《Tales of the Beast》


 OLD BLOOD

    Early morning sunlight pierced the porous canopy of the Gah''Van. Sunny yellow rays brightened the vast greens and browns dominating the surroundings. Vinewoods towered high all around and lived up to their name. Their trunks were a marriage of wood, weaving and wrapping around each other to form one grand vinewood. With evergreen leaves populating many branches.


    Captain Felder caressed the pommel of the sword hanging on his waist. He tested the lush and moist earth of the narrow path before stomping along. His mask was low, and he inhaled the cool freshness while his eyes darted around the lush foliage. A brisk breeze fluttered his hood to the tune of the shuffling leaves. It didn¡¯t break his stride, nor deter his watchful eyes.


    Felder shifted his gloved fingers down to his quiver. He caressed the pale feathers of each arrow as the mud squelched beneath his boots. The hunting bow on his back was stringed and ready for use at a moment¡¯s notice. Nothing special, not made of vinewood like the bows other captains favoured. It worked, that was enough.


    The breeze became consistent, a whisper to his covered ears. It failed to distract him from cracking twigs and shuffling shrubbery, however. He didn¡¯t have the heightened senses of Tamers, but Master Harold claimed he had the best senses for someone who wasn¡¯t. A perfect fit for the scouts. The Essence within him might not have been great enough to make him a Tamer, but it served him well. Soon the duty of his own squad arrived, and here he was, at the head of a patrol.


    Felder caught himself before his right boot slipped, he snatched at a low hanging vinewood branch, and kicked at the soft earth below. The path inclined ahead, and with the current slickness it would only slow them.


    ¡°Watch your footing here,¡± Captain Felder muttered back at his following squad. Sara cursed soon after, catching herself from planting her face into the dirt. The others behind her stifled their snorting. He lingered beside his stabling branch and waited for the gap to close, eyeing their surroundings.


    Sara¡¯s doe eyes were the first to meet his, beneath her camouflaging hood and cloak. Her silk mask raised, hazel-green eyes sparkling, giving away the hidden smile. Felder nodded then climbed. He bent his knees and dug each step into the soil. His calves and thighs seared in the name of low balance. Unlike the rest of his squad, who slipped, stumbled and snatched at whatever they could. Their curses drowned in the breeze.


    The Gah''Van turned yellow gold, and the moisture dried as the heat took over. His boots ceased their squelching when the soil hardened. Felder¡¯s legs relished the end. Late morning took hold, and perspiration threatened to glue his brigandine to the cloth beneath it. A dead vinewood beckoned his gaze with a flash of colour in its centre.


    There was more brown soil than grassy greens, with patches of darkness at the base of the wide trunk. Its thick roots became makeshift benches for them all. Captain Felder¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the trio of colours on the face of the dead trunk. His squad muttered amongst themselves behind him, mentioning their relief at the prospect of rest, and the strangeness of this camp.


    The trunk was hollow, but empty, scorched somehow. Felder knelt before it to admire the colours, red, black and green. He thought of them as leaves at first, devoid of any moisture, but they became feathers upon closer inspection. Dyed, for they were bright, even the black. No bird he knew matched such vibrant colours. He slipped off his glove and reached for them with trembling fingers, the unnatural feathers demanded his touch. Yet they withered to dust the moment his skin kissed them. Within a blink they vanished, leaving nothing more than specks in the soil.


    ¡°What were they?¡±


    Felder jumped at Sara¡¯s muttered inquiry. She snickered at him. Her adorably round eyes focused on him and washed away his mourning. He cleared his throat and surged up from his haunches. Broad Cordelia had an arrow ready amongst the tall shrubbery. It took him a moment to catch Jon across from her, who knelt in the green. Everyone else sat on the dead wood, nibbling on dried fruit or sticks of hardened meat.


    Captain Felder shook himself and dug into his pouch for the salted meat. Sara¡¯s eyes lingered on him, but his mind returned to the dyed feathers. Odd, they seemed familiar somehow, though he didn¡¯t know how. They were common colours, yet there was something about the order they rested. He grumbled and stuffed his mouth with the bland meat.


    ¡°Prepare to move out,¡± He grunted after a sip from the leather flask he whipped off his hip.


    ¡°Captain, this is pointless,¡± David moaned, forcing his mask down to scratch the growing darkness on his jaw. ¡°It¡¯s been a week, we have seen nothing, I¡¯ve spoken to the other squads, and it¡¯s the same for them.¡±


    He flicked off his hood to reveal glossy streaks of darkness cascading down towards his neck. The man was handsome, chiselled and green eyed. A brute with his half-moon axe, but awful with a bow.


    Felder eyed the others who gathered as if David¡¯s complaints were a call. Cordelia and Jon arrived as well, for once Sara¡¯s eyes shunned him. Cordelia seemed to share in her subtle guilt, avoiding his attention when it fell upon her. The others however, appeared eager to argue against whatever he might say. He eyed each of them one final time and broke the greying Leale. Though he suspected that had more to do with the old man¡¯s loyalty to duty, rather than any belief in David¡¯s words.


    ¡°Duty demands it.¡±


    That was far from what they wanted to hear; even wavering Leale strengthened his resolve.


    ¡°What would you have me do? Master Helena asks us to scout, and so we do our duty!¡±


    ¡°If Tamers couldn¡¯t find anything, what makes them think we will?¡±


    ¡°Tamers aren¡¯t the Great Beast,¡± Sara snarled at David, standing closer to Felder now, still avoiding his eyes. ¡°Their arrogance hampers their heightened senses.¡±


    Felder smirked at her; Sara wasn¡¯t amongst the common awe filled admirers of Tamers. Her reasons were still a mystery to him, but those weren¡¯t the sort of opinions one shared openly.


    ¡°We will do our duty, and tonight I will delve deeper into the meaning of this. I guarantee nothing, however, that is all I can promise.¡±


    Captain Felder adjusted his hood, took a last sip of his chilling water and raised his mask. He didn¡¯t allow their disobedience time to react, and took heart in watching Leale join Sara and Cordelia as the first to follow his lead. Jon and Ryla dragged their boots, while David sighed, and that was that for now.


    The gravel road turned into cobblestones when the towering vinewood gate of Jagu¡¯Ghaatee appeared. Lamps glowed on the approach, yet it was the eyes of a heavily armed stranger leaning against the last lamppost which burned the brightest.


    A knight, a haughty one as well. His resplendence was an easy clue. Felder had seen that expression on Jaguars for many years, especially on Tamers. His plate glimmered yellow-gold, and the Farkry standard, a hand of vines snatching a golden crown painted beautifully upon his tabard, appeared spotless.


    Felder tried his best to avoid the knight¡¯s searing blue eyes, but the man refused to shift his gaze. Not even to glance at the others. Eyes ablaze with judgment, for the other in his midst.


    ¡°Fuck¡¯s his problem?¡± Sara hissed.


    ¡°Quiet, that one¡¯s a Tamer,¡± Cordelia whispered in reply.


    Felder picked up his pace once they crossed the knight, and his squad did the same. He held his breath and hoped the Tamer remained where they left him. Once the gatehouse and courtyard were in the shadows behind them, Felder exhaled.


    The palace was a jewel in the distance, standing out in the centre of the city. He spent much of his early years squashed amongst the gathered crowds, listening to King Eleric¡¯s weekly announcements. Those ended after a time, as did his enthusiasm for them, and the King hardly showed his face.


    ¡°Will you be joining us at the Outer Barrel?¡± Sara beamed at him, clutching his arm, dragging his attention away.


    Cordelia lingered beside Leale, while David stomped away without a word. Jon and Ayla waited at a distance.


    ¡°Perhaps, I have a promise to keep first.¡±


    Captain Felder entered the barracks with his hood down. It was a drab stony building, with none of the beauty that decorated others in the city. The wood was plain and dark to match the gloomy, square stonework.


    He weaved through and around the armoury, avoiding the odd loitering soldier, who kept to themselves anyway. Felder strode through a dim passageway then slowed at the raised voices seeping through the door at the end.


    ¡°Fuck you Lena, fuck you! I¡¯ve lost three of my best and the best you can give me is fucking duty? Tell old Farkry he can go fuck himself.¡±


    The other¡¯s voice was too faint for him to overhear, but he recognised the ire that stilled his approach. Captain Eames was a veteran amongst the scouts, and another who shared in the gate Tamer¡¯s condescension towards him.


    ¡°If I¡¯m so traitorous, draw your axe right now and bring me to justice!¡±


    Silence.


    ¡°I thought so,¡± Eames stomped from the room and pulled the door from its hinges, before slamming it back with his rage.


    ¡°Captain Eames, I ¡­¡±


    ¡°Fuck off.¡±


    Felder nodded sheepishly, eyeing the grizzled captain¡¯s departure down the passageway. His armour was rich but aged, matching the odorous hooded cloak.


    He clutched the pommel of his sword while his eyes jumped between the slammed door and the other end of the long passageway.


    ¡°Come in Captain Felder, it wasn¡¯t my anger you overheard.¡±


    Felder obeyed and scurried into the cramped office. It was dim and stuffy, awash in a floral perfume which almost choked him. Master Helena sat behind her parchment swarmed desk, massaging the bridge of her broken nose. Her cloth appeared more unkempt than usual, the tufts of fur were stale.


    ¡°Is it more of Eames¡¯ issues or something else?¡±


    ¡°Ah no, well actually I¡¯m not sure, what was Captain Eames¡¯ issue?¡±


    ¡°Can we not play this game?¡±


    Felder shut his mouth before the question spilled out.


    ¡°Forgive me, Captain Eames was not the first to roar upon return.¡± Helena shot up from her desk and sauntered towards a side table.


    ¡°Wine, or perhaps some brandy?¡±


    ¡°No thank you, my squad is expecting me at the Outer Barrel.¡±


    ¡°Mmm,¡± she murmured after draining a glass of the brown liquid.


    Her enormous double-headed axe leant against the wall beside the table. It was pristine as if it had never seen battle, and far too large for a woman of Helena¡¯s size to wield. A vinewood handle, with a worn leather grip the only clue towards its age. The dim light cast an ominous shadow upon the axe head, worsened by the strange etches littering its surface. A common sight amongst all weapons wielded by Tamers, though he wasn¡¯t sure why. Tamer business remained theirs.


    ¡°Why are you here, Felder?¡±


    ¡°I have to give them something, anything, or I will lose them too.¡±


    ¡°You know I cannot allow it.¡±


    ¡°Whatever you tell me, it won¡¯t spread, I¡¯ll ensure it, my squad will not talk.¡±


    ¡°The moment it leaves my lips the king will know; I was the only one he told. Eleric will have my head, that man is a¡­¡±


    Her face was gaunt in the dim light, cheeks hollowed further, eyes buried deeper. Helena was pale, and though she avoided him, he saw the fear on her face.


    ¡°What else can I do; desertion seems a step away for most of them?¡±


    ¡°I would have you do your duty!¡± Helena snapped, and immediately sighed. ¡°Please, I need you to continue, a few more days. Eleric might be softer during my next report, perhaps I might¡­ he may end it.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t often that Master Helena lied, Felder wasn¡¯t sure she believed her own words, but he doubted the king would. Her pale eyes widened; as if she realised what she said. Open fallibility, he forgot she was a Tamer, until the hardness returned.


    Defeat.


    Captain Felder cursed himself long after he departed the barracks, striding along the lamplit streets towards the Outer Barrel. One turn away he hesitated however, lingering under a quiet street lamp. The warmth above was little more than a caress, anything was better than the night chill.


    His mind shot back to those strange colours he saw. Those dyed feathers, that was something to tell Helena, yet here he stood. Felder massaged the bridge of his nose. If it wasn¡¯t for Sara, he would have thought them a hallucination.


    He glanced down the road at the vibrancy spilling from the open doors of the Outer Barrel. The joy from within reached him, but it was joy without the pull, a joy he didn¡¯t wish to share in.


    Felder turned away and suffered his regret all the way back to his home. His mind drowning in an ocean of worries, the journey into the quiet northeast of the city was a mere blink. Street lights flickering with fire, cast menacing shadows on the street.


    He jumped when he caught a cloaked burly figure exiting his home. His hand lowered to the pommel of his sword, but there was a glint of steel from the man mountain, a sheathed axe blade.


    ¡°John?¡±


    The man jumped, and his dark hood fell to reveal the colour draining from his pale face.


    ¡°I thought you would be at the Outer Barrel with the others?¡± His eyes were shifty, beautifully green though.


    ¡°My mood soured.¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± Johnaffrin hesitated, even when at a loss for words, it still sounded like music to Felder¡¯s ears. The man¡¯s voice was something special without effort, nor did it match his muscular body.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t keep you. Night duties?¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± John scratched his growing stubble. ¡°It will be a blink, I promise.¡±


    ¡°Because I will be asleep, thankfully,¡± Felder did his best to hide his disappointment. John¡¯s lips were a decent consolation. He watched his husband disappear into the night, axe resting on his shoulder. Regret soiled him as he entered his dark home.


    ***


    A gust of wind whistled through the arrows in his quiver. Felder whipped out a stick of dried meat from his satchel, and nibbled while his vision drowned in the dense forest ahead. His onyx eyes scanned the monotony of vinewoods while his teeth ground the salted meat. The six behind him chuckled and murmured with each other, yet he felt a pair of eyes bore into his back.


