Moontide 04 - Ascendant's Rite

by David Hair

  They raised a cheer at that, congratulating him, while he beamed and nodded. The new ring on his finger felt strange, as did the mere thought that he was now a married man. But Carmina would make a good wife, faithful and placid. He drained his mug, and then held it out for a refill, feeling light-hearted and lightheaded.

  ‘My dear friends, it’s so good to be home.’

  Domus Costruo, Hebusalim, on the continent of Antiopia

  Rami (Septinon) 930

  Three months after the end of the Moontide

  It was a state occasion – another one. Alaron Mercer sighed inwardly. He was getting used to them, but they were wearying. Ramita skipped most of them, but she was beside him tonight, because this one was special.

  Today the Merozain Brotherhood formally stepped onto the tabula board of power.

  East and West were here: Regis Sacrecour, Duke of Pontus, an obscure royal from a distant line unfortunate enough to fall out of favour at Pallas so thoroughly that they were sent to the far end of the continent, represented the Rondian Empire. Quite what that meant no one could say; Treasurer Dubrayle and Arch-Prelate Wurther were either preserving the Sacrecour dynasty or hastening its end, according to gossip. Some said Constant’s young children would rule once they reached their majority; others that the infamously imprisoned Princess Natia was to be crowned. Or that she was already dead. It all stank of war. But Duke Regis was affable enough, and more importantly, he appeared to understand that without Alaron and Ramita, his palace in Pontus would be nothing but a smashed and sea-scoured boneyard.

  The East was represented by Sultan Salim himself, who was smart enough not to bring Rashid Mubarak. Word was the emir had returned to Halli’kut to convene his new order of magi. He was trying to buy the freedom of Alyssa Dulayne and the other Hadishah prisoners, though a price was still to be agreed.

  Building up the Merozain numbers was a priority. Alaron, Ramita and their Brothers numbered only a dozen now, but they planned to return soon to Mandira Khojana and see how amenable Master Puravai was to widening their net to other monasteries.

  The Ordo Costruo themselves numbered only thirty, but Rene Cardien claimed that many more must still be prisoners of the Hadishah breeding-houses, a subject Alaron would shortly be raising with Salim.

  Alaron didn’t see the Ordo Costruo as rivals, and of course, they were at pains to befriend him: he had the Scytale, after all. Cardien argued that only the Ordo Costruo could protect the artefact from the Rondian Empire. Alliance or even merger was possible, but there were many, many issues to be resolved first. In the meantime, the Ordo Costruo’s main concern was the Leviathan Bridge. In the wake of the damage done by the Sacrecours’ attempts to destroy it, the Towers were all depleted, and the Bridge was unlikely to survive being submerged. But Cardien had plans to recover the situation, and Alaron and Ramita were eager to help.

  After the speeches – Alaron got through his by pretending he was talking to his father with whom he’d been joyously reunited, and to Ramita in the front row – he introduced one final speaker, knowing that her words would be the one thing this night would be remembered for in the decades to come. The speaker was a willowy, silver-haired woman with a timeless face who took to the podium unidentified and waited for silence before her gentle, distant voice filled the room.

  ‘My name is Lillea Selene Sorades.’

  She paused as the whole room went silent with the accursed name resounding in their ears. Everywhere faces suddenly were attentive, confused, or stunned. Some shook their heads in denial. And in their seats on the right-hand side of the central aisles, the Kore clergy who’d come went white.

  ‘Most of you know me by another name: Corinea. All your lives you’ve been told stories about me, but I’m here to tell you the truth. This is my story . . .’

  Mount Tigrat, Javon, on the continent of Antiopia

  Shawwal (Octen) 930

  Four months after the end of the Moontide

  The sun rose, sending hazy slabs of light through the pillars of the gallery on the east side of the monastery. The robed woman closed her eyes momentarily and soaked in the warmth. Her firm, rounded belly weighed on her as she trod the walkway, looking out over the plains below as they emerged misty and moist from the night.

  I do love this land. Despite all it’s taken from me. Elena stroked her stomach. Feel that heat, little Serena? It’s the warmth of your homeland.

