Life Across the Cosmos

by N E Riggs

  “Yeti tracks, Steward,” Bil said, pointing. David craned his head but was too far back to see.

  “I’ve never seen tracks like this, sir,” Anur said, shaking her head. “Whatever made them was big, heavy, and walked on two legs, though sometimes it leaned forward on its knuckles.” She pointed up the trail. “It went that way. Recently too. Couldn’t be more than two days with the wind we had yesterday.”

  Rolan nodded. “Lead on,” he said. Bil and Anur moved more slowly, not walking in a straight line. David eyed the area around them, convinced the yeti would jump out at them any moment. Sharp cliffs cast shadows over the trail, probably not deep enough to hide a yeti, but his imagination made them seem darker. He drew his agitator though he kept the safety on. From the brief snatches of whispered conversation he heard from the front, Bil and Anur found more tracks and other signs (including, from the sound of it, some very interesting shit) that the yeti had been here recently.

  By noon, they still hadn’t found the yeti. “See those caves up there?” Bil said, pointing to a ridge a little above them and to the east. Rolan nodded. “Yetis could be living there. The caves are hard to reach, but they look big. And yetis are good climbers.”

  “Split up,” Rolan said. “Let’s hit all the caves at the same time.”

  David and Niam joined Anur and started towards one of the further caves. The trail ended, and they had to climb the rocks. “Let me go first,” Niam said.

  Anur and David shared a worried look. “Maybe I should go first,” Anur said, “in case there are any tracks…”

  “Why would there be tracks?” Niam waved at the rocks. “It’s straight stone. Besides, I’m the best climber.” When David and Anur stayed silent, she sighed. “You don’t need to worry about me so much. I was having trouble before, and I’m sorry about that. I’m better now. Please let me go first.”

  The other groups already had their first climber halfway up, so David and Anur nodded. Niam looped a rope around her shoulder and slowly started to climb. She moved slowly but without faltering, like she had back when they’d been acolytes. It couldn’t be easy, with the snow and ice on the rocks and thick gloves on her hands. David watched her closely, hoping this meant she was feeling better. When Niam reached the top, she stuck a spike into the ground, tied the rope around it, then tossed the rope down. Anur climbed up next. David waited for her to get halfway before he too started the ascent. He clung to the rope more than Anur had. There were more places to grip the rock than he’d realized. He managed not to look back down and reached the top safely.

  They crouched there silent as the last few Sword Priests climbed to the other caves. David squinted, trying to see inside, but the cave was too dark. He pulled out his flashlight while he gripped his agitator in his other hand. All three of them turned their agitators to kill.

  “Now,” Rolan said, just loudly enough for everyone to hear. David turned on his flashlight while Niam and Anur shot into the darkness. He couldn’t see any yetis in the beam of light, but the cave went fairly deep. The three of them slowly walked inside. The walls of the cave twisted and turned inward, the ground and ceiling equally uneven. They had to walk slowly, careful of their footing. Anur and Niam turned on their flashlights too.

  “There are tracks,” Anur said, squatting down. David could see the indentations in the snow, but he had no idea what they meant. “They’re pretty old.” Anur led them further into the cave. They found the back of the cave, where a small pile of bones lay.

  David tried to shield Niam from looking at them, but she pushed him aside. “I’m not weak,” she said, cheeks flushed.

  “I don’t think you are.” David averted his eyes from the bones. They looked human. Scraps of clothes lay among the bones too, covered with brownish red stains. “I don’t want to see them either, and I haven’t just—” He stopped there before he said something he shouldn’t.

  After staring at the pile of bones for a minute or so, Anur picked one up. “It’s old,” she said. “Maybe ten days. I think we found one of our missing miners.” She sighed, putting the bone back in the stack.

  “Can we get out of here now?” David asked.

  “Yeah.” Anur stood. “The yeti obviously spends some time here, but not a lot. Maybe it’s in one of the other caves.” They turned and slowly made their way back to the cave entrance.

  Suddenly David heard shouting. He pressed himself against the wall of the cave, holding an arm over his head. Despite his fears, no avalanche started, and they hurried out of the cave. Sword Priests stood outside most of the other caves, and they stared towards a cave near the far end. “What is it?” David asked one of the other priests, a lean man called Cid.

