《The Sunriders》 Prologue: So Ends the Sunriders Prologue: So Ends the Sunriders The tale of the Keeper is known to all. My older brother told me of it when I was very young, before he ran away. In the beginning, many generations after the creation of mankind, the Creator saw the need for protectors and guides of men. And so, he created the Athelward. Possessing power beyond other mortals, they used their orbs of light to combat evil, build civilization to unmeasured heights, and heal the wounds of the world. They acted as councilors for all disputes. Yet, with such power, these guardians were tempted to use it for evil. And so, they were given a leader, the Keeper. The Keeper was said to possess power beyond any of the Athelward and could access information known only to the Creator. He was the guide of the Athelward order and they, in turn, were the guardians and guides of men. Such an existence could not last. Some six hundred and fifty years after the founding of the Houses and two hundred and thirty-one years after the founding of the United Houses, the Keeper disappeared into seclusion within the capital of the empire, locked away in the Tower of the Sun. No one knows why he has abandoned his role as protector and guide of men and the Athelward. Now conflict rages across our lands and the manors in the outer lands have sought to break away from the cruel and unfair treatment under the empire. The United Houses have not taken this well. Oh, Creator! Where is the Keeper to bring peace to our troubled people? Why has he abandoned us? * Year 712 FH (Founding of the Houses) The bright harvest moon shed its light across a flowing river amongst lush farmland and palm trees. Yet another light shone equally as bright atop a hill that overlooked the river below, setting an orange glow to the silvery backdrop. A fortified mansion made of clay brick and timber, set against a cliffside, was burning as the flames roared across the imposing structure. It was an impressive size for a family estate, three stories tall in places where towers rose and stretched several hundred yards in length and width. The fortified walls with several towers dotted about its surface were made of thickened clay bricks, giving the impression that the luxurious mansion was actually a fortress. Strange as they seemed, so high and imposing and yet attached to such a dwelling, their use was not diminished in the fight that was taking place. Within the firelight, bronze spears gleamed above the battlements with an intense glow, as if the soldiers held weapons of fire, gifted by deities from another realm. Their bodies too had bronze plating which caused them to gleam like the stars above. Arrows hissed and chinked against the ramparts as volley after volley was fired at the defenders, the occasional thunk and cry indicating that one shaft had hit more than just stone or bronze armor. Below, the attackers too were dressed in similar armor but of much finer make, polished till they shone in the firelight. Their battle lines were stretched across the front of the fortified mansion which extended from one jagged cliff to another in a semicircle. They had the defenders trapped on the cliffside in which they resided. Giant ballistas fired massive arrows over the walls, flames licking on their tips, and they soared like miniature comets to strike the mansion. Amidst the chaos of the attackers, who hid behind wooden palisades and bronze shields to take cover from returning enemy fire, one figure strode out calmly, completely unarmed. His armor was not bronze but steel, shining silver as the moon, smoothed far beyond human smithing skills. He moved toward the gate as the arrows from the defenders rained down. From within, Lord Efrat Sunrider stood in the center of the courtyard, sword and shield in hand as he directed his men from in front of the gate. ¡°More men to the wall tops! Keep that volley going on the longbows! Use fire on our own arrows if you have to!¡± ¡°Yes, my lord Efrat!¡± ¡°You! Get the servants to bring more arrows to the walls for support!¡± ¡°As you wish my lord!¡± ¡°Where are the spears I called for?!¡± ¡°Lord Efrat¡­¡± Efrat Sunrider turned to see a figure in a simple tunic of gray, wrapped in a dark cloak and hood, approach him. He forgot the defenses at that moment as he strode forward to put a hand on the figure''s shoulder and leaned in to be heard as he spoke softly. ¡°Tell me it is done.¡± A long gray beard poked out and a weather-beaten face nodded. ¡°It is, lord. The passage is ready for use.¡± The tension eased on Efrat¡¯s face as he nodded. ¡°Take my children there now. You get them and yourself out of this keep and to the river. Steal a boat and get downriver into the scrublands. There are dozens of small cities to be lost in.¡± ¡°Lord Sunrider, you must come with us. It is you they want-¡± ¡°I will not leave my home! It is both of us that they want. But they shall only have one.¡± ¡°There is no reason to stay!¡± ¡°These are my people! I shall stay. They will only search harder if I am missing as well.¡± A harsh volley of arrows hit the battlements above the gates and cries rang out as the gate suddenly shook as something struck it. It was engulfed in a sheen of red crackling energy, extending from top to bottom of the stout wooden frame. The gate began to groan as the timber buckled and strained, pulled from the outside, even as the wood began to smoke and blacken. Efrat turned to the old, hooded man and clasped his arm. ¡°Remember your promise to me¡­don¡¯t let this be the end. Now get my children to safety! That is my last command as your host!¡± The old man bowed and retreated toward the burning mansion as Efrat turned back to the quickly buckling gates. ¡°Where is my wall of spears and shields?! To the gate!¡± The old man moved around the back of the mansion, to a stone storeroom that remained undamaged. He flung open the doors and called within. ¡°Come Sunriders, it is time to leave. Follow me.¡± Out of the storeroom came three more figures. El¡¯Azar stood tallest, the eldest son of Lord Sunrider. He was handsome and well built, a figure ready to take his father¡¯s place as lord of a manor when his time came. After him came his sister, Ari¡¯El, who was much shorter than him and quite beautiful even at her young age of fourteen. She dragged a young and frightened twelve-year-old boy with her, Amos Sunrider, youngest of Efrat¡¯s children. His wide eyes took in his burning home and he let out a broken sob. ¡°It will be alright, Amos¡± came the comforting voice of his sister. ¡°Torun will take care of us.¡± ¡°Come quickly,¡± said the old man, Torun, ¡°I have a passage out of here ready for you that will lead to the river.¡± El¡¯Azar started. ¡°But father-¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. ¡°He has commanded us to run, and we obey him. Trust your father. Remember your promise to him!¡± The group fled around the burning building to enter through the front door which belched forth smoke. ¡°I can¡¯t go in there,¡± cried Ari¡¯El and Amos crouched to the ground, terror etched across his features. ¡°It will be well, Ari¡¯El,¡± said Torun. ¡°It is just a bit of smoke. We will make it if we stay low.¡± A splintering crash was heard and they turned to see the figure of their father outlined in front of the gateway as it shone brightly. The red light had intensified as the gate split apart and opened outward. One door completely fell off its hinges and flew out while the second swung crazily on a half hinge and hung lopsidedly out into the smoke-filled air. Efrat stood tall and readied his sword and shield as a figure emerged from the smoke. A faint outline was the only distinguishable feature at first. Then, a pair of glowing red eyes pierced through the smoke as the figure emerged. It had the appearance of a man, in steel armor that was polished as smooth as a rock in a river from the beginning of time. The mask on the face was brutish and demonic. It had a crown of sharp, tiny spikes circling the head. A slight protrusion defined the nose and the mouth didn¡¯t exist as the metal closed around it as if gagging the wearer. The eyes, topped by metal eyebrows that made it glare, were ovals of red light, shining forth with a malevolent fire to match the two glowing orbs held in the hands of its wearer. Its hands were at its side, each holding a glowing orb of crackling dark red energy. Arcs of electricity flowed around them. A black cape punctured by burn holes swirled around the figure¡¯s back as he strolled calmly into the courtyard even as a group of spear and shield men ran to back Lord Sunrider. Torun pushed the young Sunriders into the burning building, calling to El¡¯Azar, ¡°Hurry! We are almost out of time!¡± The young man followed reluctantly. The black figure stopped before the crowd of armed men, his head barely turning to study all before him. Efrat stepped forward. ¡°Your road of vengeance ends here, demon!¡± The demon didn¡¯t respond but lifted his arms to stop the mass of men charging through the gateway after him. They fanned out, forming a wall even as Efrat¡¯s men formed behind him. Both sides froze, the air filled with sounds of battle and the panting of adrenaline-filled men. Efrat spoke again. ¡°You come in vain. There is no Keeper here and I will not submit my manor to the United Houses. Be done with your mission and let this war end with my blood alone.¡± The demon cocked its head and finally spoke, its voice deep and echoing from behind layers of metal. ¡°The war is already over. Now comes the cleansing.¡± ¡°I agree,¡± muttered Efrat. Lifting his sword, he cried, ¡°Archers, fire!¡± On the wall, archers rose to fire down at the massed troops below. Few reacted quick enough to block the arrows with their shields as a dozen fell to arrow fire from above, screaming as their faces and necks were pierced. The demon lifted both orbs and they expanded into a shimmering shield of red light above. The arrows bounced off, sparking as the metal tips struck the surface and flew in all directions, their tips burnt off. Efrat¡¯s sword lowered. ¡°Charge!¡± He barreled forward, his men following close behind to hit the startled forces of the United Houses. The demon turned his gaze downward and flipped his shield of light to face the oncoming foes. With a step forward and push of his arms, the shield of light leaped forward and hit the wall of shields rushing toward it. The men braced as the wave of energy struck their shields and continued their headlong charge. Efrat raced to the demon as his target waved his hands, extending a line of energy in front of him then twisting it to create another shield. With a wave of his fingers, the energy began to crackle, and then it was launched forward. Efrat was almost on top of the demon when the energy struck him along with a dozen men close by. Their shields half melted all except for Efrat¡¯s shield which was forged of a special metal to resist the Athelward¡¯s powers. He was still flung through the air with the rest of his burnt, screaming men. The lines of soldiers crashed into one another, spears and swords clashing on shield and armor or sinking into flesh and bone. The cries of conflict escalated as Efrat rose to his feet, winded, and his foe approached, orbs of red ready in hand. * Torun ushered the two young children through the smoke into a small storeroom and to a ladder that led to the tunnel under their home. He beckoned to El¡¯Azar who stood above him. ¡°Come El¡¯Azar! We must hurry!¡± ¡°I am not leaving my father.¡± The stubborn young man¡¯s face showed determination and rage. ¡°I must defend my home and take my place at his side!¡± ¡°Do not be foolish, your father has told you to leave! You must obey him! You must survive!¡± ¡°I will use what you have taught me and defeat our enemies. If I really am who you say I can be, then all will be well! Get my siblings to safety! Take care of them till I return, Torun!¡± The screams of Ari¡¯El could be heard below. ¡°No! El¡¯Azar come back! Don¡¯t leave us!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t go¡­please don¡¯t¡­¡± was Amos¡¯s contribution as tears streamed down his face. Torun watched the young man disappear into the smoke. He tried to climb back up the ladder but slipped and tumbled to the bottom where he almost crushed the two children. He groaned and struggled to his feet as the pair wailed at his side. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Come children¡­let us away to safety.¡± * Efrat¡¯s men were being overwhelmed by sheer numbers and any that dared to confront the demon was hurled across the courtyard by blasts of energy or struck down by swiftly thrown orbs. He parried a spear thrust and got in close to stab the man in the side. An orb flew from his right and he lifted his shield just in time to block it. A second one flew in and a third as he began to collapse under the pressure. The demon was approaching, all defenders fleeing before him, as he hurled orb after orb, pounding into Efrat¡¯s shield. Each blow shattered against his shield, sending crackling energy in shockwaves around him. His legs began to buckle and his arm was jerked to the side. An orb passed his defenses and blasted into his armor. It melted under the blow and his side was burned from the impact. He gasped, hunching over as the figure created one last orb and splayed its fingers out when it launched. Efrat was engulfed in a red, shimmering cage and lifted high into the air above the demon by its power. The glowing eyes showed no remorse, its head cocked to the side again. ¡°So ends the Sunriders.¡± The fingers curled and Efrat¡¯s body began to burn and his skin blackened as he sizzled from within the encasing. His scream of agony filled the courtyard. An orb of dark blue light flew from behind Efrat and struck the demon, sending him staggering backward. A second orb, then a third flew and the off-balance demon was flung backward, a shimmering flash of light the only indication that an invisible shield of energy around him had acted as protection from the orbs. Efrat collapsed to the ground, free from his prison, and lay unmoving. El¡¯Azar rushed to his side and clasped his hand. ¡°Father!¡± ¡°I told¡­you to run,¡± came the gurgled reply. ¡°I will stand with my house in destruction or victory.¡± ¡°There is¡­no victory.¡± More coughing as blood rose from Efrat¡¯s throat. ¡°Leave! I am already dead!¡± El¡¯Azar rose from his father¡¯s burnt diminishing body and faced the demon. The luminescent being faced him and hissed, ¡°You are not the false Keeper.¡± ¡°No¡­I am not,¡± snapped the young man. ¡°The rumor about a Keeper being here is false. I am the one the rumors were about. But a true Athelward will be enough for you to deal with.¡± The eyes flared all the brighter from within the mask. ¡°We shall see.¡± They each created orbs of light, dark red vs dark blue, and leaped toward one another, orbs flying and shields raised. * Torun struggled out of the tunnel in the cliffside with his two young charges. Together, they fled toward the river and a dock that resided there. A boat was still tied to a post and he ushered the children within. ¡°Quickly, young ones! Amos, you must help me row the boat.¡± Once the small boat drifted into the center of the stream, there was little need for oars as the current carried them away from the battle. An explosion caused the trio to look up. Above the walls of the mansion and through the smoke, flashes of blue and red could be seen, bringing color to the gray ash and smoke in the air. The red and blue flashes escalated as the boat continued downriver. ¡°What will become of us,¡± cried Amos softly. Ari¡¯El shifted to his side and put a comforting arm around his shoulders. ¡°We will stay together. Maybe find other nobles who will help us. All will be well¡­will it not, Torun?¡± ¡°Of course. We will find a place to hide and live elsewhere. There are plenty of cities on the edge of the United Houses that aren¡¯t directly under their control where we can live. We will never have to fear them again. You will see.¡± Amos gazed at his burning home disappearing through the trees, and closed his eyes, listening to Torun¡¯s continued mutters. ¡°All will be well¡­you will see.¡± Chapter 1: A Simple Life of Discontent Chapter 1: A Simple Life of Discontent 724 FH ¡°All will be well¡­you will see.¡± Amos opened his eyes, the words still ringing in his ears. He sat up slowly from his straw bed, squinting blearily at the sunlight which entered through the poorly thatched roof. He scrubbed at his eyes, ran a hand through his wavy brown hair, and scratched at the thin layer of facial hair growing along his jawline. He covered his face with his hands then pulled them away, his eyes a hundred miles away as they saw the same story from his dream over again. Ari¡¯El¡¯s head appeared from a hole in the floor. ¡°Amos, time to get up. Make sure to wake E¡¯Tar as well or he will miss eating before you head out.¡± Her head vanished as Amos grunted assent. He turned to a very large lump on the bed behind him. ¡°E¡¯Tar, wake up.¡± No response came. An irritated hand slapped a bump in the blankets. ¡°Wake up!¡± E¡¯Tar nearly flung himself from the bed and rammed into Amos as he sputtered with a half snore, ¡°What?! Wh¡­What is it?¡± Amos glared at the man as he stood in a crouch beside the bed. The man he was staring at was almost entirely naked save for his loincloth and the blanket tangled around his legs. He was massive in size, over six and a half feet tall, and bulky with muscle. He also sported curly brown hair and a beard that was at least several days further in its growth than Amos¡¯s. ¡°It''s time to get up. By the way, you stole the blanket again last night.¡± ¡°Hmm? Well, why didn¡¯t you take it back?¡± ¡°And risk tearing it? Now, hurry up and get dressed.¡± Amos climbed down the ladder to the room below which contained a tiny stone fireplace surrounded by stone, a table with three chairs, a wooden cabinet, and a small curtain that hid his sister¡¯s bed. She was crouched by the fire. She removed a pot carefully, her hands wrapped in a padded leather strip, and placed it on the table. Ari¡¯El had grown more beautiful as she had grown older. She had long, wavy, dark brown hair which she usually hid behind a veil. Her thin frame accentuated her form but hid a quiet strength. ¡°The soup is ready. It¡¯s still lentils I am afraid.¡± Amos grimaced and Ari¡¯El continued. ¡°I wasn¡¯t able to obtain any meat from the kitchens yesterday. I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°I thought when you started working at the palace we would benefit more.¡± ¡°Not usually, no.¡± Amos quickly shrugged. ¡°It beats Einkorn soup. That should only be put into a loaf of bread. I swear if¡­¡± A muffled crash came from above and a mutter from E¡¯Tar. ¡°Ow¡­¡± Amos rolled his eyes and called, ¡°If you put another hole in the roof, you are fixing the entire thing!¡± No response came. Amos shook his head. ¡°We need to buy another blanket as well. He keeps stealing the one we share.¡± ¡°He means well. The loft is small for him though.¡± ¡°It is small for both of us.¡± Ari¡¯El poured him a bowl. ¡°What do you have planned for today?¡± Amos began eating. ¡°Torun has another set of reading and writing lessons planned for today. He is keeping it basic. Then we will practice.¡± Ari¡¯El nodded slowly. ¡°Oh¡­so no paid work for today?¡± ¡°No. E¡¯Tar will be doing some work around the grounds though. That should bring in a bit.¡± His face remained fixed on his bowl; his cheeks red. Ari¡¯El nodded again but said nothing. E¡¯Tar came down the ladder, dressed in a sleeveless brown tunic, and smacked his head on the beam exiting the loft. ¡°Ouch!¡± ¡°After three years with us, I would think you had mastered that by now,¡± said Amos. E¡¯Tar smiled. ¡°Not yet. Maybe someday. That soup looks good, thank you, Ari¡¯El.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Amos cleaned his bowl. ¡°Do you have anything we can bring for the midday meal?¡± Ari¡¯El took a wrapped cloth from a wooden cabinet. ¡°I have some bread and cheese for you. It isn¡¯t much, so share it.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Amos glanced at his sister, grinning. ¡°And what of you? Is it all work today or will you be seeing anyone after?¡± She shook her head. ¡°Why are you so determined to see me spend time with a man? Trust me, the only men who would be willing to spend time outside work with me are the ones who would only want favors and would never think about binding themselves to me.¡± ¡°Oh well, perhaps someday.¡± ¡°Perhaps.¡± The pair were out the door before long, walking down the dusty street of Hatisep as Ari¡¯El watched from the doorway. Amos shoved E¡¯Tar. ¡°I¡¯m holding on to the food, not you. Then you won¡¯t be tempted.¡± ¡°But you forget where you put it.¡± ¡°That happened once a year ago! Aren¡¯t you ever going to let that go?!¡± ¡°I was hungry.¡± Ari¡¯El returned to the table and sat before her bowl of lentils. She took her spoon and had a bite before puckering her mouth and plopping the spoon back in the bowl. She looked away in disgust and frustration. * Amos and E¡¯Tar walked through a busy market with many awnings placed to shelter the rugs from the sun¡¯s heat. Upon them, a myriad of trinkets and baubles could be found along with food and other essentials. The noise of conversation was loud in the air as well as coughing and sneezing from the dust kicked up in the busy dirt plaza. Hawkers cried out as the two walked close together in conversation so as to hear each other.