assured Kubrean with a slight bow before turning and heading towards the door.
Kaoldan glanced at the face of the Duchess; posed and calm. He wondered how she could remain so given what she had to say. Their eyes met, and she tightened her lips giving the slightest of nods. Kaoldan turned away acid rising in his throat, he fixed his jaw swallowing it down making his way towards the door.
Kubrean closed it firmly with a thud after Kaoldan and Nova had walked through.
‘Follow me.’ said Nova leading the way through the corridors, the two Walkers followed as instructed.
A few moments later they had returned to the room they had spoken in on the way into the castle. Tokel sat in the room just as they had left her, she greeted them with a wide smile.
Nova semi-collapsed into a plush velvet armchair leaning against a wall with a grunt. Kaoldan looked at his friend with concern. Nova saw the look and waved a hand angrily.
‘I’m old not dead.’ he snapped.
‘None of this is getting any easier.’ observed Kubrean as he took a seat pouring water into a cup.
‘Not really.’ shrugged Kaoldan. ‘Prava to chase down some lecturers at the university. A proper use of our time.’ he said sarcastically as he also took a seat.
Tokel looked confused.
“The Duke wants us to travel to Prava to look into Reng.’ said Kaoldan wearily.
She pursed her lips ‘I am not quite so sure that it is as much of a waste of time as you might think.’ she said. Duke Lomman’s history might be a little hazy but he is correct to want more information and Prava is the best place to look. The records within this city are rather…’ she let the words hang.
‘Commercial?!’ offered Kubrean.
‘Something like that.’ agreed Nova blinking heavily as he answered. ‘Prava does attract the most curious of minds and the university’s records are the most comprehensive in Essealar, no better place to gather more information of this Reng. Who knows you might even enjoy it.’ he laughed.
‘Although I know the name, I must confess to knowing very little about Reng.’ said Kaoldan.
‘Should have studied harder.’ said Kubrean flatly.
Kaoldan smiled
back sarcastically.
‘Reng, as I recall.’ began Nova. ‘Was a warlord and something of a tyrant. He was obsessed with power and the accumulation of it. Ruthless and merciless killed his enemies by the score.
‘Nice to see we have evolved beyond that.’ smiled Kubrean
Nova ignored the comment. ‘It was said that he reigned for over a hundred years and although he was killed several times his soul was never claimed by the Abyss.’
‘How?’ asked Kaoldan, shaking his head.
‘I don’t really know.’ asked Nova pulling a face and scratching the top of his head.
‘And what happened to him?’ Kaoldan said.
‘I don’t know that either…’ frowned the old man.
‘So, we travel.’ said Kubrean resting his hand on his chest. ‘And we speak to some clever people and get proof that this Reng suggestion is nothing more than a mad man’s babbling.’
‘Sounds like a plan.’ said Kaoldan preparing to stand.
‘Just before you go.’ interrupted Tokel.
Kubrean looked over to the old woman, who licked her lips and glanced at Kaoldan.
‘The request you made.’ she looked to Kubrean.
Kaoldan’s stomach tightened for some reason.
‘It’s erm… waiting for you at Prava.’
‘Really?’ exclaimed Kubrean. ‘So soon?’
‘Yes.’ nodded Tokel. ‘Seems that it was able to arrive quicker than we expected.’
‘Ah.’ said Kubrean thoughtfully. ‘Raises some issues then doesn’t it.’
‘Quite.’ said Tokel ‘Your idea though.’ reminded the old woman.
‘Thanks.’ said Kubrean dryly.
‘What are you two talking about?’ asked Kaoldan leaning forwards in his chair which creaked as he did so.
‘Ah yes, I’ve been meaning to speak to you about this.’ began Kubrean his eyes avoiding contact with Kaoldan querying looks. ‘I have asked for help, what with all the recent developments here and the help is waiting for us at Prava.’
‘Go on….’ said Kaoldan his eyes narrowed, sensing something was wrong.
‘Well, the help is mainly three other Walkers.’ replied Kubrean
‘Oh,’ said Kaoldan semi relieved sitting back in his chair. ‘Who are we meeting?’ he asked.
‘Hwengil and two others.’ said Kubrean.
‘Which two others?’ said Kaoldan his suspicion returning.
‘You know them very well in fact.’ replied Kubrean.
‘Your daughters - Romina and Zahara…’
Chapter 9 – Old Friends
‘What!’ exploded Kaoldan lurching out of his chair.
‘Absolutely not! Why would you do this?’ he asked Kubrean, his face filled with disgust.
Kubrean sat calm and still.
‘And you knew and said nothing?’ Kaoldan accused Tokel and Nova, his jaw tight. The old man shrugged.
‘Why in hell have you made such a request?’ he returned his fury to Kubrean.
‘Because I thought it the right thing to do.’ said Kubrean.
Kaoldan turned away breathing heavily as he did so. Clenching and unclenching his fists as he raised his hands to his head. He ran his fingers through his hair slowly, deliberately, trying to rationalise the words that he had heard.
‘It is time.’ said Kubrean.
‘No, no. It is not.’ shot Kaoldan through clenched teeth, pointing his finger at Kubrean. ‘This is not your decision to make.’ he swore under his breath.
‘It is actually.’ said Kubrean face like stone.
‘If it makes any difference, I do agree with Master Kubrean.’ offered Tokel calmly, her eyes cool.
‘Don’t throw titles into this.’ spat Kaoldan.
‘Why not?’ asked Kubrean standing up. ‘I can make such a decision regarding any Walkers, anywhere in Essealar. You forget your place, Kaoldan.’