  “Don’t know,” Cid said, “but I think I heard agitator fire.”

  Thea peered into the far cave, shining her flashlight inside. David realized suddenly that he didn’t see Bellon, and wondered if he’d gone inside that cave. Thea walked into the cave. It seemed strangely silent now. Rolan climbed over and stood at the mouth, pointing his flashlight inside. He looked tense, but a moment later he relaxed. “What happened?” he called into a cave. David couldn’t hear the response, but Rolan smiled. “Bring it out.”

  Three Sword Priests, including Bellon, slowly dragged a massive, furry form out of the cave. David stared at the dead yeti – it was massive, making even Bellon look small. It looked ape-like from here, with long arms and no tail. Even from where he stood, he could see its massive teeth and claws. He shivered and felt glad it was dead and that he hadn’t had to kill it.

  “Well done,” Rolan said, nodding to the Sword Priests who’d killed it. “We can go back now.”

  “Wait,” Bil said, climbing up beside Rolan. “Hilda will want proof it’s dead. Cut off its head.”

  Rolan frowned then motioned for the Sword Priests to proceed. Bellon drew a long knife – he hadn’t brought his lance with him – and started sawing at the creature’s neck. David had to look away. He slowly climbed back down from the cave, using the rope to help. Anur and Niam scrambled down after him, making the descent look easy.

  Soon the other Sword Priests had climbed down, and Bil carried the yeti’s head in a large pack on his back. David noticed a dark red stain on the bottom of the pack and blanched. Just because he’d signed up to kill monsters didn’t mean he liked seeing people carry around parts of their carcasses.

  They made their way back down the mountain path. That night, they camped in the same cave as the previous night, but this time the atmosphere was laid back and jovial. The Sword Priests laughed together and spoke eagerly of returning to Bantong where it was warm. Niam alone kept silent, sitting before the fire with her knees folded against her chest. David and Anur shared a worried look before joining her.

  “You’ll have time to see your mother again before we return,” Anur said. She snapped a ration bar in two and gave half to Niam. “And the gateway here is pretty regular. You can see her whenever you want to.”

  “Yeah,” Niam said. She didn’t eat the ration bar, just gazed into the fire.

  David stared at Niam for a long time. He was pretty sure he knew what she was thinking. “You want to stay here, don’t you?” he asked at last.

  “What?” Anur exclaimed, nearly jumping to her feet.

  David waved her down, not looking away from Niam. “It’s okay to admit you want to stay with your mom.” He’d give anything to see his mother one more time.

  Niam sighed, wrapping her arms around her legs, hugging them even closer to herself. “No, it’s not okay. I’m a Sword Priest. I vowed to fight and protect people. I can’t just stay here and abandon everything I promised to do.”

  Anur nodded. “You’re too young to retire. You’re healthy and strong and talented. We need you in Bantong, with us.”

  “Do we really?” David asked. “There are plenty of Sword Priests. No offense, but how much of a difference will Niam really make?”

  Anur’s pretty face twisted. “What are you saying, Dav
id? Are you trying to make her feel the desolation? Grieving priests are always the most vulnerable!” Her hands clenched into fists. “Aeons needs all his priests.”

  “Does he? Well, he has a funny way of showing it!” David said, throwing up his hands. Other Sword Priests who were sitting not too far away glanced over, and David lowered his voice. “Niam, I’m not trying to make you feel bad or like we won’t miss you. But your happiness is more important than your duty. If being with your mom makes you happy, you should stay here. Besides, it’s not like this world is entirely safe.” He looked over at Bil’s pack and the blood stain on the bottom. “They could use your skills here too.”

  “No Sword Priest should ever speak like that, you heathen,” Anur whispered, staring at David like she’d never seen him before. “I thought you were just ignorant, but you speak like an unbeliever!” She said unbeliever like it was the worst insult she knew.

  “Stop it, both of you!” Niam snapped, still curled up in a ball. They fell silent, and David hung his head in shame. He’d tried to make Niam feel better, but maybe he’d made it worse. “Just… leave me alone. Please.”

