Falling From the Tree (Darshian Tales #2)

by Ann Somerville

  Kei nodded as he saw Karik understand this. “Arman, why don’t you have Karik taken over to the academy when you’re done, and I’ll walk everyone else out?”

  Gyo seemed worried at this change in plans, so Karik gave him a reassuring smile. “S-see you tonight.”

  “Come on, son,” Misek said, standing. “Risa needs to see Aito before tonight’s tide.”

  “Let me show you the way out,” Kei said. “Karik, when you get to the academy, tell them you’re to see me. I’ll make sure you’re expected, but take your time.”

  Karik nodded, and stood politely as the others left. “It’s this way,” Arman said, opening the door back into the building and leading Karik down a long wide corridor, along which hung a series of portraits of solemn-faced men and women in red robes. Former Rulers, he guessed.

  His stomach was churning by the time Arman got to a door at the very end of the corridor, and opened it. It was a small room, full of books. On a large desk, which took up a good deal of space in the room, were many papers and more books. “Have a seat, Karik.”

  Karik perched nervously on one of the chairs in front of the desk, while Arman took a seat behind it, opening a drawer and pulling something out. “Strictly speaking this is a gift by proxy, since I had to ask my father for help to obtain it. I hope you like it.” He handed over a long object wrapped in oiled paper. Karik took it and unwrapped it carefully. There was a wooden box inside it—opening the lid revealed an odd looking metal tool, as well as a sealed pot and a thick, short handled brush. He looked at Arman in puzzlement.

  “It’s a razor,” Arman said. “And good shaving soap. For your....” He indicated his own cheeks and top lip. “I know you don’t need it now, but you will soon enough. After all, you’re sixteen, nearly an adult,” he added with forced heartiness.

  Karik wondered why Arman was so ill at ease. “Th-thank you.” He had absolutely no idea how to use a razor on himself. It looked nothing like what they used to prepare hides in the village with.

  But Arman had thought of that, it seemed. “Before you go, I’ll show you how it’s done—don’t want to spoil that fair complexion of yours, do we?” Karik nodded, but Arman still looked as if he wasn’t sure how to carry out this conversation.

  Abruptly he stood up and walked to the window to stare out of it. He spoke without turning around. “I understand from Kei, who spoke to your mother, that you have some questions for me, so I’ve been thinking about what to say to you. I realise I could have handled this better sixteen years ago, but we can’t cross that bridge again.” He cleared his throat. “I understand your natural curiosity, and in your situation, I would feel the same. However, I’m dealing with a very difficult situation, and it’s not just you who has to be considered. What I’ve decided is that I will tell you as much as I deem practical and wise, and then I will ask you not to seek more information than that—from me or from anyone. Will you give me that undertaking?” He turned then and looked at Karik.

  “Y-yes,” he said quietly. He hardly knew how to argue with the man—he wished he could say he no longer really wanted the information at all. And the questions he did want answers to, he would never have the courage to ask—not when Arman had this glint in his eye.

  “Do I have your word of honour on this? What I give you now is all that you will seek?” Karik nodded, now feeling rather scared of Arman—he looked so serious. “Then I hope you keep that word, lad. There are dangerous forces at work here. You must not meddle with them.”

  He came and sat back at the desk, picking up a letter opener and beginning to fiddle with it. Karik had never seen him fidget before. “You are, as is perfectly obvious, a Prij by birth, although you are by law Darshianese and nothing will change that. Your birth mother—” He stopped and took a deep breath as if he was in pain. “Her name is Mayl, Sei Mayl. ‘Sei’ meaning she’s the daughter of a senator. I don’t suppose you even know what a senator is.”

  “Ll-like a Ruh-Ruler?”

  “Yes, a little. I’m also a senator’s child. That class is the nobility among the Prij, although, unlike the Rulers, the position isn’t won by merit very often. My father is a rare example—he was the youngest son of a senator, but was made one in his own right because of his services to the present sovereign’s father. However, my brother is now a senator in his stead on account of him being my father’s oldest son. The position is inherited.”

  Karik nodded. “And my fuh-father?”

