A Leopard in the Mist

by S E Turner

  She smiled at the affection .

  'I loved working on the farmstead. I helped with the geese and the chickens. I looked after the pigs. I played with the dogs, which infuriated my father. 'They're working dogs, not pets!' he would bellow.' Macus relived the memory. 'I saluted the buzzard when I heard her mew, I aspire to the call. But I couldn't kill any animals, not even a rabbit.' He bit his bottom lip gently.

  She looked at him sympathetically as he continued.

  'The day came when I had to kill the sow. I had tended her since she was a newborn. I had held her in my arms, petted her, stroked her, and now I was expected to kill her for my supper. My father gave me a knife and said, 'Ignore the squealing, for she will scream and shriek from the pit of her stomach. But, ignore it son. Just ignore it.'

  Gya winced. Macus recoiled at the memory, his head hung low.

  'So, what did you do?'

  'I did what any normal fourteen-year-old boy would do in the same circumstances.'

  Gya raised her eyebrows.

  'I let her go. I told her to run and she did. We never saw her again!'

  'Wow, and your father? What did he do?'

  'Gave me a beating and a few strokes of the cane for good measure, and then sent me up to the palace to earn a wage, saying I would be no good as a farmer and no good to him.'

  'That must have been hard for you.'

  'It was. I was leaving behind my mother who sobbed into her apron for days before I went. But it would have been harder to kill an animal, which I would have had to do if I had stayed on the farm.'

  'What about your father? Didn't he need help on the land?'

  'I have two younger brothers, so they stayed and did all the hunting and killing. They're made of tougher stuff than me. I'm just a big old wuss.'

  'You're not a wuss. You are a very caring man with a gentle nature. I can see now why you kept your head low at the palace.'

  'I would have been sent back to the farm if I had been caught interfering; but my family or someone else's family would have been burned to death in one of those cages first. Skyrah managed to kill most of the palace, so that wasn't an option when she did it. I still got a good beating from the General when it happened. It was Meric, the physician, who stopped the wrath of the madman that time, and then Namir's army who stopped him, altogether.' He looked over at the sleeping hero and then over at the horses. 'Look at them—so loyal, so calm and peaceful.' His mind was a conundrum of thoughts as he admired both. 'I should have been born a horse.'

  Gya laughed. 'But then I wouldn't have met you and had this lovely chat with you.'

  'Well, you wouldn't have missed much would you?'

  She looked at him with a coy gaze, he dropped his eyes instantly. A girl had never looked at him like that before.

  'It's so nice to meet someone like you,' she said. 'For too long, I have faced death and destruction, greed and corruption. It's so refreshing to talk to a gentle, kind person with no hatred running through their veins. There's not many like you about, you know.' She looked over at Namir sleeping and remembered the old man who had taught her. 'Well maybe just one or two.' 'I find it fascinating talking to you,' he replied gallantly. 'All your experiences, how you have overcome your fears. Your fights,' he smiled. 'You are really quite remarkable.'

  She concealed a blush between her knees before looking at him again. 'You are remarkable, Macus. For someone who hates conflict and battles, you have acted with such courage and valour today. You saved my life, Namir's life. and now your own life has taken a completely different direction.'

  He blushed at the accolade. 'I know. But I do hope that's the first and last time I have to assist in killing a living creature. I did it because I...' He stopped himself saying the words and changed it quickly before he messed up. '...because I had to.'

  'Well, I am forever in your debt and I sincerely hope that wherever we end up, it will be more peaceful, and maybe we can look after chickens, pigs, dogs and horses.' She smiled through her vision of the future. 'I really need a peaceful life now.'

  He took her hand and kissed it. 'That's all I want from life, too. A peaceful existence.'

  She leaned in to kiss him on the lips, and he followed her lead. Against the cold of the late morning air, a warmth was suddenly catapulted around their veins. Their hearts beat like never before and the emotions of the last ten years evaporated in an instant. Something had happened to everyone that day. This would be the start of things to come.

  'Come, Macus, the daylight will not last. Let's get Namir back on the horse and be on our way.'

