by Matt Larkin
“Malin. Not a good idea sneaking up on me today.” Chandi stepped off her bed and walked to her window.
“You shouldn’t have gone after that assassin. I could have followed her scent. Instead I had to track down witnesses, make sure no one saw you use your Blessings.”
“And did they?”
“No one who knew what they were seeing. It was still foolish.”
Chandi glared, then turned her back on him to walk to her dresser. Though short and slim, she had an athletic frame. Her soft face belied what a fierce opponent she could be. If Ratna had half Chandi’s skill, even weak as her Blessings were, she might not need Chandi as a protector. Of course, Malin wouldn’t want to be here without Chandi, either.
Chandi retrieved the sandalwood jewelry box. After removing the false bottom, she handed him crumpled scrolls. Malin glanced over them. Ship deployments. Trade routes.
Pirate cabals, given bits of this, might weaken the Solar trade empire. Malin often found himself forced to deal with their ilk. Sometimes Moon Scion Houses sanctioned the cabals. Sometimes rogue Scions, like Malin’s so-called friend Asamanja, went into business for themselves. Unscrupulous, savage, cheap. But useful. Of course, Malin would never share it all. Not only because he needed the edge over the damn pirate. The man would use it too fully, and the Solars would change their tactics. No, he’d feed Asamanja just enough information to weaken the Solars without raising their suspicions.
Malin stuffed the scrolls into a case and tossed it aside.
“The Ignis claim the woman acted alone,” Chandi said before he could ask. “Maybe the fire priest tells the truth.” The girl ran her fingers over the toyaks lying on her dresser. “They tried to kill Revati. Could have killed Ratna, too.”
The Macan Gadungan in him roared for vengeance. It tore through him even if no one else could hear it, sending tremors through his limbs. Protect and avenge.
“What do you want to do?” he asked.
Chandi grimaced. “Why not turn them in? Let the Solars handle it? The woman will burn for treason, and if she had conspirators, maybe they deserve to join her. Let them slaughter the murderers. Even the fire priest said the Ignis wouldn’t mind seeing another war between the Solars and us.”
Malin paced the room. Every word she said was true. He twitched his jaw, willing the tiger spirit to quiet. “You should pursue alliance with the Ignis.”
Chandi scoffed. “Why? What could we gain from alliance? Why the interest in the Solar slaves?”
“Slaves want to be free.” His tone sent her stumbling away. Malin knew what it was to face servitude. He’d faced it too long. His brethren suffered under it. His children had been born to it. Cubs like Sunten, now grown and whelping their own offspring—also to be slaves.
“You want to start a rebellion?”
“The Ignis form the basis of the Solar workforce and much of the merchant class, your own reports said so. By relying on slaves, an empire can forget how to do its own work. Without them, the Solar Empire would fall in on itself. If we work with them, we can ensure we’re in position to strike when the time comes.”
“You want to work with the people who tried to kill someone you’re sworn to protect?” Chandi slumped onto her bed and stared at the ceiling. “How can you trust them?”
“No one says you have to trust them. But until you find a way to break the Arun Guard, we have to explore all options.” And give up vengeance. Protect and avenge. To suggest otherwise made the tiger roil and claw at his soul. No! Malin was a man and the man ruled the tiger. “Just make sure they know Revati and Ratna are not to be harmed. Make sure they know the consequences if harm does come to either. Earn their trust.”
After watching the ceiling in silence, Chandi answered. “I do want to go home. You’re right. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Malin started to reach for her, though she still didn’t look at him. He was only supposed to protect her. He wasn’t supposed to feel … “You don’t have to find out.”
“You need to take those scrolls to Rahu,” she said before his fingers could touch her hair.
Yes, he did. Deployments and trade routes didn’t stay constant forever. If he wanted to win loyalty from the pirates, he needed to act soon. “I can’t leave you in danger.”
Let someone come for his charges. Let them find the tiger waiting. Malin would rip them to pieces.