  “Other than the fact he is also a nobleman, I can’t tell you about him, Karik.” Arman grimaced. “I know that’s not what you want to hear, but I won’t be moved on this issue, so please don’t ask me again.”

  “Wuh-was my m-mother r-raped? Like Pia?”

  Arman shot him a sharp glance. “No, I assure you she wasn’t. You’re not the offspring of a crime—I can tell you that much. As for how you came into my keeping....” He stood up again and returned to the window. “Mayl’s...affairs...were in my charge. I can’t say more than that. I deemed it best for your welfare that you were not left in her care. I will say, seeing the person you have grown up to be, that I have never regretted that decision. Trust me, you’re a better, happier person for being raised as Reji and Jena’s child than you would be if I had left you in Utuk.”

  “She’s—”

  Arman turned sharply, and Karik leaned back in his chair as if he were under physical threat, so ferocious did Arman seem just then. “No, don’t ask me more, I beg you. You mustn’t ask more about this, and you must not seek her out. Your parents’ happiness depends on this, I swear on my honour. Your birth parents will do nothing but cause you harm, and more than that—harm to Reji and Jena, to Kei and even to me. Even to Darshian itself.”

  Karik couldn’t speak, he was so shocked. He stared at Arman, who turned back to the window and refused to say any more for several minutes.

  Finally Arman sighed and returned to his desk. “I’m sorry, lad. I know that sounds rather dramatic. Your real parents are connected to very powerful, ill-motivated people, and I need you to put them out of your mind for everyone’s sake. Nothing good will ever come from attempting to contact them, and knowing more about them will not bring you peace, however frustrating that is for you. I can only ask you to trust that I have your best interests at heart, though I know you may not believe it now. Are you happy in your life? Do you really wish I hadn’t brought you north?”

  Karik shook his head. “No. I ll-love M-Ma and Pa. I d-don’t c-care about anyone else.”

  Arman smiled a little. “At least my conscience is eased on that score. Did Jena tell you about the man you were named for?”

  “A l-little.”

  “So you know he was called Karus.” Karik nodded. “It was Kei who suggested the name, but it was Karus who said I had a responsibility to make sure you were raised with love and joy. I wouldn’t have been able to keep that promise if you had stayed in Kuprij.” He smiled again, this time sadly. “Karus was my tutor, one of my dearest and oldest friends. A wonderfully wise man. I like to think he would be pleased at how you’ve turned out.”

  Karik opened his mouth to thank Arman, but then the door opened suddenly and a short, elderly man wearing the red robes of a Ruler came in. “Arman...oh, I do beg your pardon. Lodi said your visitors had left.”

  Karik stood, unsure of what was the correct thing to do. Arman also stood. “We are finished, pretty much. My lord, this is Karik. Karik, this is Lord Meki.”

  Karik bowed, it being the most polite thing he could think to do then. “How nice to meet you again, Karik,” Lord Meki said. Again? Karik thought. “But don’t let me disturb you, Arman.”

  “I’ll come to you in a few minutes, my lord. Just let me have Karik set on the way to the academy.”

  The Ruler nodded and left. “That’s my boss,” Arman said with a smile. “And it reminds me that I really must get back to my work. Have you any questions?”

  Only a few thousand, Karik thought, even as he shook his head.
“N-no. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Now, come with me and I’ll have someone walk you to the academy. I know Kei has a gift for you too.” Now the unpleasant topic of his parentage had been dismissed, Arman was more relaxed. “I think you’ll find the academy fascinating—I always do. Some very bright people indeed work over there. Kei’s the brightest, of course, but there are a few nearly as clever as him.”