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°E¡¯Tar, shouldn¡¯t we do something after we leave the Sanctum?¡± ¡°And what would we do?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­something enjoyable! We haven¡¯t done something enjoyable in a very long time!¡± ¡°Ok¡­we could go out of the city to the oasis.¡± ¡°And do what?¡± ¡°Swim¡­?¡± Amos sighed, exasperated. ¡°No! We¡¯ve done that a hundred times. What else?¡± ¡°I still don¡¯t know what you mean.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you see, we don¡¯t have lives¡­we simply exist. We go about our lives and never do anything interesting or worthwhile. I want to make a change¡­but I don¡¯t know how.¡± ¡°Change isn¡¯t always good and excitement even less so.¡± Amos snorted. ¡°Don¡¯t I know that to be true. And of course, you do also. Didn¡¯t you have adventures before you came to Hatisep? You still haven¡¯t told me about that tragic backstory.¡± ¡°And I won¡¯t.¡± ¡°But it is tragic, isn¡¯t it?¡± Silence from E¡¯Tar. Amos bumped him lightly on the arm. ¡°Hey, I was joking. I didn¡¯t mean anything by it. Now, really think, what is something enjoyable we can do?¡± A moment passed as they made their way to the market¡¯s edge. Finally, E¡¯Tar spoke. ¡°We could purchase another blanket¡­¡± Amos sighed as they left the market and moved down the main street toward the largest building in the city, a terraced pyramid. The Athelward sanctum. ¡°Let¡¯s keep thinking about it.¡± * Ari¡¯El entered the palace, smaller than the Athelward sanctum, through the servant¡¯s quarters and was immediately given a list of chores by the head servant. ¡°Take that bucket and scrub out the third corridor. A good deal of dirt came through last night with the wind so it will have to be swept first as well. When you are done, come back to the kitchens to help with the midday meal.¡± She could then be found for several hours in that corridor, which was quite long, as she swept and scrubbed it by herself and was almost stepped on several times by guards who either gave her the barest of glances or, if they did take notice, frowned or smirked. Meanwhile, Amos and E¡¯Tar arrived at the giant gates of the sanctum, its slanted walls looming overhead. The Athelward Sanctum was an impressive work of architecture, shaped like a massive terraced pyramid and reached to the heavens. The building extended on three sides into the wall around it, but the fourth side held a massive courtyard with several side training grounds and gardens as well, walled off for privacy. Amos gazed up at it in wonder. ¡°They say the Athelward built this three centuries ago. Perhaps even the Keeper himself helped.¡± ¡°Morning Amos, E¡¯Tar. Did you sleep well?¡± Amos nodded to the man on post at the gate. ¡°Quite well, thank you! Torun is waiting I presume?¡± ¡°He¡¯s in his bed-chamber.¡± Amos nodded and he and E¡¯Tar were admitted past the massive double doors. They moved through the large dirt courtyard. At its fringes were many trees, bushes, and benches. They passed through a large open doorway into the dimly lit interior of the pyramid, walked up several flights of steps, and down a stone passage until they found themselves standing before an old wooden door within the stone wall. They knocked on the door and heard Torun call, ¡°Enter.¡± The pair entered the sparsely furnished bedroom with a single window in it that looked on the country outside. Torun, his hair completely white and his beard long, sat hunched in a chair. He looked up and smiled kindly. ¡°Ah! Here at last! Creator bless you this morning my friends!¡± ¡°And you, my friend,¡± responded Amos, and E¡¯Tar bowed. ¡°I wonder, E''Tar, if you might be so kind as to help me down the stairs today. My legs aren¡¯t feeling very up to the task.¡± ¡°Of course!¡± was E¡¯Tar¡¯s jovial reply. ¡°I¡¯ll carry you down if you wish.¡± ¡°I hardly think that is necessary! But if you insist, I won¡¯t stop you!¡± E¡¯Tar did carry Torun down the steps like a baby and placed him gently down in the doorway to the courtyard. Torun brushed off his robes and leaned on his walking stick. ¡°Thank you! You do make a person feel old.¡± E¡¯Tar¡¯s expression was confused, a nervous half-smile crossing his features. Torun chuckled. ¡°I mean to say, I do enjoy it when you carry me down the stairs. I should try not to make a habit of it.¡± E¡¯Tar blushed and Amos responded. ¡°Fret not. He would carry me down if I asked him, he is far too obliging.¡± A group of men in robes similar to Torun walked past and glanced at E¡¯Tar. They hurried past with smirks and began to whisper to one another as they exited the building. E¡¯Tar pulled himself in, his shoulders hunching up, making himself smaller. Amos put a hand on his arm. ¡°I can take Torun from here. I think you are expected in the back vegetable garden?¡± E¡¯Tar nodded and smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll see you at midday. Don¡¯t lose the lunch. Creator bless you, Torun.¡± ¡°And you, my strong man,¡± responded Torun. As E¡¯Tar departed, Torun put a hand on Amos¡¯ shoulder. ¡°Let us retire to a private courtyard for our lessons. Hopefully, we won¡¯t have these meddlesome Athelward disturbing us with their prying eyes and disapproving looks.¡± * The sun neared midday when Amos finished his practice. He was forming orbs in his hands as quickly as possible and flinging them at rock posts. His light blue energy missed multiple times, smashing against a rock slab behind and adding more holes to its already pockmarked exterior. Those strikes that did land began to chisel away the stone pillars and one even toppled over, finally finished with its purpose. He was sweating profusely as he struggled to form his orbs. Torun kept count. ¡°Ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one hundred. Very good!¡± Amos hunched over, breathing heavily. ¡°How¡­did I¡­do?¡± ¡°Not terrible. You missed twenty-six times, mostly in the last thirty-five. It took you about five minutes to launch that many. It was a decent performance. Fairly average for most students here.¡± Amos glanced over at a few other Athelward students who were practicing holding shields in place while teachers flung orbs at them. They had been glancing his way from time to time as he practiced, sizing him up. Amos turned away from their glances, frustration written across his features. ¡°What is the point of all of this?¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°This training? What is the point of this training for me, for any of these Athelward here? I am not allowed to use it and must keep myself hidden from the world at large. None of these Athelward use it either!¡± ¡°They have no choice in the matter.¡± Torun was grave as he frowned at the students, causing them to flinch and look away. ¡°They are allowed to exist within this temple, away from the Athelward of the capital. Only then can they remain free and unharmed.¡± ¡°And in the meantime, they neglect their duty as Athelward¡­I neglect my duty. We were given this gift to protect people from the dangers of the world. To build monuments like this for people to live in instead of crumbling huts like my home. To heal the body, mind, and soul of the people. To judge and arbitrate among the people and nations to ensure the continuation of justice and peace.¡± ¡°And many an Athelward with these very same intentions turned into tyrannical rulers. They believed they could solve every problem of the world. Without the guidance of the Keeper, they believe it is safer that they remain in confinement.¡± ¡°Much good that does,¡± said Amos, turning his back on Torun. ¡°He¡¯s vanished from the world and no longer performs his duties. And now this group is split from the main group in the empire¡¯s heart. They fail to perform their duties, like the rest. Instead of being unjust and biased though, they sit in apathy, ¡°training¡± for no reason whatsoever.¡± ¡°It is the politics of the matter,¡± said Torun with distaste. ¡°And this is where the Athelward have failed.¡± ¡°The Athelward hasn¡¯t failed. The members have failed. The order¡¯s tenants haven¡¯t changed or altered.¡± ¡°The result is still the same! And my training is still pointless. I¡¯m done for the day.¡± ¡°Amos!¡± Amos stopped at the sound of his tutor¡¯s voice and turned back. Torun stared at him sadly beneath weary eyelids as he sank to a chair. ¡°You are right to ask these questions¡­and I think you are ready to hear more. Come and visit me again tomorrow. I will let you know more about why I train you. I promise.¡± Amos hesitated before nodding. He continued to the door where he ran into E¡¯Tar. ¡°Amos! Did you lose the food?¡± ¡°No! Let¡¯s go. I¡¯m done for the day.¡± ¡°Oh¡­but¡­I haven¡¯t finished yet.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll help you finish. Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Alright¡­I don¡¯t have to share my earnings with you, right?¡± ¡°E¡¯Tar! We live together! You literally share your earnings all the time.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right. Now, where is the food?¡± Chapter 2: The Business of Minding Your Own Business Chapter 2: The Business of Minding Your Own Business The sun was just reaching its zenith, its heat causing the air to shimmer. Two weary travelers walked down a dusty path. There had been no cover across the scrubland they had crossed but the trees around an oasis began to shade their path as they approached a dirty, well-worn city. The pinnacle of the Athelward sanctum appeared over the tops of trees as Haran pointed it out to Avner. ¡°Look, there is the palace of Hatisep. We are almost there.¡± Avner shook his head. ¡°That isn¡¯t the palace my friend. The palace is a pitiful affair in comparison to the United House palaces. That is the Athelward sanctum of the city.¡± Haran paused in his steps, stiffening. ¡°There are Athelward in Hatisep? You never said anything about¡­¡± ¡°Relax, Haran. They aren¡¯t official Athelward. They are a splinter group. No danger to us.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know that,¡± muttered Haran as he picked up his speed to take his position beside Avner again. ¡°Oh, but I do, my fine friend! These Athelward are labeled as ¡®rebellious¡¯ by those within the United Houses. They aren¡¯t even allowed to use their powers publicly outside their sanctum lest they incur the wrath of their estranged brethren. Thank the Creator for squabbling Athelward too wrapped up in politics and dogma to work together and deal with low-lives like us.¡± Haran stared, confused. ¡°You¡¯ve been here before?¡± ¡°No. Suti told me in her letter.¡± ¡°She told you about them and you didn¡¯t tell me?¡± Avner smiled patronizingly. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to see that frown on your face the entire trip here. I saved you some extra worrying time. Aren¡¯t you glad I did? You should thank me.¡± ¡°Thank you for putting me off guard.¡± ¡°Well, you couldn¡¯t prepare yourself any more than you are now.¡± ¡°Shut up.¡± ¡°Now, don¡¯t be ungrateful!¡± ¡°No! Shush! Don¡¯t you hear that?¡± The two men listened and, sure enough, the sound of rough laughter came from the distance and a feminine voice crying out in alarm. Haran jerked his head. ¡°Sounds like trouble near the oasis.¡± Avner grinned and swung his round shield from his back. ¡°It sounds like we get to play heroes. Let¡¯s go!¡± * Roshana was truly in a predicament, surrounded by six rough-looking men. Her bag of herbs and bandages were scattered about beside the dirt path which skirted the oasis. If she hadn¡¯t been so terrified she would have burst into tears. One of the men prodded her with a spear causing her to jump and gasp. The man laughed. ¡°Look at her jump and gape like a fish out of water.¡± ¡°She¡¯s as helpless as one,¡± added another. A third, clearly the ringleader, drew close to her face, his foul breath inescapable as he spoke. ¡°Do you have a toll for passing through here? Not just anyone can enter the city of Hatisep where the respected Athelward reside within their ancient temple.¡± ¡°There should be no toll,¡± she said, trembling. ¡°Or, if there is, it should be with the guard at the gate.¡± ¡°We are the guards.¡± ¡°I¡­I see no uniform¡­¡± ¡°Lady, this city doesn¡¯t have much in the way of uniforms. Besides, we are off duty. Now, what do you have in that purse?¡± Without a word, she untied her coin purse from her belt and, with a shaking hand, gave it to the leader. He took it, making sure to grab her hand in the process. ¡°Ooooh. Soft skin! You are no commoner, despite your common clothes.¡± She paled further, looking down at her long dress of simple, light brown flaxen silk, tied under the bust with a cord. Her dark brown hair was beginning to show under her veil as it came undone. The soldier dumped the contents of the purse. A few coppers and two silvers fell out into his hand. One of the soldiers snorted, ¡°Her purse certainly doesn¡¯t look like it belongs to a lady.¡± The leader pocketed the coins. ¡°It¡¯s a start. How else can you pay us?¡± ¡°I am a healer. If any of you have injuries¡­I could help.¡± The leader cast a glance at his men, smirking. ¡°A healer eh? Well, I do have this pain in my side here.¡± He stripped the top part of his tunic to reveal his chest and pressed the left side of his abdomen. ¡°Maybe you should feel it to see what is wrong¡­¡± Roshana grew paler still, her eyes beginning to swim with unshed tears. The soldier laughed at this. ¡°Look! Look how she sobs! He¡¯s too much of a brute for her! She thinks you are ugly!¡± A soldier moved behind her and yanked the veil from her head. She cried out as the pin was yanked and her hair tumbled down her shoulders. ¡°Please¡­please¡­don¡¯t¡­¡± ¡°It only seems fair,¡± said the leader, ¡°that you use your skills to help us as payment.¡± Her legs began to buckle as she whispered, barely audible, ¡°Creator, help me.¡± A new voice spoke out. ¡°Now, gentlemen. Leave the lady be. She did say please.¡± The group turned and there, on an outcropping by the path, was Avner, posing quite heroically. His shield arm was on his hip while his other hand gripped the handle of his sheathed sword. In the light of the sun, his figure appeared to shine boldly. He was tall, six-foot, his light brown hair wavy and mixing unkempt but dashing in perfect measure. Even his thin and slightly unkempt beard gave him a rugged, handsome look. He neglected to wear armor but sported his red tunic with just a few strings untied near the neckline for effect. Beside him but not on the rock, and thus less impressive, was the slightly shorter figure of Haran. He had a full beard and a completely bald head. He was wearing leather armor with a dark blue tunic beneath and hefted a two-handed ax menacingly. He was not smiling like his partner but looked ready to fight. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. ¡°This is none of your business,¡± said the leader, putting his tunic back on as his men drew or hefted weapons. ¡°I hardly think the lady¡¯s business is any of your business either,¡± said Avner. ¡°Come now. Let us let her be on her way and we can settle our business.¡± The leader looked perplexed. ¡°Our business¡­what business?¡± Avner glanced at Haran. ¡°He¡¯s not as attractive when he¡¯s flustered. Not like our lady here.¡± He turned back to them. ¡°The business of teaching you to mind your own business. I recommend the beginners lesson¡­I don¡¯t think you would be ready for the advanced.¡± The men looked at one another, puzzled. Avner sighed and turned to Haran again. ¡°Not very bright, are they?¡± The leader put his hand to his sword hilt and drew it partway. ¡°You might be fancy with your language but I understand an insult when I hear one.¡± Haran raised an eyebrow. ¡°Fancy?¡± ¡°Now, Haran, we mustn¡¯t judge them for their poor standards. It¡¯s their behavior we are correcting.¡± The leader took a step forward. ¡°I suggest you leave now before we take you in.¡± Avner raised an eyebrow. ¡°Advanced lesson then?¡± The leader¡¯s grip tightened and, in a flash, Avner pulled a small metal spike from his belt and flung it. It stuck in the man¡¯s hand, still clasping the hilt and he screamed as those around him drew swords or lowered spears. Haran leaped forward, deflected a spear thrust upward with his ax handle, and charged into the man, flooring him with a body slam to the chest. Avner drew his sword with a flourish and raised his shield as he leaped from the rock toward Roshana who was standing shocked next to the screaming leader. ¡°Pardon me, lady!¡± Avner yelled. She nearly fell over as he landed beside her. He smacked the leader in the forehead with the hilt of his sword. The man crumpled with a cry and lay writhing on the ground. Haran, meanwhile, had disarmed a second man and pummeled him in the face with the hilt of his ax, dropping him to the ground. Avner disarmed a man with a twist of his sword, sending the other man¡¯s weapon flying, and the man backed away, arms raised. The last two men lost their nerve and fled back to the city. Avner smiled, sheathing his sword. ¡°Well¡­that wasn¡¯t terrible. I suggest the rest of you join them.¡± The rest followed suit, holding injured jaws, hands, and sides. The leader spat on the ground at Avner¡¯s feet as he left. Avner glanced at the globule of spit mixed with blood and looked unimpressed. ¡°Hmm, fancy.¡± Haran lowered his ax. ¡°Those were guards, I just know it. They are going to be a problem when we enter the city.¡± ¡°Perhaps. But if we hurry into the city, they won¡¯t be able to oppose our entrance.¡± Avner turned to Roshana. ¡°But now, for manners. I hope those vermin didn¡¯t hurt you, lady.¡± ¡°No¡­thank you.¡± Roshana hid her face behind her head veil as she replaced it on her head. She glanced around in a stupor before bending down to pick up her supplies. The two men bent to join her and she blushed. ¡°I can manage. Truly.¡± ¡°Just helping out a little more.¡± Avner handed her the last of her items, shifting to get a look at her face as she continued to hide it. ¡°Come now, this is a strange way to thank your rescuers.¡± ¡°Avner.¡± Haran had a frown of disapproval on his face. Avner blushed slightly. ¡°Ah¡­my apologies. I meant nothing crude by that. I just wondered why you hide your face.¡± Roshana raised her head to gaze into his eyes. ¡°My thanks to you, sir. The Creator favored me when you passed this way in your travels.¡± Avner nodded. ¡°It would seem so. I am Avner and this surly friend of mine is Haran. May we know whom we have rescued?¡± Roshana shouldered her pack. ¡°Roshana. I thank you again but I really must be on my way.¡± ¡°Just Roshana?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°As you wish. You must make it inside the city before the guards harass you further. Allow us to escort you the rest of the way.¡± ¡°Oh please, don¡¯t trouble yourself.¡± Haran rolled his eyes and began walking toward the city. Avner shook his head. ¡°No! No trouble at all!¡± Roshana looked warily at him then nodded. ¡°Very well.¡± They took up together, walking side by side toward the city gates, Haran some steps in front of them. ¡°So¡­Roshana. Are you a healer? Your bag suggests you are.¡± ¡°Yes, I am.¡± ¡°Where are you coming from?¡± ¡°Further in the empire.¡± ¡°It is dangerous for a woman to be traveling alone. Did you not come with a caravan? Or perhaps a travel partner?¡± ¡°No, I came alone.¡± ¡°What brings you out here alone?¡± ¡°Whatever happened to allowing a woman to mind her own business?¡± Avner smiled disarmingly. ¡°True enough! I will hold my tongue.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± The trio entered the city without much trouble. The gateway was simple and the clay and wood walls were not very impressive in size and looked to have seen better days. The guards gave them the barest of glances and there was no sign of those encountered before. They walked down the crowded main street until it opened up into the central plaza with all of its tents and blankets with items for sale. Roshana turned to them and bowed. ¡°Thank you once again. I can find my way from here.¡± ¡°Very well, Roshana. If you need any further assistance, we shall be in the city for some days yet.¡± She nodded, smiled slightly, and disappeared into the crowd. Avner stared after her retreating figure with a smile. ¡°She was pretty¡­and so forthcoming.¡± ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have told her we were staying here for a while.¡± Avner turned to Haran. ¡°Oh, come now, do you suspect an innocent woman like that to be a spy sent to¡­do what? Why would anyone spy on us anyway, our troubles in that area are long dead and buried¡­no pun intended.¡± Haran looked quite cross. ¡°Let¡¯s just find Suti and get the information we need.¡± * Avner and Haran found themselves in front of the Cheery Hearth Hostel and entered the establishment, one with slight caution and the other with a brazen smile. Avner glanced around at the room which was smoke-laden and filled with wooden tables and benches. The hearth from its name was impressive, enough to heat the large room in the winter, and over it resided a rack of pots and bronze poles laden with meat. A woman tended to both while she shouted orders to a man who was serving plates. Avner took a deep breath through his nostrils. ¡°Do you smell that Haran? Smoke, dirt, sweat, roasted goat, and beer. I love a well-tended hostel.¡± ¡°Suti is over there.