by C. R. Daems
The muscles on Wenrich neck stood out like cords, and his face twisted in anger as he threw the full force of his sixteen-stone mass of muscle at me. His forward motion slowed as he hit my expanded Qi, which compressed like a spring. Before it could explode, I released what I thought a small amount of Qi, intending to repulse him with a gentle push. Instead, he catapulted backward, stumbled several paces, knocked down a servant, spun around, and crashed face first to the floor—a rather spectacular display. Definitely not the gentle push I had intended.
The room took a collective breath and then all breathing stopped.
It took Wenrich a minute to catch his breath and sit up. When he drew his dagger, people jumped up, knocking over chairs in a rush to back away from the table.
I held Sandar in place with a gentle wall of Qi as his hand flew to a dagger at his belt.
"Duke Wenrich, I'd think thrice and thrice again before you advance on me with a weapon."
He rose to his feet and stood glaring at me, chest heaving. "And why should I think even once, much less thrice, before I teach you the cost of touching me?"
"Because, you're not a stupid man. It should give you cause for concern that a small, young woman stands before you without fear, when it's obvious that you intend to kill me."
"And how do you plan to stop me?"
"That's the interesting question. I know what you plan to do to me. But you do not know what my Qi is capable of doing to you. And the only way to find out is to attack me."
He stood silent for a long time, then threw back his head and roared with laughter. "You're either Qi, or think you're Qi, or you're the greatest bluffer in the kingdom."
"Possibly all three."
"I guess you expect me to apologize to you?"
"Of course not, Your Grace. I don't care what you call me or think of me. I remain the same regardless. However, you do owe Duke Sandar an apology for calling him a liar."
"And if I don't?" He grinned.
"Then we must find out if I'm Qi or not."
He stared at me for a long time, before turning toward Sandar.
"Sandar, it appears I was wrong about the young lady. And I would not want to be accused of killing a Qi'advisor. I may need one of my own someday." He nodded to me before continuing. "Return to your seats, the testing of qi'Nisha is over."
It was a clever recovery. The guests scurried to their seats, sneaking looks at Sandar and me. Mastal looked at me and raised an eyebrow, smiling. Shortly afterward, the young server Wenrich had knocked over came over to me.
"Qi'Nisha, can I get you anything? You don't seem to like the food."
"If it isn't too much trouble, some fruit, cheese, and water would be nice." Ironically, there was no water on the table, just lots of wine, and I found the food too rich. As we ate, Sandar quietly pointed out some of the people I'd need to recognize, especially Fabiao, the Duke of Eolus, and Janko, the Duke of Castor.
"You don't eat meat, qi'Nisha?" Wenrich asked. His interest in me was not unexpected after our confrontation.
"Meat isn't forbidden at the Qi'temple, but I've never acquired a taste for it. And although the cook is an artist, it's too spicy for me."
He asked several more questions during the meal. Afterward, as we were leaving, he pulled me aside. Sandar had sense enough not to interfere.
"You're a very dangerous person, qi'Nisha."
"Your Grace, it's not for me to decide if you're a duke or a king. I do not make such decisions, nor do I care to. My role is to give advice when I'm asked." Whether he believed it or not, it was true. If I took sides, I'd be biased and of little value.
"You work for Duke Sandar."
"I'm under contract as a Qi'advisor. I'm contracted to give advice, not to defend him."
"You defended him tonight."
"No, Your Grace. You slandered me to incite Duke Sandar. Since you involved me directly, I owed the duke to handle the matter. If the attack had been directed against him, I would have done nothing except to give him advice, if he asked."
He nodded and walked away. Sandar and Mastal wandered over to me as soon as Wenrich left.
"What was all that about?" Sandar asked. I nodded toward the door. In the courtyard, it was quiet and only a few servants were running here and there.
"When Wenrich heard the rumors about me, he decided it provided the perfect opportunity to kill you—"
"Kill me!"
"Yes, you rose immediately, ready to fight when he insulted me and, indirectly, you. He would have continued his insults until you attacked him. Then he or one of his followers would have killed you. I doubt anyone would have challenged the killing."
