Stars' Light, page 19
Masamiria smiled at her and took the seat between her and Kiril. He immediately took a sip of his coffee that was cooling. He smiled. “Perfect. You even put some cream in.” He looked up at Maarika.
“Of course I did. Masamiria, this is Sarannya. She has become a new student.” Maarika introduced Sarannya. Jorian just watched from the rim of his cup. He smiled, witnessing the surprise on Masamiria’s face when he took a second look at her.
Masamiria looked down at the sword that was hanging from her hip. It was the one he had made for Jorian. He looked back up at his old friend. “Let me guess, she needs a set of swords?”
“She does. And training in many areas.” Jorian glanced from Masamiria to the scowl on Sarannya’s face.
Masamiria took a deep drink of his coffee. “I have it on good authority that she already has a set of swords.” He never took his eyes from Jorian’s.
Sarannya tried to sink down in her chair. She could feel the tension building at the table, and it was very uncomfortable to have it directed at her. She glanced over at Kiril, who was looking back at her with a puzzled expression.
“Maarika, if you would excuse us.” Jorian turned to her and smiled politely, but it was clear that he was not pleased.
“No. She stays. She needs to know, along with the kids. It is time to stop hiding everything from everyone, even ourselves at times.” Masamiria took another deep drink of his coffee.
Jorian frowned and put his cup down and leaned forward. “What are you doing?”
“The boy survived and destroyed two hunting packs and escaped dogs. And he escaped with the enemy’s help. We believe…” He paused and nodded towards Kiril. “We believe that it might be possible that the Fallen who are running the Burnished Horn wish to purify. Tell him what they told you,” he commented to Kiril.
Kiril looked over at Sarannya, and towards Maarika not knowing what to do.
“It’s all right, Kiril. Go ahead and explain.” Jorian sat back with a look of disgust on his face.
“As Lord Kage said, I was attacked by two hunting packs and then hunted by dogs. I was able to take down the hunting packs, but I was wounded in the process, and was not going to be able to escape the dogs. I was met on the upper path in the older section of the city by a woman who was exquisitely beautiful. She was almost irresistible. I was pretty weak, and almost out of light, or Mara as Lord Kage called it. She lead me into a ruin and down into a shaped tunnel. It led me down to the lower section of the city and the Silk Stocking. It put me out into an alley just a few hundred feet from here. They knew exactly where I was staying, and how to get me here safely. They wanted me to tell you this when I saw you.” He took a drink from his coffee, which was mostly cold now.
Jorian sat in silence for a moment and then looked at his old friend. “You believe they wish to purify?”
“I do.” Masamiria fingered his empty cup. “Or Kiril would be dead.”
Jorian nodded his head. “You took care of his wound?”
“I did. It was infested, and he would not have been able to burn it out in his condition. That doesn’t take into account that he didn’t know how to really heal anyway.”
“I’m sure that he will pick it up very quickly.” Jorian smiled at Kiril.
“Oh, he did. I already taught him.”
“Good. Then you can help me train them, and get them ready for the Darkening that is coming.”
Masamiria sat back in shock and put his hands up. “Noooo. I’m not a teacher, and you know it. I make swords.”
“Not true. You taught Kiril how to properly heal, and you’ve taught many how to craft swords, and I need you.” The last Jorian said quietly. “Are you with me, Lord Kage?”
Masamiria sat for a moment, just staring at his friend. “You know that I am. Until the very end.”
Nodding his head, Jorian turned and smiled at Maarika, who was looking back and forth between he and Masamiria with a questioning expression. “Can we get some breakfast, please?” Turning to Sarannya, he continued, “We shall eat, and then we shall go to the library and find that journal for you. Then, I’ll explain everything.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Breakfast was eaten quickly, and Maarika showed Sarannya to her room. Sarannya climbed the stairs with her saddlebags on her shoulder and her bedroll in her arms. The main room was large, with many tables set up for dining, and there were private booths for more private encounters. The stairs were made of wood, but had an expensive carpet runner that was well maintained. This was where all of the private rooms were. There were the forward rooms, that were positioned towards the front of the Mezzanine level, and then there were rooms set in the back of the Mezzanine, where the girls had their own living space. Kiril and Lord Bral were on the ground floor in the back, behind the kitchens.
They turned right at the top of the stairs, and then turned left and made their way down a long hallway, and then another right turn to a lone room at the end of its own small hall. Much like the stairs, the hall floor was covered with fine carpet. Sarannya could only guess how much it had cost to import. “The General is an investor?” she asked as they approached the door to her room.
“Yes. In fact, other than myself, he is the only investor. Without him, these girls would have lived a much different and worse life.” Maarika let a small smile curve her lips, noting Sarannya’s response of shock. “You’ll see the more time you spend around here. It will take you some time to craft your swords. You will have plenty of time to learn the truth for yourself.” Maarika opened the door.
“I have a feeling this will be nothing like what you are used to, but I hope that you will come to enjoy the room.” The two of them walked in. Sarannya tried to not show any emotion, but she failed, as this was a far cry different than her house and room at home. Maarika was watching her closely. “So…where are you from?”
