Naci and Horohan part ways for the night with a newfound understanding, each seeking the solace of their own quarters to process the emotional weight of their conversation.
By dawn, Naci's determination is renewed. The vast landscape of Tepr, with its promises and challenges, awaits her. Slipping into her attire, she heads out, the thought of obtaining her own eagle forefront in her mind.
The camp is a hive of activity in the morning, with tribespeople tending to chores and preparing for the day's tasks. As Naci navigates through the camp, her eyes catch the colorful array of a merchant's stand being set up. Fabrics, jewels, spices, and trinkets shimmer in the early morning light, drawing her attention momentarily. But it's the tension a little distance away from the stand that truly captures her interest.
A man, adorned in the unmistakable attire of a soldier, is engaged in a heated argument with the merchant. Naci's ears pick up the subject of their quarrel: the increasing tributes demanded by the Moukopl Empire.
"These fees are robbery!" the soldier exclaims, his voice strained with frustration. "The Moukopl Empire is tightening its grip, and for what? We get no protection, no benefits. Just higher demands!"
The merchant, a middle-aged man with a grizzled beard, sighs deeply. "Blame the empire, not me. I have to raise my prices or go hungry. They take more, so we all pay more."
As the exchange continues, Naci feels a flicker of recognition. The soldier's profile, his stance… She's seen him before. And then it clicks: he was one of the trio that escorted her to Alinkar. Yet, he was conspicuously absent from the ceremony. Why?
Driven by curiosity, Naci approaches, ensuring her steps are audible to avoid startling them. "Excuse my intrusion," she begins, casting a cordial nod to the merchant before focusing on the soldier. "I remember you. You were with Horohan and Temej when they escorted me to Alinkar. I didn't see you at the ceremony."
The soldier straightens, surprise evident on his face. He then bows slightly, a gesture of respect. "Ah, Lady Naci. My apologies for not being present. I serve Alinkar, true, but like many of our young men, I am also conscripted as a soldier for the Moukopl Empire. Duty called."
Naci nods, processing the information. The dual loyalty, the strain of serving two masters—she can see how it might wear on a person. "Well, now that we've crossed paths, might I know your name?"
The soldier smiles, a touch of pride in his eyes. "I am Akun of Alinkar, at your service."
Naci's eyes, so recently filled with curiosity, now cloud with a deeper concern. "If young men of Alinkar are drafted into the Empire's forces, what of my own kin? My brother, Dukar?"
Akun's gaze remains steady, respectful. "It is the way of things here. The Moukopl Empire's demand for soldiers is ever-growing. With the state of affairs, many are drafted, regardless of tribe or allegiance."
She swallows hard, the weight of worry pressing down on her. "And what duty do you serve as a soldier for them?"
Akun's gaze drifts, eyes tracing the far-off outline of the Tengr mountains, a shadowed backdrop against the pale morning sky. "I am part of an infantry unit, tasked with defending the northern wall. There," he gestures subtly towards the mountains, "beyond the vast stretch of the deadly desert, lies a threat that the Empire is wary of."
Naci follows his gaze, the imposing peaks seeming even more ominous with this revelation. "A threat?"
"The Yohazatz," Akun murmurs, the name carrying a mix of respect and disdain. "Far west of the Tengr mountains, these tribes have unified and defied the Empire's rule. They refuse to pay their tributes, causing unrest and ripples throughout the Empire."
The merchant, overhearing their conversation, interjects with a scoff. "Because of their defiance, the Moukopl increases taxes on us all. We pay the price for the insolence of the Yohazatz."
Naci's brows knit together in frustration. "It's absurd that we must shoulder the burden for the actions of another. How is that just?"
Akun nods, understanding in his eyes. "Many feel as you do, Lady Naci. But the Empire's reach is vast, and its hand, heavy. The hope is that once the Yohazatz are brought to heel, things will return to normal."
The merchant chimes in, a rueful smile on his face. "And until then, we pay more and grumble in silence."
Naci's jaw sets, her fiery spirit evident. "Relying on the hope of an empire to act fairly seems a fool's game. There has to be another way."
Naci narrows her eyes, recalling the intensity and raw emotion in Akun's voice during the dispute with the merchant. It was different than his controlled and almost rehearsed demeanor now. The mask of a soldier, she realizes. "You spoke with such passion earlier," she remarks, voice careful, "Yet now, your words are measured. Do you, perhaps, hide your true sentiments from me?"
Akun's eyes flit away, a brief moment of discomfort before he replies. "A soldier must serve, Lady Naci, regardless of personal beliefs."
"But such unrest," Naci pushes gently, "It cannot be unique to you alone. I suspect many in Alinkar, even in Jabliu, feel similarly."
There's a pause, palpable tension building in the air. Taking a deep breath, Naci continues, "The Yohazatz have chosen their path, breaking free from the chokehold of the Empire. Perhaps that's the solution for all of us—to unify, to rise together and reclaim our sovereignty from the Moukopl."