¡± Haran nodded toward a woman who was sitting at a table in the corner of the room. Her dark skin made her blend with the shadows of the room but her bright silk dress of orange and red made her stand out in the crowd of brown, black, and white clothes. The two men moved to her table and Avner pulled an extra chair over. ¡°You know, you don¡¯t really blend in with the locals.¡± Suti moved her head covering to the side to view Avner with her dark brown eyes. ¡°I have no interest in blending in. Let them know a woman of substance sits in their cheap establishment.¡± ¡°Aw¡­I think it¡¯s a very nice hostel.¡± Haran leaned forward. ¡°Did you make contact?¡± Suti nodded, taking a sip from her beer and pulling a face of slight disgust. ¡°Gods, the only thing worse than the food is the drinks. I made contact with the governor. He would like to meet with you before agreeing to the terms.¡± Avner took her beer and sipped it, bobbing his head with a shrug to indicate it wasn¡¯t as awful as she stated. ¡°That sounds reasonable. When will we meet him?¡± ¡°At the ninth hour.¡± ¡°So¡­soon?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Avner paused. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll just order one beer then.¡± Suti frowned at her mug he had drunk from. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t drink. If the governor meets you and you are intoxicated; he will not be impressed.¡± ¡°One drink is hardly enough to intoxicate me.¡± Haran snorted. ¡°But it might impair your judgment and loosen that already sharp tongue of yours.¡± ¡°Look who''s talking! Sharp tongue indeed!¡± ¡°Take this seriously!¡± Avner smiled as he waved the server over. ¡°I am. I won¡¯t drink more than one and I shall be very polite. Though, from what I have heard, I think it will be I who is not impressed by this governor instead.¡± Chapter 3: Honest Answers are not Well Recieved Chapter 3: Honest Answers are Not Received Well Amos walked briskly toward the exit of the Sanctum with E¡¯Tar on his heels when Torun called from a doorway. ¡°Amos, wait!¡± Amos paused, a look of annoyance crossing his face before he turned back to the doorway. ¡°Yes, Torun? What is¡­it?¡± His voice faltered when he spotted a group of Athelward standing beside his mentor. They were older in years and clearly higher in rank, flanking Torun with expressions that ranged from stern disapproval to indifference. Amos gazed back and forth between his mentor and the Athelward. ¡°What is going on here?¡± Torun stepped forward. ¡°I¡¯m afraid the Athelward superiors need a word with you.¡± The eldest of them stepped forward, frowning at Torun before turning on Amos. Amos remembered him to be called Melkiat, head of the sanctuary. His long beard quivered as he spoke in a deep tone. ¡°Amos, we have watched your progress and you have truly come a long way. You have the potential to become a great Athelward in your own right.¡± ¡°Thank you, Melkiat¡­¡± ¡°However, we would request that you consider living within our community and not wander about Hatisep without supervision.¡± Amos scowled. ¡°We have been through this before, I am not locking myself away in some tower and abandoning my sister¡­or my freedom.¡± ¡°And we would once again urge you to reconsider. It is a good life here.¡± ¡°While I appreciate that, why is this suddenly a bigger concern of yours that you ask again?¡± Melkiat folded his arms into his long sleeves. ¡°With your increase in power and capability in using your gift, you pose a danger to yourself, the world around you, and to our order.¡± Amos raised his eyebrows. ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°It is a well-known fact that Athelward who do not temper their power with wisdom will use it for personal means and selfish ends. You will be tempted to misuse it and harm yourself, or worse, innocent people around you.¡± Amos nodded with incredulity. ¡°Uh huh¡­and tell me the real reason now.¡± Melkiat glared, clearly incensed at his sarcastic tone. ¡°If you abuse your power, the punishment won¡¯t just fall on your head. It will fall on our order as well. Our relationship with the Athelward of the United Houses is tenuous. You would bring down their wrath upon us all. You train here, you work here, you spend much of your waking hours here. Who would not connect a rogue Athelward with our Sanctum? We would not risk our order being hindered in its life and practice because of the mistakes of a single young man.¡± Amos shook his head. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t do anything foolish with it. I don¡¯t even use it in public.¡± ¡°Forgive us if we hold your statement with some skepticism. You are a young and, judging from what I have seen and heard, highly opinionated, headstrong man. You will inevitably succumb to the temptation to use your power for some cause you believe to be ¡®right¡¯, even if it is to help another. That is why we once again strongly urge you to enter our order officially and live in the Sanctum.¡± Amos sneered, his face contorting in an unpleasant fashion. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t join your order for anything in the world. You must simply trust me when I say that I don¡¯t use my power¡­something we have in common I believe.¡± The faces of the other Athelward clearly showed he had crossed a line and murmurs arose from the small group of Athelward who were watching the conversation from within the courtyard. Torun¡¯s face was pinched, like he was holding in a smile as his eyes glinted while E¡¯Tar looked more nervous and awkward than ever to be standing beside Amos. Melkiat did not seem to react to the jibe other than to raise an eyebrow and deepen his frown. ¡°I suggest you do not speak of matters of which you have no understanding and are of no concern to you.¡± ¡°Yet they would concern me if I took you up on your offer,¡± retorted Amos. ¡°I tell you, I am not interested. Will you force me to comply or let me walk away?¡± Melkiat stared hard at him before bowing slightly. ¡°We cannot force you¡­yet. It is not our way. We bid you peace and leave you to be on your way.¡± Other members seemed to be in disagreement but they didn¡¯t speak up. Amos gave a stiff bow in return. ¡°Peace to you.¡± Amos turned on his heel and exited the Sanctum, through the large double doors, out into the sunlit street. E¡¯Tar followed after a hasty bow of his own. Torun shook his head but let a small smile slip out as he stared at the young men retreating from the Sanctum. His gaze shifted to a figure in a light brown dress, a cord for a belt, and a headscarf. She walked through the double doors. She seemed quite simple but her face was fair and her eyes were alight with a bright fire as she gazed about in wonder at the Sanctum. Torun, brushing his tunic down, put on a charming smile and approached her. ¡°Are you in need of assistance, Isha?¡± The woman blushed at his title for her. ¡°I am no Isha. My name is Roshana and I am a sister in the Order of Ministers. I am seeking sanctuary and was hoping the Sanctum could offer me a bed for a few nights.¡± Torun nodded. ¡°Ah¡­a member of the Order of Ministers. I haven¡¯t seen any of our kindred Athelward from your group in years. I thought they had all but given up their sacred purpose. Are you a missionary then?¡± Roshana nodded. ¡°I am. I have been tasked in healing those who are suffering in the outskirts of the United Houses. I cannot stay long in one place. There is much ground to cover and I must visit many towns.¡± ¡°Are there no other order members with you?¡± ¡°No, I was sent alone.¡± Torun shook his head. ¡°That is not right¡­to send a woman out alone into such hostile territory, even if it is charitable work. It¡¯s unpardonable.¡± Roshana gave him a small smile that held a hint of sadness. ¡°I choose the assignment so the fault lies with me. I wanted to be of most use where the people were in most need.¡± Torun¡¯s gaze softened even as his smile grew wider. He nodded. ¡°It is so, there are many here who could use the skills of a healer like yourself. I fear your work is cut out for you. However, I do believe the Athelward here could have a room to spare for an Isha such as yourself.¡± ¡°I told you, I am not an Isha.¡± ¡°My lady, it is a term of respect. I say it now not due to your stature or beauty, both of which are clearly evident, but because your mission and purpose is noble¡­and one not seen carried out these days.¡± Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Roshana was taken aback by this statement and appeared unable to speak for a few moments. ¡°I¡­thank you. You are most kind.¡± ¡°Come. We will find Melkiat together and see if we can have a guest room made up for you. * Amos ignored the young woman in simple clothing as he passed her in the gateway, nearly running her over in his haste to abandon the scene which continued to cause his cheeks to burn a bright scarlet. E¡¯Tar said nothing but followed closely behind him . It wasn¡¯t until they reached a street corner out of sight of the Sanctum that Amos stopped to sit down and put his head in his hands. E¡¯Tar bent down in concern. ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°Yes¡­no¡­I will be.¡± E¡¯Tar seemed unable to cope with such a confusing answer. He sat beside Amos and bumped his arm against his friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Do you¡­um¡­want to talk about the problem?¡± ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have lost my temper like that¡­especially to Torun. He¡¯s only ever cared for me¡­and Ari¡¯El.¡± ¡°So why did you?¡± Amos grinned at the unintended bluntness of the question. ¡°Because they deserve it, but not Torun. That order abandoned us. It abandoned the people. I don¡¯t even know why they exist. They don¡¯t help anyone, just serve themselves.¡± ¡°They are under orders not to. The Athelward with the United Houses would probably punish them for acting without permission.¡± ¡°And for spreading the wrong message,¡± scoffed Amos. ¡°So, they are useless and the Athelward of the United Houses are corrupt. I feel so much better.¡± He sighed and nudged E¡¯Tar. ¡°Hey¡­did you think of something we could do for enjoyment?¡± E¡¯Tar frowned. ¡°Oh¡­was I supposed to be doing that? Sorry. No.¡± Another sigh. ¡°Well¡­we could go get another blanket with today¡¯s earnings.¡± * Suti was adamant as she led Haran and Avner toward the run-down palace complex of the governor of Hatisep. ¡°Remember, no talking to anyone while inside. I¡¯ll get you into the audience room and then you may speak. Haran, keep any comments to yourself and for the sake of all gods Avner, do not start tossing insults at the governor¡¯s feet. I promise you, his sensitive nature will not allow them to stand uncontested.¡± ¡°Relax, Suti. Contrary to what you think, I can control my incurable barbed tongue.¡± Haran poked him in the back. ¡°Incurable is right and she isn¡¯t the only one with doubts.¡± ¡°And your bluntness will definitely get you killed,¡± remarked Suti. ¡°I¡¯ve told you, Haran,¡± said Avner, his tone mockingly serious, ¡°Honesty is something no one is looking for¡­especially in copious and hard-hitting amounts.¡± Suti hissed at them and they fell silent. The guards at the gate stood at attention as they approached and blocked the path with their spears. ¡°No passage. The governor is not seeing visitors at this time.¡± ¡°He has expressed a desire to see my clients,¡± said Suti, pulling a pouch from her belt. ¡°I believe we are expected.¡± She extracted three silver coins and passed them to the nearest guard while leaning in close to his ear. ¡°For you two to share¡­if you feel the need to divide it evenly.¡± A stupid grin appeared on the guard''s face as he pocketed the money and twitched slightly when Suti¡¯s delicate finger brushed his cheek to straighten the helmet strap under his chin. She gave a small smile and he nodded. ¡°Right. You may pass. There are plenty of guards between here and the palace anyway to deal with you.¡± She nodded and gestured for her two armed companions to follow her. Her smile fled as soon as she passed them, replaced by cold determination. Avner and Haran remained close to her as she made her way across a dirt courtyard and toward the columned entrance of the palace. Several guards glanced at them with suspicion but didn¡¯t react. When they reached the entrance to the building, another pair of guards stopped them and Suti handed them another three silvers. As they entered the building, Haran grumbled, ¡°This interview is starting to get expensive. It had better be worth it.¡± ¡°No comments,¡± hissed Suti. As they entered the building, the dusty and worn stone pillars with the paint peeling off heralded a bleak interior. Yet, when they entered, they found the entrance room was nicely furnished and decorated with fine tapestries, long and ornate carpets and plush seating. The wealth contrast was striking from the rest of the town. Avner couldn¡¯t help himself and murmured, ¡°Uh oh, looks like someone has been dipping into the budget.¡± ¡°Comments like that are not appreciated,¡± murmured Suti, making a sharp turn and digging her nail into Avner¡¯s exposed armpit through his armor. She was heading toward a recess in the wall where a small door resided. She approached a servant that was waiting by the door. ¡°We are ready.¡± The servant held out a hand mutely and she proffered him a single silver coin. He bit it, his mouth showing blackened teeth and a tongue that appeared to be missing. He nodded and opened the side door, beckoning them in. The party entered and Haran whispered, ¡°Why are we taking this side tunnel?¡± Suti responded. ¡°I have no desire to pay every guard we meet along the way, have you? We will take the servant''s passage to get to his audience room.¡± The tunnel was cramped and stuffy, lit by small lamps and with no window for ventilation. Avner, being the tallest, had to bend to proceed through it and this went on for some time till his back ached and he began to sweat profusely. Finally, the servant took them through a kitchen and into a hallway that had a pair of double doors set into the wall. The servant pointed and Suti nodded in gratitude. She turned to her companions. ¡°Right, I will go first to see that he is ready. Remember, be polite and mind your mouths. We want him to think you are competent enough to solve his problems and not children in the bodies of full-grown men.¡± ¡°We understand,¡± growled Haran. ¡°Just get us in there.¡± Suti glanced at him in annoyance. Avner patted Haran on the shoulder. ¡°Ignore him. I¡¯ll do the talking, of course. Good luck.¡± Suti headed to the door, was stopped by the guards but, instead of paying them, had a quick whispered conversation and was allowed in. Avner leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. ¡°So¡­do you think this job will be worth the ambiguities?¡± Haran shook his head. ¡°He is a rich man because of his theft and greed. I do not like the thought of working for him. Whatever this job is, it cannot be good.¡± ¡°No doubt he simply has a local bandit problem and needs our help with it because his men are too pathetic.¡± ¡°His men are bandits.¡± ¡°True¡­but other¡­bandits. We¡¯ll see when we get in there.¡± Haran stood rigid, his back to the wall and his gaze fixed on the door. ¡°What if he asks us to attack innocent people¡­perhaps to force them to pay taxes they are skating out on.¡± ¡°Then we deal with it in another way that doesn¡¯t help the governor but in a way in which he thinks we are still helping him.¡± Haran frowned at him. ¡°How do you plan to do that?¡± Avner rolled his eyes and smiled disarmingly. ¡°I¡¯ll figure it out as I go. I¡¯m good at that¡­¡± ¡°Does Suti know about this?¡± Avner didn¡¯t answer as his voice trailed out. He was staring down the hall at another side door. A woman had emerged with a bucket and brush and was walking wearily toward the kitchen door which he was standing in front of. She stopped when she spotted him and her face became visible in the light. Avner peered at her and said, ¡°Ari¡¯El?¡± He got no answer from her as she spun on her heels and retreated toward the door she had come from. Avner pushed himself from his leaning position and began moving toward her. ¡°Ari¡¯El¡­wait¡­¡± The double doors opened and two guards emerged along with Suti, blocking his view of Ari¡¯El. Haran bumped into his back and muttered, ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°I thought¡­¡± ¡°Governor Rim-Sum will see you now,¡± said Suti calmly but with a clearly threatening look in her eyes. Avner gave one last glance to where Ari¡¯El had disappeared before turning to the large double doors. He took a breath, erasing the lines of concern on his face. With a smile, he entered the room for his interview. * Ari¡¯El had her back to the door as she tried to steady her breathing. She stood there for a few moments, her eyes darting and her hands trembling. She then brushed her hair from her face and turned to peek through a crack in the doorway. Avner and Haran were gone, entering the double doors of the governor¡¯s audience chamber. She quietly opened the door and picked up the bucket and brush which she had dropped in her haste. Luckily, the bucket hadn¡¯t tipped and she was able to carry it quickly past the double doors and toward the kitchens. ¡°No¡­no, no, no,¡± she muttered as she crossed the silent hall. ¡°What is he doing here?¡± Chapter 4: Two Interviews with Mixed Results Chapter 4: Two Interviews with Mixed Results The throne room¡¯s high pillars, wide windows, and fine drapes were far more grand than this place deserved. Avner and Haran stood before a raised platform and presented themselves. Sitting in an outrageously cushioned chair, padded with wool, silk, and feathered pillows, was Governor Rim-Sum in all his glory. The grandeur of the chair ended starkly with the figure perched upon it. He was a portly figure, better fed than his citizens, with a wispy beard and mustache. His eyes squinted at the pair and his pasty skin was moist from sweat. ¡°You seem competent enough. But looks can be deceiving.¡± ¡°Or they can be exactly what they appear,¡± said Avner, a small smile twitching up despite himself. Suti turned to give him a baleful look as she approached the platform. ¡°My Lord Rim-Sum, these men are quite competent at all times. They are skilled at arms and what they lack in brains is made up for by me.¡± ¡°You do not fight beside them, do you? That is highly unsuitable.¡± His high, raspy voice grated on the ears and Avner¡¯s smile grew. Suti¡¯s voice dripped with honey. ¡°Of course not, my lord. I am their spokesperson but, when violence is needed, I let them do what they are best at.¡± ¡°Well¡­good. I need men of violence to deal with this matter.¡± Avner spoke up. ¡°You have yet to tell us how we might be of assistance, Lord¡­Dim-Sin.¡± Avner caught the slight jerk of Suti¡¯s head and Haran¡¯s hiss was just audible. ¡°Rim-Sum!¡± ¡°Rim-Sum!¡± Avner blurted out. ¡°My apologies. My memory for¡­things is terrible.¡± Rim-Sum huffed onward. ¡°I have an issue of thieves stealing livestock from my personal flock and making off with it to gods know where. To sell it or eat it no doubt.¡± ¡°May I ask a few questions, my lord?¡± Rim-Sun nodded to Avner. ¡°Of course. Ask whatever will be most helpful for you to succeed.¡± ¡°How or where are these thefts happening? Are your men not capable of guarding the flock themselves?¡± ¡°I am told the theft occurs when the flocks are out in the fields. There are several ravine¡¯s and the thieves likely slip through there. I have guards posted on horses but they have still been unable to catch them.¡± ¡°And you are sure they are taken during they day¡­while they are out in the fields?¡± ¡°The sheep are counted before they are returned to the stocks. They are always missing by the end of the day.¡± ¡°But are they counted before they are let out for the day?¡± ¡°Well¡­no. They wouldn¡¯t go anywhere during the night. They are locked up tight and guarded!¡± ¡°And yet, if they are not disappearing during the day under constant watch, they must be vanishing some time from when they are counted in the evening and let out the next day.¡± He leaned in and whispered loudly, glancing at the guards. ¡°You may also have a guard that isn¡¯t being truthful.¡± His serious expression caused Rim-Sum to bolt upright in his seat. ¡°You think so?!¡± He glanced at the guards at his door with great suspicion which caused them to blush and squirm. ¡°I am not suggesting anything yet, my lord. However, I will begin my work now¡­if that is what you wish, of course.¡± ¡°Of course!¡± ¡°Then there is the small matter of payment¡­¡± Rim-Sum snapped his fingers at a servant and gestured to Suti. ¡°Give their secretary a quarter of the payment for expenses. The rest is delivered upon completion. And mercenary¡­I want these thieves alive but if they resist, I don¡¯t care if you kill them. Bring proof of their guilt and I will not care about their fate.¡± Avner¡¯s smile returned in full. ¡°Fear not, Lord. We will complete this task one way or another.¡± A servant emerged to hand Suti a pouch of coins and she took them, bowing to Rim-Sum. ¡°I assure you, lord Rim-Sum, it will be done within a few days.¡± Avner flicked a frown toward her but replaced it quickly with another big smile. He bowed and Haran emulated him from behind. The pair retreated through the double doors and Avner couldn¡¯t help but give the guard who was glaring at him by the door a wink. Rim-Sum was heard behind them saying, ¡°Did you know this is lion cub fur? It¡¯s very soft.¡± He brushed the chair with a finger and gazed at Suti who remained beside him. Haran took a deep breath as the door closed behind them. ¡°What possessed you to behave so foolishly? Did you not hear Suti¡¯s warnings?