by Rosie Scott
“How do we know which city we will be sent to?” Another mage asked.
“You will get to choose amongst yourselves,” I replied. The creak of a door called our attention to the front of the barracks. Hasani walked in with an air of strength and confidence, and we all quieted at his presence.
The prince made a motion with his dark hands. “Go on,” he encouraged, a smile lifting his lips.
“As I was saying, you will be able to pick, for the most part, but we need ten of you in each city. Each school needs enough teachers to grow. I'd suggest talking amongst each other and going over pros and cons. If you cannot come to a decision, the king is prepared to decide for you, so I'd pick quickly.” I waited a moment. “Any further questions?”
The mages were quiet.
“Okay, so this concludes my last day with you all,” I said finally, before a long exhale. “I have been honored to work with you and teach you over the past three moons. As of next week, you will report to Talib at the castle for further instructions. Try to make your decisions before then.”
As the mages gathered up their things, I made my way over to Hasani. His skin was glistening with sweat from the heat of the day, but somehow, he still smelled of the expensive spiced soap he always used. He grinned at me as I approached.
“It's your last night in T'ahal,” he commented, his muscular arms crossed against his chest, where the gold of his armor shone bright by the light of the sconces and open windows. “Is the Oasis Inn okay? My treat.”
I laughed softly, shaking my head. “I will not get drunk with you, Hasani.”
“I have invited Cerin, too,” he explained. “As well as the others. I'm not expecting you to get drunk, just to have a good time. I will miss you.”
“As I will miss you,” I admitted, before I turned to the door, opening it. I left it open for Hasani as he followed me out into the bustling streets of T'ahal. “And Nyx will miss you. She enjoys your...” I trailed off, before I smiled mischievously. “Company.”
“Ha! That is not what I call it, but I will humor you,” the prince jested, which made me chuckle. “Gods, how much I would love to use some sort of sorcery on that woman to get her to stay. Teach me illusion magic, Kai, and I will steal her from you.”
“That's not how that works,” I mused. “You'd only be able to charm her for minutes at a time. Which, I must say, is what you already do.”
Hasani laughed boisterously at that, and slapped me playfully on the back. “I assure you, sister, I am as healthy as a young stallion, with the endurance of one to boot.”
“I don't need to know this,” I replied, feigning disgust. In reality, I loved my talks with Hasani. Our friendship had flourished in the past two moons since the Battle of the Dead in late Red Moon the previous year. We had a mutual respect for one another, and he'd taken to calling me sister, which was helping to bridge the gaps left in my heart from tearing apart the only sibling relationship I'd ever had.
Hasani and I continued walking down the main street of T'ahal, where he made a sudden detour. I called after him, but he only made a come here motion with one thick hand.
“I have something to show you,” he encouraged.
I followed him to the southern edge of the city, which I didn't like to visit very often. It was known as the Temple District, given its many religious buildings which dotted the streets in magnificent displays of marble and gold. It was ironic to see such rich buildings erected to gods which never showed themselves to the people, when the poor of T'ahal sat along its dirt streets in lumps of anemia and squander.
Hasani finally slowed near the end of the street, where a new temple was slowly being erected. A statue sat before it, covered in thick white canvas. The prince grinned at me, before walking up and ripping the canvas down.
My heart about stopped. The statue was the spitting image of me. It was reminiscent of the statue of my biological father in Kilgor, but unlike him, I was a battlemage, and this showcased that. The statue had me standing upright with both hands to the sky, my hair blowing back from my face as if I faced a storm. Both of my upright palms were empty, but the statue was not yet finished. I assumed the balls of magic would be added later.
“Surprise!” Hasani exclaimed, when I'd said nothing.
“Hasani, you know how I feel about this,” I hissed.
“It's not a statue of worship, Kai. It is one of respect.” He peered up at it with two light blue eyes. “Do you recognize it?”
“Well...yeah. I mean, it's me.”