    It was a surprise in truth, to see all of them waiting for him at the gates. Sara fed him her doe eyed expression as usual; no one spoke of his absence the night before.


    The journey to Gah¡¯Van was as it always had been, eventless and quiet. There was another captain who strode with her squad not too far from them, a captain he didn¡¯t recognise. One glance at Felder and she put a greater distance between their two squads.


    Trudging along the narrow, grassy paths through the forest resumed. Dew moistened their grassy path, nothing out of the ordinary.


    His eyes turned leftward, and he yawned after his latest morsel. He almost choked when he saw a flash of colour. The same three colours, a blink and it was gone.


    Felder jumped at a flash of movement beyond it. The movement came again, not a trick for his eyes. He almost cursed himself for seeing it, fearing what may come of it.


    ¡°Hey!¡± He hissed the others to silence with a wave. Thankfully, they were quick to obey. Felder signalled them towards the movement. He nocked an arrow and crouched ahead, ready to draw at a moment¡¯s notice. The others followed; their raised masks reminded him to do the same. A wall of scouts, with the captain at the centre.


    They came upon a clearing, sliding to a halt on the damp grass before the sheer drop. He raised a fist and begged the Great Beast to keep them hidden from the gruff voices. Felder¡¯s squad lowered at his silent command, while he watched the blazing campfire.


    ¡°Now that was a hunt!¡±


    ¡°This is nothing to be proud of, they¡¯re only cubs. We shouldn¡¯t have lost so many.¡±


    ¡°Soldiers die, more spoils for us.¡±


    Hunters.


    The urge to let his arrow fly filled him, but he clenched his fist for control. Their campfire blazed tall, cracking and spitting embers all around. He dropped to a crawl and dared a closer look from the edge.


    Beneath the makeshift tent, a patch of dusty soil darkened towards maroon red. Blood gushed from a skinned limb of a Jagu¡¯ara. Globs of dry, blackened blood ruined pelts of snowy orange fur. They were indeed cubs, and a Hunter wore one pelt already. The roasting meat amidst their blazing campfire seared the walls of his mind.


    Felder forced his mask down, inhaling mouthfuls of fresh air for calm. Sara shuffled closer; her own trembling fist gave away the anger her sun kissed face did well to hide.


    ¡°Orders captain?¡±


    He glanced at the campsite again, lifting his mask.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Silvertongue?¡± The Hunter closest to the fire asked.


    ¡°Soaking in the spring perhaps, he¡¯s lucky he didn¡¯t suffer worse.¡±


    ¡°Captain?¡± Sara urged.


    ¡°Make every shot count at my signal,¡± Felder whispered in reply, repeating it to the others. Everyone stretched their bowstrings, now on their knees. Boastful laughter echoed around the camp, but Felder hesitated.


    ¡°Shout a little louder, maybe a fully grown Jagu¡¯ara will come and finish the rest of us!¡± Another Hunter growled at the rest of them. ¡°We aren¡¯t so deep in the Gah¡¯Van to behave so rashly.¡±


    ¡°Calm down Wood.¡±


    Felder whistled and fired moments after the others did. The one with the pelt avoided their initial volley, but his second arrow found a home through the back of his skull. Whistling feathers filled his ears until the wailing of the wounded Hunters satisfied his rage. Most of his scouts emptied their quivers as more Hunters sprouted from their tents. Flashing their weapons in a panic before they clanged to the dusty ground. Many of the corpses won over three shafts.


    Felder eyed his squad, only a pair had arrows in their quivers.


    ¡°Cordelia, Sara, stay up here and watch over us.¡±


    ¡°Aye captain,¡± they muttered in unison.


    He drew his blade and the remaining four followed him down towards the campsite, abandoning their bows. Axes, swords and maces ready, eyes watchful.


    The camp grew as they slid down from their cliff-side vantage. Felder glanced up at the minuscule figures of Cordelia and Sara, their bows ready to fire. The others delivered killing blows to the Hunters refusing to relinquish their fading life. A few of them gurgled blood, and a hush fell over the camp. Save for their crackling campfire, and the now burning haunch of meat.


    Vinewood stumps gave away the camp¡¯s logging origins, now long in its past. Felled logs lay rotten, swarmed with moss and dented by years of use. Stained by the blood of their former users. Tents stank from years of rain. There was nothing of worth, at least after an initial search, save for a few gems and bloodied knives with those Tamer markings. They tore everything down and covered the mutilated cubs with their stolen fur.


    ¡°What do we do with them?¡± David asked, unable to glance at the horror.


    ¡°Do we bury them?¡± Leale offered, sniffing.


    ¡°Gather the knives first, they were most likely stolen from Tamers,¡± Felder sheathed his sword. ¡°Ryla, Jon, stand guard. We burn the Hunters.¡±


    Seeing dead beasts was a first for Felder, only Tamers dealt with such. His heart wept all the same. The biggest was the size of an overgrown dog. Most had stumps instead of paws, others were missing their golden eyes.


    They recovered their unbroken shafts, with added roughness for the corpses, before tossing the dead Hunters into their fiery damnation. It was the least they deserved, but there was nothing more to be done. The flames burned the tents and other unworthy possessions.


    ¡°Captain!¡± Sara shrieked from above.


    They all spun around, drawing their steel again to face the gargantuan mass of shadows padding towards them. Blood-red eyes glowed amongst their light stealing onyx fur. Patched with faded sunset orange at random. All three of the dark Jagu¡¯ara towered over them.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Sheathe your weapons,¡± Felder¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°They mean no harm.¡±


    His knees threatened to buckle, his heart wailed with fear. Their bloody gaze focused on him, and his companions stepped aside for him to approach. He gulped, but his legs dragged him forward. Jagu¡¯ara with golden eyes and orange-gold fur to match arrived, equally large, just as wild as its dark brethren. Untamed beasts; their fur was wild and their eyes blazed with passive anger.


    They all lined before his scouts and lowered their bushy heads. His scouts did the same, after glancing at each other. Felder kept his eyes up on the dark beast towering directly before him. He wished to hear it speak; he yearned for it. Instead, they howled, lamenting their slaughtered cubs to the morning sky. The whole of the Gah¡¯Van awoke to match their lamenting. Jagu¡¯ara far beyond his vision joined the beastly orchestra. He dried his damp cheek with bloody gloves.


    The walk back was a mournful one. Captain Felder, his scouting party close behind, marched towards the towering vinewood gates of Jagu¡¯Ghaatee. A sombre cloud hung over them all, and the sky above rumbled to match. All of them kept their hoods up, and their heads low. Having returned from the Gah¡¯Van without uttering a word to each other. Ryla and Jon shared the load of stolen knives, there were ten of them within, but they both huffed as if boulders filled the sack. His own heart ached, haunted by the lament of the Jagu¡¯ara.


    Snaking vinewood decorated Jagu¡¯Ghaatee¡¯s walls, or reinforced, depending on the beholder, worming itself through and around the imperious stone.


    Felder lowered his mask as they neared a few guards. Weighed down by bulky plate armour, with a Tamer yawning beside their Tamed Jagu¡¯ara. Watchful of the comings and goings around the gate with lazy eyes.


    ¡°Ah captain, yours is the last of the scouts to return, what news?¡± One of them asked.


    Felder motioned for Ryla to display the weapons. Suddenly one Tamer fixed his eyes on him. He slipped off his full helm and Felder caught the full strength of the man¡¯s hazel-eyed curiosity. The Tamer was comely, though which Tamer wasn¡¯t, but the captain refused to back down. His Tamed Jagu¡¯ara rose to its feet in a flash, standing a head taller than its hazel-eyed Tamer, its golden attention boring into him as well.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± The gate guard inquired, fingering the knives.


    ¡°We came upon a cache in the forest, a Hunter¡¯s cache.¡± Felder replied without looking away from the Tamer.


    ¡°You left no survivors?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ I mean no,¡± he turned towards the questioning guard. ¡°There was another, someone called Silvertongue, I think.¡±


    ¡°And you didn¡¯t think to search for this Silvertongue?¡±


    ¡°We found skinned cubs,¡± Sara stepped forward, sensing Felder¡¯s rising irritation. ¡°And we ¡­¡±


    ¡°Leave them Tic,¡± the watchful Tamer spoke, placing a hand on the shoulder of the delving soldier. ¡°I¡¯m sure they dealt with the problem sufficiently.¡±


    ¡°As you say, Sir.¡±


    Another Knight, as patronising as the blue-eyed one from the evening before.


    ¡°So, you are the famous Captain Felder then?¡±


    ¡°I am, and you are?¡±


    ¡°Lance.¡±


    Felder expected a second name, but the Tamer didn¡¯t continue. Both Tamer and Tamed inspected him, but only the hazel eyes brought discomfort. The rest of his scouting party muttered their farewells and shuffled their gloom into the city, though Sara lingered at his side, as she often did.


    ¡°Felder¡¯s a strange name for a southerner.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m no southron, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Mockery danced on Lance¡¯s face. ¡°A Panther then?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a Jaguar, through and through!¡± Sara snapped. Felder squeezed her hand.


    ¡°Your umber skin tells me otherwise.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps you should heed your nose.¡±


    Felder enjoyed Lance¡¯s glowering, yet was ready to repel an attack he knew he wouldn¡¯t see coming. The Knight¡¯s Tamed growled aloud, and a flash of annoyance passed through the Tamer. Lance forced a grin and stepped away, dismissing him with a nod.


    ¡°Bastard,¡± Sara muttered.


    ¡°He would¡¯ve heard that.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Felder melted at her mischievous grin. They lingered outside the gates as the last of the stragglers rushed into the safety of the city.


    ¡°We¡¯re all going to the Outer Barrel again, will you be joining us?¡± Sara bit her lip.


    ¡°Uh, no sorry, I want to be with my husband. Apologies for my absence, again,¡± he avoided her doe-eyed disappointment. Sara nodded and rushed away, leaving him to drift in the crowded ocean bustling into the city.


    Jagu¡¯Ghaatee¡¯s infusion of stone and vinewood was a wondrous marriage that brought both strength and beauty to the architecture. The streets were abuzz with activity, even as the market stalls closed. Children scurried between the people, chasing each other in fits of giggles, screaming with joy. Lampposts sparked with fire to keep the approaching night at bay, and a few eyes that were not too far away from Lance¡¯s disdain, lingered on him when he passed.


    Night took hold by the time he reached his home. A shadow shifted within the candlelit interior, and for the first time in some hours, a sincere smile stretched his wearied lips.


    ¡°You¡¯re late,¡± John greeted him when he pushed open the wooden door. He limped towards him for a kiss. Felder enjoyed the prickle of his growing stubble, but his husband stepped back with a frown. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°A heavy day,¡± Felder hung his sheathed blade next to his bow and empty quiver beside an overgrown axe on the wall. ¡°You¡¯re limping John.¡±


    ¡°Aye, tree felling is dangerous work, have you forgotten?¡±


    Felder snorted at him. Along with Johnaffrin¡¯s brawn, he enjoyed the man¡¯s attempts at humour. It never failed to lift his mood.


    ¡°You¡¯re also a clumsy ox of a man.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Johnaffrin chuckled. ¡°Speaking of tree felling, I¡¯m soon off.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that.¡± Johnaffrin limped towards the axe. The fabric around his ankle was damp.


    ¡°You¡¯re sure you are all right?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve had worse, my love, you¡¯ve seen yourself.¡± Johnaffrin paused for a moment. The man¡¯s eyes were wistful.


    ¡°I¡¯ve considered your proposal, by the way.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Food muffled Felder¡¯s words.


    ¡°I agree, but I want one of my own as well.¡±


    ¡°I expected nothing less. Shall we find two different women, or one? If so, who sires a child first?¡±


    ¡°Now, now, there¡¯s no rush,¡± Johnaffrin chuckled as he limped towards the door, axe resting on his capable shoulder. ¡°I know Sara would jump for the opportunity.¡±


    ¡°Sara¡¯s a child, please no,¡± Felder chuckled. ¡°Though Cordelia might be acceptable. Shall I ask her then, had I known you were working tonight, I would have joined them all for a drink?¡±


    ¡°You know jealousy doesn¡¯t work on me, and it definitely won¡¯t keep me from my duty.¡±


    ¡°It worked once.¡±


    Johnaffrin grunted before pulling open the door with his log of an arm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wait for me.¡±


    Felder threw off his cloak, brigandine and began with the venison. It was bland, but well cooked. Then he carried a lantern into the darkness of his room and kicked off his dusty boots. A groan escaped his lips as he sunk into his soft bed. Sleep didn¡¯t care to wait, yet before it took him the howling Jagu¡¯ara haunted his mind.


    Felder gasped awake; with the lantern he brought flickering dimly. Sleep was a mere blink. The night was quiet, no whistling wind, no cracking branches. An unwavering darkness lingered unnaturally to his eyes. Felder rushed to his feet and whipped the lantern towards the darkness, which almost snuffed the little light he had. He dared a step towards it, but the darkness refused to recede. His blade was within it, but his courage withered.