  She found a stone seat where at times she used to sit with Kazim in the afternoon, sweating from their training bouts, still a little hostile and wary, but slowly feeling their way towards each other through the maze of prejudices and circumstance that lay between. This was where they’d really fallen in love.

  One day you’ll leave here and find your place in the world, Serena. But I don’t know if I will ever leave again.

  Kazim joined her, dressed in work clothes and ready to clear the lower levels of all the debris from their hurried abandonment last year. He’d made coffee, and they shared a cup, savouring the tang.

  ‘We could house fifty people down there, easily,’ he commented.

  ‘What a horrible thought,’ she replied.

  They grinned, each knowing the other would unbend at some point. Communication crackled between them, wordless, intimate and endlessly loving. Time slipped past. ‘Molmar’s bringing timber from Brochena tomorrow,’ Kazim told her. ‘He says your Queen Cera – sorry, Ambassador Cera – is running rings around the Royal Council. Massimo relies on her for guidance, and his liking for her grows. She has been put in charge of Justice and the Courts.’

  ‘That didn’t take long,’ she remarked. ‘Not that I thought it would.’

  The click of wood on stone caught their ears and a small figure with stick-like arms and legs, clad in thin cotton, shoved a wooden frame through the door and leaned on it, panting heavily. Then she thrust it a few inches forward, and lurched in its wake. Several times she almost fell, but caught herself with a nudge of gnostic force. When Tarita sensed their eyes on her, she called out, ‘Look, Alhana! See! I can walk! I can do it!’

  Elena wiped at her eyes.

  I have two beautiful daughters: my adopted one, and Serena inside me. She stroked her belly. Dokken or mage – what are you, little one? No matter: I’ll love you, and so will your father.

  The child inside her kicked as if she heard.

  Baranasi, Lakh, on the continent of Antiopia

  Zulqeda (Noveleve) 930

  Five months after the end of the Moontide

  The streets of Aruna Nagar were teeming with noise and movement, the rich tang of spice and heat and sweat forming a heady brew. The alleys were at shuffling pace only, the buildings garlanded with brightly coloured ribbons of ochre and red: auspicious colours for the marriage season. Pandits read the stars to determine the optimal dates for the betrothed couples, and somehow managed to squeeze them all into autumn when the weather was cool but the nights warm: the best weather for such celebrations.

  There were at least seven such festivals that afternoon within a stone’s throw of each other around Aruna Nagar Square, where the market brought together buyers and sellers. Most residents were going to all of the weddings, even if just for a few minutes, because everyone was related to everyone else around here in some way. Family matriarchs felt honour-bound to see them all and pass judgement on the food, on the clothing, on the gifts, on the beauty of the couple and every other aspect. Families’ social standings rose and fell on such things.

  Ramita Ankesharan felt like a stranger in her homeland today. Half-familiar faces flashed by, girls she’d schooled with who were now young mothers, boys who’d once run riot with Kazim now labouring for their father’s businesses, while a new generation of youths tore through the market like a whirlwind, stealing handfuls of roasted nuts and sweets and waving kalikiti bats.

  ‘You grew up here?’ Alaron muttered incredulously, holding her hand and buffeting his way through the press.

  ‘I did,’ she repli
ed. ‘Isn’t it wonderful?’

  ‘That’s not the word I was thinking.’ He pulled her from the flow and stared about him. His pale face was discernible beneath his hood, but Rondian traders were not wholly unknown here, so while his pale skin didn’t trigger panic, he did attract curious glances and beggars: because everyone knew that Rondians were both inexplicably rich and stupid with money. ‘But it is amazing,’ he added fervently, which made her proud. ‘I like it, I do.’

  ‘If you like it now, then soon you will love it,’ she said.

  ‘Where do your family live?’

  Ramita had to think for half a second. ‘That way.’

  Once back in Mandira Khojana, Ramita had finally had the opportunity to scry her family, and to her faint surprise, they were back in Baranasi. She supposed that once the money stopped flowing, they’d decided that there was no other place they would rather be. They were in a different house, of course: the money might have stopped but even the initial payment Meiros had made for her had been lifetimes of wealth. Their new house overlooked the river, among the well-to-do, and there were servants and house-guards.

  My sacrifice did that.

