[Sir Gaviel]
It was several hours on foot and a day ride on horseback before we arrive at the borders of Bessilus city. It is to be the zenith of Aeonnite cities. On a vast steppe, forty feet plastered city walls pen the earthen and timbered homes, workshops and establishments of the city.
An inner bronze gate exists apart from the defensive walls, secluding the upper class. The citadel and military base is perched on a higher ground, surrounded by a balustrade of its own.
There is an awed gasp behind me. I look over my shoulder seeing Lila admire the city below. I cannot blame her.
In the afternoon sun, the colorful glass-paned windows along with the silver chasings of public establishments reflect light, glinting as though jewels in a crown. The tiled crimson roofs arrest the eyes under the spotlight of heat. Finials of posts like teeth and banners wave fitfully.
Separated by a huge river and accessed through a bridge is the city of Asuelus, another Faye'in city renamed and colonized by Aeon. Cirrhinus dumped all locals in that city and strictly governs them. Aside from milking taxes, he prevents them from entering the city he reconstructed from the ground up.
Only a shadow of its former self, Asuelus is in a dull and stagnant state with more crimes on the streets than rats on canals.
We enter Bessilus' commoners' place being tousled by the bustle of trivial activities. There is a constant two–way traffic as traders and common folks either stay for the night or leave for home. Savory smell of cooked meals as evidenced by the smokes from chimneys, perhaps roasted meat or boiling broth, are wrapping us.
I return the horse to a stable built near the inner gates, pour water on the trough and left some hay. The boy who tends the stable cracks a toothy grin as I pay him.
Passing the inner gates, we are confronted by a huge banner showing the lifelike painting of the King and Queen of Aeon at the side columns of ministry of affairs. Lila pauses at the sight of it.
"She's beautiful and so young… standing next to him she looks like his daughter." She says, wrinkling her nose.
"She was thirteen when she was married to the king."
I look at the way Queen Dela carries herself beside him. Regal. Chin pointed high, rod back and elegance only the nobility possesses. A streak of defiance on her unyielding gaze. Her small smile reveal a kind nature, without the impression of undermining those who are below in status. She is the image of dignity despite the fact that Aeonnites made her a figurehead queen.
"Royu, I think he…"
/Almost killed her?/
Lila nods. I shift my weight from leg to leg.
/Cirrhinus was lucky to get away with minor injuries, she was bleeding profusely before physicians got to her. It was expected she was going to die and Elricht was not far because of his injury./
"Elricht?"
In an undertone I say, "His peg leg. That was Royu too."
Her mouth opens wide.
"Of course."
Hughes and I agreed to meet on a tavern and we went to it, ordering food and water. "Get some sleep," she whispers as we seated. "You need it."
After a meal, I take her advice and close my eyes, leaning my head slightly. It feels soon when I awake though it was hours. Lila is nowhere to be seen and Hughes slides on the sit next to me.
"The ceremony is in an hour, at dusk."
I nod. With a fainter voice, he says, "How did it go?"
"As well as can be expected."
His shoulder shakes, laughing with no sound.
"It has begun." I strain my eyes to see him, questioning. On the other tables, an affront laughter comes from the drunks.
"The rebellion of a lifetime." Hughes mumbles. "Silly, how it sounds."
"You always have been a hopeless romantic."
Standing, a ghost of a smirk shows on his face. "It is time to go, Captain."
It is time to put on a mask, is what he meant.
I chug on a flagon before I follow him.
Our amphitheater is transformed for the occasion. There are five piles of wood near the dais, about three feet high. Generals, Captains and Lieutenants of Elite, Infantry and Cavalry, including the council members stand at the foot of the dais, with General Elricht in the middle. The King and Queen of Aeon sit on the dais with their attendants flanking them.
Units are lined on my left-hand side, while the young initiates of Elite, almost three hundred of them, huddle on the other.
Boys of thirteen summers young are at the back. The youngest and most numerous of six and seven are at the front. Tonight, the thirteen years old are going to make it to a unit. They try to stay as still as the veterans beside them yet excitement seem to seep out of every pore. Lined further on the rear are the foot soldiers.
