Rise of the Red Harbinger

by Khalid Uddin

  As an extra measure to ensure that none were tempted to break these laws, the king at the time, Roald, forged an agreement with the Anonymi that they would train all servants of the Blind, with the condition that the servants would not pass this teaching onto others. The punishment for this offense was death, as well as an end to the Anonymi training the servants. It was argued by many that the Anonymi were just as dangerous, if not more so, as the Taurani.

  Garrison and Marika were led to the main hall, where the servants gestured for them to be seated on a white cushioned bench. More servants came with trays of colorful juices and small plates of pastries balanced atop their heads. Garrison had remembered this detail from his last visit so many years ago. All of the servants of the Blind wore loose, flowing white robes with scores of pockets of all sizes. However, many also wore wide, deep square hats that they used for carrying trays, books, clothing, and all sorts of things. As a child, Garrison had asked an elder servant why she wore such a strange hat, and she had replied, “Dear boy, you try leading around a Blind Man while also carrying his lunch and his books as well!”

  The servants did not wait for Garrison and Marika to accept or deny food and drink. They left the trays with them and ran off to tend to other responsibilities. After the flourish, only one servant remained at the bench. “What happened to our things?” Garrison asked. “Have they put them away?”

  The servant, a slender boy not much older than Garrison, held his index finger before his lips, and whispered. “We have secured your belongings in your quarters. It is likely that you plan to stay for at least a day. Though may I advise that you wait until your companions’ health has been restored for you to depart? I would conjecture that it will be at least two or three days until your companions are capable of leaving.”

  The young servant’s accent was Cerysian. Servants of the Blind hailed from every part of Ashur. Most were relatives of the Augurs, the official title of the Blind, but not always. Garrison imagined it would be interesting to spend a few days in the Tower to hear all of the accents. He lowered his voice to a whisper as well. “Your hospitality is appreciated, but we shall leave in the morning. We are being followed and the longer we wait, the more dangerous it becomes for us.” Garrison picked a pastry from the tray.

  “It is not my place to argue. If that is what you must do, then it is so. We shall provide you with any needs and supplies necessary for the road ahead.”

  Garrison finished chewing the pastry, it had been filled with peaches, not his favorite but quite enjoyable considering he hadn’t eaten since morning. “Thank you. Why is it that we must whisper? And what is your name?”

  “We whisper to maintain the silence of the Tower. Because they cannot see, the Augurs function better when relying on their ears. However, speaking tends to disturb their concentration. Concerning my name, it is forbidden that I tell you.”

  “Forbidden? Why? And if you are not allowed to speak, then does no one speak at a normal volume in the Tower?”

  “As you know, we are trained by the Anonymi. One of the conditions for the Anonymi to agree to train us was that we must adopt their customs and rules. And one of those customs was that we discard our names.”

  “Is that not difficult with the Blind? How do they know who you are?”

  “Oh, the Augurs have their ways. They are quite keen when it comes to minute details. They tend to give us their own names as well, usually based on how they identify us. When each of us completed our training, the Anonymi leaders gave us a new name. But those given names are only used among Anonymi. To answer your other question, speaking is allowed in designated areas. There are numerous common rooms throughout the Tower where conversation is allowed, as well as in the Augur’s quarters. It is simply a courtesy to them that we cater to their preferences in the public areas of the Tower. After all, this was built for them, not us.”

  Garrison nodded his head and looked around. It became very clear to him that the Tower catered to the Blind. The main hall in which they sat was an enormous circle, as were all of the pillars. Garrison imagined the dangers to the Blind being around sharp corners. Furthermore, there were no tapestries or paintings or any designs on the walls. The whole place had a very sterile feel to it. “The hospitality has been impeccable, my friend. But why have we not met any Blind Men or Women yet? Surely some would be willing to greet us?”