    A bang shuddered his wooden door, and he nearly dropped the lantern. Another came, then another, softening with every blow until he realised it was someone knocking. His relief trembled out from his lips.


    ¡°Captain Felder,¡± a woman called after the barrage. A voice that didn¡¯t match the monstrous power hammering his door. His lantern revealed a dominating figure in the night when he opened, with onyx plate armour. Glorious black steel, with bronze vines wrapping around each piece. Her helm hung from her waist, horned by the same bronze vinewood.


    Felder raised his lantern to her face, catching her short raven hair and icy blue eyes, then rushed down to his knee.


    ¡°Princess.¡±


    ¡°Please rise, there¡¯s no need for such formality,¡± she was caring, aided by her wide smile. ¡°Forgive my boisterous knocking, I have a bad habit of forgetting my strength.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, of course,¡± Felder squeaked.


    ¡°May I enter?¡±


    ¡°Please Princess, forgive me, please do come in,¡± Felder rose, but kept his eyes low, rushing away from the door. Her armour clinked gently with every stride she made. He jumped when a gust of moist warmth tickled the back of his neck. Felder spun around with his lantern raised. He would have yelped had he not seen the dark Jagu¡¯ara in the Gah¡¯Van earlier. It stood half a head taller than himself. With red orbs for eyes, blazing brighter than the yellow light in the lantern. Its ruby eyes blinked then vanished, taking the rest of its light absorbing fur with it. The darkness receded a little.


    ¡°Forgive my Tamed,¡± the Princess giggled. ¡°She enjoys frightening people.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not the first dark Jagu¡¯ara you¡¯ve laid your eyes on I take it?¡±


    Felder shook his head, watching her drag one of his chairs. She was a head shorter than him, but her presence towered taller than her Tamed even when she sat down.


    ¡°My name is Teresa, I¡¯m here about your squad¡¯s foray into the Gah¡¯Van,¡± she began with renewed formality. The Farkry symbol, her family¡¯s symbol, stood out from the centre of her breastplate. Right below the carved Jagu¡¯ara. He studied her pointed nose, the gash on her chin, her faintly tanned and taut skin. ¡°Well, actually I come with news relevant to your foray. Johnaffrin is your husband, yes?¡±


    Felder nodded. Concern sprouting in his chest.


    ¡°He has gone missing, raiders targeted his logging camp, with little sign of struggle.¡±


    She tilted her head at him, expecting a reaction. Felder froze.


    ¡°My father, the king, would like a word.¡±


    ¡°What does this have to do with my scouting? Is he dead? How can there be no sign of a struggle?¡±


    The questions rushed out of him.


    ¡°We are hoping you can connect things for us.¡±


    Felder didn¡¯t freeze this time. He rushed to don his armour again, forcing his dirty boots back on, and splashing his face with lukewarm water from the nearby brass basin. Teresa waited for him at the door.


    ***


    The throne room within the palace suffocated him with its warmth. Many vinewood torches blazed on every second stone column. Filling his nose with the scent of wood shavings, and a rich aroma of flowers that Johnaffrin wore during special occasions. Every torch-less column hosted a Farkry banner, bearing the same vinewood hand clutching a crown.


    Thick carpets softened the footfalls of his and the Princess¡¯ boots. The throne stretched away even as they strode towards it. A slow approach, compared to the frantic ride on the back of her Tamed for the palace. Wind buffeted him as he clung to her, bouncing on the dark Jagu¡¯ara¡¯s rump. The nightly chill sliced into him, which only made him more appreciative of this stifling warmth. An additional scent crept into his nose, of early morning drizzle within the many vinewood forests he patrolled in years passed.


    Princess Teresa bowed before the vinewood throne and Felder jumped to mimic her. An imposing, greying man sat upon it, cloaked in rich and furred fabric. A jewel encrusted vinewood crown wrapped his glorious head of hair. At his feet lounged a pale orange furred and golden eyed Jagu¡¯ara. Glancing at Felder lazily before returning to its slumber.


    ¡°Your grace, I present to you Captain Felder.¡± Teresa rose while she spoke, and Felder followed her lead again.


    To see greyness on King Eleric Farkry was quite the surprise. Greyness on a Tamer was rare, rarest on their Tamed.


    ¡°What do you know of this Johnaffrin?¡± Eleric snapped.


    ¡°Father,¡± Teresa moaned.


    The king grumbled and snarled at the princess.


    ¡°Has Johnaffrin ever given you reason to doubt his loyalties to the clan?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Felder shouted, sensing the direction this was going. ¡°Your grace, he wouldn¡¯t be involved in treachery.¡±


    ¡°Captain, he was the only logger missing from the corpses.¡± The king¡¯s glare fell upon him again, but Felder recognised this one all too well. It was the same one that Lance gave him on his return to the city. One that he suffered all his life. Still, his head dipped.


    ¡°Teresa never,¡±


    ¡°You dare speak the princess¡¯ name?¡± Felder stumbled back against the king¡¯s booming anger.


    ¡°Father!¡± Teresa glared up at Eleric, and drained his own growing fear with a comforting hand on his shoulder.


    ¡°Felder, tell us the truth of your scouting mission?¡± Eleric continued, his voice calm, but anger rising still.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing to do with my husband!¡±


    ¡°Insolence! See what your kindness brings Teresa? See how his kind are? Seize him, like the rest of his squad. The cells will loosen his tongue.¡±


    Soldiers sprouted from the shadows beside the columns. All of them bore vinewood armour, some silver, some gold, a few dark, like Teresa¡¯s. All with bronze vinewood reaching around every plate. None needed to draw their blades.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Felder fell to his knees. ¡°I can prove our innocence. I¡¯ll take you to the Hunter camp we found. In the name of the Great Beast, we did nothing wrong!¡±


    The knights paused after a quick hand from their King. Teresa¡¯s glare lingered upon her father.


    ¡°Very well,¡± the king nodded. ¡°Ilana, Trystain and Baran, you will join my daughter and this captain to discover the truth.¡±


    ¡°What about my squad?¡± It was a risk to push, but he needed to know.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky I allow you to keep your head,¡± Eleric muttered, and the threat chilled his core. Felder bowed as Teresa dragged him away.


    ***


    The early morning sun rose before he expected, peeking through the narrow gaps of the tightly organised vinewoods of the Gah¡¯Van. There was little warmth in the rising sun, not with the everlasting chill of Eleric¡¯s threat in his heart. He found no comfort in this new squad either, all Tamers, with their Tamed Jagu¡¯ara pawing around them. Lady Teresa strode closest beside him, fully armoured and saving him when he stumbled in the darkness. She was the sole comfort here, the only dark Tamer as well.


    ¡°Captain, is our path still true?¡±


    Felder jumped when the dark eyed Trystain turned to face him. His golden helm with bronze vinewood horns covered much of his face, but the revulsion was clear. He took a moment to remind himself of the surroundings.


    ¡°Yes, the camp should be around this hill ahead.¡±


    They all grunted and turned away. The clearing was where he promised, yet his heart sank. It was empty. He forgot about their work to rid this place of the Hunter¡¯s presence. Felder¡¯s panicked hands inched towards his blade.


    ¡°This is the camp?¡± Baran asked, massaging his bowstring.


    ¡°It smells like the place,¡± Trystain muttered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it,¡± Teresa said. She glanced up the sheer cliff. ¡°Baran, climb up there, we need your eyes and range.¡±


    The Tamer didn¡¯t hesitate. He shouldered his bow and scaled the cliff with a stabbing fury. His bulky plate armour was no hindrance. Baran¡¯s Tamed was already waiting for him at the top. Ilana and Trystain searched the camp again. They tapped the soil, kicked at mounds, but found nothing. At least to his eyes. The knights turned towards Teresa, whatever they shared appeared to brighten the princess.


    ¡°Captain,¡± Teresa removed her helm and the sympathy on her face lifted him. ¡°I knew it, but first I should offer an apology on behalf of my¡­ on behalf of the king. He is,¡± Her head darted up towards the distance, seeing something beyond his capabilities.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Trystain picked up feathers, those same feathers, and their colours, red, black and green. Then they withered to dust.


    ¡°I know those colours,¡± Teresa began.


    All the Tamed Jagu¡¯ara growled. The princess forced her helm on again and drew her magnificent black steel bastard sword. He still saw nothing, yet the grumbling Tamed drummed his chest.


    ¡°Come no further!¡± Teresa shouted. ¡°State your business!¡±


    ¡°I come for Felder. Return the Old Blood to us!¡±


    ¡°What!¡± Felder¡¯s voice cracked. Teresa and Trystain shared a look that worried him.


    ¡°The Old Blood demand their own!¡±


    ¡°Are you Johnaffrin?¡± Teresa asked. Felder stopped breathing.


    ¡°Answer the princess!¡±


    ¡°I am Silvertongue!¡±


    Felder rushed forward but ran into Teresa¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Please, I must see him,¡± there was music in the air, at the mention of that name, a connection clicked in his mind.


    ¡°Kill them all!¡± Baran roared, clashing metal betrayed their ambush above.


    The roar of a war band swarmed around them. Screamers charged with their crude weapons flailing in the air. The pouncing Tamed Jagu¡¯ara tore them apart. Tearing limbs from bodies with swift jaws and knife length claws. Black and pale orange fur drenched in wine coloured blood.


    Felder drew his blade when his limbs found their strength. There was little need for him anyway, for the Hunters, or bandits, he didn¡¯t know anymore, came like livestock to butchers. The brutal skill of Tamers, let alone knights such as these, was a sight to behold. Swift strokes severed limbs faster than his eyes saw. Blood drenched the soil as their screams died. Bodies thumped down behind him, ruined by Baran above, who shared in the slaughter of the other knightly Tamers.


    One limped towards him, and he felt pity for a flash. He almost took her last swing in the shoulder, though his instinctive parry saved him. Before his jab ended her suffering.


    Another, heavier thud snapped him away from his kill, and he spun around to see Baran with his armour scratched. Atop another bandit who took the brunt of the fall. Ilana edged closer to Felder, and she shared her rage for him. Her anger was nothing compared to the gut-wrenching sight of Johnaffrin¡¯s arrival, wearing a grin that was so far from what he knew of his husband.


    ¡°See how they butcher us, Felder! See their lack of remorse, their love for slaughter! They did this to your people also! We are a means for their entertainment, to test their strength, to marvel at their own brutality!¡± There was a flash of magenta in his eyes. This wasn¡¯t his husband, it couldn¡¯t be Johnaffrin.


    ¡°Come Felder, The Old Blood wait for you, the true children of the Jagu¡¯ara, welcome you into their embrace. The Farkrys are false!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s going nowhere!¡± Trystain roared back.


    ¡°We will rise again! Th ¡­¡±


    Johnaffrin didn¡¯t finish. Trystain¡¯s spear filled his throat, and he gurgled blood instead. The bubbling came like haunting laughter. Felder dropped his blade and was on his knees, oblivious to the chaos after the battle. Teresa was yelling, but the others weren¡¯t backing down. They forced his arms behind his back. Teresa¡¯s blood-spattered face was the only one untouched by rage.


    ***


    Felder leant against the clean stone wall of his cell. He stared into the all-encompassing darkness with an empty heart. There was no window, only a solitary vinewood torch to keep his withering sanity. But there was only his own stink to smell. The others in this dungeon were long gone. Their ranting and raving hammered his ears for days without end. Now there was only silence, and he missed them.


    He clung to the fool¡¯s hope that they would believe him once. But more Hunters came in every day, screaming their joy of being in his presence. Dreams of Johnaffrin chanting his name on a corpse moundoftened Jagu¡¯ara haunted him. Nightmares of Johnaffrin¡¯s death were more frequent, and unchanging. Always the same spear and joyful gurgling.


    It was a


    , followed byIt was aHis squad was as good as dead, for no word reached him, not even Teresa, who visited him often in the dungeons, shared anything of them. Perhaps as a futile mercy, her kindness was strange. She learned he¡¯d nothing to say to her, but her silent company was enough. Clutching a vinewood torch, revealing her mournful eyes with every visit.


    Light flashed in the corner of his eye. Felder turned towards the vinewood cell bars and waited for her to appear. Her vinewood torch fed him her beauty and his lips twitched at her. She sat before him. Teresa adjusted her thickened dress robes and cleared her throat.


    ¡°Captain, have you eaten?¡±


    He nodded.


    ¡°Your squad is free Felder, we cleared them of all wrongdoing a few days ago.¡± Felder never gave her more than a nod or a shake, though now he managed a grunt. Which brought a warm smile to her face.


    ¡°A girl, Sara, has petitioned the throne every day since her release for you.¡±


    Felder nodded.


    They sat in silence for some time. Minutes, maybe an hour, there was no telling in his state.


    ¡°Do you know why my father stopped giving his announcements to the city?¡± She restarted.


    He shrugged.


    ¡°A few years ago, assassins broke into the palace and tried to end my father¡¯s life. They were successful differently. He became a recluse, obsessed with finding those who dared to attempt such a thing. He sent knights into the west to the Panther Clan, and south to the Leopard Clan.¡±


    Felder furrowed his brow at her, and she paused when noticing. Her insinuation was obvious.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know my parents, an aged couple took me in, but the women died soon after I began my training. I¡¯ve been nowhere else. How dare you¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not accusing you Felder, truly not. I am merely explaining my father¡¯s ¡­ well his irrationality. What do those colours mean to you?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, but I assume they¡¯re connected. But what does that have to do with the Hunters, and what ¡­ what they said.¡±


    Teresa¡¯s frown worried him from a moment, though the princess didn¡¯t continue.