“I am from Marpesia.” Sarannya did not think about her answer before the words were out, as she was looking around, taking in her room. It was much smaller than her room at home, and it was very plain, but it would be nicer than sleeping outside, maybe. She did notice that she would have her own privy and that brought a small relief. “There is running water here?” She turned back to Maarika, who was staring at her.
“Ummm…yes. There is running water, but only in a few of the rooms. This room is normally reserved for special guests, but since you came with the General, and you are who you are, the room is yours for as long as you stay.” She bowed low, as to a noble.
Sarannya felt awkward. “Please do not do that, and please do not tell anyone who I am.”
“Then you need not be formal with everyone. You should speak informally.” Maarika smiled. “It’s kind of a give away.”
Sarannya’s lips thinned. There was a flash in her grey eyes. The General had just told her that very thing not long ago. She needed to pay more attention to how things were around her. “Thank you. I’ll keep it in mind and pay more attention.” There was a pause as Sarannya could see that she did not have her own wash room. “Where do I bathe?”
“You will have to share the bath with the girls. It is just down the hall and to the right. I’ll have Ivana show it to you tonight when you are done with the General and Masamiria.”
Sarannya paused for a moment. “Is that the Masamiria? The famous sword maker?” Her tone one of disbelief.
Maarika shook her head. “No. He says it is a family tradition, and all of the sons that take up the mantle of sword maker use the name.” The way she spoke left no room for questions. “Well, I’ll leave you to it. The General says he would like to have you down in the common room in about an hour.” Maarika turned and started for the door without waiting for a reply, or to be dismissed.
Sarannya had to fight the shock that was blossoming inside her. It was so difficult to change perceptions after spending her whole life learning how things were, only to find out that they were not always that way. “Thank you. I appreciate your kindness.” Sarannya chose her words to be kind, but she also actually felt what she was saying. She was so far outside of her normal life experience, she had no idea what she was really doing, as life no longer seemed to be how she was taught, or how she thought.
Maarika turned and stared at her for a moment. “If the General is training you, you will become a general yourself, or a highly placed noble. Be a good one. Learn all that you can about the people you will be ruling, so you can understand them and see the world through their eyes. As you are learning, remember that these people will be your people.” She smiled and slipped out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Sarannya watched her go in silence.
They rode through the pass towards the upper buildings and the oldest part of the city. Loose stones littered the roads, as hardly any carts, carriages, or palanquins were in use. At least none that Sarannya had seen since the beginning of their ride.
“So, Sarannya, how much training have you had? What have you learned?” Kiril asked. He was not actually looking at her, but only darted glances at her from time to time.
Sarannya looked over at him to respond, when it dawned on her that he was keeping his attention focused on everything around him while he was talking to her. This was how the General had done it when they had ridden here. She immediately looked away, only glancing at him from time to time so she could study the area they were riding through. “I have only learned a little bit. I have only been training for a week or so.”
“Don’t sell yourself short.” Jorian turned in the saddle back towards Sarannya. He then turned to Kiril. “She’s a natural. Like you.” He turned back, leaving them in silence.
Kiril did not know what to say or do. He had never been given a real compliment from his teacher before. He looked over at Sarannya who was looking back at him. She smiled at him. Damn. She’s pretty. He had not really noticed it before, being caught up in the fact that she was a student and a girl.
“I’m expecting the two of you to work together. Kiril, you’re the senior, and you have a responsibility to help those that don’t know as much and are trying to learn. To do this, you will have to get over the fact that she’s a girl.” Jorian spoke, not even turning around in the saddle.
“Rule number one,” Kiril interjected.
“Yes. Rule number one. And the farther along you get, the more important that rule is.” Jorian looked over at Sarannya. “Kiril, maybe you should let Sarannya know what the rules are. Remind me as well, please.” Titan was leading Atlas and Kiril’s horse up a steeper section of the city. Most of the houses were made of stone, but at least they were well maintained. They were north of the central road and section of Bosc City. Clearly this was where the more affluent lived. The roadways were clear, and there were many potted plants that were maintained, adding a bit of color to the otherwise drab city.
“Rule number one is to have a giving heart, forever. Rule two is to have unending sacrifice in following the rules. Rule three is natural perseverance. Rule four is natural transcendence. Rule five is the light of enlightenment. These are the rules of understanding life, and being a good human, and becoming something more than human.” Kiril spoke the last, looking at the back of his teacher. He had known for some time that Lord Bral wasn’t his real name, and that he was more than he let on. The stuff Kiril has seen him do defied anything ever written or known about the Essences. “These rules come to us from the age of Immortals. You’ve heard of this age?”
“Only briefly,” Sarannya commented. Remembering back only a few days ago to her conversation with the General about the Immortals, God, and the Essences.
“This was an age where spirit took physical form to help fight against the Darkness. That war is called the War of Light. Some call it the First War, or the Great War. But from the fragments left from that era, the Immortals themselves called it the War of Light.” Kiril sounded as if he knew all of this by heart, and was of his knowledge.