Sandar nodded slowly. "You were right that my biases or assumptions would get in my way. As much as we dislike each other, the thought that Wenrich would openly attack me went too far against my beliefs for me to consider."
Mastal gave me a long look. "So that's why you asked me and the troops not to defend you. Wenrich's soldiers were definitely trying to start a fight. A killing certainly would have led to more killing—mine and then Father's."
"You knew what he intended?"
"No. Not until tonight or I would have advised you of the fact. But it soon became apparent I was being used to cause trouble. That's why I intervened. I'm hired to give advice, not to interfere, but I'll not allow someone to use me against you or anyone."
* * *
The next morning at breakfast, I found myself the center of attention. Unasked, the server brought me fruits, nuts, cheeses, and water. Those that said anything to me addressed me as qi'Nisha. As I walked to the door, an elder woman—compared to me—joined me as I made my way into the courtyard. In her late thirties, she moved like an athlete. Although not required, she wore traditional Qi clothing: baggy pants tied at the ankles, loose-fitting, long-sleeve blouse, and soft leather boots.
"I'm qi'Senka, Qi'advisor to the late king. And you're qi'Nisha?"
"Qi'Senka, I'm pleased to see you." I bowed my head in respect. "Yes, I'm qi'Nisha."
"It's easy to understand all the speculation about you. You're very young."
"Duke Sandar had an urgent need, and I was ready to leave."
"Without a Walk-around?"
"Educational, but not necessary. It makes you better informed but doesn't make you Qi."
"Then why was it necessary to prove you were Qi? Wasn't Duke Wenrich an unnecessary risk?"
"It was necessary, but not for my sake. Duke Wenrich planned to use me to kill Duke Sandar. I'd no choice but to act or be complicit in his plan."
"It appears you didn't need the Walk-around. With the Royal Scepter missing, Wenrich sees this as the perfect opportunity to be king and Sandar as a potential obstacle. Killing him would seem the perfect solution." Qi'Senka paused and gave me an appraising look.
"Even if I had known what he was planning, I wouldn't have challenged him. You appear right—the duke had an urgent need and you were ready." She paused and gave me a grin. "Are you heading to the soldiers' area to collect your bets?"
"Yes, I'm hoping to build friends for the duke. He'll need them to counter Wenrich's plans. You're welcome to join me."
She nodded and followed me into the troops' practice grounds, where Sergeant Dinesh watched two soldiers sparring. For the first time, he gave me a respectful half bow.
"Qi'Nisha, I'd like to apologize for leaping to the conclusion that you were anything other than what Duke Sandar said you were. From all reports, he's an honest man and there was no reason to doubt him."
"Rubbish, she's a doxy and everyone knows it. Sandar has you all fooled." Sergeant Lazar shouted as he stormed across the ground. The two men practicing backed away.
I put my hand on Dinesh's arm to stop him from responding.
"Now you're calling Duke Wenrich a liar?" I said. Lazar's face turned purple with rage. "He called me qi'Nisha last night at dinner and apologized to Duke Sandar for any misunderstanding. Your Duke's a wise man, Sergeant Lazar."
Lazar must have bitten his tongue to avoid saying more. He turned and stomped off. Afterward, Nuray and the other sergeants each took their turn apologizing and giving me a copper.
"Thank you, sergeants. Your willingness to admit you made a mistake and to learn from it proves you deserve to command. You're the kind of men I'd want at my side in a war." They were good men. I suspect they took the bet more for the fun of it than out of vindictiveness. When we were again in the courtyard, qi'Senka spoke for the first time since entering the troops' area.
"Nicely done. You're an unusual blend of yin and yang. Most of us tend to be yin. It would be interesting to watch you, but I'll be returning to the Qi'temple, as I've seen no interest in my services—although last night's performance may generate some." She grinned.
When we reached the main building, we went in opposite directions. On my way back to my room, Minister Ankur intercepted me.
"Qi'Nisha, I apologize for your poor quarters. I hadn't expected a Qi'advisor in Duke Sandar's party, or I'd have had a suitable room available when you arrived. We can move you into the nobles' area."
