The Foundlings (The Swords of Xigara)

by J. Mark Miller

  Now that the last Blade Bearer, Tander, had arrived, she assumed they’d move as soon as possible. Prophecy and fate wouldn’t allow them to mark time waiting for a silly girl to gather her courage.

  Tander was brave. She’d listened with rapt attention over dinner as he shared his story. He’d been forced to become a man overnight, forced to flee his home much as Tenna had been, though he’d returned some days later to find the city aflame and his sisters sacrificed to evil. His own father, the cause of so much pain and sorrow, had been shot through the heart before Tander’s eyes, killed by the very people he’d sold his family to. Though a traitor of the worst kind—a man willing to sacrifice his own children for his selfish desires—Tander grieved his loss.

  The boy had woven his tale with an expressive voice. Begun in tragedy, his journey sounded more like one of her father’s adventure tales. No human had been welcomed upon the shores of Nesos for millennia until Tander. No human had ever been named the friend of dragons, yet Mahir had bestowed the title upon the boy. Perhaps, Tenna said to herself, allowing oneself to become a tool in the hand of destiny wasn’t so bad after all.

  A twinge of jealousy ran through her as she recalled Tander’s description of the elf maid Derae. His voice dripped with infatuation as he spoke of her grace, humor, and generosity. Tenna felt foolish over her pettiness, especially when she remembered the boy’s response to one of Y’neth’s questions.

  “What did she look like?” the blue-skinned woman had asked.

  “W…well,” Tander had blushed, “she looked a lot like Tenna, except she had pointy ears.”

  Tenna’s face flushed red again, just as it had at the table. Tander had blushed as well, sending Y’neth into a fit of laughter over the pair’s discomfort. Tenna imagined she could still hear that laugh ringing in the air.

  “Last I saw that face,” Y’neth jovial voice startled her, “it was sitting across from me last night.”

  Tenna jumped, waking the kitten as he was jostled across her knees. Mas stood up and glowered at Y’neth in indignation. He turned his back on the woman, his tail drooping as he pranced up the bed to plop down on Tenna’s pillows. The sight made Y’neth throw her head back and laugh even harder.

  “Mas had found a new mistress I see,” Y’neth said. “I wondered why he didn’t come to my bed last night.”

  “Oh?” Tenna glanced down at the cat. Mas returned the look with half-lidded eyes filled with smug satisfaction.

  “I think he grew jealous of my captain’s attentions,” Y’neth said. “I pray he proves less fickle towards you, though if your scarlet cheeks are due to a certain young man at table last night, Mas may scorn you as well.”

  “As if my life weren’t complicated enough,” Tenna muttered. “All I need is one boy jealous over another who barely notices me.”

  “Oh, no,” Y’neth disagreed. “He only had eyes for you last night.”

  “Because I was the only girl his age around,” Tenna whined. “Put me in a crowd and I’m sure he’d never notice me. Besides, we only just met. I’m not so silly to fall in love with a boy because he’s dashing and speaks with a pretty voice.”

  Y’neth chuckled and sat on the bed next to Tenna. “Time will tell, and time together is something you will soon have in abundance.”

  “Maybe,” Tenna said with a careful pause. “I’m considering staying behind and joining the acolyte order.”

  “Indeed?” Y’neth raised an eyebrow. “And you’ve discussed this with your father?”

  Tenna looked away. Her eyes welled up against her will, sending a tear drifted down her cheek. Y’neth reached up and brushed it away with a soft fingertip.

  “What is it, Tenna?” Y’neth asked.

  “I can’t talk to my father,” Tenna said.

  “Of course you can. Don’t be silly, child.”

  “No, he…he’s not the man who raised me anymore.”

  Y’neth took Tenna’s hand in her own. “He is the same man, Tenna, it’s only that you’ve discovered another part of who he is.”

  Tenna jerked her hand away. “Yeah, the part that kept secrets from me. I always thought I knew everything, but I found out I really didn’t know him at all.”

