Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 287: Of Rebels and Kings (Two) (Maiya)

The Kin'jal pilots had landed a half-dozen Acira at different locations around Jatan Forest. Overkill, by all accounts. Just about right for the Royal Balarian Guard.

They claimed it was to ensure sufficient air cover in case the Children pursued, though Maiya wondered if theyd simply used the mission as an excuse to conduct a field training exercise away from the castle. Or rather, whether Ira had gotten them out by convincing it could be used as such.

It was a wholly unnecessary precaution, as it turned out. Theyd taken to the air with no one being the wiser, and it stayed that way the entire trip. The cover of night certainly helped, though Maiya doubted that things would have played out any differently had it been done under broad daylight. The Royal Guard were easily stronger than Iras handmaidens, and many boasted Balar Ranks in the hundreds.

The strategy had another benefit, howeverit allowed some of the other Acira to race ahead to Sonam with advance warning of Maiyas impending arrival. And Maiya felt there was indeed a great need to warn Ira.

The truth was, after learning of the Blessed Chosens powers, Maiya was no longer sure whether she ought to meet with Princess Ira in person. Ever again. The Blessed Chosen might only be able to track the locations of the cultists, but it wouldnt take a genius to figure out who she might be interacting with if he learned she was frequenting the Royal Quarter.

Then again, she had alreadydone exactly that, so she figured the damage had already been done. Rather, she couldnt understand why the Blessed Chosen had chosen to ignore her Kinjal affiliation. Was he simply too deranged to care? Or, as he claimed, was he working under the influence of some greater power?

He certainly seemed to believe so. If that was the case, however, and Maiya was being handed power, the question became why. Nobody granted such powerful gifts without strings attached. Least of all gods.

Maiyas turmoil was abruptly cut short when their Acira landed in one of the stables for Sawaioutside the royal quarter.

I suppose thats one way around it, Maiya mused as she gracefully alighted. Meeting outside the castle grounds wont give anything away to the Blessed Chosen.

Yamal approached the moment they landed.

I was beginning to think wed never get you out of there, Yamal said, visibly relieved.

Kinjal forces wouldve had to work with someone on the inside. I take it that was you? Maiya asked.

Well, I just put them in touch with the Sisters. If not for your groundwork, none of this wouldve been possible.

Maiya gave Yamal an appraising look. He was useless in a fight, but it seemed he had other talents shed overlooked. Shed remember that.

And Camas? Maiya asked.

Surprisingly helpful. You seem to have gained quite a posse with that group, Yamal said, his lips taut.

Maiya guessed the man was thinking of the demonstration she gave Camas little gang. True to her word, shed been putting them to good use, getting them to squash cultists who didnt quite agree with the idea of a new member ascending the ranks so quickly. Shed initially expected little, but theyd done a decent job.

About time he atone for all the evil hes wrought.

This way, madam, a Balarian Royal Guard said, gesturing for Maiya to follow. Your friend is welcome as well.

A look of surprise passed over Yamals face, though he fell in beside Maiya as they walked the wide Sawai streets.

Any words from the Silent One? Maiya asked. I feel like he disappeared off the face of the realm.

Yamal shook his head. I put feelers out as well. No luck. No one knows what happened to him.

Maiya suppressed a frown. What would he do if he learned I killed his brother?

She only hoped the princess could shed some clarity on this murky situation. If she couldnt, Maiya doubted anyone could.

Princess Ira Kinjal was seated alone in a private room on the third floor of an upscale Sawai lounge. She wore no disguise, though she wore no lavish dress or makeup either, and that was almost as good.

Ira was naturally beautiful, but she was as thin as a needle. Those who knew of her reputation would never expect her to leave the castle without guard, and those whod seen her with her puffy gowns and masterful makeup would never guess she was as frail as she really was.

Though, in her case, the frailty was a carefully crafted deception. Ira purposefully ate little and kept her frame slim, precisely to maintain her image.

Which only made her scarier in Maiyas mind.

The princess rose from her table and embraced Maiya in a tight hug.

Maiya, whod never grown accustomed to Iras casual behavior, stood awkwardly, waiting for the moment to pass.

Would it kill you to reciprocate, even just once? Ira said, pulling away with a pout.

Maiya simply raised her brow.

Hah, fine. This room is secure, Ira said somewhat irritably, gesturing for Maiya to take a seat across from her. We have much to discuss, so tell me everything.

Maiya glanced out the window, which overlooked the clean, orderly streets below. It didnt look like a secure location, and not a single guard was with them inside the room. That, however, meant little. Maiya didnt doubt Iras handmaidens had the building covered and surrounded. That, and the fact that no one likely knew of this meeting, granted them security.