  The servant nodded. “Yes, I understand your confusion, Master Garrison. You and your companions arrived at the onset of evening, which is when most of the Augurs are sitting down to supper. They are very routine oriented and strongly dislike straying from their timetables, I hope you understand. That being said, some of the servants went to notify one or two Augurs of your arrival, as some do not like to eat until later. However, it is a custom that, when graced with visitors, the Augurs relish the opportunity to greet their guests with a personal prophecy, positive in nature if possible. I imagine that any delay is because the Augurs are searching for a prophecy to share.”

  Garrison bit into another pastry; this one was filled with raspberries and much tastier than the previous. As many as Garrison had eaten, Marika sat quietly next to him and had already cleared half of the tray. “I have noticed that I have yet to be addressed by the title of ‘Prince’; would I be correct to assume that part of your agreement with the Anonymi is that you shed any fealty to nations and leaders?”

  “That is an accurate assumption. I hope you do not take any offense to the matter. Before my training nearly five years ago, I held a great deal of reverence for you, as well as for your brother and the Lion Cub. I grew up in Maradon, so we only heard stories of the three of you.”

  The Lion Cub. Wendell would laugh if he knew people still called him that. Because of Wendell’s distinct blonde hair, he’d been given that nickname as a little boy. Garrison smirked and stifled a laugh. “Thank you. You should be aware, however, that I am no longer the Prince of Ashur, as of this morning.” The servant’s eyes widened and Garrison continued, “My father has charged me as a criminal and traitor because I wish to be formally trained by the House of Darian. His soldiers are now hunting me down.” Garrison noticed the servant stifle a grimace at the mention of the king.

  The servant still stood before Garrison, erect, with his hands clasped behind his back. “That is…unfortunate. You have come to the right place for asylum. Now I understand your desire to leave in the morning. A lengthy stay here would not only bring your pursuers closer, but would also allow their numbers to increase. Do they know you are here?”

  Garrison slumped against the back of the bench. “They would be foolish to think any differently. We were chased to the Eye and my horse was killed. Although we killed the soldiers who pursued us, anyone who followed them will notice that the boats are gone. We set the rest of the boats on fire.”

  “Yes. You did not leave much room for other possibilities. Have you a plan for the rest of your journey?”

  “I barely had time to plan the beginning of my journey. From here, my only two options would be through Galicea or through Mireya. Galicea is overrun with soldiers and by morning, news will have reached that I am a criminal. I have no doubts that there is a price on my head. The only question is whether my father wants to kill me himself.”

  “I do pray that the Augurs have foreseen your safe arrival to the House, Garrison. Why even consider Galicea when Mireya will provide a faster route to the House of Darian? Not to mention, Mireyans are notoriously protective of Descendants. The town of Gangjeon sits southwest at the banks of the Eye.”

  Garrison could only smile regretfully at the suggestion. Marika sat quietly next to him, likely regretting the decision to help him. “The problem is, my friend, I am an enemy to both sides of that conflict. Until recent years, I led the king’s soldiers to hunt down and kill Descendants. I have not been to Mireya in over two years, but I fear the Mireyans will be just as eager to kill me as my father’s soldiers.”

  The servant cast his eyes to the f
loor at Garrison’s admission. “I see. Perhaps it may still be better to take your chances with the Mireyans.”

  Marika interrupted, “No. From here, we go directly to the House. The more we prolong this journey, the more we risk being caught. Servant, is there anything that will give cover between here and the House? Mountains, forest, caves?”

  “Indeed. To the southwest there is an extensive forest. At the other side of it is the Serpent. Perhaps you can also use that to distance your enemies.”

  Garrison cut off Marika before she could ask the question, “The Serpent is a river that flows through Galicea. The southernmost part of it is less than a day’s ride to the House.”

  Marika nodded. “Our course is set. However, there is one thing that must be done once we depart.” She turned to the servant, “You must send another boat toward the town you mentioned. In the chance that an ambush awaits us, at least that might throw off anyone waiting for us.”

  “Very well. It will be no trouble for us to provide an additional boat. There may even be one traveling to Gangjeon tomorrow anyway. We can also equip you with horses and food if you would like.”

  Garrison smiled once more. “That would be quite helpful. Is there any possibility that you have weapons to loan us?”

