Rise and Fall (Book 1)

by Joshua P. Simon

  Tobin saw the comment took Walor aback. A Kifzo doesn’t show appreciation. A Kifzo doesn’t have friends. Both are signs of weakness. He could hear his uncle’s words in his head from when he trained them as boys. From the silence, Tobin thought he had made a mistake. He is not Nachun. I shouldn’t have said anything.

  Walor nodded and even smiled. “You have no need to give thanks. I always knew you to be the better son. In time, others will see the same.”

  Tobin nodded in appreciation. He wanted to tell Walor that those words meant more to him than he would ever know, but he dare not expose himself further. He took a gamble by opening up to the man just as Walor took one in responding so openly back to him.

  Best to leave things as they are for now.

  The two parted company. Nothing else needed to be said.

  * * *

  Once Tobin became Warleader, Bazraki no longer kept his plans hidden. Tobin attended the strategy meetings with his father and advisors. However, he was often relegated to the side and only on a rare occasion was he asked to provide his own input.

  But at least I’m here. That’s far more than what I was ever allowed before. Besides, when the arguing is done and everyone is dismissed, Father gives me, not Kaz, his final decision. And I am allowed to distribute such knowledge amongst my warriors as I see fit.

  However, there was a downside to the position that he hadn’t expected. Receiving Bazraki’s plans, unfiltered from Kaz, cast his father in a different light. The battle strategies were often riddled with holes and full of obvious weaknesses. They even contradicted some of the most basic principles of warfare Tobin’s uncle had taught him as a boy.

  And maybe this is why Kaz never told anyone what Father’s entire orders were. He was probably changing the orders himself but Father was never near the action to know better. Before Uncle Cef’s death, he must have also covered for Father.

  His suspicion regarding his father’s inadequate military strategy only grew with each meeting he attended. Even now, as talk focused on the conquest of the Yellow Plain, Bazraki crushed each well thought out concern that Nachun brought up.

  And Father’s lackeys support him without question. They prematurely celebrate his victory over a clan nearly double our size as if the matter has been decided. Watching the events unfold, he found himself appreciating Nachun’s tenacity even more in getting Bazraki to agree to his previous ideas.

  At the meeting’s conclusion, the room emptied except for Nachun, Tobin, and Bazraki.

  “Nachun, fill Tobin in with the news we received today.”

  Tobin shook his head. Father can’t even be troubled with giving the information himself.

  “We’ve received reports that the Gray Marsh Clan has begun harassing the outer villages on the southern end of the Yellow Plain. So far, it appears that Mawkuk will uphold his part of the deal,” said Nachun.

  Tobin nodded. “I had not doubted he would.” I saw his fear.

  “Yes, well he still has much left to prove before I share your confidence. I do not trust as easily as you,” said Bazraki.

  Tobin did not miss the insult.

  “I’m sending word to him about our plans to start the campaign. His orders are to continue his raids until instructed otherwise,” continued Bazraki.

  “And also your strategy?” asked Tobin.

  “He will not know anything that was discussed tonight. Do you take me for a fool? I’m not one to share such things with anyone I do not trust,” said Bazraki.

  Good. Then Mawkuk will not realize how ill informed you are, Father.

  “I did not mean to imply you were a fool, El Olam. I just assumed it would be best for us to leave our plans open ended for any changes that might be needed from now until we meet the Yellow Clan in battle.”

  Bazraki met Tobin’s eyes. His lips formed a thin line. “What changes?”

  Did Kaz never tell him that even the best laid plans require adjustments when in the heat of battle?

  “Not changes, El Olam. I’m sure what Tobin meant to say was any last minute fine tuning to the details is all.” said Nachun trying to deflect the rising anger evident in Bazraki.

  Tobin knew it would be easier to just agree with Nachun. But for some reason, he couldn’t bring himself to do so. “No, Nachun. I meant that there are some things that as Warleader I may need to adjust before we go into battle. I think that Nachun’s distribution of supplies and troops was closer to how I would align our resources given what your scouts have reported back.”

