Abeni and the Kingdom of Gold, page 13
“You mean force me,” Abeni said. She was getting tired of the girl’s threats. “If that’s what you need to do…”
Ama lifted an arm, refitted with a gold band. But for some reason she glanced to Asha. The little girl said nothing. Yet Ama lowered her arm and stalked off. Abeni looked to Asha, puzzled. What was that about?
“Is everything okay?” Nula asked with concern. “The way you all behave with her is … different … from how you behave with each other.”
Abeni sighed. “It’s complicated.”
The Mmoatia girl seemed to accept this and offered up a bundle of gray robes. “For each of you. There are hoods. Keep them up and we might pass you off as Mmoatia.” She stopped to look up at Ama. “This one might have to hunch low.” Her eyes went even higher for Zaneeya. “You, may prove a problem.”
Abeni slid into her robe. The panther girl was the tallest of them—far taller than any Mmoatia.
Zaneeya turned to Ama. “Let me shift.”
The princess folded her arms. “Why would I do that?”
“Because I can get out of here easier. Blend into the shadows and never be seen.”
“Or run off,” Ama replied.
Zaneeya shrugged. “A chance you’ll have to take.”
Nula and Tanka made impatient noises, darting glances to the door. Ama scowled but swept her arms in an intricate gesture. Zaneeya’s eyes popped, and she smiled slightly. In a blur, she shifted. The two Mmoatia gasped as a medium-sized panther the color of night appeared before them.
“That’ll work,” Nula said, impressed. She turned to the door. “Let’s go.”
“What about the guards?” Abeni asked.
A smiling Tanka opened their doors. The two guards sat slumped on the floor—cups of wine still in their hands. “A little sleeping powder did the trick nicely,” he said.
Abeni recalled the white powder sprayed in their faces. Sleeping powder. She wondered if she could get ahold of some of that.
“Come on!” Nula urged.
They were taken to stairs that led not out, but up. Zaneeya slipped between them, trotting ahead. At the top of the stairs was a door. Nula pushed it open, revealing the outside. They were atop the conical building and on a long narrow path that connected it to another in the distance. A bridge, Abeni realized. They walked its stone surface, and she peered down at the city below in surprise. They were up so high! Reaching the middle of the bridge, they stopped.
“We’re to wait here for our contacts,” Nula said, peering about. “They’ll get us out.”
“Are there many of you?” Abeni asked. “Who want to fight the Witch Priest?”
“More than most suspect,” the Mmoatia girl answered fiercely. “Most are young like us. We want to see our society improve for the better. Lots of the older generation are too stuck in their ways, wary of change.” There was a pause. “Just so you know, we’ve talked about refining our policies on people-eating.”
“Umm,” Abeni said. “That’s good?”
“We have a saying.” Tanka grinned. “Don’t trust anyone over sixty-five!”
Abeni frowned. Sixty-five? They looked Ama’s age. “How old exactly are you two?”
“I just turned fifty,” Nula said. “Tanka is forty-eight.”
“Forty-nine,” he corrected. “Well, in a few weeks.”
Of course, Abeni thought, shaking her head in wonder when Zaneeya growled, her ears perking as she stared out in the distance. Abeni followed her gaze to see several dark shapes soaring towards them.
“Sasabonsam!” she said, pointing in alarm.
Nula smiled wide. “Our ride out of here!”
Abeni watched the giant bats grow larger as they approached. Three in all. They reached them in moments, those leathery wings buffeting everyone in gusts of wind. With a gentleness that seemed unnatural for their size, they landed easily, black claws gripping the stone railing. On their backs, three Mmoatia peered down from behind red-painted faces. Abeni inhaled sharply. Blood Skulls!
“Don’t be fearful,” Tanka said, reading her look. “They’re with us.”
That was a surprise. “I thought you said Blood Skulls wanted to join the Witch Priest.”
“Many, yes,” Tanka agreed. “But there are dissenters.”
A sudden deep ringing like a very big bell sounded around them. The sasabonsam let out short cries, shaking their heads as their ears twitched. Their riders made clicking sounds, trying to soothe them.