  “I apologize, Garrison. It is not our way to keep weapons in the Tower. We do collect the weapons of any guest, but they are untouched and then returned when guests leave.”

  “I understand. Then perhaps we could have a look at your storage rooms in the morning?”

  The servant’s brow furrowed. “That should not be a problem. I shall refrain from questioning your interest in this. I shall meet you at your quarters in the morning and show you the way. Why, what timing. Here comes Augur Harlan now. Hopefully he has glad tidings for you.”

  “One question before you leave. You made it clear that the Tower does not take sides in the wars and quarrels of the rest of Ashur. Yet, you are helping us against the King of Ashur. I do not understand.”

  “Garrison, you are not seeing the situation from the correct perspective. I am not taking a side. I am helping to preserve a precious life. Four precious lives, in fact. While the Tower abstains from the conflicts of the outside world, we support the preservation of life above anything else. I shall see you in the morning.” The servant scuttled away without waiting for a response.

  Another servant slowly approached, leading a Blind Man who must have been Harlan. Garrison stood and Marika followed his actions. Garrison glanced down at the pastry tray, which was now empty, then looked agape at Marika. She understood his countenance immediately and the twin black lines on her face could not hide her reddened cheeks. Marika then smiled, “Do not judge me, dear boy. It has been over a day since I have eaten anything of substance.”

  Harlan now stood before them in a dark green robe with a white stripe down the center and at the end of each sleeve. He was younger than Garrison realized, but in his head, Garrison pictured all of the Blind to be old. He wasn’t sure why, he supposed it was simply because he thought Blind Men and Women were all full of wisdom and experience. Harlan looked about twice Garrison’s age, tall and slim with yellowish Mireyan skin, and long hair tied back behind his head. Perhaps it is good that he cannot see me. Likely he would attack me as well.

  “Sit, sit, my friends. I have heard yer journey has been quite tryin’ thus far. No need ta stand on my account.”

  Garrison and Marika obliged him. “How did you know we were standing?” Garrison felt foolish asking the question, but it slipped before he could think twice about asking.

  Harlan smiled at the question, “My escort here informed me that ya had stood up ta greet me. Ya see, despite what everyone says, they’re useful sometimes.” He patted the servant on the back. “I’d like ta apologize fer keepin ya waitin. We were lookin fer a prophecy that might be useful to ya, but couldn’t find anythin’ about ya, Garrison.”

  Garrison sighed. “No apology is necessary. Thank you for searching. We only came here for shelter and a short rest. We shall be gone in the morning.”

  “Ya didn’t let me finish, boy. I couldn’t find anythin’ about ya, but well, when that happens, we like ta give a prophecy anyway. Usually somethin that at least might interest ya. Now, o’ course I can’t see yer face, but ya got a line down yer eye, don’tcha?”

  “I do.”

  “An yer headed fer the House o’ Darian?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then perhaps this one’ll be o’ some help. My servants tell me we haven’t told anyone this prophecy yet. Apparently it was only seen about a year ago. An’ well, it’s been some time since any o’ ya from the House has been here. Anyway, wait, let me see if I remember this correctly.” Harlan paused for a few moments, mouthing words silently to himself. “Oh yes. The Night o’ Fire an’ Water will mark the beginning o’ Jahmash’s retaliation.”

  Garrison cocked an eyebrow, “What does that mean? ‘The Night of Fire and Water’?”

  “Well. I forget.” Harlan turned to his servant. “Hey. Did ya bring the volume like I asked ya ta?”

  “Of course, sir.” The servant reached into his broad hat and retrieved a volume. He flipped through several pages, then placed the book in Harlan’s hands. Once Harlan had the book secure in one hand, the servant placed Harlan’s right hand at the top of the left page.

  “Thank ya. Ya see Garrison, so many o’ these servants are unreliable. But this one. He’s not sa bad. They all think they know better than we do, since they can see an’ we cannot an’ all. As if sight means ya got better sense.” Harlan must have sensed Garrison’s discomfort, or perhaps he heard Garrison tapping his feet. “Ah, boy. I’m just jokin’ with ya. We Blind Men have a habit o’ poking fun at our blindness an’ ribbin all o’ ya who can see. Can ya blame us?”