  Karik made himself smile at Arman, sensing the man needed to see he was handling things well, though inwardly he was troubled, and even a little resentful Arman hadn’t seen fit to let him decide if he could handle the information. Still, he was glad this conversation was over. It had raised more questions than it had answered, but if Arman was telling the truth—and Karik had no reason to disbelieve him—to push for more would hurt his parents and that, Karik would never do. If being the son of an unknown man kept those he loved safe, it was a small price to pay. He just would have liked to have had that one question answered.

  ~~~~~~~~

  Karik politely thanked the soldier who had escorted him the short distance to the academy. He wished Arman hadn’t thought he needed to be taken around like a child, but perhaps he’d thought it was just polite. His thoughts were in a jumble. He couldn’t make sense either of what he’d been told or of what Arman said he wouldn’t tell him—or the reasons. He wished he’d felt up to pushing Arman a little. He got the distinct impression that Arman was putting on a front to deter him and if Karik had been braver, he might have been able to force the truth from him—but the moment had passed. He badly wanted to discuss the matter with his parents, but he would have to wait weeks and weeks for that now, he supposed.

  The academy was a handsome building and Karik felt at home in it almost immediately, though he still felt rather depressed as he gave his name to the polite clerk and then sat to wait for Kei. He fiddled with the band on his wrist—his birthday was certainly turning out to be memorable, but for all the wrong reasons.

  He didn’t have long to wait—Kei arrived in just a few minutes, his expression grave. “Come with me,” he said quietly, his hand on Karik’s shoulder.

  They had to climb two flights of stairs to get to Kei’s office. “Sorry about this,” he said. “I wanted a view and this was the only room they had spare that I liked. It’s actually over the anatomy lecture room. Sometimes the smell in summer can get a bit much,” he said, pulling a face. “Have a seat.”

  Kei’s office was much larger and airier than Arman’s, but also messier and busier. So many books, skulls, models, papers.... “H-how do you fi-find things?”

  Kei laughed. “I have a system, believe it or not. It’s worse now because I’ve been looking things up for Jezinke in Urshek. Very clever man—I hope to meet him one day. Now,” he said, leaning forward. “How did it go? With Arman, I mean. I can feel you’re upset. Did he tell you who your parents are?”

  “Muh-my mother. N-not my fuh-father. He s-said not to ah-ask about them.”

  “Ah.” Kei looked thoughtful. “That’s not very satisfactory for you, is it?” Karik shook his head and Kei sighed. “I’m sorry. Would it help for me to assure you that if Arman thinks your birth parents will only bring you sorrow, it’s an opinion I share?”

  “You kn-know them?”

  “Yes.” A look of pain crossed Kei’s face, and Karik remembered what his father had said about Kei being mistreated during the war. “I don’t know what I can say that will help. Arman really does have your best interest at heart and that of your parents. Can you believe that, at least?”

  Karik nodded. “It’s all r-right. I wuh-won’t ask. I duh-don’t want to hu-hurt Ma and P-Pa.”

  “I’m sure you don’t. You’re handling this very well, and I’m proud of you. I hope when you look back on this day, you won’t judge Arman too harshly.”

  Somehow, with Kei respecting him as an adult, it was easier to react as one. “I wuh-won’t. He wuh-wants to protect m-me. Us.”

  “Yes, he does,” Kei said, looking a little sad. “And it’s wise and generous of you to understand that.”

  Karik’s face grew hot. “Th-thanks.”

  “No need to thank me for telling the truth. Now. I suppose you think I forgot to get you a birthday gift, hmmm?”

  Karik stared. It had crossed his mind briefly, but since Arman had given him such a generous present, he’d assumed it was from both of them. “No.”

  “Huh. Well, I didn’t,” he said, grinning, opening a drawer in his desk and pulling out a book. “Here, to encourage your discoveries.”

  Karik took it and read the title—The flora of Southeast Darshian. He opened the pages, and was astonished at the beautifully coloured illustrations of flowers and plants, many of which were types he’d never seen before. As he flipped carefully but eagerly through the pages, he heard Kei laugh and he looked up.

  “I’m sorry—I’ve never felt someone fall in lust with a book before. I take it you like it?”

  He held it close to him. “Yes. Th-thank you.”

  “One day I hope you might contribute to a book on the plants of the plains. I certainly want to know if you find any of the plants in that book up near Ai-Albon. I need someone like you to work for me,” Kei said with a sigh.

  “Muh-me?”

