Marcus nudged her and jerked his chin toward one side of the tent. She saw and frowned. Phoenix saw and grinned. Clearly he thought the odds in their favour had just increased. Jade wasn’t so sure.
CHAPTER NINE
Stepping between the two rigid guards, the companions filed into the tent and blinked at the opulence inside. Phoenix suppressed a shiver and a sense of deja vu, remembering a similar situation back in England when they’d confronted Agricola, the Roman Governor. He’d thought Agricola’s pavilion luxurious but it was nothing compared to this one. The place was hung with floaty, transparent drapes of silk in vibrant reds, golds, purples and blues; gold-braided ribbons tied them back. More gold braid dangled from dozens of large, bright cushions that lay, scattered around the room. Four huge, decorative rugs in clashing colours and overlapped on the floor. Incense wafted up in smoky spirals from a brass bowl in the centre of the room, its scent sickening. The day was warming up, making the inside of the pavilion stuffy and hot.
A man reclined regally on several of the cushions. As they entered, he glanced at them from under heavy lids and smiled. He rose to his feet and the group moved back a pace. He was tall and intimidating with long thick, grey-streaked hair and beard, piercing dark eyes and a hawk nose. His clothing represented an odd combination of richly embroidered Indian silks made into trousers and a coat of the style worn by the Saka soldiers outside. It looked like he wanted to embrace all things Indian but couldn’t quite leave his own culture behind.
Walking around them, he eyed his five prisoners. Abruptly, he clapped his hands and waited, still staring at them. In a few moments, a slender, sari-clad Indian woman arrived and bowed low. Thin gold chains dangled from her hair, earrings and nose ring, gleaming in the sunlight that filtered softly through the pavilion walls. The man murmured something inaudible in her ear and she bowed again, leaving them.
Now their host smiled and inclined his head. “I am Bhumaka, Kshatrapa of Ariaca.”
No-one spoke. Phoenix said nothing for fear of displaying his ignorance. If he was supposed to be a native, he should know what the heck a Kshatrapa was and where Ariaca was. Their host, however, didn’t seem bothered by the silence. The Indian woman returned with several others, bearing a low, round table. They set it down on the exotic floor-rugs and placed cushions around it. Next they scurried silently in and out of the tent, bringing dish after dish of delicious-smelling foods. When the table groaned under the weight of food, the servants slipped away, leaving the companions to exchange uneasy glances. Brynn’s stomach rumbled loudly.
Were they to be drugged again or treated as honoured guests? Did they eat or not?
Bhumaka caught sight of their faces and smiled. He clapped his hands and his serving woman reappeared, bowed at his gentle request and vanished again. She returned leading a small child by the hand. The boy, about seven years old, blinked solemn dark eyes up at Bhumaka and bowed. He was dressed as a miniature Saka warrior, with trousers, boots, long coat and pointed hat. He even had a jewelled belt dagger and a small bow slung across his back. Bhumaka waved him forward and the woman left again. The boy sat at the table, laying his bow to one side. Bhumaka sat also. At a nod, they both began to pile chapatti, vegetables and meats onto wooden plates before them.
The Kshatrapa of Ariaca gestured at his guests. “Come. Eat. This is my son, Nahapana. As you see, he eats, too.”
Brynn edged toward the table, eyeing the food.
“My lord,” Marcus spoke first. “Is it customary to make guests eat with their hands tied?”
Phoenix held his breath. It was a key point. Were they guests or were they prisoners?
Bhumaka paused, raising a thin brow at the Roman. Then he smiled slightly.
“I admire your boldness, young man. You are right. Where are my manners?” He got to his feet and drew his dagger, slicing the ropes binding their hands.
Phoenix rubbed his wrists, feeling his fingers tingle as blood returned. Now if he could just bargain his gear and sword back, he’d feel a whole lot better about their situation. There was something not quite right about this. Why was Bhumaka being so….nice?
He eased himself down onto the cushions. Instead of sitting cross-legged, he sat in seiza – the kneeling position used in his aikido dojo back home. It was hard to get up fast from a cross-legged position but he had learned to move quickly on his knees. He ate sparingly from several exotic dishes in the hopes it would ease his hunger without allowing too much of a drug into his system, if there was one.