  He leaned in to kiss her one more time.

  Namir was awake now. He had been dreaming about Skyrah.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  A short time later, Gya and Macus sensed they were nearing the end of their journey, as a vast canyon appeared before them and their pace began to slow. The mountains that bordered each side of the valley virtually disappeared, and the route exposed a wide expanse of land where huge embankments and broad trenches acted as protective rings round the newly constructed city. Scattered boulders and piles of stones that once represented a bygone civilisation were the only evidence of a much simpler community. Gya couldn't believe her eyes.

  'Is this the right place?' asked Macus in awe, for he had never seen anything quite like it in his life, either. Gya was speechless, and Namir sat in front of her in his weakened state, unable to take in the spectacle.

  The entire settlement was divided into three areas and set into a massive hilltop plateau. The walls that encircled it went further than the eye could see and were set with a range of strategically placed lookout towers. Within the complex was the statuesque citadel: a massive defensive core that rose high out of the ground, protecting the entire settlement with precision and power. The last line of defence should any enemy breach the other components of this impressive fortified system. Another domed building with a spire that disappeared into the clouds preceded that, and around the inside lay more assembly halls and meeting houses set closely together in a uniform style. The city within this girdle of stone was equally impressive with tiled courtyards, bustling markets, a school of learning, and a place of worship. Beyond that in the lower town, the dwellings where people lived were more scattered and varied. It was unlike any other place they had ever seen.

  'Who goes there?' Came the booming order from the sentry guard.

  The platoon around him raised their bows and with squinting eyes aimed their arrows.

  'It is I, Gya. I am from the Smilodon Clan that was attacked in this very place ten years ago. I have Namir, leader of the clans with me. He is very sick, and we seek assistance.'

  The platoon instantly lowered their weapons and looked at each other in amazement, then they looked at their Captain for instructions. The Captain issued an order to a guard below, who could be heard scurrying off at once. The huge gates were opened, and the troops stood to attention as the wearied travellers entered.

  The soldier saluted her. 'Welcome home, Gya. We have been given orders to send Namir to the infirmary straight away.'

  Namir was still sitting in front of her, barely hanging on. As soon as he felt he was safe, his eyes glazed over and he collapsed.

  'Guards! Guards!' came the frantic orders from the Captain.

  Four soldiers threw down their weapons and leapt to catch Namir as Gya released her grip on him.

  'Get him to the infirmary at once!' came the order. 'Do not stop for anyone or anything!'

  The guards disappeared with Namir into the warren amid the mollified gaze of his rescuers.

  The stable boys were at their side now and took the reins as they encouraged them to dismount. Gya and Macus jumped off, albeit a little worn and weary, and let the lads take their horses to the stables.

  They were now facing the Captain looking totally dumfounded.

  'How did you know about Namir?' she asked.

  'Namir's brother, King Lyall of Durundal, came looking for him about a mon
th ago. He was with seven comrades.'

  'Eight of them?'

  'Yes, only eight ma'am.'

  'Gya rolled her eyes. 'Cornelius told me it was an entire army.'

  'No ma'am, only eight warriors I can assure you. I let them in myself. The whole fort knows about the battle of Ataxata, and how the murdering scum of a General has been slain and the Emperor Gnaeus poisoned. We are indebted to them. King Lyall and his party stayed overnight, but they were on their way by dusk the next day as they had to check other clans. We have been under orders to be vigilant ever since.'

  'Namir will be pleased to know that, but they had a wasted journey going to other clans, I am afraid,' said Gya solemnly.

  'How so?' asked the Captain.

  'Because Namir has been imprisoned this whole time at the palace. We had to kill the Emperor Cornelius, Gnaeus' son, to get Namir out.'

  The soldier went down on one knee to express his gratitude. 'My bended knee is not enough, dear lady.'

  'It was both of us. Namir and I would surely be dead if it wasn't for Macus.'

  The sentry saluted Macus. 'Noble knight, it is my honour.' Out of the corner of his eye the sentry saw the Matriarch approaching. He stood to attention and waited in that position for her to reach them.