  Anur stood, her expression tight. “Conal wouldn’t want you to rescind your vows,” she said before stalking away to join Bellon near the front of the cave.

  “I’m sorry,” David said, standing too. “I know what’s it’s like to feel lonely. If you need to talk, I promise I’ll listen.”

  Niam managed a weak smile. “Thank you,” she said before turning back to the fire. David watched her a moment longer then walked to the back of the cave, leaving her in peace. He cursed his stupidly and his tendency to get caught up in things. He really hadn’t meant to make Niam more miserable.

  He remembered too the way Anur had looked at him, and it made his stomach twist. I’ve lost a friend, he thought. He pulled his blanket around him and lay on the hard ground. Despite how tired he felt, it was a long time before he fell asleep.

  In the morning as they left the cave, Anur glared at him again before taking her position at the front of the group. Bellon gave him a dirty look too, and David wondered if Anur had told him about the conversation last night. He stayed near the back of the line with Niam. She looked thoughtful, but not as lost as she’d been before coming to Tikal. They walked silently together, but it didn’t feel as awkward as it might have. David wanted to ask if Niam had made a decision, but he bit his tongue. Pestering her about it wouldn’t help anything. She’d tell him her decision when she was ready.

  They reached the gold mine around noon, and David was glad when Alosh joined him and Niam. Alosh chatted cheerfully about working in the mine and how bad he was with a pickax and how his shoulders ached. If he noticed how quiet the other two were, he gave no indication, merely continuing his stories. He made both David and Niam laugh when he told them the locals’ reaction to Hue’s explosives.

  By the time they reached the small city where Hilda lived, it was after dark. Most of the Sword Priests collapsed around the main room, lying close to the fireplaces. For the first time in days, David felt warm as he held his hands close to the fire. “This is nice,” he said, closing his eyes.

  “Where’s Niam going?” Alosh asked.

  David’s eyes shot open just in time to see Niam leaving the room through a door near the back. He’d been so caught up in feeling warm he hadn’t seen her slip away. “Probably going to talk to her mom.” He glanced at Alosh, measuring him. Part of him hesitated to ask. If Alosh got as upset as Anur, he might lose another friend. He had few enough friends on Bantong that he could afford to lose another. “What would you think if Niam stayed here with her mom?” he said at last, hoping he sounded casual.

  Alosh sat silent for a few minutes before sighing. “I should probably be upset. We lose enough Sword Priests in the regular course of duty, we really can’t afford to lose more to the desolation. There’s just never enough of us to go around.” He shrugged. “But I also don’t think a person should stay as a Sword Priest if they’re only doing it out of duty or obligation. This isn’t an easy life we live. If your heart isn’t in it, you’ll just end up dead. So many of us end up dead anyway.” He stared silently into the fire, and David wondered how many friends Alosh had lost over the years. “Does she want to stay here?”

  “She’s thinking about it.” David took off his boots and socks, wiggling his toes at the fire. “I think she wants to stay. If she does, Anur will never forgive her.”

  “Niam’s life is none of Anur’s business,” Alosh said. “If she’s a true friend, she’ll support her no matter what she chooses. What about you?”

  David sighed. “I want Niam to be happy. I’d like it if she stays with us, but I don’t think she’ll be happy like that. There are too many memories of Conal. But you’re right. It’s not my choice. If staying a Sword Priest is what Niam chooses, I won’t try to talk her out of it.” Alosh nodded approvingly. They sat a while longer in front of the fire before going to sleep.

  Early the next morning, the sixth division put their things together and marched outside. The yeti’s head now hung, stuffed, above the door to the large, main building. There were no more traces of blood on it, but David still averted his eyes. Hilda stood beneath the yeti’s head, beaming up at it. Niam hovered beside her. “Thank you again for your assistance, Steward,” Hilda said to Rolan. “I had no idea Sword Priests worked so fast.”

  Rolan nodded. “We’re here to help. If you need anything again, you know how to find us. Now we must return to Bantong.”