  Bazraki seethed. “Your brother would never dare question my authority.”

  My brother. The sudden thought enraged Tobin. “Never to your face, perhaps. But what little I’ve known of your original plans in the past were often far different than those Kaz issued to us, Father.”

  A thick hand shot out, snapping Tobin’s head to the side as one of his father’s rings caught his bottom lip. Tobin tasted blood.

  “El Olam…” started Nachun.

  But Bazraki cut him off, raising a hand in warning. “Silence. I do not need your advice when it comes to this.”

  Tobin licked his lips to wipe away the blood. He said nothing.

  “You will call me ‘El Olam,’ you insolent fool,” continued Bazraki as he stared down Tobin. “First you disrespect me and question my decisions. Then you speak ill of your brother who is a man far better than what you have become. I don’t know why I made you Warleader,” said Bazraki.

  Despite his rage, Tobin thought to calm the situation. I can swallow my pride and apologize. “Father, I…”

  A hand whipped out again but this time Tobin caught it. And he squeezed, digging his fingers deep into his father’s wrist as he forced the hand down. His father’s eyes grew large from shock and his other hand shot up toward Tobin. But Tobin caught it as well, pinning both of his father’s wrists. Despite the predicament, Bazraki’s glare never wavered from Tobin’s eyes, almost as if he was in denial of what was happening.

  This isn’t what I wanted to happen, Tobin thought. But he knew it was too late to go back and so he pushed on with what he started.

  “You will not raise a hand at me ever again, Father,” said Tobin, spitting the word out. “And you made me Warleader because you had to. Choosing anyone else would have been an insult to your pride. Removing me from command would be even worse.”

  He slowly eased the grip on his father’s wrists and to his surprise Bazraki left his hands at his sides. “Do what you want on a larger scale, Father. Conquer your land, form your alliances, and build your cities. That is your legacy. But the battlefield shall be mine.”

  Bazraki stood there, his face hard and chest heaving with each massive breath. He stared at Tobin. Tobin was sure that his father would call for his guards at any moment or take matters into his own hands and reach for the dagger at his belt but he did neither. “Get out,” he said finally. “Both of you, get out of my sight.”

  Tobin and Nachun left without another word.

  * * *

  Roaming the palace halls, Tobin contemplated what had led him to lash out at his father. It didn’t take long for him to figure out. Neglect. Ridicule. Unrealistic expectations. Lack of love. His father was a callous man and standing up to him for the first time in his life seemed to clear Tobin’s mind to face those harsh realizations.

  He has never loved me so why do I care if he starts now?

  He found himself wanting to talk about these things, but given the late hour, he decided to keep walking instead, up and down stairs, in and out of rooms and hallways.

  Tobin would normally seek advice from Nachun first. However, the two had parted rather abruptly after leaving Bazraki’s war room and gone in separate directions. The surprised and questioning look on the shaman’s face still bothered Tobin as well.

  He sighed. I may have ruined all he had worked for to gain my father’s confidence.

  He could seek out Walor. He and the head scout shared a bond unlike what Tobin had with the other
Kifzo, though neither would openly admit it. And that’s why I can’t go to him now. Besides, I should not show such weakness to him for I am still his Warleader…at least for now.

  An image of Lucia then popped into his mind. She said that she would be there for me if I needed it. She would not ridicule me. She is too good of a woman for something like that. He shook his head. But then she will likely bring up Kaz. I’m sure he never cried like a little boy on her shoulder. I can’t go to her now and give her another opportunity to compare us.

  “Warleader?” came a surprised voice.

  Tobin looked up blinking. He was so preoccupied with his thoughts, he had drifted along the darkened corridors with this head down until coming to a stop outside of Odala’s room. He hid his own surprise by keeping to the shadows, away from the flickering torch near the door. “Have the prisoners gone to bed?”