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t fret like a housewife, Haran! He is too stupid to understand rational beings.¡± ¡°And forgetting his name! You could have just ended with lord¡­what are you doing?¡± Haran followed Avner who was snooping down the hall toward the side door where he had seen Ari¡¯El emerge and then retreat again. ¡°I saw someone earlier¡­didn¡¯t you recognize her?¡± Haran shook his head. ¡°I didn¡¯t get a good look. Who was it?¡± Avner glanced at him to see the reaction. ¡°Ari¡¯El.¡± If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Haran¡¯s face took on a deeper frown. ¡°Oh¡­you are sure? We assumed she was¡­you know, dead.¡± ¡°Of course, I¡¯m sure.¡± Suti emerged from the double doors and joined them. ¡°That man is disgusting¡­a sweating pig. Let us begin our work and finish, the sooner the better.¡± ¡°Not just yet.¡± ¡°Excuse me? What are you doing?¡± As Avner didn¡¯t respond she glanced to Haran. ¡°What is going on here?¡± ¡°He saw his sister.¡± Suti stared at Haran and back to Avner. ¡°Sister? You have a sister?¡± * Ari¡¯El could not convince the head servant to allow her to leave without promising to put in extra hours. ¡°I swear to you, I will take a night labor. I promise.¡± ¡°Not good enough,¡± stated the head servant, his voice tired and spiteful. ¡°If you want to leave in the middle of the work day then you¡¯ll do three night labors, not one.¡± ¡°But that¡¯s¡­¡± Ari¡¯El gritted her teeth and sighed wearily. ¡°Three labors.¡± ¡°You start tonight.¡± Ari¡¯El nodded and wringing her hands in distress. She was out of the servants exit and down to the courtyard as quickly as she could without running. Glancing from left to right, she made her way out into the open area and began to walk toward the gateway. ¡°Ari¡¯El! Stop!¡± She jerked in surprise and her desperate expression spoke of a desire to bolt. She quickly pulled her face together and, jaw set, she turned around to be almost knocked over by a massive hug from Avner. ¡°It is you! I can¡¯t believe it!¡± She was rigid in his hug but didn¡¯t struggle. He pulled back, holding her arms as he looked her up and down. ¡°Look at you¡­all grown and more beautiful than even Mother! It¡¯s amazing¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t talk about Mother,¡± she snapped. He paused, his smile faltering ever so slightly. ¡°Ari¡¯El¡­am I missing or forgetting something? Are you not happy to see me?¡± A bark of laughter escaped her. ¡°Is that a serious question? No! I am not! You abandoned our family a long time ago and left us for dead and now, in your wanderings, you find me by accident and expect me to be happy to see you?!¡± Avner stepped back, his hands brushing his tunic in embarrassment and some dismay. ¡°Well, I¡­no. That is¡­how have you been?¡± Ari¡¯El¡¯s eyes bugged slightly and she turned on her heel. Avner¡¯s hand shot out and caught her by the shoulder. ¡°No¡­I didn¡¯t mean¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± Ari¡¯El did face him then, her expression struggling to remain calm. ¡°We are fine without you and don¡¯t need you here. So be on your way.¡± ¡°We? Is¡­Amos is here too? Thank the Creator! I didn¡¯t know who escaped, if any! Is El-Azar alive also?¡± Ari¡¯El paused and when Avner said no more she shook her head. ¡°You aren¡¯t going to ask about father? Typical. Still can¡¯t let go of your petty grudges.¡± ¡°Hold fast now¡­that isn¡¯t fair. Is Father here?¡± ¡°No, he¡¯s dead. Surely you would know that.¡± ¡°I did. Or I thought I did till you¡­never mind. What of the others?¡± ¡°Now you care? After all these years? Did you even come looking for us?¡± Avner spluttered slightly, his hands flailing at his side. ¡°What is¡­why are you acting this way?! I was in no position to look for you after what happened. Later the trail was cold, if there was one. You see, we were in the battle of¡­¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t even bother looking, did you?¡± ¡°Ye¡­well no. I heard the news and assumed¡­that isn¡¯t fair to pin that on me! The news was that the whole household was dead and burned alive!¡± ¡°And I imagine you thought you were free at last?¡± Avner¡¯s expression changed from hurt to anger. ¡°Really? You believe so little of me? Of course, you do.¡± Ari¡¯El¡¯s face twitched but she spun away again and started toward the gate. Avner was at her side and putting both hands on her arms. ¡°Now stop! Stop, Ari¡¯El!¡± ¡°Let go of me!¡± ¡°Excuse me.¡± A man had approached the pair while they were fighting and stood close by, hand resting on a sword sheathed on his waist. Haran, who had been standing awkwardly in the background, now put a hand on his ax handle. The man¡¯s eyes flicked toward him but he didn¡¯t grip his own weapon. He stood tall and straight, the same height as Avner, and was dressed in full armor save for his head which showed his short red hair and full beard, neatly trimmed. He was not a common soldier, this much was clear. He turned his gaze from the two men to Ari¡¯El. ¡°Are they disturbing you?¡± ¡°We aren¡¯t,¡± began Avner. ¡°I¡¯m asking her.¡± ¡°No, but if they continue then they will be.¡± The man turned back to Avner. ¡°I suggest you let her be on her way.¡± Avner stared down the man, each meeting the gaze of the other. The red-haired man didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°Make this easier on everyone. We don¡¯t want a brawl in front of a woman.¡± Haran began moving in but Avner put a hand up to block him. He then lifted both slowly. ¡°I¡¯m not looking for trouble. She can be on her way if that is what she wants¡­¡± Ari¡¯El ignored this last statement and spun away to the gate. The red-haired man stared down Avner and Haran one last time before walking toward the palace. Avner studied his retreating back. ¡°Well wouldn¡¯t you know, a noble of the United Houses here in this backwater.¡± ¡°Their accent always gives them away, arrogant bastards,¡± grumbled Haran. ¡°He could use a beating or two¡­wipe that smug confidence off his face.¡± ¡°Oh, he wasn¡¯t smug my friend, just confident. He didn¡¯t need to prove anything.¡± Avner turned back to find his sister was disappearing through the gate and into the street. Suti came up behind them both. ¡°I see your sister didn¡¯t care for the happy reunion.¡± ¡°She¡¯s still has the same issues¡­even when she was a child, she was stubborn and thought she knew everything.¡± He turned back to Suti. ¡°I need a favor.¡± ¡°You want me to follow her to her home.¡± ¡°Yes¡­but not in the creepy way you made it sound.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you think we should focus on the job and not family members with issues?¡± ¡°Please¡­it is important. Haran and I will begin investigating by speaking with the head servant while you do this for me. I promise, we will be good while you are gone.¡± ¡°I never trust that.¡± She sighed and drew her veil closer over her face. ¡°Very well. But I expect results when I return.¡± ¡°And you shall have them,¡± said Avner, nodding in farewell. ¡°You are a gem and an excellent business partner, did you know that?¡± ¡°I¡¯m good at what I do,¡± she said as she left, on the trail of Ari¡¯El. * Ari¡¯El hurried down the street to her home, glancing over her shoulder as she did so. She darted through the door and slammed it shut. She stood on the other side of the door, her back to it, as she sought to steady her breathing. She sat at the table, her head in her hands and then shifting under her chin, her eyes darting as her thoughts took her down several different paths. Unshed tears filled her eyes and she closed them firmly, shaking her head in anger at their existence. With a rapid shove of the chair, she rose to prepare dinner with what she could scrounge together from their meager supply. When Ari¡¯El had darted through her door and slammed it shut, Suti¡¯s face appeared around the corner of the street and stared at the door. Her finger rose as she counted the row of houses till it reached the entrance Ari¡¯El had gone through. She nodded and turned the street corner, back toward the palace. Chapter 5: An Awkward Family Reunion Chapter 5: An Awkward Family Reunion ¡°I am sorry, sir. I do not know how such a thing could occur.¡± Avner cocked his head slightly. ¡°You are the chief steward. You figure out all of the scheduling. Give me your best guess. When is the best time to steal livestock from the pens?¡± The steward stuttered, a bead of sweat on his forehead. ¡°I can assure you¡­I wouldn¡¯t know.¡± Avner waved his hand. ¡°I¡¯m not accusing you! Stay calm! I am merely asking when there is a point that the sheep and goats are out of sight of any guards or herdsmen.¡± The man nodded slowly. ¡°Of course. I¡­there are only two moments where the livestock are out of sight. At night when they are kept in the pens and in the morning when they are herded through a small tunnel built in the wall. There are men herding them through but no one in the tunnel until you reach the herdsmen on the outside of the wall.¡± ¡°Fascinating. And have you been inside the tunnel?¡± The man appeared flustered. ¡°There is¡­I mean¡­I wouldn¡¯t know. I wouldn¡¯t-¡± ¡°Yes, you are right. Going into a tunnel is below your status isn¡¯t it? Very well.¡± Avner turned to Haran. ¡°What do you think? Should we keep watch tonight to see if anyone comes out or do we just crawl in the tunnel right now?¡± Haran gave him a look askance. ¡°I¡¯m not crawling in there.¡± ¡°Come now! Afraid of dirt on your hands?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not the dirt I¡¯m thinking of.¡± ¡°That hardly seems like a fair excuse.¡± Avner took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll look in the tunnel but I think we should wait till after we meet with my sister.¡± He turned to the nervous Chief Steward. ¡°We will be back by nightfall. Don¡¯t lock up the stables before we arrive.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Avner began to walk from the room and Haran was close on his heels. ¡°Avner, are you sure this is a good idea to surprise your sister like this? She was not pleased to see you last time.¡± ¡°I have to know if the rest of my family is there. Besides, she often needed a nudge to get her thinking properly. Let¡¯s find Suti and see where my sister lives.¡± Haran shook his head. ¡°This is going to go so well. I can already tell.¡± * Amos and E¡¯Tar were walking down the street in jovial conversation as they approached their house. E¡¯Tar gestured to the thin blanket Amos held. ¡°Will you share that? I spent some of my money on it too.¡± ¡°You already have a blanket! Consider it repayment for stealing the one that originally belonged to me. I¡¯m keeping this one beside the bed for when you inevitably take the one we share for yourself.¡± They entered the house to find Ari¡¯El working over the fireplace. Amos stopped in surprise and E¡¯Tar ran into him from behind. ¡°Oof! You are home! It''s earlier than usual.¡± ¡°Yes¡­well, I have been assigned evening shifts for the next three nights so I was given the rest of today off.¡± ¡°Oh? What caused this change of schedule? This hasn¡¯t happened before.¡± ¡°I get paid more for the evening¡­so I don¡¯t mind. We could use the money.¡± She took a hot pot from the fire and placed it on the table. ¡°Speaking of money, what did E¡¯Tar make today?¡± Amos sat down at the table and brandished the blanket with triumph. ¡°Oh, we spent most of what he made on this new blanket! I finally stopped complaining about E¡¯Tar¡¯s thieving and took action to remedy it¡­¡± he faded out when he saw his sister¡¯s face grow red. ¡°I¡­we were talking about it¡­remember?¡± She stood over the blanket and looked down at it, playing with its texture between her fingers. ¡°Very nice. Very nice for you.¡± She stalked away and Amos glanced with worry at E¡¯Tar who looked determined to keep his gaze fixed firmly on his plate of gruel. Amos rose and approached Ari¡¯El by the fire. ¡°What is wrong Ari¡¯El?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± ¡°We both know that isn¡¯t true. Just tell me! Did I do something wrong?¡± Ari¡¯El whirled on him. ¡°You are so stupid! Don¡¯t you see?! We needed that money for food, repairs and taxes, not blankets that we don¡¯t need¡­that benefits only one of us! I didn¡¯t get paid today for leaving early and we have little enough as it is! How are we supposed to keep surviving all together if only a few of us actually do work while you spend the money that you don¡¯t even make!¡± Amos pulled back, stung. ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­I mean¡­I¡­just¡­¡± He faltered, unable to speak as his gaze shifted, slowly falling to the floor. Ari¡¯El shuddered slightly at her outburst and moved to the doorway. ¡°I need some fresh air.¡± She was out the door before Amos could look up. ¡°No¡­Ari¡¯El¡­wait,¡± he said, moving to follow her. E¡¯Tar rose to his feet and put an arm around his chest. ¡°No. Let her be. I think she wants to be alone.¡± ¡°But¡­I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± ¡°She knows.¡± ¡°No, she doesn¡¯t¡­I¡¯m so stupid.¡± Amos dropped his head and gazed through tears at the blanket in his hand. He scowled fiercely at it and suddenly saw smoke rise from it as his power activated without his realization. He gasped and dropped it, gazing at the burned section he touched, a hole in their new blanket. An awkward silence hung in the air and E¡¯Tar stood beside him with a hand on his shoulder, saying nothing, gazing at the blanket. * Ari¡¯El marched angrily down the street, tears in her eyes. She shook her head, sobbing and growling in anger. She finally turned down an alley at the end of the street and sank to the ground, hunching over as she pressed her head into her hands. She finally let a sob out. ¡°Creator¡­I hate my life. I hate being poor¡­I hate¡­feeling angry all the time.¡± * Amos was sitting in a chair with his head in his hands. ¡°She¡¯s right¡­I¡¯m so stupid and selfish. All I care about is having fun or developing my Athelward powers when we have more important things to worry about.¡± A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. E¡¯Tar looked over from his bowl where he was eating. ¡°That isn¡¯t true.¡± Amos glanced over at him with a glare and he looked down at his food. ¡°Well¡­maybe a little true.¡± Amos dropped his head to the table and moaned loudly. E¡¯Tar proffered his bowl toward him. ¡°Food?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t deserve this food. If I don¡¯t support the family I shouldn¡¯t eat.¡± ¡°You helped me today¡­¡± Amos sighed and didn¡¯t respond to that comment, his head still on the wooden table. E¡¯Tar finished his bowl and put a comforting hand on his friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°How can I help?¡± Amos opened his eyes and glanced at him skeptically. ¡°Help how?¡± E¡¯Tar took on a blank expression. ¡°I don¡¯t know. You are smart though, tell me what to do.¡± The barest chuckle escaped Amos¡¯ throat. ¡°Just let me feel this guilt¡­I think I deserve it.¡± A knock interrupted their conversation and both their heads snapped up to gaze at the door with suspicion. Amos shifted out of his seat at the same time E¡¯Tar did. ¡°Are we expecting anyone?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Who is it?¡± Amos called. A jovial voice from the other side responded. ¡°Well, that is a complicated question as it depends on who is asking. But I suspect a good response here is family.¡± Amos¡¯s breath caught and he whispered, ¡°I know that voice¡­¡± He moved to the door and opened it. He squinted in the bright evening sunlight that met his eyes but the figure in the doorway was still clear to him. Avner smiled wide then faltered as he peered at the man in front of him. ¡°Amos? It can¡¯t be!¡± Amos backed up like he had been struck in the chest. ¡°Avner¡­how¡­we thought you died in the war!¡± ¡°I thought the same of you! My sweet little brother!¡± Avner charged into the house and pulled Amos into a massive hug while lifting him from the floor. E¡¯Tar moved in to grab at Avner¡¯s wrist. Almost on Avner¡¯s heels, Haran was behind him, putting an arm out to stop E¡¯Tar. The two men faced off, Haran with his hand on his axe and stern while E¡¯Tar looked startled and his hands balled into fists. Avner released Amos and put up his hands, ¡°Whoa now! Easy Haran! No need to act like a startled cat!¡± He held Amos at arm¡¯s length and looked him over. ¡°Who would have thought¡­my little brother Amos is all grown up now. I really don¡¯t have the words.¡± ¡°That isn¡¯t like you,¡± said Amos, ¡°You were never one to be at a loss for words.¡± Avner smiled at his joke and Amos smiled as well. Avner pulled him back in and squeezed him tight, sighing. ¡°I count myself truly lucky! I never knew you were alive!¡± ¡°It was a near thing,¡± said Amos, pulling free to look him in the face. ¡°You¡­heard about father¡­and El¡¯Azar?¡± ¡°I did¡­I am sorry. I¡¯m sorry I wasn¡¯t there for you when the house fell. I was¡­indisposed.¡± ¡°What happened to you? The last night I saw you, you told me you were going to join the war against the United Houses. Then, when we heard that the Independent Houses had been defeated in battle, we feared the worst. Please, sit down!¡± Haran remained standing, his gaze on E''Tar who also remained standing as Avner and Amos sat down. Avner gestured to Haran. ¡°Oh! Of course¡­you remember Haran, don¡¯t you? He was the son of the Lord Emelik Cloudruler, on the estate across the river..¡± Amos nodded to Haran. ¡°Very vaguely. I am pleased you survived the war with my brother, Haran.¡± Haran nodded in return. ¡°In truth, I would be dead from that war were it not for your brother.¡± ¡°Really?!¡± Amos turned to Avner. ¡°Please, tell me what has happened since you left.¡± Avner looked about. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you have anything to drink? I¡¯m parched¡­¡± Amos shrugged. ¡°Just water¡­which I would have to fetch from the well down the street.¡± Avner shook his head. ¡°Never mind. I¡¯ll get something later. Now¡­when Haran and I left to fight in the war¡­we joined with the main military force¡­after obtaining some equipment and going on a few adventures, of course. It was the first time we had tasted freedom from our houses so, could you blame us? When we finally joined the army, our reputation preceded us.¡± ¡°You mean you were made captains?¡± Haran snorted. ¡°No. We were demoted.¡± ¡°Despite our noble station,¡± added Avner, ¡°Disrespectful bastards. But I soon proved¡­um, excuse me, we soon proved our capable natures and we rose in the ranks just in time for the battle of Green Vale.¡± ¡°And what happened there?¡± Haran coughed loudly and Avner ignored his clear mark of disapproval as he continued. ¡°Nothing that will ever be told to anyone else. Suffice to say, we barely escaped with our lives. Haran was grievously wounded and I was suffering from several nasty wounds myself. I dragged him off the battlefield and we made our way to the nearest village¡­mostly a set of hovels that had been abandoned as the fight was so near. By the time either one of us was well enough to move, both our homes had already been destroyed.¡± ¡°But¡­you did search, didn¡¯t you?¡± Avner looked pained. ¡°Well¡­we had thought to¡­but we encountered a problem¡­¡± The door flew open with a crack and Ari¡¯El stood in the doorway, her face livid. ¡°But he didn¡¯t come to find us. What are you doing here, Avner? Did you spy on me to find our home?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t spy on you! Not directly at any rate. I had Suti follow you. She was supposed to be keeping watch outside.¡± Suti appeared in the doorway behind Ari¡¯El. ¡°What is the point of having me be secretive if you tell everyone where I am?¡± Ari¡¯El jumped in surprise. Clearly, she hadn¡¯t seen Suti outside before. ¡°Where did you¡­never mind! I can¡¯t believe you had one of your hirelings spy on me to find our house.¡± ¡°Spying? Really,¡± was Avner¡¯s response. ¡°I¡¯m not his hireling!¡± was Suti¡¯s cold contribution. ¡°If anything, he works for me.¡± ¡°Ari¡¯El, why are you mad that he¡¯s here?¡± asked Amos in confusion. ¡°Hang on, Suti. That isn¡¯t what we agreed upon! We were partners!¡± ¡°You¡¯ll understand later, Amos.¡± The noise increased as Amos confronted his sister and Avner his ¡°partner¡± as they argued over motives or finer detailed points. ¡°We are partners, Avner. But you must admit, I do command you around a lot.¡± ¡°That is just because you are bossy. We all know I am the one who is leading.¡± ¡°Hang on,¡± said Haran, pulled into the conversation, ¡°You are the leader? I thought this was a partnership between us three.¡± ¡°Please Amos,¡± said Ari¡¯El, ¡°I¡¯ll explain later.¡± ¡°You should explain now. Why wouldn¡¯t you want me to see our brother? I am sure he would have helped us if he could but it was impossible for him.¡± ¡°He watched our house get destroyed! They attacked us because of him! Besides¡­¡± ¡°He couldn¡¯t have stopped it, it happened so fast after the battle of Green Vale. And we both knew Father was involved in some way we didn¡¯t know about.¡± ¡°He abandoned our family long before the war to go on adventures. He didn¡¯t care for us or our family.¡± ¡°That isn¡¯t true. He liked me. You just didn¡¯t get along with him because you were bossy.¡± ¡°I¡­I was not! I was trying to learn to be a noble woman!¡± Avner butted in, ¡°By commanding your older brother and superior around?