“Who told you this? I have never taught you any of this.” Jorian stopped his horse, letting Kiril and Sarannya come up beside him, but he already had an idea.
“Lord Kage told me about it. He even gave me an old book that recounted some of the war. It was done in vague terms, but it was interesting to read nonetheless.”
Jorian paused, thinking. Everything was moving so fast, and he had spent so many years hiding who and what he was, it was difficult for him to open up. Analia and Masamiria were right. He needed to get past this. Well, the library will be the first step, and the last. “You are going to love where we’re going, then.”
He turned Titan and led them through streets and alleys almost to the top of the pass. Here, the houses were immaculately maintained and guarded by low walls. There were armed guards patrolling the grounds of many of the manors.
Sarannya was passively taking in the last of the city, and was surprised, seeing actual manor houses with kept grounds. They were nestled in a bowl that had been carved out of the side of the mountain, so she was looking down upon them. The grounds were terraced with gardens, pools, and private waterfalls. The houses were almost always set in the middle, surrounded by the terraced grounds. It was breathtaking to see after so much misery and squalor.
“Is this what the city used to look like?” Sarannya touched the connection between her, the earth, and the wind. It was only a minor connection, but she could see the lines of energy coursing through the whole area. This was an old part of the city. She could see a bunch of lines all connecting to the same place. It was bright with light.
Titan had stopped, knowing that Jorian always liked to take in the view. “It did used to all look like this. But centuries of warfare and no real leadership has brought the city to what it is today.”
“How has the city maintained an air of independence, even after having been defeated so many times?” Sarannya asked.
The General smiled. “Your history lessons have been lacking. Bosc city and the Borderlands haven’t ever been defeated. They have always been able to repel the forces that have been arrayed against them. There are forces here that don’t wish to be controlled by anyone or anything.”
Sarannya was thoughtful. “Is this like Marpesia? Are there forces there that don’t wish to be controlled by anyone or anything?”
Kiril shifted in his saddle and waited for the General’s response. He could feel the winds of change blowing against him, and he was wondering how this would turn out. He was getting a feeling of trepidation. It had been building all day.
“Yes,” Jorian responded, his tone flat. He could see the library nestled into the side of the bowl with its grounds in front and to the sides. It was one of the few manors not set in the middle. The journal was there. What would it say? What did Zorian write about, and why did she now choose to disclose it? And why Sarannya?
Sarannya was silent; a sadness began to overtake her. What must this place have looked like when there was no war? And now, most of the city was rotted shells and human squalor. She glanced over at Kiril, but he was watching the General. He had a thoughtful expression upon his face. His blue eyes had a bit of light in them beyond the normal. She wondered what he was seeing, or if he saw things like how she did. She assumed that he did, having been trained by the General as well.
Kiril could see the light gathering around the General, and he felt the pulse that emanated out. There was a pulse in response. He glanced down into the bowl and saw a manor house that was awash in light. He had not seen it before. But now, he could see it clearly. It was a central point of all the energy in the area. He began to think, his face taking on a thoughtful expression. He noticed that Sarannya was looking at him. He frowned, and then looked away, waiting for the General to lead the way.
Titan began down the cobbled path into the bowl. They wound their way through the manor houses, past the low walls, and the patrolling guards. Many of them saluted or nodded in the General’s direction. A single wrought iron gate lay open, supported by two, giant brick columns. They passed through. Sarannya noted how each brick had an inscription upon it. She wanted to ask about it, but there was a quiet here that was usually reserved for holy places and tombs, so she remained silent.
They dismounted and a young female servant, who was waiting for them, took the reins and led the horses away. Titan and Atlas seemed pleased to see her. The girl was unassuming, and as soon as she was around the corner towards the stables, it was like she had never been there.
The General led them up the steps to the front door and entered. Sarannya was taken aback watching him. He walked in like it was his house. Well, maybe it is his house, she thought to herself, following him. Kiril was just ahead of her, and the door closed behind her.
The room was well lit by the crystal windows above them. Paintings lined the walls of the huge entry. Each painting was a warrior captured in combat. There was a single painting that had a woman dressed in golden armor with a long braid down her back. It was a side profile. She appeared to be looking at something far away. She held a Rimerian at her side, and there were a lot of dead warriors around her. Some looked like they were melting. Some had horns, and others looked like a demon of some kind. The colors and the composition of the painting caught Sarannya, and she stopped. It was almost like she knew this woman.
“Greetings, my General. It is a pleasure to have you back after so long.” A younger, clean shaven man came forward and bowed very low. He was dressed immaculately in a black suit, white shirt, and tie. His shoes were polished to a high shine. Sarannya jumped when he spoke. Her face turned red in embarrassment. At least she had not let out a squeal.
“I am sorry, miss. I did not mean to startle you.” His voice trailed off as he noted the sword on her hip, partially concealed by her traveling cloak. He turned to the General. “You have come to use the library?”