  “Some time ago, I believe. It is very late,” said the guard with a questioning tone.

  “It is,” replied Tobin. He added nothing more, letting the guard wonder at the purpose of his visit. He wasn’t sure what they assumed, but he would not give them an answer. He was Warleader after all. His reasons were his own and none of their concern.

  They stepped aside and Tobin knocked on the door. What am I doing here? Lucia. Thinking of her must have led me here. He waited patiently at the door. It was too late to turn around and appear indecisive. After a moment, the door crept open and Tobin pushed his way inside.

  * * *

  Tobin turned and closed the door quickly, leaving the guards behind and exchanging one awkward moment for another. He knew Odala would be upset at him for waking her. And what excuse do I give her for this visit?

  He turned to face her and froze. The moonlight from the open window illuminated the outlines of Odala’s body through the almost transparent night gown she wore. His heart raced. She looks like Lucia in my dreams.

  She moved suddenly, reaching for a robe that she draped over herself, hiding the details of her body. But it was too late, the vision had etched itself into his mind, and he felt shame once again. He blinked his eyes, hoping to clear those thoughts. His gaze met hers and the look on her face was not what he had expected. He assumed she would be disgusted but she seemed almost concerned.

  That can’t be right.

  She took a step forward and raised her hand. Tobin flinched away out of reflex but his reaction did not deter her. Her hand only moved slower, until it rested on his face, her thumb on his lip. Despite the chill in the air, her touch was warm, comforting.

  “What happened?” she whispered.

  Tobin noticed the tone in her voice had changed as well. Is this some sort of trick? But what could she gain by deceiving me?

  “Where you in a fight?” she asked.

  Tobin shook his head, still unsure what to say or whether to say anything at all.

  Her hand drifted away from his face while her other reached out and grabbed his own. So delicate and caring. Just like Lucia’s, he thought.

  “Come,” she said leading him to a bench near the window. “Tell me.”

  Tobin wasn’t sure why but he let his guard down then and opened up to her in a way he had always wanted to with Lucia. In a way he never had to anyone else, not even Nachun.

  He talked for hours while Odala listened and occasionally offered a word of comfort or encouragement. Though he barely remembered half of what he said, he doubted he would ever forget the look of genuine care on her face when he left.

  * * *

  A warm, red light from the rising sun bled into the room. Odala watched it reflect across the bronze door handle as Tobin exited her chambers. She was exhausted. If only for today, she was glad to be a captive. At least here she could sleep the day away and not be ridiculed for doing so.

  “I never thought he would leave.”

  Odala jumped in her seat and gave her brother an evil look as he peered through a cracked doorway.

  He held up his hands as he stepped into her room. “Sorry.”

  “Were you eavesdropping the entire night?”

  He nodded. “He was so engrossed with you that he was unaware of what was happening around him.” He paused, his voice taking on a serious tone. “You did the right thing.”

  She shook her head. “He frightens me. You heard the things he talked about.”

  He nodded. “I’m surprised he spoke so openly about his training.”

  Odala shivered. “If all of their Kifzo suffered through such things, it is no wonder they are unmatched on the battlefield.”

  “Yes. And he barely scratched the surface. Even still, for him to talk so freely with you says many things.”

  “Such as?”

  “He wants to talk. And you are the person he wants to talk to. And most important is that he trusts you.”

  “I do not wish to hear about such things. I had to suppress my own reactions several times upon hearing his monstrosities.”

  “Is that why you barely spoke?”

  She nodded.

  “Then change that. Learn to direct the conversation into areas that can help our people. I will help you practice.”

  “He’ll know I’m playing with him.”

  “He didn’t know last night. He is unstable and that makes him someone easy to manipulate,” said Soyjid, smiling.

  * * *

  Tobin wiped his brow and rammed the practice sword point-first into the ground with a grunt. He snatched up a skin of water and drank deep. Even with a cool breeze blowing, sweat poured from his body. Although he tried to hide his fatigue, his limbs felt numb after a day’s worth of Walor’s drills and sparring, always against two opponents at a time.