¡± Haran scowled and tried to interject but was cut off by Avner. ¡°Hold fast, Haran. I didn¡¯t say I was going to command you around. It''s just¡­well this venture was my idea.¡± ¡°You know full well it wasn¡¯t your idea but Lord Nabrit¡­¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± hissed Suti. ¡°Never mention a client¡¯s name, you idiot!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, who?¡± said Ari¡¯El. ¡°Are you in trouble with locals yet again, brother?¡± ¡°Stop it Ari¡¯El,¡± said Amos, ¡°Stop accusing him of things¡± A loud banging came from the table as E¡¯Tar beat it with his fist. ¡°Enough!¡± One last slam of his fist saw the table crack as a leg fell off and it fell sideways. They all stared at a very red faced E¡¯Tar who looked forlornly down at his handiwork. Ari¡¯El nodded. ¡°You should leave Avner. You aren¡¯t welcome here.¡± ¡°Funny¡­you know I¡¯ve heard that line before¡­who said it¡­oh that¡¯s right, father did.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Avner and Ari¡¯El stared at one another and their intense looks caused the rest of the party to freeze in silence. Their gazes flicked back and forth between the pair. Only Suti seemed uninterested in the whole affair as she stepped in to break the impasse. ¡°Well, we saw your family. It was so nice to meet you all. Let¡¯s get back to our business.¡± She opened the door and stepped out into the street. Avner, who had arisen and knocked over his chair at Ari¡¯El¡¯s entrance, righted it. ¡°True¡­we will be off.¡± Amos shook his head and muttered, ¡°Wait¡­¡± ¡°Amos!¡± Ari¡¯El snapped at him and he fell silent, his eyes dropping. Avner moved to the door with Haran before turning back to his sister. ¡°You know¡­you could have said hello to Haran as well. You remember he was smitten with you when we were younger? No¡­I suppose you wouldn¡¯t notice, would you.¡± Haran rolled his eyes as he shoved Avner out of the door, nodded to Ari¡¯El. He slammed the door behind him, leaving behind a deafening silence. Chapter 6: Strangers in a Familiar Place Chapter 6: Strangers in a Familiar Place Evening fell upon Hatisep in a golden glow. The sun finally released its grip on the sky and slipped below the horizon, leaving the world shrouded in a veil of darkness. In the final hour of light, Ari¡¯El left the rundown building that was her home and made her way to the palace, but not before calling into the door, ¡°I want the table fixed by the time I return tomorrow morning.¡± She ignored their response as she shut the door and walked down the empty street. There were few out, save some weary stragglers on their way home from a day of work. Those who were intent on enjoying their evenings were already in the drinking houses and the disreputable establishments. She halted and sighed as she approached the palace, staring at the sun-bleached walls and crumbling structure. She had never worked nights¡­she didn¡¯t know what to expect. ¡°Move out of the way!¡± called a voice and she registered the sound of wheels as she narrowly dodged the grain shipment heading for the side alley of the servant¡¯s quarter. ¡°Curse be it!¡± she hissed as she realized the cart was now blocking the alley way in which she needed to go. There was nothing for it, she would have to take the front entrance. She wrapped her headscarf around tightly as she moved toward the gate, swiftly and quietly to avoid the guard¡¯s attention. They seemed more interested in something inside the gate and she blessed her fortunes when she entered without trouble. She glanced over to see what they were looking at and started in surprise. It was Avner, Haran and that woman they were with. Avner was talking animatedly to the guards by the palace pens, a neglected building with a wooden grate for a ceiling. She pulled away and rushed inside the palace, thankful that her brother was always good for a distraction. * Avner nodded to the guard. ¡°The steward will be here at any moment and he will let you know that it is perfectly all right for us to enter this building. We will be spending the night.¡± ¡°And until he does, you aren¡¯t getting in.¡± ¡°You know, this could be seen as an obstruction to us finding who is responsible. It might make you look suspicious.¡± The guard glanced nervously toward the palace. ¡°I¡­well I¡­now wait...¡± ¡°I am here,¡± puffed the steward, moving down the steps of the palace. ¡°Ah, there you are! Will you tell this zealous guard we need to get in?¡± ¡°Of course, let them through. They are allowed within.¡± The guard opened the door¡¯s latch. As he did, the steward droned on for a moment more. ¡°We will be back to check on your progress in the morning. In the meantime, we are locking you in for the night. Farewell. And don¡¯t mind the flying raptors, they sometimes poke around the ceiling grate if they get hungry but they can¡¯t get in.¡± Avner came to an abrupt halt in the doorway as he stepped in something squishy and the smell hit him. His gaze lifted as he groaned. ¡°Oh n¡­you¡¯ve got to be joking.¡± He turned around, bumping into Haran who had come up from behind, and he struggled to push him aside. ¡°Excuse me, but I think your servants forgot to clean the stable today¡­¡± ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± said the steward as the door closed and bolted. ¡°Wh¡­hey!¡± Avner pounded at the door. ¡°You never mentioned the interior was as badly kept as the exterior! Hello?!¡± He pushed the door and turned around to stare forlornly at the pen. It was a mess, crap all over the floor, ankle deep in some places where it pooled with water that had come through the ceiling. The last rainfall had left this place a muddy disaster and the smell was overpowering. ¡°Oh, for Magog¡¯s sake.¡± ¡°Give me a boost, Haran,¡± said Suti, standing as close to the wall as she could. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I said lift me up!¡± ¡°But¡­why?¡± She growled, ¡°So I can reach the loft!¡± Haran lifted her, his face flushed as she made a grab for the edge of a loft and lifted herself up. She sat, perched up top like a colorful rooster gazing imperiously down at them. The two men stared up at her for a moment and she arched an eyebrow at them. ¡°Now what?¡± asked Avner. ¡°Now, I sit up here tonight with the dust piles and keep watch while you wade through the dung with the goats and sheep.¡± ¡°What! But¡­you aren¡¯t going to help?¡± ¡°I am helping by keeping watch from above. You two find a spot to watch the sheep and goats till morning.¡± Avner and Haran gazed about at the mess before them with trepidation. Haran leaned over. ¡°Do you see any dry spots?¡± Avner shook his head. ¡°Not really¡­but if I do, I¡¯m not sharing.¡± * Ari¡¯El¡¯s first duty was to light torches and oil lamps in the halls and private rooms of Rim-Sum. She discovered, with some dismay, that she was one of only two servants that had night duty and would be expected to respond to the needs of every person within the palace. No sooner had she lit the lamps, then she was running across the palace to bring Rim-Sum a snack which was taken in by the guards. After this, she was sent scurrying to the library to tidy up another mess. She was expected to simply clean the room and leave the written documents alone. After she finished sweeping the floor, she couldn¡¯t resist and began to scan the works across the table, reading what had been taken off the diamond shaped racks. Scrolls on law, local custom, and sheets of old taxes were scattered about. She glanced at these with little interest and began to put them back into their proper places on the racks. Only when she reached for the last scroll did she stop to open it. It read, Local Legends: tales of monsters and Athelward. Her eyebrows raised in interest and, with a glance around, she sat upon a cushioned chair and began to read. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. She had been at it for only a moment before the door opened with a groaning of hinges and a figure stepped into the dimly lit library. ¡°Oh! Apologies, I will be going!¡± she said, not even looking at the figure who had entered as she placed the scroll in its proper place. ¡°Not at all, I was just returning to continue up my research¡­which it seems you already cleaned up.¡± The voice was so familiar that she was startled to see the man who had rescued her from the confrontation with her brother in the courtyard. He was also only half dressed in his night clothing, a light sheer tunic along with his undergarment. He was staring at her, recognition dawning on his face. ¡°I know you¡­from earlier¡­in the courtyard.¡± ¡°My apologies, my lord. I will be on my way.¡± ¡°No, stay. Did you put my research away?¡± ¡°I¡­I did, I am so sorry my lord! If that was wrong¡­¡± He waved a hand at her dismissively. He checked where the scrolls and parchments were placed and his eyebrows raised higher. ¡°They have been placed correctly. You can read?¡± ¡°Yes¡­my lord.¡± She kept her gaze lowered. ¡°Would you look at me?¡± She raised her eyes and could see him clearly now in the torchlight. He was taller than she had realized, with fair skin that seemed almost perfect, without blemish. His red hair was curly and his beard was a very neatly cropped trim. His eyes were light brown but suggested that, if out in the sun, they would shine gold. His body was tanned from days in the sun and his muscles well defined though his thin tunic. He had an air of authority that was unmistakable. He was nobility, quite likely one of the Great Sons as well. He moved closer to her, appearing to study her features as well. She tried not to quaver under his stare but she knew her eyes, moving from floor to walls to him, was not a good sign. ¡°You do read¡­don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I¡­I do. My lord.¡± ¡°That is strange! A common servant knowing how to read! Or perhaps you are no common servant¡­where did you learn to read?¡± ¡°I¡­my lord¡­¡± Ari¡¯El felt her voice giving out as she trembled visibly now. ¡°Don¡¯t be frightened! I mean you no harm.¡± ¡°Perhaps not now,¡± she said in an escape of breath. He tilted his head at her strange answer. ¡°I have little interest in your past. If I had to guess, an educated woman working in a place like this, I would say¡­a noble fallen on hard times. Perhaps one who rebelled with the Independent Houses, though you couldn¡¯t have been more than a young girl at the time. It doesn¡¯t matter. I mean you no ill will, now or in the future¡­unless you mean to do me harm, of course.¡± She looked into his eyes as he smiled, putting a reassuring hand out to the chair. ¡°Sit.¡± She obeyed. He sat opposite her and stared into her eyes. ¡°Were you educated?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°How much?¡± ¡°Quite rigorously,¡± she said with a nervous laugh. ¡°If you knew my father, you would not doubt that statement. But that was¡­a long time ago.¡± ¡°I understand. It is rare to find someone like yourself in the house of a minor lord.¡± ¡°I think there are few people in my situation.¡± He smiled again, causing her to give an embarrassed smile in return. He nodded. ¡°Perhaps that is true. But you may be surprised how many nobles went into hiding after the last war. This might be fortuitous in my case though¡­¡± He sat there, a ponderous expression upon his handsome face as he stared intently at Ari¡¯El. She, in turn, blushed under his stare and stood abruptly. ¡°If there is nothing else, my lord, I must be about my work.¡± ¡°Stay a moment. I would ask a favor of you.¡± Her face paled and her body went rigid. ¡°I don¡¯t do¡­favors, my lord.¡± He stared at her, confused, then shook his head. ¡°What? No! Not that favor! You have been living with these lowlifes too long. I mean I might be able to use your help in securing some information about Lord Rim-Sum.¡± Ari¡¯El stood perplexed. ¡°Me? What can I do?¡± ¡°Well, you are capable of reading, and two eyes are better than one. If it is possible, I would like for you to help me sort through these endless stacks of tax forms, receipts, and countless other documents.¡± ¡°What are you looking for?¡± ¡°The usual; corruption and misuse of wealth.¡± She stared at him, incredulity on her face. ¡°You need to look through documents to find that?¡± He chuckled. ¡°Yes, well, I know it is obvious, but I need to build a case against him with physical proof I can bring back with me.¡± ¡°And¡­he knows you are doing this?¡± ¡°Of course! I am here on official business to audit his budget. He is very willing to accept coins from the United Houses but does very little in return for us. Just one case in many, I am afraid, of outsiders taking our wealth for their own means.¡± ¡°Then why does the United Houses give them money? It would be better used to help their own people.¡± He smiled at her forward comment and she blushed again, looking down. ¡°Why indeed. We would rather tax our citizens and help outsiders. If this is so, your opinion of the United Houses might be justified.¡± ¡°The United Houses is a title. The individual people make the difference.¡± He raised his eyebrows. ¡°Truer than either one of us realize. Yes¡­I think you will be of excellent help to me.¡± She bowed her head. ¡°My apologies, my lord. I have work that I must attend to elsewhere. I wish I could help but¡­¡± He waved his hand again. ¡°No matter. I can request you officially to help and they can¡¯t refuse me. Besides, I don¡¯t spend all night at this, I do sleep sometimes.¡± She stood perplexed yet again, unsure of how to proceed. He glanced over the shelves then back to her, nodding to the chair. ¡°Well¡­sit.¡± She sat swiftly, shifting uncomfortably as he took a bundle of scrolls from a shelf and plopped them in front of her. ¡°So¡­if he knows you are doing this, I am surprised he is taking it so¡­calmly.¡± ¡°It''s standard procedure. I bring my findings back to the capital and they are promptly ignored. He knows this well enough.¡± ¡°Oh¡­I see. This seems rather pointless work then. Does it not, my lord?¡± ¡°Oh, this part of it is. But I have another task that you will be working on for me instead. I am looking for particular transactions. That with our enemies, the rebellious group known as the Independents. If I can convict him of that¡­then maybe my visit won¡¯t be for nothing.¡± Ari¡¯El nodded. ¡°So, this is what you would have me do? Search for incriminating evidence against him?¡± ¡°If you would be so kind.¡± ¡°And¡­what do I get from this?¡± Her face burned at such a bold move but she held firm as he turned to her, eyebrows raised in surprise. ¡°Oh¡­shall we speak mercenary terms then?¡± ¡°It seems only fair. After all, you are seeking to convict my employer which might leave me out of work and on the street.¡± He nodded. ¡°I suppose that is only fair. Even people who work for criminals need to be paid. Is that what you are looking for? Money?¡± Her face reddened further as she stuttered. ¡°I¡­I¡¯m not sure.¡± He smiled at her awkward stutters. ¡°Tell you what¡­you help me think of a compensation of some kind while you work.¡± He stood up and took another stack of scrolls, plopping them in her face and causing her to sneeze. ¡°I suggest you start with these dates lady¡­what is your name?¡± ¡°Ari¡¯El.¡± ¡°No family name?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t care to know my past.¡± His eyes widened in mock shock and he spoke calmly. ¡°I suppose that is true.¡± ¡°And yours?¡± ¡°Lord Kyros Wisdomseeker. I am delighted to meet you, Ari¡¯El.¡± Chapter 7: The Sunriders have "Good" Ideas Chapter 7: The Sunriders have ¡°Good¡± Ideas Amos sat, staring into space and listening to the hammering of E¡¯Tar¡¯s fist on the table echoing in his ears. He was trying to fit the new leg into the hole but was finding it difficult as it was not the right size or shape. Amos snapped, ¡°Could you please stop. You will give me a headache if you keep going.¡± ¡°I¡­need¡­to fix this¡­table!¡± he grunted. ¡°Can¡¯t you think of something else? What about Avner? Why was Ari¡¯El so angry with him? What did she mean it was his fault our house fell? And why is he here?¡± ¡°I could use your help.¡± ¡°I wonder where he is? Where would I even start looking¡­¡± E¡¯Tar fumbled in his effort and the table crashed to its side again. He sighed. ¡°Why does it matter?¡± Amos looked at him, aghast. ¡°Why? Because I haven¡¯t seen my brother in years. I thought he was dead and now he shows up out of nowhere. I have questions for him. And¡­I don¡¯t want to lose him again.¡± E¡¯Tar sat in the chair beside him, squinting at the light of the rising sun through the window. ¡°Torun wanted to speak with you today.¡± ¡°He can wait for now,¡± said Amos. ¡°He will be there later. This is important. Where do you suppose Avner would be? And why would he be here of all places?¡± ¡°You could try the palace first.¡± ¡°You are brilliant, E¡¯Tar! Get dressed quickly, we are going to go look.¡± ¡°What¡­together? Why do I have to come?¡± ¡°To¡­help¡­I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t I just stay here?¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t make me go alone.¡± E¡¯Tar sighed and stood up. ¡°Fine. But can we eat something first?¡± * The early rays of the morning sun were shining on the top pillar of the Sanctum as Roshana crossed the courtyard and approached the figure of Torun, slumped over in a chair. She hesitated near him, peering at him to make sure he wasn¡¯t sleeping. ¡°Athelward Torun?¡± He stirred with a snore and gazed blearily up at her. ¡°Wh¡­oh, good morning, Roshana. Good morning. What can I do for you?¡± ¡°I was about to head out into the city to perform my work but I was hoping there was an Athelward available to guide me and act as a protector. If my welcome to the city is any sort of indication, I think I will need some protection.¡± ¡°And you thought to ask me? That is sweet¡­don¡¯t you think I am a little old?¡± ¡°Oh¡­I didn¡¯t mean you exactly. It could be anyone¡­¡± ¡°I was joking. Anyway, I am but a visitor here at this sanctum, like you. My stay is, however, much longer.¡± ¡°Oh¡­well¡­I don¡¯t know anyone else here¡­and you seemed efficient and I thought you held some authority. I assumed¡­¡± Torun shook his head, chuckling as he stood. ¡°No need to apologize. I make myself at home wherever I am. However, I am afraid to say that you will not likely find someone here to help you. The Athelward are not allowed to leave the building except for the direst of reasons.¡± ¡°Oh. I see.¡± Roshana¡¯s face fell and Torun quickly continued. ¡°But there is another guest here who seems¡­well, if not skilled then at least competent enough to protect you. I cannot attest to her skill as a guide but she is a very willing and eager young person. I have been entertaining her since she arrived the day before you did¡­by listening to her talk about everything. I am sure she will be glad to accompany you around.¡± ¡°She?¡± * Roshana was soon walking through the streets with a small woman, her hair wild and auburn, freckles dotting her face, and her lean body prancing about as she walked with an excited air. Her bow bounced on her back and her quiver of arrows and dagger swung at her side. She was animatedly chattering away without any need for a response. ¡°What do you think is down that street? It doesn¡¯t smell very good, best not to try it. Then again, much of the city doesn¡¯t smell good. Not like nature. The wilderness has its share of bad smells, but nothing like what cities have. Are you hungry? We could stop at a shop nearby to get something. I¡¯m not that hungry now but I know I will be later so maybe it would just be better to sate myself now and avoid feeling hungry altogether. Oh, hello!¡± She waved to a passer by who jerked away in surprise at this sudden and exuberant greeting. She giggled and kept right on going. ¡°Funny how people greet each other by waving. Or clasping arms. Who ever thought that was a good idea? Someone just decided one day to clasp arms and said, ¡®this is how we will greet each other from now on¡¯. People can be so strange. Or why they decide to live in such big buildings, like the sanctum. Who thought it was a good idea to make a building like that? I suppose it holds many people, but still-¡± ¡°Ninah, could you¡­how do you come up with so many things to say?¡± said Roshana, clearly flustered but trying to hide it. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Ninah appeared not to notice. ¡°Oh, well, I just think of many things. My mother said I always did talk too much, but then again, so did she. Not that there were many people to talk to. Did you ever think about how many words we say per day? So many!¡± * E¡¯Tar was still grumbling about following Amos in the search for his brother. ¡°We don¡¯t know your brother will be at the palace.¡± ¡°But he is here for work,¡± said Amos. ¡°He mentioned something about a venture. And there is no one in this city with money to pay him for his kind of work except Lord Rim-Sum or possibly the Athelward. Our best bet is to hang around the lord¡¯s palace first and see if we spot him coming in or out.¡± ¡°And when we find him, what then?¡± ¡°I¡­I don¡¯t know. Help him maybe. Or just see what he is doing. At any rate, I have questions.¡± ¡°Help him?!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, E¡¯Tar. I will know what to do when I find him.¡± ¡°No, you won''t,¡± E¡¯Tar muttered. Amos glared at him, biting his lip. ¡°I might.¡± * Avner awoke to the first light of dawn with a grunt and nearly toppled off his perch on the stack of hay. It was one of the few places in the barn that wasn¡¯t covered in mud or dung. Then again, it was also unstable as the sheep began to eat at its foundation, finally causing him to fall. ¡°What¡­hey! Get off!