Erasmus have lost three men in our battle on Gakaloai. I lost two, Cassius Ennius Abernadi and Lexxus Hohem. In entirety, hundreds of men died, most are infantry soldiers, local and Aeonnites. We burned their bodies on Gakaloai, only now will they have a formal funeral. A tribute.
On the left, drums beat with guitars playing a doleful song of grief and loss. Standard bearers raise the flags higher reaching the finale.
As they finish, General Elricht lights a torch. Approaching one pile of wood, he throws it in. Generals of infantry and cavalry follows. We are doused on a scarlet sunset watching the woods blaze in a moment of silence.
General Elricht steps up on the dais.
"It is said that, 'It is the soldiers that do the fighting and it is the soldiers that do the dying'. Truly. But it is also the soldiers that will be honored and remembered.
"They will be with us, in triumph and failure for there is no greater man, there is no greater honor than the man who dies for his kingdom. Hail, Aeon!"
Seconding, we salute. "Hail, Aeon!"
After a respectful regard for our dead, all save the Elites and the initiates exited the amphitheater. We scatter over the benches, clearing the field for the initiates.
A duel happens every five years or when unit members have been killed. The oldest initiates will prove their worth, impress a unit and a captain to let them be a part of it.
The General waves us - captains and our lieutenants - over. Curiously enough, he was supposed to have the final say in who was to be accepted and yet it seems that he does not plan to stay.
"Keep sharp," General Elricht says. "Tonight, we rest but tomorrow you scour every stone, every establishment in the perimeter of the plaza. Set up a barricade and secure it.
"Captain Dunn you are to position on the east. Captain Ixas on the south, Captain Gaviel on the west and Captain Erasmus on the north."
"Yes, General."
"I will oversee you with the Captain of the Royal Guards. I want archers on the high-rises in the perimeter. Captain Alcimus wants civilian soldiers among the crowd. We are expecting the guerrillas to attempt to rescue the boy and I do not care how, make sure that does not happen.
"One more thing, if the Anagolay shows up…" I watch as the calm demeanor of the General bristle at his name.
"Kill him."
There are only eleven of the thirteen-year-old boys. They are doing the drills while official Elite members assess individual finesse of stance, balance, skill.
I notice Nodiscus drinking alone at the far upper bench as Hughes and I near our unit. Lexander and the others are already supporting some of the boys, giving wages. Nodiscus did not mind as I approach him.
"Emotions are useless." I state. "You are an Elite. You should mourn as silently as the sun retreating on the horizon."
He remains impassive, distant. "That is not what I am suggesting you to do."
Nodiscus shots me a look of surprise. "We lost a comrade, you lost your brother. I allow you a time alone if you want it."
He swallows as if preparing to speak but he did not argue. Nodiscus bows as he stands. Dangling a flagon on his hand, he walks towards the nearest exit.
"He looks like himself," Dunn says, coming towards me. "Considering."
I look on Nodiscus' back, the way it bends down and his feet as he drags it. I know he is not himself. He had been numb for the past few days but now he needs to feel. Desperate for it and desperate to stop it.
"Sometimes I think you care too much."
I face Dunn on a lower step. "Can I ask for your honesty on a matter?" He did not wait for me to answer.
"Did your Lieutenant loot a sword from a rebel back in Horr?"
He knows. Heavens, how long has he known?
"What are you saying?" I ask, feigning innocence.
"I had him followed. It seemed that he investigated a thing or two about our orders and missions."
"Oh, did he?"
"Gaviel…" he says, pleading almost. "You are tying the noose that will hang you eventually."
I shake my head. "Captain Dunn you must be mistaken. Lieutenant Hughes is innocent of the things you are accusing him of."
Dunn shrugs, but his eyes communicate another thing: be careful. Hughes pops on his side. "Captains, you might want to see this."
Below, I see the boys in pairs, armed and fighting. The drills are over, the duel has started. Dunn, with a passing nod to my lieutenant, returns to his unit leaving us both. Hughes observes the Captain of Unit IV.
"I…" he says under his breath. "I do not trust him."
It is the first time I hear him say something along those lines. "Why?" I prompt but he shakes his head.