“They won’t try anything so soon. I can protect Ratna and Revati. You must go, Malin.”
She didn’t look up at him as he left.
Malin forced himself not to linger. Better this way. Better to be gone and avoid the temptation. The roar of vengeance still vibrated through him.
CHAPTER TWELVE
The Igni midwife sat bound to the chair across from Naresh. The Minister of Law had allowed him a few moments alone with the prisoner, given he had brought her in. Or perhaps because she’d said nothing during her interrogation.
“Why?” Naresh asked again.
The woman glared at him.
“They’re going to burn you alive for treason. If you name collaborators, maybe they’d reduce it to exile.” No, the woman who would slaughter an infant deserved no mercy.
The murder of the child while under the care of the Arun Guard would have disgraced his order. Would have shattered the people’s faith in the emperor and his elite. Kakudmi needed that faith. The Solar emperor had brought a year of peace. Naresh wouldn’t fail him now.
“If I leave here with any doubts, I’m going to have to visit the Igni District and assuage them.” He leaned in very close to the girl, close enough to feel her trembling breath. She was probably younger than he was. “Do you understand me?”
“Are you going to torture me, Guardsman? Show me the glory of your Empire, then.”
Naresh rose, but his voice caught in his throat. “Our empire is glorious. It’s your empire, too. We’ve built something that’s endured for twelve centuries. Why destroy that?”
The midwife laughed, although it seemed half a sob. “You want to know why? Because if the Lunars and Solars destroy each other, my people can at last be free.”
“Is your priest Semar responsible for this?”
The girl clenched her jaw.
Naresh felt bile rise in his throat. Honor demanded he put an end to this. If Kakudmi could sacrifice for peace, he could too. And if he was going to make a point, he was only going to make it once.
“Then Semar will join you on that pyre. All the fire priests, if need be. But those responsible for this treason will be found. Today.”
The girl shook her head. “You wouldn’t.”
He leaned close again, forced himself not to look away. Forced himself not to feel the sickness in his stomach. “I will do what I must to make sure this does not happen again.”
Tears seeped from the midwife’s clenched eyes, and she turned her face away.
“Tell me!”
“His name is Partigatiga.” She choked on her sobs. “It was his idea.”
Naresh sighed and shut his eyes for a moment. Then he left.
The sun through the dome washed over his face. The Civic District was the best district for thinking. He sat on a bench and stared at the building before him. The Ministry of Law, a three-story whitewashed complex surrounded by flowing fountains and hanging plants that belied its purpose, was the largest of six ministry buildings encircling the palace.
He pulled his sketchbook from his satchel and drew an outline of the midwife. The woman he’d brought to tears. The woman who would soon burn for treason. Perhaps the lines of agony on her face were remorse. He hoped so. Perhaps she’d find redemption in her next life.
For a long time he sketched. He didn’t want to see the woman anymore. She only reminded him of what he had to do. He tried to draw the handmaid, Chandi, from memory. There was a girl with admirable devotion to her duty. Was that midwife just as devoted to hers?
He rose and bowed when Empu Baradah approached. Perhaps t
he First had thought to question the woman himself.
“You did well to capture her.”
Naresh bowed again, though not as deeply. “The empress’s handmaid had already beaten her bloody before I arrived.” Rumors said she had barreled after the woman, heedless of her own safety in the crowded market. Chandi had spirit. Spirit worth watching.
Empu Baradah ran a finger over his mustache. “So it seems even their servants train in Silat. Or at least are not afraid to fight if need be.”
Naresh shrugged. The dynasties had diverged so far since the Pact broke that they knew little of Lunar customs beyond the battlefield. Lunars seemed to like it that way.
“The assassins may try again. I request assignment as Ibu Ratna’s personal protector.” He’d earned the right to ask that much. Naresh had brought a traitor to the Ministry. It was a start, and his mother should be proud. He’d like to think his father would have been, too.