  They arrived unheralded at the gatehouse and with a touch of mischief told the doorman that Lady Ramita Meiros was here to see Master Ispal. The doorman looked at her strangely, then at Alaron’s pale face, and fled, shouting ‘Master! Master!’

  I suppose he knows who I am, then . . .

  Father and Mother came together, Ispal’s face wide-eyed and his whole body shaking, her mother Tanuva pale and weeping. She didn’t feel that she was home until she was enveloped in her mother’s arms and pressing Dasra into Father’s grasp. Then Jai sprinted in and lifted her and swung her around and around, and Keita waddled in with their toddler and her belly large again, then the twins exploded through the middle of them, the two surviving triplets arrived to see what the fuss was, and all was the merry chaos she’d grown up in.

  Welcoming Alaron into the family required explanations and assurances, but he spoke Lakh credibly by now, enough that they could work out what was intended. Fear of ferang magi was not easily overcome, but her family was made of love and they drew him in. She skirted the details of what had befallen Kazim and Huriya and said little of her own transformation. Her parents weren’t blind: they’d realised within minutes that this was a visit, not a homecoming. They made no demands, and she loved them all the more for that.

  ‘Did I do wrong, Daughter?’ her father whispered, much later, before she went to join Alaron in their room. ‘I sold you to a stranger. I’ve been haunted ever since.’

  ‘I don’t know, Father. There is no way of knowing how things might otherwise have been. But the gods have been kind to us all. Our family is safe, and better off. And I now have another fine husband and two beautiful children. I cannot say you did wrong.’

  ‘Makheera-ji was merciful,’ her mother said.

  Ramita smiled at what Alaron would think of that. ‘We can only do our best with what is put before us. When is anything ever perfect?’ She looked away, thinking of Nasatya, lost somewhere in the world.

  We will see you again, little one, if the Goddess wills.

  *

  It was night in Baranasi, but it wasn’t dark. Holy Imuna was basted in silver by the moon hanging above like a giant eye. Alaron stood on a balcony and stared out at the river. Thousands of tiny leaf-boats bobbed past, each bearing a candle lit in prayer for remembrance of the dead, by the thousands of worshippers who came to the banks every evening. He’d lit one for Cym earlier and set it in the current.

  We’re all just candles floating on the river of life. He wondered if they were lines of a poem he’d once read.

  Ramita slipped into the crook of his arm. She was carrying a drowsy Dasra. ‘It’s lovely, isn’t it? This is Imuna at her most beautiful.’ She giggled. ‘It’s too dark to see how filthy the water is, and it’s too far away to smell it.’

  ‘It’s wonderful,’ Alaron told her, sincerely. He plucked Dasra from her and pointed to the river. ‘Look, little man. This is your mother’s home. Maybe yours one day too.’

  Ramita took his free hand. ‘Husband,’ she said seriously. ‘My parents approve of you. They think you will make a fine father for our daughters.’

  Phew. He grinned, then stared. ‘Daughters? Are you . . . Have we—?’

  She drew his hand to her stomach, smiling widely.

  THE END OF THE MOONTIDE

  APPENDICES

  Timeline of Urte History

  Year Y500BV*: Approximate beginning of the Rimoni conquest of Yuros.

  * (BV = Before Victory)

  Year Y1: Rimoni republics unite as Rimoni Empire, and new calendar adopted.

  Year Y380: The dissident Corineus and his followers engage in ‘The Ascension of Corineus’. Corineus dies, but three hundred survivors led by Sertain gain the gnosis and begin the conquest of Yuros. Another hundred under Meiros forgo war and journey eastwards into the wilderness, and a further hundred ‘Souldrinkers’ survivors go into hiding.

  Year Y382: Sertain is crowned first Rondian Emperor in Pallas and establishes Sacrecour Dynasty that still rules in Pallas. In time Rondian rule extends across almost entire continent of Yuros.

  Year Y697: First wind-ships from Pontus ‘discover’ Antiopia and its ancient and thriving civilisations. Trade-links develop, and eventually, plans for a linking bridge are developed by Meiros and his order of peaceful magi, the Ordo Costruo.

  Year Y808: The First Moontide: the Leviathan Bridge is completed by Meiros and opens for the first time.