    ¡°I believe you; you know. Neither you nor your husband gave away a deceitful scent. He gave no scent, which was damning enough for my fellow knights.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, that really helps,¡± Felder snarled.


    The princess resumed her silence, and he turned away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give up.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing left.¡±


    ¡°What about your squad?¡±


    ¡°Half of them were ready to abandon me! I ¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re of the Old Blood, your people,¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡± Felder surged to his feet, dreading the warmth running down his cheeks. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare, don¡¯t you ¡­ just get out!¡±


    Teresa¡¯s pity worsened his souring mood, yet she obeyed.


    A gentle click startled him, towards the front of his cell. His head pounded, a stink he wished to ignore soiled the floor. Teresa¡¯s presence echoed in his memories, but his mind convinced him she never came.


    He crawled towards the sound and came across a familiar formation of dyed feathers, red, black and green. Felder laughed. A flailing hand nudged the vinewood cell door. It shifted and his mania faded. Felder took a moment, listening for the trick he thought it might be. For a guard to rush and snatch him, but there was nothing.


    He glanced down at the colours, but they vanished without a trace. He nudged the door again then paused.


    Captain Felder was no more.


    * * *

 THE TENTH MEDJAY

    ¡°Wake up!¡±


    The bell clanged with a horrendous shrill. Esteri wished it was a nightmare, but it continued. Sleep withered away from her eyelids and they popped open against her will. Minu moaned, muttered and cursed under her breath in the bed beside her, snapping away the cloth blankets.


    ¡°Shift changes in an hour!¡±


    Everyone had the sense to keep their mouths shut in the barracks. A squashed space housing fifteen, all suffering each other¡¯s nightly gas passing and early morning bitterness. Esteri yawned and blinked up at the rotting wood ceiling. She whipped off her blanket with her free hand, but made no other move.


    ¡°Beast Ri, you slept with it?¡± Minu yawned at her after getting out of bed. Esteri faced her with a scowl. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine. It¡¯s all a formality.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t find the words, but her lips parted anyway. A squeak spilled out, and the unrelenting fear set in. Her encumbered right hand trembled. The leather hilt was no comfort now, instead it kept Minu¡¯s attention.


    Her hazel eyes scanned the ornate blade, starting from the sun shaped gold pommel. Travelling along the thin, rich leather wrapped hilt squeezed by her trembling hand. Hesitating at the guard of a golden prideful winged Sinha, then ending at the rather plain sheath, hiding the double-edged script strengthened straight blade within. It was heavy, mightily heavy, but years of clinging to it turned the weight bearable. She always possessed a strength even Tamers acknowledged, but she still felt hollow.


    ¡°Come on Ri, better you get out of bed yourself rather than the Tamers coming to fetch you.¡±


    Esteri¡¯s stomach lurched.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen you fight, you¡¯re magnificent, do you think Tamers would waste their time offering a trial to anyone who wasn¡¯t? It¡¯s yours, they pretend they¡¯re considering others to keep hope amongst the rest.¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯m going to be sick,¡± Esteri blurted and jumped out of bed. She shoved the blade under the rock-hard mattress, and leant on Minu¡¯s bony shoulder. Bile flirted with her throat and she shuddered. The back of her throat singed for a flash, but she forced it back down and gagged at the bitterness tickling her tongue.


    ¡°There she is, about time,¡± Minu hammered her back with a chuckle. Her sinewy arm wrapped around her waist, dragging her towards the baths. The few who departed earlier were already returning, smelling of lye soap, wearing fresh linens and were still damp. ¡°Speaking of Tamers Ri, I have something magnificent ¡­¡±


    ¡°Minu?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about that, don¡¯t worry your beautiful ¡­ Beast Ri, I wish you wouldn¡¯t cut your hair. I know you have a magnificent head, but think of the glorious hair you¡¯re depriving us.¡±


    ¡°The Tamer Minu,¡± Esteri groaned, though she couldn¡¯t keep herself from grinning.


    The golden bathhouses, though some centuries had passed since they were worthy of that name. They waited at the end of a long narrow passage from their beds.


    Others trickled back, drying themselves with shreds of cloth in a hurry. Minu¡¯s arm wandered lower from her hip, but Esteri¡¯s gentle elbow kept her at bay.


    ¡°You are forward, you know that?¡±


    ¡°And you love me for it,¡± Minu grinned. ¡°He¡¯s a Tamer from a noble family.¡±


    ¡°He? What happened to that other girl you were seeing, that merchant?¡±


    ¡°Did you not hear me, I¡¯m with a noble, and he¡¯s a damn Tamer? All those rumours, how foolish were we? Of course, that strength is useful beyond violence.¡±


    Esteri pushed open the stone block for a door and the warming blanket of steam within embraced them both. Minu was already throwing off her sweat stained linens. Bruises littered Minu¡¯s lean body, concentrated around her surprisingly ample bosom, and between her legs and thighs. She gasped at her, but her friend continued with no hint of pain.


    ¡°Minu?¡±


    ¡°You know I worry about your hearing Ri,¡± Minu moaned as she sank into the steaming stone bath.


    The others were emptying, and Esteri shed her moment of shock to join her. Untouched bars of soap waited for them, and Esteri wasted little time. Minu as well, though her lips continued to march on in incredible detail about her new Tamer lover.


    Esteri nodded and grunted, and exclaimed when necessary. All the usual acts to convince Minu she was listening. The flawlessness of his glowing umber skin seemed to stick with her. The way the kohl somehow darkened his already onyx eyes. A serene picture, yet somehow also bedraggled and gruff, Minu seemed incapable of deciding between the two, yet one detail niggled at her.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Esteri jumped at Minu¡¯s sudden harshness. They were the only ones in the steaming bathhouse, drying themselves before the benches where folded fresh linens awaited them.


    ¡°You¡¯re making that face.¡±


    ¡°What face?¡± Esteri was quick to pacify her cheeks and brow.


    ¡°That face, why would I lie about an affair with a Tamer, a noble one no less?¡±


    ¡°Clearly, he is a Tamer, judging by your bruises. I doubt you would hurt yourself just to impress me,¡±


    ¡°I would tell you a tale to fill you with envy, not to impress you,¡± Minu¡¯s correction forced Esteri¡¯s eye roll.


    ¡°Is he really a noble? Or is he a noble the same way I am?¡±


    ¡°You dishonour yourself needlessly,¡± Minu grumbled. There wasn¡¯t a flirtatious hand wandering on their return journey to the barracks this time. ¡°You are an Aten; you have the sword.¡±


    ¡°A sword my Ma claimed to have stolen from her Da when he wouldn¡¯t let her marry whoever she wanted, thus banished into a life of harlotry. That is a believable tale to you?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Lay with someone, anyone, and you might learn that it might not have been so forced in her mind.¡±


    Esteri feigned a gag at the suggestion.


    ¡°Well, as an often-accused harlot, I am wounded on your Ma¡¯s behalf. To produce a child so prudish,¡± Minu shuddered, and they both snorted once they entered the barracks.


    A trio were still donning the last pieces of their battered, crude iron scale armour. Snatching their ikem shields and hefting leaf shaped bronze spears after adorning their waists with axes. ¡°So yes, you are an Aten, and he¡¯s an ¡­ a ¡­¡±


    ¡°Great Beast, you don¡¯t even remember his name?¡±


    ¡°The pleasure Ri, the pleasure!¡±


    Esteri armoured herself beside Minu, while her lips babbled away without rest. She suffered more details about this mysterious Tamer Minu entangled herself with. Most of it of a sexual nature, which all came across as painful rather than pleasurable to her ears.


    Esteri admired her bronze scale armour before donning it. There was a sheen to it, clinging to it after a week passed since her last polish. The bracers felt a little tight, but her biceps were free to breathe. She managed a few squats after donning the subtly shorter skirt. The shin guards above plain yet hardy boots returned to her a strength she almost forgot she possessed.


    Minu continued to ramble, even as she strapped Esteri¡¯s hide shield to her back, though nothing more latched onto her about this noble Tamer. Esteri repaid Minu in kind, then rushed to strap her prized script strengthened sword to her waist. They rushed out of the barracks, bronze tipped spears in hand, Minu unrelenting beside her and oblivious to Esteri¡¯s growing disinterest.


    #


    It was surprisingly gloomy out in the streets of Sinh¡¯Chattaan. Esteri¡¯s pace was slow, and the din forced Minu into silence for once, who had long since devoured her half loaf of raisin bread to break her fast. Esteri nibbled still, with ever-watchful eyes jumping from face to face while ambling along the clay stone street towards the bazaar. Her spear bumped against her neck in her free hand.


    Baking bread trickled into her nose, a respite against the more common and horrendously sharp perfume of the masses. Most of whom nodded at her when she passed, after eying the carved Sinha upon her bronze breastplate.


    All of Minu¡¯s earlier talk of her noble Tamer filled her with the subtle want to bump into one. At least a Tamed Sinha, even a wild one. A false hope in truth, for the bazaar was the heart of the lower city.


    Tamers hardly crossed Tefnut¡¯s Jewel to travel south. Not even the towering noble homes of sandy stone, rising high amongst hieroglyph swarmed obelisks in wealthy streets and courtyards, were worthy of their presence. Even if they were on the outskirts of the upper city. Esteri glanced back, catching the silhouettes of the four pyramids masked by dreary greyness.


    The road they took towards the bazaar might have been busy in itself, but the overflowing and far too large square was chaotic. It was a city in itself. Earlier suggestions of baking bread exploded into her nose now. Coriander, fennel, juniper, cumin, garlic and thyme all added their wondrous flavours to the chaos. Beating back the ground level humidity from the collective warmth of the tightly pressed bodies.


    Cheap perfumes left bitterness on her tongue as she traversed the chaos. The gentle sweetness of fresh bread was long forgotten. At least her armour parted the ocean of flesh before her. A tap on the shoulder of the unobservant, a flash of white-eyed surprise, a quick bow, and they were out of her way.


    The din was beyond speaking through, an ever-strengthening ocean of noise that drowned all. Merchants sang their wares to all who could listen, even as their stalls struggled to keep up with the demand. High on boxes, flashing their items without a care for those they battered with their zeal.


    Esteri¡¯s hand remained tight on the sword weighing down her waist. While commerce boomed, there was never a shortage of cutpurses and pickpockets. Especially in the bazaar, some were brave enough to target others amongst the city guard. She had no direct experience, fortunately. As much as she believed Minu embellished her prowess, Esteri knew she was a talented fighter. Thanks mostly to her battle focus, her sharpened senses whenever she donned armour. When weapons were close at hand.


    Esteri battled through a congested section and shouted her throat raw just to open a path. Minu caught her hand gestures, and was wielding her shield to batter any who didn¡¯t heed their approach. The din became intolerable for her thoughts, let alone words. Endless searching through crowds, observing hands and arms, when possible, took more effort than necessary.


    Their duty in the congested location was nothing more than deterrence. For there was little the bazaar would allow for them to do. A spotted thief would simply vanish in the umber sea, on the off chance their normal eyes caught thievery.


    Esteri¡¯s mind wandered during the dreary monotony, even as the sun pierced the gloom above. Towards the stifling fear that so strongly took hold when she awoke. Her mind drifted ahead, on what was to come at midday, her trial. To be entertainment for Tamers.


    A sudden hand caressed her bare arm. She jumped and spun around, half drawing her sword, only to find a concerned Minu behind. Shield tucked back behind her again. Esteri mouthed an inquiry at her, but Minu shook her head, and nodded forward.


    They neared the outskirts of the bazaar, where flimsy and tattered awnings failed to shield lazing merchants. The noise carried here, though It faded eventually, along with the mostly pleasant smells, a respite for their senses.


    ¡°We walk that road every morning, but it surprises me every time,¡± Minu whistled.


    They paused together on the outskirts of the colourful bazaar. In relative silence, in an impoverished pocket of the city. Where sandy homes cracked, and supporting wooden beams rotted. The street was more gravel than stone, but it was hard, if a little dusty. There was hardly a soul around, not even a curious eye peeking from one of the slanted windows overlooking the street.


    ¡°It¡¯s as if more people fill the bazaar every morning.¡±


    ¡°Why couldn¡¯t we be Tamers?¡± Minu whipped off her helm, and dabbed her drenched face with a cloth.


    ¡°Keep your helmet off and you might ask the Great Beast yourself,¡± Esteri half warned, then eyed the poorly built multi-storey homes with her shield at the ready. A perfect street for an ambush, and the quiet did little to ease her growing worry.


    ¡°No one is going to kill two city guards, especially not us,¡± Minu sighed, before donning her helm once again. ¡°Perhaps they will go for you, I don¡¯t know why you thought to bring that jewel for a sword.¡±


    ¡°I need it,¡± Esteri snapped. She spun away from Minu and squeezed her spear. Her hide shield was plain and dry, but heavy on her left arm. They resumed their patrol at a crawl, and her eyes jumped around their surroundings. The occasional crack, or snapping twig stilled her, but the street ended and her tightening limbs loosened.