“I’m hoping you can…help me,” Bhumaka waved a rolled-up flat bread in their direction. “I’m looking for a group of outlanders. Two men, a woman and a boy.” He cast them a swift, assessing look from beneath his eyelashes. “The woman, it is said, is so pale as to be almost ghostly.”
From the corner of his eye, Phoenix saw Jade stiffen.
“No, my lord,” he jumped in to prevent her expressive face from revealing too much. “We haven’t seen any such in our travels. What have these outlanders done?”
“Oh,” Bhumaka shrugged, “I simply represent certain parties who are interested in their whereabouts. But since you haven’t seen them, it is of no matter. Please, eat.”
There was a small, uncomfortable silence as Phoenix and his friends turned that over in their heads. There was only one party they could think of who might even have any idea of where they were in this world – Feng Zhudai. The goddess, Anuket had banished Zhudai back to China, so he couldn’t interfere directly with their quest in India. She had warned them that their arch-enemy still had far-reaching influences and would continue to try and stop them at every turn. If Bhumaka reported to Zhudai then they needed to get out of here, and fast.
“So, in your…travels… where have you come from?” the Kshatrapa asked.
Phoenix’s brain was a little fuzzy. The question took him by surprise. Blinking, he shook it and took a deep breath. The sickly scent of incense caught in his throat and he coughed, stalling for time before answering. He had no idea where they were, in relation to the rest of India – or even the rest of the world. He’d never been very good at geography.
“Um…the south?” he hedged.
Luckily, Bhumaka didn’t seem inclined to press for details. Instead, he asked their names. Once more Phoenix was stumped. Put on the spot, he couldn’t remember enough Indian names to substitute for their own. Jade came to his rescue.
“I am Jaya, my lord,” she said then pointed to Brynn, Marcus, Cadoc and himself in turn. “This is Bala, Marut, Chandak, who is mute, and Pran, my brother.”
Bhumaka turned amazed eyes on Phoenix. “You let a woman speak for you?”
“Er…” he shrugged, ignoring her indignant gasp. “Sometimes I find it’s best, my lord.”
Their host smiled. “You are wise. In Saka society, women sometimes even fight alongside men but the Indian culture is lamentably unbalanced. Women are often little more than property or slaves. So it is not just your clothing that is unusual for an Indian, Pran.”
“Ah,” Phoenix plucked at his shirt. “Yes… our clothes. I can explain, actually.”
Bhumaka held up a hand. “There is no need. I wouldn’t put you to the trouble. Besides, I have some friends I’d like you to meet.” He rose and bowed to them. “Nahapana will entertain you while I go greet my other guests. We will return momentarily. Excuse me.”
After he left, the group sat in silence for a few seconds, ignoring the young Saka prince. Cadoc slid closer to Phoenix, his eyes on the exit.
“What was that all about? Who’s this kid? Who was that guy and where’s he gone?” He spoke in the only language he could: ancient Breton. Not having the advantage of the magical ability to understand and speak all languages, he’d missed the whole conversation and was obviously annoyed.
Explaining the situation quickly, Phoenix replied in the same language, so the boy wouldn’t understand, either. Cadoc’s frown deepened with each sentence.
“Bhumaka is looking for you
lot, specifically? But not me? That doesn’t make sense. His scouting group yesterday saw five of us, not four; and when they brought us in last night, Jade hadn’t cast her illusion so they would have seen her real face.” Cadoc’s expression became grim. “He’s just playing games with us. He knows exactly who you are. He just wants you to be offguard when this guest of his arrives. Who could it be, I wonder?”
Jade gasped, her hand covering her mouth. Leaning over, she waved the others closer. “I didn’t have time to tell you before. I listened in on the soldiers who came to get us. Bhumaka has made an allegiance with the Naga. They are going to fight on his side against the true king of this area, Guatamiputra Satakarni.”
Cadoc swore. “If it’s one of them Bhumaka is bringing back to meet us, we are major trouble. We will not be popular after that stunt in the mountain. We have to get out of here.”