"I appreciate the offer, Minister Ankur, but my accommodations are quite satisfactory." Ankur stood silent as I continued to my room.
* * *
Used to waking at sunrise, I had been up and meditating hours before the castle breakfast hour. The past few days had been eventful, and meditating helped me not only organize my thoughts but also evaluate my actions. The events had been interesting, beyond what I could have anticipated back at the Qi'temple. I concluded I could not have acted differently.
A short time after daybreak, the boy assigned to my room knocked on my door.
"Mistress, are you awake?"
"Come," I answered. Kamal opened the door and froze.
"It's alright, Kamal. I'm just relaxing."
"Qi'Nisha, Duke Sandar requests you join him after breakfast in his room. Lieutenant Mastal will also be there. And Minister Ankur has asked me to show you to the nobles' dining room."
I wondered whether Sandar invited his son for appearances. I didn't care, but he was wise to consider perceptions after last evening's events. Until now, I hadn't considered the status of a Qi'advisor under contract. But eating with the Sandar family, my room at Xihu, and Minister Ankur's acknowledgment I ranked with the nobles surprised me. I didn't consider myself nobility or even special—just different. Kamal continued, interrupting my musing.
"Oh, I'm now assigned to you permanently for whatever you need." He smiled.
"Kamal, I've left the clothes I've worn the past two days on the bed. Would you see that they are cleaned? And, yes, I would appreciate you showing me to the dining room." I could have found it easily myself, as I had eaten there last night, but it seemed to please the young man having to escort me to the main castle and the dining room.
He was smiling broadly as he opened the door for me and bowed. When we arrived, a dozen men and several women sat at the table eating. The chatter hushed as I took my place. As soon as I sat down, the same young serving boy from last night appeared as if by magic.
"Qi'Nisha, may I get you anything that isn't on the table?" There were eggs, bread, and milk among the array of foods, which far exceeded that available to the administrators.
"Water and cheese would be nice, if it isn't too far to fetch."
He turned and ran off the minute I finished speaking. The woman next to me watched as I retrieved an egg, two slices of bread, and a cup of milk.
"Qi'Nisha, I'm Baroness Wadima. You're the talk of the castle. Too many of us revel in idle gossip, which usually is amusing and hurts no one, even when it's not true. I'm afraid in your case it was vicious and hurtful." Her gaze remained on my face as she talked. The conversations around the table had ceased, and all eyes were on the baroness and me.
"I appreciate your honesty, my lady. It was unfortunate that the duke was subjected to slurs. Had it continued, the consequences could have been serious."
"What about your reputation, my dear?"
"Although words don't change who a person is, they're important because they impact how people perceive them. And perception impacts the way people treat you. I'm Qi and seek no status; therefore, people's perception of me doesn't concern me, unless the words against me unfairly impact someone else."
"Like Duke Sandar?"
"Yes, that's a good example. If people wish to consider me a doxy and place me in the smallest room in the administrator's wing, it's of no consequence to me."
"You and qi'Senka appear quite different. She has a spacious room in the king's wing, ate with him and his family, and was treated like nobility," a woman across from us said.
"That's true, but did she care? Or was that done at the late king's request? We aren't against being treated civilly, but it doesn't have the same importance to us as to some."
The conversation soon changed to castle business. I finished and easily found Sandar's room. When I arrived, Mastal was already there.
"Good morn, Nisha. Yesterday proved an interesting day. There were times when I was very angry with you. On reflection, I see that I too am guilty of acting by reflex, and that could have been disastrous." He grinned. "I've decided to keep you."
"I'm glad that you're pleased, Your Grace, I find your world interesting."
Sandar frowned. Mastal laughed. "I like your Qi'advisor, Father. I fear we should have recognized that Wenrich had his men trying to provoke trouble sooner."
"Yes, if I can get used to her. Nisha's nothing like what I expected from a Qi'advisor. Never mind. After the midday meal, the dukes will meet to discuss the recent raids. I want you there, Nisha. I begin to understand what you mean about bias and its effect on our thinking. I dislike Wenrich. We've never liked each other, and after last night, it could affect my judgment."