  “Sir,” Niam spoke up softly. Rolan turned to her with a kind expression. “I… I would like to stay here,” she said, her voice shaking. Hilda wrapped an arm around her shoulders, holding her tightly.

  “Are you sure?” Rolan asked. “If you retire, you will not be permitted back into the priesthood.”

  Niam stood straighter, and this time her voice didn’t waver. “I’m sure, sir.” She knelt slowly in the snow, holding out her hands palms up. “I renounce my title of Sword Sister and return my gift to Aeons, with gratitude and thankfulness. I will still uphold righteousness and protect the weak and fight against the Nephilim.” She closed her eyes, and a shudder ran through her body.

  Rolan placed his hands on Niam’s bowed head. “Be well, former Sister. Know that even if you are no longer one of us, our prayers will go with you. You will forever remain in Aeons’s thoughts.” He helped her to her feet. “Be happy.” He glanced at David, Anur, and Bellon. “The gateway will appear in ten minutes.” He and the rest of the sixth division slowly walked out of the town, leaving David, Anur, and Bellon behind to say goodbye.

  Bellon clapped Niam briefly on the shoulder. “Stay safe,” he said and left. David shook his head; he hadn’t expected a teary farewell from Bellon.

  “How can you just leave?” Anur said, reaching out for Niam. Tears ran down her cheeks. “How can you just— quit?”

  “I’m sorry,” Niam said. “I appreciate all your help and your friendship. But I want to live with my mother, and I can’t do that if I’m a Sword Priest. Please don’t be angry.” She took Anur’s hands, holding them tightly.

  Anur’s face twisted, and she finally looked away. “Be happy,” she said then ran to join the others.

  David pulled Niam into a hug, ignoring her tears. “I’m sure she’ll forgive you eventually,” he said even though he was sure of no such thing. “She’s just upset. I hope you’re happy, and you know you can come see us any time.”

  Niam pulled away, smiling sadly. “Thank you, David.” She looked at where Bramira hung from his belt. “I hope your own destiny is kinder. When you become a great hero, I will definitely come visit you.”

  He felt tears at the corners of his eyes but forced them away. This wasn’t goodbye, not really. He hugged her one last time, nodded to Hilda, and went to join the others. Anur didn’t look at him as they waited side by side for the gateway. When the gateway appeared and they marched through it, David couldn’t help feel that Bantong was less
welcoming than usual.

  8

  The Kindness of Travelers

  David threw a punch at Alosh, aiming at his face. Alosh leaned backwards at the waist, just far enough back to evade the blow. He turned sideways and swiped at David’s side. David twisted out of the way. They both took a step back, checking each other’s measure. A grin painted Alosh’s face even as he breathed hard. David wasn’t in much better shape. His torso ached from all the hits he hadn’t dodged, and he was panting heavily. He’d gotten in a few good hits on Alosh, though: despite his grin, Alosh favored his left foot where David had kicked him hard.

  Alosh’s pocket beeped, and he pulled his com pad out without flipping it to full size. “Whoops, we ran over. Got that mission in less than an hour.” He stuffed his com pad back in his pocket and grabbed a towel, tossing another to David. “You’ve gotten better.”

  “Have I?” David asked, whipping away the sweat. “You still beat me most days.” He and Alosh often spared during down time. Always at inconvenient times, David recalled that he’d technically failed the test to become a Sword Priest. A few months ago, he’d asked Alosh to help him get better, because the usual training on off days wasn’t enough. Alosh spent their first few fights laughing constantly at David. These days when he laughed, it was because he enjoyed the fights.

  “Much better. No one can say you aren’t a Sword Priest anymore.” Alosh slung an arm over his shoulder as they walked out of the gymnasium. “I’ve been a Sword Priest much longer than you, you know. Don’t get too upset when I win.”

  David nodded. “I know. It’s just… Well, I’d like to find at least one person I can beat.”

  Alosh laughed. “Go play with people outside Valal. You’ll have much better luck there. Trust me.” They reached Alosh’s room first, and he stepped inside, waving. David grinned then continued on to his room. He wondered how he compared with other people. He was still on the weak side for a Sword Priest, he was sure, but what about everyone else? Maybe he should find someone else to spar against.