"What used to be the key? We won't know it doesn't work if we don't try." The Vakt played with the stool again.
Caj cried out from somewhere on Kvinna's left. "I need her to make a new one!" Kvinna searched the crowds for the other members of her group, Befrielse, Hem and Furstinna.
The Vakt still toyed with the stool. Maja gave a weary cry as she almost lost her footing again. Soft crying echoed through the chamber.
"I can't make a new one without her," Caj insisted. The Vakt looked doubtful but righted the stool and with a flick of his wrist several more Vakt sprang forward to release Maja. She dropped to the ground exhausted. Vakt surged toward Caj and seized him and they disappeared into the bottom level.
Vakt tore through the crowds with sabers and clubs. Kvinna was surprised how the citizens kept their calm. No one resisted. Kvinna managed to catch sight of Befrielse before she was grabbed by her hair and forced to her knees.
"This one," someone said.
Ganska tried to grab her arms but a Vakt struck her down with a club. Kvinna's hands were tied behind her back and she was marched off to a room at the back of the second floor. On the way she heard snippets of conversation. One Vakt was complaining the citizens were unarmed. No weapons had been found. "There's no threat here," he said to a companion who agreed.
When the door to her room opened a Vakt strode in and smacked her several times with a club in full view of those in the hall. He then turned and closed the door. "I'm Mitt from Dold. Had to make it look good," he said helping her into a chair. "Why haven't you reported in?"
"I didn't have the key."
"Why?"
"We weren't full members yet so they'd withheld that bit of information. Why did you attack?"
"Above my pay grade. They said strike, so we struck. It might have something to do with the downfall of the Asistan Ti."
"What?"
"Patri Peyi has fallen to the Mikachiari. The surviving Asistan Ti have fled to Enade to seek sanctuary. When that happened we received orders to mobilize."
Kvinna sat mute as she let the news sink in.
"Who knows how to make a key?"
"Everyone except the group I came with."
"That's why threatening her didn't phase anyone. And the other Manskliga who spoke up doesn't need her."
"I don't know what it takes to make a key. Maybe it does take two of them."
"Are any of your group still alive?"
"Ganska and Befrielse. I don't know about the others. Look Refuge practices nonviolence, they won't resist you."
"Don't be foolish, they already have. Where are the weapons?"
"We turned ours over to them when we arrived but I've searched the whole place and can't find them where they've hidden them."
"Who would know?"
"Probably the two you just took away to make the key."
"Find your group, if you can and stay with them. If we need you, we'll get you."
Mitt walked her out the door and down the hall. Right before Kvinna was to join a group of citizens Mitt untied her hands and shoved her forward. Several helped Kvinna to her feet. The Vakt moved through separating them into smaller and smaller groups. Those that stepped forward to ask about food, water, or medicines were shoved or beaten back.
Kvinna asked about Befrielse, Hem, Furstinna. Had they survived? There was a commotion and Kvinna saw Mitt tossing a Manskliga about, Furstinna. He was putting on a show so everyone would see she'd been singled out and removed.
Just before they were moved into rooms for the night. Befrielse and Hem appeared. They clasped hands with Kvinna.
"I saw them take Furstinna away," Befrielse said.
Kvinna nodded.
"Have you seen Ganska?" Hem asked.
"We were separated but she's here somewhere," Kvinna reassured them.
Befrielse and Hem looked dumbstruck, the adventure was not supposed to end like this. A club separated them into different rooms. Once inside the citizens whispered amongst themselves. Had all the copies of the Phases and Ninety-nine Ways been destroyed? There was a grin chuckle of satisfaction as someone explained the cooks were fueling their fires with them, so yes.
Conversation drifted from topic to topic. How did this happen? How did they find Refuge? What was going to happen next? How to resist, refuse to leave the room or once out refuse to move? Wait for a signal and join in once someone had decided seemed to be the only solution.