“No, I meant...this is based on an actual battle,” the prince explained.
“It is not the Battle of the Dead. There was no storm that day.”
“No, this is of your battle with Mantus. When you tamed the storm and brought the rains.” Hasani hesitated, admiring the statue. “You brought all of us hope that day. You faced the beast with the confidence of an insane person, Kai, and it boosted us all. Including me. I remember watching you, then. I thought the storm would kill you. It was rushing toward you like a brick, but you faced it all the same. Then, you tamed it, and Mantus was dead by nightfall.”
I listened to the prince's words with interest. I'd had no idea he was watching me so closely that day, all those moons ago. I appreciated his admiration, but I was still bothered by the statue. “You cannot expect to build a statue of me in the Temple District and have it not be worshiped.”
“You're right,” Hasani admitted, meeting my gaze again. “I cannot. But I wanted to build something dedicated to you, and I wanted it to be magnificent. Whether you like it or not, many here worship you. No matter how often you scold them for viewing you as a deity, they will have faith in what they wish to. The people have been pleading for a temple to you, and I have granted it. You are the only god to have benefited us. Your actions in Nahara have directly affected everyone who lives here.” He motioned down the street, where the other temples showcased statues of the other gods. “None of these gods have ever shown their faces here, let alone helped us with anything. We don't even know if the statues resemble them. This one, however...” he motioned back to mine. “This one does.”
“Because you tricked me into sitting for a portrait,” I lamented, remembering the day back in Dark Star when he had requested it.
“Father still wanted the portrait,” he said, as an excuse. “But yes, that is how I commissioned the statue as well. I knew you would say no.”
I stared at the statue, before sighing. “Gods, you are a bastard.”
“Yes, but I am charming, and that's why you let me get away with it.”
I couldn't help but chuckle at his jest, though the statue still bothered me. “So this temple is dedicated to me as well.”
“Yes.”
“The gold offerings are mine?”
Hasani chuckled. “Yes,” he repeated.
“Do me a favor, Hasani,” I stated, turning to him to let him see the seriousness in my eyes.
“Anything, sister,” he said, receptive.
“I want you to find someone you trust to handle the finances here. I want the gold to go to two things, and two things only.” I lifted up my pointer finger. “The poor,” I listed, before lifting up my middle finger beside it, “and the release of gladiators. Regardless of whether they agree to join your army. Until you are king, use my gold to help you with your goals.”
“I will keep a percentage for you,” he insisted.
“No. I don't need it. And besides, I know if that were to ever change, you would provide.”
Hasani nodded. “I would, because that is the least I could do. Gods, I love you.” He came toward me, grabbing me into a bear hug.
“I love you too, brother.” I reveled in our embrace, so happy with our friendship. Over the past year, I had tragically lost a great friend in Theron, but I had made friends with Hasani, Anto, and Jakan. With my mind now on the others, I said, “Let's pick up the others for a night out, then. I will be sure to order the most expensive ale on the menu.”
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Hasani laughed as we parted. “Please do! I will spare no expense for you, Kai. I want this night to be one to remember. I would never wish for you to forget me.”
I smirked at him. “Yeah, like I'd ever be able to forget you.”
*
“Party night in T'ahal!” Nyx practically skipped into the tavern before the rest of us, as excitable as a child. She glanced back toward me as she made her way to a round table next to a small dance floor. “I will not miss the heat, but I will miss Nahara's spicy ale!”
I chuckled at her antics even while I turned to Hasani next to me and said, “I thought you said Cerin would be here.”
“He is,” he replied, pointing a finger past the dance floor.
I found the necromancer in the midst of a conversation with a full Naharan band set up on a stage. When standing beside the musicians sitting on stools, he seemed even taller than normal. He leaned over them, in the middle of an exchange of gold. Five pieces of it fell from his pale hand and into the musician's coin purse. Then, the musician with the mizmar found my gaze, and nodded toward me, murmuring words to Cerin.