  “Listen to me, and listen well,” Y’neth’s voice was calm and steady. “Every parent keeps secrets from their children, often for their own good. You have to trust your father and know that anything he kept from you he did it to protect you. You’ve seen glimpses of the forces against us, forces he knew he might have to one day face. He’s tried to keep you from danger, Tenna, not keep you ignorant.”

  Tenna got up and walked away. “He could have told me more, especially after that dragon came after us. Don’t you think I was owed some kind of explanation then? But nothing, not a word unless I pulled it out of him one grudging word after another. I’ve learned more from Doulos—a complete stranger—than from my own father.”

  “And you feel left out,” Y’neth said.

  “I feel cast aside,” Tenna’s shouted. “My father’s had nothing on his mind but Xigara’s swords since the day he found one. I know they’re important, but it’s like he’s forgotten I even exist.”

  “So now you believe it would be better if you stay behind.”

  “Maybe…,” Tenna dropped back on the bed. “I don’t know.”

  “Taking the vow of an acolyte and leaving your name behind is not something done lightly.”

  “Is that what you did?”

  “No,” Y’neth shook her head. “I was a special case and only laid my name aside temporarily. I doubt a human would be granted the same dispensation, even the daughter of a Bearer. In truth, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn a Bearer’s heir might be barred from taking an acolyte’s vows. Destiny surely has more in store for you than permanently separating you from your name and heritage.”

  “I’m not his daughter in truth,” Tenna shrugged and looked away. “I’m only an orphan he found wandering the bazaar. He’s a good man who raised me as his own but I’m not his blood. I doubt there’s any preordained destiny for me, I just happened to get caught in the tide.”

  Y’neth took Tenna’s hands in her own. “It’s not for me to say what your destiny might be but I offer you this advice. Speak to your father before you make a decision. He loves and cares for you more than life itself, that’s very clear. He’d abandon his own destiny before letting any harm befall you. Seek his counsel.”

  Tenna nodded somberly, and the room fell silent.

  “Enough of that,” Y’neth stood with a smile. “I came with brighter intentions in mind. I thought you and I might spend the day together. The High Keeper has pulled all the acolytes into special duties and dismissed me for the day. I think a Naming ceremony is being arranged. My captain has duties he’s put off far too long and finds himself indisposed for the day. I thought this made for a good opportunity to get to know you better.”

  “I’d like that too,” Tenna smiled.

  “Come then, get out of bed and get dressed. I’ll show you my favorite spots around the grounds.”

  Tenna bounded out of bed, disturbing Mas again. He stretched, saw Tenna heading toward the back room, then dashed after her, his claws skittering on the floor. He found her sitting at the bath’s edge, her legs submerged up to the knees. He gave the water a mistrustful glare before collapsing on the steps to begin washing himself.

  “Mmm,” Tenna moaned, “I wish I had time for a bath. Have you tried the baths here, Y’neth?”

  “I prefer my bath to be quite a bit larger,” Y’neth called from the other room. “I find it hard to swim in so confined a space.”

  “Oh,” Tenna blushed, harboring a suspicion Y’neth was laughing at her again.

  Tenna decided to disrobe and give herself a quick scrub from head to toe. She left the bath and toweled herself dry as she padded over to the wardrobe. There she chose a golden hued robe from within. She preferred the blue but it had been taken to the laundry.

  “Gold
suits you,” Y’neth told her when she emerged from the back room. “You should wear it more often.”

  “I’d prefer a blue like yours,” Tenna said. “It’s my favorite color.”

  “Mine too, and a good thing.” Y’neth smiled as she pointed at the skin of her bare arm. Tenna couldn’t help but giggle.

  They meandered through the Shrine’s maze of passages until they came upon one of the many kitchens. They packed a light meal in a knapsack, neither of them wanting anything heavy after the fare of the previous evening.