    ¡°There it is,¡± Minu whistled again, this time Esteri shared in her admiration.


    Horus¡¯ Shield was very much worth admiration. Its glorious size demanded eyes. Dusty pharaoh blue, with black and gold Sinha roaring all over the painted surface. Esteri hadn¡¯t seen many gatehouses, but she knew that Horus¡¯ Shield was special. Double the size of the other two, far sturdier and well kept. Patrolling soldiers lingered on the high walls. Their fine armour caught the gloom piercing sunlight and sparkled with added finery.


    ¡°We could always go a little closer,¡± Minu suggested.


    ¡°And have one of Horus¡¯ finest chase us away before we reach the courtyard? I think not,¡± Esteri¡¯s eyes lingered on it. There were hardly any homes on the way towards Horus¡¯ Shield. Only towering palm trees of deep green, rising around wild gardens of insect swarmed bushels. Reeds spiked up around small ponds, where worm flies and torch bugs skittered across the surface of the water.


    ¡°Come on, the Worker¡¯s Gate awaits.¡±


    Esteri smiled at Minu¡¯s groan.


    They turned left and hugged the plainly built walls on their shield side. The cracked clay walls watched over them as the late morning sun defeated the last of the gloomy greyness above. Sunlight trickled down with its golden yellows at first, but by the time they reached the south side of the bazaar, they were baking in their armour. Esteri¡¯s heart lurched in the heat, with the approach of midday, her mind returned to the coming trial.


    ¡°You know, perhaps we should find you one,¡± Minu half shouted over the growing din. The south side wasn¡¯t as loud as the north, but the bodies were just as many. There weren¡¯t the pleasurable aromas, only beer and music and sweat.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°A Tamer.¡±


    ¡°Oh, not this again Minu,¡± Esteri¡¯s eyes lingered on a burly woman sitting on a table before a busy tavern. Her following lip licking directly at her churned her stomach.


    ¡°I worry for you.¡±


    They continued south towards the Worker¡¯s Gate. Where the heavy traffic of miners and the city guards who patrolled the jewelled road passed back and forth. Esteri nodded at a few of the city guards that recognised her. Galel, another who wore scale bronze like herself.


    ¡°That one is quite handsome,¡± Minu nudged her with an elbow. Her shield was off her back and leaning against her, while she rested against the building they stood before. She flexed her arms and sighed. Esteri eyed the comings and goings of the gate, ignoring Minu¡¯s taunts. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you continue to stand there, without a hint of fatigue.¡±


    ¡°Duty demands it Minu.¡±


    ¡°You certainly speak like a Tamer.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You sound like a Tamer.¡±


    ¡°How would you know? You¡¯ve only met one?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s one more than you have,¡± Minu pouted. ¡°No wonder they called you for a trial.¡±


    ¡°I sense envy,¡± Esteri sucked her teeth at Minu, fighting back a grin.


    ¡°Obviously, damn you. But I know my limits.¡±


    ¡°You know, I¡¯ve been thinking, why is he only a noble?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°With your talent, I suppose it is a talent, I thought you would have found someone from one of the founding families at least. A Tefnut, a Set, or maybe a Horus?¡±The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Am I unworthy of Atum Ra?¡±


    ¡°Ah yes, that is why the pharaoh is still unmarried, she hasn¡¯t found Minu, the lower Sinh¡¯Chattaan guard of her dreams.¡±


    ¡°I sense sincerity,¡± Minu sucked her teeth at her.


    Esteri laughed, and her tightness let go once again. Her perspiring body, snatching at the linens beneath her protection, was less of a discomfort now. The heat relented and a cool breeze frequented the gaps of her bronze scale armour, caressing her sweat and cooling her body. She whipped off her bronze helm and leant her spear against the wall. She beamed at Minu while she wiped her sweat.


    ¡°Thank you, I know what you have been doing,¡± Esteri found comfort on her sword hilt again. ¡°I needed it.¡±


    ¡°I said it when we woke up Ri, I¡¯ve believed it since they paired us during training, you¡¯re talented and you will do well.¡±


    Esteri dragged Minu into her arms and squeezed. She squeaked in surprise, but soon wrapped her own arms around her.


    ¡°Osiris challenges Atum Ra, and the pyramids eliminate them entirely,¡± A man cloaked in strange cloth stood on a table and began screaming to any who would listen. ¡°Is that truly justice? Are the pharaohs so insecure that they resort to such drastic measures to cling to their power?¡±


    The speaker snatched Esteri and Minu¡¯s eyes. He raised his arms and hid his face. A brave man he was, yet there was a crowd gathered, pausing before his cramped table. He echoed himself a few times, catching more curious faces.


    ¡°We should stop this,¡± Esteri whispered, but Minu grabbed her wrist.


    ¡°Corruption bubbles right under your noses. Atum Ra sweeps entire families aside to keep their throne!¡±


    A sudden hush came over the south side of the bazaar when the crowd parted. Awe-filled exclamations followed in its wake. Esteri forced her bronze helm back on and snatched her spear. A flash of darkness over Minu¡¯s shoulder tightened her chest. She gasped, then spun Minu around just as the blackness formed into a great mass with four limbs. The hooded man vanished as quickly as he arrived.


    The dark Sinha was grand, its mane tickled the dusty road as it padded towards them. Its onyx fur absorbed light, but its ruby red eyes glowed with bloody fire. Esteri gasped aloud, yet her legs carried her towards the beast.


    The Tamer atop it slipped off in glorious black scale armour, with a dark Sinha carved into his breastplate. Strange markings littered his armour with organised beauty, not unlike the script on her sword. A pair of sheathed straight blades hung on either side of his waist. His roaring Sinha helm slipped off when he stood before her, barely half a head taller than her, but a giant.


    ¡°Captain Esteri Aten, is it?¡± His voice was silk, his surprisingly green eyes stood out amongst his subtly scarred dark umber skin. Esteri nodded, after a quick nudge from Minu who rushed to her side. He was a man beyond their station, with his chiselled jaw, and bald head.


    ¡°I am Rahim, son of Tamir Horus. Sixth Medjay of Pharaoh Tayet Atum Ra,¡± Esteri spotted a second carving on his breastplate. The Red Eye of Horus amongst the pristine stygian blackness, just below the ruby eyed dark Sinha carving. ¡°Your trial awaits you.¡±


    It took another Minu nudge for Esteri¡¯s legs to move, but she floated towards Rahim¡¯s offered hand. She smiled at his warmness, and a tingle rushed through her gauntlet when she took his hand.


    ¡°I hope you do not mind riding my Tamed? I do not wish to taint your opportunity with tardiness.¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± a pitiful squeak, but she was proud she managed words at all.


    ¡°May I?¡±


    Esteri nodded, then squealed when he lifted her as if she were a child onto his Tamed¡¯s back. The beast snorted when she adjusted herself on its rump, fumbling with her spear. Once Rahim jumped on with little effort, the dark Sinha took off, and she clung to the Tamer just as Sinh¡¯Chattaan¡¯s buildings became blurred lines.


    Esteri¡¯s legs became jelly when she dismounted. Rahim caught her before her knees gave in and held her until the world stopped rushing all around. It took her a moment to trust her eyes when she finally took in her surroundings, but even when she did, she refused to believe it.


    Three towering pyramids reached high into the sky, threatening to poke the clouds with their sharp peaks. The pair on either side of her were subtly shorter than the monstrosity ahead.


    The pyramid on her right was cyan coloured, dusty with a golden eye of Horus painted proudly on the side facing her. To her left was a snow-white pyramid, with an enormous and black was-sceptre of Set painted upon it. But most of the glorious beauty came from the one ahead. Painted pharaoh blue, and the only one without patches upon its surface. A black jagged Atum Ra sun absorbed the light of the fire in the sky. With an enormous diamond for a tip, the pharaoh¡¯s pyramid was far and away the sight of Sinh¡¯Chattaan.


    He led her towards the centre of the grand courtyard before she could admire the fourth, but smallest pyramid behind her. It was relatively bland, stony brown with a watery blue base. Tefnut¡¯s pyramid.


    Tamers were busy on the large stone stage, surrounded by dusty and chipped columns. Composite bows hummed when arrows flew, and targets swung wildly when pierced. Others hacked at battered sacks shaped like people, spilling their brown gold blood.


    ¡°Have you skill with a bow?¡± Rahim inquired as he jumped up the stairs. Esteri gawked at the Tamers, who seemed rather young under closer inspection. Though their strength was immense, judging by the shattered remnants of their discarded sparring wooden blades.


    ¡°Nerves are natural,¡± the Medjay chuckled, and she realised she forgot to answer. ¡°May I be blunt?¡±


    Esteri opened her mouth to reply, but only a squeak escaped her. She cleared her throat and rushed to nod instead, taken aback by his politeness.


    ¡°This is all a formality; the pharaoh only wishes to see you for herself. You are an Aten after all.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Esteri squeaked.


    Rahim frowned at her, though amusement danced on his face.


    ¡°Minu¡¯s scent held no deceit.¡±


    ¡°Minu?¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t tell you? My, that¡¯s quite the shock, she is rather talkative and forward. Meaning no offence of course,¡± Rahim rushed to add. ¡°I¡¯m sure her tongue is as equally great as you are a warrior.¡±


    Esteri¡¯s heart fluttered, she could already imagine the verbal gushing and the poor fools Minu forced to listen.


    ¡°May I?¡±


    Esteri jumped again and followed Rahim¡¯s eyes down towards her ornate blade on her waist. She drew the spectacular gold blade and offered the hilt to him. His waist hosted a pair of similarly shaped straight blades as well, though black rather than gold, and with a red eye of Horus for a pommel.


    ¡°May I have yours?¡± Esteri found some courage, and he did the same.


    It was heavier than her own blade, and equally script decorated. The blacksteel blade was magnificent, and sung a similar tune to her own when she swung it beside Rahim¡¯s dance. She was glad she spent years becoming accustomed to her script strengthened blade¡¯s weight.


    ¡°Impressive, you do Aten proud to wield it,¡± Rahim handed it back to her when she did the same. She sheathed it and realised her spear lay on the floor. Esteri squeaked her thanks, but his attention turned elsewhere while she scrambled to organise herself.


    The Tamers ceased their training and rushed to the edges of the stone stage. A wall of bodies on either side, with their chests puffed out and proud. It took Esteri a moment to realise what was happening, for Rahim¡¯s Tamed dark Sinha towered beside her, draining the light of the world with its unending blackness.


    A procession of gold strode towards the stage, a trio really, but the pair on either side of the middle wore enough gold for a party of people.


    The one in the centre wore a wonderfully blue khepresh, with a ruby eyed dark Sinha decorating it. Wonderfully painted kohl enhanced her face, her lips were black and her beauty was extraordinary, yet harsh. Midnight blue silks streamed behind her, with onyx gems forcing it to hug her shapely body.


    The pair on either side of her wore resplendently gold scale armour, with golden roaring Sinha helms to match. Carvings of golden Sinha, and Horus eyes dominated the centre.


    The young Tamers dropped to their knees in unison when the pharaoh stepped up to the stage. Esteri followed Rahim¡¯s lead and knelt as well, though she stayed low when he rose and approached the pharaoh.


    ¡°Pharaoh Tayet,¡± Rahim muttered. ¡°I present to you Captain Esteri Aten.¡±


    ¡°Rise child,¡± the pharaoh¡¯s voice matched the harshness Esteri noticed. Raspy as well, though not ill willed.


    She surged to her feet and stood at equal height to the pharaoh. Who tilted her head at her with warmth, her onyx eyes scanned her from head to toe. Esteri jumped when another dark Tamed Sinha caught her eye. As black as Rahim¡¯s but subtly smaller, and without a mane.


    ¡°Do you know why you are here?¡±


    ¡°Yes Pharaoh, I hope to make Aten proud, and please you,¡± Esteri fixed her eyes on her boots while she spoke. Silence followed however, and when it lingered her heart sank. She dared to raise her gaze and noticed all of their eyes focused behind her.


    Esteri spun around and spotted a speck rushing towards them. A mounted speck, which drew growls from the dark Sinha beside them. Rahim¡¯s hands hovered near his blades, and he sniffed often.


    ¡°No closer!¡± The sixth Medjay shouted at the approaching Tamer.


    ¡°Pharaoh! There have been murders in the city, brutal. A Tamer¡¯s work no doubt, a few city guards have fallen as well.¡±


    ¡°Are we under attack?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m unsure, but chaos reigns.¡± The Tamer hesitated, wiping his bloody armour with trembling hands.


    ¡°Spit it out!¡± Rahim rushed him.


    ¡°Adil Set is one of the murdered.¡±


    Pharaoh Tayet cursed, then spun towards the golden Medjay beside her, with a cloth raised to her nose. ¡°Dahab, you find Lord Set and tell him to meet me in the throne room. Jinan, find Lord Horus and tell him to take trusted swords into the city.¡±


    ¡°Yes Pharaoh,¡± they droned in unison, before sprinting away.


