Читать книгу The Seekers: Soul Ties - Anton Anderson - Страница 8

From the distance, Imbrergoso looked exactly like any other igni settlement. Dozens upon dozens of one- or two-story wooden homes, rounded up behind a circular, wooden wall. The wall wasn’t exactly circular, as it cut off in the lake, allowing easy and safe access to water. Several layers of massive logs were dug deep into the ground, making the wall thick enough to walk on top of it. The defenders had a superb view from their ten-meter elevation. Coated with thick layers of dirt and dust, baked for hundreds of years under the hot sun, the wall was now black, making the lit torches on top of it look especially bright in contrast.

Two massive banners were hanging on the wall from both sides of the giant gates. The symbol on them – Sabiri never used to think about it. It was just a crude picture of a fish, facing to the left. The mouth was open, showing long, sharp teeth. What was the key? Those teeth? The reason they chose this symbol? Sabiri wondered, if it was their way to say, «If you mess with us – you’ll feed the fish!» No, shit, of course it wasn’t. Drowners really were good people. They still are, but Jaesa… Would Drowners let her do that, or would they dethrone her and try to make amends?

It seemed like they were standing there forever. The Drowners up on the wall kept looking down on them. With their bows and arrows ready, they were pacing back and forth, watching every move of their unwelcome guests. And the guests were looking up at them, having gathered outside the arrows’ range, yet still too close for comfort. Even at their numbers, even fully armed and armored, they still looked small and insignificant compared to the village. Yet, they didn’t come to fight today. No whispers, no commands – everyone kept quiet, waiting for what was to come, listening to the giant banners on the wall flapping in the wind.

«Why didn’t her amulet warn her?» Sabiri asked.

The only head in a masked helmet turned to her.

«Maybe it did, just too late?» Star’s voice said, muffled by the mask. «Maybe it’s the only reason Iskrila is still alive? Whatever the reason, I doubt we would ever know. Aside from Demon Lord, who else could tell us how the artifact works? Sadly, he answers only when he wants.»

The letter from Jaesa was clear, but Sabiri couldn’t stop feeling anxious. What if Jaesa changes her mind? What if Iskrila did something stupid? Oh, Iskrila! As Sabiri thought of her, she once again felt that weird jerk in her diaphragm, like the ground under her hooves was suddenly gone. She’ll be alright. I’ll see her again soon, just need to wait.

Like in the old times, Star was leading the procession today. Standing in front of her seventy soldiers, her seventy people, she would be the first to receive the blow from the enemy. She would be the first to discover a trap hidden under the grass and the leaves. Sabiri wanted to convince her to back off, to not be on the very front. Yet, seeing those milk-white eyes under the mask killed any resolve Sabiri had.

«Remember the days when we were in it together? Fighting off raiders and slavers, all while barely armored and with crappy, fragile weapons?»

The shape of Star’s eyes changed as she smiled. «Seems like yesterday. We weren’t exactly together, though. We built our villages apart to increase the chance to find resources. To keep the others safe in case one village got raided. But you’re right: we’ve always had each other’s backs.»

Star caught the tip of her tail and was now playing with her fingers on its smooth, hard surface, as was her habit. No Drowners’ entourage popped off from the gates. Are you alright there, Iskrila? Sabiri asked herself. Looking at Star, who was now most likely deep in her memories, Sabiri remembered her own habit and crossed her arms.

«None of us was ready, none had experience, or knew what to do. I remember what it was like trying to sleep, not knowing if I was going to wake up.» Sabiri felt a shiver, awoken by the memories.

«I remember how terrified I was going into battle. But not you. We’re alive, we’ve had peace for ages now, and it’s only because of you! You never seemed afraid, or nervous. Even when we had to retreat, you’d always put yourself between us and the enemy. You led us even injured, all the way through.»

Star shook her head. «The only thing I was afraid of was losing any of you. Sadly, sometimes I did. And we will never see those people ever again. But don’t worry. We won’t lose Iskrila or Haileen today. Jaesa’s word is solid.»

«Solid my ass!» Sabiri wanted to let her rage out, but the distant gates finally started to open.

They didn’t open fully, but wide enough to let out quite a procession. Even before she saw Iskrila, Sabiri’s heart began to race in anticipation. There she is! A warm, sweet feeling of lightness filled Sabiri from top to bottom. Iskrila was alive and well! Sabiri’s brain didn’t even notice the heavy chains Iskrila was wearing. Oh, she noticed me! Iskrila tried to wave her hand, but the chain wouldn’t let her. Only now did Sabiri realize that Haileen was alive as well, chained to the same tie as Iskrila.

Behind them, a few Drowners were leading an equi they captured yesterday. Their equi was pushing their cart, hopefully still with its contents. And on top of it was laid Aip’s body. Sabiri’s soul ached when she was it, even though she was used to seeing death. Your death will be avenged, Sabiri thought, switching her attention to the leader of the procession.

