Stars' Light, page 33
Sarannya was subdued. It had been a long morning, and she was emotionally exhausted. She did not have much to say as the meeting wrapped up.
“Are you going to be okay?” Kiril asked, sitting down beside her.
“Yes, I will be okay. It was just shocking to see, and to understand more about what we are, and the things that we are called to do. I feel like we should have been able to do something more. I mean, why have all these abilities and power, but not actually be able to do anything? It makes no sense to me. The Gods or God…” she shook her head with a sigh, “makes no sense to me.” Her swords had been conspicuously quiet on the march down from the hive. In fact, they refused to answer her at all, so she waited. She knew in her heart the answers would come in their own time, but it was frustrating to not know now. Why did this all have to be couched in secrecy and shadows. She frowned at her own thought.
Kiril put his hand on her shoulder. “You did well today. Although, you marching directly into the enemy without a care in the world was a bit troublesome. I would ask that you not do that again.” He smiled at her.
Sarannya laughed and nodded her head in agreement. She was trying very hard not to cry. She caught Jorian’s shadow sliding up to her and Kiril.
“You both did very well today, and I shall see you both in a few days. Sarannya, please get some rest and take a hot bath. Relax. It will help you process all of this and come to terms with it.” He knelt down to be closer to her, and so he wasn’t standing over her. His voice was soft. He placed his hands on hers, transferring a bit of light to her.
Sarannya smiled, feeling the warmth of his light surround her. “Of course, my Mirogen.”
Jorian stood and kissed her on the forehead. He turned and pulled Kiril into a hug. “You two work together, protect each other, and above all, be as careful as you can. You are the start of a new generation. You cannot be replaced, so no crazy heroics, like walking into the enemy as if nothing can hurt you.” He pointed at Sarannya with a stern but playful expression.
“All right, all right. I understand that walking into the enemy is not the best strategy. You have all made your point very clearly.” She started laughing. “I think the demons were so in shock that I wasn’t running away, they hesitated, and gave me the advantage.”
“Agreed. Well, until you cut three or four of them down with your Rimerians. Then, they were upon you in a flash, and you handled it well. It also gave your unit time to maneuver, which gave them the upper hand. It was well done.” Kiril was not laughing. He was sizing Sarannya up. She had preformed very well in her first engagement, but having the War Blades this early could possibly make her reckless.
Masamiria turned to Kiril and Sarannya. “Before you two leave. I put some armored clothing in your rooms. Make sure you try it on, and make sure that it fits. This way I can make any alterations to it before the enemy arrives. Remember, it won’t just be demons. We will also be facing Fallen. They are an entirely different experience.” He walked over to them as he was talking. He nodded to his friend and General as Jorian moved past him to leave.
Masamiria addressed Kiril. “You don’t have to worry about the rest of the noncombatants. I’ll make sure they get out tonight. You just relax, and then do your normal rounds and check the bonding on the walls .” He looked at Sarannya. “You, young lady, will go bathe, eat, and then you and I have some training to do.”
Sarannya blinked at him. “Training! Today?” She sighed, seeing that Masamiria was not backing down or joking with her. Her lips puckered up for a moment. “Of course…sir?” She hesitated as she had never called him anything other than his name. She did not know what title she should give him.
Masamiria could see that she had no idea what to call him. He supposed it was time, as eventually the knighthood would be reformed, and he would need to resume some of his former duties. “After the war, I became the master armorer, and I was in charge of the shrine on Tracia and all spirituality for the knighthood. You may call me by my name, or General, which was my rank.”
“What did you do during the war, General? What did you do to earn your position and your rank?” Sarannya asked, waiting for him to refuse to tell her, or to dismiss her.
“I was a spy for Katerina Tatara. I gave her my oath that I would never betray the light, her, or her family, which would come after.” His brown eyes never left Sarannya’s grey. He knew that she could see the gold flecks that came with being the bearer of a War Blade; the same gold flecks that were now starting to appear in her eyes. “Markos and Aviel will be hunting for me specifically, but I would also like to help you to set up your spy network once we get back to Marpesia.”
“Is this what our training is about tonight?” she asked.
“No.” He tilted his head, indicating that it was time for her and Kiril to go.
“Of course, General. I’ll see you tonight.” She and Kiril left in silence. Each shared a look with the other. “Spy?” It was left unsaid in all mediums, but they each knew that the other was thinking it.
Titan imbued himself with light, and slipped out of time with Jorian. They made the ride in an hour, though it would take a a man on foot twelve hours, and a normal horse about eight hours. He arrived at the makeshift camp just after lunch. He saw the main command tent, and Asenath’s ladies were all about, making sure everything went smoothly. The Niparian ships were moored at the dock, and they were loading up passengers.
Asenath looked up from her table. “I do not care if they do not like it. They are getting on that boat. That is the boat they are assigned to. Koios, make sure it happens. Use the Essences if you have to. Also, send Lillia and Carmen to the west end. I have been hearing of some crime over there. They can discern what is happening, and who is doing it. Then we shall take action.” Asenath stalled for a moment. Calls began to come into her through the Essences. He was here. The General was here. Since she and her people had taken the bond, they could feel him like a sunrise.