  'Has Namir been taken to the infirmary?' she asked hurriedly.

  'Yes ma'am, he has.'

  'Good, excellent, now who pray are these dear people.'

  'This is Gya, ma'am, from our own Smilodon clan,' said the Captain with a proud stance.

  Gya dipped in a curtsey in front of the Matriarch.

  'And this is her noble knight, Macus.'

  'Well, I'm not really a knight,' Macus began, and bowed to the lady. 'But thank you, sir, for the accolade. '

  'You killed the Emperor. You are a brave knight from the highest order in my book.'

  The soldier saluted them both, bowed to the Matriarch, and went back to his post.

  An extended hand began the introduction

  'My name is Myra, and I am the Matriarch here. I run the Smilodon Fort with several other leaders who you will meet in due course. But for now, we have to get you two treated as well.'

  Gya hadn't realised how weak she had become. She had been so preoccupied with getting Namir to safety that she hadn't really thought about herself. She felt her head going dizzy, and she reached out for Macus. He was there instantly to grab her as she collapsed in his arms.

  'She has fought bravely for the past two days,' he said to the Matriarch as he followed her through the streets. 'She fought with Cornelius, and she saved Namir. She is a remarkable woman.' He kissed her forehead as he carried her in his arms.

  'You all look like you have had to fight to stay alive,' noticed Myra.

  'Sometimes we have to fight to get to where we want to be,' Macus answered.

  The Matriarch knew exactly what he meant and carried on through the winding paths that would lead to the infirmary. 'I will talk to you in more detail later,' she said kindly. 'But I am aware you are dreadfully fatigued and need medical treatment without delay. We are nearly there.' She led him up some steps and in through the huge double doors that led to a massive room.

  The infirmary was the third largest building in the fortress after the imposing Citadel and Grand Committee Rooms. The floor was panelled with lengths of polished rose wood, and rows of beds were sectioned off with moveable embroidered partitions. A ceiling of porcelain murals and gilt-edged cherubs fed into tiled walls of diverse mosaics of the Smilodon symbol, with raised stuccos of wood nymphs and beautiful goddesses. At the far end of the room, patio doors stretched from floor to ceiling, which, in the summer months and warmer days, opened up onto a manicured lawn that led further to a man-made lake. Pillars, fountains, grottos and gazebos adorned the equilibrium of tranquility, and scattered in between were places to sit, lay, curl, and repose.

  Faint weaves of steam rose from the sunken pool which ran adjacent to the patio and was constantly renewed and warmed from the pipes below. The whole room smelled of ginger and lime, while wafts of yarrow essence filled the air.

  They could see Namir laying on a bed with four physicians around him.

  'Will he be all right?' asked Macus with a concerned look.

  'He will be, now. I promise you,' Myra assured him patting his arm. 'Put Gya on this bed. I will send a couple of maids over.'

  Macus put her down on the bed and started to take off her outer garments. He saw the Matriarch talking to some girls who hurriedly collected various bowls, vials, and cleaning potions. Myra then went over to Namir and the girls came over to help Macus.

  They were separated now by the partitions. Macus was stripped of his clothes and bathed with the warm water. His facial wounds were cleaned with a medicated gel which started to administer their healing properties. A soft white robe was draped over his body and a vial of soothing liquid was given to him. As he slipped under the cool silk sheets on the sleigh of a bed, his head gradually gave way to the aromatic smells and he succumbed to sleep.

  Namir slept soundly while nutrients and minerals were being administered into his skeletal frame like the flow of oxygen and other essentials through the life-giving umbilical cord. Slowly, his body began the process of repair, and as the hours and days passed, the rate increased. And as the new cells were forged, so he began to get stronger.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Namir came to his senses slowly. A hazy light obscured the grey blur of sleep. He opened his eyes believing that he was in the castle, but the sounds of running water weren't familiar. Neither were the surroundings. Someone was humming, and the air was scented. It took a moment for him to place the sweet smell: a special essence used for the sick. He breathed in the incense and placed it as a waft of yarrow flower igniting his body. He smiled at the recollection and knew he was safe. He didn't know where, but he felt warm and at ease now. He pulled himself up onto his elbow though every fibre in his body felt heavy as he moved. He became aware that he was on a proper bed now, not just a palette or a pile of animal skins. This bed was massive. It was as wide as three of those put together with raised sides of rich mahogany, a soft plump pillow supporting his head, and a smooth yellow silk sheet covering his body. He looked beneath the covers: his clothes had been discarded and in place was a soft white tunic. He had been bathed and his skin looked clean and of a better colour now. A young girl came over to him and the humming stopped.

