by Jon Kiln
“No, but he is close, and there is little I can do,” he told her. “That creature, Ghaffar, he tortures him with insects, every day. He puts those vile creatures inside his body and stands there watching as Ganry writhes around in agony. Every day it takes a part of his strength away. If I were to kill Ghaffar, I would be showing my hand too soon. I bring extra food and liquids for Ganry’s strength, but even that is helping less and less.”
Perseus covered his face with his large hands, rubbing at his skin. It was clear to Myriam that he and Ganry had become close on this expedition. The loss of Ganry would hit him hard.
“Perseus, keep doing all you can for him. I will speak to the others and see if we can come up with some solution. I have a plan, something the Akkedis servant girl let slip about why they drug us before taking the blood. It seems that if we are restful, the blood is of better quality. Well, I think it’s time to change all that. We will refuse to co-operate and make them fight for our blood, make things harder, so to speak. That way Ghaffar will need to put his attentions elsewhere, at least for a while.”
Perseus did not linger. He wished to hurry back to Ganry and try to ease his wounds. It was his intention to sneak into the medical area and steal some medicines to give him strength. He was not sure they would work on Ganry, as Akkedis physiology is so very different, but anything that might lend Ganry some time would be welcome. He knew there was little hope of Ghaffar holding off the torture, but if he had other urgencies to attend to, as Myriam had planned, then perhaps he could build up Ganry’s strength once again.
***
Myriam stuck to her plan and the next day she made such a fuss at not seeing her two friends, who were only in the room opposite, that the guards had to go and find Ghaffar.
“I will not eat, I refuse to drink, and I hope your Empress dies in agony,” she yelled at the Akkedis who brought her breakfast in.
“My dear, whatever is this about?” the Duchess asked as she came into Myriam’s room to share breakfast, as they did daily.
“It is time to stop this charade, grandmother. Ganry is in danger and I have not seen Linz or Hendon for days. I will not be treated like this!” Myriam yelled at her grandmother so all the guards could hear her words. Nor did she care if they understood or not, she just needed to get Ghaffar’s attention for a few days.
The door was left open and she pushed her way past the guards who seemed unsure of what to do. Moving quickly into the young men’s room, she soon saw that they were both sleeping in their cots.
“Wake up, wake up!” she cried. “I want you in my rooms and we will not be parted any more. It is time to lay down a few rules ourselves. Now, boys, wake yourselves, you are needed. I have much to discuss with you.”
She pitied them as it was obvious by the darkness of their eyes and the paleness of their skin, that the greedy Akkedis Empress had been feeding from them in large quantities. They needed to be together from now on, protecting one another. Four heads were better than one. It was time to get together and make plans to be free of this dreadful place.
35
Artas was enjoying his morning ride on his grey dappled horse, Orton. He had not had a moment alone in such a long time. The air was invigorating as the horse cantered along, and they both enjoyed the open space of the meadow. Artas missed being able to do just as he wanted. As Regent everyone seemed to know his every move. He had even refused Lady Leonie joining him on his ride this morning as he simply wanted to be alone.
As they jogged to the top of a steep hill, Artas could see a group of riders moving fast towards him. He could not recognize them from so far away, and decided to keep his distance until he had identified them better. They drew closer and he could now see that one of the riders carried the banner of Qutaybah. Spurring his horse on, he rode down to meet them.
They came to a stop and surrounded him in a circle, eying him warily.
“Do not hinder us,” the leader said, sternly, hand hovering over his sword hilt. “We ride for the castle. I have grave news for the Regent.”
“That is me, Artas, Regent of Palara. I’d rather hear your message here, away from prying eyes and eavesdroppers.”
The leader was a lean man, well muscled with a hardened look about him. He was clearly a veteran of many battles. Always cautious, he looked at the young man before him more closely. His master had described the Regent named Artas to him, and this nobleman fit the description perfectly, even down to the injured leg.
“My name is Jacayb, and I am here with great urgency with regards to your Queen Myriam.”
Artas felt a heavy cloud hang over him. This was not what he wanted to hear. Though he was in a rush to know the news, he did not rush the rider who had come so far.
“You have a traitor among your people. He is known as Lord Josiah. That is the only name we have. He is dealing with Ghaffar of the Akkedis to ensure that your Queen does not return,” Jacayb finished.
“The Queen still lives then?” Artas asked, hope in his voice.
“Yes, she lives still. As we speak, Qutaybah is rushing to her aid in the Akkedis city. He implores you to send men to help in his mission.”
Artas nodded, but said nothing. He turned his horse and led the riders towards the castle.
“Please, you are my guests for as long as you need,” he said to Jacayb.
“We can hold up only one night. Then we must return to our own lands for we are needed in battle. Will you be joining us?”
“Alas not me,” Artas said, feeling as if he was always the one to miss out on the adventures. “The Queen has appointed me her Regent, so I must deal with Lord Josiah and hold the castle for her until she returns. But, I will be sending our elite troops. You can take a hundred of my best men back with you and I’ll send word to the Lakemen. The Chief of the Lakemen is journeying with our Queen, and they will wish to be involved if their Chief is in danger. If you need more, the army of this Kingdom is at your service.”
