Asena Blessed, page 22
part #2 of Altaica Series
* * *
Ratial and Niaz scrutinised the map rolled out before them on the table in the council room.
‘We can mobilise the army, once the signal …’ A soft knock sounded on the council room door. ‘Enter,’ Ratilal barked.
The Castellan’s grey head was bowed as he entered. ‘A delegation is here, High Lord.’
‘Get Vikram to deal with them first before you bother to interrupt me.’
The old man straightened. His eyes flicked to his high lord fearfully. ‘Vikram cannot deal with them on your behalf.’ He swallowed nervously before continuing. ‘It is a conclave of clan elders.’
Ratilal’s eyes narrowed and he inhaled sharply. ‘As in the Conclave of old?’
‘Yes, High Lord.’ The Castellan lowered his head.
Niaz’s jaw dropped. ‘A Conclave has not gathered in generations. They want to replace you?’
Ratilal stalked to the fireplace. ‘Naturally. Although I’m surprised they thought of it. I wonder who has stirred them up.’ He leaned against the mantel, hands fisted, and stared into the fire. Finally, he said, ‘Summon Vikram.’
‘I took the liberty of doing so. He should be here soon.’
‘You’ve done well, Castellan. Make sure he finds me first—as soon as he arrives. I assume they are in the Great Hall?’ The Castellan nodded. ‘Take them refreshments while I prepare.’ The Castellan left.
‘Why Vikram?’ Niaz asked.
‘As Pasha he should be here. Besides he has the respect of the lower city. He could be useful.’
* * *
Ratilal stood outside the Great Hall. He was in full armour. The engraved plates on his zirh gomlek had been polished and the boar’s head of his clan shone amongst the twining branches of oak and willow. His metal greaves and dastanas featured a boar goring a victim; his zirh kulah was topped with a blood red feather. Vikram and Niaz flanked him, poised at each of the huge doors.
‘Let’s remind them what’s at stake,’ Ratilal said. At his signal Niaz and Vikram swung open the double doors and he strode into the room. At the base of the dais stood a large gathering of well-dressed men and women. Soft, used to privilege. Who stirred you up? Most of them were of his father’s generation, though he noted a few younger warriors amongst them. Challengers. His lip curled in disdain.
Ratilal’s brows rose as he spied several women, unarmed but dressed for combat. Surely, they don’t hope to challenge me? They’ve no place here. The entire gathering comprised smaller groups, some with heads bowed in conspiratorial chatter, others animatedly waving their hands in disagreement. A few stood silent, watching. So not all unified. Or unified in wanting me out, but not in who’ll best replace me.
Conversation ceased the moment Ratilal stepped into the room. All eyes turned toward him. The largest group parted to reveal Lady Malak at its core. Ratilal’s jaw clenched and his stride slowed for a beat as he continued to the throne upon the dais.
Niaz drew a sharp breath and halted, eyes wide. He tore his gaze from Malak’s and looked imploringly at Ratilal.
‘Lord Niaz,’ Ratilal said, ‘you are in an unenviable situation—one I would not have you suffer in. I can see by your face that you had no inkling of this … yet you must choose.’
Niaz examined each of the four challengers. Slowly, he closed his eyes and shook his head, before moving to stand at the base of the dais nearest to Ratilal.
‘Mistress Malak, I assume you’re the cause of this gathering?’ Ratilal said.
‘No. You are the cause. I merely reminded the elders of the rite of the Conclave to challenge. Your actions already caused them to think you unworthy.’
‘My actions?’
‘Word has been circulating even unto the walls of Faros that you killed your father; that you scarred a girl from Pramod’s beyond recognition in a drunken rage.’
‘Rumours. On the basis of this you have deemed me unworthy. I’ve trained for decades to be a fit leader. I importuned my father to restore this clan to its old ways—he agreed. Why would I kill him? I’d like nothing better than to have him by my side while we take back north of the Divide and to return to our traditional values. I know you want this too because it is best for our clan. What true clan member would not want this? And yet because of these lies you seek to replace me.’
‘The Conclave …’ Malak said.
‘At your bidding,’ Ratilal ground out.