    ¡°Young ones, return to your homes, your business has ended. Rahim, Aten girl with me, and you stranger,¡± Tayet nodded towards the bloody Tamer. ¡°Follow, I want explicit details.¡±


    ¡°Pharaoh, I ¡­ I am unworthy to be in your presence at the moment.¡±


    ¡°I will need them before your mind can muddle them, then you may bathe.¡±


    Esteri hid her confusion, she sniffed as much as she dared, but smelled nothing beyond ale on the bloodied Tamer. Yet Rahim and the pharaoh covered their noses and mouths all the same. The pharaoh and the Tamers were already striding away before Esteri sprinted to catch up.


    #


    A resplendent hall of polished gold. Endless and vast, with thick rugs of black to keep their boots and slippers from scuffing the beauty. Blue silk banners streamed down from the surprisingly high ceiling, proudly displaying the pharaoh¡¯s black Atum Ra sun. The gold bricks mingled with onyx stone, and hieroglyphs made from a rainbow array of precious jewels depicted the long history of the Lion Clan. Esteri made out the Lion Clan founders, Atum Ra, Horus, Isis, Shu, Set, Geb, Nut, Tefnut, Nephthys and Osiris, to the founding of the capital with the other Feline Clans. The early clashes with the Hunters, before they faded into nothingness, and became chaff to the wind.


    Pharaoh Tayet paced before her wondrous throne of black and gold. Forever at war with each other, but never giving up any ground. Pale lapis lazuli formed the jagged Atum Ra sun in the centre of the backrest. While the warring gold and onyx stone haloed the top of the wide throne with a rising sun. A pair of Sinha played the role of armrests and snarled at anyone who dared to approach the throne. One maned, the other without, both with one ruby eye, and one yellow topaz eye.


    Master Rahim¡¯s eyes never left the bloody Tamer, who twiddled his thumbs and stared at his boots. Esteri didn¡¯t need a Tamer¡¯s nose to know he was beyond anxious. Raised shoulders, tight jawed, as if expecting a disciplining hand. Their Tamed lingered outside the hall, though there was more than enough space in the vast throne room.


    The pharaoh suddenly stilled her pacing before the throne, but her expression remained thoughtful. Esteri felt nude without her spear and shield, massaging the pommel of her sword was little comfort. The torches flickered with calm fire, crackling through the silence that lingered.


    ¡°Tell it to me again.¡± Pharaoh Tayet muttered, scratching her chin, eyes distant.


    ¡°The bazaar was awash in chaos, after this strange man roared traitorous words. Steel clashed, and a district guard rushed for Horus¡¯ Shield to warn us. A Tamer had declared themselves an Osiris, and began murdering any who had the misfortune of being within reach. I rode with a partner to find this Osiris, but happened upon crudely armed brigands instead.¡±


    ¡°Where is your partner?¡± Rahim interrupted.


    ¡°Keeping the peace, I rushed to warn you Pharaoh, for the Tamer is still at large.¡±


    Esteri panicked, Rahim and the pharaoh glanced at her for a moment. Her mind rushed towards Minu, and it took all her strength to keep her face still. Yet Rahim¡¯s eyes lingered even after the pharaoh turned away from her. Esteri hoped beyond hope it was merely a coincidence. Minu wasn¡¯t that foolish, then again how could she have known? She wished to inquire after Minu, but feared what else she might reveal if allowed to.


    ¡°Where are Dahab and Jinan?¡± The pharaoh moaned aloud. Rahim returned to glaring at the bloody Tamer. Esteri felt bothered, stuffy almost. The torches blazed brighter, and the golden blackness of the throne room glimmered.


    Pharaoh Tayet and Rahim¡¯s eyes darted towards the end of the throne room, behind the doors where their Tamed waited. The bloody Tamer barely glanced over his shoulder, but his attention rose from his boots and fixed upon the pharaoh. Esteri¡¯s fine hairs pricked up, and the entire throne room flashed with searing light. She blinked and grunted when a swift sharpness passed through her.


    ¡°For the Osiris!¡±


    When her vision returned, Rahim was trading blows with the bloody Tamer. Redness streamed from his thigh. Pharaoh Tayet clutched her shoulder, and blood ruined her silks a little too close to her heart. Her eyes were wide, and for a moment she froze, slumped below her throne.


    Esteri drew her sword and ignored the searing stabbing pain blazing through the gaping wound in her side. She roared as she charged, blade in the air, and her free hand squeezing her wound. The bloody Tamer burned her as she neared, and Rahim was screaming, clutching at his bubbling face after the assassin glanced at it with a fist.


    A flash of gold soared through the air, before burying itself into the bloody Tamer¡¯s chest. He staggered for a moment, but it was enough for Rahim to recover. The sixth Medjay drove both of his straight blades through the Tamer¡¯s thigh. It was then when Esteri finally arrived to deliver her own attack. The man was a blazing furnace; he radiated heat, her blood was bubbling long before nearing him.


    Rahim gasped when he attempted to free his blades, then convulsed, suffering no blow. There was a howl from beyond the throne room and the Medjay slumped to the ground, with foam oozing from his lips.


    Esteri swung her sword, but the bloodied assassin swiped it away with a short blade, and hooked it from her grip. The sword clattered to the floor, but she dived for the Tamer without hesitation. He snatched her by the throat, and her neck seared from the heat emanating from him, her face melted with sweat. And soon she was flying, tossed like a doll into the wall.


    Her back shattered against the black and gold, her armour caved into her spine and stole all the air from her body. Esteri¡¯s vision darkened, her eyes exploded with tears, but not before she saw the pharaoh drive her Aten sword through the assassin¡¯s face. His unnatural heat dissipated immediately, and the blazing torches dimmed to their natural light. The all-encompassing coolness commonplace within the pharaoh¡¯s pyramid returned, and was the last thing Esteri recalled before fading.


    #


    The sun was striking and took some getting used to after a week within the dim infirmary of the pharaoh¡¯s pyramid. Many hands watched over her, physicians wrapped her and soothed her raw burnt skin. Tamers frequented her with their healing hands, doing what they could to repair her shattered body. They fed her like a child, kept her alive, but she still felt like a sack of bones.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± the Tamer pushing her ornately carved wheelchair rushed to apologise, when it shuddered out onto the vast balcony. Esteri groaned, but bit her lip to stifle it. The man was incredibly kind to her, with soft onyx eyes, and eager to share prideful words for her efforts in protecting the pharaoh. She squeezed the hilt of her Aten blade as the roaring cheers of the crowd, gathered before the Atum Ra pyramid, washed over her.


    Pharaoh Tayet stood waiting, waving occasionally at the masses who chanted her ancestor¡¯s name. Cyan silks gloved her hands, to match her dress, with no hint of the attempt on her life remaining. She wore her khepresh proudly, and it glowed wondrously blue with the blazing heat of the sun. This time there was gold wrapping glittering beautifully upon it.


    Esteri squeezed her blade again, resting on her unfeeling lap, to remind herself that there was still strength flowing through her. The physicians grumbled when the pharaoh ordered this celebration to the masses. She was fine silk rather than skin, but the wrappings were soft. A healing embrace of sorts, upon her cushioned wheelchair. The poultice cooled her raw skin, after the initial burning. At least it smelled pleasant enough.


    Pharaoh Tayet raised her hands, and a hush flowed along the vast crowd. Esteri¡¯s heart filled her throat when she saw it continue beyond Tefnut¡¯s pyramid far ahead. How they thought to hear the Pharaoh¡¯s words, she didn¡¯t know. Her heart warred with emotions when she considered the possibility that they might have come for her as well.


    ¡°I bring a new hero deserving of your adoration. Those cowardly Osiris brought violence to our city, reaching the very throne room within this pyramid! But the traitors failed because of Esteri Aten!¡±


    The Tamer pushing her chair nudged her beside the pharaoh, and she felt every one of the thousand eyes and more. Their necks craned up to see her, and they cheered. Tears warmed her cheeks, and she raised her Aten blade with a trembling hand. Raucous cheers and applause gave her strength to keep it raised.


    ¡°May Aten and her descendants never fade into obscurity; may the sun forever shine upon Aten!¡±


    Pharaoh Tayet knelt before her as the noise exploded. She produced a grand golden ankh, with diamonds littering its surface.


    ¡°May this serve as an heirloom for your family, and a reward for your service.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Pharaoh, I wish I could have done more.¡±


    ¡°It was beyond you, and you still did,¡± Pharaoh Tayet kissed her brow and Esteri¡¯s chest tingled.


    #


    ¡°That is some gift,¡± The Tamer pushing her chair chuckled while she ogled the ankh on her lap. Now awash in the pyramid''s coolness, the endless adoration became an echo, Esteri found calm. Her heart wobbled at the mention of Osiris however, and her mind drifted towards Minu. It might have been a week since she last saw her, and she yearned for her friend. Esteri feared to inquire after her, she wasn¡¯t ready to find out if she still lived, or shared in the treachery.


    She rolled into her quarters, but hardly noticed the unnatural darkness within. Her eyes danced between the gaudy ankh and her Aten blade.


    ¡°Here you are,¡± the Tamer smiled at her. She finally lifted her eyes and admired his distracting handsomeness. His onyx eyes shone amongst the surrounding kohl, and his chiselled features sent a chill down the parts of her spine she could still feel. His umber skin glowed, though his beard was surprisingly patchy.


    ¡°You must forgive my Tamed, he insisted on watching over you. I will return in a moment with your physicians.¡±


    Esteri nodded at him and turned her chair around towards the darkest corner of her already dim room. A pair of rubies floated in the darkness, formless to her eyes and looking down at her. She smiled at the Sinha, but couldn¡¯t make out the Feline¡¯s silhouette. The darkness shrouding it appeared hollow, life stealing almost. Her room was incredibly quiet, she hardly heard the Tamer close her door, and remain within.


    The dark Sinha vanished and took the absorbing blackness with it. Esteri shrugged and used the last of her strength to turn her chair back towards her door. A hand covered her lips and barred her yelp from escaping. The handsome Tamer danced a steel blade before her eyes, and his handsomeness turned into devilry. His onyx eyes sparked with hatred.


    ¡°It will take more than a Horus cub and a city guard brat to halt my return. I will have my revenge, Tayet will stain my blade, and everyone will forget about your efforts.¡±


    Esteri would have squirmed if she had the strength. She slumped and suffered his taunts.


    ¡°Did you really think the pharaoh would have chosen you without my guiding hand? Minu certainly lived up to her end, yet you? All you needed to do was watch, to let it happen. But you made your choice, and look what it got you.¡±


    He nicked her cheek at first, but soon carved her face with it. Her flesh seared against the cool steel, and his stifling hand ensured she suffered in silence.


    ¡°Here is your reward Medjay,¡± He whispered mockingly into her ear. His knife delved greedily into her chest above her heart. ¡°You will die for your pharaoh.¡±


    Esteri shuddered as her vision faded, she clawed at his arm and her prized jewel clattered to the floor. She went cold and her vision darkened. The last warmth she felt was Osiris¡¯ own.

 THE TIGERS LION

    Fragrant aroma wafted all around their cramped dressing room, drowning out the plain smell of soap on flesh. Aided by the sweetness of pipe weed from the south of Ko¡¯Eri. The noise of frantic movement and panicked rushing filled the space. Muttered apologies wafted about, flesh slapped together. Curses followed the cutting of silk, linens and cloth. Others murmured familiar phrases, while glass vials clinked together. Jewellery clattered and precious metals scratched. Despite all that, the mirror ahead kept her eyes.


    A woman, dark for a Tiger, stared back at her from the clear glass. Hazel-green eyes and recently plucked eyebrows. Brown freckles spotted her cheekbones and some of her nose. Their faded appearance almost tempted her hand. Instead, she tilted her face and admired the curve of her jaw. Her face was slender without appearing gaunt, and yet there remained a fullness about her.


    She chose the most scarlet of paints for her lips and pouted their fullness while caressing them with a smooth brush. Her flesh prickled with the eyes falling on her, but she remained fixed on her mirror. The redness remained perfect even as she rubbed her lips together. Next came her kohl, which was dwindling faster than she would like. Thanks to the war, she hoped the trade lanes would open soon.


    The blackness extended her eyelashes and the ends of her eyebrows. It deepened the illusion, shifted her appearance away from her Tiger blood to her supposed Lion. She didn¡¯t know how Lions painted their faces, but whatever she did it seemed enough to impress their patrons.


    ¡°Mistress,¡± a quivering inquiry came her way.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Might I¡­ uh, please may I use that vial of yours?¡±


    She abandoned her mirror and glanced at a snow pale girl with dark eyes. Her cheeks blotched with red in an instant when she smiled. A new one, there were always new ones whenever their duty could resume. Fresh faced, perhaps one dreadful night away from deciding this was far from what she thought it would be.


    What was her name, it slipped her mind.


    ¡°I am Yuri, mistress.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Yuri turned as pink as the contents within the vial she asked for. Her neck length dark hair squared her face. A tight fringe tickled the top of her eyebrows, with her plump cheeks hidden beneath the side strands.


    ¡°Keep it, the colour suits you far more.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, mistress, thank you!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome baby,¡± Yuri beamed at her, but she instantly regretted her words.