Fucking Jaesa! Anger overwhelmed Sabiri’s heart the second she saw that red face and recognized those horns. She won’t get away with this shit! The low buzzing of whispers that filled the air told Sabiri that she wasn’t alone in her hatred. Alas, Star was right. If they killed, hurt, or captured Jaesa, the whole Imbrergoso would retaliate. They were not prepared for a real war, there was no certainty who would win, and the losses would be enormous. Our time will come!

It took about a minute for the procession to cross the field of grass between the main road and the village. The whole time Jaesa paid no attention to the soldiers behind Star and Sabiri’s backs. Her only audience was her equal, another’s tribe chief, Star, her old friend. But Star didn’t answer in kind, noting that Iskrila and Haileen looked unharmed, trying to ease Sabiri’s mind.

At first, Sabiri thought Jaesa would stop a few steps before the group. That she would let her hostages go at least some distance. But apparently, she had nothing to fear or hide from a bunch of armed and armored igni who were extremely angry with her. Sabiri looked around, made sure no one was aiming their bows at Jaesa or her people. A few soldiers were clearly gritting their teeth, struggling not to let the primal roar go. They were very close to Aip, and Sabiri understood their feelings all too well. All the fear, helplessness, and anger she felt yesterday after hearing the news about Iskrila – what would haunt her for days.

No! Sabiri pulled herself back to reality. They were not there to fight, so she needed to act accordingly, to think accordingly. So, she just stood there, hoping to reunite with Iskrila very soon. Oh, praise Demon Lord! Without saying a word, without wasting any time, Jaesa turned around and put her key inside Iskrila’s shackles. A second later, a heavy body crashed into Sabiri, almost knocking her over, almost crushing her ribs in an air-squeezing hug.

«I’m so glad you’re okay,» Sabiri wheezed, returning Iskrila’s embrace.

Smiling, Haileen came closer. «Let her breathe, please.»

Iskrila stepped back, allowing Sabiri to look at her beautiful face up close. The expression of joy and happiness she saw perfectly reflected what Sabiri was feeling herself. She almost forgot Jaesa was just a few steps in front of her. But she didn’t forget to give Haileen a proper hug before the reality intervened.

«Nice helmet! But is it nice to talk when I can’t see your face properly?»

Sabiri used to like Jaesa’s way with words, but now she sounded mocking. Sabiri forced herself to remain silent. Star’s horns made her struggle to take off the helmet, which she handed to Sabiri.

«That’s better. I just wanted to apologize personally. I never wanted to attack your people, Star. I regret that my people failed to recognize them. They’ve already forgotten how it felt to be ambushed, but actually performing one – they weren’t ready, they were too stressed. I’ll do my best to train them properly.»

Star squinted her eyes, trying to see something in Jaesa’s.

«Properly? Really? Is this what you worry about?» Star asked. «How can you bring yourself to do such things? Robbing random caravans, killing random people – that’s disgraceful! I wouldn’t believe that was your letter if I didn’t know your handwriting so well.»

Jaesa sighed heavily. «Really, Star? Really? You «couldn’t believe’? Come on! Even Haileen got it. Even she remembered that I wanted to do it for years. I can’t bear it anymore! This way I can quickly get enough coin to move out of this dump. With this much coin I can finally join the Union!»

The variety of feelings quickly changed Star’s expression a few times. She looked at Jaesa from top to bottom, like she was seeing her for the first time. It took a few seconds to find the right words.

«Frankly, I never thought you were serious. The Union is… Fuck, no! How can it be worth the killing and robbing? How can you, a kind and caring person I know, how can you even consider it? I always thought you were saying that just to push me, to make me agree on more than I was comfortable with! You really think we wouldn’t stop you?»

Jaesa snickered. «Well, thanks for having considered me a kind and decent person. I don’t mind the past tense here; it’s still a nice feeling. Sadly, I see no other way. Losing your support, and the support of the other tribes, would be difficult at first. But I focus on the long run.»

«There won’t be a long run!» Star snapped. «The scarce trade you were complaining about – your raids would destroy it entirely! Not me, not any of our tribes could survive without that trade. We’re stopping you before we are ruined, at all costs!»

Jaesa’s grin sank into a smile. «Glad to hear that I would finally push you into action. Yet, something tells me that you would prefer to sit on your hands. Such is your tradition, after all. Let’s hope that I can move soon enough and leave you in peace.»

Without saying anything else, Jaesa raised her hand, holding Iskrila’s artifact. She waited until Star took it, then turned around and went back to the village. Her people followed her slow and steady gait. Sabiri looked at Iskrila, at Haileen. They all silently watched Jaesa go, probably thinking exactly what was on Sabiri’s mind.

«What will she do next?» Sabiri asked out loud. «Whatever it is, it won’t end well for us.»

«Come on.» Star handed Iskrila her amulet. «Let’s try to mitigate the damage.»