  'Master Namir, are you all right?'

  'Where am I?' his voice was soft and curious.

  'In the infirmary of the Smilodon Fort.'

  'How long have I been here?'

  'Several weeks now, Master Namir. You were in a very bad way: very dehydrated and suffering from malnutrition. If our Gya hadn't got to you when she did, you would certainly have died.'

  'She gave me pills and potions... I remember now.'

  'The contents of those pills and potions have been tested and analysed. She saved your life. Master Namir.'

  'I need some water.' His voice was becoming fragile again.

  She took a small drinking bowl and poured from a water jug.

  'Here, you must drink slowly, though. Just small sips. The physicians are tending to you and say you must not rush things.'

  'Yes, I remember.' Slowly the events of the past year began to piece together again. 'Where is Gya now? I need to see her.'

  'She comes down every evening with Macus to see you and say goodnight. They will be both be here later; but now you must rest. The physicians will be here soon.'

  After dozing off again, he was roused by voices and opened his eyes to see another figure coming into the room. Dressed in a long violet gown with a gold embroidered rope round his middle, he wore a maroon physicians cap over his sparse white hair and came over to Namir carrying a tray of various goblets, potions, and vials.

  'Good afternoon, Namir,' said the man with a small bow and a smiling face.

  'Good afternoon,' replied Namir, sitting up and leaning
against the enormous pillow.

  'I am pleased to see that you are recovering well. My contemporaries and I have had to administer your nutrients via hourly drops, so, it's very reassuring to see you up and able to take your medicine on your own now.'

  'I have been asleep a long time,' said Namir still feeling fatigued.

  'I know. We had to induce sleep, it makes for quicker healing,' said the physician, concentrating on his task of pouring precise measurements of potions from one vial to the other and then mixing from one goblet to another. When he was finished, the cordial was offered to Namir. 'This is your special tonic now.'

  Namir took the goblet and peered inside. The liquid looked like green algae. He looked at the goblet then at the physician. An air of caution spread across his face.

  'Your body needs this, Namir. You must be careful what you eat right now. We do not want to overload your stomach. In a few days, I will speak with our chefs and have them prepare some light dishes that will be suitable for you. '

  Namir knocked back the infusion in one go. He licked his lips and raised his eyebrows with a satisfied manner. 'That's actually very good, thank you.'

  The physician smiled a contented grin. 'We aim to please here.'

  The young girl came over. 'Would it be all right for Master Namir to take a dip in the sunken pool today?'

  'I think that's an excellent idea,' said the physician, looking at Namir. 'Just for a short time, though, and maybe a couple of strolls round the room. Nothing too much, mind you. Just a little to get his muscles working again.'

  'Of course, sir.'

  She helped Namir over to the sunken pool. Carefully, as he went, he slowly dipped a toe to feel the ambient temperature. When he was satisfied that it wasn't too hot, he sat on one of the seats that had been grooved into the sides. Covering his legs and lower torso, he had never felt anything so divine in all his life—aside from the touch of his wife, that was. He leaned back in the crevasse and let himself be subdued in the jets of steam that coiled around his withered limbs. Looking out into the garden, he thought its presence brought about a feeling of well-being and was acutely aware of the healing process this place offered. Glowing lanterns lit up the sanctuary at this time of year and were hung in the most aesthetically pleasing places. He could see a curved bench by the side of a lake, which even at this hour, hailed an illuminated fountain of golds, silvers, and greens. Nearing the end of December, the trees and bushes were covered with dense layers of snow and looked almost magical in the glimmering moonlight.