The Way of the Power (5 page)

Finally, Canto lifted his head and leaned forward, bracing his hands on his knees. “I wish you hadn’t brought these strangers here. We are at a delicate time.”

“Has something happened while I was away?” Malja asked.

“Nothing like that. But my people are still recovering from the war. They have lost everything they knew. Our lives had been centered around the Great Well and the magic it produced. With that magic we built our floating islands which provided us perfect soils to grow food. We created vehicles that soared through the air. That magic gave us protection and strength to thwart our enemies. That magic was seen as a gift from Pali herself, perhaps even a nod that she favored Carsite.”

“And I destroyed the wells.”

“Without that magic, our old world has disappeared. Not gradually, the way a mother loses a son when that boy changes into a man, but so abruptly that many feel as if they had been startled awake from a beautiful dream only to find a horrible nightmare around them. We are learning how to survive, how to live, all over again. Surely, you can imagine how some will not embrace it quite as well as others. I think our Sheriff has had more work than he expected because of this.”

Fawbry waved off the comment. “Nothing I can’t handle. But I will admit that I can feel the animosity from some people.”

“Many of us will forever thank you for all you have done. But there are some who think that if you had not come along, we would have fared better.”

Malja nodded. “I’ve come across this before. Plenty of times I’ve helped people only to have them hate me for it. Doesn’t change anything, though. These people can’t undo any of it.”

“They’re afraid. They had put their trust in Harskill only to be betrayed. They put their trust in you, only to see the end of the world as they understood it. And, frankly, seeing you walk here with two strangers frightens me, too. I have to protect my people, and right now, their willfulness to trust strangers is not to be found.”

“I brought them here while I regrouped. I had hoped for a warmer reception, but if my presence here is going to cause you trouble, then all I ask is for a few days to figure out where to go next.”

Before Canto could refuse, Fawbry said, “I don’t see why that should be a problem. We have plenty of space. We could offer temporary housing. Though Canto is correct that there are those who don’t like you, they are even less fond of me, but I’m doing well enough here. Besides, there are plenty who love us for what we risked.”

Malja appreciated what Fawbry had attempted. By spouting off such an offer, Canto would be embarrassed to not follow through. Though he held his lips tight, Canto said, “Very well. We shall provide you a place to stay for a few days. But you must provide us something in return.”

“Which is?”

“Our morale is low. Despite my misgivings, Sheriff Fawbry is accurate — many here will be thrilled you are back. So, your return is an excellent excuse for a celebration. Even those who fear you, even those who harbor hatred — none will turn down a fine drink and a dance. They’ll pretend it isn’t for you, and they’ll grumble about you, but they’ll still enjoy themselves. I know you don’t like to be treated this way, but if you let us throw such a party in your honor, then the housing is yours.”

Malja tried not to look anything but pleased. “You have a deal. When should we —”

“Tonight. Before anybody can argue. We will start the preparations at once.” To Fawbry, Canto added, “Set them up in one of the homes on Red Street.”

Fawbry popped to his feet. “Happily.”

As they headed toward the door, Canto said, “Make sure, Sheriff Fawbry, that you know where your loyalties are. Your words were out of turn, and I only tolerated it because of your long-standing friendship with Malja. But if you cannot be loyal to the people of Carsite, then you cannot be our Sheriff.”

Fawbry frowned. “No need for that. There’s plenty of room for me to serve you both.”

Malja stayed quiet, but she knew what Canto thought — for she thought it as well. Eventually, this would become a problem for Fawbry and he didn’t know it.

Chapter 5

The Carsites desperately needed this party.
Well before nightfall, they had transformed the town streets into a full-blown festival. Spicy foods sizzled while musicians tuned their instruments. Children darted from stall to stall, looking at toys and clothes and whatever people decided they could drag out and sell. Laughter rolled across the growing crowd like a distant thunderstorm.

Malja stepped back from the second-story window of the apartment Canto had loaned them and faced Fawbry. He sat on the edge of the narrow bed that occupied most of the small, plain room.

“I am sorry,” she said.

“It’s not like you planned for Harskill to show up and offer to whisk you away.”

“Was Tommy upset?”

“More angry than anything else. But he adjusted. Probably made him a little stronger.”

“And you?”

Fawbry sighed. He looked at his hands and rubbed his thumb over the back of the other. “I never expected to be partnered with you for this long. I always thought that one day I’d awake and you’d be gone, so when it happened, I was fine. Maybe even a little relieved.”

“Relieved?”

“Life around you is dangerous. Exciting and adventurous, yes, but oftentimes life-threatening, too. I was looking forward to being Sheriff in this little place. Finding a lovely woman and becoming part of this community.”

“You say that as if you’re no longer looking forward to that. What changed?”

Holding an open hand toward her with an incredulous frown, he said, “You, of course. You came back. And you brought those people with you.”

“That doesn’t mean you can’t —”

“It absolutely does mean that. I’ve known you long enough now. This can only bring trouble.”

“She’s a little girl. Innocent and unsullied by the worlds. Should I have let her be a pawn in some stupid game? Should I have let her die?”

He shook off the conversation and headed for the door. “We’re about to have a party. Let’s try to get in a festive mood. The rest of this ... it won’t go anywhere and we can always argue about it tomorrow.” Fawbry froze, his shocked and confused expression locked on something down the hall.

Malja pushed him out of the way. The Artisoll’s room was only a few steps down at the end of the hall. Her door stood ajar, and inside sat Tommy and a young woman. Malja burst into the room and saw Stray sitting on an end table in the far corner.

“Where’s the Artisoll? Who’s this?”