Two days later Kvinna was once again standing on a balcony overlooking the bottom floor. This time it was Hem balanced on a stool with a noose around his neck under the tree. The Vakt that had addressed the crowd earlier propped one foot on the stool and pointed in front of him. "These two have failed to produce a way out. I know for certain, he," the Vakt thumped Hem on the chest with his club. "Does not know how to make a key and doesn't know a way out of this place." The Vakt pushed on the stool with his foot. "Therefore he is of no use to us."
Kvinna squeezed her eyes shut and gasped. She was the reason they knew Hem was of no use. She grabbed a handful of her shirt and rubbed her thumb over the fabric. It was just a threat, Caj wouldn't let Hem come to harm.
"We did make the key and it doesn't work anymore because you damaged the portal," Caj yelled so everyone could hear.
"Nonsense. Even animals don't build their burrows with only one way in and out. There is another way. Tell me now or he dies."
"We need more time to figure it out. That's all we're asking for."
The Vakt drew back his foot and kicked the stool. Hem swung limp from the end of the rope, his neck broken.
Kvinna felt herself shoved forward by the crowd her eyes still squeezed shut. She'd known Hem since being assigned to Kunskap's class. Deception, destruction, death, these were possibilities she'd accepted by joining the Dold.
A small explosion and a flash of sparks shot from Caj and Maja's direction. A symbol illuminated the air above the tree. Kvinna squinted and strained to remember where she'd seen the symbol before. There was a push from the citizens who outnumbered the Vakt one way while others fell back towards the bottom floor by taking the ramps or jumping.
Kvinna felt a firm grip on her shoulder turn her around in the direction of the bottom floor. "This way," Befrielse yelled above the chaos.
The ranks of Manskliga fell all around them from being run through with a sword or beaten down by clubs. Through the stampede Kvinna caught sight of the symbol over the top of double doors at the end of one curve of the great room on the first floor. So this is where they were headed but why? Kvinna hung on to Befrielse and tried to ask but the noise around them was too great.
In what seemed like an eternity Kvinna was dragged past the doors into complete darkness. Everyone that hadn't been knocked down or killed shuffled forward blindly. She screamed as the ground disappeared beneath and she dropped. Water closed over her head. Kvinna rose flailing in the darkness. More splashes followed as others dropped into the water. A hand grabbed the material at the back of her neck and she followed. Her feet touched solid, slippery stone and she made her way up and out of the pool. "What is this?"
"The way out," Befrielse answered. "Just a few more feet!"
Light flickered ahead. As they approached, Kvinna could make out figures. When she recognized them by their robes, she jerked out of Befrielse's grasp. "Jakel worshipers!"
The push of the crowd behind her threw her forward again into Befrielse. "It's alright. We can pass as long as we are unarmed." True to his word the figures parted letting the unarmed Manskliga pass without a glance. The figures were covered head to toe in a brown robe that disguised their figure and features. Their hands were clasped together within the folds of their sleeves.
"And what happens if you're armed?"
"We're not going to stick around to see."
They made their way through trenches, the middle sunk down two feet and filled with water. They had to wade through because Jakel worshipers stood on the sides funneling them along. Faint screa
ms followed them from behind.
It seemed like hours before the former citizens of Refuge came to a large staircase that wound it's way up. Two Jakel worshipers guarded the bottom. Kvinna started to climb. The staircase climbed higher and higher until Kvinna's thighs began to ache. There were no more screams or sounds of killing, just the dull trod of footsteps upward.
When they reached the end of the stairs they found themselves in a cave. The survivors pushed forward until the Galen Trask opened up before them.
Trask was heavily wooded. The trees were massive with long strands of moss dripping down off it's branches. Many collapsed on the ground, crying and worn out from the ordeal.
"We can't stop here," Befrielse shouted. Others took up his rallying cry. A Manskliga removed a rod with a shield hammered to the front from the ground close to the exit and waved it at the front of the crowd. "Follow this!" he cried.
They continued on foot stopping often as some dropped from fatigue and had to be carried. Kvinna noticed others pointing out notches in trees, what she could only assume were markers leading to their destination. Refuge had always planned for the inevitable. She never guessed Befrielse had known all this time. He had been taken into the confidence of those in Refuge.