She walked out of the command tent to see Jorian riding up on Titan. She bowed as he approached.
“General. It is good to see you. The evacuation is going to plan. Only a few more ships to get everyone out who is willing to leave.” She was happy to be helping, and using her powers for something good; something other than what she normally did. Now, to be clear, she was still having sex to fill her well with Mara, but it was no longer to use her lovers, or to bind them to her. It was refreshing. She had always liked sex, but it was much better when you were not forced to have it.
“It is going well. You and your people have done a great job,” he said, sliding from the saddle. “Is my ship here?” He patted Titan and pulled the reins over Titan’s head, beginning to lead him towards the docks.
Asenath frowned at the General’s hurry. She was hoping to speak with him and to convince him to let her fight. “General, a moment of your time, please.”
“You will have to talk as we walk. I’m on a short timeframe here,” he said over his shoulder. He rubbed his face and noticed that he had grown another beard. He would shave it off when he got home. Home. That was an interesting word. He’d been trying to get home for his entire life, but now he was thinking of Marpesia as his home.
Asenath matched his strides and said. “I would like to fight. I want my people to fight. It will make a statement to all of the other Fallen out there, especially the ones that are starting to feel they made the wrong decision. They will be able to see a way out. Surely, you must see this!” The octave of her voice rose higher than she had wanted. Disgust crossed her face.
Jorian looked at her. He could understand her wanting to fight, but he needed her back in Marpesia. “I really need you in Marpesia at the Citadel. I have plans for you.”
“What plans? Why is it so important that I go to Marpesia?” Asenath attempted to gain control of herself, but she was clearly starting to lose that war.
Jorian stopped and looked at her. Looked at her strand, seeing the potentials that surrounded her. There were so many more if he could get her to go to Marpesia. He took a deep breath. “I understand that you are a queen of your people, but you must understand that once you took the oath, you began becoming what you were before the War. You once worked in records and planning during the days when we were trying to build the first city, an army, and ultimately defeat the Darkness.”
Asenath looked down at the ships as they walked through the makeshift camp. People stood and saluted or nodded a greeting as the two passed. “And what is your point? I gave that up a long time ago. I now deal in sex, manipulation, and…” She went silent, looking away.
Jorian stopped, and Asenath stopped with him. “I want you to help Sarannya to build an empire. I want you to help her create a spy network that will rival Katerina’s. I need you to help her learn the skills that you have learned, plus the ones that you showed up with.
“Sarannya moves more like a woman now than she did before you started working with her. In the beginning, she was trying to move like me. Not possible. I’m a man. I think differently, move differently, my body is different. You can train her to use her body as weapon in just how she stands, how she walks, the clothes she wears, the seduction in her voice, the batting of her eyes. And, you can teach her like no one else can.
“Analia will also be in Marpesia, and I’m hoping that she will work with Sarannya as well, but she doesn’t have your skill set. Hers is different. You can also teach Sarannya how to rule, and how to protect her people. Analia and I have never ruled,” he finished. “I can’t afford to lose you here. You must be on the ships, and in Marpesia when I bring Sarannya and Kiril there. Everything will continue to change once we get there. Aviel will have returned, this battle will begin the Darkening.”
Asenath shivered. She knew what that meant. She looked down and frowned. She flinched, feeling his hands come to rest on her shoulders. “I’m trusting you, and I’m counting on you. Can you do this for me?” He smiled. “Will you do this for me?” He did not want to make it a command.
Asenath could feel the trust. There was still a part of her that wanted to distrust, but that was the shaped part. The real part of her that was emerging, wanted nothing more than to do as the General asked and to trust him. In fact, she was honored that he was trusting her with so much.
“I will do this for you to the best of my abilities.” Asenath really did want to do this, as she loved doing everything the General wanted her to do. “Everything will be ready for you when you get to Marpesia.”
“Thank you. This could make all the difference in the Darkening that is upon us.” Jorian took up his pace again.
Asenath and Jorian stopped on the docks, looking at a sleek Niparian ship. It was designed for quickness over the water. It had three masts, but she was powered not only by the wind, but by the water. The ship had been bound to the Essences. It would travel much faster than any conventional ship. The ship was called the Defiant, it was the first bonded ship of its kind. He loved this ship. It had served him well during the Second Darkening twenty-six thousand years ago. She was the flagship of the Niparian Navy. Jorian loved the smooth, curved lines of the ship, and how she sat in the water.
A tall, Niparian man came walking down the gang plank, smiling. His hands were resting on two curved swords in his belt. One long sword, and one short sword. Both swords had been made by Masamiria.
“Good morning, General. We are ready to leave when you are, but I must say it was quite a surprise to get your message, calling in the old oaths. My king was also surprised to have you request this particular ship. My king informed me that you have history with this ship?” he asked in accented Imperial.
“I do have history with this ship, Captain. I must say, she still looks good. May I come aboard?” Jorian responded in Niparian, and handed the reins to a deck hand to lead Titan on board.