"Just." Heaving a sigh, he says. "Maybe because he gets all the good looking babes?"
I lift a brow as he grins. There is a soft giggle on my side, Hughes did not hear. A sign that Lila is present, listening.
It is down to six boys. Without a shield or an armor, this duel not just puts their future but their lives on the line. Whoever wins will have the privilege to choose among the captains who he wants to be part with.
Along the fight, soldiers produced liquor. A boy just surrenders. Five more left.
"Captain," Lebenen nods at another pair, refilling my cup. Both are adroit in swordplay. Not one dropping guard yet it is clear they have limits. They take pauses more, breathing labored.
"It will be a battle of endurance."
"I would be happy if one chooses us."
"Someone to be your helper Rescus?"
"Shut up, you."
Laughter. Half an hour later, we have a champion. It is a lanky boy named Demarius and he chooses Unit III. Rescus says he is a little brother of one of Ixas' Elite.
I remember Lexxus with a pang I had to clench my jaw. He almost begged me to take Nodiscus under my wing when they were initiated.
In the end, we have three new recruits. I congratulate them, awkward and proud they salute. As a celebratory gesture, we hand them their first drink. Only, it was brewed vinegar mixed with raw eggs and it was spilled over their heads than inside their stomachs.
"This is where you learn to hold your liquor, boys!" From the nasal voice it is Lexander, rowdy as the night goes.
"Like he can ever do it." Hughes says. Other units draw closer to the fires as the chill of night settles. Slaves have joined in, some roasted meat and corncobs. Ixas is dancing rather making lewd movements while his men roar in laughter.
"Hughes, I am asking you not to rally with me."
The man stiffens on my side. Hughes turns, crossing his arms and I sigh. "It is not easy living two opposing lives."
"You want me to do nothing."
"This was never your fight."
"In our line of work, it is hard to only follow orders without constraint. It is even harder to know and not do anything."
"They are still your people." I say, waving to our fellow warriors. "This, your kingdom."
"What is your excuse?" He contests. "What is it with your own kind that you hate so much?"
Dodging his gaze, I watch the sky. It is sparkling with countless stars in the blanket of darkness and the crescent moon as its king.
"I learned a thing or two from the Thraine," he says quietly. "They fight with might and passion for the things they believe in… For one thing is this land."
Hughes continues, "You fight for what you think is right, so will I."
I stare at him. "And whatever happens, know that this is my decision."
Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, the understanding of what is at stake, I do not object. There is no turning back. I do not tell him, he already knows.
When Lila and I went back to my quarters, it was half past nine. I light the candle. She dives on the bed as I found myself spying the room. A scent lingers, out of place. Jasmine. No, lavender. Everything is where they should be. Except a feeling that someone was here. Lila stands back.
I went to my cabinet. Pushing it aside, the bolo that Hughes looted is still there. I replace it.
"I can't see what's out of place," she says.
With scrutiny, I look again. There.
"The table was moved."
The distance can be subjected to neglect, but when I move it, there is a folded paper under one of its feet.
It is a short letter.
B, No negotiation. Will behead. Eight. T spotted outskirts of city.
I fill in the words.
Brother, there will be no negotiation. Sanim will be beheaded. Eight in the morning. Thraine spotted at the outskirts of the city.
"From your sister…"
I nod. Saramin sends his men. Cirrhinus wants them to see Sanim die. They are making their moves.
"We need to warn Anagolay," I say. "The time that we could have used to our advantage is gone."
At eight in the morning, everyone at play will assemble at the plaza. With a few men to spare, Saramin might have sent a dozen and as the place is heavily guarded, those men will be slaughtered. Anagolay will not get a chance to get close to Sanim when the riot starts.
"Oh," Lila cries snapping her fingers. "I have an idea."
* * *
The plaza lies at the heart of the city. It is the boundary between the lower and the upper classes.
A perfect square with a circular stage at its north, made of marble. Massive columns bolster the upper floors and the bell at the very top. At the center of the plaza, propped by a stone block is a statue of General Arthur Ruis II, raising Aeon's flag in a still moment of success in colonizing Freobel. Near the stage is where the gnomon rests showing the hour of the day.