“But there’s no way we can make it,” Brynn hissed. “We have no weapons and all of our gear has been taken.”
Phoenix grinned at Marcus, who frowned back. “If anyone can think of a way to get us safely out of this tent, Marcus spotted our horses and gear all nicely waiting for us just outside.”
“I saw them,” Jade frowned and shook her head. “But it makes no sense. Why would they do that? Why would they leave our stuff conveniently lying about for us to take? That’s stupid.”
Phoenix shrugged. “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. They’re dumb, that’s all. We get out, you cast a few spells to clear the way, we hack a path out of here and we’re gone. Ideas?” He glanced around the others, ignoring her worried expression.
Cadoc grinned wickedly. “I have the perfect plan. Just leave it to me and play along. Not only will it get us out of the tent, it will ensure safe passage out of the whole camp.”
“I like the sound of that,” Phoenix said, thumping their new friend on the shoulder.
Jade held up a finger. “Whatever you’re going to do, make it fast. I hear them coming back.”
Moments later, the rear tent flap was pushed aside and Bhumaka entered, smiling. Behind him came a tall well-built Indian, unarmed and wearing plain, dark clothes. The lower half of his face was covered by a strip of dark cloth. He moved with the smooth efficiency of a killer. Phoenix marked him immediately as one to watch out for. After him came a Naga, slithering on his thick, mottled snake-body; human chest bare but for two leather straps that held a quiver of arrows and a sword across his back. Close up, the Naga man’s face was less human than Phoenix remembered. High cheekbones swept up to a narrow forehead and glossy, sleek black hair. Narrow, slanted eyes with no lashes or eyebrows were dominated by large, slitted, black irises. His skin was faintly bluish and the tips of two fangs could just be seen sticking out over his thin bottom lip. Without changing expression, the Naga flicked a blue, forked tongue toward the prisoners, as though tasting their scent. He nodded to Bhumaka, whose smile deepened. Bhumaka nodded in turn to the tall Indian, who bowed and vanished out through the back tent-flap.
Phoenix tensed, still on his knees, awaiting Cadoc’s signal. Clearly their disguise had been broken. The Naga went on scent, not sight, to identify people. Whatever Cadoc intended to do, he’d better do it soon – before Bhumaka called in soldiers to restrain them again.
When he did move, Cadoc took them all by surprise. Leaping up, he snatched a plate of hot curry sauce and flung it in the face of the Naga. The snake-man hissed, blinded and unable to retaliate. Bhumaka shouted in alarm. Everything seemed to happen at once. Phoenix spun on one knee as a guard came running into the tent, spear at the ready. Reaching up, Phoenix grabbed the wooden shaft, turned again and used the guard’s own forward momentum and tight grip on the weapon to hurl him onto the low table. Plates went flying in all directions, scattering food over the bright cloths and cushions. The guard slid across the table, careening into Bhumaka and knocking him to the ground.
A second guard came in, hot on his heels. Brynn stuck out a foot and tripped him. Marcus scrambled to his feet and smashed a large, pottery wine jug over the man’s head as he fell. Red wine cascaded to the floor, spraying like blood.
At the same time, Cadoc made his big play. He snatched the boy, Nahapana, up under one arm. Yanking the child’s belt-dagger free of its sheath, he held it to the small throat. The boy stopped struggling, his eyes huge with fear.
“Tell Bhumaka that I’ll kill his son unless he returns all our gear and gives us safe passage north across the river.”
“Cadoc!” Jade exclaimed.
“Now is not the time to get squeamish, Jade. I’m not going to hurt, him but his father doesn’t know that. Just tell him,” Cadoc insisted, his eyes fixed on the Kshatrapa. Phoenix held the tip of the guard’s spear at the Naga’s throat, ready to drive the point in should the snake-man even twitch wrong. Marcus stood near the tent flap, holding the other spear and awaiting more guards, should they come in. Brynn snatched up the child’s bow and an arrow from the Naga sheath. He held it notched and ready, pointed at Bhumaka’s heart. Jade translated.