¡± The sheep ignored him and he noticed Haran stirring on the opposite side of him. He punched him in the side. ¡°Move over, these beasts are about to pull me into the muck!¡± ¡°Oh Creator,¡± muttered Haran. ¡°We fell asleep! Tell me you only dropped off a minute ago.¡± ¡°I¡¯m afraid not¡­¡± muttered Avner, shifting higher on the stack and crawling over Haran in the process. ¡°I don¡¯t even know when I dropped off. ¡°It was about the third hour of the night,¡± said Suti from her perch above them. ¡°Oh¡­good morning, Suti,¡± said Avner. ¡°Comfortable up there?¡± ¡°More than you are.¡± Haran shoved Avner aside, causing him to nearly fall off the haystack. ¡°Tell me you kept watch, Suti.¡± ¡°I did, no thanks to you two. Nothing stirred, though I nearly woke you when something flew overhead in the night. Could have been flying raptors.¡± ¡°Well, they aren¡¯t being stolen in the night,¡± said Avner. ¡°At least not last night,¡± said Suti. ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean they aren¡¯t being taken.¡± ¡°Well¡­there is nothing else for it. I say one of us goes into the tunnel that leads out and sees what¡¯s in there. Maybe there¡¯s a secret door. Hey, that¡¯s an idea.¡± ¡°One of us?¡± asked Haran. ¡°I am not getting into that dung infested hole.¡± Avner looked at him in surprise. ¡°You mean you aren¡¯t going to pull your weight for the team?¡± ¡°I do that well enough by getting you out of all the scrapes you get us into.¡± Avner glanced up at Suti who raised a harsh eyebrow at him and he threw up his hands. ¡°I know, I know. You already did your part. Fine¡­I¡¯ll do what no one else is brave enough to do.¡± Haran snorted. ¡°Bravery isn¡¯t my problem. It was your idea, you follow through with it.¡± Avner grumbled as he stepped into the muck below, shoved some sheep aside, and looked at the grated gate before him. ¡°I need someone to open this. Haran?¡± Haran was forced to step down into the mess and take the weighted rope on one side of the gate. ¡°Ready?¡± ¡°Just do it.¡± Haran pulled and the wooden gate lifted on the pulley system. Some sheep began to move instinctually toward the gate as Avner ducked his head and crouched in the small passage, barely four and a half feet tall. The gate slammed shut behind him as the sheep reached the entrance and they began to bleat in protest, swarming around Haran. ¡°Ugh, they smell awful.¡± ¡°Oh, shut up,¡± muttered Avner, wrinkling his own nose as he moved in a half crouched position down the tunnel. It wasn¡¯t long, moving through the building and outer city wall. At the end, the grassland outside was just visible. Avner scanned the walls, running his hand along them and searching for a crack, a seam, anything that indicated an opening in the wall. Upon reaching the end, he gazed out of the second wooden gate and saw men on horses gathering outside, preparing for the day''s work. ¡°Uh¡­oops.¡± Haran¡¯s voice came from the tunnel. ¡°Um¡­Avner. They say they need to let the sheep out¡­right now.¡± Avner turned around awkwardly in the tunnel and scrambled as best he could in the confined space. He heard the voices from the tunnel entrance beginning to rise in anger. ¡°My friend is in there.¡± ¡°No good. The sheep must go out now.¡± ¡°I understand, just give him a moment¡­hurry up Avner!¡± ¡°I have orders. I must.¡± ¡°Just wait! Hey!¡± A scuffle ensued and, as Avner reached the grate, he saw it begin to rise and the sheep and goats, just on the other side, began to make a beeline for him. ¡°Ooooh¡­¡± He made another awkward turn and began dashing for the opposite gate which had also begun to rise. ¡°Avner!¡± called Haran. ¡°Its opening!¡± ¡°Really?! I hadn¡¯t noticed¡± screamed Avner. He was almost to the opposite gate when he felt his behind butted by a head and several creatures tried to squeeze past him. He stumbled forward and barely kept his feet as the crowd of smelly, bleating animals bombarded him from behind, trying to shove past him. With a cry of desperation, he stumbled out of the gate and into the clearing, finally falling onto his stomach with a grunt. He felt hooves step on his back and he yelped, gasping as more animals came out of the tunnel and risked stepping on him. The stupid creatures let out bleats of alarm as they stumbled over him and he rolled away from several pairs of thrashing, kicking hooves nearly missing his head. The riders yelled in surprise and their horses balked as Avner leaped to his feet and pushed through the sheep and goats. He nearly ran into a horse and it skidded sideways. He collapsed against the wall of Hatisep, gasping for air and rubbing his bruised side where a hoof had clipped him. The rider nearest him pointed his staff at him and shouted, ¡°What are you doing?! Who are you?!¡± Avner raised the hand not clasping his side as he muttered. ¡°I¡¯m¡­just looking for¡­tunnels.¡± ¡°Eh?¡± The rider could hardly hear him over the bleating and tromping of hooves. ¡°I work for Rim-Dim,¡± said Avner. ¡°Dum-Rim¡­your lord! I work for the lord here! I¡¯m investigating the theft of your livestock.¡± ¡°Ah.¡± The man on the horse appeared nervous now. Avner caught the glances he exchanged with his companions who were busy herding the flock further out from the walls. ¡°Do not disturb the sheep again! Be on your way.¡± He spurred his horse and trotted after his fellow herdsmen. Avner leaned against the wall and stared after the men. The herdsmen cast glances back at him and began to talk amongst each other. He winced and held his bruised ribs. ¡°No promises, my friend.¡± * In the distance, on a large hill covered in brush and giant rocks, a dark figure hid within the shadows. His helmeted head, crowned with sharpened spikes, turned to survey the city of Hatisep in the distance and on the sheep herd scattering from a postern gate. The glowing, red eyes swept the horizon to study Athelward temple, rising high above the rest of the city. The metal bound mouth made no sound but its glowing eyes narrowed. The demon crouched low and lay in wait for darkness to return once more. Chapter 8: An Athelwards Reputation is Worth Little Chapter 8: An Athelward''s Reputation is Worth Little Frustration continued to build in Roshana as she listened to Ninah¡¯s incessant talking. She had visited several places throughout the city but had found no one willing to accept her help. ¡°Those people were quite rude,¡± said Ninah, glancing back at a small group of women around a well. The women were clearly talking about them, throwing glares their way. Ninah shook her head. ¡°It''s like they don¡¯t trust total strangers with their children. How do you ever make new friends unless you trust strangers? Like the two of us?¡± Roshana turned to Ninah, her face a mask of astonishment. ¡°Us? We are friends?¡± ¡°Well¡­not yet, but we will get there, eventually. I understand it takes time, or so I have been told, but sometimes it can happen in a single day! I always liked those stories.¡± Roshana shook her head but said nothing. They continued to walk down the dusty street of Hatisep as Ninah prattled on. ¡°It is alright though, they weren¡¯t very pretty anyway. Do you know, there are so many people who have split ends. I thought I was cursed to be the only one since my mother never really had many. But some of these women look downright hideous. I was also afraid I wasn¡¯t very pretty, but as I have been comparing myself to others over these past few weeks, I have found that I am fairly average. Not a great beauty like you, but not ugly either.¡± Roshana blushed at this and couldn¡¯t help but interrupt. ¡°You said you have been¡­how did you say, ¡®out and about¡¯ for a few weeks. How long has it been since you entered society?¡± ¡°You mean since I started traveling? Let¡¯s see¡­I¡¯m not very good with time. Three seasons.¡± ¡°And before that? Had you been in a city before?¡± ¡°Before? Not so much-¡± Roshana stopped, looking at her aghast. ¡°Never? What about a town or village?¡± Ninah shrugged, her face growing red. ¡°I¡­well¡­no. I had never left our farm in the mountains since¡­well as far back as I can recall. Mother said it was safer. That the outside world was a bad place. But I don¡¯t think it is that scary at all! It''s strange¡­but not too scary. There have been some fantastic sites I have seen! And the people¡­ah! They are so fascinating.¡± ¡°So¡­¡± Roshana said, steering her talkative companion down a side street. ¡°You have no experience with society and interacting with people?¡± Ninah shrugged. ¡°No. But I¡¯m learning. I¡¯m learning really fast! I found out you can¡¯t just take food from stalls out in the open. They don¡¯t like that. You have to pay with coins. So, I am trying to figure out how to get some. Do you know how to get coins? They don¡¯t like when you just take those either.¡± Roshana had a small smile touch her face. ¡°Believe me¡­I¡¯m almost as bad at knowing how to do that as you are. I never had to worry about that.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you grow up with coins?¡± ¡°Ah, here it is.¡± Roshana stopped outside of the last place on her list. The sign had no words, only the symbol of a bandage wrapped around an Aloe plant. She knocked on the door as Ninah asked, ¡°What place is this?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a healer''s house. See that sign. It''s the common sign of healers¡­at least in the empire and the surrounding regions.¡± ¡°Ah¡­and we are here to heal people?¡± ¡°If they will let me.¡± She was greeted at the door by a surly looking man. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°Greetings,¡± said Roshana, curtsying. Ninah tried to copy her awkwardly though she had no skirt, only her simple tunic. ¡°I am Roshana, member of the Order of Ministers, and I am here to lend my services to anyone who may desire it, or require it.¡± ¡°Oh, that rhymed,¡± said Ninah with a giggle from behind. The man looked at both of them, his bushy eyebrows beetling above his forehead. ¡°I don¡¯t need the likes of you here messing with my work. We don¡¯t trust Athelward anyway.¡± ¡°Please,¡± said Roshana, moving forward before he could shut the door in her face, ¡°Can I not ask those within and let them decide?¡± Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Though unhappy, the man grunted and moved aside to let them in. The building was dank and smelled stale as several coughs greeted them as they entered. Roshana moved to the center of the room and gazed about at the six or seven patients within. She spotted a mother with her young child and she raised her hand. ¡°Greetings all, I am a member of the Order of Ministers and I am here to help anyone who wishes or needs my help. I can heal wounds, ease pain, and cleanse infections.¡± The room was silent as all eyes turned to her. She squirmed under their gaze but kept hers fixed on the mother, smiling still. ¡°A member of who?¡± whispered someone. ¡°She¡¯s an Athelward,¡± said the healer, moving up behind her. ¡°Her order simply has a fancy name and says they focus on healing.¡± At the word ¡°Athelward'''' many of the patients cringed away and their gazes turned downward. The mother hissed. ¡°We have no need of your order here. Begone and leave us in peace.¡± ¡°Please¡­¡± Roshana moved toward her. ¡°Your child is ill and I could help! You must trust me! My order¡­¡± ¡°We don¡¯t trust Athelward!¡± said the woman, leaning protectively over her child. ¡°They abandoned us long ago. They care only for those in the United Houses.¡± ¡°That is not true. I care. Let me help.¡± ¡°She said leave her alone,¡± came a voice from across the room. Roshana turned to face the room at large. ¡°I swear to all of you, by the Creator, I can help and I only wish to help.¡± ¡°That is all the Athelward have ever claimed!¡± said the mother, ¡°But their help has never come.¡± ¡°Leave us in peace!¡± called another voice. ¡°We don¡¯t trust you!¡± said a third. ¡°She¡¯s a nice person,¡± said Ninah, stepping forward. ¡°You should trust her!¡± ¡°That is enough,¡± said the healer, moving to face the pair. ¡°You have asked, they have refused. Now leave.¡± Roshana gazed about sadly, then bowed slightly. ¡°Creator be with you.¡± She left the building without another word, Ninah close on her heels, glaring at the occupants. * Avner ran into Haran and Suti at the gates of the city. He had been forced to walk around the outer wall to the front gate in order to get back in and the sun was now over the tops of the trees. ¡°So, how did the investigation go?¡± asked Suti, a gleam in her eye. Avner glared at her. ¡°Fine, no thanks to you. Why did you let them open the gate, Haran?¡± ¡°I tried to stop them but I thought it a bad idea to attack the servants, especially with two guards outside the door.¡± ¡°You are ready to pounce on anyone in a heartbeat and pummel them except when I need you too.¡± Haran shrugged. ¡°It seemed like the best idea.¡± ¡°Too bad those don¡¯t come to you very often.¡± Suti shook her head. ¡°Never mind that. Did you find anything?¡± ¡°Yes and no,¡± said Avner, clutching his side and grimacing. ¡°This had better not be a joke,¡± said Suti dangerously, pulling him down the street. He winced, ¡°Careful! I¡¯m bruised by those stupid animals.¡± ¡°What did you find?¡± ¡°Well¡­I found that there was no passage in the tunnel. They aren¡¯t sneaking them out there. However, I¡¯m fairly certain that the solution is much simpler than that.¡± ¡°How so?¡± ¡°Well, those herdsmen looked really nervous when I told them my business. There is a very good chance they know something.¡± ¡°So, we should go talk to them!¡± said Haran, cracking his knuckles. ¡°And we will¡­tonight,¡± said Avner. ¡°I need to rest and they are out in the fields on horseback. We will catch them when they return.¡± ¡°We waste valuable time waiting,¡± said Suti. ¡°You want to chase them, be my guest,¡± said Avner. ¡°As for me¡­I¡¯m going back to the palace to recuperate.¡± * Roshana sat forlornly on a street curb with Ninah beside her, a comforting hand around her shoulder. ¡°You know¡­it isn¡¯t all so bad. These people probably don¡¯t even deserve your help.¡± ¡°It isn¡¯t about deserving, Ninah. It''s about giving without asking for anything in return.¡± ¡°Oh¡­I haven¡¯t learned about that yet. I¡¯ve only ever seen transactions.¡± ¡°It isn¡¯t practiced much anymore.¡± ¡°Ah¡­is that because people are so mean and ungrateful?¡± Roshana sighed and smiled slightly. ¡°You will understand in time. I hope.¡± A man approached them, dressed in poor garb and holding out a hand. ¡°Are you the Athelward healer I have heard of?¡± ¡°How have you heard of me?¡± He hesitated for the briefest moment. ¡°News travels fast in a small city like Hatisep. Please, come with me! I need your help!¡± ¡°Come where?¡± asked Roshana, rising and facing him hesitantly. ¡°To my home. My daughter is ill and cannot rise from her bed. Please, help my daughter!¡± ¡°I will come. Show me the way.¡± The man led them down the streets of Hatisep and they dodged and shoved between groups of people to keep up with him. They were approaching the palace when he turned on to a side street and down an alleyway. Roshana hesitated at the entrance before Ninah ran into her from behind. ¡°Oof! He¡¯s getting away! There he goes! I didn¡¯t know we were allowed to relieve ourselves in alleys.¡± Roshana hesitated for a second longer before pushing herself down the alley and holding a hand to her nose to blot out the smell. They emerged into an open area between several houses. In this stretch, four guards stood, their weapons at their sides and flaming crests of Rim-Sum on their gauntlets. Roshana gazed in horror at one very familiar guard, his brazier emblem clear on his gauntlet as he moved forward with a smile. ¡°Remember me?¡± It was the guard from the oasis. She turned to look back the way they had come to see the alley blocked by two more guards, clasping spears. The guard moved closer to her, ¡°I still require your services and you haven¡¯t paid me in full yet.¡± Chapter 9: Will You Regret Your Actions? Chapter 9: Will You Regret Your Actions? Ninah¡¯s hand twitched toward her dagger. ¡°Who are these people, Roshana? Friends of yours?¡± ¡°Definitely not.¡± ¡°Not friends,¡± said the guard. ¡°She just owes me a service.¡± He took out a single coin which he handed to the man who had led them there. ¡°Now, get out of here.¡± The man bowed and fled past the two ladies, unable to look either one in the face. ¡°That is how you get coins?!¡± asked Ninah. ¡°That seems¡­wrong.¡± The man laughed at her. ¡°Look, gentlemen, I can spend time with the lady here and you can spend time with the wild woman she has with her.¡± ¡°Wild?!¡± said Ninah. ¡°I don¡¯t think I like you very much. I don¡¯t want to spend time with you or your men.¡± The men laughed and she glanced at Roshana. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize I said a joke? What was it?¡± Roshana backed up into Ninah as she turned to face the men at the alley entrance. The guards were all moving in now, keeping a wary eye on the knife inches from Ninah¡¯s fingers. The smile on the leader¡¯s face caused her to quake and a pinprick of sea green light began to form in her almost closed fingers. Her face was pale and she began to breathe heavily. ¡°My dear lady¡­not again.¡± The entire group spun to see, once again, standing heroically in the alley entrance, Avner with sword unsheathed and shield at his side while Haran skulked in the background, his ax out and ready. The leader of the group paled slightly and muttered ¡°What in hellfire¡­¡± ¡°Hush man!¡± said Avner. ¡°I am reprimanding the lady right now. I will get to you in a moment.¡± He turned back to Roshana and said matter-of-factly, ¡°If you go wandering down dark alleys, what do you expect, especially with another woman in tow? If you insist on traveling, you should find better companions.¡± ¡°Now just a moment¡­¡± started Ninah. The cry of the leader cut her off. ¡°Kill them!¡± The men hesitated. They readied weapons and advanced slowly on the pair, ignoring the two ladies. Avner dodged the spear thrust at his upper torso and let it slide past him. He grazed the man''s hand with his sword, causing him to cry out and drop his spear. A smack between the eyes with the pommel downed him. ¡°We still aren¡¯t killing?¡± growled Haran. ¡°Too much trouble,¡± said Avner. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s only their leader that really needs a permanent lesson.¡± Haran jumped back as a spear thrust at him and he pushed aside the second jab with his ax handle. He grabbed the shaft of the spear and yanked, pulling the man off balance and straight into his fist. He was still holding the ax so a good deal of the handle also struck the man¡¯s face and he crumpled to the ground, clutching his broken and bleeding nose. The four men backing the leader looked to one another, fear and uncertainty written across their faces. Avner jerked his head to the side. The men took the hint and, dropping their weapons, rushed past the two men, leaving their wounded companions on the ground. The leader stood alone, his face now deathly pale as he dropped his own weapon. ¡°Look¡­I mean you no harm.¡± ¡°But you meant her harm,¡± said Avner. ¡°This lady makes poor choices and you would punish her for them? Better to teach her gently than with¡­whatever you had planned.¡± ¡°Just a moment,¡± said Roshana, stepping forward and finding her voice at last. ¡°I understand what you are saying, but it is my duty to help. I am sorry this man has taken advantage of my position, but I will still do what is necessary to help those in need.¡± ¡°Lady¡­Roshala, or whatever, while I understand the noble role you wish to play you must still be smart about it¡­¡± He trailed off as she approached the unconscious soldier with the sliced hand and, pulling up her sleeve, took the bleeding hand in her own and lifted her hand palm upward. Her eyes lifted heavenward then she ignited a sea-green orb of light in her hand. Ninah gasped and gazed at it with fascination. ¡°What is that? How are you doing it? What are you doing?¡± ¡°I am an Athelward,¡± said Roshana, studying the wounded wrist and flexing her fingers to cause the orb to begin expanding and flattening on her palm. ¡°Surely you have heard tales of them.¡± Avner and Ninah gazed with fascination while Haran, scowling darkly at her power, grabbed the leader by the front of his tunic and drew the ax close to his neck. Roshana applied the now flat energy across her palm to the man¡¯s hand and a burning sound emanated from it. Instead of frying the man¡¯s hand, however, it engulfed it in a light of sea-green energy, swirling about and sending sparks into the man¡¯s skin. Roshana closed her eyes and seemed to concentrate, her brow furrowing as her fingers began to twitch in patterns as she pulled away from the wound. She remained this way for a moment and, much to Ninah¡¯s surprise as she leaned as close as she could to get a look, the skin sparked with electric tendrils that seemed to sew the wound shut. Upon completing this task, Roshana opened her eyes and sat back with a sigh. ¡°Does it tire you?¡± asked Ninah. ¡°How strange it is! But so wonderful to watch! Did you heal him completely?!¡± The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°As much as I could,¡± said Roshana, standing and wiping the dust from her dress before noticing she left blood stains from her hand on it. She looked down forlornly then shrugged. ¡°Ah, well. I used my best knowledge of the human body to ensure all the proper tendons were reattached and I closed the wound. I cannot replenish blood or heal every injury.