  They talked and nibbled as they walked. Y’neth pointed out the natural wonders living in and around the sprawling sanctuary. They passed several green robed caretakers as they labored to preserve the balance between the natural jungle habitat and the needs of the Shrine’s residents. The tann woman often paused to hover around the garden pools, at one point going so far as to dive in and swim with a pair of pink, freshwater dolphins who’d ventured up the river and into the haven’s interconnected pools. The pair circled Y’neth, chittering happily, but shied away from Tenna when she reached out a hand. It was then she noticed Mas sitting at her side eyeing the fish swimming nearby.

  “The dolphins distrust those who don’t swim,” Y’neth said. “Take off your robes and join us.”

  Tenna blushed. “I don’t have anything on under my robes.”

  “I doubt the dolphins would mind,” Y’neth laughed and shook her head. “You surface dwellers are so prudish.”

  Tenna contented herself with watching as Y’neth cavorted with the dolphins. The trio took turns diving deep, only to surge upward and launch themselves high above the water’s surface to spin gracefully in the air before plunging back into the water with a splash. In time the dolphins chittered their goodbyes and made for the river, leaving Y’neth and the pool’s regular inhabitants behind.

  “Invigorating,” Y’neth said as she stepped from the pool and shook herself dry. “I’m always glad when there are mammals to play with. Fish are pretty, but they have no personality.”

  “I’ll have to take your word for it,” Tenna laughed. “My experience with fish has been limited to eating them.”

  “Yes,” Y’neth smiled, “they’re good for that too.”

  “Do you miss living beneath the surface?” Tenna asked.

  “Hmm,” Y’neth considered the question while wringing out her hair. “I do at times. There are places of unparalleled beauty in the depths, places no human eyes have ever seen, or even could see in the same way my people are able. There are places in the deep that glow of their own accord. Fish who flash with bright colors to draw their prey. There’s a range of volcanos near my birthplace that warm the water and light the horizon with a crimson glow.

  “Even the shallows are beautiful and they teem with life. Uncounted creatures thrive in the Great Reef, among them the most colorful fish in all the oceans. I miss living below among such beauty, but there are equal beauties on the land as well. We have no trees full of birds singing in the deep and certainly nothing so majestic as Mas here.”

  Upon hearing his name, the little jungle cat raised a proud chin and started to purr.

  “What about your people?” Tenna insisted. “Don’t you miss your family?”

  Y’neth leaned back and closed her eyes. “My heart aches sometimes, but I can’t go back.”

  “Why? Have you been exiled?”

  “Not exactly,” Y’neth said, “though you might say I’ve exiled myself. Since coming to live on the surface, my eyes have been opened to the rigid, intractable nature of my people. They’ve become stagnant and self-righteous in their isolation, and I doubt they’ve had an innovative thought in centuries. There’s no new music, no new art, no new literature—nothing unique or original in ages. Originality has come to be viewed as eccentric at best and heretical or insane at worst.

  “As for my family, they turned their backs on me. When I proclaimed my desire to serve Onúl by helping those farthest from Him, my mother denounced me. In her mind I was soiling myself by associating with the lowly, by feeding the hungry or healing the sick, especially humans. She told me I was a traitor to our kind, and that…”

  Y’neth balled up her fists, her lips drawing to a tight close. Tenna’s eyes filled with tears, and she reached out to Y’neth in the silence. “I never meant to dredge up painful memories.”

  “It’s no matter,” Y’neth said. “I seldom allow those memories to be far from the forefront of my mind. They’re a reminder of who I am and the choices I’ve made. But come, enough of such talk. I’ve turned the waters dark. Let’s go where the sun shines bright.”

  Y’neth grabbed Tenna by the hand and pulled her to her feet. She led them down a winding path through the gardens until they reached a curving interior wall. There they found a wrought iron ladder leading up to the roof. Mas gave a plaintive mew as they left him behind.

  “Oh, bother,” Tenna huffed and bent down to pick up the cat, draping him over her shoulder. “Good thing you’re tiny. If you get as big as your sire you’ll be able to carry me around.”

  Mas simply nuzzled against her neck and purred.