There was another hike through a cave and at the other end there was a large clearing. In the center stood a clear lake. "We're here," Befrielse said as he collapsed.
As soon as they were rested Kvinna plied him with questions. "How did you get a Jakel worshiper's robe?"
"I didn't kill one, that's for sure. There's no reason to know now, Refuge is gone."
"How did you know about the escape plan?"
Befrielse ignored the question. "What I want to know is how the Vakt found out Hem didn't know the way out." Befriesle asked between clenched teeth.
Kvinna looked down to gather her thoughts then said, "Do you think Furstinna told them? You saw them taking her away." Kvinna pointed to the fading bruises on her face. "They beat me who knows what they did to her." Kvinna rushed on. "I've been thinking. Kunskap disappeared right after Ganska invited Furstinna into the group. When we were searching through Sanddyner she was never convinced we were doing the right thing."
Befrielse's jaw tightened. "I lost track of Ganska."
"She may have made it out. Lets look for her." Kvinna stood and looked around. High mountain walls surrounded the lake on all sides. "And where are we?"
"In the heart of Grampas territory."
Kvinna gasped. "What? Why?"
"I know some of the inner circle like Maja had dropped the priority of making contact with the Grampas but that was the main reason Refuge was started in the first place and there were those that didn't let that go." Befrielse grunted as he stood. "They did it. They deciphered their language. We can finally talk to them."
"But will they talk to us?"
"We'll find out. With Refuge gone we have no where else to turn."
Country: Varlid, Nation: Joint Forces of Varlid, City: Enade
Negotiation is usually based on the capacity for power and the assessment of whether that power can be leveraged. - Refuge diary
Enade had been built to impress. The archways, roads, walkways and buildings loomed over all who entered. Large enough for giants, the gleaming city of stone made the citizens of Varlid seem insignificant.
The city was laid out in a circle with ever smaller concentric circles culminating in a tower where joint dignitaries from Rike, Dohla, and Patri Peyi were housed and meetings took place. In the chaotic weeks after Patri Peyi fell to the Mikachiari, the Asistan Ti led by the new Prezidan Boni had taken up residence inside Enade.
The Mikachiari sent Luru, Noki, and Gumus carrying Mina. Mina remained mute and barely responsive. Luru had sent Mikachiari to search for the High Priestess, they needed leadership and security in order to bring the five Hopes back. Luru hated to think all the Priestesses were gone which only left Tado who as yet had refused to leave Rasima.
Gumus pounded the ground with every step sending tremors Luru felt through the soles of her shoes. He was contained fury. Documents left behind by the Asistan Ti indicated the invasion of Buyuk Col by the Bocek was not a random event. The Elyun may not have planned it however they did nothing to intervene. Luru couldn't stop him from coming and dreaded to think what he might do in Enade. Her stomach lurched as they approached the gates.
The guards gave them a once over and asked them to state their business.
Luru cleared her throat. "We seek a council meeting to recognize the sovereignty of Nokashikatekiariku recently liberated from the Asistan Ti."
The guard drew his head back in surprise then raised a hand to his ear and spoke. After a brief pause he addressed Luru, "Wait here."
Gumus tensed and Luru stepped directly in front of him. "Gumus, I understand you are upset and want answers. Remember we were the ones who shared the information we found. We didn't have to do that. If you jeopardize this negotiation... ." Luru let her threat hang in the air.
Gumus's jaw muscle ticked. He gave a long, slow blink then nodded his head.
Five Vakt appeared and ordered the group to follow them. When it was clear they would not be taken to the dignitary's quarters at the top of the tower, Luru stopped. "I am asking for a council meeting. I expect to be lodged at the tower."
One of the Vakt, a tall, gaunt Manskliga turned. "You do realize the Asistan Ti have taken refuge here. They are a formal member of the council. In the interests of diplomacy, we have been ordered to offer you accommodation elsewhere. I'm sure you'll find it comfortable."