Bhumaka climbed back to his feet and began brushing his clothes down calmly. He looked at his son and nodded, acknowledging the boy’s bravery.
“Very well, woman. Tell your companion you will get what you ask for if my son is returned immediately.”
Jade translated and Cadoc shook his head. “No way. When we get over the river, we’ll send him back and not any sooner.”
Bhumaka’s eyes narrowed but he nodded. “Very well. You have my word; the word of a Kshatrapa is law. You will not be detained – unless you harm my son.”
“Deal,” Cadoc agreed as Jade translated again. He grinned. Phoenix gave him a reluctant nod. Taking a hostage wasn’t a path he would have thought of himself but Cadoc had been right. It looked like they were going to be given safe passage without any bloodshed.
CHAPTER TEN
“I can’t hold this much longer,” Jade whispered to Phoenix as they rode slowly northeast through the camp.
When they left the pavilion, all their gear had been waiting – including Blódbál, strapped to one of the horses’ saddles. Phoenix snatched it out with a cry of delight and ran his hand lovingly down the flat of the blade, feeling its heat in his blood. Everything they had lost was there, intact. Marcus found this highly suspicious and so did Jade but Phoenix and Cadoc were determined to see it as a victory over Bhumaka.
Now, they rode through the massed army of the Kshatrap, with Nahapana sitting before Cadoc, a knife still pressed to his throat. Word spread like wildfire through the army and everywhere they went, all eyes were on them. Silence swept before them and shocked whispers rose behind like a wave as they passed.
They rode in close formation, rubbing knees and flanks in an attempt to make it easier for Jade. Phoenix could see that she trembled with the effort of holding both their illusions and the largest shield spell she’d ever attempted. Bhumaka’s guards sent a volley of arrows at their backs as they rode away from his tent. Only her quick casting saved Cadoc from instant death. Now, she clearly struggled to maintain a large, domed shield over all her companions and their horses. As they rode, the invisible bubble tumbled people aside, adding to the fear and awe their exploit generated. Brynn, however, couldn’t stop laughing at the sight.
“Not much further,” Phoenix encouraged her. “We’re almost at the edge of the camp.”
“I can’t do it!” she cried. “I have to let the illusion go or I’ll lose the shield. Even then I’ll only be able to hold it for a few more minutes – not long enough to get us across the river.”
“Alright,” he reached a quick decision, “lose the disguises but keep the shield as long as you can. Narrow it down to Cadoc and we’ll all make a run for it. Wait until I give the signal, though.” He called out in the Breton language. “Cadoc, we need a ford to get across the river. Think you can find one?”
The Player nodded, glancing around to get his bearings. His eyes glazed over as he switched out of his character and into the re
al world to Google the answer. Phoenix kept a close eye on him, hoping his digital body would react normally if something happened. He wasn’t too sure what the program was designed to do with the character if a Player wasn’t actually controlling it in the game.
Within moments, Cadoc returned. He grinned over his shoulder. “We’re only about a kilometre from the river. It should be wide and shallow just over there.” He pointed east.
“Right,” Phoenix acknowledged. “On my signal, Jade, you drop the illusion and everyone ride as fast as you can for the river. If we can outdistance them it will give us time to get across without becoming pincushions.”
Before them, the crowd of curious Indian soldiers thinned. Behind, the press of bodies made it difficult for the elite Saka troops to push through. It was now or never.
“Now!” he shouted, kicking his horse’s flanks hard. The stallion leapt forward at the same time as Jades’ mare. Around them, Indians gasped in shock. Fingers began pointing; cries of astonishment were heard. She had let the illusion go. There was a brief, purple-blue flicker as her shield condensed around Cadoc and the princeling. Phoenix hoped the Saka would think it still protected all of them and not bother wasting more arrows.
All seven horses plunged ahead. Screams arose as Indian soldiers shoved back against each other, trying to get out of the way. Phoenix gritted his teeth against the awful noises and urged his mount onward. Then they were free and galloping wildly across the ploughed fields. Not far away, the river sparkled in the morning sun. Could they make it before the Saka caught up?
The Sudarshana Page 8