  “I think that’s enough for today,” said Walor.

  Tobin shrugged as he tried to look indifferent. In truth he was thankful for the respite. “Where did you learn all of these drills?” Tobin asked, after taking a moment to catch his breath.

  “Some came from Kaz. Others simply came from trial and error.”

  “I think even my uncle would have been impressed by your techniques,” complimented Tobin.

  “No offense, but I never liked the man,” said Walor.

  Tobin grunted. “Few did. But he was effective in training us. Same as you. I can feel the improvement in my skills already.”

  “You always were a fast learner, even when we were boys.”

  Tobin heard the bitterness in Walor’s voice, though he knew it came from recalling those rough times from their youth, rather than anything Tobin had done. Few Kifzo spoke about their childhood, but Tobin was certain that many felt as he did about it, though none would ever admit such a thing. They were all pushed into a life of bloodshed and were never given the opportunity to experience joy.

  Another reason to hate my father.

  The two men looked up as Nachun approached from a distance. He noticed the shaman’s new robes were red with few markings of blue. He is so bold to reference his previous life.

  Tobin nodded in greeting as the shaman came closer. They had spoken little since Tobin stood up to Bazraki. It was not abnormal to spend some time apart as each had their responsibilities to see to. However, once they were together again, Tobin could feel the closeness, the bond two friends shared. Tobin set out to meet the shaman away from the other Kifzo.

  “I bring news from El Olam,” said Nachun.

  “My father treats you as a messenger now?” asked Tobin.

  Nachun shrugged. “He sees it as a way to punish me, just as he punishes you by giving you information second hand.” He let out a heavy sigh. “Now you know why I hid so many of my plans from you. It was not that I was necessarily being secretive, I just didn’t want you to see that side of your father.”

  He snorted. “It’s too late for that now.” After standing up to Bazraki, Tobin had waited for some punishment to come down but nothing happened. Rumors of Tobin’s actions had reached many of the Kifzo and he heard their whispers when they thought he wasn’t paying attention
.

  No doubt Nachun’s doing as I haven’t said anything.

  He had assumed many would be upset he stood against his father, their ruler. However, many had become disenfranchised with Bazraki, and Tobin’s outburst had only increased their level of respect toward him.

  “What news do you bring?” asked Tobin

  “He wanted to confirm that all preparations have been made.” said Nachun.

  “They were finished days ago,” said Tobin.

  “Good. Then we leave in the morning for the Yellow Plain.”

  Chapter 21

  Elyse stared out of the carriage, watching the landscape drift by.

  “Is there something wrong, Your Majesty?” asked Lobella.

  Elyse smiled. “Just lost in thought, I’m afraid. I hope I’m not bringing you down as well.”

  “Oh, of course not. In fact, I was doing the same. I was thinking of Lyrosene. It may sound silly but this is the first time I’ve ever been outside of the city.”

  “Really?” asked Elyse sounding a bit too surprised. Of course she wouldn’t have traveled as much as I have. She never had access to the resources that I did.

  “Oh yes, Your Majesty. My entire family is from Lyrosene so we really never had much of a reason to leave the city. Well, except my mother that is. But her family passed away from the plague when she was barely my age.”

  “I’ve heard stories of that time. I’m sorry for your losses.”

  Lobella smiled. “Thank you, Your Majesty. You are too kind. She only has me now and a few distant cousins we rarely see.”

  “You miss her already, don’t you?”

  “Very much so.”

  “I’m sorry you had to come with me. I tried to find another way but I needed someone I could trust to attend me while away from the city.”

  “Oh, I understand. Your brother hired nearly half a dozen servants to replace me in caring for my mother in my absence. He said that not only would she be cared for, but that he would see to her home being repaired to look as new as the day it was built. I told him not go to any trouble but he insisted.”