"The Asistan Ti are no longer members of the council since they occupy no territory. I'll be happy to take their quarters."
The Vakt gave a small bow. "I hold no authority. Let me see you to your quarters and then a council member can deal with you directly. I'm sure you can appreciate the delicacy of the matter."
Noki stroked Luru's back. Luru gave a curt nod and motioned for the Vakt to lead on.
The quarters were spacious and on the lower level. Food and drink were served. The Vakt who'd addressed them early said, "You are to wait here for a council member. If you try to approach the tower before this time, you will be stopped." He drew close to Gumus. "If any violence ensues you can be sure it will receive a swift answer in kind."
***
After resting they lounged by one of the fountains in the marketplace also on the lower level. Goods from all over Varlid were available and the place was packed with sellers, buyers, and gossipers. The latest news in Varlid was discussed openly. Dong Tochi and Seo Jog Mo Seo Li had fallen without the Asistan Ti powered Suk Chae. The Aventyrare were now flooding the port towns and Galen across Varlid. Riots had broken out in areas and travelers were warned to stick to the roads and even then to travel in large groups and be prepared to fight.
"We were lucky we got here before all Jakel broke loose," Noki said.
"We're not lucky. Mikanokichikata is hardly secure much less the rest of our homeland. If an organized group of Aventyrare were to invade... ," Luru let her voice trail off. "They have until tomorrow to formally recognize us. If not, teka torin to the lot of them, we head home and focus on rebuilding."
"The Mikachiari need this truce with the Manskliga and Elyun if not some guarantee the Asistan Ti will not return. You can't just give up without these assurances," Gumus said shifting the sling that held the still unresponsive Mina.
"The Faglar are our allies," Noki's tone made it more of a question than a statement.
Gumus and Luru shook their heads.
"They have been badly weakened. Don't misunderstand, they are willing, it will take time. It will take time for all of us to be fully functional."
Vakt surrounding a small group entered the marketplace. The gaunt one from earlier spotted Luru, Noki, and Gumus by the fountain and headed toward them. He did not look happy.
"How many more of your kind can we expect to receive in Enade?" he asked as if he'd eaten something particularl
y sour.
Before Luru could ask for clarification, he sighed and waved his hand. The Vakt separated and Luru squealed, "Batu!"
The gaunt Vakt dismissed the others and stood to the side hands clasped in front of him. Batu, Kazi and several others from Rasima hugged and stroked Luru and Noki.
"How did you escape Tado?" Luru asked.
"There has been a split within the group in Rasima for some time. When Mina was compromised it galvanized the others to join. It was almost an even split between the two."
"Where are they?"
"They're on their way to Nokashikatekiariku! We longed to join them to see for ourselves but branched off when we heard you were going to Enade."
The group squealed and hugged and stroked again. Gumus fidgeted in the background still unaccustomed to all the touching that went on between the Mikachiari.
"What happened to Mina?" Kazi whispered dreading the answer.
"She's alive!" Noki exclaimed. "Here." She pointed to the sling across Gumus.
Kazi practically sprang at Gumus who backed up on reflex. His legs hit the edge of the fountain and he sat down hard. "Settle, she's not well," he snapped.
Kazi scrambled onto his lap and opened the sling to take a look. Mina lay serenely and Kazi smiled and reached in to grab her friend. When she saw the vacant look in Mina's eyes, her face crumpled. "What's wrong with her?"
Noki said, "She's been through a lot."
"Why is Mina with him?" Kazi jerked her thumb at Gumus.
"He takes care of her," Luru said.
"I can help take care of her," Kazi said as she climbed into the sling.
Gumus waved his hands in exasperation. "I can't be carting around two of you!"
Batu glanced at the gaunt Vakt still standing to the side. She grabbed Luru's arm her voice hushed. "I have good news. The High Priestess is traveling with our group as well." She widened her eyes slightly to keep Luru from saying more in front of the Vakt.
"That is good news," Luru said. To the Vakt she said, "I'm sorry we had no idea this group would be joining us from Rasima."
Crowning Fantasy Book 1 Page 14