    She sounded like her mother, and it churned her own stomach. It reminded her of her own age, forty would be approaching soon, less than five years away now. Though she did not look like one, thank the Great Beast, she didn¡¯t enjoy reminding herself that her time was short. Then again, perhaps she would find patrons who enjoyed an aged woman.


    ¡°Jiao,¡± a confident voice called from behind.


    She sighed as she caressed her bald head and turned towards Itsuo.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ready yet.¡±


    ¡°I know, but maybe we should speak before the chaos?¡±


    Itsuo was sturdy, tall and a rock of a man. Clean shaven as always, with watchful eyes. His dark head of hair was silky smooth, in a plan topknot with red silk keeping it in place.


    Jiao sighed, then stood beside him. Another reminder of her age.


    ¡°Everyone!¡± He clapped.


    ¡°Flowers!¡± The rest stilled when she clapped. So many fresh faces stared back.


    Not all would be new to the duty of pleasure of course, then again, the war, despite it being a short one, dwindled their numbers. Yet of the fifteen she saw, ten bore none of the creases of time.


    ¡°Welcome, officially, to The Garden,¡± Itsuo continued. ¡°I feel the excitement growing within this room already. Some of you are familiar with what will come, but most of you are relatively new to this, I am sure.¡±


    Yuri¡¯s awed-filled gaze never left her while Itsuo spoke. She preferred his voice, hers never had his strength.


    ¡°These are strange times for all of us in truth. The end of a civil war. It might have been a short one, but I still caution you all. We are all Flowers here at The Garden, and its reputation demands peace from all of you. There will be many Tigers here licking their wounds, seeking any excuse to take out the loss against the Lions upon you. A Flower you must be.¡±


    All of their attention was on them, save for one, who was beyond their duty. Jiao watched the darkened corner to the left, shrouded in shadows with a hooded figure leaning against a wooden post with their arms crossed.


    ¡°If anyone attempts to pluck your petals, Master Guo over there will be your shield.¡±


    Guo waved their gauntleted hands from the shadows, still hiding their face. Jiao liked Guo, silent for a Tamer, always out of the way until needed. In truth, she didn¡¯t care for Bagha with golden or red eyes, Guo¡¯s Tamed always sent shivers up her spine.


    ¡°Please do not fear reporting any mistreatment from patrons, or even from us. The laws of Bag¡¯Jagaal are in our favour. Speak up, it will save you from any rare mishap.¡±


    She noticed a few of their eager faces waver, then rushed to caress his hand to place his next words upon a lighter path.


    ¡°If you have questions, ask me, Mistress Jiao or Master Guo. Do not forget to enjoy yourselves please, by the Beast, why else did we choose this duty?¡±


    Polite laughter followed his humour, and the buzz of activity returned to the room. Everyone returned to their preparations, while the shadowed corner brightened. Master Guo vanished with their darkness, no doubt downstairs to ready the common room for opening.


    ¡°What are you wearing?¡± Itsuo asked.


    She eyed the scarlet silk scarf wrapped around his neck, draping down his bare chest with a smirk. His entire torso exposed for all to enjoy, with its rippling muscles, aided by fragrant oil and subtle scars. A black and white obi wrapped around his waist, with a gaudy rose stitched to its front. Unfortunately, a black hakama deprived every one of his sturdy legs. Still, it was remarkably plain despite the rich fabric.


    ¡°Something better than that.¡±


    ¡°Sheer silks and jewels?¡±


    ¡°My wig alone surpasses everything you¡¯re wearing,¡± Jiao smirked as she placed the dark wig of shining curls atop her head. The bronze ends chimed together while she adjusted and kept it in place. She tugged and pulled after a while until she trusted it. Itsuo¡¯s reflection in her mirror didn¡¯t share her humour.


    ¡°Since when do you care about what I wear?¡±


    ¡°Jiao, it¡¯s one thing to dress as Lions do, but you actually look like one without the kohl, the wig, and sky-blue silks¡­ Beast woman. The warning was mostly for you, I know you listen little, but please. Maybe you should lessen the kohl?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to flatter me, I¡¯ll show you how I work my magic after tonight, but don¡¯t blame me if you fall in love.¡±


    ¡°Jiao.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine Itsuo, really. I appreciate it but there is no need to worry. Tensions were at their worst before the war started.¡±


    ¡°Master Guo said there are more Tamers than usual.¡±


    ¡°Good, Tamers know what they¡¯re doing,¡± Itsuo¡¯s grim visage lingered. She pecked his cheek and wiped off her lip print. ¡°Master Guo is more than capable, and I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t allow anything to happen as well. Relax, heed your own words and enjoy tonight!¡±


    His seriousness continued right until she watched his shoulders drop. She slapped his stony stomach with a chuckle and forced on all her bronze jewellery. Under his protective gaze.


    The common room was vast and awash in luxury. Colourful silks draped the warm wooden columns, masking the ceiling. Lanterns glowed with a dim amber light, setting an intimate mood. Cushions littered the floor, ringing around low tables of exquisite darkwood. Thick mats protected most of the wooden floor, but the common room permitted nothing harder than slippers. Patrons left their boots outside, slipping their socked feet into provided slippers in the foyer.


    Ten booths filled the space as well, each big enough to seat five within their privacy. Some possessed curtains, others darkwood sliding doors, but sound always escaped muffled, regardless. Of course, there was no lovemaking allowed within them, at least the sort that required total privacy. Beyond the common room there were plenty of private rooms, bedecked with everything to suit every desire.


    At the far end of the common room burned the only incense they required, to call it incense was an understatement. A vinewood torch blazed with perfect, statuesque fire. In all her years in The Garden, she had only seen one vinewood torch burn to the stub. Its aroma was unlike any other, and unique to everyone. Old Hiroki claimed he didn¡¯t need perfume at all while a vinewood torch burned. Jiao wasn¡¯t prepared to take that risk. That man¡¯s musk seemed to be a part of his allure. Tonight, she smelled fresh cut grass during an early morning coated with dew.


    It was a quiet evening, despite the excitement of reopening. She expected as much, though it took a few reassuring looks from herself and Itsuo to stifle the growing disappointment amongst the newbies. Besides, Itsuo¡¯s caution worked, the smaller numbers were a subtle comfort.


    Jiao lingered in the shadows, sipping her rationed wine, there was a three-cup limit in The Garden, and watched everyone else go about their business. Only two pairs made their way to the private rooms, arm in arm, whispering and digging beneath each other¡¯s clothes.


    Master Guo yawned into their hand in a dark corner, and Jiao caught their eye. Their mask lowered and onyx orbs glittering with fire beckoned her. Jiao floated towards the Tamer and felt a prickle at the back of her neck. She caressed it and sipped her wine, winning a frown from their watchful Tamer.


    ¡°Quiet night,¡± Jiao began.


    Guo grunted.


    ¡°Seen anything suspicious?¡±


    ¡°If I did, mistress, would you want to know?¡±


    A chill rushed down her spine, unaided by Guo¡¯s ominous words. Their voice was often gruff, a trait shared amongst soldiers, but there was always something gentle about Guo. Tamers were strong beyond her comprehension, so she knew not to underestimate them. Jiao rubbed the rising fine hairs at the back of her neck again.


    ¡°What do you do to troublemakers, I¡¯ve always wondered?¡±


    ¡°I persuade them mistress,¡± a hint of a smile twitched Guo¡¯s scarred lips.


    ¡°And?¡±


    Guo¡¯s dark eyes lifted away from her, the chill and prickling sensation ravaged her back once more.


    ¡°Duty calls mistress,¡± Guo whispered so softly she almost missed it.


    Jiao spun around and shook herself free from the strangeness coming over her to watch a hooded figure approach. It unsettled her, but she fought herself, remaining passive while she studied the richness of the cloak. The hood lowered to reveal a man with a sharp jaw, grizzled by a dark beard with hints of grey. His topknot was messy, with tufts of white on both of his temples, though they appeared to be recent additions, considering their small size.


    ¡°Mistress?¡± He inquired, and her nose drowned in the pleasure of fresh cut grass and dew.


    ¡°Jiao,¡± she squeaked.


    He bowed lower than she deserved. There was an air of nobility about him. Faint creases on his square face complimented the rugged handsomeness. But something more, something ineffably wrong, if she were harsh.


    ¡°Lion nobles usually wear rings on their toes as well, and paint them,¡± he muttered, eyes still down there. ¡°Painted lacquer as well, and on your hands. Yet you are still magnificent.¡±


    His smile was kind, but unnerving beneath it. She prickled with discomfort, while her nose enjoyed the scent. The confusion stole her tongue.


    ¡°Genji Seiichi,¡± he bowed again. Then a blink later he was gone, leaving her frozen on the spot.


    The disquiet gone, and the aroma now waning, Jiao shook herself back to life. She spun around with a hand over her heart, words bulging her cheeks, only to find Master Guo gone.


    #


    ¡°You¡¯re sure he said that?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Jiao was a picture of calm, but her hand refused to colour her face. Rather she didn¡¯t trust it, the trembling would have made a mess.


    ¡°Lord Genji?¡±


    ¡°Seiichi, yes.¡±


    ¡°Do you realise he is the second cousin once removed from the throne?¡±


    ¡°You have made that abundantly clear in the last hour yes, thank you very much.¡±


    Jiao readied in her private room on a higher floor of The Garden. Up here was hers and Itsuo¡¯s home, and where he demanded she stay when she shared the name from the night before. Her face was rather plain, with only the slightest amount of kohl around her eyes.


    ¡°How are you not more¡­ I don¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°What would you have me do?¡±


    ¡°He made you uncomfortable¡­¡±


    ¡°And also not, though the discomfort was much less.¡±


    ¡°Yet he commented on your appearance?¡±


    ¡°It was advice!¡±


    ¡°I think it is a warning Jiao, you should be careful.¡±Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    She wanted to fight against his caution, but her hand still quaked. Cracks formed on her calm expression in the mirror. The evening was brisk, and an icy chill whistled into their private quarters. Not even that was enough of an excuse for her shivering.


    Itsuo paused his pacing, constantly adjusting his robes with restless fingers. Both of them were plain compared to the night before, and more covered. Not any less alluring, she¡¯d like to think, but in truth, that was far from her mind at the moment. She did the best she could to finish her face, darkening her lips with a blackberry colour.


    ¡°Listen, it¡¯s likely he won¡¯t come tonight,¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Wait! Trust me, he won¡¯t, in the meantime, play it safe. He may still send others to watch. I will discover all there is to know, hopefully Guo¡¯s claims of a greater number tonight will yield some answers.¡±


    ¡°What if he is truly interested in me?¡±


    She caught Itsuo¡¯s disbelief before he wiped it from his face. It didn¡¯t wound her as he feared, instead she smiled and rose from her seat. Jiao embraced him without ruining his robes with her still unsettled makeup and looked up at him with a beaming smile.


    ¡°I will not abandon you, dear Itsuo, nor will I allow you to walk this life alone.¡±


    ¡°Promises you have little control over are empty,¡± Itsuo fought his smirk. ¡°Telling me not to worry about you only stresses me further.¡±


    ¡°We have been together for decades, nearly without incident.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s this war Jiao, you haven¡¯t heard what they say. It might have been a short one, but the burning rage against the Lions,¡± Itsuo couldn¡¯t finish it. Jiao smiled, hiding her own trepidation before they were called to their duty.


    He did not show up, as Itsuo predicted. The common room was indeed busier, though Guo and their Tamed dark Bagha ushered many out. The beast showed its stygian black presence in order to deter the numbers. Its silver streaks brightened every shadowed corner it appeared in, with scarlet eyes glowing like fire. A hulking beast, though the common room was more than large enough for the quiet presence.


    Jiao was observant but anti-social. She hung on every hint of negativity directed towards her. Infected by Itsuo¡¯s endless paranoia. A collection of side glances and whispered conversations between a pair. Empty smiles quickly dropped when they thought she wouldn¡¯t notice. Jiao felt like the Lion she often played, especially with her bald head.


    She wriggled her toes within her socks and felt the rings grind against each other. Her eyes jumped around the busy common room, maintaining an air of welcome on her face. Many flocked to her still, but she gently rejected them all, which might have been the cause for much of the disapproval. Jiao watched and waited for the familiar face to appear again. The aroma from the vinewood torch changed into something she didn¡¯t recognise, but one she decided belonged to Lord Genji.


    He didn¡¯t return, and the next night duty demanded she entertain all who yearned for her services. It was colder on the third night, and she was more covered, wearing a wig of sleek black hair tied into an organised bun. Still, they called her Lion. All her rejections from the night before, only encouraged more of them to return, with fatter purses. Itsuo would have grumbled at her if she didn¡¯t at least entertain them.


    #


    Before the fourth night, Itsuo dragged her aside, back up to their quarters to dress in private. Once again, the man became a bundle of anxiety, pacing up and down while she sat before her mirror. Back reflected on it, she watched him build up the courage to speak.