Empu Baradah shook his head and motioned for Naresh to follow. The First led him back toward the palace. “Landorundun will be her protector. It’s unlikely anyone will try that again soon.”
Landorundun. Competent, for certain. But Naresh had won more honor today than that. He clenched and unclenched his fists as they walked, but kept his face expressionless.
“I have something else in mind for you, Naresh.”
The First said nothing else until they sat in the Arun Guard mess hall, away from prying ears.
“You’ll return to the Astral Temple to take over as Guardian. Take Lembu Ampal with you. A year of training has made him ready to undergo the trial for the Sun Brand.”
Naresh rocked back on the bench. “I thought,” he began. “That is, I only just returned.” After a year of training. A year of mastering the Sun Brand. Maybe Landorundun could Sun Stride faster. She was better with the Kebatinan, was all. But he had proved himself there. And today. He’d earned the right to stay in the city, not be shuffled back to the isolated Temple.
“I know what you’re thinking. And I know what everyone says. That you’re the best with the sword we’ve seen in a long time. All the more reason for you to handle the training of our newest member. We grieved for Wanebaka. We will still perform the final Selamatan for him when the time comes. But his replacement needs to be ready.” Empu Baradah hesitated. “You have things to learn, Naresh. The time away will do you good.”
And Landorundun would solidify her position here. Naresh had not even seen his mother since he returned. Had seen nothing of Kasusthali. Hardly had time to even enjoy the food. The last Guardian had served for three years, with few if any visits home. But Naresh could never refuse such an honor.
Still, he had one more thing he had to do here. Kakudmi’s peace would last. Partigatiga would not threaten the imperial heir again.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
When Landi had first returned from the Astral Temple, Ben had stood there, mouth agape, watching the veritable fleet of birds dive and swoop around the goddess on the pier. Parrots, kingfishers, nightjars, so many types of birds had swirled in circles above her that Ben almost wanted to fall to his knees and worship her.
As that would hardly be heroic, he settled for sauntering over once the display had ended, his most dashing smile lighting his face. “A little bird led me to you once again, my shimmering princess.”
“Birds led a lot of people here. And I’m no princess.”
“Ah, my dear, you just don’t know yourself as well as I do. And I know you quite well, because I’ve been waiting for you all my life. Gives one lots of time to imagine all kinds of interesting details.”
She shook her head. “You’re a strange man, Bendurana.”
“Ah, my dear, that just means I’m interesting. Don’t worry, you’ll see much more of me in the future.”
And so he’d sent her a basket of flowers. That hadn’t quite done the trick, so he’d arranged a meeting with her roommate—a charming girl who called herself Bany—and gotten her to help him decorate Landi’s whole apartment with jasmine and orchids.
Ben smiled to himself on his way up the stairs. Landorundun would be back by now, and no doubt speechless with awe at his floral prowess and fine taste. After all, it had nearly left him speechless. Now he bore a giant basket of golden mangoes.
Ben rapped on his lady’s bamboo door, knocking out a pleasant melody from Serendib. One speaking of lover’s conquests.
“Hi Ben!” her roommate said when she opened the door. “Glad you made it.” Bany looked him up and down, then grinned. “You know, you’re pretty fit. Do you play Sepak Takraw?”
“Ah, my dear,” Bendurana said, “I’ll play any game for a lady. Why this one time, I played seven different games at the same time. Not for seven different ladies, mind. Is that what it would take to impress you?” he asked Landorundun, then offered her the mangoes. “It worked the first time, so I figured, why not?”
“Why in Rangda’s underworld are you doing this, Pak Bendurana?”
“Ah, my dear, you must call me Ben.”
Landi’s roommate giggled. “I guess I should let you two have a bit of privacy.”
“Indeed,” Bendurana said. “Privacy with a lady is one of my favorite things. Not that I’d turn down privacy with a pair of beautiful ladies, should the need arise.”
Bany scampered away, giving Ben the chance to finally win Landi. “Would you like me to feed you a mango, my dear? They’re succulent.”