The necromancer's silver eyes pierced into mine, and he smiled. I returned the gesture, my heart about popping out of my chest. Gods, he was gorgeous.
Cerin came over to me in a jangle of gear and buckles, his boots clunking heavily on the sandstone floor. He immediately pulled me into a hug, brushing his lips beside my ear. “What I wouldn't give to reserve a room here just to relieve you of that armor,” he murmured roughly, for my ears only.
“You have no idea,” I whispered back, before parting from him. There was a glimmer of sexual frustration in his eyes, but I was sure the same look reflected from mine. Our paths had been separated since we awakened that morning.
“I don't get it,” Nyx spoke up, from the table a few feet away. “They've been together for almost a year, and they're still like this. It's despicable.”
“You heard nothing,” Cerin protested in a jest, as he turned to the others.
“I'm an Alderi, friend,” Nyx retorted, swirling a finger beside one of her tall ears. “I hear more than you think.”
“That's true.” Cerin chuckled, before he pulled at my hand. We walked to the table together, and took two seats.
“You were paying the musicians an exorbitant amount,” I commented, watching as the band began to play.
“Yes,” Cerin agreed. “They weren't supposed to play here tonight, but I pulled some strings. Naharan music is your favorite, and we don't know the next time we'll hear it.”
I turned to my lover and smiled. “Well, aren't you thoughtful? Thank you.” I leaned over to kiss his cheek.
“Uggh. I'm not drunk enough for this.” Nyx lifted up a hand, trying to summon a waiter.
“You never complain when Jakan and Anto get affectionate,” I protested, eyeing the other couple.
“Yeah, because they're two men. And fine looking ones at that,” she added, grinning at them. “I love you, Kai, but I am as straight as an arrow.”
I exhaled heavily, before turning my attention to Jakan and Anto. “She means no disrespect, promise.”
Jakan shrugged with a knowing smile. “She's already asked us if she could watch.”
“Nyx!” I hissed at her, from across the table. My best friend only grinned.
“They said no,” she said, as if that were a good enough excuse.
“Because we are both as curved as Naharan swords,” Anto said, his thick voice low. We all laughed at his jest. The orc didn't speak much, but when he did, he could surprise with his good humor.
“At this point, I don't think we even need ale,” Hasani joked, as the waiter approached.
We ordered our drinks and food, and the waiter disappeared behind an employee door. I watched the band play their music, letting it sink deep into my mind. I knew I would take the Naharan music with me wherever I went, for its melodies were constantly being replayed in my memories.
“What is your plan for tomorrow?” Hasani asked, breaking our short silence.
“You know our plan,” Cerin replied.
Hasani shrugged. “Well, you've talked about a couple of possibilities. I didn't know which one you decided on.”
“We'll be headed to Al Nazir,” I told him, before reaching in my satchel and pulling out my map of Nahara that I had bought in Comercio so long ago. I tapped my finger on the coastal city, my silver ring clinking upon the table. “It's a shorter trek to there than to Llyr, and both are said to have massive ports, correct?”
Hasani nodded. “Al Nazir is a gorgeous city. You will love it. Large, too. It covers this whole peninsula.” He circled a finger around the misshaped land.
“It'll also be easier to reach than Llyr,” Cerin commented. “The path is along the river, and we'll come across the village of Darya along the way.”
“Be careful, friends,” Hasani said, leaning back in his chair as the waiter served our drinks on the table before us. “The Blades of Meir are known to scour these lands. Darya has been hit so repeatedly that we have commissioned a wall to be built around it, and not even our cities have walls.”
Jakan leaned over the table to get a better look at the map. “That's where we were attacked by the cult,” he said, putting a bronzed finger just past Darya. “We'd just resupplied. The ruins they took Anto and I to were somewhere to the north.”
“Are the Blades of Meir gods?” I asked, confused.
Hasani laughed. “No, sister. They are a cult.”