“Of course, General.” A large smile lit his face at hearing his own language. He bowed low and motioned for Jorian to come aboard.
“By the grace of God, I shall be back here before Markos arrives. You will already be on your way. Safe travels, Lady Seffora,” Jorian called over his shoulder, making his way up the gangplank onto the ship.
“And to you, General. I shall see you in Marpesia.” Asenath bowed her head. She was getting more accustomed to bowing, but it was still awkward for her.
Asenath stood on the docks and watched the Defiant sail out to sea, and disappear on the horizon. It was no surprise that Jorian had called in a bound ship, but it was a surprise that Kuki Hara had captained it personally. That man. She shook her head, thinking of Jorian. What will he do next? she wondered.
With one last look, she walked back up to her tent, and began making the final preparations for the evacuation. Only a few more ships would be needed. At least she knew now that Nipara would be an ally. There was definitely no question there.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Sarannya groaned as Ivana worked out the knots in her back. Her eyes were closed, and her bath had been amazing. It was still shocking to see the Silk Stocking empty. All of the paintings, carpets, glasses, everything was gone. They had all been stored in the library. Large chests filled with coins and promissory notes had also been stored there. Maarika had argued, but when Masamiria had spoken to her, she accepted that she would have to leave.
Sarannya’s own room had remained empty for most of her stay here. Only her packs, swords, one set of her regular clothes, and now her armored set of divided pants and top would remain. Her armor was amazing. Of course, she had never seen anything like it, or even read of anything like it. General Masamiria had woven the metal into the cloth. Her top and pants were definitely heavier, but they would help in protecting her, while not hindering her movement nearly the same as regular armor. She had not tried them on yet, but she would as soon as Ivana was done with her. She was also wondering what it would be like to wear one of the metal chest plates that she and Kiril had been working on with Masamiria.
“You will be leaving tonight for the docks?” Sarannya asked.
“Yes. I will be leaving with the last of the civilians. Masamiria will not have us here any longer. He is very forceful when he wants to be.” She laughed, leaning forward, working out Sarannya’s knots. Her red hair was tied up to keep it from dragging on the skin and picking up the oil.
“I will miss you. I have grown very fond of our time together, but I must say that I am excited to show you my home. I really think that you will love Marpesia.”
Ivana was quiet for a moment. “You understand, my friend, that I will be starting up a new brothel with Maarika when we arrive. The General has promised us a building and the funds to start over.”
Sarannya turned her head to better be able to see her friend. “I know you will, and I’m sure that you and Maarika will be very successful. It is not my choice for you, but I don’t make choices for you. I only wish you success and happiness in everything that you do. You have become my friend, and as I told you before, I don’t have many of those.”
“I have come to treasure your friendship, as well. I also look forward to seeing your home, Lady Estonya.” Ivana smiled, but Sarannya could not see it, as she had laid her head back down.
“My real name is Sarannya Ivonia Tatara. I am the youngest of five children. I have two older brothers, and two older sisters. My parents are the Duke Colin Tatara and Lady Lillia Tatara of the Marpesia Protectorate. I was educated by tutors, and was never allowed to attend regular school. I was trained in how to be a good wife, but my father made sure that I was well educated in politics and warfare. He allowed me to read everything in his library, and would bring home new books every time he visited the Capital.
“I always dreamt of being a warrior, riding forth into battle and having people respect me, but now I see that really, warriors bring death, pain, and misery.” Tears started to crawl down her face. “I don’t want to be those things. I don’t want to kill, and I don’t want to destroy. I want to bring life, happiness, and light to people.”
Ivana paused, looking down at her friend, a little surprised at her declaration about her family, and the trend of her thoughts. “Warriors bring security,” she said. “They bring peace, when others would take that away from those who cannot defend themselves. Warriors stop the fighting that would otherwise go on forever. Warriors are necessary, and I am sure that all true warriors do not want to kill or bring destruction.” She took a breath. “You will become a symbol for the rest of us. You will show the world that all of us can be warriors.”
“I don’t want to be that symbol.”
“Yes, you do, or you would never have taken the General’s offer. You knew that women were not supposed to carry swords, and yet you did it anyway. You knew. You just need to accept that you knew.”
The two girls were silent as Ivana finished rubbing her friend down.
“I still do not want to do this.” Maarika said with contained emotion. She was struggling with leaving her business, and everything that she had built. She knew she was going to have to start over, and she really did not want to do that.
“Marpesia will be safe. If the enemy finds out or figures out that you knew us, they will strip your brain for every piece of information they can get from you. You are not safe. They will also destroy your girls. There is no safer place than Marpesia,” Masamiria said matter-of-factly to her.
Maarika looked around the empty building. Tears came down her face. “What am I going to do? How am I going to survive this? Marpesia will not accept us. They will not let us be there, no matter what the General says.”
“You will be surprised at what the General can do. No more fretting. Your carriage is waiting. Ivana should be down soon. She wouldn’t leave without you, and I can only guess at how Sarannya would respond to her friend staying behind. Also, it will make my job easier, knowing that you are safe. It will be one less worry for me.”
