Crowning Fantasy Book 1 (19 page)

"The Mikachiari need this truce with the Manskliga and Elyun if not some guarantee the Asistan Ti will not return. You can't just give up without these assurances," Gumus said shifting the sling that held the still unresponsive Mina.

"The Faglar are our allies," Noki's tone made it more of a question than a statement.

Gumus and Luru shook their heads.

"They have been badly weakened. Don't misunderstand, they are willing, it will take time. It will take time for all of us to be fully functional."

Vakt surrounding a small group entered the marketplace. The gaunt one from earlier spotted Luru, Noki, and Gumus by the fountain and headed toward them. He did not look happy.

"How many more of your kind can we expect to receive in Enade?" he asked as if he'd eaten something particularly sour.

Before Luru could ask for clarification, he sighed and waved his hand. The Vakt separated and Luru squealed, "Batu!"

The gaunt Vakt dismissed the others and stood to the side hands clasped in front of him. Batu, Kazi and several others from Rasima hugged and stroked Luru and Noki.

"How did you escape Tado?" Luru asked.

"There has been a split within the group in Rasima for some time. When Mina was compromised it galvanized the others to join. It was almost an even split between the two."

"Where are they?"

"They're on their way to Nokashikatekiariku! We longed to join them to see for ourselves but branched off when we heard you were going to Enade."

The group squealed and hugged and stroked again. Gumus fidgeted in the background still unaccustomed to all the touching that went on between the Mikachiari.

"What happened to Mina?" Kazi whispered dreading the answer.

"She's alive!" Noki exclaimed. "Here." She pointed to the sling across Gumus.

Kazi practically sprang at Gumus who backed up on reflex. His legs hit the edge of the fountain and he sat down hard. "Settle, she's not well," he snapped.

Kazi scrambled onto his lap and opened the sling to take a look. Mina lay serenely and Kazi smiled and reached in to grab her friend. When she saw the vacant look in Mina's eyes, her face crumpled. "What's wrong with her?"

Noki said, "She's been through a lot."

"Why is Mina with him?" Kazi jerked her thumb at Gumus.

"He takes care of her," Luru said.

"I can help take care of her," Kazi said as she climbed into the sling.

Gumus waved his hands in exasperation. "I can't be carting around two of you!"

Batu glanced at the gaunt Vakt still standing to the side. She grabbed Luru's arm her voice hushed. "I have good news. The High Priestess is traveling with our group as well." She widened her eyes slightly to keep Luru from saying more in front of the Vakt.

"That is good news," Luru said. To the Vakt she said, "I'm sorry we had no idea this group would be joining us from Rasima."

"So I see. The same arrangement applies. Please inform your sisters."

Luru gave a slight bow as he moved off then they gathered around and Luru and Batu brought everyone up to date on what had happened so far. Batu decided it was safer to tell them about the High Priestess out in the open than inside their room where they might be monitored.

The High Priestess had sought sanctuary in a place called Refuge. She had hid her true identity while living there. She happened to be in Free Port Sanddyner when the place was attacked by the Manskliga and nearly destroyed.

"She's dropped her official name and goes by Riki now," Batu added.

"Why?"

Batu shrugged. "She hasn't explained much except that she learned a great deal in Refuge and was changed."

After they were done catching up they retreated to their room to wait.

***

M
ina had just started to respond a bit to Kazi when the gaunt Vakt came knocking. Several stewards followed him carrying freshly laundered clothes.

"A council meeting has been called for tomorrow right after lunch. Who may I say is representing the Mikachiari?"

"I am," Luru said. "But I will require Batu, Noki, Gumus and Mina to attend as well."

"There is only one dignitary and secretary allowed at the meeting."

"Batu, then. However Gumus will be attending with a matter that concerns the Elyun and the Kertenkele."

The Vakt shook his head. "Whatever that is will require a separate meeting—"

Gumus rose to his full height, his eyes and torso aflame. "I will speak tomorrow. There really isn't anything you can do to stop me."

The Vakt narrowed his eyes. "If they have time to hear you, make sure it is brief and to the point." He arched an eyebrow as his eyes looked Gumus up and down. "Do you require a change of clothes?"