I returned to my room and sat meditating in preparation for the upcoming meeting. Sometime later, Kamal knocked, alerting me that it was time, and handed me a neatly folded stack of my cleaned clothes.
The dukes met in the small dining room, meant for special visitors of the king. When I arrived, everyone except Wenrich was already seated around the long, rectangular table. Each duke had some advisor sitting beside him. I noticed that qi'Senka sat next to Duke Tebos. She nodded her head when I caught her eye. Duke Tebos had the only woman lieutenant in the room. Sandar had Harkin, Mastal, and me. I took an empty chair beside Sandar.
I had just sat when the server placed cheese and fruit in front of me. Wenrich arrived shortly afterward, which now appeared designed to assert his importance. The mood was sober during the meal and there was little conversation. After the table had been cleared, Wenrich stood.
"Welcome, fellow dukes and advisors and, of course, Qi'advisors." He nodded toward qi'Senka and me, although his gaze lingered on me longer. "We're here to discuss the recent raids from the Sands and our response. I personally believe that we should pick a new king, put together an army, and teach the desert tribes a lesson they will remember for generations to come."
Except for qi'Senka and me, everyone nodded agreement.
"Since we don't have the Royal Scepter, I suggest the dukes decide by voting."
I suspect he knew something the rest of us didn't and leaned closer to Sandar.
"Your Grace, I suspect Duke Wenrich knows how Dukes Janko and Fabiao will vote, so you won't be able to stop a vote, but you can insist on a fair vote."
"What do you mean by a fair vote? How can it be otherwise?"
"Insist no duke can vote for himself. That will preclude a duke from breaking a tie vote in his own favor."
Sandar sat quietly for several minutes, then smiled.
"Fellow dukes, I suggest we keep this vote fair and not allow any duke to vote for himself."
Right afterward, I saw qi'Senka and Tebos, heads together, talking. By now, everyone was talking to the people they had brought with them. Wenrich looked furious. Before he or anyone could respond, Tebos spoke.
"And the posi
tion should be temporary, until such time as we can retrieve the Royal Scepter."
Wenrich wasn't through yet. "That may take many weeks to reach a decision. We don't have time. The tribes may be planning another attack as we sit here talking."
"I think we should start by hearing who the tribes attacked and the result. That may help us decide our next course of action," Tebos said. I felt that had been qi'Senka's suggestion and tapped Sandar on the shoulder.
"Duke Tebos is right. The dukes need more information before they decide on any action. Right now, each duke only knows what happened in his area. Before a plan can be developed, everyone needs to know all the facts surrounding the raids," I whispered. He seemed to understand.
"I second that motion."
Over the next three hours, the dukes and their captains detailed the date and time of the attacks, numbers involved, and subsequent responses.
Inari and Morar had been attacked one month after the king died, and they raided Carne on the way back to the Sands. Four days after the attack on Inari, Taal, and Varma were attacked and Turret raided as they retreated back toward the Sands. Sobek was attacked two days later and Inwood a day after Sobek. In response, each duke, except Tebos, had sent a large armed force after the tribe and chased them for days until they disappeared into the Sands.
After Tebos, who was the last to report, they agreed to break until the evening meal. Sandar decided he wanted a conference before dinner and directed everyone to his room. The huge draped bed dominated the room, but there was a spacious fireplace surrounded by four velvet-upholstered chairs and a table set with a wine flagon and crystal glasses. Sandar sat down, motioning us all to seat ourselves. As they settled into chairs, I chose a mediation posture on the floor and closed my eyes, constructing a mental map of Rhybac on which I envisioned the timing of the tribes' attacks and their retreating routes.
"Well, anyone have any suggestions?" Sandar asked.
"The tribes are getting brazen based on their recent raids. In the past, no more than one tribe entered Rhybac at any given time, and they preyed on the smaller towns in the corridor, like Turret and Arbor," Sir Harkin said.