So Maiya shelved those concerns aside, organized her thoughts, and dove into the heart of the matter.

The Blessed Chosen knows Im an agent. The Sisters of Gray want me to take his place. And there may be eldritch gods who wish for the same.

Maiya spent the next hour narrating events, pausing only to provide her thoughts and analysis of the situation. During that time, food and water had been brought, though shed hardly touched her plate.

Ira, as usual, allowed her to speak uninterrupted, and even after shed finished, the princess said nothing, opting to gaze out at the streets below.

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It was when Maiya was halfway through her third vegetable kebab that she finally spoke.

I agree, Ira said at last.

With what? Maiya asked.

With your assessment that something may very well be going on here. Though, it is not some unseen deity that I fear, but rather the political machinations of another nation. I fear we may already have lost the battle for dominance over the Children.

Maiya frowned. If that were true, though, why would he be so afraid of me? You think its a ploy to bring me down?

Ira stood and paced around the room, one hand tapping her chin. Perhaps. Perhaps not. The situation in Sai has unfortunately taken a turn for the worse.

The rioters, Maiya said, understanding Iras meaning. You hadnt known?

Ira shook her head. On the contrary, Id known about the rebels activity for some time. It was why I wanted you there before they acted. Id hoped that your actions would have bought us some time, forcing them to reconsider their actions. I hadnt calculated theyd move as quickly as they did.

Why didnt you tell me about Riyan? Maiya asked softly, keeping all traces of accusation out of her voice.

Ira sighed. Im sorry, Maiya. You deserved to know. I am aware of your history with that man. I wasnt sure how youd react. If the rebels hadnt moved that night, youd never have met him. I see now that I was wrong. For that, you have my sincerest apology.

Ira didnt lower her head, though Maiya never expected her to. An apology was already far beneath her station.

Its fine, Maiya quickly said, acutely aware of the gravitas of a royal apology. Did, er Did they succeed?

Not yet, though Sai is in quite the predicament at the moment. While your actions had the intended impact, Im afraid the rebels attack has pushed the current regime to their breaking point. It is difficult to say how long they will last.

Thus realizing your worst fears, Maiya said, addressing the elephant in the room. If Sai falls, Andros will move in under the guise of re-establishing order. At best, hell install a puppet regime. At worst, hell expand Kinjals borders, seizing Sai entirely.

Indeed, Ira said, chewing on a fingernail. Im afraid that events are accelerating out of control.

Maiya was silent for a moment. Then she said something she never thought possible. We should contact Riyan. Itd be foolish not to work together.

Ira threw her a look of surprise.

Perhaps, though I fail to see how this solves our biggest problem. No matter how strong this rebellion is, they will fall before Kinjals military might. Being a new government, theyve yet to forge relations with the Altanirelations that would have kept them safe from my father.

Maybe. I wouldnt underestimate Riyan, though, if I were you. I abhor that man, but I have to admit hes fanatical about Hiranya. If theres even a babys chance in the Ash, hell wrangle a deal with them. Im sure of it. Besides, Maiya said coyly. Theres another angle we could take.

A babys chance in the Ash, is it? Ira said with a wry smile, causing Maiya to flush. But pleasedo say more. Im listening.

As I said, Maiya said, clearing her throat. Riyan wants Hiranyas prosperity above all else. King Rayid is Well, you know how he is.

Incompetent, Ira said flatly. Neither great nor truly terrible. Mediocre.

Exactly. And there just happens to be someone in the line of succession who, by all reports, is anything but mediocre.

You speak of Prince Sanobar Hiranya? Ira said. Ive met the boy once or twice. It is true that he has a good head on his shoulders But I fail to see your point here. If youre suggesting we incite a coup within Hiranya to put Sanobar on the throne

If I am?

Then I am disappointed, and you are far more nave than Id thought. Rebellions are not simple affairs, Maiya. Even if Sanobar was willing to oust his father, which I highly doubt he will be given his nature, where is his backing? Where is his army?

Maiya smiled devilishly. Riyan would be more than happy to handle all the legwork. Mark my words. Also, I never said anything about a successful coup. Did I?

Ira ceased pacing. Her eyes widened as she caught onto Maiyas plan.

You truly do wish to see your country burn, dont you? Ira said, a hint of sadness in her voice.

Not everyone, Maiya muttered. But Rayid? Mina, and her ilk? Gladly.