"Yes."

The Vakt sniffed and motioned for the stewards to place the clothes on the table. "They will deliver them shortly."

The next day the group picked at their lunch. Kazi wandered around the market to see what she could hear and the news across Varlid was not good. An Aventyrare ship had tried to dock at the Enade port but was denied. Some of the crew had hurled rotted food at the Vakt while others had climbed up on the railing of the ship and relieved themselves in the harbor before they sailed away.

"There are reports of clashes in the Bred Hav between pirates, Aventyrare, and the nations. The trip back home will not be easy," Kazi worried.

"Pirates were bad before on the way to Dong Tochi. Now they'll be circling the nations and the ports," Gumus said.

"Why doesn't the Asistan Ti just make another Suk Chae?" Noki asked. No one knew the answer.

Luru threw open the door when the Vakt knocked. "I take it your are ready," he stated.

"More than ready," Luru said as the small group left. Gumus looked back at Kazi.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of her. She's almost ready to start talking again. I can feel it," Kazi said.

They walked to a heavily guarded door none in the group had seen before. Inside was a lift that was pulled upwards by several more Vakt. At first they were unable to move because of Gumus's weight. Gumus sent the Vakt to help with the other pulley while he maned one by himself. They rose upward until they reached the top.

***

T
he upper tier of Enade was made entirely of glossy white stone. In the center of the circular area was a fountain made out of black stone. When the sunlight hit it at a certain angle, rainbows reflected off it's surface. To the left was a market place. Unlike the rowdy ones on the lower levels this one was quiet. Well dressed citizens traveled between the stalls with servants carrying baskets.

The group walked around to the right until they came to a hallway on their right. There was a large staircase and further down the hallway they could see a garden. Beyond that were the living quarters for the dignitaries from the nations.

The gaunt Vakt led the way up the stairs and to a room. He threw open the double doors. Seated in the council room were a Manskliga, an Elyun with their secretaries. Prezidan Boni also sat at the table with Blan Chapo Yon Sel at his side.

Luru felt the skin around her mouth pull tight. She wanted to snarl. Instead she forced herself to relax. Batu's tail didn't stop twitching. Gumus's fists were clenched. Luru took in a deep breath and realized no place had been prepared for them at the table.

"Are we to stand during this meeting?"

"I'm afraid so. We'll make it brief."

Luru cocked her head to one side. "Brief? I think we'll need some time."

The Manskliga cleared his throat. No one introduced themselves.

"I'm Luru from Nokashikatekiariku—"

"We know very well who you are." Prezidan Boni said. Blan Chapo Yon Sel cringed at the sound of Luru's voice.

"We are here to be recognized as a nation once again in Varlid," Luru said.

"There are treaties in place between the Manskliga, Elyun and Asistan Ti. We have not received instructions to alter them from the heads of our nations. I'm sure you've heard of the fall of Dong Tochi. Our nations have more pressing matters to deal with across Varlid," The Vakt said.

"We are prepared to take our place at the council and assume the cost and joint maintenance of Enade and the outposts," Luru replied.

"That is not necessary," The Elyun said. "Since the Asistan Ti have been ousted from Patri Peyi. They have asked and have been given Enade and the Trask and Falt Galen to manage. They are going to assume all costs of running these areas which relieves the burden from Rike and Dohla to focus on other issues."

"The Asistan Ti are still going to be recognized as a nation?" Luru asked.

"Yes," Prezidan Boni asked. "Or would you rather we be eradicated, left to wander Varlid?"

"For now I'll keep to myself what I would like to see happen to your kind. I only ask that if the Asistan Ti are allowed to stay on the council that the Mikachiari also have their status restored. We would also seek assurances that our borders will be respected."

The Manskliga motioned to his secretary. "Is that your formal request?"

Luru curled her lips back to reveal her teeth. "Yes and that all Mikachiari be repatriated immediately."

"My secretary will make a note of it and pass this along to the heads of our nations."

"In the meantime we will leave a dignitary here—"

"That won't be necessary."