  Year Y820+: The Second Moontide sees Rimoni natives flood into Ja’afar (Javon) in large numbers, where they buy land and establish themselves. As they gain political control, civil war develops, but is averted by the ‘Javon Settlement’ formally adopted in 836. The monarchy of Javon becomes democratic and is legally tied to the necessity for mixed racial background.

  Year Y834: A Keshi invasion of northern Lakh establishes the Amteh in Lakh, and a dynasty subservient to Kesh (the ‘Mughal’ is a Keshi ruler of Lakh territories).

  Year Y880/881: The Seventh Moontide: the most successful Moontide trading season in Hebusalim, and the revelation that the Pallas debt exceeds revenues. Crown credit crisis resolved by underwriting of crown debt by merchant bankers Jusst & Holsen.

  Year Y892/893: The Eighth Moontide: trading is disrupted by a series of atrocities by both Amteh fanatics and Kirkegarde knights.

  Year Y902: ‘The Year of Bloody Knives’: Emperor Hiltius is murdered and his son Magnus (and second wife Lucia) take over; they have a son, Constant in Y905, but the heir is still Natia (daughter of Magnus’ first wife).

  Year Y904/905: The Ninth Moontide and the First Crusade: the Rondian Emperor Magnus sends his legions into Hebusalim. His armies are permitted to cross the Bridge by the Ordo Costruo; they defeat the armies of Dhassa and Kesh. The Rondians establish the Dorobon monarchy in Javon and plunder Sagostabad. The Rondians leave a garrison in Hebusalim to resist re-occupation.

  Years Y909/910: Emporor Magnus dies; his widow Lucia ensures her son Constant (aged 5) succeeds, with her as regent, imprisoning Natia. This triggers instability in the vassal-states including serious uprising in Noros. Despite initial successes, Noros is isolated and defeated in 910.

  Years Y916/917: The Second Crusade: Rondian legions are reinforced in Hebusalim. They defeat the Sultans of Dhassa and Kesh and plunder as far east as Istabad. Again they withdraw to Hebb Valley as the Bridge closes.

  Year Y921: Rebellion in Javon results in the Dorobon monarchs fleeing into exile and the establishment of the Nesti monarchy. Olfuss Nesti becomes king.

  Year Y926: The Eighth Convocation of Amteh declares shihad upon the Rondian invaders.

  Year Y927: The next Moontide will begin in 928. The Third Crusade is declared by Emperor Constant, and preparations for war accelerate in both continents.

  Note: Antiopian chronology is counted from 454 years earlier than Yur
os, so Y927 is A1381.

  Time and Dates in Urte

  The world of Urte uses a lunar calendar, and due to the size and influence that the moon has on both continents (or perhaps because they were once joined) they have essentially the same calendar, though they use different names for the months. There are twelve moon-cycles in a year, each 30 days long, making the lunar year 360 days. The solar calendar is a few hours longer, meaning that every few years an out-of-calendar day is recommended by the Ordo Costruo to the Emperor of Yuros and the rulers of Kesh, which is widely observed. The months are as follows:

  Month of Year Season Yuros Name Antiopian name

  1st month Spring Janune Moharram

  2nd month Spring Febreux Safar

  3rd month Spring Martrois Awwal

  4th month Summer Aprafor Thani

  5th month Summer Maicin Jumada

  6th month Summer Junesse Akhira

  7th month Autumn Julsep Rajab

  8th month Autumn Augeite Shaban

  9th month Autumn Septinon Rami

  10th month Winter Octen Shawwal

  11th month Winter Noveleve Zulqeda

  12th month Winter Decore Zulhijja

  There are five parts to the lunar cycle, each roughly six days long, creating five six-day weeks. They are: New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, Waning Moon and Dark Moon. The weekly holy day is usually the last (or first) day of the six-day week; generally no commercial work is done and the day is divided between religious observance and relaxation.

  The days of the week are as follows:

  Day of Week Yuros Name Kesh name Lakh name

  1st day Minasdai Shambe Somvaar

  2nd day Tydai Doshambe Mangalvaar

  3rd day Wotendai Seshambe Budhvaar

  4th day Torsdai Chaharshambe Viirvaar

  5th day Freyadai Panjshambe Shukravaar