¡± Ninah gestured to the man writhing on the ground still with the broken nose. ¡°What about him?¡± Roshana barely glanced at him. ¡°Broken nose. It isn¡¯t serious or won¡¯t cause any permanent damage. He will live.¡± Avner gestured to the leader. ¡°And this fellow. Lady, I think it only prudent I give him a more permanent lesson that you don¡¯t heal if you want him to learn anything.¡± Roshana faced them but could not respond because, at that moment, several figures entered through the alley. Amos and E¡¯Tar emerged together with Suti right behind them. Amos said, ¡°Avner! There you are! I thought¡­oh¡­what¡­¡± He stopped to view the scene before him: two wounded men and one still under Haran¡¯s ax. Suti strode up to Avner and hissed, ¡°What have you done, Avner?! These are Rim-Sum¡¯s men! He will not take kindly to this interference.¡± ¡°That is only if they tell him,¡± said Avner. ¡°I doubt any of them have that much standing to even receive an audience with him. Especially if I hint some might still be traitors.¡± ¡°Please let me go!¡± said the leader. ¡°I swear, I won¡¯t tell anyone. I won¡¯t touch the lady ever, I swear!¡± ¡°Tsk! So much swearing!¡±said Avner. ¡°As if we¡¯d trust you,¡± said Haran, causing the ax to cut the man¡¯s neck ever so slightly. The man let out a whine and pulled away. ¡°Don¡¯t struggle, my friend. You will only make it worse,¡± said Avner. ¡°Now¡­as for a suitable punishment for what you have done.¡± ¡°Avner¡­¡± said Suti, her tone sharp and warning. ¡°What in heaven''s name is going on here?¡± asked Amos, his face having grown fearful and confused. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± asked Avner. ¡°I¡­I came to speak with you¡­out of the earshot of Ari¡¯El.¡± ¡°Can we focus on one issue at a time,¡± said Haran, shaking the man still in his grip. Suti stepped forward. ¡°Avner, either kill this man or let him go. In either case, I suspect I am going to have to cover up your mess¡­again.¡± ¡°I think we should let the lady choose his fate,¡± said Avner. ¡°She is, after all, the offended party here.¡± Ninah raised her hand ¡°Well¡­I think I was a little affected too¡­I think, was I?¡± She addressed Roshana with this last question. Roshana took her hand and squeezed it. ¡°It was my fault you ended up in this situation, and I apologize for dragging you in.¡± Suti stared at her, bug-eyed. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you will take the blame for the appetites of this¡­pig?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± said Roshana. ¡°But I did rush into this trap without being careful.¡± She moved forward to stare into the frightened man¡¯s eyes, his gaze unable to meet hers. The ax blade dug in again and he gasped. Roshana raised a hand to stop Haran and stared deep into the man¡¯s eyes. ¡°I wonder¡­will your conscience even bother you about this? Will you regret your actions when you look into my eyes? Or will you simply forget¡­and go on again as before?¡± ¡°I have learned, I swear¡­gah!¡± The ax blade digging in stopped his continued pleads. Roshana¡¯s face contorted with disgust and rage, looking like she was ready to vomit. She lashed out and slapped the man across the face and backed away, gasping at her own action. She then turned away. ¡°Let him go.¡± Suti raised an eyebrow in disapproval and Avner nodded, ¡°If you are sure¡­Haran.¡± Haran growled and shoved the man to the dirt, watching him crawl into the alley. Amos and E¡¯Tar shifted aside to let him pass, then they glanced back up at the group gathered in the dirty courtyard. ¡°Well,¡± said Amos, ¡°I hope I didn¡¯t interrupt anything important.¡± Avner shook his head. ¡°No, of course not. Just some heroic work which we are best at.¡± He turned to Roshana. ¡°Well, my lady, it would seem this is the second time we have had to rescue you¡­and from the same band of men. We really must stop meeting this way.¡± ¡°Believe me, it was not my intent to even meet you again.¡± Avner let out a choked laugh. ¡°Oh really? Is that your way of saying thank you?¡± Roshana nodded, ¡°I do thank you¡­Avner correct?¡± ¡°Good sir!¡± said Ninah, moving forward to clasp his arm forcefully and shaking it quite furiously, like she was milking a cow, ¡°We are forever grateful and in your debt that you helped us be rid of those nasty men! How can we ever repay your kind nature?¡± ¡°No need¡­¡± said Avner, extracting his arm from the pumping. ¡°Are you the guard of this young lady Roshana?¡± ¡°More, we are friends!¡± Ninah turned to Roshana, ¡°I¡¯d say we are qualified as friends now after everything we have been through.¡± Her gaze shifted from Roshana to the large form of E¡¯Tar just behind her and her eyes bugged out. ¡°Oh, my goodness! You are massive aren¡¯t you!¡± E¡¯Tar blushed and shifted behind Amos slightly, which did nothing to hide his bulk. ¡°Aren¡¯t you just fascinating,¡± said Ninah to E¡¯Tar as she moved closer, studying him like she would an interesting tree and he fidgeted under her gaze. Amos stepped forward to confront Avner. ¡°Could¡­could we talk?¡± Suti shook her head vigorously and Avner waved her away. He said, ¡°I would love to¡­but I am a little busy at the moment. I should get to the palace¡­¡± ¡°Oh, well it doesn¡¯t have to take long, Avner,¡± said Amos. ¡°I just wanted to know what you were doing here and wondered if I could help.¡± ¡°Help?¡± said Haran and Avner almost in unison. Suti stepped forward, ¡°I think it would be best if your brother escorted this young lady back to the sanctum. Don¡¯t you? You can catch up later.¡± Avner nodded. ¡°I think that is sensible. Trust me, Amos, I will find you and we will talk.¡± ¡°But¡­when? Where?¡± ¡°All things to be worked out later,¡± said Avner. E¡¯Tar pulled his gaze from the short lady below him and turned to Amos. ¡°Torun is waiting for you at the Sanctum. He did want to speak to you today and it is almost midday.¡± Amos shook his head. ¡°I completely forgot I was supposed to meet him. Oh, confound it!¡± ¡°All the more reason to go,¡± said Avner. ¡°Trust me, we will find each other again. Don¡¯t worry.¡± ¡°But what are you doing? I could help¡­¡± Suti shook her head again and Haran joined in this time as well. Avner noticed both and said, ¡°Not at this moment, little brother. Now escort this young woman to her destination and meet whomever you are supposed to.¡± Amos frowned but nodded, gesturing to Roshana. ¡°Come along then.¡± She followed, nodding and smiling at Avner one last time. ¡°My thanks once again, Avner. Hopefully, it will be the last time we meet like this.¡± ¡°But not the last time,¡± muttered Avner as he smiled and waved to her. Suti, standing close by, rolled her eyes and said, ¡°To the matter at hand?¡± ¡°Ah, yes, of course. Let¡¯s find where the herdsmen gather for the evening and confront them there.¡± Chapter 10: You can do what I could not. Chapter 10: You can do what I could not Roshana didn¡¯t speak to Amos on the way to the Sanctum but Ninah continued to talk aimlessly to E¡¯Tar who seemed lost at having so much attention placed on him, particularly around his size. ¡°Tell me, did you have to eat a lot to get that big? You must have quite an appetite if you are such a large person, then again, I can eat a good deal myself and look how small I am.¡± ¡°Well¡­I¡­¡± ¡°And did you always have such large muscles? I find that many people that are tall are thin as well. But you are so well proportioned!¡± ¡°Um¡­thank y-¡± ¡°But how good are you at using them? Are they just for show or are you really good at fighting and lifting heavy things? Could you carry me if I was injured and needed you to carry me?¡± E¡¯Tar didn¡¯t even bother responding as she kept right on going. ¡°You know, I don¡¯t think I have ever seen someone of your size before. I just like looking at you. You are so big! That doesn¡¯t make you feel uncomfortable, does it? I so often do or say things that seem to upset people and I don¡¯t know why.¡± E¡¯Tar¡¯s face would have given the answer to anyone paying attention. Amos murmured to Roshana, ¡°I think your friend is going to break my friend in a few moments if she isn¡¯t careful. He is very self-conscious about his size.¡± ¡°Indeed. I have only known her for the span of¡­this afternoon but she seems determined to be a friend. I don¡¯t think she has much experience with society¡­¡± ¡°Really? Are you not friends with her then?¡± ¡°I¡¯m¡­not sure. I never had anyone come out so forcefully and say they want to be my friend. But she isn¡¯t the worst person¡­I could learn to accept that position.¡± Amos smiled as Ninah engaged in another conversation that caused E¡¯Tar to wince. ¡°And doorways! Stairs! How awkward it must be for you to go through buildings in general! I imagine most things aren¡¯t built for someone your size!¡± ¡°You are¡­Amos? I heard your brother say so. I am Roshana.¡± Amos nodded. ¡°I am Amos.¡± ¡°No family name?¡± ¡°I could say the same to you.¡± She smiled and nodded. They reached the towering height of the sanctum and stepped through the open doorway as the guardian at the gate bowed to Roshana in greeting. ¡°Minister.¡± Amos looked at her. ¡°You are one of the Order of Ministers. I have heard of that order but never met one. It is a pleasure! Your order does splendid work.¡± She smiled sadly. ¡°Not as much as they should as of late. They prefer to remain in hospitals in cities instead of doing missionary work as before. And you? Are you an Athelward?¡± ¡°Not officially, no, but I do possess their power. Oh, but it¡¯s supposed to be hushed. I don¡¯t use it. If I do, I shall be either taken to the United House capital and the Tower of the Sun for training or indoctrination, whichever you prefer, or I shall have to join this order here and never leave the Sanctum.¡± ¡°That is¡­unfortunate. It is probably best that way though. Once people know you have the power, they will either fear you or try to use you to their advantage.¡± Amos stopped. ¡°You speak as though you have experience.¡± She glanced sideways at him. ¡°I do.¡± She bowed her head and curtsied. ¡°Good day to you, Amos. I think you will find the man you need to speak to is asleep in that chair beneath the tree over there.¡± She gestured across the courtyard and, sure enough, Torun sat on a wooden chair, sound asleep in the midday heat in the shade of a tree. Amos bowed to Roshana. ¡°Thank you. Peace be with you.¡± ¡°And with you.¡± Ninah stopped her chattering long enough to see the groups leaving. ¡°Oh¡­what do you suppose we should do? Do you want me to still follow you, Roshana?¡± Roshana seemed unable to answer, her mouth twitching and eyes darting between Amos and E¡¯Tar. She shrugged and slowly shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m feeling¡­tired. I think perhaps I should rest and you can¡­¡± ¡°I can meet you here tomorrow,¡± Ninah suggested. ¡°Oh¡­I wouldn¡¯t ask you to do that.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be out here at first light to meet you. Have an excellent day!¡± Roshana smiled and walked indoors. E¡¯Tar glanced at Amos, his look imploring. Amos shrugged. ¡°I have to speak with Torun. You could¡­sit by and wait if you want.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll come with you!¡± said Ninah. ¡°There are some chairs over there in the shade. It will be nice to sit after so much walking. Not that walking bothers me. I¡¯ve walked all day, many leagues. Have you traveled far, E¡¯Tar?¡± E¡¯Tar walked resignedly with Ninah toward a bench across the courtyard as Amos approached Torun. He cleared his throat and the old man started in surprise. ¡°Hmm? What? Oh! Amos¡­you are here at last.¡± This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Forgive my late arrival. I was¡­preoccupied.¡± ¡°No matter! Come! Sit beside me.¡± There was no chair so Amos sat cross legged on the ground beside his mentor¡¯s chair and looked up expectantly into his face. ¡°You wanted to tell me why you train me as you do.¡± ¡°Of course! But first, let me tell you a story about myself I have never shared.¡± Amos sat up with interest. Torun noticed the expression and chuckled. ¡°Yes, I know I have told you much about my past. Well, listen well, for few have heard this story and most who were there are no longer with us.¡± He settled back in his chair and his eyes seemed to grow distant, as if gazing into the past. ¡°Long ago, when I was like you, young and brash, I too had powers that were formidable and I learned to use them within the Athelward order.¡± ¡°So, you were in the order,¡± said Amos. ¡°But, weren¡¯t you brainwashed? How did you escape? I thought they didn¡¯t allow people to leave the order.¡± Torun smiled at him. ¡°I was part of the order before it was fully corrupted. Oh, things were not going well and the seeds of corruption were sprouting, but there was still order. There was still a Keeper.¡± ¡°What? Wait a moment¡­¡± Amos appeared flustered as his eyes narrowed. ¡°That was over seventy-four years ago. And you were a young man then? You must be nearly one hundred then!¡± ¡°Older, my boy. I was in my young adult years when I first left the order to go on adventures, many years before the Keeper vanished.¡± Amos started. ¡°Torun¡­are you a Great Son?¡± Torun looked at him and nodded slowly. ¡°I am.¡± Amos sat back, his expression shocked. ¡°Well¡­I never guessed. So, you will live longer than any of us.¡± ¡°Then many people, yes, but not you. Your family has some Great Son blood as well, though it is mixed. You will also live for quite some time, I imagine.¡± Amos stared at him, confused. ¡°What? Father never told us that¡­¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t think it was important. He feared it would cause his children to put on airs.¡± ¡°Our wealth saw to that, regardless of our bloodline.¡± Torun smiled. ¡°Perhaps, but your father still thought it best. The obsession with bloodline is a serious issue within the United Houses. Now, if I may return to my story.¡± Amos sat up straight. ¡°Of course! Tell me more!¡± ¡°As I was saying, I was a young Athelward, full of conviction and idealism. I saw the slowly rotting corruption within the Athelward as they became heavily involved in the politics of the United Houses and decided to leave before it became worse. It was highly frowned upon to leave the order, even at that time. To many rogue Athelward usually meant that purges of those who used their power to harm others or, at the very least, examinations of how they used their powers, would be commonplace and it was difficult for the Athelward to keep track of all who left, even the Keeper. And he was becoming more and more involved in politics himself, embroiled in the conflicts of the noble houses.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that their job though?¡± asked Amos. ¡°The Athelward are meant to be arbiters of dispute.¡± ¡°In the name of justice, yes,¡± said Torun. ¡°To ensure that justice and peace were achieved and the RIGHT thing was done. But politics has a way of blurring the lines of right and wrong and pushing the boundary of justice to its limit. And so, it was with great excitement and sadness that I left the order, pursuing a life of adventure on the outskirts of society. There, I became¡­shall we say, a bit wild. I was a vigilante, working justice in whatever way I believed to be right¡­and I learned many hard lessons that way. Some lessons I still struggle to learn.¡± He went silent for a moment, pondering. Amos interrupted. ¡°It is surprising that the Athelward did not have an issue with you then.¡± ¡°They might have,¡± said Torun. ¡°However, they were in no position to deal with renegades as they themselves were falling apart from within, or so I heard. A coup from within was one rumor even flying around¡­that the Keeper had been ousted as he hadn¡¯t been seen in some time. All I know is in those days¡­renegades weren¡¯t uncommon and I had my fair share of fights with them.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been in an Athelward duel before? Some say that they even fight with blades made of pure energy! Is that a difficult skill to master?¡± ¡°Peace, young Amos! If I go into all the details of my life, we will be here for days! Suffice to say, there were duels¡­some wild and uncontrolled fights. All of this is secondary to what finally happened.¡± ¡°When did you mend your wild ways?¡± asked Amos, smiling. ¡°Oh, this event I am about to tell you of did not mend my wild ways. On my travels, I met an Athelward in a mountain cave, wounded and close to death. He was full of shame and regret though he wouldn¡¯t tell me all the details. He wished to entrust me with a gift¡­a secret to greater power with our order. With this power, I would do what he could not and save the Athelward order and society in general.¡± ¡°That isn¡¯t daunting at all,¡± said Amos, sardonically. ¡°What power was it?¡± ¡°That¡­I will tell you when my tale is over.¡± ¡°Did you accept it?¡± ¡°I did¡­and I didn¡¯t. I accepted the gift, but not the responsibility that went with it. I used the power to my own advantage, becoming stronger and more skilled in the Athelward abilities as I learned greater secrets but did not use the power to help others as I ought, or to save the Athelward and the United Houses. I had given up on both and instead used the powers in the way I thought best. This came at a terrible price, for such powers are not used to benefit oneself without suffering the wrath of the Creator.¡± ¡°How has it punished you?¡± asked Amos. ¡°I know that many Athelward are obsessed with finding the power of immortality with their abilities and those always end with disaster. But I see nothing wrong with you.¡± ¡°That is where you are wrong,¡± said Torun. ¡°I received¡­a vision. This will make more sense when I explain what power I have. The message I received was this¡­that I would die very soon and my powers would be given to one who shall be greater than I. One who will fulfill prophecy and bring about the fulfillment of that dying Athelward¡¯s wish.¡± Amos nodded, then froze, his mind clearly working. ¡°What are you saying?¡± Torun sighed and sat back more heavily in the chair. ¡°Amos¡­I was much like you at your age. But I have seen where your current path leads. One can not give up on all of society and on an institution founded by the Creator himself. Though the people have fallen it is not the institution that has failed¡­but its members.¡± ¡°What is this leading to, Torun?¡± ¡°As I see my younger self in you, so also do I see hope. You can do what I could not. You can fulfill the wishes of that Athelward I met so long ago.You can take these powers and carry them on to fulfill the destiny planned by the Creator.¡± Amos stood, his expression darkening. ¡°Hold on, Torun. You have not told me what this power is, who the Athelward is or if I even wanted these powers. You had better start making sense. Tell me¡­who was this Athelward? What did he give you?¡± Torun seemed to struggle to find the words. ¡°That Athelward¡­though he could not verify it, claimed to have been the true Keeper. And the power he gave me was those conferred in the title of Keeper.¡± ¡°Then¡­that would mean¡­¡± ¡°Yes, Amos Sunrider. If he was indeed telling the truth, I am the true Keeper. And I would have you be my successor.¡± Chapter 11: The Choices of the Sunriders Chapter 11: The Choices of the Sunriders Amos shook his head, bewilderment written across his face. ¡°You¡­you can¡¯t be serious! How do you know he was telling the truth? Any Athelward could make such a claim!¡± Torun had never looked more serious than he did in this moment.¡°I know it to be true because the power he gave me is truly incredible. I have¡­access to knowledge other men do not have. I can access a library within my mind¡­or perhaps in the kingdom of the Creator, I am not sure. And I can link myself to it to determine the actions of men before they do them. It has made me almost unbeatable in combat and diplomacy. I say almost because I cannot always access this knowledge and, quite often, it is impossible to entirely avoid all blows.¡± ¡°Wait¡­wait¡­¡± Amos raised his hands to his flushed face. ¡°You are serious? You have such power and think it belongs to the Keeper? No one ever knew what the Keepers'' powers were.¡± Torun shrugged. ¡°This is true. But I cannot think it¡¯s anything else. I have never experienced power like this before.¡± ¡°And¡­this vision you saw that says you will die soon¡­¡± ¡°I obtained it from the library I told you of.¡± ¡°It has information about the future?¡± ¡°To an extent. It has information about the immediate future, such as where an opponent will land his blow or what someone has planned for the next day. But the future is generally muddled and unclear, full of possibilities from the choices of men. Only this¡­was clear. It is a clear punishment. I don¡¯t know how or when¡­but I will die very soon.¡± Amos sat back down again, rubbing his head, ¡°This is all too much to take in. How can you be the Keeper? There is a Keeper in the Tower of the Sun!¡± ¡°Or so we are told. No one has seen the Keeper in years.¡± ¡°I know!¡± Amos shook his head and turned violently on Torun. ¡°And you think I am the best person to give these abilities to? To take on the mantle of¡­Keeper? You must be insane!¡± Torun raised an eyebrow at him and Amos retracted. ¡°Not¡­not insane. My apologies! I did not mean it like that. I just¡­why would you pick me? You know who I am. You know my propensity to be selfish, self-centered, and a coward.