With this news, Jacayb smiled, relieved to have delivered his master’s message and to be taking back strong reinforcements. “My master asked only for your best. We do not need numbers, just seasoned soldiers.”
“And, my good man, you shall have them at your disposal. I would prefer to take all the army we have to rescue our Queen, but this would not be diplomatic. I shall trust this in the hands of Qutaybah, as I know he is allied to the Duchess and will do all he can to ensure her safety.”
The group rode towards the castle and Artas sent the five men to an inn, so that Lord Josiah would not suspect anything should he see them arrive.
When Artas reached his rooms, he called for Leonie and Parsival, informing them of the news he had just received.
Leonie gasped. “I knew he was up to something, but I had not realized his treachery was so deep. What are your intentions for yet another usurper? I could have him disposed of this very evening. My spies have been keeping a close eye on him, and I have reliable men ready to take action at a moment’s notice.”
The Regent smiled at how prepared and efficient she was. They discussed the implications and possible solutions to dealing with Josiah well into the night.
Artas made his decision the next day.
Lord Josiah was instantly arrested, along with his men that had remained with him. Keeping them all separate, it did not take long for Lady Leonie and her spies to get the right information from them.
She met with the Regent to give him the good news.
“How do you do it, Leonie?” Parsival said, delighted that his Leonie had come on so well. “You are such a delicate creature, that, had I not known it to be true, I would never have believed you to be in charge of spies and torture.”
Artas trusted her and knew this intelligence was vital for the banishment of this Lord. Though he would not make the final decision and would leave that up to Myriam.
Until then, Lord Josiah and his loyal men were now imprisoned within the dungeons, all their comforts gone.
36
The villagers lined up with their weapons, wary that the approaching army were mercenaries. Sampson had been sent for as he was their leader and would know how to deal with these men.
Qutaybah stayed on his camel behind Dramand. He did not want to show himself too soon. First he needed to be certain that a Suggizon still resided in the village. He watched closely as a large man arrived among the villagers and moved out from the throng, making his way towards them.
“What can we do for you?” Sampson asked, giving away no mood whatsoever.
“It is more what we can do you for you, Suggizon,” Dramand replied.
An instant murmur buzzed among the villagers. Only few knew that this village was connected to the shape-shifters.
“You have me at an advantage, sir.” The leader stood tall and firm, showing no fear just because this man had shown that he knew privileged information. “My name is Sampson, and may I know yours?”
Qutaybah moved from behind Dramand. “I am Qutaybah, a friend of the Suggizon,” he said, dismounting from his camel.
Sampson’s face lit up with joy as he recognized him. “Qutaybah, my friend, it has been far too long,” Sampson said, approaching him. “I thought you had abandoned us, once you knew we were safe.”
“Never.” Qutaybah laughed as the two large men hugged in friendship. “I come to bring you wealth, as I promised my man, Perseus.”
“Perseus still serves you?” Sampson asked, clearly pleased to hear that name. “I also thought my brother had abandoned his family. He is an uncle of three now, whereas there was only one when he left.”
The two men parted in their welcoming hug and Sampson turned to the villagers, informing them there was nothing to fear. They began to disperse and go back to their toil.
It was agreed that the mercenaries could camp around the village, and that the residents would make a feast in honor of their guests. The villagers were not short of supplies, and quickly the tables were ladened with food, fine wines and ales.
A celebratory atmosphere was soon thriving and musicians played as a hog was put to roast. The lingering smell of the meat was a welcoming aroma and the soldiers were quick to mingle with the villagers, enjoying their welcoming hospitality.
Qutaybah was taken to Sampson’s house where they could talk further in peace and quiet.
“Thank you for such a welcome,” Qutaybah thanked Sampson. “The trek across the desert is a difficult one, ladened with dangers. This will help the men relax.”
“Why have you come so far?” Sampson questioned. “I fear it must only be with grave news.” A frown knitted in his brow.
“We are here to liberate the gem mines that the Akkedis so jealously guard. We wish to drive them out of this land. I feel it only right that your people, together with my guidance, should rule in their place,” Qutaybah explained, accepting a mug of beer from a pretty girl.
“We have grown greatly in numbers, all thanks to you, Qutaybah.” Sampson clinked his tankard on his companions, in a toast of this good news. “As always agreed, our people are at your disposal. It seems that yet again you offer us a new life, a new opportunity, one I believe we are just about ready for. At the moment we are surviving, getting by, but the gems will help feed our children and build an army to keep those away that wish us harm. Again, my friend, you honor us with hope.”
“We have to do this as discretely as possible. We do not want to attract any unwanted attention. Once your people are firmly installed in place, I feel we could rebuff any attempts to take from us what is rightfully yours. Until then, we need to be cautious,” Qutaybah said. “I also have another personal problem to resolve with the Akkedis Empress, but that does not need to involve you, though Perseus is helping me with that matter.”
“Anything that my brother deems important is also important to his people. We will help with your personal matter also. But tonight, we must celebrate your return. You are the one to save our race from extinction. You will always hold a place of honor within our community. Please, let us go join in the celebrations, and tomorrow I will go personally to our city and bring back forces.”