Tommy and the young woman held their hands up against each other as if staring into a mirror. They both wore stunned expressions, seemingly amazed at the touch of their palms against the other. But Stray looked equally amazed — no, Malja sensed more pride than amazement.

“By Korstra, somebody tell me what damn thing has happened to the Artisoll.”

Stray pointed to the young woman. “She’s right there.”

Gripping the young woman’s chin, Malja inspected her face. “How’s this possible? She was a child only a few hours ago.”

“Unhand her,” Stray said, standing with his hands resting on the hilts of his swords.

Malja let go. Not from fear, but from Stray’s reaction — he left no doubt in her mind that this woman was, indeed, the Artisoll. “I don’t understand this. Is she going to keep rapidly aging and then die?”

“No.” Stray settled back in the corner. “The Artisoll doesn’t age like that. She manifests her outward appearance based on her own needs and the needs of those around her. Being a child benefited her for all the years I have known her, and in the normal events of our home, she would have remained a child until the day of her rising. But our situation has drastically changed, and so, she has as well. I never thought I’d see such a thing. I’d only been taught that it could happen. This is a rare and privileged experience.”

Fawbry poked his head over Malja’s shoulder. “Looks like Tommy and her have something going.”

She elbowed him lightly in the gut. “Don’t you have to be Sheriff? Go watch the Carsites set up.” To Stray, she asked, “Is this anything to be concerned about?”

“It is a miraculous event. The Artisoll’s magic at work before her rising. She honors us all by allowing us to be present.”

“I don’t like being honored.”

“But isn’t that the point of this evening — to honor you?”

“Just because it’s the point of the party, doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it.” She snapped her fingers at the two young people. “Tommy. Time to go get ready for the party. Let the Artisoll be. I’m sure you’ll see her again tonight.”

He hesitated. Then, to her shock, he grinned at the Artisoll and the Artisoll blushed. After he left, Malja slammed the door closed and stormed off to her room. She threw her own door shut and kicked a hole into the wall.

All she had been trying to do was save the life of a child in need. Like she had done for Tommy long ago. Yet the sensation churning inside told her well enough that things were spiraling out of her control. This girl, this Artisoll, had a lot more underneath the surface than simply being able to shift her appearance, and Malja wanted nothing to do with it.

But I saved her life. I’m responsible.

Except maybe she hadn’t saved the girl at all. Stray seemed to indicate that the street war she had interrupted was part of normal political maneuvers. Maybe so. But Malja had encountered enough politicians in her life to know that none of them were any good.

Even Canto.

Through the war with the Scarites, she had seen much good in the man, but she could not forget her first meeting with him. He had been engaged to the daughter of the head of town, and he knew what privilege came with that. He exploited it as long as possible.

And now, when she returned in need of his help, he had to be pushed in order to give his consent. She had to parade herself about at this ridiculous festival just so he could maintain control. The Artisoll’s life was in her hands, and she had to bargain with Canto for it.

Ridiculous.

Malja peered out the window at the activities below. At least, after concluding whatever uncomfortable pageantry Canto had planned, she’d be able to get drunk. Maybe even find a man to lie with for the night. It had been a long time since she last enjoyed such an evening. If it had to be forced on her, she might as well find some pleasure in it, too.

Rubbing her eyes with the heels of her hands, she tried to push away all thoughts of the Artisoll, her magic, and all Stray had implied about what had happened. They had a party to enjoy. Besides, even if she could solve this squabble tomorrow, the next day would be engaged in some other fight. That was the way of her life.

On the bedside table, she noticed a wide-toothed comb clearly made from the sun-bleached bones of a local creature. She sat on the bed, undid her long braid, and combed her hair. Each stroke that pulled through her knotted, unattended hair felt satisfying and relaxing. The sensation of the comb against her head as well as the hair tugging from her scalp allowed Malja to empty her mind of the incessant jumbling thoughts and focus on this one simple pleasure. At length, she braided her hair once more, washed her face with water provided in a small bowl, and walked downstairs to join the celebration that had already begun.

The crowded streets buzzed with excitement. People wore their traditional wide-brimmed hats and dressed in their finest robes — a stunning variety of colors and designs. A musician playing a whining, stringed instrument weaved her song throughout the people while the high pitches of a fluted instrument could be heard from one street over. The food that had been cooking for the last few hours now filled the air with hunger-inducing seductiveness.

Unlike her earlier arrival, this time all the faces looking upon Malja smiled and laughed. A few that she recognized from their final battle against the Scarites dared to slap her on the back. She endured it as they led her through the thickening throngs until they reached the town center.

A square had been marked out with large stones and three chairs lined the back end. Canto sat one chair to the right of center. Tommy sat one chair to the left. Malja knew they expected her to take the center chair.

As she crossed the empty square, she could feel the pressure of the people that filled the town center, pressing against each other right up to the stone line. Each person wanted as good a view as possible. Elsewhere, no doubt, groups gathered to mock the festival and complain about Malja, but as Canto had predicted, they would gladly partake in the food and alcohol. When she sat in the designated chair, Canto sprang to his feet and raised his hands.

“This evening we honor a great warrior, one without whom we would never have achieved the prosperity that awaits. She freed us from a cycle of war and destruction, and through her courage, we have found our own. Join me, dear people of the great town of Raxholden, in showing Malja our appreciation.”

Like a trained army saluting their leader, the people all placed their hands on their stomachs and bowed their heads.

A moment later, Canto removed his hat. “Let our evening begin!” The Carsites cheered as Canto returned to his chair. He leaned towards Malja. “We have a short program for you and then the rest of the evening will be an open party. I hope that’s not too much trouble.”