Malak smiled serenely. ‘I can’t bid them to anything.’
‘In truth, High Lord,’ an elderly man said, ‘Lady Malak merely reminded us that the Rite of Challenge from the Conclave is one of our oldest traditions. Your line came to rule our clan via this ritual. You, who value our traditions so highly, understand how worthy it is to honour this one.’
‘Yet, there are those here who are not a part of the Conclave, or even of the elder families. Ladies?’
‘Some of us are from the elder families. We are all Boar Clan. Lady Malak informed us of the Conclave. We want a return to our old ways. We want those women amongst us who wish to fight and train to be able to do so—as in days old. To this end we will support whomever encourages this.’
‘I see.’ Blackmail. ‘When I win this contest we will talk more.’ Ratilal’s hands rested easily on the throne. One finger drummed an impatient rhythm on the arm of the chair. ‘We don’t have time for this. We’ve a war to win. I’ve plans that will see Horse and Bear driven to their knees. Every day we linger, Karan has time to bring more troops from the Plateau.’
‘He’ll not have the numbers to match us. The Plateau must be a harsh place, their numbers cannot be great, thus a week or so will not matter,’ an elder said.
Ratilal’s fist slammed on the arm of the chair and he leapt upright. ‘You think so, do you? Why do you think Karan and Baldev annexed the land north of the Divide? The only reason they’d do it is because he needs the land. We know Baldev’s numbers and they did not annex the land for him. There will be no waiting a week for this contest! We will do this now.’
‘The necessary preparations must be made. The clan must gather. All must witness.’
‘Some of our clan will never make it. They’re across the Divide. They cannot be here to witness the challenge. Already do you see the futility of this?’ Ratilal said.
Malak smiled triumphantly. ‘Are you saying that you refuse the challenge?’
‘No. But now is the time we must appear unified. This,’ he waved his hand dismissively toward the gathering. ‘This serves the purpose of the enemy. If you think Karan and Baldev do not have spies here in Faros, you would be wrong. They spread the rumours. They spread the lies! You’re playing into their hands. The Conclave demanding a leadership challenge sows doubt into the minds of the entire clan—doubt, not only about me, but about our strength. Every delay means Karan and Baldev will amass more troops. If we strike early we’ll have the advantage. We are ready. I need no delays.’ He eyed them with scorn. ‘Captain Vikram has been made Pasha due to his years of loyal service to my father and this clan. None of you can surely object to this?’ A murmur of assent hummed through the chill of the hall. ‘Good. For the duration of the contest Vikram will be in charge.’
‘What! He’s no member of the elder families!’
‘Precisely. Vikram has risen from lower Faros on his own merit. He has the clan’s best interests at heart. He has no loyalty to any of you. He is the fairest choice. He’ll make sure that lower Faros is not forgotten.’
‘Agreed,’ Malak said, loudly cutting off any further objection.
Ratilal gestured to the throne. ‘Vikram, you’re now in charge. I would respectfully suggest that we deal with this quickly.’
Vikram licked his lips nervously. He ascended the dais slowly, but did not sit upon the throne. ‘The word will be spread throughout the city. We will hold the challenge at the training field to the north of the city tomorrow. Then we shall see who is fit to rule the Boar Clan.’
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Nervous excited laughter and squeals rioted through the air. Isaura held the reins of Hamza’s mount as he checked the string of mules and their precious cargo strung out behind her. She heard his gruff voice, alternately quietening the rowdier children and cheering the more sombre ones with hints about the grand adventure to come. Snatches of his speech drifted back to her.
‘You wait till you see the view from the mountain pass—you can see the whole of Altaica. You’ll know what it’s like to be an eagle then. And them spires on the high citadel, why they’re so tall they nearly touch the clouds,’ Hamza said.
Karan and Baldev marched up to Isaura. Karan gave her a sly smile, but Baldev’s face looked like thunder.
‘There’s no sign of them! Little wretches,’ Baldev thundered. ‘Do you know where they are, Isa?’
‘No. I’m no longer the person Pio would confide in. Ask Sarala or his mother.’
Baldev strode off, bellowing orders to bring Lucia and Nicanor before him.