“A city now, eh?” Qutaybah questioned, surprised they had grown so quickly.
“We breed constantly,” Sampson smiled at providing this information. “From the ravaged population that you rescued, we are now thriving in numbers. Most of our people are young, but they are taught the importance of survival. Fighting is now our utmost priority, as well as breeding, of course.”
Qutaybah laughed, he had always liked the sense of humor of the Suggizon. They had struggled for survival and this had made them appreciate life all the more. He considered himself lucky to have known them. Even more, he was glad to have made them his allies. With the right situation, they will be a formidable race and the perfect partners for attacking the Akkedis with whom they had a personal quarrel.
There was no love lost between the Akkedis and the Suggizon. It was the Akkedis that had brought about their downfall. They were once a powerful race in Vandemland, and a union between their races was arranged through a marriage. The Akkedis Empress’ daughter and one of the Suggizon princes were to make this bond. But the union was a trick, its purpose to allow the Akkedis to rule the Suggizon and take their lands.
In the resulting battles many of the princes’ people were killed, which devastated their population. Some revenge was extracted when the Suggizon prince managed to kill his Akkedis wife.
To compound matters further, certain tribes in Vandemland saw the Suggizon as a delicacy when in snake form, and a thriving black market trade had grown in selling their flesh. The Akkedis promoted this, even trading Suggizon slaves on the black market. The Suggizon people would welcome the opportunity to avenge their kind.
37
Ghaffar knew that the only way to move the young male humans was going to be by force, and he had hoped to avoid that, just yet. There would time enough to cause plenty of discomfort for these annoying humans soon. He was surprised just how compliant the human Queen had been, and the quality of her blood had been excellent. He would not want to jeopardize that. He might as well go along with their demands.
Just as he was about to go to the dungeon and observe the human Ganry being tortured with the kewers, he had been called upon. This annoyed him, as it gave him great pleasure to watch this strong human cry out in such pain, each day he was weakening.
It would be easy to simply allow Sileta to instruct the insects to finish him, but where was the fun in that. It would be over in seconds. This way he got to see a human in agony for hours, every single day. It was very satisfying.
Today though, he had been called away from his preferred entertainment. The human Queen was refusing admittance into her room, and she was holding all the other humans in there with her. Her demands were easy enough to comply with. She simply requested that the young male humans be put in the adjoining room to hers instead of the the one opposite. She wanted the humans to be together. Of course, he would refuse to start with. He needed to make them suffer his wrath first.
“My lady, just open up your door so we can discuss this in a more reasonable manner,” Ghaffar said.
“I am not opening this door until you guarantee that I can see Ganry,” Myriam shouted back at him. “You can fight for your blood, Akkedis traitor, because it will not be provided voluntarily any more.”
“Do you think this wise?” Hendon asked of Myriam, unsure of her motives in causing this commotion.
“I’m only playing for time,” she explained to Hendon and Linz. They both looked completely exhausted and she felt she had taken this action just in time. “We must think of a way to stop the torture that Ghaffar does to Ganry with those disgusting insects. He puts him through agony on a daily basis and I have to do something. Perseus came to tell me that Ganry will not last out much longer.”
“My granddaughter speaks the truth,” the Duchess joined in. “Once Ganry and Perseus are dead, you two shall be next. We will
be saved until last because the Akkedis Empress needs the strength supplied within our blood. It is time for us to make our first stand, if only to delay things.”
“Now I understand my dream last night,” Hendon told them. “Barnaby showed me a tiny worm which he said is a deadly predator of the beetle. I did not know why he was telling me this, but it all makes sense now. I do wish he would not communicate in riddles.”
“This is good news, indeed!” Myriam proclaimed, her heart lightened at the thought that Ganry could yet be saved.
“The keeper of the kewers will have a number of these worms as they are needed to control the blood sucking insects used on Ganry,” Hendon explained. “Do you think that Perseus could manage to get some?”
“He is to come to me this very evening. We can speak to him and tell him what to look for. This will begin our rebellion, even if it gets us nowhere.”
“Fear not, my granddaughter, we only have to delay things for a short while,” her grandmother said. “Plus, we need to do all we can to make sure we all stay alive, including Ganry and Perseus.”
All had gone quiet in the corridor, but Myriam’s door and all the other doors to the adjoining rooms remained locked from the inside. They were not allowing the Akkedis in, and they would have to physically break down the doors. Myriam knew she would need to relent soon, but for this day and night, the Akkedis could remain outside of their rooms.
***
Ghaffar made his way slowly to report to his Empress, a meeting he was not looking forward to. She will be furious that he is empty handed of her food. He’ll need to calm her and assure her that this situation is only temporary, and all will be back to normal the very next day.
Ghaffar knew that this supply could not last forever, but for now, he simply needed to make these humans go back to allowing their blood to be taken. It would be so much harder should they need to be forced. The power of the red juice would not be the same if the humans were put under duress. He must go back to the human Queen and agree to her demands, if that is what it was going to take.