The plaza is where now and then vendors sell food or market objects; where daily news are announced, taxes paid. People take a stroll here, throw coins and wish into the two fountains at the south end.
None of that will happen today.
Before daybreak we forced residents to desert the establishments that flank the plaza, placing soldiers in the alleys and archers on their roofs. General Elricht saw to it that all possible entrance, intersections and exits are patrolled by soldiers.
The stage is blocked by a human wall. Two lines thick of foot soldiers with four feet shields. Royal Guards with assigned Elites on stallions make up the inner barricade, closer to where the King and Queen will sit.
I stride to a merchant's store on the west, meeting Hughes and Van. They report that all is secured, four others of my own men are dispersed on the establishments with foot soldiers. Same can be said in all corners of the plaza.
"Lieutenant, come with me," I order. "Keep your eyes peeled."
"Captain."
At six, the king's attendants arrange the stage with comforts, high-backed chairs coupled with slaves carrying huge fans. The executioner arrives in his dark tunic and sack over his head, whetting his axe on the stage.
We position on the road near the store, watching the crowd gathering in thick lumps by the minute.
"It is done." Hughes says. I glance at him, confirming.
/Lila, Hughes was able to find Anagolay's tentacle. He probably received our message. Are you ready?/
The hour strikes seven. I have never seen this many people gathered on this plaza before. As an exception, the King allowed Faye'in hailing from Asuelus to watch. I am almost bowled over by the colors, the buzzing of conversations. Since it is difficult to see the stage from a far, a bunch of kids use two bamboos, hammered a foothold and prop themselves, balancing ten feet high.
The Anagolay could be anywhere. Lila should be at the stage. Someone grips my wrist and I pull a dagger halfway when I see the figure beside me. I relax my coiled muscles.
No one could sneak up to an Elite. Apparently an Eng't Urh can.
/Is something wrong?/
Lila tugs on her hood. "I sense something," she whispers, urgent and disconcerted. "Something here, something coming."
I look about. For the past hour, I spot six Thraine guerrillas to the middle, three near the east. Soldiers in peasant clothes, at most nine are scattered. The ten exits are all guarded, crossbows are on the rooftops. Nothing is raising a red flag, at least not yet.
/What do you mean?/
"I think a mystic." My breath catches in my throat. Another mystic?
/A threat or not?/
From the corners of my eyes, I see her lift one shoulder. I inhale slowly from my nose. What purpose would another mystic fulfill? About fifty yards, I hear the rattling of wheels on the cobblestones. King Cirrhinus is coming.
/We cannot abort now./
Lila nods.
/Tread carefully./
She gives my hand a squeeze before melding back into nothing.
I did not see where the coach parked but King Cirrhinus and Queen Dela is now settling at the stage while their attendants cluck after them. Council Members follow with Sanim fettered and towed behind.
All eyes focus on them.
"Hail, his highness, King Cirrhinus!"
The soldiers salute, "Hail, King Cirrhinus!"
"Hail Aeon!"
As we salute, the crowd bows in unison.
"Lo and behold! The heir to the throne of Thraine," General Elricht announces. Royal guards drag Sanim forward, to the pillory.
"His people refuse to make peace to our king, refuse to accept our sovereignty…" Sanim is being secured to the pillory as the General maintains his speech.
"Look now and be warned. All will be forfeit to anyone who disobeys as this usurper will."
A sudden whish.
Someone screams. One of the council member nearest to the king drops headfirst. An arrow protruding from his torso.
"Protect the king!"
Hughes and I meet eyes for a second then we are both barreling towards the stage.
"To the King!"
"Out swords!"
Soldiers flood the center plaza. The masses running uncontrollably intensify the horrified scream. Royal Guards half drag the king and queen towards their waiting coach, shielding them from more assault.
Pushing aside people, we try to get close.
"Move!" Hughes elbows one of the Thraine men that reveal themselves after the arrow was shot.
Seconds ago, I saw Sanim then he disappeared.
Lila got to him first.
I dodge a bolo and stab the man.
/Lai, get Sanim to the safehouse. Go, now!/
As we run, a dwelling on the south explodes in flames and a tremor shakes the ground beneath our feet.