‘Once I’d have been able to answer him. I knew all Pio’s haunts,’ Isaura said.
Karan took her hand. ‘It will get better, Isa. Pio chafes against his parents’ order concerning you. I see him watching you, bursting to tell you something. The more control you have, the more you seem like the old Isa, the less he believes their lies.’
‘Thank you. You don’t think anything has happened to them?’
Karan shook his head. ‘We’re safe here. He and Kiriz simply had no intention of going with Hamza. They’ve taken food from the kitchen, so I’d say they’ll wait it out and come back when there’s no hope of us sending them away.’ His lips curled in amusement. ‘I’d have done the same thing. If they’re not back tomorrow, then maybe you can ask the Asena to find them,’ Karan said.
‘They won’t run to Kiriz’s home?’
‘No. From what Baldev said Kiriz’s mother would skin them alive if they did. Kiriz has Baldev wrapped around her little finger,’ Karan said, shaking his head with a grin. ‘She’ll be back with Pio,’
‘You’re pleased he’s still here?’ Isaura asked.
‘He needs to stay with his parents until they pass their testing.’
‘And when is the testing?’
Karan’s smile vanished; he dropped her hand. ‘Tomorrow—for all of you.’
Isaura swallowed nervously.
Hamza returned. ‘My Lord, I can wait no longer, not if you want me to do several supply runs before winter closes the high pass. The sooner these little ’uns get to the high citadel the better.’
‘I know, my friend,’ Karan said. He gestured to a group of mounted warriors nearby. They rode to take up positions along the column.
Hamza grabbed Isaura in a bear hug. ‘Ah, my girl, you take care now. Keep training hard and working with Alejo. You’ve come a long way together, you have. He loves you more than life itself, I reckon. I’ll be back before you know it and I’ll have a proper saddle for you.’ He mounted. ‘Make sure they treat you right.’ Hamza eyeballed Karan. ‘You’ll be one of us when I get back.’ He scruffed her hair and waved as he headed off.
Isaura smiled fondly, shaking her head. ‘Sometimes he talks to me like I’m two.’
‘I wouldn’t worry, it’s just his way. He’s always been an old mother hen.’
‘Oh, I’m not worried. It’s nice.’ She shrugged. ‘I’m just not used to it.’
The mule train climbed up the rise away from the camp and a large group of Asena joined the guard.
Worry creased her brow. ‘That’s a lot of escort for somewhere that’s meant to be safe.’
‘They’re children. The escort will spend most of its time stopping them causing trouble.’
* * *
Baldev and Karan stood on the rise, looking down on the camp in the afternoon sunlight.
‘We’ve done all the planning we can for the moment,’ Karan said.
‘Ratilal’s not going to attack now. The river’s only going to get worse and the land around the Falcontine is getting boggy. Only a fool would move an army across the marsh lands,’ Karan declared.
‘We should be patrolling,’ Baldev grumbled.
‘I thought you’d be enjoying having time to spend with Asha.’
‘And here I was,’ Baldev said cheekily, ‘believing you were just thinking of yourself.’ Karan crossed his arms and stared at him. ‘Oh, don’t look like that. I’ve seen you watch her, check on her progress.’
‘We both get regular reports from Āsim and Pravin.’
‘You’re not fooling me.’ Baldev waved his hand dismissively. ‘Just tup the girl and be done with it.’
Karan ignored him. ‘The newcomers are ready to be tested. I suggest we re-join patrolling once that’s done.’
‘Agreed. If they pass they can be split up into different squads to continue their training in the field.’
‘We need to take a Kenati with each of us. Will Asha be joining you on patrol?’
‘No. She can stay here.’ Baldev was adamant.
‘Protecting her? Asha’s not going to appreciate it,’ Karan said.
‘I can still see the bruising from that bastard’s attack. I don’t want her hurt.’
‘Of course not, but you’ll insult her if you’re not careful. Asha’s a perfectly capable warrior.’
Baldev threw his hands in the air. ‘I know, I know! I’m not stopping her from fighting—I can’t. But if she comes with me, my judgement will be compromised by worrying about her. Better she doesn’t fight with me.’