    ¡°I take it you discovered something?¡±


    ¡°He is out of favour with the twins!¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard it said both emperors mull over his potential demise,¡± Itsuo didn¡¯t infect her now. It had been two nights of calm and getting used to the staring. Lord Genji hadn¡¯t returned, and she resumed her Lion appearance. ¡°They¡¯ve executed the mother of his child already, and it is said the child went missing long ago. He is a broken man on the edge of a cliff.¡±


    ¡°Then he is seeking comfort, there, nothing nefarious.¡±


    ¡°Jiao, his favouring you may put a target on your back.¡±


    ¡°I will not marry the man; I will simply do my duty. The throne wouldn¡¯t stoop so low.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be so na?ve,¡± Itsuo snapped, then waved an apologetic hand at her. ¡°It¡¯s said Tamers become erratic after heavy losses such as that.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a Tamer?¡±


    ¡°Jiao!¡±


    ¡°What? He hasn¡¯t returned so far, why worry? Master Guo has voiced no concern, why should you?¡±


    Thankfully Itsuo didn¡¯t continue his fight. He grumbled as his pacing slowed, but she lifted when there were no words against her. The man paused then shifted, tapping his fingers then his shoulders slumped, before softening his creased face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s enjoy tonight, okay?¡±


    ¡°Safely, I hope,¡± Jiao mocked.


    Jiao wore loose flowing silks and revealed her skin for the patrons. It garnered her desired reaction. The tension of the war was long forgotten and the buzzing excitement spread amongst them. Who would be the first to win the Lion amongst them? She beamed at all of them, even the more vulgar, who weren¡¯t that many in fairness.


    Even the most reserved gave away the hunger in their eyes. Faces without expression, but eyes sparkling with desire. She was used to picking out the suitable ones from an eager crowd, and tonight it was a burly woman with a gentle face. Her short chestnut hair pricked her shoulders, silky smooth and straight, beneath a decorative wine-red shawl. The eyes jumped away from her often, ringed with dark eyeliner, until she met Jiao¡¯s gaze.


    They shared a smile, and the woman blushed. She seemed uncomfortable in her rich robes, with a sun darkened complexion. A soldier, no question about it, Jiao couldn¡¯t resist their shyness. The woman¡¯s cheeks blazed red when she approached, disappointing everyone else who sought her attention.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think I was worthy, master,¡± she began, bowing lower than Jiao deserved. She maintained her composure despite her surprise.


    ¡°Master?¡± Jiao asked, but her mind already found the answer. A Tamer.


    ¡°Forgive me, is that not a rank in your duty?¡±


    ¡°Do I suggest a masterful ability in lovemaking?¡±


    ¡°The mere pleasure of your extraordinary attention weakens my knees.¡±


    Oh, she was very good, elevating her gruff comeliness. She wrapped her arm around Jiao¡¯s, giving away her enhanced might despite her soft touch. Even the most experienced of Tamers forgot their own strength, at least it wasn¡¯t hard enough to bruise.


    ¡°Are Tamers capable of weakness?¡±


    ¡°Enhanced strength and senses, an Unblessed¡¯s cravings might agonise, imagine enhanced lust?¡±


    ¡°I look forward to enjoying it, master?¡±


    ¡°Master Dal-Rae, if it pleases you Master Jiao.¡±


    Another surprise, a descendant of Dangun no less. The few who remained hardly revealed their ancestry to other Tigers, especially in the Dhaar Province. Jiao was ready to perform at her best.


    ¡°I¡¯m pleased already,¡± she said.


    ¡°Would you mind joining me and a friend in our booth?¡±


    ¡°Not at all, lead the way.¡±


    Jiao caught a hint of dew and cut grass in the air. Not from Dal-Rae, though the Tamer smelled sweet. The aroma strengthened as they neared the vinewood torch at the other end of the common room, where the largest of all the booths waited. Its sliding door shut, hiding the mysterious other within.


    Jiao caught a hint of dew and cut grass in the air. Not from Dal-Rae, though the Tamer smelled sweet. The aroma strengthened as they neared the vinewood torch at the other end of the common room, where the largest of all the booths waited. Its sliding door shut, hiding the mysterious other within.


    ¡°Do you enjoy sharing Master Dal-Rae?¡±


    ¡°Please, there is no need for such formality, I¡¯m not noble, and I suffer it more than I care for daily.¡±


    Jiao hummed.


    ¡°And no, I do not enjoy sharing, but this is not that. We were hoping you would choose.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Jiao said. She drowned in the scent by now, standing before the shut booth door.


    Dal-Rae opened it, revealing a dimly lit, but extravagant interior. Jiao stepped in, but couldn¡¯t focus against the overpowering, yet pleasurable scent. A figure smiled at her; one she didn¡¯t recognise until the sliding door clicked shut behind her.


    ¡°Forgive me,¡± Lord Genji said, and her entire body turned to ice. ¡°I see you heeded my advice.¡±


    The wrongness returned to taint the aroma. She saw the desperation in his eyes, a different sort of hunger. One that both beckoned and repelled her. Itsuo¡¯s concern entered her mind, it was Lord Genji¡¯s grief.


    ¡°Please, sit, I seem to have instilled fear in you. I mean no harm, I swear.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± her voice cracked, lips quivering. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Jiao sat as far away as she could without insulting him. His ineffability made her growing discomfort all the more infuriating. The vinewood torch suggested she wanted this, and yet Itsuo¡¯s warning blared in her mind.


    ¡°Master Dal-Rae is unknown here in Bag¡¯Jagaal. She is a close friend, and offered herself as collateral, in a sense, for you to have¡­ leverage over me. Dangun¡¯s descendants are not in favour, well they¡¯ve never been in favour amongst their fellow Tigers in truth. A public execution would follow should word reach the throne that I am harbouring her.¡±


    Jiao¡¯s jaw dropped while she listened to him. His impressive, rather intimidating aura, vanished in an instant the longer he spoke. Lord Genji¡¯s voice quavered, it cracked often, his eyes sparked with a deep longing that only filled her with pity.


    ¡°I suppose your Lion blood might make you familiar with such prejudice,¡± he said, though it sounded as if he spoke to himself.


    ¡°Lord Genji,¡± she said.


    ¡°Seiichi, please.¡±


    ¡°Wh¡­ why?¡±


    ¡°The same reason others frequent such establishments, though in my case it is specifically loneliness.¡± He chuckled, then cleared his throat, eyes mournful. ¡°Of course, you look so much like her.¡±


    ¡°Lord¡­ Seiichi, incestuous play¡­ the price is steep.¡±


    ¡°Incestuous? Oh dear, you have learned of¡­ oh no.¡±


    ¡°I do not wish to chase you away,¡± she comforted him. ¡°Nor do I speak with judgement.¡±


    ¡°One thousand gold squares?¡±


    Jiao gulped.


    May the Great Beast curse me for hesitating!


    There was no shaking off the worry, the wrongness about the man, but it was his grief, she knew it to be so.


    A Tamer¡¯s grief, Beast protect him.


    ¡°That is worth three Gardens, with change to spare.¡±


    ¡°Double that then, I must have¡­ oh dear, I do not wish to suggest ownership,¡± it must have been powerful grief to lay him so low. ¡°You are priceless my ¡­ please consider it.¡±


    Under any other circumstance, there was no consideration. An instant agreement, she could retire with the percentage owed to The Garden alone. Yet she couldn¡¯t bring herself to pleasure such a man, there was little comfort she could give him, right?


    ¡°I was, she promised me. Opal promised this would,¡± Lord Genji grimaced when she jumped. She caught that strange word, and a chill sparked through her spine. It was something she should not have heard.


    ¡°I am sorry, I forget how unsettling it is to hear the name of a dead Tamed for a Tamer, let alone an Unblessed. The coin is compensation, I am sure The Garden benefits from your duty. I could triple it, a third of it just for you?¡±


    The scent of fresh cut grass and dew never left her, and this time Itsuo¡¯s caution reminded her of her discomfort.


    What about Itsuo?


    ¡°What do you say?¡±


    #


    Itsuo paced the common room, having drained a bottle of wine already. Morning light shone through the windows, warming the empty common room. It might have been a beautiful sight if Jiao was here to share it with him. A successful night, with plenty of gold to celebrate.


    Damn that woman!


    After all his warnings, his concern, his softened words, she refused to listen! How many times would she put herself in danger? A constant about her ever since they were fresh faces in The Garden years ago. There had been some scares, a few times where he was involved, admittedly, but this was something else entirely.


    A bronze jug clattered to the right, and Itsuo jumped, pausing his pacing as he narrowed his eyes at the darkness growing in a pitch-black corner. Red eyes and silver stripes emerged first, before Master Guo stepped out of the blackness.


    ¡°What did you find, where is she, is she all right?¡±


    ¡°Itsuo,¡± Guo sighed, scratching their jaw. ¡°She followed the law, left behind payment that more than justifies her departure and we both know she did it willingly.¡±


    ¡°Did you report it?¡±


    ¡°The presence of laws is a comfort, but they do not deter its breakers, and let¡¯s be honest here, the law¡­¡±


    ¡°Did you report it Guo?¡±


    ¡°I did, to minimal interest.¡±


    Itsuo nibbled his bottom lip and resumed his pacing while Guo cleared his mess. He ignored their attempts to calm him, letting mentions of Lord Genji and his nobility pass through him.


    ¡°If you are desperate, could we reveal Lord Genji is the alleged perpetrator?¡±


    ¡°And make her an inadvertent enemy of the twins?¡±


    ¡°They have a bitter temper towards their cousin, I suspect another civil war awaits on the near horizon, amongst Tigers alone.¡±


    #


    The following weeks weighed heavily on him. During the first he managed a few outings into their common room. But in the second month he remained cooped up in his room, piling over scribbles of information he asked the other Flowers to extract. In the third month a few of the Flowers left, but The Garden never failed to keep a full common room night after night. Despite him sending away his usual clients, only Master Guo saw him, with concern etched on their face every time.


    In the middle of the fourth month of his seclusion, patrols marched through the streets, shouting decrees from the throne.


    ¡°Any citizen of Bag¡¯Jagaal harbouring enemies of the Tiger Clan will receive equal criminal charges to those they protect.¡±


    Soon ¡®enemies¡¯ faded away, and ¡®traitors¡¯ took its place. Despite his knowing of Jiao¡¯s involvement, his information network failed to garner anything stronger than rumours on Lord Genji and his apparently restored family.


    Whispers of violence returned, and The Garden¡¯s nights dwindled in numbers. Brawls became commonplace, as factions rose in the streets of Bag¡¯Jagaal. Six months after Jiao¡¯s disappearance Itsuo finally emerged from his cave on the upper levels of The Garden. There were less than ten of them now, not counting himself and Master Guo, who remained, and they all looked to him for comfort.


    He must have seemed ghastly, for everyone struggled to hide their concern, shock and subtle disgust. Itsuo muttered some empty comforts, telling them they were free to leave if they so wished, but The Garden would remain open. All of them did, at least half promised to return, though he didn¡¯t care. It meant more space for solitude.


    #


    Itsuo emptied the stores of their bar in the common room, lounging upon cushions, staring at the open doors as a rusty sunset coloured the gloomy drizzle outside. He sipped on a clear glass of false water, and shuddered at the fire swirling in his mouth, before it seared down his throat. It was from the second jug that day, but there was no getting used to it.


    His head swam and his body refused to adjust without knocking over empty glasses and bottles. Master Guo lingered in a corner, their eyes on him, no doubt with worry dancing on their face. All that remained was his obsession now, nothing more.


    Itsuo didn¡¯t notice the clatter of a table, nor the singing of steel as Master Guo and their Tamed dark Bagha darted for the door. The jian sword glittered with a hint of the sunset glowing within, revealing the strange markings that littered every Tamer¡¯s weapon. He sat up when a hooded figure appeared at the door, emitting steam and remaining dry with their arms raised.


    ¡°Itsuo!¡± Guo cried. ¡°This was the one who left with them.¡±


    He stumbled to his feet, breaking his half-filled glass as he wobbled to the door.


    ¡°I come on behalf of Lady Genji Aisha-Jiao, heir to the Genji seat,¡± the hooded woman bowed, then revealed her face as she stepped in. Guo¡¯s sword remained raised.


    ¡°She did not trust the written word to make it to you, and so I came to speak in her name.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯re you?¡± Itsuo slurred.


    ¡°Master Dal-Rae,¡± she whispered, then stepped inside. Guo sheathed their sword. ¡°My lady sends her apologies to Itsuo, who she sees as her closest friend, a brother from her old life. She hopes he did not suffer during the months of her death, for now that she is reborn, she hopes The Garden remains an institution of high repute.¡±


    ¡°What is this? Is she alive?¡±


    ¡°My lady has heard whispers of your work, and hopes it has not ended. She hopes The Garden remains open despite the threat of the throne.¡±


    ¡°Tell me damn you!¡±


    ¡°The house of Genji is lonely no more, Itsuo,¡± Master Dal-Rae smiled as Guo shut the doors.


    Itsuo¡¯s mind sobered with his surging joy. His eyes welled with relief and he almost embraced the master Tamer. He took a moment to recover, clearing his throat and adjusting himself. Then the coded words struck him.


    Master Guo glanced at him with an eagerness he¡¯d never seen before and felt his own heart race.


    ¡°How may I be of service to Lady Genji?¡±


    Master Dal-Rae beamed at him after whipping off her cloak, she nodded towards a booth and Itsuo rushed to follow, with Master Guo in tow.


    Damn that woman, Itsuo chuckled to himself.


    Ever eager to put herself in danger.