  “Yes, you, lad. A bright, thoughtful, sharp-eyed person is just who I need. Part of my job is spotting people who can serve this country in scientific investigation—I’ve spotted you now,” he added, grinning. Karik was too surprised to speak. “However, I’m sitting here chatting when I’m sure you want to see the academy.... You did want to see it, yes? You weren’t just being polite when you could have gone to see Aito’s ship, I hope.”

  He looked really worried. “No. I ch-chose this. I’ve b-been looking f-forward to it.”

  Kei’s expression cleared. “Oh good. Come and see the library. It was the thing I was most impressed with when I first came here.”

  Even though Kei had had no explanation or comfort to offer, somehow Karik felt better for having talked to him. He even felt a little sorry for Arman—the older man had had such difficulty with the conversation for all his importance and experience, and had clearly been so worried about his reaction, no wonder he’d handled things so abruptly. Karik was actually proud of himself he’d been able to keep so calm. It would be all right, he thought. He was a Prij, child of a noblewoman—but he was Jena and Reji’s son first. And Kei was proud of him.

  Karik kept his new treasures clutched tightly to him as they climbed down the long stairs and walked along tall, wooden-floored corridors. They passed several people in the hallways, all of whom bowed to Kei respectfully and called him ‘Master’. After the third time this had happened, Karik looked at Kei, who seemed rather embarrassed. “It’s just the title of my position,” he murmured. “I always feel a little silly when they do that.” Karik thought it was funny. No wonder Pa teased Kei so much about his job. “Now, here we go.”

  They came to a pair of huge, heavy doors, which Kei pushed open with ease, despite their obvious weight. As they opened, Karik thought he’d entered paradise. There were thousands of books all along the walls, and over a dozen people reading quietly, books open on tables and note books lying beside them. The ceiling was very tall and arched, and there were huge windows on all sides which would give light until the last rays of the sun disappeared. He walked into the centre of the room and turned around slowly—books everywhere. Knowledge everywhere.

  Kei came to his side and put his hand on Karik’s shoulder. “I know how you feel,” he whispered. A woman reading close by looked up with an annoyed expression, but when she saw who had spoken, she nodded and smiled, and turned back to her book. “When I first came in here, I never wanted to leave.”

  “No.” But Karik realised the academy was for professionals, healers, architects, engineers, teachers...not for children. “I wish I could stay,” he murmured, feeling sad this treasure was not for him.

  Kei signalled for Karik to foll
ow him, and led him to a small office to the side of the reading room. “It’s a quiet space for people looking at maps,” he explained, resting his backside on a table. “You’re in love, aren’t you?” Karik nodded and Kei smiled. “Then I hope you’ll come back here one day.”

  “I c-can’t. I c-can’t be a hee-healer wuh-with th-this st-st-stutter.” He flushed with embarrassment at demonstrating his point so wonderfully.

  Kei frowned. “Who says? Besides, I think we can find a way to help you speak more clearly—I notice when you slow down, or you whisper, you don’t stammer. It’s not a physical flaw, therefore I think there must be an answer.” Karik nodded. “Well, then. We just need to find out more about it. But be that as it may, you can be a healer with a stammer, I promise you—if you want to be. Do you?”

  “Not...sure.” He’d tried saying it slower and it was true, he didn’t stammer.

  “You have time to decide. But it’s not the only kind of work you could do which can help the health of the Darshianese. You’ve already discovered a powerful fungicide, and that was without any training and just looking in your small locality. The plants of the dry areas are barely exploited. We don’t even know what we have, not far to the west, or in the mountains. We already have people doing surveys, but it needs more than willingness, and it won’t be something we can do quickly.” He put his hand on Karik’s shoulder and looked down at him kindly. “By the time you’re ready to come back, if you want to, you can help in that work. We need people who are careful, learned and brave. I think you’re all three. It would mean travelling, going a long way from home. Do you think you could bear it?”

  Karik looked up at his ‘uncle’. “I d-don’t know. I’d ll-like to t-try.”

  “I thought you might. So here’s what I need you to do. Study hard, keep your eyes open, keep notes—all which you do now. I’ll speak to Jena and make sure she trains you as if you are to be a healer and more besides. I know you’ve already picked up a good deal just by helping her and talking to her, and she believes you have a natural aptitude or I wouldn’t suggest this at all. In a year, if you’re still interested, come back to me, and you can study here. And after all that, you can either go home to work as a healer, or stay and work with me. How does that sound?”