The merchant, who had been silent, suddenly bursts into laughter, the sound echoing rudely through the marketplace. "Unify and break free? Oh, sweet girl, the innocence of youth," he mocks, shaking his head. "The Yohazatz might defy, but they will be crushed. The Moukopl's riches are endless. Their cities gleam with gold and jewels, their armies vast and well-equipped. We," he gestures around the camp, "live in the shadows, scraping by in the dirt compared to them."
Naci's cheeks redden at the merchant's words, but she refuses to back down. "But we are free," she retorts, her voice firm with conviction.
The merchant's eyes glint as he paints a picture, his voice infused with a mix of awe and resignation. "Imagine, Lady Naci, vast cities with walls taller and thicker than you've ever seen—walls that gleam as if kissed by the sun, made of bricks so perfectly shaped they seem like they were crafted by the gods themselves. The streets, they're not like ours; they're paved with smooth stones, reflecting the sky and leading to buildings with roofs painted in bright blues and deep reds, each tile shimmering with intricate patterns of gold leaf."
He draws in a breath, continuing with a theatrical flourish, "The Moukopl's palaces are masterpieces. Their gardens bloom all year round with flowers of colors you've never imagined, surrounding ponds where fish, with scales like liquid gold and silver, dart around. There are towers and temples that pierce the sky, and at night, lanterns of every hue light up, making the cities look like a vast sea of stars."
His hands animate his words as he goes on, "The people of the Moukopl wear silks that flow like water and change color with their movement. Their jewelry, oh, their jewelry, is not just gold and silver but studded with gemstones so bright and clear they rival the stars. They have markets where one can find exotic spices, rare fruits, and artifacts from lands so distant that their names are unknown to us."
He then leans in, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "And their armies, Lady Naci, are a sight to behold. Thousands upon thousands, disciplined and coordinated, armed with weapons of refined steel and protected by armor that gleams menacingly in the sun. War elephants draped in decorated cloth, horses that move with an agility we've only heard of in legends, and cannons that can tear down walls in mere moments."
Drawing back, he looks at Naci with a smirk. "And you think we, with our tents and simple weapons, can stand against such might? The Yohazatz, for all their bravery, will be but a footnote in the annals of the Moukopl's grandeur."
Akun looks between the two, the weight of his dual loyalties evident on his face. "It is a complex situation, Lady Naci. Idealism and reality often clash, especially here in Tepr."
Naci's eyes widen as the merchant paints the lavish and vibrant picture of the Moukopl Empire, each word evoking an image more dazzling than the last. Despite her initial skepticism, she finds herself pulled into the mesmerizing tapestry of his narration. The stories her father—who was also a soldier—told were filled with the dark shadows of duty, never touching upon the grandeur or the beauty. Was this the world he had been a part of? Why had he never shared these wonders with her?
She imagines the silken garments, feeling the soft, shifting fabric against her skin. The gardens, resplendent and fragrant, beckon to her, while the sea of gleaming lanterns lights up the night of her thoughts. The sheer majesty of it all takes her breath away.
Swallowing, she turns to the merchant, her voice tinged with awe and a hint of wistfulness. "Your words paint a world beyond my wildest dreams. I wish to see it with my own eyes. Would you be willing to guide me to the capital the next time you journey there?"
The merchant raises a brow, considering her for a long moment before shaking his head with a mix of regret and caution. "Lady Naci, as mesmerizing as the Moukopl's cities may be, they are not open lands for exploration now. Especially not when the northern wall is in this state. Only soldiers and select merchants, vetted by the Empire, can cross. With the Yohazatz defying them, their guard is up. They have closed off the routes, ensuring that none other than those they trust can access the heart of the Empire."
A cloud of disappointment passes over Naci's features, but it's quickly replaced by a steely resolve. "I see," she murmurs, her gaze distant as if already plotting a way around this new obstacle. "I guess it'll have to wait…"
Akun watches her closely, seemingly torn between amusement for her spirit and concern for her safety. But before he can comment, Naci turns on her heel, her posture straight and purposeful.
"Know your enemy," she whispers to herself, the words serving as both a mantra and a mission. The sprawling camp of Tepr falls behind her as she heads for Temej's yurt, determined to gather as much knowledge and insight as she can about the world that lies beyond the mountains. But after getting her hands on her eagle!
Naci's footsteps resonate with purpose as she delves deeper into the settlement, and while her mind races with thoughts of the Moukopl Empire, it's the chorus of distinct chirping noises that guides her.
As she follows the source, she comes upon a vast canopy sheltering numerous majestic birds. Their sharp eyes, proud postures, and glossy feathers make an immediate impact.
Seated amongst them, an older woman, regal in her bearing and adorned with the traditional garb of Alinkar, is feeding them with utmost care. Her face, lined with wisdom and experience, looks up to greet Naci with a sparkle in her eyes.
"Ah, the young woman with the fire in her spirit," she calls out warmly, recognizing Naci from the ceremony.
Naci bows respectfully, an instinctual sense of reverence for this eagle keeper. "You have me at a disadvantage, ma'am. You seem to know of me."