“The alarm!” Tanka said, his red eyes wide. “Someone must have found the guards!”
“We must go!” one of the riders said. “Now!”
In the distance, Abeni saw new dark shapes flying towards them.
“Get on! Get on!” Nula urged, climbing up onto the closest bat. Tanka took another.
It was a scramble for the rest of them, Abeni pulling herself and Asha up until they were in a seat behind Nula and their rider. Nyomi and Songu took the bat with Tanka, which left the last for Ama and Zaneeya. The panther girl had shifted back to girl form, and she and the Gold Weaver glared at each other. Abeni glanced at the approaching shapes, closing in fast.
“Both of you get on, now!” she shouted in a commanding voice—thinking of her mother.
The two actually jumped and climbed aboard. Maybe she should use that voice more often. Without warning, the bats sprang from the railing. There was a lurching drop that pulled at Abeni’s middle before the creatures righted themselves and soared into the night. They swerved around buildings and dove beneath bridges, only to rise again, before falling. Abeni fought hard not to empty her stomach. Asha whooped in excitement.
Their rider glanced back and said something to Nula.
“We’re about to have company!” the Mmoatia girl shouted.
Something streaked past them. Was that an arrow?
“They’re shooting at us!” Abeni exclaimed.
“Just a warning!” Nula assured.
Abeni turned to see two bats racing in their direction. In moments both were right beside them. She recognized one of the Blood Skulls—Shoma, whom she’d struck with her staff. He glared at Nula, then shouted at their rider. Behind him, another Blood Skull was swinging a rope. The rider on the other side of them was doing the same. She had a terrible vision of those ropes catching and yanking her into the darkness!
A sudden shriek came from their pursuers. One of the bats. The gold hoop in its nose was being pulled by some unseen force. It jerked its head wildly, spinning out of control. She looked to see a figure on another bat, her arms extended and bearing those unmistakable gold bands. Ama!
“No!” Nula cried, as the sasabonsam spiraled downward. Abeni watched in horror as rider and mount looked set to crash into the city below. Miraculously, the bat suddenly came out of its dive, flapping back up—but no longer pursuing.
The distraction proved to be what they needed. The three fleeing bats pulled ahead of Shoma and the other Blood Skulls. They sped across the city and Abeni noticed that the lights below were becoming fewer. Soon even those were sparse—and they flew out into utter darkness. She realized in surprise that they had left the mountain city and were now above the forest. Looking back, she wondered if their pursuers had given up. But she made them out, keeping a steady pace and gaining again.
“Just a little farther!” Nula shouted against the whipping wind.
It was then that she saw the dark shape looming ahead—a second mountain. New lights appeared. They were far fewer—paling in comparison to Ile-kun. But she could trace the outlines of a small conical structure cut into the mountain’s surface. They had gotten very near when a large shape unexpectedly flew into their path. Their mount pulled up short, flapping its wings furiously.
Abeni gaped open-mouthed. It was another bat. Far larger than any she’d seen. Its massive black wings covered them in shadow like a second night, beating with a slow and powerful rhythm. Woosh! Woosh! Woosh! The creature had thick fur that reminded her of yellow-golden straw. But curiously, no gold hoops fit into its nose or ears. Its eyes were most distinctive: two white orbs that stared out with a luminous glow, peering at them with a lazy interest. Dark straps crisscrossed its chest and she soon made out a figure on its back. Another Mmoatia, dressed in all-white robes.
“Greetings, brethren!” he called loudly above his bat’s beating wings. His face was hidden by a cowl, but Abeni could feel those eyes take her in. “And guests, it would appear. Not food.”
“Greetings, Healer!” Nula said hurriedly. “We request sanctuary! For our guests!”
The white-robed figure cocked his head. “Not you, sister?”
“No, Healer. We know the law. Any Mmoatia who requests sanctuary must remain with you for a year and a day.”
“You could find calm and wisdom in that time,” the Healer suggested.
Nula shook her head. “We may. But matters await back in Ile-kun.”
“The City of Light remains ever busy.”