  Garrison hesitated for a second. “No, of course not. It is just surprising that you can take it lightly.”

  “O’ course we can. We live with the thing our whole lives. Anyway, let us see what this thing means.” Harlan ran his finger slowly over a few lines of raised dots and dashes on the page. “Yes. That makes sense now. Armaan saw this one. A Shivaani fella. Anyway, he saw a night o’ severe rain. He described it like someone poured the sea from the sky. It was in the middle o’ town, they were all watchin a hangin. Then, right after the man was dropped, the hangin platform caught fire despite the rain. Town was called Haedon. Armaan wrote that he heard a boomin voice loud enough ta drown out the rain, that said ‘The era o’ Ashur an’ Darian’s Descendants has come ta an end. The era o’ Jahmash begins.’ Armaan wrote that nobody around him heard the voice or responded ta it. Usually a sign o’ two situations overlappin’.”

  “This prophecy seems rather shaky. I have traveled through all most of Ashur and have never heard of Haedon. Besides, even the man who saw it said that nobody heard what Jahmash supposedly said.”

  The Blind Man retorted quickly. “Garrison, yer young. I wouldn’t be so bold ta call ya a fool, but travels alone don’t educate a man. Just because ya never heard o’ anythin’ doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. If we relied only on our senses an’ never thought fer ourselves, we’d all be fools. Look at the Blind. None o’ us has ever seen a thing. That mean the world doesn’t exist?”

  “Well, no. But…”

  “O’ course it doesn’t. What yer also forgettin’ is perhaps the world is bigger than Ashur. Anyone who’s studied the history o’ this world an’ the Harbingers knows the world was much bigger before Darian—bless the man—drowned it. What if this Haedon place existed beyond Ashur?”

  Garrison breathed deeply. His stubbornness often got the best of him, but Harlan had a point. “Fine. I’ll assume that Haedon is a real place. But why would Armaan be the only one who could hear the voice?”

  “I can explain that easily. Ya see, when we see these prophecies, some o’ the Blind can experience more than one thing at a time. Ya forget, while we see what is real, we aren’t in the real world. It isn’t t
he norm, but it’s happened enough that a Blind Man or Woman can see one point o’ view an’ hear another. Even if the two aren’t in the same place. I can see yer still havin’ some trouble believin’ me, boy. Never mind whether ya believe or not. There has yet ta be a prophecy that hasn’t come true.”

  “I still have my doubts. But I will refrain from arguing. Assuming the prophecy is true, how will we know when this is going to happen? Should we not find this Haedon place and have scouts inform us of this night?”

  “Garrison, this prophecy is over a year old. Tryin ta find Haedon is a futile task. This may have happened already an’ we wouldn’t even know it.”

  “Very well. What do you suggest we do about this then?”

  “Yer goin ta the House, aren’t ya? Tell them o’ this when ya get there. They got some real intelligent men there, might be able ta do more with this information than we can.”

  Garrison yawned and acquiesced. He was too tired to argue. “Very well, Augur Harlan. I will deliver this message.”

  “Thank ya, Garrison. And o’ course, yer free ta stay until yer companions are fully healed. We will accommodate yer needs until yer stay has ended.”

  A curious thought struck Garrison’s mind. “That is very generous of you. However, we shall leave in the morning. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated, but we are being chased and time is of the essence. There is something I am wondering about though, if you would not mind explaining it to me?”

  “Well, that depends on yer request. I cannot guarantee ya I’ll answer. But go ahead, boy. Ask yer question, ya won’t offend us regardless.”

  “Very well. All of you at the Tower have tended to our every need. From the moment we arrived, you asked no questions. Stones of Gideon, you were not even surprised that we were here. And beyond that, you have no issue with us staying here. I am simply surprised that the Tower can be so welcoming, yet it is not overrun by people, especially the poor, looking to take advantage of your hospitality.”