A smile touches the older woman's lips. "Temej speaks highly of you. And he doesn't often take such a keen interest in newcomers. I'm Kelik, his mother, and the keeper of these magnificent creatures." She gestures around her, pride evident in her voice.
Meeting her gaze, Naci states, "Temej promised me one of your eagles."
Kelik's eyes shimmer with amusement. "Did he now? Well, it's not as simple as 'taking one.' These birds are more than just animals; they are our companions, our guardians. They require understanding, care, and most importantly, a bond."
Taking a deep breath, Naci admits, "I'm aware. I've come with an earnest desire to connect and to learn."
Kelik studies her for a moment, seemingly weighing her sincerity. Then, with a nod, she says, "Very well. But first, you must understand their essence, their spirit."
She beckons Naci closer, gesturing to a particularly majestic eagle, its plumage a rich tapestry of browns and whites. "Observe," Kelik instructs. "Their eyes, the way they hold themselves. They're beings of the sky, always seeking the horizon, the freedom. To be with them is to understand that call."
Naci watches, entranced by the bird's demeanor. Its eyes hold a depth, a wisdom that speaks of countless sunrises and sunsets, of soaring above mountains and gliding through valleys.
Kelik continues, "To have an eagle is not about 'owning' it. It's a partnership. They grant us their trust, and in return, we offer them our loyalty. It's a relationship built on respect and mutual understanding."
Naci nods, absorbing Kelik's words. "I am willing to give it my all."
Kelik smiles, the expression warm yet knowing. "Then let us begin. Temej told me of your journey and the challenges ahead. Perhaps, together, we can find the perfect companion for you."
Naci feels a flutter of hope in her chest as Kelik surveys the flock, her eyes finally settling on a fledgling perched a little away from the others. Its plumage is a vibrant mix of gold and chestnut, with a distinct, sharp glance that seems to scrutinize the world with keen awareness.
"Here," Kelik announces, guiding Naci towards the young bird. "This one has a spirit much like yours, I can see it."
The fledgling gazes at Naci, its head tilting slightly as if evaluating her presence. Kelik hands Naci a soft, blindfolding fabric, intricately designed with the symbols of Alinkar woven into it.
"Place this over her eyes, gently," Kelik instructs, her tone firm yet comforting. "It will help her feel secure while she gets accustomed to your voice."
Naci nods, carefully draping the fabric over the eagle's eyes. The bird stiffens momentarily before gradually relaxing, seemingly trusting Naci's gentle approach.
As Naci stands there, a mix of awe and nervous excitement tingling through her, Kelik begins to explain the rudiments of grooming, describing in detail how to properly care for the bird's feathers, talons, and beak. She emphasizes the deep bond that grows through this kind of tender care.
Naci frowns slightly, a hint of concern in her eyes. "But how do I make it accustomed to my voice?"
Kelik smiles gently, a twinkle of wisdom reflecting in her eyes. She leans in, her voice a soft hum laden with a secret that seems as ancient as the mountains surrounding them. "By singing, dear."
"Singing?"
"Yes. Sing songs from your heart, tell her stories of your adventures, of your dreams and your fears. Let her hear the melodies that reside in your soul," Kelik elaborates.
Naci feels something unlock within her, an understanding blooming like a flower in the fertile soil of her soul. She gazes at the bird before her, this small yet immensely significant life that now intertwined with hers. She sees in those covered eyes a well of potential.
As the sun above shines brightly in the sky, Naci clears her throat, a tender smile budding on her lips. She begins with a hum, a simple, soft note that gradually weaves into a melody, a song of hope, of beginnings, and of the deep reverence burgeoning in her heart for the journey that lay ahead, both for her and her soon-to-be feathered companion. It is a song of promise, a pledge of commitment, a melody of unity in a world often too fractured to behold such beauty. It is a song of them, a song of their forthcoming partnership, a harmonious beginning to a relationship grounded in respect and mutual affection. And as her voice rises and falls, echoing in the vast expanse surrounding them, something beautiful begins to take root in the sacred space between them, a bond forged in the tender crucible of trust and affection, a connection as ancient and deep as the sky they would soon embrace together.
Suddenly, a deep, boisterous laugh resonates from behind Naci. Startled, she turns to find Temej clutching his sides, tears of mirth streaming down his face. His laughter is infectious, and soon Kelik joins in, her usually poised demeanor breaking into unrestrained chuckles.
Naci's cheeks flame a brilliant shade of red, feeling utterly mortified. Here she was, pouring her heart out in song, and the two of them were making a spectacle of her.
"Oh, by Tengr, Naci! I've never seen someone sing with such … enthusiasm amidst the shrieking symphony of our eagles!" Temej manages to say between fits of laughter.
Kelik, trying to regain her composure, adds, "I told you to sing, dear, but I didn't expect a full-on performance! Especially with our feathery audience providing their own … unique backup vocals."
Both Temej and Kelik laugh again, the jovial atmosphere infectious. Despite her embarrassment, a grin sneaks onto Naci's face. Nothing can take her enthusiasm of getting her own eagle away.