¡± ¡°You are no coward, Amos. You are inexperienced¡­there is a difference. As for selfish and self-centered¡­it is the curse that all mankind must overcome.¡± Amos shook his head. ¡°You cannot be serious.¡± ¡°And why would you think I am not? Do you think I do not know my own mind? That I didn¡¯t put a great deal of thought into this? I thought, perhaps, I could let the power slip away¡­that I could pass away and never pass it on to another. But the wrath I feel from the Creator should I do that is too terrible to ignore. I would suffer greatly for it¡­and in the end, I have no doubt the Creator would find a way to give it to another without my help. I would, at my last moments, make the right choice in my life.¡± Amos stared at him with uncertainty. ¡°You were a guest of my father¡­did he know who you were?¡± ¡°Yes. He had become secretly involved in the war by trying to search for me. He was certain that he could get me to join the movement and restore the Athelward, thus bringing them to the side of the Independent Houses and helping them win the war. But¡­I told him I was not interested. I was getting too old and I no longer believed in the order of the Athelward. Your father argued and persisted until we agreed that I should train his son, your brother El¡¯Azar and, if he was worthy when he became a fully grown man, I would transfer the title of Keeper to him and he could do what he wished.¡± ¡°But¡­why didn¡¯t you give him the power before¡­everything happened?¡± ¡°It all happened so fast¡­there was no time. I did not know if he was the one to give it to, your powers hadn¡¯t manifested yet, as most don¡¯t till their sixteenth birthday. And no sooner had the army of the Independent Houses been defeated at the Battle of Green Vale then the Demon arrived with his forces and began purging many of the houses. The Sunriders were of particular note¡­¡± ¡°Was it because of you?¡± ¡°Partially. There were rumors about my existence there despite your father¡¯s attempts to keep me a secret. The Sunriders were of particular interest to the United Houses because of an old prophecy that hung around their name.¡± ¡°What prophecy is this?¡± asked Amos, ¡°I have heard of no prophecy before.¡± If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°It is old¡­some say completely fabricated by the Sunriders themselves when they entered the United Houses. Something to do with the Sunriders restoring order to the United Houses by tearing it down and rebuilding it again. Not something the United Houses was fond of on the best of circumstances but, with a war raging and the Sunriders rumored to be against them¡­you can see why some might be cautious.¡± Amos nodded. ¡°Right. But what now? Even if you give me these powers¡­what do I do with them? I wouldn¡¯t know how to use them.¡± ¡°That would be entirely up to you,¡± said Torun. ¡°Restore the Athelward, ignore they exist like I did, or find a way to fulfill prophecy¡­who knows. All that is up to you.¡± Amos stared at him, frustration and anger building across his features as his body stiffened. He stood up. ¡°You are¡­the worst mentor I have ever seen. You tell me to do whatever I want with some sacred power and give me no advice on what to do? Do you want to simply pawn this gift off on me? Is that what this is? Ease your guilty conscience in your old age?¡± ¡°I have no advice,¡± said Torun, smiling. ¡°And the fact that you are taking this more seriously than I did in my youth shows me you are better suited to be the Keeper than I am.¡± ¡°Again, shirking responsibility onto another is not what a good mentor does¡­I think. Besides, I have not even decided if I want to accept your gift. You cannot force me,¡± he said with flagging conviction. Torun nodded. ¡°You are right. I will not force you to accept it. But then, it will be your choice, not mine. Perhaps some of the blame will fall on you instead.¡± Amos gaped at him. ¡°You are¡­intolerable! Are you trying to plague my conscience?¡± ¡°Perhaps a bit,¡± said Torun, smiling. ¡°But that is all for the better. Make sure that consciousness stays active and asks questions. Then, at least, you won¡¯t fall into apathy and complete selfishness.¡± Amos shook his head. ¡°And am I to make this decision right this moment?¡± ¡°No, of course not. Take some time to think about it. Not too long, of course¡­after all my days are numbered.¡± Amos stood, confused and unable to move until Torun prodded him with his stick. ¡°Well¡­take yourself home my boy. Do some thinking. I eagerly await your response.¡± * The day slipped toward evening when Avner, Haran, and Suti finally spotted the herders returning with the flocks toward the walls of Hatisep. They rose to face the group as they approached. ¡°Suti, did you count the livestock last night?¡± ¡°Of course, I did.¡± One of the herdsmen rode his horse up to the group as he signaled up to the wall for the small posterior gate to be raised. ¡°What are you doing here? Do not think to interfere with our business or our lord will hear of your actions.¡± ¡°Relax,¡± said Avner. ¡°We aren¡¯t here to interfere with your business. I just have a few questions.¡± ¡°We do not have to listen or respond to the questions of strangers. Begone! You have no business here.¡± ¡°Oh, but we do. We work for your lord, Rim-S¡­the lord. We are investigating the thefts of the livestock which were under your care.¡± The man appeared startled but he clicked his tongue and the horse trotted beside Avner as the first of the livestock began to enter the small gate, driven by the herdsmen. Suti¡¯s eyes scanned the animals, darting about as she counted under her breath. Avner followed the man, Haran close behind. ¡°Can you tell me anything about these thefts?¡± ¡°No. We watch the sheep and goats throughout the day to ensure no animals or bandits steal them.¡± ¡°Surely that would be a dangerous task for herdsmen alone? There are dangerous creatures out there¡­raptors for instance. Or lions. Perhaps even razor-gores.¡± The man snorted. ¡°There haven¡¯t been razor-gores here in decades. As for any lions or raptors, our slings keep them at bay. Besides, we always have four guards with us as well with spears to drive them off.¡± ¡°Interesting. So, you have four guards there as well. Where are they now?¡± ¡°They ride toward the main gate as soon as we begin driving the flocks back to their gate.¡± ¡°And the animals aren¡¯t out of your sight during the day? Is there any way you could lose track of them? Perhaps down a gulley?¡± The man shifted on his horse, looking offended. ¡°Sir, we do not allow animals to escape our notice down into a gully. It is our duty to keep a constant eye on them. We do not let them escape under our watch.¡± ¡°I am not accusing you. Simply asking questions.¡± ¡°And do you have any more?¡± ¡°Just one. Where do the guards stay that watch the flock with you? Are they the same every day?¡± ¡°Yes¡­they are the same. I don¡¯t know where they stay¡­the guardhouse in the palace most likely¡­or the gatehouse.¡± ¡°Very good. Thank you for your time.¡± The man didn¡¯t respond but wheeled his horse away. The group of herdsmen rode toward the front gate as soon as the last of the sheep entered the small grated tunnel. As it closed behind the animals, Avner stepped close to Suti. ¡°Well? Are there any missing?¡± ¡°Three are missing.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± She gave him a sideways glare, just past her veil. He raised his hands. ¡°Right¡­you are never wrong.¡± Avner turned to Haran. ¡°So, what do you think? Is it them?¡± ¡°It¡¯s them,¡± said Haran. The question is, what do we do now?¡± asked Haran. ¡°Question the guards.¡± said Suti. ¡°Exactly,¡± said Avner. ¡°I think we should question the guards who also watch the flock. If their story remains relatively the same¡­then they are guilty too. Then we need to do some tracking.¡± ¡°Tracking?¡± ¡°Yes. We need to see if we can find where the tracks are leaving the herd and where they might be heading.¡± ¡°How do we find where they have been?¡± said Suti. ¡°Ask the guards,¡± said Avner. ¡°As if they would tell us,¡± stated Haran. ¡°And another problem, none of us know how to track.¡± The group stood in silence before Avner spoke up cheerfully. ¡°I guess we will be learning that skill at the same time!¡± Suti shook his head. ¡°Oh, Creator¡­I can¡¯t wait.¡± Chapter 12: The Meaning of Womens Fashion Chapter 12: The Meaning of Women¡¯s Fashion Ari¡¯El didn¡¯t mind rising from her bed when evening arrived. She didn¡¯t even notice the forlorn look on Amos¡¯ face or that E¡¯Tar was still struggling to fix the table he had broken. She made supper, ate, told Amos to clean up after her, and made her way to the palace as quickly as possible. She had just been ordered to clean the privy buckets in the guard room when Kyros himself entered the kitchen and, spotting her said, ¡°Ah, there you are, Ari¡¯El. Come, I am in need of your help.¡± She followed him out of the kitchen and they began their research once again. The pair sat in the library, looking over scroll after scroll and occasionally jotting notes. In the middle of this process, Kyros leaned back, stretched his cramped muscles, and began to chat with Ari¡¯El in earnest. ¡°So¡­Ari¡¯El. How long have you been working for the wonderful Lord Rim-Sum of Hatisep?¡±p ¡°About a year and a half, my lord.¡± ¡°And before that?¡± ¡°I worked in a menders shop, cleaning, cooking, and generally helping in the craft.¡± ¡°Had he no wife to help?¡± ¡°She had several children to care for, usually a new one every year as well.¡± ¡°I see! No children yourself, I presume.¡± She cast an incredulous look at him and he laughed. ¡°It would not be the strangest thing! A woman of your age and beauty would likely struggle to feed a young one.¡± ¡°Not quite a child¡­¡± she muttered but didn¡¯t continue. ¡°When did you leave that wonderful job to work here?¡± ¡°They moved away and I wished to earn a higher pay. I was the only one working. My caretaker was¡­not accustomed to hard work and was getting old.¡± ¡°Is this job all you had hoped for?¡± She shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s work. One does not usually go to work to find it pleasant.¡± ¡°I suppose. But now, you mentioned you had a caretaker. And not quite a child¡­¡± She looked up at him, pensive and biting her lip in thought, before responding. ¡°My caretaker is retired now. He was an old friend of my father who promised to take care of us when my father passed away. The ¡®child¡¯ is my younger brother and his friend who is boarding with us. Both are full-grown men but quite helpless¡­in a way.¡± Kyros¡¯s smile was most disarming. ¡°So, you have shouldered the task of primary support for your family. That is a difficult burden for any woman to bear.¡± ¡°I shall not be the first nor I doubt the last.¡± ¡°No, that is not likely. It does not make it any less difficult.¡± She was silent. He took another scroll and unrolled it, studying it with feigned interest. He spoke nonchalantly, ¡°Will you be single your whole life then, caring for your helpless brother and his friend?¡± ¡°I hardly see how it is your business or why you would care.¡± She spotted the startled look he gave her and, blushing, hurried on, ¡°Apologies, my lord. I meant¡­I am content where I am right now.¡± She grimaced as her voice caught at the last phrase. He caught it too as he looked up his scroll and stared at her. ¡°But that isn¡¯t true¡­is it? You are quite unhappy with this life.¡± She shook her head and, letting out a laugh filled with bitter irony said, ¡°I am up in the late hours of the night doing research for a lord and unable to sleep in my bed. Does this not speak for itself?¡± ¡°I suppose it would. I am grateful for your help. Did I say that yet? How careless, I was remiss. Thank you so much for your help, Ari¡¯El. You are truly a blessing in disguise.¡± She threw up a hand to stop him. ¡°That is quite enough, my lord. I am grateful to be reading again after so long.¡± ¡°Ah yes, you used to read more, likely during your education.¡± Her face turned to stone again and she continued reading. As she leaned over, her necklace of stones shifted out from beneath her neckline and he spotted them. He nodded toward her. ¡°Your beads¡­you have quite a collection of them. They are a habit of women within the United Houses. I suppose some women in the outer lands take up the custom too.¡± ¡°You presume rightly.¡± She self-consciously fingered her beads. ¡°May I see them more closely?¡± She nodded and lifted the necklace over her head, handing it to him. He studied each bead, some intricate, others simpler. Between each bead was a knot in the string to keep them in place. ¡°You know¡­these beads indicate a noble heritage. The first few are quite ornate, even jewels. It is clever that you keep those hidden near the back which would be covered by your hair or veil.¡± She stiffened at his words but didn¡¯t respond. He pointed to a fancy one. ¡°A false diamond. Very nice. When did you put this one on? What was the occasion?¡± She hesitated but he continued to stare at her, waiting for an answer. She began, her voice faltering. ¡°I¡­I received it as a gift. It was from¡­¡± she sighed and rolled her eyes heavenward. ¡°A young man if you must know.¡± His smile widened. ¡°You must have fancied him.¡± ¡°Heavens no!¡± she shook her head and smiled sadly. ¡°I was flattered by it, and thought perhaps to have a whole string of beads from men who doted on me but would never obtain me.¡± He raised his eyebrows. ¡°Really?! You were quite the-¡± If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Spoiled and foolish girl, yes. May I have them back now?¡± ¡°What about this colorful one? With the¡­flower? Is that a flower painted on it?¡± ¡°That one is private.¡± He shrugged. ¡°Reaching womanhood. And this one, that is gold?¡± Her face flushed a darker shade. ¡°It was my mother''s. She received it from father on their engagement and she gave it to me before she died.¡± Her voice was stern now and her hand extended. Kyros¡¯s smile faltered and he quickly handed the necklace back to her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I meant no harm. Most women¡¯s necklaces in the United Houses, should they choose to practice it, are foolish. Something for poorer young women to put together to make themselves feel important. I didn¡¯t realize yours had so much meaning in it.¡± ¡°It has plenty of foolishness,¡± said Ari¡¯El, putting it back over her head. There was silence as both stared at separate scrolls. He then asked, without looking up. ¡°Are there any since you came to live here?¡± A sigh from her. ¡°Just one.¡± ¡°The large black one in the center¡­am I correct?¡± ¡°You are.¡± Silence once again stretched between them. The scratching of quill on paper continued as they went about their work. Kyros finally spoke again. ¡°Will you tell me about yourself? Who you are? What do you enjoy? What are your aspirations?¡± She was silent and it seemed she wouldn¡¯t answer until she asked, ¡°Will you do the same?¡± ¡°Of course! Anything to drown out this tedious silence! I am used to silence in a good deal of my work and if I can avoid it this time, I would.¡± ¡°Very well¡­you may start with a question for me then I shall ask you one.¡± He smiled. ¡°Very well¡­how old are you?¡± ¡°That isn¡¯t a polite question to ask.¡± ¡°Then¡­how old were you when you came here.¡± ¡°Four and ten. ¡°Ah¡­you must be six and twenty now. The war ended twelve years ago.¡± Ari¡¯El looked up, frowning. ¡°That¡¯s cheating!¡± ¡°Perhaps. Ladies make such a fuss about age. It is simply an age. It denotes nothing, not even life experience for that may vary by birth and circumstance.¡± ¡°True. How old are you then?¡± ¡°And easy question. I am eight and fifty.¡± ¡°Eight and fifty? You do not appear so.¡± ¡°Thank you. Now, let me think¡­what is your occupation if you could choose.¡± She looked ready to respond. Stopped, thought about it, then shrugged. ¡°I am not quite sure.¡± ¡°Yes, you are. The answer was there on your face.¡± ¡°It is not applicable anymore.¡± ¡°So? I didn¡¯t say these had to be realistic answers.¡± ¡°Very well. A lady.¡± He laughed. ¡°But you are a lady.¡± ¡°I mean a lady. One who is rich and her work consists of raising children, managing household affairs, and attending to political matters of state concerning the house.¡± ¡°Ah! An excellent choice! And one I presume you were being groomed for before¡­¡± ¡°Are you a Great Son?¡± He started at her interruption but did not take it poorly. ¡°Why, yes. I am. Do¡­you know what that means?¡± ¡°Yes. You live longer lives than many others due to blood and have healthier bodies and minds¡­or so you claim.¡± ¡°That is also true, a claim by the purists at any rate. I have seen plenty of sickly Great Sons to know that too much inbreeding weakens bloodlines.¡± ¡°So, you are still relatively young in years.¡± ¡°I suppose so. But we are still susceptible to death by weapon or disease like anyone else. Besides, many consider seventy to be middle-aged. So, I shall be there before I know it.¡± ¡°What is that like?¡± ¡°To be a Great Son? I don¡¯t know. What is it like to be a woman? It is as natural to yourself as being a Great Son is to me. But that is a second question, now I get two questions.¡± ¡°Very well. You may ask.¡± ¡°How is your research going? Have you found anything of interest yet?¡± Ari¡¯El shook her head. ¡°I have a few transactions that seem to go nowhere. I have yet to find any specific recurring names yet that might be of interest. Here, this is what I have written so far.¡± Kyros studied the parchment. ¡°Very good. Keep at it.¡± ¡°I shall, my lord.¡± Silence stretched as he studied the parchment further and she stared at his features, his handsome face seeming barely five and thirty yet being well into his fifties. As the silence continued, she began to shift in her seat, clearly wanting to ask a question. ¡°My lord¡­¡± ¡°Kyros.¡± ¡°Yes, my lord Kyros. Is your family quite wealthy?¡± He glanced up at her. ¡°Taking another question when you still owe me one? Very well. The Wisdomseekers are quite an old and wealthy family, yes. We have modest wealth compared to others but, on the whole, I have a great deal of land and tenants to care for so I still hold an important enough position in the United Houses. I sit on the council.¡± ¡°Really? I should like to hear more.¡± He handed her back her parchment. ¡°And you will. Your handwriting is very fine by the way. You still owe me a question.¡± ¡°Ask, lord Kyros.¡± ¡°Do you think you will ever add more beads to your necklace?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­each is to represent something important in my life.¡± ¡°It has been twelve years and still you can think of nothing important enough to warrant a bead? That seems very sad.¡± ¡°Yes¡­well, I will think about it.¡± ¡°Do,¡± he said, smiling. ¡°I should like to see the beads keep growing. They are one of the few I have seen used for a good purpose.¡± He glanced back down at his scroll as she blushed and looked back to hers. He cleared his throat. ¡°Now¡­who¡¯s turn is it for a question?¡± * In the darkness, the Demon found what he was looking for. A lone rider, making their way from the town and toward the secret encampment within the gorge. He had spotted the camp of rebels the night before but had left them alone. There were enough to cause a commotion if he should attack. But a single rider would be no trouble. The Demon slipped quietly through the darkness, to the top of a ravine. The rider made his way down a steep embankment of loose dirt, almost causing his horse to stumble and fall. The figure in the tattered clothes readied himself, standing tall and pulling his arm back. His hand shot out as the horse and rider galloped past his position. A snapping of energy, a bright illumination of red light, and his orb extended into a long whip that lashed down and circled the man, pinning his arms to his side. The Demon pulled up and his whip retracted, yanking the man from his saddle. He was lifted into the air until he lay sprawled at his capturer''s feet. The Demon leaned low and hissed, ¡°Speak softly or end your life now.¡± The man whimpered but fell silent as the energy pulsed and burned him, causing him to groan. The Demon continued, ¡°Listen carefully, there is an Athelward Sanctum within. Do you work for them?¡± ¡°No. Augh!¡± the man replied, crying out in pain. ¡°This theft of livestock, it isn¡¯t for them? They aren¡¯t working with your people?¡± ¡°We have no Athelward,¡± said the man, ¡°I don¡¯t even know what one is. You aren¡¯t- augh!¡± He cried out again as the energy sank into his flesh a fraction more. ¡°Lies earn you death. I know you work with Athelward. I seek one in particular. Tell me of the Keeper. Have you heard of such a one?¡± The man no longer cooperated as a set of pounding hooves could be heard in the dark. ¡°Help! Somebody hel-¡± The man¡¯s cries were cut off as the rope around him sank all the way through and sliced his body in half. The two charred ends of him fell away and the Demon kicked his body into the gorge below and jumped down, softening the landing with a pulse of energy that lowered him gently to the earth. He stood there, unmoving, as he listened. A band of horsemen rode on from above, the rebels from their camp, the entire dozen. They could not see him in the dark as he melded with the shadows. When they were gone, he kicked at the corpse. The raptors would dispose of his body. No matter. He would find what he was looking for.