Before Luru could argue further, Gumus moved forward and threw a sheaf of papers in front of the Elyun. "The Asistan Ti left behind some things in their haste to get out of Nokashikatekiariku."

The Elyun sat motionless.

"It seems the Bocek carried out their attack on the Kertenkele with if not outright assistance from, encouragement by, the Elyun."

The Elyun swallowed and scooted back in his chair. "I don't know anything of this matter. I don't even know if these documents are legitimate."

Gumus shoved them across to Prezidan Boni. "Maybe you can help explain?"

"These records are from Prezidan Jules who has passed to the Deyes nan Magic. I have no knowledge of them nor do I care."

"Then I will inform my brothers and I'm sure they will be requesting a place at this council as well in the coming months."

The Elyun looked sideways at Gumus. "Onyx Ay has declared you dead and the Elyun will not permit your presence within Dohla."

"Stop me."

"You can't take on the whole Sudawa of Elyun."

"So stop me."

"That's enough," The Manskliga said. "This council is not open to threats from outsiders. Vakt!"

"What about our assurances?" Luru asked.

"Return to your homeland. I'm sure in due time a decision will be reached."

"We are at war then?"

"Nothing has been decided at this council. We've merely taken your requests and will present them to our respective nations. I realize this is new to you but there is a process."

The dignitaries and their secretaries stood up from the table and without another word left the room through a door in the back.

"This way," the gaunt Vakt said as he stood just outside of the double doors they'd entered from and direct Luru's group to exit as well.

***

"T
eka! Teka torin!" Luru said as soon as they were outside. She marched past the Vakt and everyone but Gumus struggled to keep up.

"Excuse me!" The Vakt called out but Luru ignored him and instead of the lift made for the stairs that would eventually wind them down to the last level.

Noki and Kazi were quickly brought up to speed when they returned to their quarters.

"We're leaving now. Noki go get supplies at the market," Luru said.

"It's not safe to travel at night," Noki said.

"We have Gumus."

"I'm afraid not, Luru. I must go to Dohla. Kirmizi has walked in blind to the Elyun's plans and I have no idea what Onyx Ay will do. They may be in danger."

"What about Mina?"

"She is responding to Kazi more than she's responded to me in days. I'll build a litter so you can take her with you. I'm sorry. I wouldn't do this but it's important. Maybe you should stay here until I return?"

"I doubt they'll put us up for that long and we have to get back as well since the High Priest—Riki, has returned. She needs to know what has happened here as soon as possible. We need to figure out what to prepare for first."

"I have a favor to ask."

"Of course, if I can."

"Can I have assurances the Kertenkele would be welcome among the Mikachiari?"

Luru looked around the room. "I have no final authority but as far as I'm concerned, the Kertenkele will always be welcome."

"I'll leave tonight," Gumus said picking up his few belongings. "Rest and take off first thing in the morning. Travel only by day, stick to the road and stay with a caravan if you can."

"We'll be fine. We only have to clear the Falt Galen. After that we're in Aririnkatata and Faglar are in charge. You have a much longer journey and if the Elyun council member was speaking the truth you will be in hostile territory much of the way."

"I know the mines. It's just a matter of staying clear of Padda."

"Be careful. I'm sure Mina will be waiting for you."

Gumus made no reply. He brushed Mina's cheek with a fingertip and then was gone.

E
very game of skill teaches a lesson that must be learned about war: use your forces wisely with every bit of intelligence at your disposal, otherwise you will lose. -
 
Manskliga scholar

Gumus traveled back to Dohla a different route then how he'd left. If Mina hadn't been with him he would have taken this route to escape but thought it was too dangerous for Mina with Padda using the tunnels. Now he didn't care for anyone's safety. Not even his own. If he found Padda he would attack them and kill them.

The Elyun mining operations followed along the Great Nahara's underground tributaries that had carved out tunnels long ago and then been widened by Padda. In Slat, instead of heading southeast towards Zeroob sahaerat Gumus turned eastward to an abandoned mine shaft. Once there he was able to grab a southeast tributary ending up at the bottom of the Great Nahara. This way he bypassed the outpost between Zeroob sahaerat and Slat Galen and the other one at the Great Nahara.