  They stepped out into the sun near the place where Tenna had seen her father watch Mahir’s arrival. The distinct ring of steel on steel resounded from below and they moved to the edge of the roof to discover the source.

  A circle of onlookers sat watching a pair of familiar swordsmen spar on the greensward between the scriptorium and the arbor. Katalas wore his ranger garb as he faced Tander who was stripped to the waist, wearing a pair of linen trousers. The boy was sweating hard, struggling to keep pace with his fleet-footed opponent. Tenna had little experience with swordplay, but even she could see the boy was at a severe disadvantage.

  Along with being outclassed by a master swordsman, the boy was wielding a heavy longsword. He managed a two-handed swing in a futile effort to make contact with an opponent able to nimbly step aside long before the heavy blade could find its intended target. The heat and humidity were taking their toll on the boy as well. Where Katalas was familiar with the climate, Tander had been born in a milder, dried latitude. He didn’t know how to pace himself and lessen the region’s effects on his body.

  Waves of raucous laughter split the air as the boy swung and missed a second time. Duras clapped in favor of his old friend, very much at the expense of the weary boy. While meant in good-natured fun, Tenna could see Tander taking the jibes personally.

  “I yield,” Tander held up his hands in defeat then bowed to Katalas, receiving one in return. He turned long enough to glare at the dwarf before stomping off across the lawn, muttering to himself in anger. Tenna watched as the elf joined Duras, scowling at his old friend. Onahim sobered somewhat, though his shoulders still quaked with laughter.

  “The boy has potential,” Y’neth said, “if only he can hold his frustration in check when facing an exceptional swordsman. Even in exhaustion his fundamentals are solid. Someone trained him well.”

  Before Tenna could respond, she was interrupted by a voice behind them.

  “Ladies, please pardon the intrusion, but I bear a message from the High Keeper.”

  They turned to see a white robed boy standing on the roof behind them.

  “Please, say on,” Y’neth smiled.

  “The High Keeper bids you to join her in one hour’s time for dinner and a conference.” Pausing, he looked directly at Y’neth. “She also bids you bring your gift, my lady.” With that, he walked away.

  “So much for our afternoon,” Y’neth said dryly.

  54

  Ulquiy

  Eldinn, Emperor of Madhebah, felt like a god.

  There was a time that he believed his greatest desire was to leave a legacy behind, a legacy that would prompt future historians to look back and name him Eldinn the Wise. The recent catastrophes had changed that destiny but still offered the chance to make a name for himself.

  Eldinn the Restorer. Eldinn the Rebuilder.

  Now he swe
pt such thoughts aside. After the visitation of Sane, after cleaning Hocsaros of its Ulquiy filth, such titles were too small. Those titles were only fit for men who led quiet and insignificant lives. No, he was meant for greater things. His march across the world would shake it to its very foundations, leaving no doubt he was so much more than human.

  Godlike indeed.

  Eldinn the Conquerer was a visionary who would usher in the golden age of mankind. The world would finally be claimed by those for whom it was made. No more would mankind look beyond himself for guidance. No more would mankind labor in the shadow of elves and dwarves. Man would take up the mantle of his own destiny.

  Soon, so very soon, the scattered tribes of man would be gathered under his hand. They would drive the elves and dwarves into the deep places, locking them in their caves forever.

  Better yet, they would drive them into the sea.

  Eldinn’s people would sweep across the land, creating an indivisible empire straddling the face of the known world and beyond. Then, and only then, would he allow himself to rest. Only when nothing but mankind remained to live under his watchful eye.

  Such was the power granted to him by the war goddess. Though he’d at first dismissed her as a crazy witch of some sort, he came to realize her power was real.

  He’d only struck their original bargain to be rid of her and move on with his plans without further harassment. He meant to betray her, especially after her promises seemed to go unanswered. Then came the day when legion upon legion of yellow-skinned yrch arrived to swell his ranks and bow to his every whim. He quickly saw the advantage of having her as an ally.