“What do you want from me, Pak Bendurana?”
“Ah, my dear, I want your undying love and affection, of course. For tonight, I’d settle for you letting me buy you dinner. Oh, and I brought you a new baju. White silk from Au Lac, very fine.” Ben pulled the garment from his satchel.
“I’m not looking for romance, Bendurana.”
He shrugged, jiggling his braids. “It’s not to be had for the looking … not true romance. It finds you when the time is right. And to let it pass you by is quite a shame, you know. Just because the Wheel of Life gives you more chances doesn’t mean you should throw away this one.”
“I didn’t throw anything away! It was taken!”
Her outburst left him stunned for an instant, then he shrugged again. “Take it back. Your life is in your own hands. You can choose to live in bitterness and regret or in hope and joy. One of these things is a lot more fun than the other, mind. But the choice remains yours.”
Landorundun folded her arms over her chest. “You don’t know anything about me, foreigner. Don’t pretend you can understand me.”
“I know you’ve had a broken heart,” he said. “Your friend told me that much.” He took a step closer and reached out for her shoulder. “But, my dear, nothing can be so broken that you can’t put the pieces back together again. You just need the right tools.” He shrugged. “And I’ve got some tools I could try out.”
“I don’t need your help! I don’t need anyone! And I sure as Rangda’s spit don’t need your damn innuendos! Get out of my room, get out of my life!”
He fell back, his mouth open, then bowed. “The only people who have never known pain are the people who have never really lived. The only way to avoid more pain is to give up living. And that’d be a shame.”
He left the baju for her and went walking through the Circuit. Walking under the sea never ceased to amaze him. You could spot a wondrous array of fish, especially where the tube passed near the coral reef.
He made his way back to the Queen of the South Sea, then up the gangplank. The crew was already loading provisions for their voyage to the Spice Islands. Very few trips were so profitable. That was, however, mostly an added bonus.
An Igni—must be, given the way the poor man kept looking around like someone would arrest him—crept over toward Ben as he boarded.
“Captain?”
“Ah, my good man. Try to look like a member of the crew.”
“Er, I’m not much of a sailor.”
Ben smirked. He didn’t imagine many of the fire worshippers were. A
nd if this man and his family were caught skipping out on their indentured servitude, being arrested was the least of their worries. As much as he’d made this his home, he couldn’t stand seeing these people so hopeless.
Ben had secretly been ferrying Ignis out of Kasusthali for over a year. The problem was, he might take a person or two, maybe a small family, on each trip, but he could hardly make a dent in the population of indentured servants in this city. If he was ever caught helping these people break their contracts, he risked the Ministry of Law crawling so far up his ass they’d probably be able to see what he had for lunch. It would end with his exile from the Solar Empire, most likely. Or worse, if they decided he was guilty of treason.
“Semar said …” the Igni mumbled.
Ben pulled the man’s head close to his own. “See, I’m going to drop you off on Suladvipa. You can win your fortune, win some hearts, whatever. I mean, you’re already married, I hear, so maybe you skip winning hearts. Whatever. But if you walk around looking like you don’t belong here, maybe someone will eventually notice it. So relax, grab some rope, and pretend you know what you’re doing with it. Works for the rest of the crew, right?”
At least the man knew well enough not to display his sacred flame on his clothing. Probably galled him, having to hide his religion and beliefs. Such was the price of freedom.
Moments later, Landorundun Sun Strode right aboard the deck. Ben’s heart leapt into his chest and he almost choked. The crew spun about in panic. The Guardswoman looked more bemused than angry, which might be a good sign. With a start, he realized she was wearing the white baju he’d given her. That was definitely a good sign. Ben plastered a grin on his face and strutted over to her.
“Why did you do all this?” Landi demanded. “Nobody ever gave me this much importance before.”
Ben grinned all the wider. “You know that day, after Ratna and Emperor Kakudmi married. At the feast. It was your smile. You people worship the sun. You ought not blame me for doing the same.”
