The Seekers: Soul Ties. Anton Anderson

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СКАЧАТЬ would answer this question, but even though she doubted that Jaesa would keep her word, she was also relieved to see the artifact intact.

      «So, you did want to rob, but only if the caravan was foreign?» Haileen asked. «I guess you finally gave up on the idea of convincing the chiefs and decided to do it alone?»

      Jaesa smiled and snickered. «Yes, you’ve always been quick with your brain, Haileen. Your capture can illustrate how serious I am much better than any words. Don’t overstep your boundaries – and you’ll be fine.»

      «What point?» Iskrila spat, too enraged to speak properly. «What boundaries? What the fuck are you up to? You think we would let you get away with this?»

      Once again, Jaesa sighed and looked away. While her eyes were searching the cell for the answer, her fingers kept playing with the artifact’s chain.

      «No, you probably won’t,» she finally found the words. «Whatever Star decides to do, you’d carry on her orders to the letter.»

      Jaesa stood up and went towards the exit. In the doorway, she stopped and added, «I won’t risk my throat and let you go, but neither do I intend to make enemies with you. So don’t hesitate to ask the guards for whatever you like. I’ve sent the word. Star should come for you tomorrow.»

      Promise

      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 СКАЧАТЬ