The Healer’s eyes drifted up, and Abeni turned to see Shoma and their pursuers swooping down, stopping short of them. The Blood Skull glared, his red eyes narrowing at her before finding Nula. “You will return at once—all of you. And face punishment for the crimes committed this night!”
“We haven’t committed any crimes!” Tanka shot back.
“You aided these prisoners in their escape!” Shoma accused.
“Guests,” Nula corrected, her tone even. “Old Vushu said so himself.”
“He ordered them confined!”
“For their safety,” Nula countered. “We merely … provided escort.”
Shoma ground his sharp teeth. “You think that will protect you?”
“The law is the law,” Nula said, sitting straighter. She turned to the white-robed figure. “Healer. I ask again that you grant these guests sanctuary.” There was silence as he appeared to contemplate her request.
“Healer,” Shoma said warningly. “Stay out of this. What happens in Ile-kun—”
“This is not Ile-kun, Shoma,” the Healer cut in. He pulled back his cowl to reveal an older Mmoatia, with a long scar running from one eye to his jaw.
Shoma bowed. “Wing Commander Osha.”
“Not my title any longer,” the white-robed figure said. “I am Healer Osha now.” He turned to Nula. “Your guests are granted sanctuary, for as long as they wish.”
Nula released a held breath before flashing Abeni a smile.
“We could just come in there,” Shoma said in threat. “And take them.”
“You won’t,” Healer Osha said, unbothered. “You can be thickskulled at times, Shoma, but you respect the law. Go home. The raid for you is done this night.”
The Blood Skull looked on the verge of a retort. But he instead turned his sasabonsam, sparing a last glare for Abeni before flying away.
“This way,” the Healer beckoned. He turned his gigantic bat around, heading towards the mountain. They flew to the conical building. It was much like the ones Abeni had seen in Ile-kun. Its surface was covered in glowing mushrooms; more lined a set of stone steps. All four bats landed and they climbed down to stand before the structure.
“The Blood Skulls can’t touch you here,” Nula said, walking up the steps with Asha, who held her hand. “The Healers will grant you passage to continue your quest.”
“Thank you,” Abeni said, following. “We’ll do our best to fulfill what you asked.”
“It was fun visiting your city,” Asha said happily. “Very bright!”
Nula smiled. “You should see it again one day. Under friendlier circumstances.” She paused, staring at Asha. “You know, there is something about you…”
“You were saying we should visit again,” Abeni cut in quickly. “Maybe I might.”
Nula turned to Abeni. “That would be nice. Ask the Healers about these Masks of Akani you seek. They … know things.”
With that, she and Tanka said farewell, climbing back atop the bats, who launched themselves into the night.
Abeni and the others moved towards the conical structure. It looked lonely out here, just one building in all this wilderness. There was a single door, which the Healer opened, gesturing them inside.
“I’ll go first,” Zaneeya said, shifting into a panther.
The Healer appeared unruffled at the sight and stood waiting patiently. Abeni and the others followed, entering through the door behind the panther girl. Abeni found herself in a dark narrow passage lit only by a few sparse mushrooms. They waited for the Healer, who now took the lead.
“Thank you for taking us in,” Abeni told him.
He nodded. “We grant sanctuary to most who ask.”
“Are you from Ile-kun?”
“Yes. But we receive others from different cities and clans.”
Abeni thought on something she’d heard. “Shoma called you a commander. Are you a Blood Skull, then?”
The Healer chuckled. “I was once. In a past life. Though I still have the teeth.” He turned to flash her a sharp smile that glinted yellow in the faint mushroom light.
Abeni tried not to jump. “Are all the other Healers here … former Blood Skulls?”
“Not all. Some were artisans or farmers. Others musicians or cooks or teachers.” He paused. “But a fair number of us were once Blood Skulls. The Sanctuary offers us … tranquility.”
They continued walking. Once more, Abeni realized that everything she thought she knew about these Mmoatia was wrong. Asha was right. People were complicated, no matter who they were.
“You’ve arrived at our harvest,” Healer Osha went on. “That’s why I was the only one to greet you. The others are all busied with work.”