A daring gambit, Ira commented. Nay, an insane one. You hope to play upon Andros obsession for conquest. You hope to draw out his forces to the borders of both Hiranya and Sai. If we instigate both rebellions in tandem

Itd leave Kinjal, and specifically Sonam, quite unprotected, dont you think? After all, whod be crazy enough to waste valuable Balarian warriors defending an impregnable citadel like Sonam while theres conquest to be had, let alone two?

Certainly not Andros, Ira said, her eyes envisioning this potential future.

Certainly not Andros, Maiya echoed. Itll be the opportunity of a lifetime. Too irresistible for someone like him to pass up. Youll never have a better chance.

And yet, Fate could not be more cruel. It is too soon, Ira said. I am not ready.

Get me a meeting with Sanobar and Riyan. I can work with them to coordinate. Maybe theyll even help come up with a plan to take down Andros. At least, Im sure Riyan would. I know youve been struggling with that.

Indeed, Ira said pensively. There is just one flaw with your plan.

Her expression turned into a predatory smile, and Maiya almost shirked back.

Yes? she said, mustering her confidence to counter whatever Ira was about to say.

The Childrens intelligence network is far too valuable an asset to ignore. Especially if we plan to go after two countries at once. If we do this, you will have to assume the mantle of Blessed Chosen.

Maiya opened her mouth but couldnt find the words to argue.

I know. I will.

Bheem stole through Kaiyas cool night streets with the natural grace that only a native of the city could. One might assume that, despite his great stature, hed have a difficult time remaining unnoticed. Bheem, however, had no such issues.

A hunched back, short, timid steps, and averted eyes went far to make the big man appear smaller from afar, allowing most peoples attention to slide right off. He would knowhed had a lifetime to perfect the art, even if hed had no cause to dust off those skills in a while.

Angling off the thoroughfare, Bheem turned onto one of many breezy streets that led to the ocean. The northern chill had rarely ever bothered him. Quite the opposite, actually. Kinjali weather might have been idyllic, but there was something visceral about a Saian winter he sorely missed. Most would call it difficult and harsh. For him, it was home.

Tracing his steps to the familiar access hatch hed used countless times, he dropped into the sewers.

The stink and the pitch-black darkness would scare anyone. Bheem had felt the same the first few times hed delved its depths, pulled along by his elder brother.

But feelingswhether of happiness or terrornever won against the unavoidable might of monotony.

By the dozenth time, Bheem felt no fear.

By the hundredth, hed grown bored of it.

Now, the long journey to the bottom-most depths of the ancient sewer system was nothing more than a chorea task to be completed. Danger was the furthest thing from his mind.

No, what he feared was his response. After all, the Silent One had failed. Hed run away, tail between his legs. What would he say? Would he provide guidance, as he always had? Or would he banish him?

The closest thing Bheem had to a father. Whod named him and his brother. Names theyd treasured and kept as secret as precious gems.

The pitch-blackness gave way to beautiful shimmering blue lights, illuminating a long-lost city. Or rather, an Outpost, as Janak had corrected him so many times.

If there was one thing, however, that had never once dulled in its awesome grandeur, it was this place. Bheems amazement at the buildings grandeur remained as intact as it had been on that day when he and his brother had first discovered it.

This was their secret. Something no one else knew.

For Bheem had been raised by a god.

Janak appearedas he always didwithout warning or indication, his brilliant white-and blue form materializing as majestically as ever. His flowing white beard and glowing azure eyes always commanded a measure of respect, and Bheem fought his instinct to kneel.

Itd taken many years, but Janak had broken him out of that habit long ago, and Bheem didnt want to start off this reunion on the wrong foot. It was unlikely to be pleasant, as it was.

To Bheems surprise, it went nothing like hed thoughtthough by now, he really ought to have expected it.

Unable to bear the weight of your task, you have returned, Janak said in a voice both deep and full of divinity. Even now, Bheem refused to believe he wasnt real. That he was a mere copy of the great Lord Janak. To Bheem, Janak was every bit a deity. Especially when his wisdom ran so deep.

No, child, I am not disappointed. Merely weary. Weary that, I must be the messenger of terrible truths.

Bheem opened his mouth, though a wheeze was all he could manage. It was all he could ever manage, ever since that day his tongue was cut.

If you cannot save your brother, then you must be the one to kill him, Janaks words, though spoken softly, thundered in Bheems ears.

Kill

No matter what, you must be the one to take his place. Do you understand? She cannot succeed. If she does, the future of this realm may be lost.

A lone tear rolled down Bheems cheek. Then the hesitation was gone. He closed his eyes and nodded.

Bheem understood what needed to be done. He would not let his brother die. No matter what. Not even if it went against his brothers wishes.

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