‘We can team her with Isa. They are firm friends. They’ll have Asha’s guard as the rest of the squad.’
Baldev arched his brow and folded his arms across his chest. ‘Protecting Isa?’
‘No. She needs more training and now, while the river prevents Ratilal crossing the north, is the time for her to train. When Isa passes the testing, the pair of them will be rostered onto patrolling and she’ll learn out in the field like the others. At present she’d be little use in the front line—later though she’ll equal the best. Pravin can remain here to continue Isa’s training.’
Baldev laughed. ‘Good luck giving the crusty old bugger that order.’
‘He wants to stay with her.’
‘Really? Is she that good?’
‘He believes she will be, but Pravin feels that she’s always holding back. I think he’s having fun,’ Karan said. ‘Have you given thought about how you want to split the strangers up if they pass?’
‘The couples should be split into separate patrols.’
‘Agreed. What about Lucia?’ Karan asked.
‘We shouldn’t take both the boy’s parents,’ Baldev replied. ‘Lucia can stay here with Pio. She should pass the test—although she’s the weakest of the lot, she is making progress.’
‘What of Elena?’ Karan asked.
‘That one’s the surprise, isn’t she? She’ll pass the testing.’ Baldev shook his head in disbelief. ‘She’s been training like a fiend from Karak’s at her door.’
‘That fiend would be Isa.’
* * *
The site for the challenge lay at the base of a slope, where a rectangular area had been roped off. Large white pennants bearing a black boar’s head fluttered at its four corners. A pavilion stood at one end with a raised dais. Upon the dais was the throne from the Great Hall. A black sinan rested upon it. Three wide ornately engraved silver metal bands were spaced evenly along the ebon wood bracing it. The sun glinted off its bright points.
Vikram stood in full armour upon the dais. At its base stood Ratilal and two challengers.
‘Where are the other challengers?’
‘They withdrew last night,’ Niaz replied. ‘They’ve chosen to support the high lord.’
Vikram’s mouth drew into a thin line. ‘Then they have made this simple. You two will fight, then the winner will fight Ratilal another day.’
Ratilal’s eyes narrowed. ‘High Lord Ratilal.’
‘No. For the purposes of today you are merely Ratilal.’
‘Pasha Vikram,’ Ratilal said. ‘I’ll fight them both today.’
Vikram addressed the Conclave. ‘Surely there can be no objection? There is precedent.’
‘There is no objection,’ Malak said, smiling.
‘Are you sure?’ Vikram asked Ratilal.
Ratilal tilted his chin defiantly. ‘I’d have fought all four of them.’
‘That would have been a spectacle worthy of watching,’ Malak said. ‘Sadly that will no longer be possible, will it? I wonder what prompted the withdrawal of the others.’
Vikram held out his hands, silencing them both. ‘Challengers, you will draw straws to determine who fights first.’
‘Pasha Vikram, I meant I will fight them together. Although given the odds I would ask the boon of choosing the weapons.’
Vikram hesitated. ‘There will be no objection. Choose.’
Ratilal called out to the crowd. ‘I choose kilij, buckler, daggers. What we have on us. No sinan, no bills, no bardiche, nothing that keeps me at a distance from my enemies.’
A murmur rippled through the crowd before it rolled into roar of approval.
Ratilal drew his dagger. Niaz passed him a metal buckler, which he held in the same hand as the dagger. The dagger’s tip protruded from under the buckler—weapon and shield.
Niaz whispered, ‘This is foolish. Two at once? You risk everything for pride.’
Ratilal laughed and clapped his friend on the back. ‘Stop worrying, you old mother hen.’
‘Your back …’
‘Is better. I can’t even feel it. Relax. This won’t take long.’
Ratilal drew his kilij and moved fully into the combat field.
One of the challengers said to the other, ‘Him first, then between us?’
‘Done.’
‘Begin!’ yelled Vikram.
The challengers strode toward Ratilal. One rolled his shoulders, flexed his wrist, and swung his kilij menacingly as he walked. They grinned as they stalked their prey. Bucklers raised, they lunged toward Ratilal.