“You grow things in here?” Abeni said, looking at the narrow passage, confused.
“Mostly fruit. We are vegetarians—as are the sasabonsam we dwell with.”
Fruit? Those humongous creatures ate only fruit? “They’re much bigger than the others,” Abeni noted. “Where do you keep them?”
“In here with us. And they are not kept. We care for each other.”
Her eyebrows rose in surprise. “You live in here? With your bats? But it’s so … small.”
“Once more,” the Healer said, “they are not ours. The sasabonsam have their own minds. In fact, this is their home. They have chosen to allow us to stay. And I assure you, there is room here for everyone.”
There was suddenly a light ahead that grew brighter as they approached. The passage was coming to an end. As Abeni watched, Zaneeya seemed to disappear, lost in the light. Then Healer Osha seemed to vanish. She followed both, shielding her eyes as she stepped through another doorway. She blinked to see properly again and gaped in disbelief.
It was like a giant had carved out the inside of the mountain, leaving behind a vast open cavern. The ceiling was hard to make out, much of it covered by long thick twisting green vines that fell like long locs of hair. Bright glowing fruit hung between broad green leaves, each large enough for two people to carry. Across the bottom of the cavern there were more conical structures. They were smaller than the ones in Ile-kun, but numerous—many carved from the very rock. There were Mmoatia everywhere, all in white robes and going about on numerous tasks. Some hung by straps from the vines, plucking the large fruit that they lowered into wide carts. And there were bats. Lots of bats! Gigantic bats that soared in the air, moving through the long vines with ease—sometimes stopping to snatch up glowing fruit. Others clung to the foliage, nibbling contently. Abeni stood in awe. She wondered if the fruit was what made the bats’ eyes glow? She was staring so intently that she didn’t notice when more Mmoatia walked up.
“They will take you to where you can refresh yourselves,” Healer Osha said. “I’ll let you rest before joining you.” He leaned close. “Please indulge them. We don’t get many guests and we are Healers, after all.” The other Mmoatia eyed them eagerly, practically bouncing on their feet. Zaneeya’s ears lay back, hesitant. Abeni felt the same. Indulge them?
* * *
Sometime later, Abeni found herself reclined in a chair wrapped in long robes as a Healer rubbed her shoulders. Across from her, Nyomi sighed in contentment, leaning forward as two Healers applied oil between each of her quills. Zaneeya was submerged in a warm pool, only her head visible, with her eyes half-closed.
When Healer Osha said to indulge them, she hadn’t expected this. They’d been taken to a room in one of the conical buildings and put through a series of tests. Abeni had stuck out her tongue, coughed, run in place, and more. She’d been poked and prodded and made to drink awful-tasting liquids. The Healers finally declared her to be in good health, and then came the best part. She’d been shown to a hot bath, had her hair washed, her feet rubbed, and her face briefly covered in warm mud that left it clean and tingly after. They might have braided her hair, if Songu hadn’t insisted that was his job.
“Un … be … liev … a … ble!” Ama said, her voice trembling like a bleating goat. The princess lay on her stomach, as a Healer methodically chopped at her back with his hands.
“You okay, Asha?” Abeni called.
The small girl leaned back as a Healer twisted and oiled her freshly washed ivory locs. She turned to show eyes covered by round slices of some green fruit. “Wonderful!” she said.
Abeni sat back again, inhaling the sweet and pungent scents that came from a bowl of heated oil. She could get used to this. The door to the room opened about then to admit Healer Osha. He looked over everyone with an amused smile on his grizzled face.
“I hope your stay with us is restful,” he said.
Nyomi gave a thumbs-up. “Best sanctuary ever!”
He chuckled. “My brothers and sisters feared their skills might grow rusty with no one to practice on. Thank you for allowing them to do the work they love. Please join us for dinner at dawn. Before that, I thought we might discuss the coming days. We have other services you might enjoy. There’s a steaming chamber, hot cave springs, and Healer Tia has been perfecting a new treatment where he wraps you completely in well-oiled banana leaves—highly recommended!”
Healer Tia, who was washing a mud mask from Songu’s face, looked up eagerly.