‘And you forget yours.’ said Kaoldan. ‘I am their father…’
‘Really…?’ asked Kubrean softly.
Kaoldan’s head snapped up, his eyes locked with Kubrean, his face raging and reacted instantly punching Kubrean square in the jaw with a wild left hook.
Kaoldan regretted it as soon as he had swung his arm, it was a petulant and stupid thing to do. A punch born out of fear and frustration more than an intention to cause harm.
Kubrean reeled back more in shock than pain instinctively clutching his face.
Kaoldan stood still, shocked by his reaction as much as Kubrean by the act of violence. He felt his arms straightened pinned to his sides by looming invisible arms and was then dragged, boots scratching on the floor, unceremoniously towards the wall.
He looked to his left and saw Tokel’s face, twisted in immense effort and concentration, covered in sweat. Her hand slowly pushing, compressing a glowing blue ball of electricity. The ball hissed and chattered as she forced her outstretched fingers together, gasping with relief as her fingers touched and the ball disappeared into the palms of her hands.
Kaoldan tried to struggle, but could not, he stood rigid upright like a statue against the grey stone wall, unable to move.
‘That’s enough of that.’ gasped Tokel the effort disappeared from her face as she pulled her hands apart and then moved over to attend to Kubrean who had already started to rise to his feet with the help of a leather back chair.
Kubrean shot a look at Kaoldan - like a wounded animal - before wiping a small dribble of blood from the side of his mouth. He checked his hand, saw the blood, he paused if as considering something then looked again. He laughed as he straightened himself up, arching his neck and back with a grunt.
‘I’ll give you that one for free.’ he nodded. flexing his jaw. ‘This has clearly come as something of a shock to you, so I’ll excuse it. But it changes nothing.’ he turned rising to his full height, eyes fixed on Kaoldan. ‘Your daughters are coming back and that is the end of it. Let him down.’ Kubrean nodded towards Tokel.
The old woman hesitated looking at the restrained Kaoldan then back at Kubrean, who nodded reassuringly. She lightly sniffed, then brought her hands together, the blue ball reappeared, and then threw them apart as if releasing a bird into flight. The ball flashed outwards then disintegrated as it expanded into nothingness.
Kaoldan felt the pressure on his arms fade and he rolled his shoulders easing out the ache.
‘You have not seen them in, what is it now?’ queried Kubrean taking a seat at the table.
‘Six years.’ added Nova.
Kaoldan walked towards the window and paused. ‘It is the best thing to keep them where they are.’ he said.
‘Best for whom?’ asked Kubrean.
‘For them...!’ thundered Kaoldan banging his fist on the windowsill.
Nova jumped at the noise, but did nothing, his eyes still locked on Kaoldan.
‘Or for you?’ accused Kubrean.
‘No.’ said Kaoldan firmly ‘They are barely teenagers. They need to stay in Vanguard to complete their training.’
‘They have completed their training.’ said Tokel.
Kaoldan turned around his face softer and looked at the old woman. ‘When?’ he asked, voice barely a whisper.
‘4 months ago.’ said Nova
‘Why wasn’t I told?’ asked Kaoldan searching for answers in the three faces.
‘Because I didn't think that you needed to know, and you didn't ask.’ said Kubrean with a shrug.
Kaoldan bit his lip and slowly shook his head
‘Spare me.’ he said.
‘You didn’t.’ said Kubrean matter-of-factly.
‘Why would I not want to know that?’ asked Kaoldan.
‘You’ve shown precious little interest in them generally. One more piece of ignored news is hardly a change from the norm.’ said Kubrean.
‘I did what I believed to be in their best interests.’ said Kaoldan his eyes fixed on Kubrean. ‘They needed a distraction and somewhere safe to grow and learn; Vanguard is that place.’
> ‘Just because that worked for you does not mean it is best for them.’ said Tokel softly.
‘And what would you know about what is best for my children?’ Kaoldan spat out.
‘More than you might think.’ answered Nova glancing quickly at Kubrean who stayed silent.
‘Answer the question.’ pressed Kaoldan.
‘Another time...’ replied Nova.
‘No, no…’ said Kaoldan shaking his head vigorously ‘I really, I really must insist.’ he pressed, his face livid.
‘Enough.’ announced Kubrean. ‘The decision is made.’
‘It is not.’ challenged Kaoldan.
‘Walker! Do not let my calm demeanour fool you.’ thundered Kubrean rising to his feet. ‘The decision is made.’ he said softening his voice. ‘Your daughters are waiting for us and will be joining us as we seek to gather more information about this Reng.’ He paused his voice and moved to place a hand on Kaoldan's shoulder. ‘It will be safe, and no harm will come to them.’
Kaoldan batted the hand away, taking a step backwards.
‘Didn't you make that promise to the Duke?’ he spat.
Without waiting he turned and charged out of the room like a whirlwind before the dread-locked man could respond. He slammed the door behind him, it banged against the frame and shuddered back open as silence fell across the room.
Kubrean’s head dropped.
Nova placed a bony hand on Kubrean's shoulder.
‘He was never going to take it well.’ whispered the old man looking towards the still vibrating door.
‘I know.’ said Kubrean raising his head. ‘I had hoped he would have taken it better. It is the right thing to do, and the timing is right. It’s just...’ he shrugged.
‘I know… Yasmina.’ offered Nova
Kubrean nodded silently
‘I tried to tell him during the journey to Grihr, but the timing was never good enough. And then after her death there never was a right time. Still, he had to be told, and it is the right decision.’
‘And the rest?’ asked Tokel inspecting her cup then glancing up at the black man.