“Yes, but they live in the ruins, correct? The ancient ruins. Only gods may enter them.”
Hasani frowned. “Ah, I remember you telling me about your little adventure.” I had told both Hasani and his father about that night in the ruins near Jaalam after it had happened, because I knew the two would be interested in hearing what I had found. None of us could understand it, but the king had promised to research it, since his interest in the ruins was great.
“There are ruins all over Nahara,” Jakan said. “Too many to draw on any map. The ones we were at were not of the Ancients. There were fallen sandstone pillars.”
“And halfway built homes,” Anto added. “That's where they kept me. It was like there was once a village being built there, but it was scrapped before completion.”
“Ah, I think I know where you're talking about.” Hasani lifted up once more to look at the map. “Our river once had many splits, and one led into the sands to the north. My great-grandfather tried building a village somewhere out there during his rule. The sandstorms from the dunes proved to be too powerful, and the village was scrapped.”
“That must be where the cult makes their home, then,” I decided.
“So, you plan on hiring a ship in Al Nazir?” Hasani inquired.
“Yes,” I answered. “A ship that will take us to Eteri.”
The prince stared down at the map, as if in the midst of thought. He pursed his lips to the side.
“You don't think that's a good idea?” Nyx prodded.
Hasani exhaled slowly. “You have talked about going to Eteri before, and I think they would make fantastic allies for you in this war, but...” his finger found the map again, and traveled to the southwestern corner of Chairel. “Narangar's port is gigantic, and the dwarves love their war machines. Their warships are much larger than ours, and now that we are enemies, they will attack you on sight. You cannot make it to the shores of Eteri without passing within view of their harbor.”
I pondered this. I knew he was correct. What the dwarves lacked in magic, they made up for with their mechanical aptitude. Sirius had often utilized their heavy warships in the battles against Eteri in the past. While the Vhiri were known for enforcing their warships with magical shields and employing fire mages as sailors, the dwarves used all manner of machinery on their ships no one else understood. Cannons, ballistas...the dwarves did not need magic, for they built destructive machines using only the materials of the land they worked to tame.
�
�Your father sent diplomats to Eteri in Dark Star,” I said to the prince, as he took a drink of ale. “How did he do it?”
Hasani sat his mug back on the table. “The same way I'll tell you to. Hire a mercenary ship. Their ships are not as large or noticeable, and they have no loyalties. Narangar will likely ignore mercenaries, and you will be safer on board a ship if its captain does not care who you are.”
I nodded slowly. “So we will hire a mercenary in Al Nazir, then.”
Hasani shook his head. “No, friend. We do not allow them in the ports. I will write an order for you to take one of our ships from Al Nazir to Killick. You can hire a mercenary there.”
“Killick?” Jakan protested. “That is the island in the south. It will take us weeks out of our way.”
“Yes, but it's a necessary detour. We do not allow mercenaries in our ports in Al Nazir, because it is our busiest. If you wish to avoid Killick, you will have to travel on foot to Llyr, which will take you longer than if you were to simply follow my advice.”
“This is more complicated than I thought it'd be,” Jakan lamented.
“Well, you are at war, friend,” Hasani replied, an amused smile lighting up his handsome features. “Wars are complicated.”
Two
“Here. This will get you transport on one of our ships, free of charge.” A scroll was rolled up in Hasani's palm, complete with an official red wax seal. I took it from him, making sure it was secured in my satchel. We stood alone together at the desk in his bedroom of the castle, where he'd prepared it for me. It was morning on the 2nd of High Star, 419, and it was our last day in T'ahal.
“Thank you, Hasani.” I pulled the prince into my arms, hugging him. “Thank you for everything.”
“You're welcome, sister. Gods, how I will miss you.” He pulled back from our embrace, holding me at arm's length. “It may be years before I see you again. Don't forget, I am human. Make sure you don't dally in your adventure, or else I fear I will grow too old to battle with you.”
